Sometimes it's difficult to shop local when other services are so convenient. Rejoicy brings this convenience to small businesses, so you can shop and support local. What's the big deal about shopping and supporting local anyway?

• Going green: When you buy local, you cut down on transportation and the emissions that go along with it.
• One of a kind: Locally-crafted products give you access to things that are as unique as you!  
• Together we win: By supporting local, you are strengthening your community and the local economy.

Check out selection of products from 25+ different NWA businesses and support local by shopping HERE.

You'd be hard pressed to find a small business that 'enjoyed' 2020. The U.S. Federal Reserve Board reported business closures were around 200k above normal levels in 2020.

• Resistance: Despite all this, Arkansas ranked as No. 2 for states with the most pandemic-proof small businesses according to WalletHub. And scored above proficient "both for its business environment and workforce support and for the impact and resource access it provided to local small businesses."
• KPIs: In May 2021, NWA's unemployment rate was hovering at an impressive 3.2%, while Arkansas’s was 4.4%, compared to 5.8% at the national level.

Want to know more? You can read the full report and dive into the numbers HERE.

Jobs that were posted to our community Job Board recently:

• We're hiring! NWA Daily is looking for a Managing Editor for the newsletter.
• University of Arkansas is seeking a Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program Director.
• Local startup, Cohobnb has a Luxury Housekeeping Manager position available.

Have a job you're looking to fill? Post it here for FREE, and we might feature it next week!

Arkansas Children's Northwest Hospital is topping off its "Campaign for a Healthier Tomorrow" with a $5mm commitment from J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

• Seeds for change: The $250mm campaign will give Arkansas Children's what it needs to meet the growing needs across NWA. The hospital will be the only one of its kind in the region and is fighting to make Northwest Arkansas "the safest, healthiest place to be a child."
• Hey neighbor: Yesterday, the U of A Board of Trustees approved a land purchase next to Children's NW for a surgery center that will be home to UAMS's orthopedic and sports medicine team. This $85mm facility will is the newest addition to the Care Corridor.

Find out more about the Care Corridor and medical advancement in NWA HERE.

It's that time of the week again, and this summer weekend is embracing the heat. Here are some of the hottest spots to be this weekend:

• Under the stars: The Momentary's Live on the Green is welcoming Catie Waters and Baang tonight with a free show for all of NWA to enjoy.
• Lighting the garden: The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is hosting its Firefly Fling Festival this Saturday.
• In need of rescue: Rogers Animal Shelter is participating in the "Empty the Shelters" adoption event this weekend.
• Fun on two wheels: 37North Expeditions is continuing the Fayetteville Adventure Series with the Family Fun Greenway Ride this Sunday at 10a.
• Into the woods: The CBMAA Forest Concert Series is at it again this Saturday evening. Bring your own seating!
• Even more music: NWA is alive with the sound of music. Here's a list of shows happening around the region throughout the weekend.