Heartland Forward released its 2022 report analyzing the economic performance of America’s metropolitan areas.

• Innovation powerhouse: Silicon Valley's San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara topped the list for its No. 1 rating for young firm knowledge intensity and bold environment.
• Heartland resurgence: 367 metros showed gains since 2020, and long-stagnant heartland metros are on the rebound with a focus on innovative capacity and lifestyle.

Read the full report HERE.

Women like Carol Silva Moralez, President & CEO of Upskill NWA, which helps students facing barriers to quality jobs earn degrees and professional credentials to land high-earning careers in the healthcare sector, are leading our community toward a brighter, more equitable future. Here are a few other women doing fantastic work in Northwest Arkansas's nonprofit space: 

• Community builders: Yolanda Fields ensures the community can access essential resources as Community Resource Director/Equity Officer for the City of Fayetteville. Teresa Mills, CEO of Peace at Home Family Shelter, empowers domestic violence victims through education, outreach, and advocacy. 
• Forming connections: Christina Williams, Founder & Executive Director of Circles NWA, helps low-income individuals and families pursue upward mobility by developing cohorts to walk the journey to economic stability together.

Click any of the above links to learn ways to get involved or explore initiatives by the Excellerate Foundation HERE. 

Local foodies, you've got a new outdoor restaurant coming your way from the folks behind Feed & Folly. The new restaurant will be in Fayetteville and will be called City Park.

• Trailside: Located in the former AT&T truck station, City Park will serve up Texas-style barbecue, smashburgers, street tacos, and trailside snacks, all with easy access to the trail system.
• Flood of Fun: The project may come together in two phases and plans include landscaping, shaded seating, fans, and outdoor games like a bocce ball court. Construction could be completed by the end of the year.

Keep up with the developments HERE.

Underbrush Books and Ozark Beer Co. are joining forces for the first-ever NWA Book Fest, taking place Apr 1!

• A celebration of books: This free event will feature over 2 dozen local authors and publishers, 12 makers and small business pop-ups, and 8 local independent bookstores.
• Support the community: The festival will provide support for authors and businesses on both ends of the spectrum, from established to not-yet-published. Join in to get your hands on a book, hear some live readings, and spend some time in the local literary community.

Get more info about the event HERE.