Here’s another gift idea for you: Hockey. 

• Practice and play: The Jones Center in Springdale offers “Pick-Up Hockey,” which is public scrimmages for players 16+, and “Stick & Puck,” which is time on the ice dedicated for people of any age to practice skill and technique. There is also an adult hockey league designed to attract new players. 
• By the pros: The Learn to Play program is coming to The Jones Center for the Spring as well, and registration is open. Learn to Play is for kids ages 4-12 interested in joining the Hockey community. It was developed jointly by the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the National Hockey League. 

For more about Hockey at the Jones Center, click HERE. 

On his podcast, I Am Northwest Arkansas, Randy Wilburn talks to Dan Robinson from Fayetteville Public Television (FPTV) about the opportunities that exist for anyone in NWA to get involved in the world of video and TV. 

• Resource: You are closer to that world than you might think. FPTV offers video production classes, video production equipment you can check out and use, and you can submit video for telecast. 
• Show biz: FPTV is a window into NWA culture with the show Later with Jason Suel on Fox 24 depicting local everything from music, to business, to art, you name it. Everything that is aired on TV is also accessible on youtube. 

Click HERE to listen to Randy and Dan’s conversation. 

It’s always great to see our local small businesses succeed, grow, and expand to new places. 

• Model: EasyBins, a grocery delivery service, launched in 2018 here in Northwest Arkansas, its founder believing that good things happen around a dinner table. Today the company runs in an effort to empower people to eat at home with no extra fees, tips, or penalties. It also picks up from a variety of stores for one order. 
• Locations: Saving thousands of people the time and stress of going out for food or other necessities, EasyBins delivers in 3 Arkansas regions and 4 states, most recently adding Kansas City, Kansas to the list. 

Listen to Startup Junkie talk to EasyBins founder HERE to learn more. 

It’s your last chance to experience Fayetteville’s 2021 Holiday Market this Saturday, Dec. 18, before it is only online for the rest of the winter. 

• One last time: The market will take place on the Fayetteville Square for the last time this year from 11a-3p. Support your local vendors and soak in the festive atmosphere with your community. 
• Not gone: The Online Market will be open through the winter, though closed the week of Dec. 26. The last day for pickup before close will be on Dec. 23. You can order online from 6p on Sundays until 6a on Wednesdays, and pickup is at the Fayetteville Public Library on Thursdays from 4:30-6p. 

For more info, click HERE. 

The U.S. Economic Department Administration (EDA) selected the finalists in its $1 billion “Build Back Better Regional Challenge,” and the Northwest Arkansas University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) campus is one of them.

• Making moves: The Build Back Better Regional Challenge is part of the EDA’s contribution to the American Rescue Plan. The challenge provides the opportunity for entities to participate in strengthening industries and the economy around the country.
• Contribution: A total of 529 applicants proposed projects that would build resilient economies, and NWA UAMS is 1 of 60 finalists for phase 1. The next phase will narrow down who will receive a grant of up to $100m to implement projects. 

Click HERE to read about UAMS’ project proposal.