Those of you who frequent Fayetteville have probably seen the progression of the construction just west of West Drake Street and North Gregg. What you’ve been watching is the first project in the Drake Farms development, and it is nearing completion. 

• One down: The building is The Pendergraft Building, and will feature 12,000 sq/ft of leased space. As the first building it is setting the tone for what is to follow — retail shops, restaurants and cafes. 
• Material: The native structure is made of stone, crafted wood and copper material, capturing “the scale and character of urban life in Northwest Arkansas.” Construction is on track to finish in November of this year. 

Check out a presentation of the building HERE.

And they’re back. The human sized ‘snow globes’ are out and ready for you and your friends to have an evening around a table in the forest lights. 

• Warm and cozy: The see-through domes are lined with lights, cozy seats and faux fur blankets. The experience is 2 1/2 hours and includes cocktails, specialty foods and a Snow Globe Concierge. 
• In the trees: The ticket for the Snow Globe Experience also includes entry to the North Forest Lights. Each globe is suited for 2-8 guests. So go on a date or get a group together and have an evening like none other! 

For more information, click HERE. 

The 23rd annual Celebration of Trees is exactly one month out from today, Oct 23! 

• Up with trees: In an effort to maintain the urban forest, Fayetteville Parks and Recreation staff and the City of Fayetteville Urban Advisory Board are hosting their once-a-year tree giveaway at the Spring Street Parking Garage starting at 7a until the trees are are gone. 
• Right for you: Fayetteville residents are limited to 2 trees and must provide proof of residence. There are 11 species in this year’s line-up, many of which provide benefits for birds and pollinators. Check out the fact sheets about each species to know which would best fit your environment and lifestyle. 

For more information, click HERE. 

In a 2021 survey of 500 small businesses, almost half of them have plans for website improvement. Are you looking to advance your online presence?

• A guide: Modular Orange is a product of the Matchstick Studio team, who will design, build and launch your website for you. Experienced graphic designers and professional copywriters will transform and express your brand in a way you didn’t know was possible.
• A good pairing: With this platform you pay a fraction of the cost for a custom site, and it is 50% faster than WordPress. Partnering with a local business is just a bonus. 

Start the process HERE.

The September sales tax report is out with the goods and services numbers from July. 

• Ebb and flow: The collective sales tax revenue report reveals that the four largest cities in Northwest Arkansas are up 9.32% in sales tax from last year, revealing a slowdown from the past few months of double digit gains. 
• Compared: Bentonville specifically showed a decrease in revenue by 4% in comparison to last year, though this is the first month in 2021 with no growth. Springdale, Rogers and Fayetteville are all exceeding expectations with revenue greater now than when the year began. 

Read the full Talk Business & Politics write up HERE.