A year in the pandemic may have slowed NWA's commercial real estate market, but it hasn't kept the region down.

• Looks familiar: Some would say the past thirty years of growth in NWA has some remarkable similarities to the growth of cities like Austin and Nashville.
• Offices galore: Growth in the region looks promising, and projects are getting underway throughout the area that will bring retail, office, and residential spaces to one of the country's fastest growing metropolitan areas.

You can read more about the market's resiliency HERE.

Story courtesy of AM&P

Last week Walmart released its FY2021 Environmental, Social, and Governance Annual Summary that includes its benchmarks for growth and impact.

• Snapshot: Over 500k new associates were hired during the pandemic, over 1/3 of energy needs were supported by renewable sources, and the average hourly compensation in the US is $19.50.
• Knowing priorities: From COVID to emissions, Walmart is setting industry standards in its responses. Above all else, the company's priority is improving the lives of its employees, customers, and communities.

You can learn more about what Walmart's doing HERE.

There's a new grocery store in Springdale, and it's stocking its shelves with locally sourced products on Emma Avenue.

• Sugar and spice: Maple Market is a resident mom-and-pop shop in town. Sauces and rubs, locally grown vegetables, and snack-size charcuterie are just a few of the Arkansas products on the shelves.
• Staying fresh: The store opened its doors this summer and boasts only the freshest goods Arkansas has to offer. Stop on by any day of the week to find all your uniquely Arkansas ingredients.

You can find more about the newest marketplace HERE.

Here's an interesting job that was posted to our community Job Board recently:

• Arkansas Razorbacks: The University of Arkansas Athletic Department is looking for an Assistant Director of Database Marketing & Management*

*content is sponsored

We know it's Monday, but it's never too early to make weekend plans. This Saturday, Rogers is hosting its annual Rogers Cycling Festival.

• Bikes and Booths: The festival will begin Saturday at 11:30a in Rogers' new Railyard Park. Local businesses will also have booths featured in the event, and a portion of the festival's proceeds will be donated to "nonprofit cycling causes in Northwest Arkansas."
• More than a ride: Riders have the option to take a a few different family friendly rides around Rogers followed by a concert and food trucks.

You can read more about the festival HERE.

Lake Fayetteville is looking a little greener than usual this summer. The popular trail destination is in the midst of a cyanobacteria bloom, prompting action from city leaders.

• Rich in nutrients: Many of the streams feeding into Lake Fayetteville are eroding and sediment is flowing in. The algae is consuming all these nutrients, and causing danger for people and animals.
• Identifying solutions: The city has hired a private consulting firm to conduct a study on how to best combat "the increasing sediment and water quality" issues.

Read more about the "growing" problem HERE.