Sammy00

Big news: Walmart is building a new home office in Bentonville. Click

I recently had a conversation with a friend of mine at Walmart - not based in Bentonville. Loves the town, has come down numerous times for business. He's toying with the idea of transferring to NWA, but he can't even get his significant other to visit. "I can't convince him to tag along when he can visit Paris for the same price."

Came across this article today about the want/need of a convention center in Bentonville. Just wondering what thoughts you guys might have on the potential project or what you've heard. I certainly agree there is a need. I just hope, if and when this becomes a reality, they go with a location that allows future growth. I'm not sure the old Nunnally Chevrolet property would be the right fit.

Speaking of, XNA just posted its best January on record. Stats

I really hate this. Grocery shopping in NWA is really not up to par with most areas our size, or even much smaller areas for that matter. I recently visited the massive new Kroger superstore in Saline County. It offers such a better experience than anything we have here in every single way. More products than Walmart or Harps, better deli, sushi bar, very large organic/natural foods section, florist, Starbucks, bakery, etc. I also recently visited a couple of friends, one in Lubbock and one in Tallahassee. The United stores in TX and the Publix chain in Florida are just incredible upgrades over what Walmart and Harp's offer. Natural Grocers, Fresh Market, Ozark, and soon Whole Foods, are all nice alternatives. But I really am not happy with any of the larger offerings here. I have a hard time believing a very nice Kroger store would not do well. I would travel a little further just for the better experience.

Just curious as to why an access ramp to I-49 was not included in the new Van Ashe extension. I'm guessing costs? I've seen it discussed on here, but I haven't heard the reason or if there are future plans for it. It sounds like it will be a needed addition soon with all that is seemingly in the works for that area.

I mostly support the social justice initiatives that the council takes on. And I don't say that simply to get my political beliefs out there, I say that because I am also frustrated by their economic/growth agenda (or lack thereof). It amazes me that the current members lack the capacity to take on both of these issues simultaneously. It is possible to have a socially progressive city that is also friendly to growth. If that is what they are going for, then height restrictions, for example, provide no discernible social "good." There are many examples of environmentally friendly, socially conscious cities around the country that are also magnets for growth (Austin, Ashville, Raleigh to name a few). While there might be a few "socially conscious/business friendly" policy positions that butt heads, often the two are completely separate, and sometimes they can work well together. If you're open minded about it, you can have your cake and eat it too. Unfortunately....

I just wanted to add something about the Natural Grocers opening here tomorrow. I lived in Albuquerque from 2011-2013 and this was one of my go to stores. The stores there were very nice and provided an enjoyable experience. ABQ had Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Natural Grocers to choose from, and while it's not Trader Joes, I believe Fayetteville will be pleasantly surprised by this addition. I encourage you guys to check it out. Hopefully it will be to the same standard I remember.

Utility work will begin soon on the 325,000 sqft, 65 store outlet mall. Good info in here.

Here is a map of each state's annual growth according to new estimates released Monday by the Census Bureau. You guys certainly know more about it than I do, but I was a little disappointed that Arkansas was tied for second to last in the South with Alabama with .3% growth, and only .1% above Mississippi.

Thanks. You're right. Here is the link.

Anyone know what is going on at the corner of Harmon and Center? There is a sizable lot being cleared.

Good news with the announcement of American Airlines service beginning to Los Angeles. And just out of curiosity, what are everyone's thoughts on the new concourse? I have yet to experience it.

I went out to pick someone up from XNA a couple days ago. What is all the dirt work that is going on? Another runway? And I obviously couldn't go beyond security, but does anyone have any reviews of the expansion? Was it well done?

This is great. It's been fun watching these upgrades beginning to happen. I remember just a few years ago when the population was really exploding, everyone on the board predicted this correctly - the population growth would slow for a while and the infrastructure would catch up. While these projects are needed, they also really help give the area more of an urban feel. Better interstates, flyovers, etc., and the area will be in prime position for another wave when we experience our next big economic upswing.

Apple sent out an email to subscribers touting the date today.

Well I certainly have nothing new to report here, just a little gripe. It was reported yesterday that construction will begin in January to widen the 20 mile stretch of interstate from Conway to Little Rock. Having spent a couple of years in Conway when I was younger, I certainly realize the need for this, but when is the state going to get serious about interstate construction in NWA? I've been out of the area for a while so maybe I'm going overboard here, and I have read about the improvements being made at several intersections, but all I remember is the heavy traffic on an undersized interstate. And having driven each numerous times, it's every bit as bad, if not worse, than the stretch between Conway and LR and the stretch between Benton and LR prior to expansion. Is the problem a lack of attention from the decision makers in LR or lack of a serious push from NWA leaders? Again, this could be an overreaction, I haven't spent much time in the area recently.

Yes I misunderstood. I thought it seemed odd... And today, Vision Airlines stated they will drop service to Destin on November 2nd and replace it with service to Orlando this winter. http://www.arktimes....sion-to-orlando

Non-stop to Denver and Palm Springs via Frontier Air! Link

This is a good, wide-ranging article that goes pretty in depth about the expansion of LIT. Really paints LIT officials in a positive light as well: http://www.airportimprovement.com/content/story.php?article=00259

I worked at the airport a few years ago while going to school and there was a very interesting rendering of the airport's "Master Plan" kept in one of their large meeting rooms. The new terminal is lengthened and a matching terminal mirrors it on the opposite side, while another 10,000 foot runway parallels the current, shorter one. I can't remember how the entrance changed, but I believe it was expanded on each side to accommodate more ticket counters and luggage pickup. Very interesting, wish it was still fresh in my mind.

As the announcement for the beginning of the redevelopment of LIT was taking place yesterday, I found this interested website. Complete with a video showing off the airport's future look.

Mississippi footed about 80% of the costs, so I don't think we have too much to complain about.

Pretty big story which no one has yet commented on is the terminal expansion at XNA. Apparently it will bring the total number of REAL gates to 12 or 13. Construction is already underway, and it appears to be a large undertaking, although I am no longer in the area and can't go check it out. Also building a new back-up runway, which I believe will run parallel to the older one. I think this is a wonderful development. Especially since I worked at the airport when I was in college and caught a lot of the snide remarks from people getting off planes in the "walk bridge." This should finally give it a nice feel, fit for the area. Glad to see see both Arkansas airports receiving major, and much deserved (even more so in LR) upgrades. Stroy from June 30th here: http://www.4029tv.co...389/detail.html

In case anyone missed it, Alligent will now provide nonstop service from XNA to Orlando. http://www.4029tv.com/money/20792493/detail.html