April Brings Increase in Durable Goods

The upward trend in manufacturing growth is expected to continue to increase.  Manufacturing activity in April grew at its fastest pace in almost a year, according to the Institute for Supply Management.  Click here for entire article.

Partnerships for Skills Training

Industry leaders have recognized that training programs are necessary to meet the shortage in career-ready workers, and that partnering with a community college, manufacturers' training group (like Jonesboro's Workforce Training Consortium), or technical school results in the most positive training outcome.  Click here for the entire article.

SBA Recognizes Jonesboro Venture

BioStrategies, an agricultural biotech company located in Jonesboro, was recently recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration with a Tibbetts Award.  The startup is touted as an outstanding small business that has participated in the Small Business Innovation Research program.  BioStrategies is a client of Innovate Arkansas and an Arkansas State University venture.  BioStrategies will be honored in a ceremony at the White House at a future date.  Click for Arkansas Business article.

Hiring Slowdown Indication of Weakening?

U.S. hiring overall slowed again in April, the second month in a row, according to a recently released report from the Department of Labor.  Some sectors cut jobs, while others, like manufacturers, added jobs.  Click here for article.