Remembering Dr. Lee Bodenhamer: A Legacy of Academic and Business Excellence

The academic and business communities mourn the loss of Dr. Lee Bodenhamer, a distinguished scholar and educator who passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025, at the age of 90. Throughout his remarkable life, Dr. Bodenhamer made significant contributions to business education and professional development.

His academic journey began in 1957 when he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, followed by his Master of Business Administration in 1961. These foundational degrees would set the stage for a lifetime of intellectual pursuit and professional achievement.

Dr. Bodenhamer's commitment to education and professional growth inspired countless students and colleagues throughout his distinguished career. His legacy continues to influence the fields of business and academic research.

Celebrating Black Entrepreneurship: NWA's Vibrant Business Expo Returns Black Owned NWA is set to showcase the region's thriving Black-owned businesses at their highly anticipated eighth annual Black Business Expo. The event will take place at the Fayetteville Town Center, promising an exciting celebration of local entrepreneurship, innovation, and community spirit. This landmark expo continues to be a powerful platform for Black entrepreneurs to connect, network, and highlight the remarkable diversity and talent within Northwest Arkansas's business landscape. Attendees can expect a dynamic showcase of local businesses spanning various industries, offering unique opportunities for community engagement and economic empowerment. The eighth annual expo represents more than just a business event—it's a testament to the resilience, creativity, and economic strength of Black-owned businesses in the region. Visitors will have the chance to discover innovative enterprises, support local entrepreneurs, and witness the growing economic impact of diverse business ownership. MORE...

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is sitting on a massive financial cushion of $334 billion in cash as 2024 draws to a close, strategically positioning the conglomerate to weather economic uncertainties. This substantial cash reserve serves as a powerful stabilizing force, helping to offset performance challenges across its diverse portfolio of nearly 200 businesses. Despite experiencing declines in more than half of its operational units, Berkshire Hathaway's robust cash position provides a critical financial buffer. This war chest not only offers protection against market volatility but also presents potential opportunities for strategic investments and acquisitions during turbulent economic times. Buffett's legendary investment approach continues to demonstrate resilience, with the company's significant cash holdings reflecting a conservative yet strategic approach to managing its extensive business empire. The substantial cash reserve underscores Berkshire Hathaway's financial strength and Buffett's time-tested philosophy of maintaining flexibility in uncertain economic landscapes. MORE...

In his highly anticipated annual letter, Warren Buffett once again offers a treasure trove of insights and wisdom for Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. The legendary investor takes a moment to shine a spotlight on the company's stellar stock portfolio, giving special recognition to powerhouse holdings that have continued to impress. Among the standout performers are tech giant Apple, financial stalwart American Express, global beverage leader Coca-Cola, and financial services firm Moody's. Buffett's strategic investment approach shines through as he highlights these companies that have consistently demonstrated strong performance and long-term value. The letter serves not just as a financial report, but as a masterclass in investment strategy, providing shareholders with a candid and insightful look into Berkshire Hathaway's investment philosophy. Buffett's trademark blend of wit, wisdom, and financial acumen continues to captivate investors and market watchers alike, offering valuable lessons that extend far beyond the world of stock trading. As always, the annual letter is more than just numbers—it's a window into the mind of one of the most successful investors in history, offering guidance, perspective, and a roadmap for smart, strategic investing. MORE...

Berkshire Hathaway Soars to New Heights with Impressive Q4 Earnings Warren Buffett's investment powerhouse, Berkshire Hathaway, delivered a stunning financial performance in the fourth quarter, reporting a remarkable 71% surge in after-tax operating earnings. The company's record-breaking results reached an impressive $14.5 billion, underscoring the conglomerate's robust financial strength and strategic investment approach. This exceptional earnings report highlights Berkshire Hathaway's continued resilience and ability to generate substantial value for its shareholders, even in challenging economic landscapes. The significant jump in operating earnings reflects the company's diverse portfolio and strategic investment decisions that have consistently positioned it as a leader in the financial world. Investors and market analysts are likely to view this performance as a testament to Buffett's legendary investment acumen and the company's diversified business model, which spans multiple industries and sectors. MORE...

In the early days of social media's rise, motorsports embraced the digital landscape with lighthearted banter and playful exchanges between racing teams. What began as a casual interaction has now evolved into a critical communication channel that has become an integral part of every motorsport series, transforming how teams, drivers, and fans connect and engage with one another. Today, social media platforms are no longer just a supplementary tool, but a fundamental aspect of motorsports' communication strategy. From behind-the-scenes glimpses and real-time race updates to direct fan interactions and personal insights, these digital platforms have revolutionized the way motorsport narratives are shared and experienced. MORE...

Warren Buffett, the legendary investor now in his mid-90s, candidly addressed his aging in his latest annual letter to shareholders. With characteristic honesty, the Berkshire Hathaway CEO revealed that he now relies on a cane for support and plans to scale back his interactions during the company's upcoming annual meeting in May. Despite his advanced years, Buffett's wit and wisdom remain as sharp as ever, demonstrating that age is just a number for the investment icon who continues to inspire millions of investors worldwide. MORE...

In the vibrant heart of Atlanta, Black entrepreneurs are transforming their business spaces into powerful narratives of cultural heritage and community pride. These innovative business leaders are going beyond traditional design, crafting immersive environments that tell rich stories of African American history, resilience, and creativity. From carefully curated wall art showcasing historic moments to architectural elements that reflect African design traditions, these spaces are more than just commercial establishments—they are living museums of Black excellence. Entrepreneurs are strategically incorporating visual storytelling, meaningful artifacts, and design elements that celebrate their roots and inspire visitors. Restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and professional services are now becoming platforms for cultural expression. By intentionally weaving history and identity into their physical spaces, these Black-owned businesses are creating welcoming environments that not only serve customers but also educate and connect communities. These thoughtfully designed spaces serve as a testament to the creativity, innovation, and deep cultural pride of Atlanta's Black business community, transforming ordinary commercial settings into extraordinary experiences that honor and celebrate African American heritage. MORE...

The Journey of Small Business Growth: Navigating Challenges with Resilience Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet their path to success is rarely smooth. Entrepreneurs face a gauntlet of challenges that test their creativity, determination, and strategic thinking. From the intricate maze of financial systems to the complex process of securing critical funding, small business owners must become master navigators of uncertainty. Securing loans can feel like an uphill battle, with banks and investors scrutinizing every detail of a business plan. The hiring process adds another layer of complexity, as finding the right talent who can help transform a vision into reality requires both skill and intuition. Meanwhile, effective marketing demands creativity and strategic insight, compelling business owners to become storytellers who can capture the imagination of potential customers. Despite these obstacles, successful small businesses prove that with passion, adaptability, and strategic planning, growth is not just possible—it's inevitable. Each challenge becomes an opportunity to innovate, learn, and ultimately strengthen the business's foundation. MORE...

As tensions escalate along the U.S.-Mexico border, the Trump administration is ramping up its military-like presence and strategic positioning, seemingly preparing for what some are calling a "soft invasion." Meanwhile, beneath the surface of this high-stakes geopolitical chess game, Mexican drug cartels are engaged in their own intense local power struggles. The border region has become a complex battleground where federal policy and criminal enterprise intersect, creating a volatile landscape of competing interests. The administration's aggressive border strategy appears to be tightening the noose on cross-border movements, while simultaneously cartels are fighting fierce territorial battles to maintain their lucrative smuggling routes and criminal networks. These local cartel conflicts are not just about territory, but about control of strategic corridors, drug trafficking pathways, and the immense economic resources that flow through these contested zones. Each skirmish represents a microcosm of the larger power dynamics reshaping the border's social and economic ecosystem. As federal policies become more stringent and militarized, the cartels are adapting, shifting their tactics and seeking new vulnerabilities in an increasingly monitored and controlled border landscape. MORE...