Building business credit event set
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello will host a “Building Business Credit” workshop in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center on March 19, from noon to 1 p.m. The session is free and open to the public, though pre-registration is recommended. Lunch will be provided by U.S. Bank.
Cassandra Kidd, a business access advisor at U.S. Bank with 30 years of banking and finance experience, will discuss key topics. These include the differences between personal and business credit, creditworthiness and understanding business credit scores and reporting. Kidd will also explain how personal finances influence the ability to secure business loans and lines of credit, as well as provide guidance on managing debts and obligations to maintain a strong credit history.
“After working with hundreds of clients as a business access advisor, I’ve found that credit is one of the biggest obstacles people face in accessing capital for their business,” Kidd said.
The ASBTDC at UAM serves small businesses in Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew and Lincoln counties. Current and future business owners can receive one-on-one business guidance at no charge.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
To register, visit asbtdc.org/asbtdc-events. Details: Callie Becks, director of the ASBTDC at UAM, at becks@uamont.edu or (870) 740-9031.
Thousands to attend EAST Conference
More than 240 schools, thousands of students and educators will attend EAST Conference 2025 in Hot Springs from March 19-20 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
EAST Conference is an annual convention celebrating community service based STEM education, where students share how they have positively impacted their communities, receive honors through dozens of competitions and attend educational breakout sessions.
Six schools will be honored during the opening session with the Founder’s and Cornerstone Awards, recognizing programs who best exhibit the three cornerstones of EAST: Student Growth and Engagement, Community and Collaboration, and Project Sophistication and Innovation.
2025 CORNERSTONE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Warren High School (Warren)
Benton High School (Benton)
Don Roberts Elementary School (Little Rock)
2025 FOUNDER’S AWARD RECIPIENTS
Northeast Tech – Claremore (Claremore, Okla.)
Sulphur Rock Magnet Elementary School (Batesville)
Westwood Elementary School (Springdale)
Miss Arkansas Camille Cathey will kick off EAST Conference during the opening session as the alumni keynote speaker.