Research alliance names Fields to board
The Arkansas Research Alliance announced Thursday that Deacue Fields, vice president for agriculture of the University of Arkansas System, has joined the ARA Board of Trustees.
“Deacue brings a multi-disciplinary and collaborative vision to the ARA Board of Trustees,” Bryan Barnhouse, president and CEO of ARA, said in a news release. “Agricultural research serves as a major cornerstone for Arkansas’ integrative research platform that spans fields of study and applications, and to have his insight on the board is immeasurably valuable as we grow our state’s technological competitiveness.”
The U of A System Division of Agriculture is the statewide research and extension agency serving Arkansas agriculture, communities, families and youth.
Agriculture serves as the state’s largest industry, adding an estimated $21 billion to Arkansas’ economy every year.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Agricultural research and extension investments result in $10 to $20 in benefits for every $1 spent,” Fields said in testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in 2022 regarding Farm Bill 2023: Research Programs.
“It is critical that agricultural research funding increase to remain a global leader and produce the technological advances necessary to meet the challenge of feeding the growing global population. I’ve long appreciated the efforts made by ARA to bring more visibility to Arkansas research, and I’m honored to do all that I can to make research matter in the Natural State,” he said.
Fields joined the U of A in 2018 after serving at Auburn University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., in 1993, his master’s degree from the University of Missouri in 1995 and his doctorate from LSU in 2002, all in agricultural economics.
In his spare time, Fields enjoys traveling with family, sports, fishing, and showing livestock. He is married to Dana Fields, and they have three sons, Caleb, Cade, and Collin.
The ARA Board of Trustees is comprised of Arkansas business leaders and the chancellor from each of the state’s five major research universities. Launched in 2008, ARA concentrates on opportunities to bring together science and the marketplace.
Love Thy Neighbor March set
Arkansas Community Organizations will hold the second Love Thy Neighbor March with the Group Violence Intervention today from 1:30-3 p.m. This march will take place at St. John’s Apartments, 1105 E. 26th Ave.
“We will have free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. All concerned citizens for crime prevention are invited,” according to a news release. Details: (870) 536-6300.
Mayor launches anti-litter campaign
Mayor Shirley Washington kicked off a comprehensive anti-litter campaign aimed at transforming Pine Bluff into a cleaner, more beautiful place for all residents and visitors.
The first community cleanup will take place on July 20 from 7-10 a.m. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Townsend Park Pavilion, 1000 Townsend Drive.
The initiative, titled “Slam Dunk the Junk!” represents a significant step towards combating littering and promoting environmental stewardship across the community, according to a news release.
The campaign comes in response to the increased amount of litter near residential and public areas, which decreases the aesthetic appeal of the city. With the support of local businesses, community organizations, and concerned citizens, Washington aims to instill a sense of civic pride and responsibility in maintaining a clean environment.
Key components of the campaign include:
1. Community Clean-Up Events: Regular clean-up drives will be organized in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces, inviting volunteers to participate in making a tangible difference.
2. Multi-Media Outreach: Residents will be educated about the impact of littering and encouraged to practice responsible waste practices.
To sign up to volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/3zohDDU. Details: Mayor’s Office, (870) 730-2000, ext. 7, or martavius.proctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov.
Simmons to release earnings report
Simmons First National Corp. is scheduled to release second quarter 2024 earnings prior to the market opening on July 24. Management will conduct a live conference call to review this information beginning at 9 a.m., according to a news release.
Interested parties can listen to the call by dialing toll-free 1-844-481-2779 and asking for the Simmons First National Corp. conference call, conference ID 10190204. The call will be available at simmonsbank.com under “Investor Relations.” The recorded version will be available for at least 60 days.