🌱 NWACC Builds Children's Beds + NWA Metro Ranks 21st 'Most Dynamic'

Hello again, Bentonville! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Bentonville Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Bentonville Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Bentonville long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

---

First, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 54 Low: 34.

---

Here are the top three stories today in Bentonville:

1. In partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)'s Workforce and Economic Development and Service Learning programs will build beds for children. NWACC students, faculty and staff, and community members will volunteer this Friday morning to build 30 beds using donated lumber from local businesses. The event will be held at the college's Integrated Design Lab in Bentonville. (KNWA)
2. On Tuesday, Bentonville-based think tank Heartland Forward released the 2021 edition of its Most Dynamic Metropolitans report. According to this year's report, the Northwest Arkansas metro ranked No. 21, maintaining its spot from 2020. A release from the organization noted the high-scoring metro is "home to Walmart in Bentonville, combines the advantages of the University of Arkansas, outdoor amenities such as mountain biking, arts and recreation, along with corporate headquarters of logistics giant, J.B. Hunt, and the world's second-largest protein producer — Tyson Foods." (Talk Business & Politics)
3. Commercial real estate in Northwest Arkansas has hit an 8.3 percent vacancy rate, the region's lowest since 2005. According to David Erstine, vice president of CRBE in Fayetteville, the warehouse vacancy rate is expected to get even tighter. Many companies are looking to move closer to the new Walmart headquarters here in Bentonville, and subcontractors starting construction on the Walmart will need warehouse space for supplies. (Axios)

---

From our sponsor:

Today's newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. We all know that Ring is the leader in video doorbells for home security. But did you know that Ring now makes a home security system that is getting raves from consumer electronic experts?

To learn more about Ring Alarm Pro, the system CNET called "the future of home security," or to build your own custom system, visit Ring here.

---

Today in Bentonville:

• NWA Gives Giving Day Across Northwest Arkansas (8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
• 2022 WalStreet Speaker Series Featuring Tim Simmons, SVP & Chief Product Officer Sam's Club At Sam's Club Home Office Auditorium (8:00 AM)
• 2022 April Small Business Hub: Lead By Communicating And Productive Conflict At GORP (Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program) Office, University of Arkansas Bentonville Campus (2:00 PM)
• Joey Alexander Trio At Walton Arts Center (7:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• As many people wait to see if federal funding will be granted for tornado relief victims, our neighbors in Springdale are stepping up to help those in need. (KFSM 5Newsonline)
• A popular Mexican restaurant chain could soon be coming to the region. Chuy's Opco, Inc, the parent company for Austin-based Tex-Mex chain Chuy's, has filed for permits for work on a north Fayetteville building, not too far from Bentonville. (Fayetteville Flyer)
• Nine teams from across the region recently competed in the inaugural Arkansas Children's Innovation Center Digital Health Challenge. Arkansas Children's will continue working with a number of the teams to support product development with the aim of piloting solutions in its hospitals and clinics. (KNWA)

---

Loving the Bentonville Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.