UAFS, Talk Business & Politics Partner on Compass Report

Written By: Tina Alvey Dale

The Compass Report is a partnership between the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) and Talk Business & Politics. First National Bank of Fort Smith is a sponsor of the statewide report.

Kendall Ross, UAFS associate vice chancellor of Economic and Workforce Development, and Kaitlyn Cavaness, an intern in the UAFS Center for Economic Development who helps compile, manage and review the data, are responsible for data collection and written analysis for the report.

The Compass Report is the only independent economic analysis of Arkansas’ top four metro areas (Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith region, and the Jonesboro region). The report measures four leading and four current economic indicators to provide a grade for a regional economy.

Michael Tilley, a co-owner and executive editor of Talk Business & Politics, said The Compass Report has been well received by the business community because it provides a unique perspective on the state and regional economies.

“We would hear from business owners who said the report was part of what helped them make budgeting and other decisions,” Tilley said. “We are grateful that Chancellor (Terisa) Riley and Kendall Ross agreed to the partnership. The work Kendall and Katie do to gather the data and provide concise, quality analysis is of great benefit to not only the Fort Smith area, but to the state.”

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• The Bell Tower Magazine
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• Center for Economic Development