re: We may have lost a recent prominent recruit over today's current events

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I didn't say no Walton dollars enter the economy... But what does should show up in the data somewhere

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I'd argue that the Waltons, in some ways, are sinking too much money into the economy. They (and their affiliates) are propping up businesses in the area, especially in Bentonville through investment groups that they fund (such as Ropeswing). This is creating a bubble for rent in the downtown that makes it hard for true bootstrap startups to exist in Bentonville.

That being said, it's very Field of Dreams right now. They're building it and creating the infrastructure, and it will eventually level out and become sustainable. Right now it's just a perilous market to enter without good backing (I'm really speaking mainly of Bentonville dining, retail, etc.. here).

Their investment in the home region infrastructure is insane right now, though. In the paper this morning alone there is a story about 1.8 million they're putting into the TheaterSquared space in Fayetteville and another about their 2million dollar investment into the Community Venture Foundation (a startup/incubator group).

I'm no Little Rock hater, though. I like a lot of stuff that's happening down there as well. Dining scene is MUCH better in Little Rock. The Innovation Hub is also awesome in Argenta. Toured it a while back, and I really hope we get something that cool up here soon. Warwick Sabin puts together some really great coalitions down there, and I'd love to see what he can do as mayor.