NEWS IN BRIEF

Trucking tonnage a record in August

Trucking tonnage reached a record-high 126.9 in August, according to seasonally adjusted data compiled by the American Trucking Associations.

The association reported a 1.4 percent increase over the previous month and a 6.9 percent jump from August 2012.

Tonnage, as figured by the association, is up 5 percent for the year, an increase primarily attributed to an uptick in manufacturing nationwide. The automotive, energy and construction industries were primary contributors to the increase, the association said.

Increased trucking activity is generally viewed as a positive sign for the overall state of the U.S.

economy.

  • Chris Bahn

Job fair for veterans

set Tuesday in LR

A job fair for military veterans, transitioning members of the military and military spouses will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

More than 55 employers are expected to participate with jobs available for all levels of experience.

A workshop offering resume assistance, job search tools and interviewing techniques will begin at 9 a.m.

Interested job seekers should register at hoh.greatjob.net. Walk-up job seekers will also be accepted, although veterans must provide proof of service.

On Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., a casual networking opportunity and panel discussion related to the job fair will be held at the Jacksonville Community Center. Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient; and Wesley Clark, a retired four-star Army general, will be at the event, along with other leaders.

  • David Smith

Arkansas Index falls 1.23; 11 stocks drop

The Arkansas Index, a price-weighted index that tracks the largest public companies based in the state, fell 1.23 to 298.39 Wednesday.

“U.S. stocks ended lower as concerns grow over a potential government shutdown and looming debt ceiling negotiations,” said John Blackwell, senior vice president and managing director of equity trading at Stephens Inc. in Little Rock. “The Arkansas Index moved lower as 11 stocks declined and six advanced.”

Acxiom gained 4.5 percent in heavy trading.

P.A.M. Transportation Services rose 3.2 percent on eight times its average volume.

Tyson fell 2.4 percent on double its average volume.

Volume for the index was 38 million shares.

The index was developed by Bloomberg News and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette with a base value of 100 as of Dec. 30, 1997.

Business, Pages 25 on 09/26/2013

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