Category Archives: Business

If China will silence a tweet …

Business, Business and economics

By Steve Brawner, © 2019 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

I generally believe free trade can point an authoritarian country like China in the direction of freedom and free markets. One downside, however, is that both sides can be influenced.

On Oct. 4, Daryl Morey, the general manager of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, tweeted seven words: “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.”

China was offended, and the backlash was immediate. The Chinese Basketball Association ended its relationship with the Rockets, which had been the most popular NBA team in China because star Yao Ming played there. Already scheduled preseason games in China between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Jersey Nets were taken off Chinese television. Corporate sponsors withdrew, and their names were scrubbed from the floor.

The response by many in the NBA was … less than courageous. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said Morey does not speak for the team, and Morey deleted the tweet and apologized. The NBA initially called Morey’s tweet “regrettable” and declared its “great respect for the history and culture of China.”

Then NBA Commissioner Adam Silver backtracked with a second statement that affirmed Morey’s right to express himself. China’s state TV response was this: “We’re strongly dissatisfied and oppose Adam Silver’s claim to support Morey’s right to freedom of expression. We believe that any remarks that challenge national sovereignty and social stability are not within the scope of freedom of speech.”

Let that sink in. Continue reading If China will silence a tweet … →

Head Hog’s must-do list: revenues, wins

Business, Business and economics, Education

By Steve Brawner, © 2018 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

The University of Arkansas athletic director has two must-accomplish responsibilities: first, keep the money flowing, and second, keep the fans happy by winning football games. Hunter Yurachek knows as well as anyone he’ll have to succeed at both.

Yurachek, who was hired last December, spoke Monday before a capacity crowd at the Little Rock Touchdown Club. His predecessor, Jeff Long, spoke to that same group nine times before being fired because he succeeded only at the first responsibility. Continue reading Head Hog’s must-do list: revenues, wins →

A few less Arkansas tumbleweeds?

Business, Business and economics

By Steve Brawner, © 2018 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

Plastic shopping bags have been nicknamed the “Arkansas tumbleweed” because of the way they drift across the landscape in the wind. If more retailers follow the example set by one national chain, there might be fewer of them tumbling.

Kroger last Thursday announced it will begin phasing out the plastic bags companywide, starting with its Seattle-based QFC division by next year. The transition to reusable bags in other parts of the company will last until 2025.

It probably will take that long to reach the stores in Arkansas. Old ways die hard, even when people have good intentions. The Brawner household is trying to reduce its plastic use, but numerous times I’ve found myself behind a shopping cart and realizing I’d left the reusable bags at home. Lately I’ve been skipping bags entirely on short trips when I forget. I don’t need a plastic bag to carry my lettuce that comes in a plastic bag. Continue reading A few less Arkansas tumbleweeds? →

Little Rock’s base hit

Business, Business and economics, Politics

By Steve Brawner

Let’s start with two assumptions. One is that we live in an attention-based economy where having a message isn’t enough if no one notices it. The other is that what’s good for Little Rock is generally good for Arkansas.

Which brings us to the capital city’s “rejection” of Amazon.

You may be familiar with the story. The Seattle-based tech giant announced it is opening a second headquarters and invited communities to apply. (Which of course would include offering generous tax breaks and government subsidies). The company promised to hire 50,000 workers, many of them highly paid, and invest $5 billion. The winner will be transformed, as Seattle has been, which is why 238 cities have submitted applications.

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola, facing a tough re-election campaign against two credible opponents so far, initially said his city would apply. But Little Rock didn’t meet some of Amazon’s specifications, and it was obvious the city couldn’t compete against places like Boston and Austin, Texas, that are bigger and cooler. Continue reading Little Rock’s base hit →