Arkansas economic development

Packaged foods company Conagra Brands, Inc. plans to expand its operations in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The approximately $220 million project is expected to create more than 100 jobs over the next five years. The investment at the company's existing manufacturing facility will increase poultry production. "This significant investment in our Fayetteville facility will allow us to continue to grow our leading frozen foods business," said Craig Weiss, senior vice president, supply chain, Conagra Brands.

The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal hosted its third annual Northwest Arkansas Outstanding Business Awards luncheon on Tuesday (March 10) in Springdale. About 250 people attended the event sponsored by Arvest Bank. An independent panel of judges selected the finalists and the winners. Following are the winners in the five categories: nonprofit, startup, and small, medium and large business.

InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises, a subsidiary of Nichirei Foods, will build a frozen food manufacturing facility in Jonesboro, Ark. This development will create approximately 200 new jobs. Found in grocery freezer aisles nationwide, InnovAsian brings popular Asian dishes to the consumers' tables with restaurant-inspired flavors, from multiserve entrees to rice, sides, appetizers and single-serve meals. The new facility will significantly increase production capacity for its high-growth multiserve entree line, supporting the company's continued growth in the US market.