The Optimum Group, a corporate farming operation, will build a rice mill at the Port of Pine Bluff through its Southwind Milling Co. It will open in 2015 and create 25 jobs. The company also plans to double capacity of the mill and build a rice flourmill. It’s described as a multimillion-dollar project, helped by a $10 million loan package gfrom the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. It will qualify for tax credits for new jobs.

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article One of Darr’s staff members finds another job — down the hall in Capitol Next article Work begins on restoration of Arkansas House chamber