Dowdy emerges from bankruptcy, Cannon in.

Ronny Dowdy Inc. of Batesville, a trucking company that specializes in refrigerated and frozen goods, said it has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

But last week, John W. Pacheco, chief executive officer of Cannon Express Inc. of Springdale, filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission that said the board of directors "determined that it was desirable and in the best interests of the registrant, its stockholders and for the benefit of its creditors and all other stakeholders of the registrant, that a petition, seeking protections under the provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code (which may be under Chapter 11 or otherwise), be filed at the earliest practicable date in a court of competent jurisdiction."

Dowdy, which employs 250, filed for bankruptcy in April 2002. The company's customers include Tyson Foods Inc., ConAgra Frozen Foods, Hershey Corp., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Williams-Sonoma.

"Bankruptcy was a difficult choice, but our customers remained loyal," President Ronny Dowdy said in a news release.

"Our customer base, along with our employees' commitment to this company, made it possible to stay in business, pay our creditors and to provide a solid level of customer service," he said. "It was a difficult road, but the future of this company now looks brighter than ever."

The company operates 130 company tractors and 270 trailers and has 70 owner/operators leased to the company. It expects corporate revenue to exceed $33 million this year.