I work for a company in Arkansas and we occasionally hire or contract with older workers. I know that if we "hire" the person, that person is an employee, but if we contract with an individual to help us out periodically due to that person's expertise can we legally provide business cards for that person? For instance we have contracted with a someone who recently retired from a hospitality business to join our employees at convention booths. This person has much experience and many contacts in the business, but didn't want to work full time or even regularly. If we provide business cards to him, will that change his status to "employee" rather than "independent contractor"?

The law does not dictate to whom you can and cannot issue business cards to. If you want to issue him business cards and are comfortable with him representing your company then go right ahead. It will not automatically make him an employee if he truly fits the definition of an IC, but if there is any question about his status it could serve to tip the balance.

Thank you so much! :)

Cbg is correct, this really could tip the balance. One way around this, however, is in your contract to put that you will supply their business cards. You could also give this person a title that clearly indicates that they contract for you, and print that title on the business card. For instance, you could use Contract Hospitality Consultant.