Arkansas Business

Northwest Arkansas will receive a shout-out today from one of its biggest cheerleaders.

Bill Clinton will be in Springdale Wednesday as keynote speaker at a fundraiser for Economics Arkansas, which promotes economic literacy in the classroom.

Some of the Natural State's biggest names will also be in attendance, including Gov. Mike Beebe; John Tyson, chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods Inc.; Jim Walton, chairman of Arvest Bank Group Inc.; U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.; and community volunteer Ann Henry.

Economics Arkansas is a private, non-profit organization that promotes economic literacy by training K-12 teachers to integrate economic and personal finance concepts into the classroom. It also provides professional development training certified through the Arkansas Department of Education.

The economic luncheon will take place at the Holiday Inn Northwest Arkansas Convention Center from 11:30-1 p.m. Individual tickets are $100.

At a separate event, Clinton will spend time congratulating members of the Northwest Arkansas Council for a bevy of accomplishments during its two decades of service.

Many key building projects in the area have come online in recent years with support from the private nonprofit, including Interstate 540 and the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.

Clinton will speak at the council's annual meeting this morning in Springdale. The gathering was not open to the public.