Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
New Appointments at Grand Savings Bank, Stephens Insurance, ASU-Beebe & More (Movers & Shakers)
Key Arkansas appointments include Aubrey Blackmon’s Agriculture Hall of Fame induction, Laura Landreaux as State Chamber chair, and leadership changes in banking, energy, health care, and more. read more >
Andrew Parker on Transforming Arkansas’ Workforce Through Be Pro Be Proud
Andrew Parker is the executive director of the Associated Industries of Arkansas Foundation and has led the Be Pro Be Proud Initiative since its launch in 2016. read more >
Be Pro Be Proud Expands Leadership Team
Be Pro Be Proud has expanded its leadership team with a new business development manager, marketing manager, special events manager and state director for Alabama. read more >
Staying Out of an Energy Crisis (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
Energy concerns are growing, and a diverse approach will keep us ahead of a shortfall. read more >
by Hunter Field -
Yes on Issue 1 (Editorial)
Vote yes on Issue 1 to provide scholarships and grants to Arkansans in vocational technical schools. read more >
Banco Sí Growing In Northwest Arkansas
The first Banco Sí branch opened on South First Street in Rogers in September 2022. The success at that location prompted a second branch on East Emma Avenue on June 24 in Springdale. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Arkansas Developers Push for TIF Legislation to Compete with Neighboring States
Arkansas economic developers are pushing for legislation to allow state incentives for commercial projects, including tax breaks they say are needed to even the field in competing with neighboring states. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
The New Red Scare (Editorial)
Casting unfounded suspicion on companies doing business in Arkansas is a bad look for the state. read more >
Be Pro Be Proud Expands Into Texas
Texas is the eighth state where Be Pro Be Proud, a workforce initiative by the Associated Industries of Arkansas, will operate. read more >
Boozman and Cotton Talk Labor Shortages, Regulatory Challenges and More in Little Rock
Boozman sees “a lot of opportunity” to expand visa programs to help fill the labor gap, while Cotton would prefer a "bottom up" approach that encourages businesses and schools to train local workers. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Discovering Arkansas: Census Bureau Estimates Show Rising Population
More than half of Arkansas’ 75 counties have seen their populations grow since 2020, and the state’s population is growing at close to 2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. read more >
by Marty Cook -
Arkansas Global Connect Acquisition: Expanding Seasonal Labor Opportunities
Randy Zook, president and chief executive officer of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas, called seasonal labor “a pressing need” in Arkansas and beyond. read more >
by Gwen Moritz -
State Chamber Voices Concerns in Case Against Online Travel Companies
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce wants to file a friend of the court brief that would support the online travel companies like Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity. read more >
Paul Harvel: Mission Accomplished (Editorial)
Paul Harvel, who led chambers of commerce throughout Arkansas, left an enduring legacy. read more >
State Chamber, Associated Industries of Arkansas Name 2023 Board Members
Gary Head was elected chair of the State Chamber, and Greg Williams was picked to lead the AIA board. read more >
Alan Turner Named National Communications Chief by Be Pro Be Proud
Turner was previously vice president of marketing at Staley Inc. of Little Rock and had key posts at the Stone Ward advertising agency. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
‘Be Pro Be Proud’ Launches in 4th State
The program's two mobile workshops, which offer hands-on experience with skilled professions, began traveling across North Carolina earlier this month. read more >
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation Gains New Director of State Affairs (Movers & Shakers)
Mark Lambert previously worked in the bureau’s commodity and regulatory affairs department. read more >
Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas? You Tell Us (Randy Zook Commentary)
Making things is a big deal for all Arkansans, especially those 150,000-plus who work in manufacturing. read more >
by -
The Consumer’s Political Influence (Craig Douglass On Consumers)
Just one segment of consumerism, political consumers are defined as those who purchase or choose not to purchase for political reasons certain goods and services. read more >
by Craig Douglass -
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