Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives

10/22/2026

TWO TEXARKANAS. SAME ECONOMY. DIFFERENT TOOLS. DIFFERENT RESULTS.

Look at these maps from 1989 and 2020. Two cities separated by a street, sharing the same workforce, customers, and regional economy. But look at the difference in development.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022:

🔵 Texarkana, TX: $1.89 BILLION in retail sales

🔴 Texarkana, AR: $455 MILLION in retail sales

That's FOUR TIMES the retail sales on the Texas side, despite having only 23% more residents.

One major difference? Texas gives local communities economic development tools Arkansas doesn't have. Tools to attract investment, support businesses, and encourage new development.

The retail gap has multiple causes, but the difference in available tools is real.

That's why Issue 3 matters. It would give Arkansas communities more options to compete for investment without creating a new tax.

Same community. Different tools. It's time to level the playing field.

Vote YES on Issue 3 on November 3.

Still on the fence about Issue 3?

10/21/2026

Strong chambers build strong communities. Across Arkansas, local chambers of commerce serve as champions for business, connecting people, creating opportunities and helping communities prosper. From supporting small businesses to advocating for policies that encourage economic growth, chambers play a vital role in moving Arkansas forward.

That's why we are proud to recognize Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day today!

This week, we celebrate the dedicated chamber professionals across our state who work tirelessly to strengthen their local economies and make Arkansas a better place to live, work and do business.

Join us in thanking your local chamber for all they do!

10/20/2026

It's Chamber of Commerce Week in Arkansas!

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proclaimed October 19–23 as Chamber of Commerce Week in Arkansas, recognizing the important role chambers play in supporting businesses, creating opportunities and strengthening communities across our state.

Wednesday, October 21, is National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day! It's the perfect opportunity to recognize and thank the chamber professionals, volunteers and business leaders who work every day to move our communities forward.

The polls are now open for early voting! With Issue 3 on the November ballot, this is an important time to learn about the proposed economic development tools and how they could affect Arkansas communities. Get informed and make your voice heard!

10/15/2026

👇 We have a choice. Vote YES! on Issue 3!

It’s easy to point out what’s wrong with our towns. Empty storefronts, fewer places to shop, and families moving away.

The harder question is, what are we doing to help?

Our communities belong to all of us, and their future isn’t somebody else’s responsibility.

Issue 3 has people talking about what comes next. Hear the discussion SADA hosted and make up your own mind.

🎥 https://www.dntmedia.cloud/videos/sada/SADA-Issue-3.mp4

10/14/2026

It’s the most intense, fast-paced, collaborative, writer’s cramp-induced, two-day training. But, ask any AEDCE New Chamber Professional Boot Camp attendee and they’ll tell you, it’s absolutely worth it!

After a networking reception sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas at Dust Bowl Lanes last night, we kicked off day two of Boot Camp with a networking breakfast, Membership 101, Non-Dues Revenue with Brad Lacy from the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, Communications & Marketing with Julie Murray from the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Finances with Sarah Gordley from the Springdale Chamber of Commerce.

Amazing lunches courtesy of Cypress Creek Energy fueled the group through the training each day. Thank you!

Thanks also to the communities and chambers who shared their leaders with us this week. AEDCE is sending them back full of new ideas and possibilities for you!

Now it’s time for boots on the ground!

10/13/2026

Do you know what one of the best desserts in Arkansas is?

According to Reader’s Digest a few years ago, the Greater Searcy County chocolate roll!

New Chamber Professional Boot Camp attendees are learning what it took from the chamber to create the opportunity for that recognition and more!

This morning, Darryl treat with the Searcy County Arkansas Chamber Of Commerce is sharing how chambers can do more with less and Kellie Wall with the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce is sharing some ideas on how to grow chamber membership. Terrence Ward with the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is sharing the importance of social media and how to ensure those posts get noticed!

None of this would be possible without the generous investment from the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas and Cypress Creek Energy. Thank you for pouring into Arkansas’s chamber leaders!

10/05/2026

Helloooooo, Magnolia!!

Congratulations, Rachel Jenkins, PCED with the Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and Kelli Souter, PCED, with the City of Magnolia, AR on obtaining their PCED (Professional Community and Economic Developer) certifications!

10/05/2026

Boot Camp is NEXT WEEK!

AEDCE’s New Chamber Professional Boot Camp is October 13-14 in Little Rock, and there’s still time to register.

Two days of practical training designed for chamber professionals, including:

🥾 Membership recruitment and retention
🥾 Revenue generation
🥾 Programs and events
🥾 Social media that drives membership
🥾 Board and volunteer management
🥾 Economic development
🥾 Chamber operations and more

Whether someone is brand new to chamber work or simply wants a stronger foundation, Boot Camp is built to send attendees back to their communities with ideas they can actually use.

Registration is $125 for AEDCE members and $200 for non-members.

Attention! Marching orders: Register for Boot Camp. It only happens once a year.

Register today: https://app.glueup.com/event/2026-new-chamber-professional-boot-camp-190411/

09/28/2026

Attention! Registration is open for AEDCE's New Chamber Professional Boot Camp October 13-14 in Little Rock!

Learn more and register at https://app.glueup.com/event/2026-new-chamber-professional-boot-camp-190411/.

Have questions? Email [email protected]. We'll see you there!

09/03/2026

"It's not about site selection. It's about site ELIMINATION..." was one of the most profound statements nationally recognized site selection consultant Christ Lloyd of McGuire Woods Consulting shared during a luncheon yesterday hosted by the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

The room was packed to standing room only with Arkansas leaders and many AEDCE members--but no one was on their phones, and no one was having side conversations. The truth of Chris' insight and guidance was being fully absorbed by the community leaders who needed to hear it most. It was powerful.

Thank you to Jack Thomas and the Little Rock Chamber for hosting this impactful event. The ripple effect will most definitely be felt throughout Arkansas.