Gov. Hutchinson proclaims May 4-9 Economic Development Week in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 30, 2020) – Gov. Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed May 4-9 as Economic Development Week in Arkansas. During the week, the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives will join communities throughout the state and nation to acknowledge the positive impact economic developers have in every county within Arkansas.

“Economic developers in Arkansas have never been more important than they are today,” said Gov. Hutchinson. “As we rebuild our economy, their contribution to the success of companies, both large and small, is critical for our future. Our diverse economy is a tribute to the hundreds of professionals who liaison between communities and the companies that employ our great workforce.”

Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. They also help to stimulate and incubate entrepreneurism in order to help establish the next generation of new businesses.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of this profession, and as we celebrate these great Arkansans this week, consider for a moment how their commitment is the life-blood for every community in the state,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “As we continue in our efforts to bring more jobs back to Arkansas, the economic developers of Arkansas will be no doubt play a significant and important role in our recovery.”

From rural to urban settings, they work with local and state governments, public-private partnerships, local chambers of commerce, and colleges and universities to attract and retain high-paying jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life for every Arkansan.

“You will find economic developers working in professional and volunteer capacities throughout Arkansas in a variety of roles,” said Shelley Short, executive director of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives, the state’s professional association representing the chamber and economic development profession. “Economic developers work daily to create opportunities in their communities, connect partners and resources, and find innovative ways to grow Arkansas.” 

National Economic Development Week began in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council, the largest professional membership organization for economic developers, to recognize the role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies. Since its inception, more than 450 campaigns have been created in communities throughout the United States and Canada.

Communities and businesses are encouraged to find ways to celebrate and support the expansion of career opportunities and quality of life in a profession that seeks to improve how we work and play.

To download the governor’s proclamation, click here.

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About

Arkansas Economic Development Commission, a Division of the Department of Commerce The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is part of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, the umbrella department for workforce and economic development drivers. Its divisions and regulatory boards include Division of Aeronautics, Waterways Commission, Wine Producers Council, Division of Workforce Services, Office of Skills Development, State Bank Department, Insurance Department, Securities Department and Development Finance Authority. It was established July 2019 as part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s wide-sweeping efficiency and transformation efforts to reduce 42 cabinet agencies to 15 while maintaining services for all Arkansans.