Reading a recent Forbes section on C-Suite leadership, I experienced a light bulb moment.
We recognize so many Arkansas business leaders, from marketers to founders, why not create some special recognition for those Arkansans who occupy the C-Suite? You know, the “corner offices” on the top floor where the offices for the top executives are located. After all, that’s where most of us aspire to be one day, right? And how great is it to see the glass ceiling begin to shatter for women and minorities when it comes to executive leadership?
We asked our readers to tell us who their favorite execs were — CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs (or their equivalent roles). We’re thrilled to include them inside this March issue.
Also inside, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission helps us reveal the great strides local officials are making in attracting high-paying jobs to the state. U.S. Steel just announced plans for a $3 billion mill in Mississippi County, which over the past decade or so has become the epicenter of Steel Country. I’ll see your Pittsburgh and raise you a Blytheville/Osceola.
Local officials expect the new mill to have a huge impact. It’ll employ up to 900 with annual salaries exceeding $100,000 (that’s ONE-HUNDRED-THOUSAND, which goes a looong way in Arkansas); produce 3 million tons of steel; and officially make Mississippi County the largest steel-producing county in the country.
That’s the kind of good news we love to tell, and we sure appreciate you coming along for the ride.
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Hit me up with story ideas at HBaker@ARMoneyandPolitics.com.