Arkansas Department of Commerce

12 teams of college students have advanced to the final round of the 2022 annual Arkansas Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition, presented by Arkansas Capital Corporation. Six of the teams, three in the High-Growth / Technology Division and three…

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission has named Jennifer Emerson as its Deputy Director and Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations. In her new role, Emerson will provide leadership to several divisions within the agency, including Business Finance, EPSCoR, Grants, Rural…

The Arkansas Department of Commerce announced Friday that Jim Hudson has been named its chief of staff. Hudson replaces Betty Anderson, who recently retired after serving as the department’s first chief of staff since being appointed in July 2019. As…

The aging workforce makes no exception when it comes to manufacturing in Arkansas, an industry very much in need of an influx of younger workers. Programs like Be Pro Be Proud from the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce; Career Watch,…

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission has awarded more than $350,000 in grants to communities and counties in the state. This funding was drawn from the Rural Community Grant Program and the County Fair Building Grant Program. In total, AEDC’s Division…

The Arkansas Department of Commerce is launching an initiative to recognize state college workforce training programs that are tackling workforce needs for in-demand fields. Colleges that meet regional workforce needs will be designated “Centers of Excellence,” through this initiative. In…

Economic development has been defined as the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized. Such benefits came fewer and further between in the pandemic year of 2020, but local and state officials worked hard to make sure Arkansas…

Mike Preston was appointed executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) by Gov. Asa Hutchinson in March 2015, and named Secretary of Commerce July 2019. Preston is highly regarded as a leading advocate in economic development. He has…

Susannah Marshall has been appointed to serve as the Arkansas State Bank Department commissioner. Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Marshall’s appointment on Thursday, Sept. 10.  Marshall will replace outgoing commissioner Candace A. Franks, who has served in the role since 2007.…

The City of Lonoke will be receiving $2 million to increase its broadband capabilities. The Arkansas Department of Commerce will be providing the funds as part of the Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) broadband grant program. This is the third grant…