Multiple Arkansans have been appointed to serve on the “Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups.” These groups have been assembled to help “chart the path forward toward a future of unparalleled American prosperity,” according to a White House release.
The five Arkansas business leaders include Warren Stephens, CEO of Stephens Inc.; Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp; Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart; Dean Banks, Tyson Inc. president; and John Roberts III, president and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transportation Inc.
There are 17 total industry groups. Arkansas is represented in five of the groups, including agriculture, banking, financial services, retail and transportation. The remaining groups are construction/labor/workforce, defense, energy, food & beverage, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate, tech, telecommunications, sports, and thought leaders.
Composed of roughly 200 executives from various industries, the members of the Great American Economic Revival Groups will essentially serve as consultants to President Trump as he endeavors to reopen the American economy. Trump announced on Thursday, April 15 his three-phase plan to begin reopening.
According to Southern Bancorp CEO Darin Williams, he is working with the president’s administration to determine a path forward during the economic shutdown. He has requested that the federal government increase funding for Community Development Financial Institutions as part of the COVID-19 aid.
“I am honored to join the leaders of some of the nation’s leading financial institutions, corporations, and nonprofits in this collective effort to chart a national path forward for our economy following the coronavirus pandemic,” Williams said in a statement. ““As I work with President Trump and his Administration on this industry revival group, I look forward to bringing the needs of rural and underserved communities to the table as we discuss the best course of action for bringing this country back – for everyone.”
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