Across the great state of Arkansas, businesses are producing goods and services that are helping to drive the global economy. Arkansas produces materials for the aerospace industry, parts for the automotive industry, food products, ammunition, timber and much more. Arkansas’…
Mike Preston
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…
- June 2020MagazineOpinionTechnology
Arkansas Rural Connect Program Represents Access
by Mike Prestonby Mike PrestonWhy is broadband connectivity important? Broadband is much more than a high-speed internet connection. Broadband is economic development. Broadband is education. Broadband is health care. The COVID-19 pandemic has also proven that broadband access is essential for the present and…
by Mike Preston Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Arkansas, we’re starting the new year and a new decade with an incredible amount of momentum. Economic development is a team sport, and the…
By Mike Preston Aerospace consistently ranks as one of the top exports in Arkansas, growing each year and accounting for more than $1.8 billion in aircrafts and parts. Today, nearly 180 aviation and aerospace-related companies call Arkansas home, employing about 10,000…
- MagazineSeptember 2018
Startups, Small Business Keep Arkansas Economy Strong
by Mike Prestonby Mike PrestonBy Mike Preston, Executive Director | Arkansas Economic Development Commission Arkansas has proven itself time and time again as a place where businesses grow and succeed. Most people know the state is home to the world’s largest company, Walmart, which…
- AMP NewsBusinessOpinion
Op-Ed: Arkansas Works to keep Kimberly Clark plant open
by Mike Prestonby Mike PrestonBy Mike Preston Recently our state received disturbing news that Kimberly Clark is considering closing its facility in Conway, putting the jobs of 350 people in jeopardy. It is important to know that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission is working…