The 2021 Arkansas Rural Development Conference is now open for registration. Hosted by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)’s Division of Rural Services, this conference will focus on programs and services the AEDC offers that can impact rural communities, from…
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‘Centers of Excellence’ Program Recognizes Colleges Making Difference in the Workforce
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleThe 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…
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Senate Votes to Prohibit AEDC from Establishing Office in China
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleThe Arkansas Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit the Arkansas Economic Development Commission from setting up or maintaining an office in China. On Wednesday, March 10, state senators passed Senate Bill 252 (SB252) in a narrow 19-9 vote,…
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Esperanza Massana-Crane Named Director for AEDC’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Division
by AMP Staffby AMP StaffEsperanza Massana-Crane will be leading the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWOBE) Division for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). Massana-Crane has been named the new director for the division, succeeding Patricia Brown, who retired in December 2020. Brown, who…
- BusinessJanuary 2021Magazine
The Path to Economic Development: Arkansas Native Katherine Holmstrom Making an Impact for State Through AEDC
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleSitting in a boardroom in the offices of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, overlooking the Arkansas River, Katherine Holmstrom makes the case for choosing Arkansas as your business home on a daily basis. Even when talking about herself, Holmstrom shows…
- BusinessJanuary 2021Magazine
Pandemic Impact Lingers On, But Big Picture Looking Better: Arkansas Works to Ensure Businesses Survive Into 2021
by AMP Staffby AMP Staff2020 was a difficult year to be many things, government officials among them. The pandemic presented unique challenges for leaders at the local, state and national levels, and Arkansas was no exception. Before COVID-19 set in, the Arkansas economy was…
- AMP NewsBusinessManufacturing
Nice-Pak Expanding Jonesboro Facility, Aims to Double Wet-Wipe Production Capacity
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleNice-Pak is expanding its Jonesboro plant with plans to increase its production capacity and employment over the next year. On Monday, Nov. 16, the wet-wipe manufacturing company revealed that it will be launching a phased expansion, beginning in 2021. This…
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Arkansas Officials Launch ‘Home Base Arkansas’ Website for Military Members, Families
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleMilitary members and their families will now have a new employment resource in Arkansas as part of the state’s “Place to Call Home” initiative. Arkansas officials unveiled HomeBaseArkansas.com on Nov. 11, 2020 – Veteran’s Day – which is designed to…
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AEDC Minority and Women-Owned Business Head Patricia Brown Retiring
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HalePatricia Brown, the director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Division, is retiring. According to an AEDC spokesperson, Brown will be retiring on Friday, Dec. 4. She has served in her current role since 2007. According…
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New Grant Focuses on Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
by Tyler Haleby Tyler HaleAcross the globe, industries are still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted supply chains, limited operations or shuttered businesses altogether. Arkansas is no different, having seen restaurants and other businesses have operations reduced in an…