LITTLE ROCK, AR. (November 16, 2020) The membership of Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) has elected the following to its board of directors with terms beginning January 1, 2021 and running through December 31, 2022:
Julie Allen, PCED (Newport)
Amy Williams, PCED (Cabot)
Julie Murray, PCED (Van Buren)
Ellie Baker, PCED (Magnolia)
Bill Luther, PCED (El Dorado)
Graycen Bigger (Pocahontas)
Corey Parks (Conway)
Allen is the director of chamber affairs for the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and holds the designation of Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). She joins the board representing the First Congressional District.
Williams is the president and CEO of the Cabot Chamber of Commerce and holds the designation of Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). She joins the board representing the Second Congressional District.
Murray is the president and CEO of the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce and holds the designation of Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). She joins the board representing the Third Congressional District.
Baker is the director of economic development for the City of Magnolia and holds the designation of Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). She joins the board representing the Fourth Congressional District.
Luther is the president and CEO of the El Dorado Union County Chamber of Commerce and holds the designation of Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). He joins the board representing the Fourth Congressional District.
Bigger is the executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority and AVP of Community Development for Farmers and Merchants Bank. She joins the board as an at-large member.
Parks is the vice president of economic development for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Conway Development Corporation. He joins the board as an at-large member.
The officers of the board of directors for 2021 will be President, JD Lowery of the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas; First Vice President, Mallory Darby of the City of West Memphis; Second Vice President, Nancy Lee McNew, CEcD, PCED with the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County; and Secretary/Treasurer Gary Troutman with the Hot Springs Metro Partnership/Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Katherine Holmstrom, Sr. Project Manager for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission will complete her term as board president at the end of 2020 but will remain on the board as immediate past president and an officer through 2021.
New board member and officer photos are available here.
About Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE): AEDCE is the state’s premier association representing professional and volunteer economic developers and chamber executives in Arkansas. Previously organized as two separate entities, (Arkansas Economic Developers and Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Executives) the two associations merged in 2016 to create a stronger, more efficient, and unified alliance. AEDCE’s objective is to advance, through educational and professional efforts, the business climate and quality of life in Arkansas by the development of employment opportunities through economic growth and community development. This is accomplished through education, advocacy, and our connected network of association members. More information is available at aedce.org.