MAY 10, 2022 (Little Rock): May 9 – 13 has been proclaimed Economic Development Week in Arkansas by Governor Asa Hutchinson marking the third year of this statewide proclamation recognizing the work of economic developers across the state. Earlier this month, the governor met with state and local economic developers to present the proclamation to Mallory Darby, 2022 president of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives (AEDCE). 

Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2016 to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.  Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) across the country conduct outreach during the week to highlight the work being done by economic development professionals and to recognize the many facets of economic development.

“Creating a business-friendly climate with lower tax rates, a skilled workforce, and fewer government regulations was a priority for me as Governor.” Governor Hutchinson said, “This is a great opportunity to celebrate and recognize the professionals and programs who are currently writing the economic development success story in Arkansas.”

“Economic Development means more to me than retaining or creating jobs,” said Mallory Darby, 2022 president of AEDCE and project manager at West Memphis Economic Development, “It’s about creating sustainable communities that citizens take pride in.  It is about transforming families and giving citizens the opportunity to change the trajectory of their families for generations to come.” 

Many Arkansas EDOs will celebrate this week with social media promotion, local government proclamations, podcasts, and videos.  To locate activities across the nation, search for #EDW2022 or #EconDevWeek on social media platforms.

Download the Governor’s Proclamation

Download the Presentation Photo*

* 2-May-22 – Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Hutchinson proclaims Economic Development Week in Arkansas. First row LR: Kaitlyn Rigdon, Shelby Fiegel, Danny Games, Governor Asa Hutchinson, Mallory Darby, Shelley Short, Courtney Dunn. Second row LR: Jack Pillow, Corey Parks, James Lee Silliman, Katherine Holmstrom, Nancy Lee McNew, Eddie Lee Herndon, Theda Mahoney.  Third row LR: Jon Chadwell, Randy Zook, James Bell, Stephen Houserman, Olivia Womack, Ben Walters, Chung Tan. (Randall Lee)

About Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives

Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) is the statewide professional association representing economic developers and chamber executives in Arkansas. AEDCE's mission is to enhance the professional development of our membership and to advocate for community and economic development benefitting the citizens of Arkansas.  www.aedce.org