When rural Arkansas was represented at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit this month, Southwest Arkansas showed up in a big way.

Howard County Economic Development, Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation and Sevier County Economic Development were all selected to participate in SelectUSA’s “Invest in Rural America” initiative, placing three Southwest Arkansas communities connected through the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance, on one of the nation’s largest stages for international investment and economic development.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the SelectUSA Investment Summit brings together investors, business leaders and economic developers from across the globe to discuss opportunities for growth in the United States.

For Vanessa Weeks, Executive Director of Developing Howard County, the summit reflected how much the region’s approach to economic development has evolved.

“Not long ago, many rural communities were trying to market themselves entirely on their own,” Weeks said. “What we’re seeing now in Southwest Arkansas is communities understanding that collaboration creates a stronger story. We each bring something different to the table, but together we can showcase a region with strong industries, available workforce, infrastructure and communities that are ready to grow.”

Anna Powell of Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation said the event gave Southwest Arkansas an opportunity to challenge outdated assumptions about rural communities. “People are often surprised by the level of activity and momentum happening across Southwest Arkansas,” Powell said. “There is innovation happening here. There are partnerships happening here. There are communities investing in themselves and preparing for growth. Events like SelectUSA give us a chance to make sure those conversations are happening on a national and international level.” Anna serves as the current President of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance.

Sevier County Economic Development Executive Director Veronica Ozura said having three Southwest Arkansas communities represented together also demonstrated the strength of the region’s relationships. “We absolutely want communities to succeed individually, but there’s also something powerful about multiple Southwest Arkansas communities being recognized at the same event,” Ozura said. “That says something about the direction of this region and the work local leaders are doing together.” Regional leaders say the summit continues building momentum for Southwest Arkansas as communities work together through partnerships like the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance to strengthen workforce development, infrastructure, housing and regional marketing efforts.