The week of 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.” 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.”
