Jeremiah Anderson Director of Business Attraction at Little Rock Regional Chamber Jeremiah Anderson is the Director of Business Attraction for the Little Rock Regional Chamber. In this role, he leads the proactive marketing and attraction efforts for the Chamber. He also manages the pipeline of prospective companies considering Metro Little Rock for relocation and expansion opportunities. Anderson is a native of Chicago, Illinois and holds a B.A. in Political Science from Quincy University, where he played four years of (Division I) collegiate volleyball. Following his time in Quincy, he moved to Texas and stepped into the world of political campaigns as a grassroots organizer in Tarrant County. He would later run the campaign for a statewide candidate before transitioning to economic development. Anderson began his career in economic development with the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce with a focus on business development and business retention. He then joined the Dallas Regional Chamber as a project manager and helped execute the proactive marketing efforts for the regional group, the Dallas-Fort Worth Marketing Team. In 2018, Anderson completed the University of Oklahoma, Economic Development Institute and is currently a candidate for the International Economic Development Council, Certified Economic Developer Certificate (CEcD). Aside from economic development, Anderson is a club volleyball coach at 501 Volleyball in North Little Rock. You can also find him hiking, hunting for vinyl records, or working on the business plan for a denim company.
Matthew C. Boch, J.D. Partner at Wright Lindsey Jennings Matt Boch is a tax attorney who helps businesses manage their tax liabilities by resolving their Arkansas and multistate tax problems and by leveraging economic development incentives. His clients range from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, and engagements range from audits to appellate litigation. Within Arkansas, Matt is a leading tax advisor and advocate, and he has been listed by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Chambers as well as being included in Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 (2021). In addition to his work for specific taxpayers, Matt helps all Arkansas taxpayers through his policy work as Tax Counsel for the State Chamber of Commerce. Matt formerly chaired the Arkansas Bar Association Section of Taxation and the Arkansas Tax Advisory Council. Matt also authors the Wright Lindsey Jennings Arkansas Tax and Incentives Update blog. Nationally, Matt serves on the board of the National Association of State Bar Tax Sections and the State and Local Taxes Executive Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation, and he is a member of the Council on State Taxation, the Institute for Professionals in Taxation, and the Independent SALT Alliance.
Anita Brackin Vice President, Workforce Development at Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Anita Brackin joined the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce in June 2021 as the Vice President of Workforce Development. Prior to this, Anita served as Associate Vice President, Workforce, Economic Development and Continuing Education at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis. In that role, she was responsible for fostering business and industry relationships for developing and administering workplace-training programs and community education opportunities. She worked with local, state and federal agencies to identify program resources to secure funding to expand existing programs and develop new programs to meet industry sector needs. In addition, Anita worked for the Greater Memphis Chamber as the Director of Workforce Development and Education and served on the Memphis region economic development team. Additional experience includes workforce development and training centered around the steel industry in Northeast Arkansas. Anita has a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Arkansas State University, a Master of Education in Workforce Development from the University of Arkansas and also a Master of Science in Operations Management from U of A.
Jon Chadwell, CEcD Director of Newport Economic Development Commission Jon Chadwell is the Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC). The NEDC manages an economic development fund created by a one-half-cent sales tax in Newport, Arkansas. Jon has worked in local economic development for 29 years, the past 17 years in Newport. Previously he held similar positions in both Prescott and Camden, Arkansas. Jon has held positions in a number of state and regional economic development groups. He is a member of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives and a member of the International Economic Development Council. He was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Finance Development Authority in 2019. In addition to economic development activities, Jon has been active in facilitating adult leadership programs in Newport, Prescott and Camden. Jon has a B.A. and an M.Div. from Harding University. He is a graduate of the Community Development Institute and LeadAR. In addition, he is a Business Retention and Expansion Consultant through BRE International. Jon is also recognized by the International Economic Development Council as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).
Shelby Fiegel, PCED Director - Center for Community & Econ. Dev. of UCA's Center for Community & Economic Development Shelby Fiegel, PCED Director - Center for Community & Econ. Dev. of UCA's Center for Community & Economic Development https://uca.edu/cdi/ Shelby Fiegel is the Director of the University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) and the Community Development Institute (CDI). She is an Honors graduate of Arkansas State University and holds a degree in public relations with minors in marketing and English. Shelby is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED), designated by the Community Development Council, and is a 2016 graduate of CDI. She has also completed the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course. In 2017, Shelby received the New Professional Award from the Arkansas Community Development Society. She currently serves as the Ex Officio (previously served as Vice President of Membership and as Vice President of Technology) for the Arkansas Community Development Society, is a member of the Breakthrough Solutions Advisory Board, Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the PRSA Arkansas Chapter. Shelby serves on the Conway Historic District Commission and is an Arkansas Municipal League City & Town magazine contributor. She is a graduate of the inaugural class of the Conway Area Leadership Institute (CALI) in 2017, a LeadAR Class 19 participant, a certified Strategic Doing Workshop Leader and certified Gallup Strengths Coach.
Laura Fine State Director of Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center Laura Fine State Director of Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center http://asbtdc.org/ Laura is the State Director for the Arkansas SBTDC hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She joined the program in 1989 initially engaged in training and communications roles prior to becoming Assistant State Director in 1992 and then Associate State Director in 2013. She was named State Director in 2017. Prior to joining the Arkansas SBTDC, Laura was a trainer and special projects manager for Levi Strauss & Co. Laura leads the ASBTDC statewide network of 11 offices with more than 60 team members. ASBTDC is currently performing on six projects federally funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration to support entrepreneurs and small businesses across Arkansas. A member of the America’s SBDC Network Board of Directors, Laura also serves on the national Marketing and Operations Committees and previously served on the Accreditation Committee. She was recognized by Arkansas Business in its annual Arkansas 250 listing for the past three years as one of Arkansas’ Most Influential Leaders in Economic Development. She represents the Arkansas SBTDC with the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, and the Arkansas Community & Economic Development Alliance. Laura earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Central Arkansas. She is an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock where she serves on the Finance Team.
Jim Fram, CEcD CCE FM Principal & Founder of Community Growth Strategies, LLC Jim Fram is a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) with 30+ years successful economic development and senior level chamber of commerce management experience in Little Rock, AR, Bartlesville, OK, Killeen-Fort Hood, TX, Lincoln, NE, Tulsa, OK, and most recently Hot Springs, AR capping a highly successful career that began in Harrison, AR in the early 1980s. Jim led (3) three Chambers of Commerce to Five Star Accreditation by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce (Lincoln, NE, Tulsa, OK, Hot Springs, AR). He also led (2) economic development organizations to accreditation by the International Economic Development Council (Tulsa, OK, and Hot Springs, AR). In January of 2018, he fulfilled a longtime dream and founded Community Growth Strategies, LLC., a consulting firm that focuses on small to medium-sized communities as well as regional economic development efforts. His office is in his home at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri where his wife, Kelli is the Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Columbia College Campus. Jim is the firm’s only employee and restricts his client base mostly to Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas focusing on bringing success to small and medium size communities. Jim maintains professional working relationships with a myriad of consultants he has worked with over the course of his career who can be called upon when needed for their specialized skills. Jim maintains a membership in the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) where he serves on an accrediting Board. He is also a member of statewide professional economic development organizations in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He is an Honorary Life Member of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) and a Fellow Member (FM) of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He is also a frequent instructor, moderator, and guest speaker for many economic development and Chamber of Commerce organizations, conferences, and events across the country.
Danny Games, CEcD, EDFP Director of Business & Economic Development at Entergy Arkansas Danny Games is the Director of Business & Economic Development for Entergy Arkansas. Based in Little Rock, Entergy’s team of economic development professionals focuses on assisting the state and local communities in becoming more competitive for attracting new businesses and supporting existing businesses throughout the Entergy Arkansas service territory. Games came to Entergy from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) where he served as the Executive Vice President of Global Business under Governor Asa Hutchinson. He directed the Business Development, Business Finance, Community Development, Existing Business, Military Affairs, and Women & Minority Business divisions at the AEDC. Games has almost 20 years of economic development experience at state and local levels, including management positions with BHP, Chesapeake Energy, AEDC and Entergy Arkansas. He holds a Master of Science degree in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi and earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification from the International Economic Development Council and Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from the National Development Council. Games currently serves as a board member for Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.
Katherine Holmstrom, PCED Existing Business Project Manager at Entergy Arkansas Katherine Holmstrom joined Entergy’s Business and Economic Development Team in September of 2021 as the Existing Business Project Manager. In this role, she focuses on facilitating the growth of existing customers, project coordination, and external affairs. Before coming to Entergy, Katherine spent ten years with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the last five years as Senior Project Manager where she was responsible for facilitating the growth of both new and expanding companies in Arkansas including recruitment and expansion projects. She has worked with companies such as Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Carvana, Tyson, Walmart, Mars Petcare, Aerojet Rocketdyne, SAF Holland, and Nice-Pak to help them expand or locate within the state. Katherine has 14 years of community and economic development experience in Arkansas. Prior to joining AEDC in 2011, Katherine worked for U.S. Congressman Marion Berry in several different roles including constituent services, appropriations management, community development, and intergovernmental affairs. A native of DeWitt, Arkansas, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Ag Business from Arkansas State University. She is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute, the University of Central Arkansas’s Community Development Institute, and the Delta Regional Authority’s Delta Leadership Institute. She currently serves on the War Memorial Stadium Commission where she was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson. In 2020 she was President of the Board of Directors of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives (AEDCE), the professional association of economic developers. She is also Executive Director of the Arkansas Agricultural Aviation Association. In 2021, Katherine was named a "40 Under 40" by Arkansas Business and received the Economic Developer of the Year Award by the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives. That same year she also received an Emerging Young Alumni Award from Arkansas State University. Katherine and her husband, Gabe, live in Downtown Little Rock with their son, Gus, and dog, Rex Thunder.
Brandon Horvath, EDFP Consulting Manager at Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center Brandon Horvath, EDFP Consulting Manager at Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center http://asbtdc.org/ Brandon Horvath came to the Lead Center in April 2020. He is focused on increasing capital investment in ASBTDC client companies. Horvath has long been acquainted with ASBTDC, most recently serving as director of the Henderson State University regional office from September 2018 to April 2020 and a business consultant from May 2014 through September 2017. He was also a franchise consultant with McDonald’s Corporation, where he worked with the largest franchise owner/operator in the U.S., executed new menu item and technology launches, and upheld the company’s brand standards. Brandon has a passion for working with new and seasoned small businesses and building stronger economies. He is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional with emphasis on Business Credit Analysis (EDFP-BCA).
Linsley Kinkade, PCED Senior Director, U.S. Programs of Winrock International Linsley Kinkade, Senior Director, U.S. Programs, is responsible for developing, managing and implementing entrepreneurship, innovative ecosystem, community and workforce development projects for Winrock’s U.S. projects. Kinkade has worked directly with rural municipal and Native American tribe leaders in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma to build their capacity to improve their communities. She has mentored more than 60 community organizations across the three-state region. Kinkade’s development projects work directly with disadvantaged populations seeking training and support to enter the workforce and have led to the employment of more than 200 previously unemployed or underemployed Arkansans. She is a certified professional community and economic developer, earning her certification in 2012. She also serves on the Community Development Institute–Central Advisory Board. Prior to joining Winrock, Kinkade spent a number of years on Capitol Hill working for Rep. Vic Snyder and Sen. Blanche Lincoln. She has an in-depth understanding of the federal government grants and appropriations processes and has testified before Congress on rural development issues. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from the University of Arkansas.
Stuart S. Mackey, CCIM, SIOR Principal/Executive Vice President at Hathaway Group This real estate pro has worn a lot of hats (and ties). Stuart’s career path includes stops in professional theatre, hospital administration, ice cream, coaching (soccer) and banking before finding his home here. So he understands small business and big business. Day-to-day financials. Marketing. Leadership. Stuart is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the status and history of properties in our market. A rapid-fire dealmaker with a phone always in his ear, it’s no wonder he uses a stand-up desk. And he stands up for his clients every day. Stuart’s personal life is as fast-moving as his professional life. He enjoys walking the dogs, going to live theatre, relearning to sail, expanding his smoked meats repertoire, supporting local charities and traveling.
Itzel Meador SBA Director of First Security Bank As of May 2021, Itzel Meador became the SBA Director for First Security Bank. In this role, Ms. Meador will be creating and scaling a new SBA Lending platform for SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans. Based in Searcy, AR, First Security Bank is privately held and can meet any financing need with 78 locations in AR and over $7 billion in assets. Ms. Meador is proud to be leading the efforts for future growth by handling all aspects of loan origination, processing, servicing, and liquidation of SBA loans for First Security Bank. Itzel has over 20 years of experience assisting businesses across Arkansas with Small Business Lending. She began her career at Arkansas Capital Corporation, an Arkansas nonprofit lending company that specialized in government guaranteed lending. In 2015, Regions bank approached her to become an SBA specialist for AR and this opportunity allowed her to become the top SBA producer for several years. In 2019, Ms. Meador broadened her knowledge by pursuing an opening as the SBA Regional Manager for Simmons Bank. In this role, she managed the origination and closing process across a six-state footprint. Over the years, Itzel Meador has seen several small business applicants with good plans, drive, and determination but could not meet normal banking requirements for commercial loans due to risk of the business, lack of collateral, start of nature, or seasonality of the business. To overcome this problem and to provide a financial tool to help foster entrepreneurial growth in Arkansas. Ms. Meador became a strong proponent of utilizing Small Business Administration Guaranty Programs, as well as the SBA 504 program. Her determination to help small business owners over the past 20 years has led to over $4oo million dollars of financial assistance by using SBA loan products.
Charles Parker Project Director of The Retail Coach Charles Parker is a Project Director for The Retail Coach, a national municipal consulting firm that specializes in retail recruitment and development. Charles brings a strong background of economic research and entrepreneurship to his work with communities, which helps him build successful strategies for communities looking to attract new businesses, restaurants, and developers as well as revitalize their downtown districts. The Texas native earned his MBA from Mississippi State University and is an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and Main Street America. Charles is a frequent speaker at conferences, municipal leagues, and economic organizations.
Corey Parks, PCED MBA Vice President of Economic Development at Conway Area Chamber of Commerce/Conway Development Corporation Corey Parks, PCED MBA Vice President of Economic Development at Conway Area Chamber of Commerce/Conway Development Corporation https://www.conwaychamber.org/ Corey Parks is the Vice President of Economic Development for the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and Conway Development Corporation. He manages the organizations' community and economic development efforts, oversees talent and workforce development initiatives, and assists with the government affairs agenda. Corey earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance & Risk Management and Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Arkansas. Corey is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED), designated by the Community Development Council, and is a graduate of the Community Development Institute and the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He currently serves on the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Board of Visitors, and the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives, University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association, and the Children's Advocacy Alliance.
Mike Preston Secretary at Arkansas Department of Commerce Gov. Asa Hutchinson appointed Michael “Mike” Preston executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) in March 2015 and Secretary of Commerce in July 2019. Preston is highly regarded as a leading advocate in economic development. Over the years, Preston has made successful business recruitment trips to Japan, China, France, Germany, Israel, Cuba, Mexico, Italy, United Kingdom, New York City, and Silicon Valley. The trips continue to play an important role in the state’s economic development efforts and have led to more than 451 projects with companies signing agreements with AEDC to locate or expand in Arkansas. These companies are investing $9.24 billion and creating more than 19,794 new jobs. Before joining AEDC, he served six and a half years as the Vice President of Government Relations for Enterprise Florida, the state’s primary economic development organization. During his tenure at Enterprise Florida, he was part of the team that helped create more than 147,000 jobs, paying an average wage of $56,437, and generating $10.07 billion in capital investment. In 2018, Preston was selected to join The Wall Street Journal’s prestigious CEO Council. It is an invitation-only group that connects some of the world’s most ambitious and influential leaders to discuss the issues shaping the future. The members lead companies that collectively employ more than eight million people, generate $2.9 trillion in annual revenue, and represent 20 countries in a wide cross-section of industries. A 2005 graduate of the University of Florida, Mike and his wife Anne – along with their young son Pierce – are proud to call Arkansas home. They both volunteer in the community in a variety of ways, including the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Shelle Randall, CEcD Director of Workforce Development & Existing Industry at Jonesboro Unlimited Shelle Randall is a Certified Economic Developer and staffing professional with over 16 years of experience in workforce development, talent attraction, project management, human resources, strategic planning, and business retention and expansion. Since 2010 she has served as the Director of Workforce Development & Existing Industry for the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce and Jonesboro Unlimited. Shelle is accountable for building employer engagement, managing business retention and expansion, cultivating opportunities for collaboration between industry and education, and driving workforce development and quality of life efforts as they serve Jonesboro's overarching economic development strategy. Prior to joining the Jonesboro Chamber team, Shelle was Branch Manager for multiple offices of a national staffing service. Key responsibilities included managing operations and growing existing business by developing strategic partnerships and securing new business. She was responsible for annual revenues in excess of $10 million. Shelle was employed by a boutique investment banker in Fort Worth prior to moving to Jonesboro, and previous to that she worked for a defense contractor in Washington, D.C. Shelle earned a BS in Journalism and General Science from the University of Central Arkansas. She served on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE), is a graduate of Leadership Jonesboro, and is a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club.
Andrew Ratchford Senior Consultant at Global Location Strategies Andrew has worked in real estate his entire career. With experience in non-profit housing development, county government planning, development services, and economic development as well as asset management for a private equity multi-family housing developer, Andrew brings a diverse perspective to the site selection process. Prior to joining GLS in 2019, Andrew worked for Graycliff Capital Partners. During his time there he supported $300 million in equity deployment by providing market insights, managing daily asset operations, and by overseeing capital project deployment. Andrew’s projects resulted in over $87 million in additional capitalized value across 11 communities in the eastern United States. He also actively supported managerial decisions, budgeting, investment underwriting, capital project deployment/coordination, and make/buy decisions in his role. Before joining Graycliff, Andrew worked with Greenville County, SC as a Principal Planner. He oversaw major projects such as area/city master plan developments, grant administration, and ordinance development for select county and municipal projects. He also assisted in entitlement and development services, public input, and stakeholder coordination. Andrew enjoys supporting community growth by siting investment opportunities and helping communities better compete for new investments. He also serves his local community as a board member with several non-profits and the Clemson University MBA board. Andrew is a graduate of both North Greenville University where he received his undergraduate in American Studies, and Clemson University, where he received a Master of Business Administration focused in real estate. He and his wife Sarah have one daughter, Adelyn. He enjoys hiking, playing music, and watching Clemson football.
James Reddish, CEcD, CCE Executive Vice President at Little Rock Regional Chamber James Reddish joined the Little Rock Regional Chamber in March of 2018. In his capacity as Executive Vice President, James has responsibility for the chamber’s full suite of programs, events, communications, sales and member relations. He also provides strategic guidance to the chamber’s economic and workforce development team. James came to the chamber from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) in Chicago, IL, where he worked in over a dozen states with communities of every size, on issues ranging from comprehensive supply/demand analysis to career pathway mapping. He helped multiple regions structure industry sector partnerships and collaborated with community leaders in their efforts to drive deeper alignment between educational offerings and economic growth. Prior to joining CAEL, James served as Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development for Greater Louisville Inc., where he led the organization’s program of work within economic development as well as education and workforce development. In 2014, James guided GLI through a fundamental redesign of its economic and workforce development efforts, creating a new approach to regional economic development which included fifteen counties across two states. In his time at GLI, James was involved in several significant initiatives including the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Business Plan for Louisville/Lexington as well as co-chairing the certification of Jefferson County Public Schools as a Ford Next Generation Learning community. As a project manager, James assisted 86 companies who combined to invest over $1.4 billion dollars in new capital and add nearly 5,000 new jobs within the region. A native of the Washington, DC metro area, James holds a bachelor of science degree from James Madison University and a master’s of arts degree from the University of Louisville.
Shelley Short, IOM Vice President, Programs & Partnerships at Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA Shelley is responsible for the development, management and execution of the chamber’s programs and strategic partnerships. She also serves as the executive director of Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE), the professional association of local chamber executives and economic developers in the state. Shelley is a native Arkansan with more than thirteen years of economic development experience, most recently serving as the Director of Marketing for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission before joining the State Chamber in 2015. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Political Management from Regent University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas. Shelley serves on the Arkansas Department of Education State Coalition for Family and Community Engagement, the Board of Directors for the MAKO Conference, and is a member of the Census 2020 Arkansas Counts Complete Count Committee. She is a member of the International Economic Development Council, the Southern Economic Development Council and is a graduate of the US Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.
Jeff Standridge Managing Director of AR Conductor Dr. Jeff D. Standridge helps organizations and their leaders generate sustained results in the areas of innovation, strategy, profit growth, organizational effectiveness and leadership. Formerly a Vice President for Acxiom Corporation, he has led established and startup business units in North & South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Jeff serves as Managing Director for the Conductor (www.ARConductor.org), is Co-founder of Cadron Capital Partners, and teaches in the College of Business at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA.edu). Dr. Standridge has been an invited speaker, trainer and consultant for numerous companies, institutions and organizations across five continents. He and his wife, Lori, make their home in Conway, Arkansas. In addition to his executive coaching and custom-tailored consulting, he has received accolades for his World Class presentations, training programs and workshops.
Kay Stebbins Director of Research and Analytics at Boyette Strategic Advisors Kay, who joined Boyette shortly after the firm was founded, is a seasoned research analyst, project lead, and strategic planning and communications professional. With a unique combination of creativity and analytical skill, she builds community and corporate strategies rooted in extensive data mining techniques. Naturally curious, Kay dissects qualitative and quantitative research to discover emerging targets, understand workforce assets, and evaluate project impacts for both public and private sector clients. Her ability to build consensus during stakeholder engagements is at the core of Boyette’s qualitative research efforts to define cohesive strategies and develop implementable plans. Before joining Boyette, Kay led her own public relations consulting firm, providing comprehensive communications counsel, strategic planning, public policy direction, employee training, competitive research, focus group facilitation, and operations management services to her clients. She also served as Director of Information Services for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Kay is an accredited member and past president of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Arkansas Chapter. She has received the chapter’s Crystal Award, the highest award given to a chapter member, for lifetime achievement in public relations and is also a past recipient of the PRSA President’s Award for outstanding service to the organization. She is currently serving on a national task force exploring the international board structure for Alpha Delta Pi sorority. A native of Little Rock, Kay received a bachelor of fine arts degree in journalism from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.
Bentley Story, CEcD Director, Business Development of Arkansas Economic Development Commission Bentley Story is the Director of the Business Development Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). A native of Forrest City, Arkansas, Bentley began working at AEDC in 2007 as a Project Manager working with companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Dillard’s, and Windstream. In 2012 he was promoted to Division Director, where he oversees the work of a professional team of project managers and international representatives who are responsible for recruiting new business to Arkansas, helping existing businesses grow, and preparing communities to take advantage of economic development opportunities. Under Bentley’s leadership, the Business Development Division has seen project announcements resulting in more than 25,000 jobs statewide, and more than $13 billion in investment in the state of Arkansas. In 2013, Bentley and the AEDC team oversaw the state’s first Amendment 82 project, resulting in the completion of a $1.3 billion steel mill in Mississippi County that employs more than 500 people who earn an average salary of $75,000 per year. This project remains the largest investment to date in Arkansas. Other companies that have located or expanded in Arkansas since 2012 include Sprint, Sig Sauer, J.B. Hunt, HanesBrands, TrinityRail, MISO, Simmons Foods and Lockheed Martin. Prior to coming to AEDC, Bentley worked as a budget analyst with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, where he analyzed and reconciled state budgets totaling over $4 billion. He has also worked in Tyson Foods’ Corporate Strategy Division and served as a consultant to the Northwest Arkansas Museum Foundation. Bentley has served as a member of the Arkansas Economic Developers Board, is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and is a Certified Economic Developer. In 2015 and 2017, he was selected by Consultant Connect as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. Bentley has served as a member of the Baptist Health Foundation Associate Board, has been a frequent volunteer for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and has served as a judge for the Governor’s Cup Business Plan Competition. Bentley is a graduate of the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration. He and his wife, Amanda, live in Little Rock with their two children.
Sam Walls, III CEO of Arkansas Capital Corporation Sam Walls III has been with Arkansas Capital Corporation for 19 years and currently serves as its CEO. Arkansas Capital is a non-depository Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that has helped provide over $2 billion in capital through small business loans and project finance. Arkansas Capital works closely with state and local leaders to further economic development initiatives. Mr. Walls is a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and the Bowen School of Law in Little Rock, Arkansas. Currently, he is serving as a board member of the National New Market Tax Credit Coalition, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, and the Mount St. Mary’s Foundation.
Allison J.H. Thompson, CEcD, FM, EDFP President & CEO of Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County/Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Allison J. H. Thompson is the Pres./CEO of the Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County, Arkansas, known as the Alliance, comprising economic development and the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Alliance provides services to the Economic Development Corporation of Jefferson County and the Pine Bluff – Jefferson County Port Authority. Ms. Thompson holds certifications from the International Economic Development Council, IEDC, and the National Development Council as well as Fellow Member designation from IEDC. She is a Mary Jo Hanover Award recipient from the Industrial Asset Management Council and was recognized in DCEO Magazine Dallas 500 in 2018, Arkansas Money and Politics Influencer 2021, and AY’s Intriguing Women in 2021. She has held board and committee positions with many organizations, including but not limited to, various Chambers of Commerce, CREW, ICSC, CoreNet Global, IAMC, IEDC, North Texas Commission, and TEDC as well as local Rotary and Lions Chapters. Prior to moving to Arkansas in the fall of 2019, she was Director of Economic Development in Cedar Hill, Texas for over twelve years and in that position was also the Executive Director for the Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation. Her early career included working with cities and regional groups; comprising industrial, retail, multi-family, commercial, and investment projects with new development as well as reuse. Allison Thompson has a BS in Criminal Justice from Texas Christian University, an MA in Urban Affairs from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a certificate from the University of Oklahoma for completing the Economic Development Institute program of work.
Mark Young, CEcD President and CEO of Jonesboro Unlimited Mark Young is President and CEO of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, serving in that capacity since April 2006. The mission of the Chamber is to enhance the quality of life in our community through service, leadership and economic development. Mark also leads the economic development organization, Jonesboro Unlimited, serving as President. Jonesboro Unlimited has recently embarked on a bold five- year strategic plan to increase prosperity in Jonesboro. Prior to being named President of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mark served as Executive Director of the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University from 2000 to April 2006. Mark has provided economic development leadership in four other communities. He served as the Director of the Cross County Business Development Center in Wynne and as Director of the East Arkansas Community College Business Development Center in Forrest City. He then left Arkansas to serve as Executive Director of the Miami Area Economic Development Services, Inc. in Miami, Oklahoma, and served as Executive Director of the Richmond Economic Partnership in Rockingham, North Carolina. Mark received his B.S. in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from Arkansas State University. He is a Certified Economic Developer, receiving that designation in 1994. Mark serves on the Arkansas District Export Council and is currently the Chairman of the Northeast Arkansas Economic Development Coalition. Mark is married to Mitzi. They have two sons- Adam and Alex.
Sarah White Principal & VP of Site Selection at Global Location Strategies Sarah has worked in site selection and economic development her entire career. Her first experience was a three-year internship with the South Carolina Department of Commerce's (SCDOC) Coordinating Council for Economic Development, the incentive granting entity for the state. She then joined McCallum Sweeney Consulting for 10 years to advise corporations on their location strategy. Her experience included conducting property evaluations, workforce analysis, and incentive negotiations in the industry sectors of manufacturing, distribution, and office headquarters. Prior to joining GLS in 2019, Sarah was Director at Quest Site Solutions, a spin-off of McCallum Sweeney, where she facilitated site selection services for industrial clients as well as provided economic development consulting services. Sarah enjoys matching corporations with communities, to facilitate mutual success. Her site selection efforts have taken her across hundreds of locations across the United States, with her projects investing hundreds of millions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs. Corporate clients have included the likes of Freshpet, Walmart, Dollar General, Hertz, and numerous others.
Sharon Younger, Ph.D. President/Founder of Younger Associates Sharon Younger is president and founder of Younger Associates, Inc., an economic research and strategic communications firm that provides services to private developers, site consultants, economic development organizations and transportation agencies. Dr. Younger is a frequent speaker at national conferences for professional organizations. She has been an economic development instructor for the Economic Development Institute, IEDC, University of Oklahoma, Auburn University, University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University and CETYS University in Mexico. Before founding Younger Associates, Dr. Younger was an associate professor of market research and advertising at Union University. During her time at Union, she launched the Center for Business and Economic Services where she served as director. Prior to her work at the University, Dr. Younger worked in market research for a Fortune 100 company. Recognized nationally as a leading researcher in the field of economic and community development, Dr. Younger and her firm have successfully completed regional and statewide research for clients in twenty-six states. Workforce development strategies led by Dr. Younger for Wyoming and Louisiana have been profiled in the national media and noted as the best in the nation for solving workforce shortages. As a skilled facilitator, Dr. Younger conducts focus groups and leads strategic planning programs. She has expertise in guiding groups through developing successful plans with realistic goals and measurable benchmarks. Her planning work has a successful track record for gaining acceptance by multiple stakeholders and support from elected leaders. Dr. Younger managed the Public Involvement Program for the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, the first statewide 25-year multi-modal plan in Tennessee. As Public Involvement Lead Consultant, she planned and implemented the statewide public and stakeholder meetings and public outreach strategy. Additionally, Younger Associates was charged with the development of the final plan document. Dr. Younger has worked with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to develop successful strategies for recruiting the plastics and automotive industries. Also for TVA, she conducted a potential freight movement study for the Port of Cates Landing. Her firm also worked with TVA to analyze the economic impact of the megasite program by analyzing the activity in five megasites and strategies for developing two additional megasites. The firm conducts continuing economic impact analyses and benefit-cost analyses to determine incentive levels for projects and prospects.