In 2022 digital marketing should be your star employee: one who works 24/7 to support your member businesses, showcase your value to community influencers, attract site selectors and connect with industry leaders. However, much like a disengaged and uninspired worker, poorly planned digital efforts can cost chambers of commerce time, money, energy, and relationships.

“Getting Social: Digital Marketing Trends and Best Practices” will build upon the foundation of best practices and highlight the emerging B2B trends that chambers of commerce and economic developers can incorporate into daily operations. You’ll leave with a list of observations, tactics, and procedures that you can adapt to your organization’s needs and internal structures.

ED Track - Dansons Project Case Study (Jack Thomas and Steve Harris)

As technology in the grilling industry shifts from traditional charcoal and propane to wood pellet grills, brands such as Pit Boss Grills look to capitalize on manufacturing wood pellets for grilling. Dansons – the parent company of Pit Boss Grills, Country Smokers, and Louisiana Grills – announced that it will open the country’s largest barbecue wood pellet mill and distribution center, creating 50-100 jobs over the next three years in Hope, Arkansas. This case study will focus on the story behind Dansons locating in Hope, filling vacant industrial space, and helping companies attract a workforce in the age of tight labor markets.


Chamber Track - Beyond the Welcome Packet: Innovative strategies for engaging, connecting, and educating your members (Shannon LaDuke)

Active members foster a dynamic Chamber. When members recognize the value in their investment, they are more likely to participate in programs, engage in invaluable word-of-mouth marketing on your behalf, and commit to event sponsorships. Dedicated members result in increased recruitment and retention. "Beyond the Welcome Packet" will focus on creative ideas, programs, and events designed to improve and personalize the member experience, while encouraging an active and dedicated membership.

The four host communities share success stories from their area about improvements in the workforce delivery system.

Story 1: SouthARK’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center supports local industry in the areas of Industrial, Process, Automotive, and Welding Technology including the Secondary Technology Center and SouthARK’s partnership with Be Pro Be Proud.

Story 2: PeopleShores is a for-profit social enterprise that brings technology-driven jobs to the “shores” of economically challenged communities in the United States. We provide digital services that positively impact the business operations of our customers while providing a social benefit.

Story 3: Magnolia High School offers numerous certifications ranging from dog grooming to CNA to workforce prep. Many industries have partnered with them to bring a career readiness fair that also corresponds with the ACT Career Readiness program.

Story 4: National Park College’s registered apprenticeship programs serve a variety of occupations including Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Child Development. NPC also aims to use apprenticeships to blend the lines between non-credit and academic programs.