Forty-seven community leaders walked across the stage Wednesday as they celebrated successfully graduating from the 38^th class of Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR). Established in 1985, LGLR is a nine-month community leadership program created by the Little Rock Regional Chamber. It is designed to develop effective leaders by enhancing their civic, social, and professional awareness to positively impact our community.

The Academies of Central Arkansas announced today the establishment of the Telcoe Credit Union Academy of Business and Service at Maumelle High School.  This partnership between Telcoe, Maumelle High School and the Pulaski County Special School District is the core foundation of the Academies model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County, better known as the Academies of Central Arkansas.

The Academies of Central Arkansas announced today the establishment of Energy Pathways to be located at Joe T. Robinson High School, within the Pulaski County Special School District, and at Little Rock Hall STEAM Magnet High School, within the Little Rock School District.  This partnership between Entergy Arkansas, Hall High School, and Robinson High School is a core foundation for the Academies model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County, better known as the Academies of Central Arkansas.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber announced today the hiring of Mallory McClure as its Economic Development Team Coordinator. She will be responsible for working with the Director of Talent Initiatives to facilitate the team’s talent attraction program, known as the Little Rock Love Connection campaign, which is focused on recruiting skilled professionals to Central Arkansas. Other duties will include conducting research for economic development requests for information, maintaining the Arkansas Site Selection Center database, gathering details for site location consultants and economic development partners as well as enhancing the image of the Metro Little Rock Alliance and supporting economic development activities.

Little Rock Love Connection seeks individuals with experience in high-demand professions, a commitment to relocate to Little Rock for current available positions and a willingness to join the visionaries, dreamers, romantics, idealists, and rebels dedicated to growing together. The $10,000 bonus is being offered to make these successful career matches even sweeter.

The Academies of Central Arkansas announced today the establishment of the Central Arkansas Water Academy of Science & Construction.  This partnership between Central Arkansas Water, Maumelle High School and the Pulaski County Special School District is a core foundation for the Academies model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County, better known as the Academies of Central Arkansas. Students in the Central Arkansas Water Academy of Science & Construction will benefit from enhanced learning opportunities throughout their four years at Maumelle High School.

The City of Little Rock announced today a $3 million allocation for the Phase 2 development of the Little Rock Technology Park. Branded as a 21^st century idea factory, the Little Rock Technology Park opened Phase 1 in February 2017 in the heart of downtown Little Rock with $22,000,000 in funding from a 3/8 sales tax passed by the citizens of Little Rock. The disbursements allowed the Little Rock Technology Park Authority (LRTPA) to purchase properties in the 400 block of Main Street and renovate 415 and 417 Main Street.

The Academies of Central Arkansas announced today the establishment of the Arkansas Children’s Academy of Business and the Arkansas Children’s Academy of Medical Science at Sylvan Hills High School. This partnership between Arkansas Children’s, Sylvan Hills and the Pulaski County Special School District is a core foundation for the Academies model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County, better known as the Academies of Central Arkansas.

The Academies of Central Arkansas announced today the establishment of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Academy of Health at Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School.  This partnership between Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Parkview High School and the Little Rock School District is a core foundation for the Academies model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County, better known as the Academies of Central Arkansas.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber announced today the hiring of Teuana Smith as its Director of Diversity Initiatives and Programming. Smith comes to the Chamber from the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce, where she served in several roles, focusing on event coordination, marketing and communications, and member engagement. A native of Little Rock and graduate of J.A. Fair High School, Smith received a degree in mass communications from Henderson State University and is pursuing her master’s in mass communications and public relations from the University of Arkansas — Little Rock. 

RelateCare, an Irish healthcare communications and services organization, today announced that it will create 255 new jobs within three years in Sherwood, Ark., to support back-office functions for hospitals and healthcare facilities for clients in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Transportation, as part of the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, has awarded a $2 million planning grant to the City of Little Rock to begin the design work for a proposed deck park over I-30 between 6^th and 9^th Streets. The City, along with the Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Coalition of Little Rock Neighborhoods, served as co-applicants on the grant proposal submitted in October of 2022.

Jack Thomas, Vice President of Economic Development at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, has been announced as a recipient of the 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, the biennial award recognizing rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry.

Sequretek co-founder and chief executive officer Anand Naik shared the company’s intent to hire approximately 50 people over the next three years. Naik outlined the company’s partnership with the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences to provide a talent pipeline to fill the positions. As Sequretek launched in Little Rock, ACDS worked with the company to formally establish a registered apprenticeship program as its hiring strategy. ACDS, through its Talent Management Process, helped Sequretek hire seven new apprentices – five for the security operations center and two data analysts – and will continue this strategy for the remaining positions.

The Southern Economic Development Council, North America’s oldest and largest regional economic development association, has named Jack Thomas, Vice President of Economic Development at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, to its Board of Directors. Thomas will join 35+ colleagues on the 17-state SEDC Board. He will serve a 1-year term and assist in the development, measurement, and governance of all Council economic development and association operations.

Little Rock-based Apptegy is expanding operations, with plans to create more than 300 new positions over the next few years. Currently, Apptegy has nearly 400 full-time employees. Today, the company works with over 3,000 school districts across the U.S. and recently partnered with its first 2 international schools. 

The Little Rock Regional Chamber (LRRC) wrapped up 2022 with the largest and most prestigious event of the year, our 157th Annual Meeting, presented by Saracen Casino Resort. The highlight of the luncheon was a discussion with Rick Cooper, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Grady Harvell, President and Chief Operating Officer of W&W | AFCO Steel.

Fiocchi, a global leader in defensive, target, and hunting ammunition, announced today the selection of a 281-acre site in the Port of Little Rock, Arkansas for a new ammunition primer manufacturing facility, expanding its operations presence in Little Rock. Representing a $41.5 million investment and a 120-person workforce expansion, the new production operation will pave the way for future growth in Arkansas and provide much-needed primer supply relief for the broader ammunition manufacturing segment.

The Academies of Central Arkansas held their first in-person career exploration event at the Statehouse Convention Center showcasing more than 85 local businesses to all freshmen enrolled in Little Rock School District, Pulaski County Special School District, North Little Rock School District, and Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. The Academies of Central Arkansas is an initiative of the Little Rock Regional Chamber and utilizes the Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) model of teaching and learning. Currently, all four public school districts have begun implementation of the wall-to-wall academy model within their high schools and career exploration is a key component of the ninth-grade experience.

The 38^th class of Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR) has been selected and all 47 members have one thing in common: they are leaders within their respective communities and industries and are interested in expanding that involvement across the region. Participants will meet one day every month at a different central Arkansas location to explore topics through expert speakers, panelists, tours, and group presentations.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber gave out five awards at the 2022 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards Luncheon, sponsored by Apptegy, on Friday, September 16th. 15 entrepreneurs were chosen out of dozens of nominations. The goal of the awards is to recognize minority business leaders that excel in their field as well as advocates and organizations dedicated to supporting these businesses.

Ten Arkansas small business owners stepped in front of a panel of judges to see if they have what it takes to go to the NEXT LEVEL in our Shark Tank-Inspired Pitch Event, held at the Brandon House Cultural and Performing Arts Center. Mariah Brown with The Vision Project took home the judge’s choice while the audience voted (by cheering!) for Michelle Mothershed with Compassionately Connected for Veterans. 

Arkana Laboratories, a global leader in diagnostic pathological services, today announced plans to expand its Little Rock operations, creating 74 new positions within the next five years. As part of the expansion, Arkana will invest more than $30 million and add 10,000 square feet to its existing 90,000-square-foot building to improve and transform the space into a cutting-edge education, research, and healthcare.

GoTextbooks has recently acquired a warehouse that will help create more than 200 jobs in the Little Rock area, the company announced today. This will be GoTextbooks’ second facility in Little Rock. Of the 200 new jobs, GoTextbooks has created 100 jobs at the company’s primary facility and will create 100 jobs at its new facility.

The Academies of Central Arkansas announced the establishment of the Baptist Health Academy of Medical Sciences to be located at Little Rock Southwest Magnet High School. This academy partnership between Baptist Health, Little Rock Southwest, and the Little Rock School District is a core foundation of the Ford Next Generation Learning model of teaching and learning being implemented in public high schools throughout Pulaski County.

Global cybersecurity provider Sequretek announced Tuesday the opening of their U.S. headquarters in The Little Rock Technology Park citing the innovative technology focus, talent access and growth-friendly business environment as top reasons for naming Little Rock, Arkansas their new corporate home.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber is pleased to announce the promotion of Stacy Wilson as its new Chief Revenue Officer. Stacy has recently served as the chamber’s Director of Programs and Investor Development, leading the events portfolio, programming, and membership departments for the chamber.

As Director of HR & Talent Initiatives, Kristi Barr is expanding her role with the Academies of Central Arkansas and talent pipeline creation for employers while also adding human resources duties for chamber staff.

The South Port Commerce Center will be a two-building speculative industrial development totaling 966,335 square feet of class A product. Located in the Port of Little Rock, the 64-acre project will feature two buildings with clear heights of 36 feet. Phase 1 will feature a 537,845 square foot cross-dock facility with 68 dock doors, 52 future doors, 4 drive-in doors, 160 trailer parking spaces and 449 regular parking spaces. Phase 2 will feature a 428,000 square foot building cross-dock facility with 68 dock doors, 52 future docks, 4 drive-in doors, 143 trailer parking spaces and 300 regular spaces. Bluestem Partners is the developer and Sage Partners is marketing the project for lease. Completion of Phase 1 is scheduled for the second quarter of 2023.

Arkansas small business owners tonight won a collective $17,000 at the 2022 Pitch ‘N Pint pitch competition, produced by The Venture Center and the Little Rock Regional Chamber. Sara Hurst of Bella’s Kitchen + Wellness, Lauren Anderson of Calm + Confidence Beekeeping, and Crystal Haner and Nicole Snow of Enova Cosmetics won cash prizes after delivering pitches for a panel of judges and an audience of excited supporters at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber is pleased to announce that Jack Thomas has been named Vice-President of Economic Development. Jack will lead all economic development work for the chamber including new business recruitment as well as existing business expansion and retention.

Will Faulkner has been named Director of Business Retention and Expansion. In this role, Will will be supporting the chamber’s MetRock 2020 economic development strategy and assistance to the region’s existing businesses by building relationships with key partners at local, regional and state levels.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber is pleased to announce that Kellen Davis has been named Executive Director of the Leadership Greater Little Rock program. Kellen will be responsible for helping identify potential leaders in businesses, nonprofits and government and providing them with the tools and motivation to become involved in the decision-making process in their communities.

For the past 3 years Kellen has been working for Heart of Arkansas United Way in fundraising, corporate relations and mostly recently as Director of Development and Volunteer Engagement.

W&W|AFCO Steel will be locating a new steel fabrication facility in the former LM Wind Power building at the Port of Little Rock, the company announced today. The expansion will add another 115 full-time jobs over five years and a $18.7 million investment to the company’s operations throughout the state. W&W|AFCO Steel currently has four other locations in Arkansas, including three in Little Rock, employing more than 400 Arkansans combined.

Minority businesses play a critical role in our economy and the Little Rock Regional Chamber wants to recognize those going above and beyond to make a positive impact in their community. Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Awards.

In honor of its 40^th anniversary, MED Week will be filled with unique events and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs while also providing tools and opportunities for all minority business owners to grow and expand.

Little Rock SCORE is a chapter of the national SCORE program, a nonprofit organization that seeks to match entrepreneurs with local volunteer mentors. Little Rock SCORE provides free business advice, counseling and workshops to startup entrepreneurs and small business owners.

SCORE mentors are available at the chamber every first and third Tuesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A small business or aspiring small business can meet with a  mentor in thirty-minute increments during the two-hour period. The chamber is offering these sessions free of charge. To set your appointment, please call 501.374.2001.

Revolution, parent company of Delta Plastics, announced plans today for a 36,000 sq. ft expansion of their 100,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility in Little Rock, AR. Revolution expects to create over 60 new jobs for the state of Arkansas in addition to the company’s existing 290 jobs within the next two years from this investment, while also increasing their ability to provide film products and circular solutions aligned with its corporate mission and strategy.

LECCO, Italy, and LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 29, 2020) – Fiocchi of America, the United States subsidiary of Italy-based Fiocchi Group, today announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Little Rock, Ark. Fiocchi, a global leader in small-caliber ammunition, will invest $15 million to establish a fully-independent industrial platform in the U.S. Fiocchi has identified the U.S. as key to boosting the company’s growth.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 21, 2020) – SCA Pharma, an FDA-registered outsourcing facility, today announced that it will expand its operations in Little Rock. SCA will be investing more than $10 million and will create the opportunity to double its current Little Rock workforce of 180 people.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 7, 2020) – Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced plans to open its first fulfillment center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The new fulfillment center, which is anticipated to launch in 2021, will create over 1,000 new full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.

Local, state and federal leaders gathered today for a groundbreaking ceremony on new transportation infrastructure at the Port of Little Rock. Construction has now begun to widen and improve Zeuber Road to meet heavy industrial standards in anticipation of two new companies locating there.

After a nationwide search, Alleviant Health Centers decided to expand their headquarters in their hometown of Little Rock. An operator of mental health clinics across the United States, Alleviant provides a combination of traditional therapies and innovative, holistic methods for their patients.

Arcturus Aerospace, an aerospace manufacturer located in California, announced today it will be relocating its operations to Little Rock. Veteran-owned and operated, Arcturus Aerospace is an AS9100D certified operation that provides both quality and on-time delivery of CNC machined parts to aircraft manufacturers.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber joins public health officials in supporting our city, state and nation's efforts to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus through recommended practices of social distancing. While we each do our part in minimizing the impact this virus will have on our health, the economic health of our community and nation is also at risk.

Priority1 announced Thursday it plans to add 100 jobs in Little Rock by the end of the year. The logistics company also said it would add another 100 jobs at operations across the nation.

Following a competitive search, Express Rx, a pharmaceutical retailer with stores across the southeastern U.S., has decided to locate its new headquarters in Little Rock. To keep pace with its national expansion, the company expects to create 24 new high-paying jobs.

Little Rock, AR (October 30, 2019) - HMS Mfg. Co. announced plans today to open a new 550,000 sq. ft. injection molding facility in the Port of Little Rock. HMS Mfg. Co. expects to create around 90 new jobs within the next two years. HMS Mfg. Co.’s strategic expansion in Little Rock will integrate cutting-edge manufacturing practices that align with corporate growth plans.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. September 18, 2019 – The Venture Center and the Little Rock Regional Chamber today announced the inaugural Spark! Cohort at a kickoff ceremony held at The Venture Center.  Spark! is a pre-accelerator program offering free office space in The Venture Center, while providing mentorship and training to launch the cohort’s businesses to the next level of growth.

LITTLE ROCK, AR (August 26, 2019) – During the awards luncheon at their 2019 Annual Conference in Fort Smith, the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) recognized Kristi Barr as the Outstanding Economic Developer for 2019. Kri ...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. August 13, 2019 – The Venture Center and Little Rock Regional Chamber today announced Spark!, a pre-accelerator program offering free office space in The Venture Center. Spark! is taking applications from central Arkansas small busi ...

LITTLE ROCK, AR (July 9, 2019) – Priority1 Inc., a Little Rock, Arkansas, based company offering third-party logistics services including truckload, less-than-truckload and warehousing solutions, announced today it will hire at least 50 new corporate ...

LITTLE ROCK, AR (July 1, 2019) – The Metro Little Rock Alliance (MLRA) has launched a new brand and website to market the 12-county region to corporate executives, site selection consultants and potential new residents as a prime location to do business and live in Central Arkansas.

Little Rock, Ark. (April 24, 2019) – The Little Rock Regional Chamber announced a new partnership with the local SCORE chapter of Little Rock.  Little Rock SCORE is a resource partner of the Small Business Administration that provides free and confid ...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 23, 2019) – CZ-USA, the U.S.-based affiliate of Czech firearms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod (CZUB), announced today plans to locate their North American Headquarters and build a new manufacturing facility on ...

Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and local officials today announced Little Rock has completed the Competitive Communities Initiative (CCI) evaluation that aims to ensure the city’s preparedness to successfully compete for jobs and inv ...

The Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission, the governing body of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, has approved business terms that will allow AFTERGLOW Aircraft Solutions, an Arkansas-based company offering aircraft interior and paint re ...

Little Rock celebrated two FinTech announcements in October. On October 25, Gas Pos, a new technology platform for the fuel business, announced that it has relocated its headquarters to North Little Rock from Birmingham, Alabama. As part of the relocation ...

In 2011, the citizens of Little Rock overwhelmingly passed a sales tax initiative for the community. As a part of the initiative, the Little Rock Port Authority received $10 million dollars to purchase land for industrial development and job creation ...

Immigrants in the Little Rock metro area contributed $2 billion to the region’s GDP, and paid $157.8 million in federal taxes and $83.8 million in state and local taxes, according to a new research brief released by New American Economy (NAE) in part ...

Arkansas Governor, Little Rock Regional and North Little Rock Chambers of Commerce join Caterpillar to detail investment in North Little Rock facility  Job fair planned; 250+ new jobs expected North Little Rock, Arkansas -- Arkansas Governor Asa Hut ...