Lessons From Greenville
Our recent Intercity Visit to Greenville, South Carolina, gave us a lot to think about as we continue looking toward Little Rock’s future.
Greenville was selected because its story has meaningful parallels to where Little Rock is today. Over the past three decades, Greenville has transformed from a community shaped by the decline of the textile industry into a growing regional center known for its downtown, quality of place and economic development. That transformation was driven by long-term investment, strong civic leadership and public-private partnerships.
Our recent Intercity Visit to Greenville, South Carolina, gave us a lot to think about as we continue looking toward Little Rock’s future.
Greenville was selected because its story has meaningful parallels to where Little Rock is today. Over the past three decades, Greenville has transformed from a community shaped by the decline of the textile industry into a growing regional center known for its downtown, quality of place and economic development. That transformation was driven by long-term investment, strong civic leadership and public-private partnerships.
Little Rock Regional Chamber Launches New Tool to Help Region Compete for Talent
As employers across Central Arkansas compete to attract and retain talent, the Little Rock Regional Chamber is launching a new tool to help answer a question that often extends beyond the job offer itself: What is it really like to build a life in Little Rock?
The Chamber today unveiled Life in Little Rock, a new digital platform designed to help prospective residents explore the people, places, and opportunities that shape everyday life in the Little Rock metro. Available at LifeinLittleRock.com, the platform gives employers and recruiters a resource they can share with candidates considering a move to the region.
As employers across Central Arkansas compete to attract and retain talent, the Little Rock Regional Chamber is launching a new tool to help answer a question that often extends beyond the job offer itself: What is it really like to build a life in Little Rock?
The Chamber today unveiled Life in Little Rock, a new digital platform designed to help prospective residents explore the people, places, and opportunities that shape everyday life in the Little Rock metro. Available at LifeinLittleRock.com, the platform gives employers and recruiters a resource they can share with candidates considering a move to the region.
53 leaders selected to represent Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XLII
The 42nd class of Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR) has been selected, and all 53 members have one thing in common: they are leaders within their respective industries and are interested in expanding that involvement across the region. 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. This year’s class is chaired by Dr. Richard Moss, Dean of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at UA–Pulaski Technical College, and co-chaired by Cathy Tuggle, Owner of Apartment Hunters. Both are graduates of LGLR.
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 42nd class of Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR) has been selected, and all 53 members have one thing in common: they are leaders within their respective industries and are interested in expanding that involvement across the region. 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. This year’s class is chaired by Dr. Richard Moss, Dean of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at UA–Pulaski Technical College, and co-chaired by Cathy Tuggle, Owner of Apartment Hunters. Both are graduates of LGLR.
Participants will meet one day every month at a different central Arkansas location to explore topics through expert speakers, panelists, tours, and group presentations.
Little Rock is growing, but where are people coming from?
You have heard that people are leaving larger markets and moving to Arkansas, but do the numbers back it up?
This was the question I set out to answer with the goal of better understanding migration patterns and the balance between our natural population growth and growth driven by migration. Data from Lightcast, tracked directly through official IRS taxpayer relocation filings, shows that more working professionals are moving to the Little Rock metro from major cities across the nation than the other way around.
You have heard that people are leaving larger markets and moving to Arkansas, but do the numbers back it up?
This was the question I set out to answer with the goal of better understanding migration patterns and the balance between our natural population growth and growth driven by migration. Data from Lightcast, tracked directly through official IRS taxpayer relocation filings, shows that more working professionals are moving to the Little Rock metro from major cities across the nation than the other way around.
LITTLE ROCK REGIONAL CHAMBER NAMES KATIE RUTLEDGE AS 30 CROSSING PARK PROJECT MANAGER
The Little Rock Regional Chamber has selected Katharine (Katie) Rutledge, PE, as the new 30 Crossing Park Project Manager. In this role, Rutledge will support the development of 30 Crossing Park, a transformative downtown project funded in part by the Bezos Earth Fund’s Greening America’s Cities initiative.
Rutledge will oversee key park developments, including those funded by the Bezos Earth Fund such as the destination playground, wetlands garden, event lawn, and sports courts. Her responsibilities include managing construction timelines and budgets, coordinating with municipal and state agency stakeholders, and administering the Bezos Earth Fund grant to fulfill environmental justice and climate resilience goals.
The Little Rock Regional Chamber has selected Katharine (Katie) Rutledge, PE, as the new 30 Crossing Park Project Manager. In this role, Rutledge will support the development of 30 Crossing Park, a transformative downtown project funded in part by the Bezos Earth Fund’s Greening America’s Cities initiative.
Rutledge will oversee key park developments, including those funded by the Bezos Earth Fund such as the destination playground, wetlands garden, event lawn, and sports courts. Her responsibilities include managing construction timelines and budgets, coordinating with municipal and state agency stakeholders, and administering the Bezos Earth Fund grant to fulfill environmental justice and climate resilience goals.
Eaton Announces $242 Million Investment in New North Little Rock Manufacturing Facility
After evaluating 150 sites across 12 states, intelligent power management company Eaton intends to locate a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The facility represents an investment of more than $242 million and is expected to create 1,200 new jobs in the region.
Eaton will be hiring for a range of manufacturing, electrical, and operations roles at the 1 million-square-foot facility. The company will build on its proven workforce development approach to provide hands-on training and career advancement opportunities, enabling employees to develop technical skills for higher-skilled roles. This project was a collaboration between the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, City of North Little Rock, and the Metro Little Rock Alliance led by the Little Rock Regional Chamber.
After evaluating 150 sites across 12 states, intelligent power management company Eaton intends to locate a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The facility represents an investment of more than $242 million and is expected to create 1,200 new jobs in the region.
Eaton will be hiring for a range of manufacturing, electrical, and operations roles at the 1 million-square-foot facility. The company will build on its proven workforce development approach to provide hands-on training and career advancement opportunities, enabling employees to develop technical skills for higher-skilled roles. This project was a collaboration between the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, City of North Little Rock, and the Metro Little Rock Alliance led by the Little Rock Regional Chamber.
Governor Sanders Appoints Jack Thomas to University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College Board of Visitors
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today the appointment of Jack Thomas, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Little Rock Regional Chamber, to the Board of Visitors of the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UAPTC).
Thomas’s appointment comes at a time of significant economic momentum for the Little Rock region as companies from across the globe are choosing the Little Rock area, leading to more people working than ever before and a record-setting participation in the regional labor force. In his role with the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Thomas works directly with companies looking to locate, expand, and invest across the metro area. His addition to the Board of Visitors will help further align higher education programming with the evolving workforce demands of regional employers.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced today the appointment of Jack Thomas, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Little Rock Regional Chamber, to the Board of Visitors of the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UAPTC).
Thomas’s appointment comes at a time of significant economic momentum for the Little Rock region as companies from across the globe are choosing the Little Rock area, leading to more people working than ever before and a record-setting participation in the regional labor force. In his role with the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Thomas works directly with companies looking to locate, expand, and invest across the metro area. His addition to the Board of Visitors will help further align higher education programming with the evolving workforce demands of regional employers.
From Stopover to Home: How Land in the Rock Helped Me Discover Little Rock
For years, Little Rock was just a stopover, a halfway point on long drives between important places in my life. When my son’s father was stationed in Louisiana, seeing the Little Rock skyline meant I was halfway to his military base. Later, as a graduate student at Texas A&M University, it marked the midpoint to visiting family in my Kentucky hometown. So when I accepted a summer internship in North Little Rock, I expected Arkansas to be a brief, three-month chapter in my life. After all, I already knew the city from the many trips I had taken through it – or so I thought.
For years, Little Rock was just a stopover, a halfway point on long drives between important places in my life. When my son’s father was stationed in Louisiana, seeing the Little Rock skyline meant I was halfway to his military base. Later, as a graduate student at Texas A&M University, it marked the midpoint to visiting family in my Kentucky hometown. So when I accepted a summer internship in North Little Rock, I expected Arkansas to be a brief, three-month chapter in my life. After all, I already knew the city from the many trips I had taken through it – or so I thought.
Jarod Wickliffe Named to Board of Directors for Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives
Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) announced its 2027 Board of Directors following the association’s Annual Meeting held August 25 during its 10th Annual Conference, Business in the ’Boro, in Jonesboro.
The 2027 Board brings together chamber and economic development professionals from across Arkansas who will help guide the association’s work to support, connect and strengthen the professionals leading economic and community development efforts throughout the state.
Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) announced its 2027 Board of Directors following the association’s Annual Meeting held August 25 during its 10th Annual Conference, Business in the ’Boro, in Jonesboro.
The 2027 Board brings together chamber and economic development professionals from across Arkansas who will help guide the association’s work to support, connect and strengthen the professionals leading economic and community development efforts throughout the state.
Caterpillar Expands Workforce Initiative to Arkansas to Strengthen Pathways to Manufacturing Careers
Investment will focus on making training more accessible, defining what skills are needed for future jobs and connecting individuals to careers in modern manufacturing
The Academies of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College and Little Rock Regional Chamber to help advance the effortLearn More
IRVING, Texas, Aug. 17, 2026 – Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT), alongside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, today announced the launch of its workforce commitment in Arkansas, marking another meaningful step in its five-year, $100 million Building the Future Workforce Initiative. With an allocation of up to $3 million, the funding aims to prepare Arkansas workers for jobs in modern manufacturing and industry technician roles.
Investment will focus on making training more accessible, defining what skills are needed for future jobs and connecting individuals to careers in modern manufacturing
The Academies of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College and Little Rock Regional Chamber to help advance the effortLearn More
IRVING, Texas, Aug. 17, 2026 – Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT), alongside Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, today announced the launch of its workforce commitment in Arkansas, marking another meaningful step in its five-year, $100 million Building the Future Workforce Initiative. With an allocation of up to $3 million, the funding aims to prepare Arkansas workers for jobs in modern manufacturing and industry technician roles.
Little Rock Metro Breaks Employment Records
he Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area has reached historic employment highs, again setting a new record for the total number of employed residents across the region.
According to the latest Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, total civilian employment in the Little Rock metro surged past 385,000, accompanied by a robust total labor force that topped 400,000 for the first time. The data reflects unprecedented regional economic momentum, low unemployment, and steady expansion across key industrial, commercial, and professional sectors.
he Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway metropolitan area has reached historic employment highs, again setting a new record for the total number of employed residents across the region.
According to the latest Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, total civilian employment in the Little Rock metro surged past 385,000, accompanied by a robust total labor force that topped 400,000 for the first time. The data reflects unprecedented regional economic momentum, low unemployment, and steady expansion across key industrial, commercial, and professional sectors.
Little Rock Regional Chamber Launches New Online Resource Hubs to Support Business Growth and Community Impact
The Little Rock Regional Chamber has launched two new online resource hubs designed to support entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations working to strengthen communities across Metro Little Rock.
The new platforms - Grow Little Rock and the Metro Little Rock Community Impact Hub - provide accessible tools, connections and opportunities for businesses and community leaders looking to grow, collaborate and make a lasting impact in the region.
Grow Little Rock serves as a centralized resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of growth. The platform connects users with programming, networking opportunities, mentorship resources, accelerators, incubators and diversity-focused business support throughout Metro Little Rock. The site also highlights educational opportunities, consulting services and coworking resources available through the Chamber and partner organizations.
The Little Rock Regional Chamber has launched two new online resource hubs designed to support entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations working to strengthen communities across Metro Little Rock.
The new platforms - Grow Little Rock and the Metro Little Rock Community Impact Hub - provide accessible tools, connections and opportunities for businesses and community leaders looking to grow, collaborate and make a lasting impact in the region.
Grow Little Rock serves as a centralized resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of growth. The platform connects users with programming, networking opportunities, mentorship resources, accelerators, incubators and diversity-focused business support throughout Metro Little Rock. The site also highlights educational opportunities, consulting services and coworking resources available through the Chamber and partner organizations.
Bezos Earth Fund Announces Major Partnership in 30 Crossing Park in Downtown Little Rock
The Bezos Earth Fund, under the direction of Chairman Jeff Bezos and Vice Chair Lauren Sánchez Bezos, announced today its selection of Little Rock, Arkansas as part of its Greening America’s Cities program, marking a transformational investment in 30 Crossing Park in the River Market district of downtown Little Rock.
Little Rock joins Allentown, Pa.; Atlanta; Cleveland; Indianapolis; Los Angeles; Salt Lake City; and Sioux Falls, S.D. as cities selected in this cohort. $100 million will be spread across eight cities to fund community-designed parks, beautiful large scale green space, and immersive outdoor areas.
The Bezos Earth Fund, under the direction of Chairman Jeff Bezos and Vice Chair Lauren Sánchez Bezos, announced today its selection of Little Rock, Arkansas as part of its Greening America’s Cities program, marking a transformational investment in 30 Crossing Park in the River Market district of downtown Little Rock.
Little Rock joins Allentown, Pa.; Atlanta; Cleveland; Indianapolis; Los Angeles; Salt Lake City; and Sioux Falls, S.D. as cities selected in this cohort. $100 million will be spread across eight cities to fund community-designed parks, beautiful large scale green space, and immersive outdoor areas.
A Birthday Letter to America
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, the Little Rock Regional Chamber is proud to have served the metro Little Rock region for more than 160 years.
When the founders of our nation convened 250 years ago, the land we stand, work, and live on today was still a frontier. The Arkansas River served as a pathway for exploration and commerce, and the small rock noted by French explorers, La Petite Roche, would eventually give our city its name. Long before Arkansas became the 25th state in 1836, this region was already helping shape the story of America.
Arkansas has also played a defining role in our nation's ongoing pursuit of equality and opportunity. The events surrounding the integration of Little Rock Central High School became a pivotal chapter in the Civil Rights Movement, drawing the attention of the nation and helping shape the course of American history. While that chapter challenged our community, it also demonstrated the power of courage, leadership, and perseverance, values that continue to guide our region as we work to build opportunity for all.
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation, the Little Rock Regional Chamber is proud to have served the metro Little Rock region for more than 160 years.
When the founders of our nation convened 250 years ago, the land we stand, work, and live on today was still a frontier. The Arkansas River served as a pathway for exploration and commerce, and the small rock noted by French explorers, La Petite Roche, would eventually give our city its name. Long before Arkansas became the 25th state in 1836, this region was already helping shape the story of America.
Arkansas has also played a defining role in our nation's ongoing pursuit of equality and opportunity. The events surrounding the integration of Little Rock Central High School became a pivotal chapter in the Civil Rights Movement, drawing the attention of the nation and helping shape the course of American history. While that chapter challenged our community, it also demonstrated the power of courage, leadership, and perseverance, values that continue to guide our region as we work to build opportunity for all.
Setting the Record Straight: Google’s Energy Agreement & Long-Term Investment in Arkansas
To Residents of Arkansas from Laurel Brown
Public Affairs Manager for Arkansas at Google:
We know that energy costs, reliable power, and community investments are deeply important to Arkansas families. Following recent news coverage regarding our energy contract with Entergy Arkansas, we want to provide clear facts about what Google is paying, how Arkansas ratepayers are protected, and what our long-term presence means for the state:
First, the article’s conclusions reflect an incomplete picture; as the reporting itself notes, it relies on an internal staff memo written to prepare questions for a regulatory hearing, rather than the executed contract or its full 20-year financial model. Evaluating a 20-year commitment in this manner is like judging the outcome of a four-quarter game based only on the opening drive—it misses the full scope of the actual agreement.
Second, this contract has been subject to rigorous independent oversight. The agreement, along with detailed economic and grid reliability analyses, was submitted, thoroughly evaluated, and formally approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) and its independent panel of staff economists and Commissioners under Docket No. 25-055-P. This formal regulatory review exists specifically to protect consumers and ensure large energy agreements are fair and beneficial to all Arkansans.
Below is the factual record on how our contract fully funds our footprint, shields ratepayers, and delivers over $1.1B in net benefits to Arkansas.
To Residents of Arkansas from Laurel Brown
Public Affairs Manager for Arkansas at Google:
We know that energy costs, reliable power, and community investments are deeply important to Arkansas families. Following recent news coverage regarding our energy contract with Entergy Arkansas, we want to provide clear facts about what Google is paying, how Arkansas ratepayers are protected, and what our long-term presence means for the state:
First, the article’s conclusions reflect an incomplete picture; as the reporting itself notes, it relies on an internal staff memo written to prepare questions for a regulatory hearing, rather than the executed contract or its full 20-year financial model. Evaluating a 20-year commitment in this manner is like judging the outcome of a four-quarter game based only on the opening drive—it misses the full scope of the actual agreement.
Second, this contract has been subject to rigorous independent oversight. The agreement, along with detailed economic and grid reliability analyses, was submitted, thoroughly evaluated, and formally approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission (APSC) and its independent panel of staff economists and Commissioners under Docket No. 25-055-P. This formal regulatory review exists specifically to protect consumers and ensure large energy agreements are fair and beneficial to all Arkansans.
Below is the factual record on how our contract fully funds our footprint, shields ratepayers, and delivers over $1.1B in net benefits to Arkansas.
CEP USA Locates New Manufacturing Facility in North Little Rock, Arkansas
CEP USA Inc., a leading manufacturer of prefabricated electrical substations, has located its first U.S. manufacturing facility in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The company is investing nearly $1 million in the facility and expects to create approximately 27 new jobs over the next five years. This project was developed in partnership by the Little Rock Regional Chamber and Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
CEP USA Inc., a leading manufacturer of prefabricated electrical substations, has located its first U.S. manufacturing facility in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The company is investing nearly $1 million in the facility and expects to create approximately 27 new jobs over the next five years. This project was developed in partnership by the Little Rock Regional Chamber and Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
50 Leaders Graduate from Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XLI, Applications Now Open for Class XLII
Fifty emerging and established community leaders celebrated their graduation from Class XLI of Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR), a flagship program of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. Held annually since 1985, LGLR is a nine-month leadership development experience designed to cultivate civic-minded professionals equipped to positively impact the future of Central Arkansas.
Fifty emerging and established community leaders celebrated their graduation from Class XLI of Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR), a flagship program of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. Held annually since 1985, LGLR is a nine-month leadership development experience designed to cultivate civic-minded professionals equipped to positively impact the future of Central Arkansas.
Little Rock Regional Chamber, Entergy Arkansas, Central Arkansas Water, and Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority Announce Resource Site for Data Center Facts
Local partners working together to support transparent, fact-based communications announced the launch of LRDataCentersFacts.com, a new public information website designed to address community questions and concerns about proposed data center developments in the Little Rock area. The website was formally introduced during a news conference held on Tuesday, May 12, at the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) Main Library.
The website is a joint effort by the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Central Arkansas Water, Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, and Entergy Arkansas. Together, these organizations are committed to providing clear, accurate, and timely information as conversations around data center projects continue to evolve.
Local partners working together to support transparent, fact-based communications announced the launch of LRDataCentersFacts.com, a new public information website designed to address community questions and concerns about proposed data center developments in the Little Rock area. The website was formally introduced during a news conference held on Tuesday, May 12, at the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) Main Library.
The website is a joint effort by the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Central Arkansas Water, Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, and Entergy Arkansas. Together, these organizations are committed to providing clear, accurate, and timely information as conversations around data center projects continue to evolve.
Envoy to Expand Maintenance Facility at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Bringing New Jobs
Envoy Air Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group (AAG), announced today that it will expand its aircraft maintenance facility and establish a Center of Excellence at the Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The company expects to create many new specialized aircraft maintenance jobs over two years as part of the expansion. The expansion represents a capital investment of more than $600,000.
As part of this expansion, Little Rock will become the company’s first Center of Excellence facility to support the Envoy aircraft maintenance operation. A Center of Excellence enables the LIT team to perform specialized aircraft maintenance tasks, such as advanced sheet metal and carbon composite work, landing gear inspections and more.
Envoy Air Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group (AAG), announced today that it will expand its aircraft maintenance facility and establish a Center of Excellence at the Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The company expects to create many new specialized aircraft maintenance jobs over two years as part of the expansion. The expansion represents a capital investment of more than $600,000.
As part of this expansion, Little Rock will become the company’s first Center of Excellence facility to support the Envoy aircraft maintenance operation. A Center of Excellence enables the LIT team to perform specialized aircraft maintenance tasks, such as advanced sheet metal and carbon composite work, landing gear inspections and more.
Little Rock Ranks Among Top U.S. Metros for Women-Owned Businesses
This Women’s History Month brings exciting news for the Little Rock region: a new national study from CoworkingCafe ranks the metro 12th among mid-sized U.S. metros for women-owned businesses - a powerful reflection of the region’s growing support for female entrepreneurs.
As women continue to shape and strengthen the American economy, this recognition highlights Little Rock’s role as a place where women can successfully launch, grow, and sustain businesses.
This Women’s History Month brings exciting news for the Little Rock region: a new national study from CoworkingCafe ranks the metro 12th among mid-sized U.S. metros for women-owned businesses - a powerful reflection of the region’s growing support for female entrepreneurs.
As women continue to shape and strengthen the American economy, this recognition highlights Little Rock’s role as a place where women can successfully launch, grow, and sustain businesses.