Arkansas Economic Development Commission

AEDC's "Why Arkansas?" video showcases executives from Stephens, Dillard's Inc., Walmart, Apptegy, SIG SAUER, Inc., and Fiocchi of America discussing why operating in Arkansas is good for business.? Watch here:?https://lnkd.in/g9m235m7

Korea is a fast-growing economy, and it is a key country for foreign direct investment. The AEDC team has prioritized strengthening economic ties with Korea, making two business development trips there in 2024. AEDC looks forward to continuing this momentum and was honored to join the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Houston this week. Our team, including Executive Director Clint O'Neal, CEcD and International Business Development Manager Cam Napier, were welcomed to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Houston this week by YOUNG H. JUNG, Consul General and Sinae Sung, Commercial/Energy Attache. During the visit, Consul General Jung, Ms. Sung, and the AEDC discussed the economic opportunities between our state and Korea. In addition to thriving economies, Korea and Arkansas share a similar culture of hospitality. Thanks to Consul General Jung for providing a wonderful dinner for the AEDC team at his home. Neal Jansen, CEcD | Ik Jun Hwang | Bochra El Ghali (???)

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission visited the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Houston this week to promote the Natural State and strengthen ties with German officials. Consul General Kai Hennig welcomed the AEDC team, including Executive Director Clint O'Neal, CEcD and International Business Development Manager Cam Napier, to the consulate to learn more about the economic relationship between Germany and Arkansas. Thanks to Honorary Consul General Mark Hamer for his assistance in arranging a visit with Consul General Hennig.

Read about recent economic development wins in the state in the November edition of the Arkansas Inc. monthly newsletter - including Weyerhaeuser's $500 million investment in southeast Arkansas.

In October 2024, Arkansas had record high employment with 1,366,073 citizens in the workforce. This is the 8th consecutive month that Arkansas has reported record high employment figures.

ICYMI: Weyerhaeuser plans to build a state-of-the-art TimberStrand? facility near Monticello and Warren, investing approximately $500 million and creating 200 new jobs in southeast Arkansas. Arkansas elected officials celebrated the economic development news: “The announcement by Weyerhaeuser today is great news for Southeast Arkansas,” said Arkansas State Senator Ben Gilmore, Chairman of the Arkansas Forestry Caucus. “Since the creation of the Forestry Caucus in 2022, we have advocated and passed legislation helping economic development efforts and expanding growth in the Arkansas forestry sector. Arkansas’ forests cover 18.9 million acres, or 56 percent of the state, and have more than 1.2 billion tons of standing timber. Thank you to the great work by Bradley and Drew counties on intermodal freight transportation and the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for their work on attracting businesses. We will continue working in partnership with our foresters to expand this very crucial industry of the Natural State.” “Having had the honor of serving Bradley and Drew Counties for 15 years as State Representative, this announcement of $500 million in a new manufacturing facility creating jobs for our people is most rewarding,” said Arkansas State Representative Jeffrey Wardlaw, ATP. “It is a great pleasure to witness how our regional efforts have worked to secure a sound future for generations to come.”

Today is a huge day for economic development in Arkansas! Weyerhaeuser, a global leader in the #timber industry, is investing $500 million to build a new state-of-the-art timber facility near Monticello and Warren. This will create approximately 200 new jobs in southeast Arkansas. This facility is a milestone investment in southeast Arkansas and Arkansas’ timber industry, and we look forward to Weyerhaeuser’s continued success in the Natural State. Thanks to Governor Sarah Sanders for supporting economic development in Arkansas and for being an advocate for our state at the local, national, and international levels. Congratulations to all the southeast Arkansas partners who worked together to win this project – the cities of Monticello and Warren, Drew and Bradley Counties, Nita McDaniel and the Monticello Economic Development Commission, the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority, and many others.?A big shoutout to Richard Eberle, who served as AEDC’s project manager on Project North Star. Thanks to Hugh McDonald, Olivia W., Jennifer Emerson, EDFP, JD Lowery, David Vondran, Congressman Bruce Westerman, State Rep. Jeff Wardlaw, and State Senator Ben Gilmore.

Today, we announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art TimberStrand? facility in south Arkansas. The project will be Weyerhaeuser's first greenfield facility in more than 20 years and greatly expand our production capacity for engineered wood products in the U.S. South. We expect to begin construction next year with the goal of starting operations in 2027. Read more about the planned facility: https://lnkd.in/euJVPyZM

Weyerhaeuser is investing an estimated $500 million to build a new manufacturing facility in southeast Arkansas, near Monticello and Warren. The facility is expected to create 200 new jobs. Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZasBHQ

The Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions team, in partnership with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, conducted its second annual Workforce Best Practices Summit this week at the Saline County Career and Technical Center, attracting a significant turnout. Attendees left with fresh strategies for hiring, engaging, and retaining today’s workforce—thanks to the invaluable insights shared by the speakers. Don’t miss the next event hosted by Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas. Keith Gammill, GPCC | Eddie Majeste | Justin Majors | Trish Costello-Villines | Randy Zook | Martin Eggensperger