AEDCE MemberLink
October 2018
New Chamber Professional
Boot Camp

Finance. Engagement. Advocacy. Communication. Relevancy. Boards. Volunteers. Members.

It can all be a little overwhelming - especially if you are new to organization management and the chamber industry. That's why we've designed this New Chamber Professional Boot Camp! This is a ONE-day crash course on all things chamber of commerce. While the program has been developed for executives and staff who have been on the job two years or less, anyone is welcome to attend! Because we all need a little refresher on occasion!

The program is also open to chamber volunteer leaders like the board president/chair and volunteer leaders from AEDCE member organizations are able to attend at the member rate.

During the course, you will be able to ask all of your questions and receive input from other professionals with proven ability in the field of chamber operations. Plus, all chamber executives will be matched with a seasoned chamber professional to help serve as a mentor for continued follow-up.

November 29, 2018 in Little Rock. Only $25/person for AEDCE members!
Issue 1 needs your support today.
It’s time to pass Issue 1. Economic developers and chamber executives across Arkansas have endorsed it. Businesses large and small have donated to support it. Click this link to see how Arkansas is surrounded by tort reform states. We simply can’t compete as well without Issue 1.

Here is how you can get involved: 

  1. Take a stand for economic development by endorsing Issue 1.
  2.  Send the following materials to your members who want to know more about Issue 1 or want to get involved in supporting the campaign.

a.      Learn more about Issue 1 at www.YesOn1.com

b.      Select ways to encourage voters to vote Yes on Issue 1 by clicking here

c.       Share this YouTube channel with your members

d.      Share this article from Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin with your members

e.      Share these videos with your members:

Arkansas Trucker supports Issue 1
Senator Missy Irvin discusses Issue 1 and healthcare

November 6 is an important choice for Arkansas. We can either make our state more competitive or we can continue on while lacking a key ingredient for economic development.  

Local Chamber/EDO Endorsements:

Springdale
Bentonville
Rogers-Lowell
Mountain Home
Northwest Arkansas Council
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA
Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE)

To add your chamber/EDO to this list, please contact Carl Vogelpohl
AEDCE Member Spotlight!!

  • Beckie Moore with the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce

  • Neal Vickers with the City of Trumann, Trumann Chamber of Commerce & the Trumann Industrial Development Commission
What's New in... Wynne?

This month we take a look at Wynne and the recent renovations and new development they’ve undertaken as a result of a sales tax benefiting economic development projects – including Parks & Tourism. Wynne has also been very aggressive in seeking grant funds and to date, has been awarded $1.25M to assist with their development projects.

AEDCE Resource Guide

The Age of Agility - Education Pathways for the Future of Work

Report from America Succeeds that focuses on the business community's perspective on the future of work and the need for an agile educational system that aligns with employer needs.

State Chamber Tax Seminars

The State Chamber and partners will host three tax seminars this fall across the state. This half-day program will highlight federal tax reform, state tax reform tax force discussions, newly developed opportunity zones, sales tax nexus, business taxes and incentives, what sovereign immunity means for taxpayers, and more.

Please feel free to share this information with your members!

Arkansas Next Pros
Guide to Life After High School

Great new publication from Arkansas Business targeted towards middle & high-school students.

This version of the guide highlights in-demand careers, earning potential, and career pathways available to students in Arkansas.


Arkansas State Chamber/AIA Annual Meeting

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will be the featured speaker at the State Chamber/AIA 90th Annual Meeting, which will be held Wednesday, November 14 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

AEDCE members may purchase individual tickets for $75 each. Contact Bill Watson for details.

2019 IEDC Professional Development Training Catalog
The International Economic Development Council has just released its 2019 Professional Development Catalog. Take advantage of the training & learning opportunities offered through IEDC to maintain a competitive edge as an economic developer!

Why Apply for a Governor's Quality Award?

Please pass this along to businesses in your area!

The Governor’s Quality Award Program was developed to provide opportunities for all organizations in the state to measure their progress in the journey of performance excellence. The Award is used by all types of businesses—health care, schools, government agencies and all kind of organizations including for-profit, not-for-profit, small, large, growing, mature – any organization interested in improving its performance.


Save the Date!

Arkansas Economic Development Foundation Luncheon

AEDF will hold a luncheon on Wednesday, January 30th in Little Rock at the Statehouse Convention Center. The featured speaker will be John Furner, CEO of Sam's Club. More details to be released soon!

For more info, contact Becky Rogers at Entergy Arkansas.