The economic development division of the Little Rock Regional Chamber
About the Little Rock Regional Chamber
Established in 1866, the Little Rock Regional Chamber is the oldest association in Arkansas . Since then, business leaders have worked on many projects that many people think “just happened.” The Chamber helped to ease the hardships brought about by the disastrous Spring Flood of 1927, and then attempted to help businesses survive the Depression of the 1930s. It supported increased funding for the schools, raised money for teachers’ salaries when schools were unable to pay them, took a stand following the 1957 School Desegregation Crisis, and developed a plan for the establishment of a technical college in the greater Little Rock area, which is now the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College. The Chamber has led the region’s military affairs. This work includes donating land to secure Camp Robinson while also assembling land to secure the Little Rock Air Force Base , an operation that now contributes $1.79 billion to the region’s economy. With a vision to capitalize on the region’s natural beauty, the Chamber adopted a resolution to establish Pinnacle Mountain State Park , which now draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Chamber has played a vital role in enhancing the region’s quality of place. From funding campaigns that led to the creation of the River Market District , Statehouse Convention Center expansion, Robinson Auditorium expansion, and Alltel Arena (now Simmons Bank Arena ), to playing an active role in staffing the Clinton Presidential Library site selection committee. Over the last 20 years, the Chamber has been involved with the development and expansion of the Port of Little Rock , one of the state’s largest economic engines, providing employment for over 10,000 Arkansans from 48 counties across the state. With a focus on attracting innovation and technology-based jobs, the Chamber played a leading role in the formation of the Little Rock Technology Park Authority. Since its inception in 2011, the Tech Park has become an entrepreneurial hub for innovation, while attracting national and international technology companies. For decades, the Chamber has worked to improve the region’s educational opportunities. In 2018, we embarked on creating the Academies of Central Arkansas , a transformational public education framework across Pulaski County’s four school districts, bridging the gap between education and employment. Today, the Chamber’s mission remains focused on regional economic development, community development, and advocacy.
MetRock Forward is dedicated to initiatives centered around economic development for business attraction, retention, expansion, and talent development while also working to expand our regional brand and foster a home for entrepreneurs, technology projects and innovation initiatives. The Chamber’s Economic Development Division
Since 2005, initiatives launched by the Little Rock Regional Chamber have proven to be a driving force in shaping the region’s economic growth and elevating the profile of Little Rock on a global scale. A RECORD OF RESULTS
REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT
NEW JOBS & LOCAL FUNDING
REGIONAL GDP GROWTH
POPULATION GROWTH
$51.2B
$27.4B
$6.22B NEW TAXABLE CAPEX
29,990 NEW JOBS
$1.15B NEW PAYROLL
+ 60,800 MORE PEOPLE WORKING IN THE REGION
GDP NEARLY DOUBLED $27.4B ⟶ $51.2B
123,579 MORE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE REGION
A growing economy, driven by strategic investments and Chamber-led initiatives.
The region’s population is growing, boosting consumer demand, housing, and workforce availability.
Since 2005, the Chamber’s efforts have directly fueled economic growth and funding for local governments and schools.
A stronger workforce and more opportunity across all sectors.
The Little Rock Region
The Chamber focuses on a 13-county economic market in Central Arkansas. Presenting the region as one brand, with a broad offering of community choices, positions metro Little Rock as a globally competitive market. This regional approach continues to be an effective approach as Little Rock competes for talent and investment against larger markets across the United States.
Regional Wage & Benefit Study Academies of Central Arkansas (4 School Districts)
Regional Jobs Destination (over 10K jobs)
Lonoke: Site Selectors Visit
Regional Cost of Living Calculator
Market Visits - Metro Little Rock Alliance
Saline County: Prospect Visits
GOALS & RESULTS 2023-2025
2023-2025 Goals & Results
4,500 new jobs with $205 million in new regional payroll. 4,874 new jobs with $254 million in new regional payroll.
Build out career pathways with partners in area high schools. 100 career pathways created at 10 high schools (95 partner companies).
Develop and gain certification of megasite. Certified the Little Rock Port Megasite & secured $20M+ in funding.
Fully implement talent attraction marketing campaign. Launched Little Rock Love Connection talent attraction campaign.
2023-2025 Results - Job Creation
4,874 $254 million
CAPITAL INVESTMENT $2.19 billion
NEW JOBS
NEW PAYROLL
Willowbend Capital LLC
2023-2025 Results
Invest in Sites & Infrastructure
Continue developing 20 to 200 acre sites suitable for advanced manufacturing and logistics. Elopak: 25 acre site; Faymonville: 50 acre site; Amazon: 100 acre site
Secured over $20 million in new infrastructure funding at the Port of Little Rock.
Support Existing Businesses
Visit with 300 local employers annually as part of our Business Retention and Expansion program. Notable BRE Expansions: Apptegy, SIG Sauer, Boyd Metals, ACE Glass/EPIC Glass, Dassault, Welspun, Windsor Door Provide solutions, reports, and requested data to enhance the competitiveness of the region. Zip Code Study, Wage & Benefit Study, Manufacturing Council, HR Roundtable, HQ Visits, Hiring Events, Recruitment Webpages - Elopak and Trex.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Support and accomplish Phase II of the Little Rock Technology Park.
Grow Little Rock’s position as a global leader in financial technology and entrepreneurship. Notable wins: Sequretek, Adaptiiv, LRockRx, Apptegy AR Tech Launch H1B Visa Entrepreneur Program; Spark! / Pitch n’ Pint Pre-Accelerators, Arkansas Lithium Innovation Summit Build a diversity procurement program that links large businesses with small, local businesses owned by women, minorities, and veterans. Partnered with the City of Little Rock to launch OpportUNITY Business Map.
2023-2025 Results - Economic Development Advocacy
Chaired Arkansas Incentives Working Group, leading to Arkansas IMPACT legislative package, described as the most sweeping change to the economic development toolbox in decades.
Provided successful testimony in House and Senate on economic development-related legislation.
Supported Congressional Directed Spending requests through Sen. John Boozman for MetRock investors, securing funding for economic development-related infrastructure.
Helped design the state’s first site development program & secured $2 million for site development activities for the Little Rock Port Megasite; $3.34 million in funding for region (Arkadelphia, Searcy).
2023-2025 Results -Talent & Workforce Development
Little Rock Love Connection talent attraction campaign Completed with more than 700 resumes received from 9 countries and 35 states.
Academies of Central Arkansas launched its own Foundation to continue the work started by the Chamber $500,000 HIRED grant received to support the start-up of the Foundation. 2024-2025 school year: 95 business partners, 100 career pathways, 11,848 hours of partner time donated, $1.17 million of in-kind and direct contributions made, 2,899 industry certifications earned, and 3,058 college credits earned.
Create Little Rock Programming Launched the inaugural Young Professionals Summit with more than 300 in attendance. Land in the Rock increased company participation by more than 10%. Direct workforce support to business Hiring events, workforce benchmarking reports, HR roundtables, and OSD grant and training support.
2023-2025 Results
2023-2025 Results
2023-2025 Results
501 501 501 501 501 501 NORTH LITTLE ROCK - CONWAY - MSA Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (Little Rock - North Little Rock - Conway MSA, July 2025). 501 501 501 501 380,038 LITTLE ROCK More people employed than ever before in
501 501 501
people employed in the Little Rock region compared to 351,845 in January 2023.
2023-2025 Results
Economic Growth (5-Year GDP %)
Nashville, TN Little Rock, AR Kansas City, MO Birmingham, AL
33.12%
25.92%
25.22%
24.90%
Memphis, TN Jackson, MS
24.42%
23.75% 22.86%
Baton Rouge, LA Montgomery, AL Shreveport, LA Oklahoma City, OK Tulsa, OK
21.85%
20.00%
18.83%
15.37%
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
2023-2025 Success
Outdoor Economy Discussion
Tractor Supply Grand Opening
Dassault Falcon Jet Meeting - Paris Air Show
Wage & Benefit Study Presentation
Faymonville Meeting with Gov. Sanders
BePro BeProud Draft Day
Lithium Innovation Summit
Farnborough Air Show
Windsor Door Expansion
Welspun Expansion
2026-2028 Strategic Initiatives
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion Build the Brand | Market the Region | Invest in Sites and Infrastructure | Support Existing Businesses Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation Grow Innovation and Technology | Grow Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention Talent Attraction | Retain College Graduates | Workforce Development | Improve Quality of Place
1
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion The Chamber works to enhance earning opportunities and quality of life by attracting and retaining high-paying jobs from global firms, increasing the tax base through attracting capital investment, and diversifying the economy by recruiting firms across a variety of industry verticals.
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion
Perform national perception research and develop curated messages that speak to the Chamber’s target audiences: (1) corporate executives, (2) site location consultants, and (3) talent.
BUILD THE BRAND
Promote, market, and amplify the Little Rock region as a leading destination to attract businesses.
MARKET THE REGION
Advance the region’s competitive readiness by investing in target industries and sites . Further enhance the support of existing companies in the region.
INVEST IN SITES & INFRASTRUCTURE
The Chamber’s first priority is the set of companies that have already invested in Little Rock, assisting with issues and helping build the business case for continued investment in the market. Leverage local employers to enhance the competitiveness of the region and grow industry verticals.
SUPPORT EXISTING BUSINESSES
ATTRACT NEW INVESTMENT TO METRO LITTLE ROCK
Deploy industry-specific strategies in the following target sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Distribution & Logistics, Energy Technologies, Financial Services & Technologies, Food & Beverage Processing, Headquarters & Corporate Operations, Healthcare & Medical, Startups & Innovation.
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion
Build the Brand
Conduct quantitative and qualitative research, identify holes in existing storytelling efforts to develop a strategic media plan.
Drive a consistent stream of positive media coverage showcasing Little Rock's business assets, strong quality of place and attractiveness as a place to both visit and to accelerate in life, career and business.
Host national media to achieve national editorial placements, positioning Little Rock in a positive light.
Invest in press monitoring software to evaluate messaging and public perceptions.
Intentionally pursue regional and national press placements, elevating the image of metro Little Rock. Pursue Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Livability, Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, etc.
Pursue “best of” and national ranking lists to elevate Little Rock’s national profile, equipping employers with third-party credibility for talent attraction efforts.
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion
Market the Region
Host the nation’s top site location consultants in metro Little Rock through site selector advisory forums.
Proactively visit 25+ site selection consultants and corporate target prospects through in-market visits. Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Greenville, New York City, Philadelphia
Host Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC), bringing the world’s top corporate real estate executives to Little Rock.
Execute robust marketing schedule inclusive of 15+ international trade missions, industry specific trade shows for target industry recruitment, and site location consultant engagement.
Leverage Axios smart brevity platform to blast good news from across the region to stakeholders.
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion
Invest in Sites
Develop Megasite Site & Logistics Assessment, Workforce Analysis, and Marketing Strategy to be prepared to meet the speed of a generational automotive OEM project on the Megasite.
Develop long-term land acquisition and development plan for the Port of Little Rock (Port 2050).
Leverage new legislation to explore the creation of industrial development authority for regional megasite or logistics park.
Pursue site development funding to develop nationally-competitive, shovel-ready sites.
Support regional partners in advancement of shovel-ready sites across 13-county region.
Support the continued advancement of Little Rock Technology Park to attract technology-based enterprises.
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion
Support Existing Businesses
Visit 300 local employers annually as part of our Business Retention and Expansion program to identify challenges and provide solutions, reports, and requested data to enhance the competitiveness of the region.
Leverage local industry expertise and corporate relationships to identify new opportunities.
Recruit suppliers and other in demand or just-in-time businesses to the region.
Convene regional manufacturing executives council, creating a platform to elevate the region as a destination for manufacturing employment. Convene regional human resources roundtables in multiple industry verticals, leveraging resources to attract talent to metro Little Rock and enhance the operating environment. Support area employers by responding to data requests, service outreach requests (approx. 600+ annually).
Promote utilization of the Real Time Crime Center to reduce crime and enhance public safety.
Business Attraction, Retention, and Expansion
Attract New Investment
Proactively pursue and respond to requests for information from companies and corporate location advisors, positioning Little Rock to be competitive on the global stage for investment opportunities.
Deploy industry-specific strategies in the following target sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Distribution and Logistics, Energy Technologies, Financial Services and Technologies, Food and Beverage Processing, Headquarters and Corporate Operations, Healthcare and Medical, Startups and Innovation.
Provide best-in class market hosting and project management services, reducing risk and ensuring speed-to-market for prospective companies, easing the path to job creation.
Prospect services include: Market Visits and Concierge Services
Request for Information (RFI) Assistance, Real Estate & Site Selection Services Talent Acquisition & Development, Access to Workforce and Education Partners Data Resources; Research and Analysis; Operational Cost Analysis & Incentive Support Regional Storytelling & Public Relations Project Management and Development Assistance
2
Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation The Chamber works to expand Little Rock’s position as a global leader in financial technology and entrepreneurship by meeting regularly with entrepreneurs, supporting accelerators and pre-accelerators, and monitoring emerging industries to attract technology jobs to Little Rock.
Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation
GROW OUR REPUTATION
Strengthen presence as a hub for technology and innovation , especially in the financial technology (FinTech) sector.
Capitalize on emerging technologies (data centers, lithium, energy technologies).
GROW INNOVATION
TARGETED RECRUITING
Recruit technology-based businesses and international entrepreneurs to Little Rock.
FOSTER THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM
Provide enhanced support for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies .
Provide support for women and minority- owned business owners , as well as international relocation assistance , and support for veteran-run startups .
SUPPORT MINORITY BUSINESSES
Accelerate AR Tech Launch Partnership with UA-Little Rock, encouraging international entrepreneurs to locate here and provide talent development and support services by removing H1B visa cap. Continue collaboration with The Venture Center and regional entrepreneur support organizations. Expose students to entrepreneurship through the Academies of Central Arkansas. Grow Our Reputation & Innovation Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation Speed the trajectory of growth-stage companies and corporate innovation through pre-accelerators. Support accelerators to promote innovation in advanced industries (HealthTech, AgTech, Financial Services). Grow the Spark! business accelerator program to help more Central Arkansas entrepreneurs scale their businesses. Participate in statewide 75Strong initiative, providing direct technical support for small businesses throughout Arkansas. Visit 150+ small business owners to uncover issues and provide technical assistance to grow business. Targeted Recruiting & Enhancing Ecosystem
Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation
Support Minority Business
Organize Multicultural Business Development Month, celebrating the economic and cultural diversity of the Little Rock region. Programming includes:
Business License Workshops Mental Health Webinar for Entrepreneurs Hispanic Business Masterclass Asian American and Pacific Islander Panels Pitch Competition Minority Enterprise Development Awards
Provide support to veteran entrepreneurs as they strive for business success and growth.
Participate in AEDC Meet the Buyers event, a networking opportunity for small businesses and local, state, and federal government buyers across Arkansas.
Create opportunities for mentorship and collaboration through women’s business programming.
3
Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention The Chamber works to attract and retain high-caliber talent across the Little Rock region through a combination of programming efforts, with the goal of supplying area employers with skilled talent and growing the population base, further supporting area businesses and expanding the region’s tax base.
Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention
Convene key partners throughout the region to assist with identifying talent gaps.
IDENTIFY TALENT GAPS
Work to create innovative strategies addressing challenges for talent attraction and retention solutions. Launch a regional talent attraction brand and strategy.
ATTRACT TALENT TO LITTLE ROCK
Provide public high school students in Pulaski County with a transformative educational experience, taught through an industry lens.
DEVELOP PIPELINES
Expand area educational opportunities and produce academy graduates who are ready for college, career, and have the skills necessary to be life-long learners.
EXPAND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
LIFESTYLE AND LIVABILITY
Invest in quality of place projects that make Little Rock a more desirable destination for talent.
Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention
Identify Talent Gaps Convene regional HR roundtables in multiple industry verticals, leveraging resources to identify talent gaps and attract talent to metro Little Rock Design and construction of a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing workforce training center to support employers across the region with closing skills gaps
Attract Talent to Little Rock
Leverage Leadership Greater Little Rock as talent ambassadors and positive messengers for the community Engage the Create Little Rock young professionals' network in workforce development, talent attraction, and retention in metro Little Rock Execute Land in the Rock event series for interns, law clerks, and medical residents Bring nationally-recognized speakers to Little Rock for annual Young Professional Summit
Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention
Attract Talent to Little Rock
Develop a regional talent attraction brand and strategy
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
Creation of quality of life video series to highlight amenities across the region Creation of an employer toolkit with positive news, rankings, and information about Little Rock Creation of a lifestyle influencer program for the region Creation of a wayfinder/community connector program to assist with community acclimation
Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention
Expand the Land in the Rock program, a key talent initiative designed to attract and retain young professionals. The program showcases Little Rock’s quality of life and career potential to interns, law clerks, and medical residents working in the region for the summer, with the goal of encouraging them to return after graduation. In 2025, Land in the Rock engaged 407 participants representing more than 179 companies. Attract Talent to Little Rock
Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention
Develop Pipelines & Expand Education Opportunities Support the continued advancement of our public schools Further work with higher education institutions on innovative program development and attracting students to the region Continue nurturing the growth of Academies of Central Arkansas Develop more industry-themed academies Increase attendance rates, college readiness indicators, and number of students engaging with employers and post-secondary institutions while still enrolled in high school Increase graduation rates at all four school districts within Pulaski County Provide all students with the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials and concurrent enrollment options Increase the quality and quantity of students graduating and entering post-secondary institutions or area workforce to help reduce the crime rate of young adults Keep students involved in quality school activities by introducing them to available, local career exploration opportunities in their freshman year Provide students with a core group of consistent and caring teachers for their 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years
Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention
Lifestyle and Livability
Assist in the creation of Little Rock Downtown Development Corporation: Play an active role in the implementation items of the Downtown Master Plan. Play an active role in the redevelopment of the 30 Crossing 18-acre park. Play an active role in the development of a deck park over Interstate 30 downtown.
Partner with the LRCVB and CAW on a whitewater tourism attraction feasibility study.
Partner with the Clinton School of Public Service and/or UA-Little Rock to explore projects such as beautification, enhancement of live music scene, housing demands, and other quality of life issues.
Talent Development, Recruitment, and Retention
Lifestyle and Livability
Partner with the Clinton National Airport to explore the expansion of flight service to strategic destinations across the United States. Partner with the Port of Little Rock to attract retail amenities and a potential new daycare facility. Continue Create Little Rock partnership with StudioMain for annual Pop Up in the Rock event, demonstrating the art of the possible in placemaking. Fund a public art piece with Love Little Rock logo and history of the Chamber, Love Little Rock story. Continue partnership with statewide campaign committee for economic development districts constitutional amendment. If passed, convene a working group to capitalize on economic development districts legislation for downtown Little Rock and regional advanced manufacturing/distribution sites.
2026-2028 Strategic Initiatives & Measurables
5,000 new jobs with $220 million in new regional payroll from Chamber-led projects.
Launch a regional talent attraction brand, equipping investors with assets and toolkits to recruit a talented workforce. Produce a national public perception report, better understanding the regional and national perception of Little Rock. Achieve positive public relations placements in regional and national publications.
Regional Employment Target
400,000 people working in the Little Rock MSA by Dec. 31, 2033.
INVESTMENT
Proposed Budget (2026-2028) $1,850,000 Target Budget (Stretch Goal: $2,000,000)
$775,000: Corporate Retention/Expansion & Recruitment (Job Creation) $444,000: Talent Development & Attraction $331,000: Innovation & Entrepreneurship $300,000: Marketing, Image Building, Public Relations
Additional funding will be placed towards talent initiatives, national public relations, and research.
$331,000: Innovation & Entrepreneurship 17.9%
$775,000: Corporate Recruitment, Job Creation & Retention 41.9%
$444,000: Talent Development & Attraction 24%
$300,000: Marketing, Image Building, Public Relations 16.2%
Competitor Market Funding
Private Investment
Public Investment
$5.5M $5.4M $4.8M $4.2M $3.5M $3.0M $3.0M $2.6M $2.0M
Dallas Regional Chamber Baton Rouge Area Chamber Kansas City Area Development Council Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Birmingham Business Alliance Greater Memphis Chamber
Tulsa Regional Chamber Huntsville Area Chamber Little Rock Regional Chamber
0 1000000 2000000 3000000 4000000 5000000 6000000
MetRock Investor Benefits Matrix
Engagement Opportunities
$150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $30,000 $12,500 $7,500 $3,000
Guaranteed inclusion in special invitation-only events Invitation to CEO Leadership Dinner with other area CEOs Annual 1 on 1 visit with Chamber President and CEO Opportunity for annual in-person update with Chamber senior leadership team Opportunity for quarterly update call with Chamber VP of economic development Opportunity to participate with 1 or 2 business or talent attraction events Opportunity to participate in Little Rock public relations efforts One Young Professional Represented on Create Little Rock Board Access to custom labor analytic reports prepared by Chamber staff
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Opportunity to participate in site selector visits
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Logo recognition in Annual Meeting program
Logo recognition on exterior screen on Chamber building
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Logo recognition in Annual Meeting program
MetRock Investor Benefits Matrix
Engagement Opportunities
$150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $30,000 $12,500 $7,500 $3,000
Annual Visit from Chamber to Investor Company for a Customized Update Opportunity to participate in investor roundtables Invitations to new company welcome receptions Opportunity to schedule 1 on 1 with LRRC economic development team Invitation to MetRock Forward Insider Events Opportunity to involve senior-level representatives in committees, as needed Invitations to Announcements, Groundbreakings, and Grand Openings Subscription to MetRock Forward quarterly update Listed recognition as investor on Chamber website & marketing materials Listed recognition on exterior screen on Chamber building Inclusion in Capital Assets regional promotion magazine Inclusion in Annual Meeting program as economic development investor Listing in corporate resource book provided to new-to-market companies
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MetRock Forward Engagement
Faymonville Investor Welcome Reception
Announcement Invitations
Dallas Site Location Consultant Event
Site Location Consultant Luncheon
Amazon in Arkansas Briefing
Welspun: Governor’s Office
Benchmarking Trips
Tech Park Phase II Tour
Port of Little Rock Bus Tour
Elopak Project: Behind The Scenes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I become a MetRock Forward investor? Contact Jack Thomas, the Chamber’s Vice President of Economic Development and complete a letter of intent (LOI). Why does MetRock Forward exist and what is my investment used for? MetRock Forward exists to promote Little Rock on the global stage the preferred choice to start, grow, or locate a business, creating jobs and capital investment. Your investment will be used to promote Little Rock, attract companies, develop talent, and build an ecosystem of innovation. Do I have to be a Chamber member first? Yes, MetRock Forward is an additional investment on top of your Chamber membership. Out of our 2,000 Chamber members, over 100 organizations are also investing in this important, regional economic development initiative. If you aren’t already a Chamber member, we’ll be happy to get you started as both a Chamber member and MetRock Forward Investor. Has MetRock Forward been successful? Since 2005, the Chamber has led successful economic development projects resulting in 29,990 new jobs, $1,158,590,545 new payroll, and $6,222,606,950 in new capital investment, generating significant tax revenue for Little Rock and surrounding communities. Why is it beneficial for me and my business to get involved? Economic development success directly impacts quality of life in the Little Rock region by providing higher levels of discretionary income that circulates throughout the regional economy. MetRock Forward also provides an opportunity to engage with new-to-market companies, participate in discussions to improve our community, and have direct engagement with the Chamber senior leadership team. How long is my commitment? To build a sustained economic development program, a multi-year investment is required. MetRock Forward investors commit to a three year pledge. Invoicing can be billed annually or quarterly. Who else is involved in MetRock Forward? Over 100 companies in the Little Rock region that recognize the importance of the work conducted by the Little Rock Regional Chamber and its generational impact. See following pages for a complete list of investors. Financial Accountability Statement Fiscal responsibility and financial accountability is of the utmost importance to the Little Rock Regional Chamber. To promote transparency, the Chamber participates in extensive, annual audits of both public and private funds.
THANK YOU to our MetRock Forward investors that enable the Little Rock region to not just compete on the global stage, but to win.
MetRock Forward Investors
ACE Glass All Weather Insulated Panels
Cushman & Wakefield-Sage Partners Datamax Inc. Delta Dental of Arkansas Doyne Construction Company Dyke Industries, Inc. East Harding Construction ECCI Elopak Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Entergy Arkansas Faymonville Distribution US First Community Bank First Horizon First Security Bank FORVIS Mazars Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP FROST, PLLC Goodwill Industries of Arkansas Gray Construction Halff Associates, Inc. Harrison Energy Partners
Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority Mainstream Technologies, Inc. McGeorge Contracting Company, Inc. McGriff Middleton Heat & Air MISO Energy Mitchell Williams Nabholz Platinum Drywall, Inc. Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC Red Head Farm LLC Regions Bank Riceland Foods, Inc. Saracen Casino Partners Simmons Bank Southwest Power Pool Staffmark Stephens Inc. Summit Utilities Telcoe Federal Credit Union Terracon Consultants The Janet Jones Company The Wilson Law Group Trex Company, Inc. Uniti Group Inc. UA-Pulaski Technical College UA-Little Rock
Alston Construction Apartment Hunters ARCO Design Build
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Arkansas Capital Corporation Group Arkansas Children’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Arvest (Bank & Foundation) ASAP Personnel Services AT&T Bailey Construction and Consulting LLC Bailey Holding Company Baldwin & Shell Construction Company Bale Chevrolet Baptist Health Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport BNSF Railway BOND.AI Cadence Bank Cadence Insurance CDI Contractors Centennial Bank Central Arkansas Water CHI St. Vincent City of Little Rock CJRW Clark Contractors, LLC Coldwell Banker RPM Group Comfort Systems USA (Arkansas), Inc.
Hathaway Group HoganTaylor LLP Hyden, Miron & Foster, PLLC inVeritas Isom Company
Keathley Patterson Industrial Kelley Commercial Partners Kinco Constructors, LLC Kutak Rock LLP Legacy Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Lexicon, Inc. Little Rock Port Authority
UA-Medical Sciences Welspun Tubular, LLC WER Architects/Planners Westrock Coffee Company, LLC Wright Lindsey Jennings
Crafton, Tull & Associates, Inc. Cromwell Architects Engineers
Chamber Economic Development Staff Jay Chesshir, CCE President and CEO Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.377.6002 jchesshir@littlerockchamber.com
Jack Thomas, CEcD Vice President, Economic Development Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.766.2171 jthomas@littlerockchamber.com Kristi Barr Director, Talent Initiatives Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.377.6017 kbarr@littlerockchamber.com Jarod Wickliffe Director, Business Development Retention & Expansion 501.377.6014 jwickliffe@littlerockchamber.com Mallory Nelson Economic Development Team Coordinator Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.377.6015 mnelson@littlerockchamber.com
Madison Canada Vice President, Marketing Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.377.6003 mcanada@littlerockchamber.com
Kellen Davis Director, Small Business/Entrepreneurship Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.377.6012 kdavis@littlerockchamber.com
Teuana Smith Director, Diversity Initiatives Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.377.6031 tsmith@littlerockchamber.com
Chamber Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Board of Directors*
Nat Lea - Arkansas Democrat Gazette (Chairman) Troy Wells - Baptist Health (Past Chairman) Ruth Whitney - Inveritas (Vice Chair) Patrick Schueck - Lexicon (Treasurer) Jay Chesshir - Little Rock Regional Chamber Laura Landreaux - Entergy Arkansas Jay Meador - First Horizon Robin Miller - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Arkansas Realty Dexter Doyne - Doyne Construction Company, Inc. Curtis Barnett - Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ron Witherspoon - Arvest Anthony Brooks - Platinum Drywall, Inc. Kristin Merlo - Delta Dental of Arkansas Will Ford - Westrock Coffee Company Bobby Gosser - Baldwin & Shell Construction Merritt Dyke - Dyke Industries, Inc Rajesh Chokhani - BOND.AI Jim Cargill - Back Porch Consulting
Hunter Bale - Bale Chevrolet Company Susan Desselle - Capital Sotheby’s International Realty Anika C. Dixon - Goss Management & Realty Chris M. Heitzmann - Caterpillar Inc. Wes Martin - Hathaway Group Laura Nick - Garver Kevin Reynolds - W&W | AFCO Steel Chris White - Simmons Bank Rodney Abston - Regions Bank Michele Beasley - Telcoe Federal Credit Union Daryl Brown - MISO Energy Robin Connell - leafscape Steve Lancaster - Wright Lindsey Jennings Gordon Silaski - Centennial Bank Lanny Nickell - Southwest Power Pool C. Sam Walls III - ACC Group Jessica Flake Dearnley - Flake & Company Heather Jones - Bank of America Brian Marsh - Goodwill Industries of Arkansas Julie McCallister - ECCI Brendan Monaghan - Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Carlton Saffa - Saracen Casino Resort Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl - mhp.si
John Burgess - Mainstream Technologies Ronnie Dedman - AT&T Arkansas (Retired) Kevin Crass - Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP
*Plus 31 Ex Officio Members
Contact Us
Jay Chesshir President and CEO Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.377.6002 jchesshir@littlerockchamber.com Jack Thomas Vice President, Economic Development Little Rock Regional Chamber 501.766.2171 jthomas@littlerockchamber.com
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