--1 1 ECONOMIC♦ DEVELOPMENT siteselection.com/cc/arkansas I 2018 Vol. 1 The state that runs like a business and the CEO who makes it happen. -1 1-2 A R K A N S A S : T H E S T A T E T H A T R U N S L I K E A B U S I N E S S8 BUSINESS MOMENTUMWith its central location and global reach, Arkansas’ momentum shows no signs of slowing down. 12 INTERVIEW WITH GOV. HUTCHINSONArkansas’ governor runs his state like a CEO, and business is booming. 17 INTERVIEW WITH MIKE PRESTONThe executive director of AEDC is taking Arkansas from the center of the US to the world. 22 INTERVIEW WITH CLINT O’NEALAttracting businesses and building a solid workforce is key for AEDC’s VP of global business.25 STATISTICAL PROFILEA look at Arkansas’ economy through facts and figures. T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S32 REGION PROFILESIndustry and opportunity take root in regions across the Natural State. 39 DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATIONHistoric downtowns around Arkansas are getting facelifts and attracting new businesses. 43 INCENTIVESCreative incentives help to lure new businesses to the Natural State. 46 FDICompanies from around the world find themselves right at home in Arkansas.Pinnacle Mountain State ParkGovernor Hutchinson48 ENTREPRENEURSHIPThe entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in Arkansas, and communities around the state work to support new ventures. 50 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENTInnovative initiatives are paving the way for the future of Arkansas’ businesses and workforce. 54 TECHNOLOGYFrom workforce development initiatives to low cost of doing business, Arkansas is a natural choice for growing tech firms. 58 ADVANCED MANUFACTURINGFrom equipment manufacturing to paper and steel, Arkansas makes it all. 62 AGRICULTURE & FORESTRYMore than half of the Natural State is covered in forest, growing opportunity for businesses across the state. 64 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYTech companies find new inspiration and opportunity in the state. 66 LOGISTICSWith its central North American location, it’s hard to beat Arkansas’ logistic might. 68 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & SERVICESMajor corporations are making themselves right at home in Arkansas’ communities.70 BIOSCIENCEFrom food to health care and manufacturing, the state’s bioscience sector is healthy and stable. 72 RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENTNo matter where you go in the Natural State, there’s something for everyone. 76 PHOTO GALLERYAll the beauty you’d expect from the Natural State. 80 INDEX TO ADVERTISERS6 A R K A N S A S : T H E S T A T E T H A T R U N S L I K E A B U S I N E S SO N LI N E E D ITI O NTAKE THIS GUIDE WITH YOU ENJOYRead the digital edition on your tablet and phone. Click on links within articles for even more information. SHAREShare the magazine on social media with your friends and community. LINKFeature the magazine on your blog, website or newsletters with a link or one of our easy-to-use tools.siteselection.com/cc/arkansasThe publishers believe that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the in formation is not war ranted, and neither Conway, nor The Arkansas Economic Development Guide, assumes any liability or responsibility for actual, consequential or incidental damages re sulting from inaccurate or erroneous information. PHONE: (770) 446-6996 • FAX: (770) 263-8825 • TOLL FREE: (800) 554-5686 email: editor@conway.com web: siteselection.com/cc/arkansasThe Arkansas Economic Development Guide is published by Conway, 6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 USA. PRINTED IN USA. ©2018 Conway CEO LAURA LYNE President & Publisher ADAM JONES-KELLEY Executive Vice President RONALD J. STARNER VP of Publications & Editor in Chief MARK AREND Managing Editor of Custom Content SAVANNAH KING Managing Editor ADAM BRUNS Senior Editor GARY DAUGHTERS Art Director SCOTT LARSEN Production Manager BOB GRAVLEE Lead Designers SEAN SCANTLAND, RICHARD NENOFF, NEGIN MOMTAZ Jr. Graphic Designer JONATHAN THERRELL Vice President of Sales CHARLES FITZGIBBON Vice President of Corporate Development PAUL TARRANTS Regional Director Custom Content MARGARET ROSE Marketing Manager STEPHANY GASPARD Circulation Manager JULIE CLARKE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TE AM Director of IT DAVID SODEN Webmaster BEN YAWN Database Administration Manager DANIEL BOYERNext >