The Little Rock Regional Chamber (LRRC) wrapped up 2022 with the largest and most prestigious event of the year, our 157th Annual Meeting, presented by Saracen Casino Resort.
The highlight of the luncheon was a discussion with Rick Cooper, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Grady Harvell, President and Chief Operating Officer of W&W|AFCO Steel. LRRC President & CEO Jay Chesshir moderated the conversation which focused on the company’s latest expansion, an $18.7 million steel fabrication plant at the Little Rock Port with 115 new jobs.
Cooper and Harvell also shared that the company has provided steel for the stadiums for the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, expansions of Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, and the infrastructure to support the 30 Crossing transportation project in Little Rock. Chesshir also pointed out that when the I-40 bridge connecting West Memphis and Memphis failed in May, W&W | AFCO Steel supplied steel to help get the bridge back open.
The National Anthem was performed by Nia Renee and colors presented by the Jacksonville High School Air Force JROTC.
Rajesh Chokhani of Bond.AI was elected to serve as Board Chairman in 2023.
"I am the best example of how our business community embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion by giving me the opportunity to serve as your first Indian American Chairman of the Board," said Chokhani during the luncheon.
Arvest Bank provided seamless check-in. Partner sponsors were Mainstream Technologies, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, AT&T Arkansas, the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau and TC Print Solutions.
157th Annual Meeting focuses on building a better future
June 15, 2023