LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (August 12, 2024) – The Little Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Conway, again reached unprecedented employment levels, setting a new record for the number of people employed across the Little Rock region.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Data: Continued Growth and Employment Surge
The Little Rock MSA reached a peak employment milestone in June 2024. The region reported 370,420 employed individuals, up 12,856 jobs or 3.6% from the 357,564 employed in June 2023 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Talk Business & Politics).
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Little Rock MSA
With ongoing economic development projects recently completed or under construction, the future of the Little Rock region will continue the strong momentum. A few of these projects include Dassault Falcon Jet, Elopak, Fiocchi, Sequretek, Trex, Westrock Coffee, and others. Most recently, Westrock Coffee opened its state-of-the-art facility in Conway, creating nearly 1,000 jobs in Central Arkansas. Headquartered in Little Rock, Westrock is the country's leading integrated coffee, tea, and extract service provider, marking the largest capital investment in Conway's history. In April, Elopak broke ground on their new facility, part of a $70 million investment to create over 150 new jobs. Dassault Falcon Jet announced a $100 million expansion at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, adding over 800 new jobs. Trex continues to make progress at its new production site at the Port of Little Rock and will significantly expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities, creating an additional 500 jobs.
To support additional jobs and investment, the Little Rock Regional Chamber is working diligently to advance the development of a “shovel-ready” 1,000+ acre supersite to attract a generational economic development project. After years of planning and behind-the-scenes work, 2024 has seen monumental strides for the supersite with nearing completion of land acquisition, construction of an industrial-grade road and new rail track, decommissioning of on-site structures, completion of due diligence studies, and development of critical utility infrastructure to serve the site.
To support the growth of entrepreneurship and technology-based companies, the City of Little Rock has allocated $3 million for the Phase 2 development of the Little Rock Technology Park, a 21st-century idea factory. Since its opening in 2017, the Tech Park has become a hub for innovation, attracting companies from New York, Atlanta, St. Louis, Plano, New Orleans, and India. The park is home to success stories like Apptegy, Abaca, Sequretek, ValuePro, BOND.AI, SW Tech Partners, Alleviant Health, and Few. The Venture Center, known globally for its award-winning FinTech accelerator programs, is also located at the Tech Park. With 49 companies currently occupying the space, including 19 minority/women-owned enterprises, the Tech Park is expanding, with renovations expected to be completed by summer 2024. This expansion will include a state-of-the-art conference center, flexible workspaces, and modern amenities, further establishing Little Rock as a competitive player in the regional and national tech economy.
About Little Rock Regional Chamber
The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization responsible for fostering the economic growth and development of the Little Rock region to ensure that business and industry may operate profitably and enhance the earning opportunities and quality of life for every citizen.