On Tuesday, August 20, the Little Rock Regional Chamber hosted the region’s top manufacturers for a Manufacturing Executives Appreciation Lunch, a gathering that brought together over 25 of the most influential leaders in Central Arkansas’s manufacturing sector. Together, the companies that comprise this group represent over 9,000 employees in the Little Rock region. The lunch served as a platform for industry leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber opened the event. His remarks highlighted the significance of the manufacturing sector in driving economic growth in Central Arkansas. Chesshir expressed gratitude to the industry leaders for their continued contributions to the region's economy and partnership with the Chamber. Chesshir noted that the Little Rock area recently set employment records and commended the manufacturing community as a driving force for the region’s record employment.
Rodney Abston, Senior Vice President and Market Executive at Regions Bank spoke as the event’s sponsor. Abston emphasized Regions Bank’s commitment to supporting local businesses, particularly within the manufacturing sector, which plays a pivotal role in Arkansas's economy.
Chamber Initiatives: A Vision for Growth
The luncheon featured a series of insightful presentations from key Chamber leaders, each offering updates on initiatives and opportunities that directly impact the manufacturing industry.
Jack Thomas, Vice President of Economic Development, kicked off the discussion by outlining the goals, objectives, and the importance of convening the region’s leading manufacturing executives regularly. Thomas shared that while there is publicity for landing new companies, the Chamber’s first priority is the companies already operating in Little Rock and across the region, ensuring the Chamber is supporting the manufacturing community through infrastructure enhancement, public policy initiatives, and workforce development.
The establishment of a manufacturing council for Central Arkansas will be pivotal to address challenges, identifying growth opportunities, and strengthen the local manufacturing ecosystem. The Chamber leadership highlighted initiatives to drive the business community forward that emphasized industry collaboration, workforce development strategies, and policy advancement.
1. Industry Collaboration
Jarod Wickliffe, Director of Business Development, Retention & Expansion, highlighted the Chamber’s efforts to enhance business engagement through industry roundtables. These roundtables aim to address shared challenges and successes, particularly in workforce development, infrastructure, safety and to facilitate peer-to-peer learning among industry professionals.
2. Workforce Development Strategies
Kristi Barr, Director of Human Resources & Talent Initiatives, provided updates on the Chamber’s Talent & Workforce Initiatives, including the recently launched wage & benefit study. These initiatives are designed to arm manufacturers with critical data and resources to attract and retain top talent.
Markous Jewett, Vice President of the Academies of Central Arkansas, then shared news about the Chamber’s collaboration with local schools through the Academies of Central Arkansas. He detailed plans for the upcoming Career Expo, which will connect students with potential employers, offering a glimpse into the diverse career paths within the manufacturing sector. This initiative reflects the Chamber’s commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled workers and the long-term pipeline for employers.
3. Policy & Advocacy
Buckley O’Mell, Vice President of Advocacy, provided an update on the Chamber’s advocacy efforts. His discussion covered key topics such as the Real Time Crime Center and the importance of early childhood education. These initiatives align with the Chamber’s broader mission to create a safe, educated, and economically vibrant community.
A Platform for Dialogue & Collaboration: Open Forum Discussion
The luncheon concluded with an open forum, where attendees engaged in candid discussions on some of the most pressing issues facing the manufacturing sector. Topics ranged from legislative challenges and opportunities to infrastructure needs and workforce shortages.
Looking Ahead: Continued Partnership & Growth
The Little Rock Regional Chamber is proud to have hosted this first-of-its-kind event and looks forward to continuing its partnership with the manufacturing sector. By providing platforms like the Manufacturing Executives Appreciation Lunch, the Chamber reaffirms its dedication to empowering businesses, driving economic growth, and building a prosperous future for all citizens across the Little Rock metro.
Companies interested in joining the Little Rock Regional Manufacturing Council can contact Jarod Wickliffe at 501.377.6014 or jwickliffe@littlerockchamber.com.