The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) is charging ahead in 2025 with new initiatives and national recognition, according to Executive Director Clint O’Neal in a recent interview discussing the agency’s latest developments.
O’Neal highlighted the launch of the Community Grant Assistance Program, a new $15 million initiative designed to address local needs and boost economic stability across the state.
“We’re really excited about this Community Assistance Grant Program,” said O’Neal. “Governor Sanders and the Arkansas Legislature have allocated funds for the AEDC and the Department of Human Services to identify community needs-helping from the bottom up, not just the top down. This means empowering municipalities and nonprofits to reduce poverty, promote self-sufficiency and revitalize communities.”
O’Neal emphasized that these community improvements are not just about social good-they are foundational to Arkansas’ long-term economic success.
“These efforts lead to a more stable economy and benefits for Arkansans,” he added.
The AEDC is also looking to grow one of Arkansas’ most critical industries: aerospace and defense. This summer, O’Neal will join Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and other officials at the Paris Air Show, one of the world’s largest aerospace gatherings, to promote Arkansas to global investors.
“You know, aerospace and defense is one of Arkansas’s key industries. In fact, it’s our number one export,” O’Neal said. “The Paris Air Show gives us the opportunity to meet with CEOs of companies that already do business in Arkansas-and thank them for employing Arkansans-as well as pitch to new companies why they should invest in the Natural State.”
O’Neal said the state’s message to prospective companies is clear: Arkansas offers a strong workforce, low business costs and unwavering support for industry growth.
“It’s definitely the place to be,” he said. “It’s where deals are signed, contracts are made, and we’re just there saying, ‘Hey, consider doing it in a place that supports you every step of the way.'”
Arkansas’ economic momentum is also gaining national attention. O’Neal cited multiple rankings that show the state as a rising economic leader.
“We’ve been named as the state with the fastest growing GDP in the last two quarters of 2024,” he said, referencing data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. “Arkansas also broke into the top 10 in the ‘Rich States, Poor States’ list by the American Legislative Exchange Council and was recognized for having the lowest inflation rate increase from 2021 to 2024, according to the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee.”
O’Neal credited the progress to strong leadership at both the state and local levels.
“A lot of positive news continues to come out under Governor Sanders, our supportive legislature, and the excellent community leaders across Arkansas,” he said. “We’re really excited about the momentum that we have.”
O’Neal was recently named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America by Consultant Connect. He said the honor reflects the team effort behind Arkansas’ economic successes.
“I’ll accept that on behalf of the team,” he said. “What we do is a team effort. We have incredible professionals at AEDC and great local leaders across the state. I’m very honored by that recognition.”
For more information on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and its programs, visit www.arkansasedc.com.
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