Arkansas agencies, CJRW collaborate on new state ‘image’ book for business recruitment

A project that involved several state agencies has resulted in the printing of almost 50,000 copies of “All About Arkansas,” a 128-page limited edition book that Gov. Asa Hutchinson and other state officials hope to use in economic development efforts.

The book is the first “image book” produced by the state in nearly a decade, according to a press release from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Also involved with the book project was the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. CJRW, a Little Rock-based communications firm, managed the project, coordinated state agency involvement, and securing private funding. The company also managed content and photography for the book.

More than 35 Arkansas private companies and public agencies from across the state financially supported the project.

The effort’s goal was to create a book to “promote economic development through business growth and travel to the state, enhance the image of Arkansas, and provide a tool to be used in recruiting potential employees and new residents to the state,” noted the press release.

“The first order of business for the State of Arkansas is economic growth and job creation,” Hutchinson said. “All About Arkansas is a valuable tool to help showcase our great state and grow our economy. The fact that so many entities were involved in its production reflects the cooperative spirit we have between the public and private sectors.”

Mike Preston, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said the state needed an updated image book.

“Since the time the last official image book was produced, the face and character of Arkansas has changed dramatically, with more than 200 new facilities and attractions added to our economy,” said Preston. “We look forward to sharing All About Arkansas with prospective companies throughout the world as it highlights the beauty of our state along with some of the world-class companies that call Arkansas home.”

Kane Webb, director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, said the state’s natural beauty and recreational offerings play a role in attracting not only visitors to Arkansas, but also new businesses.

“All About Arkansas, in stunning fashion, shows the world what Arkansans already know: that The Natural State is a place of beauty, hospitality, diversity, culture, opportunity and economic dynamism,” Webb stated in the press release.

While state officials primarily plan to send the book to economic development prospects, it is available to the public. The books are available for $25 each, and orders may be placed by calling the Department of Parks and Tourism at (501) 682-7777.