Arkansas World Trade Center officials to visit Jonesboro

A group of state trade officials will have an opportunity to meet Jonesboro business owners about the importance of trade in today’s economy, City Finance Director Suzanne Allen said Monday (May 9).

During the weekly press conference Monday at the Jonesboro Municipal Center, Allen said officials with the Arkansas World Trade Center will visit Jonesboro later this month to learn more about local businesses and their ability to trade.

Dan Hendrix with the group will visit several places in Jonesboro on May 19. Allen said the group has worked in Northwest Arkansas for several years and has made it a priority to work in Northeast Arkansas.

There are several agriculture-based companies in the Jonesboro area, which would benefit from the trade opportunities. Allen said companies like Riceland Foods are already involved with the group, while opportunities are also available for other companies.

The Rogers-based non-profit group, created in 2007, works to facilitate foreign trade, according to its website. The University of Arkansas, the governor’s office and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission were among several groups that helped to found the Arkansas World Trade Center.

Allen said the group will visit several area businesses, while the chamber and the city will host a meet and greet from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. May 19 at Cooper Alumni Center on the ASU campus.