Gov. Hutchinson, 6 others receive recognition from state economic developers group

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) August 30, 2022 8:28 am 545 views 

The Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) on Monday (August 29) honored four individuals with the Maria Haley Lifetime Leadership for Economic Development award. Those recognized include Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Clif Chitwood, Kirkley Thomas, and Bryan Scoggins.

Also receiving awards are Cari White, CCE as the Outstanding Chamber Executive; Jon Chadwell, CEcD as the Outstanding Economic Developer; and Bob King as the Volunteer of the Year.

The awards were presented at a luncheon for the AEDCE 2022 annual conference in Little Rock.

AEDCE awards recognize volunteer and professional economic developers and chamber executives for outstanding achievement demonstrated by significant achievements in their community, region, and state over the course of their careers to include professionalism, experience, training and education, service to AEDCE and the profession.

“We are proud to recognize these excellent leaders from across the state playing a vital role in community and economic development,” said Mallory Darby, president of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives. “Recipients of these awards drive and lead development in their respective areas while being proactive to critical workforce needs and advancing community and economic development in transformative ways.”

“Arkansas is stronger thanks to the dedication and tireless efforts of these individuals,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Each award recipient has put in countless hours to make their individual communities – as well as the state as a whole – great places in which to live and work. All are deserving of these incredible honors, and we are thankful to each one for the many years they have dedicated to economic development within our state.”

Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives is the state’s premiere association representing professional and volunteer economic developers and chamber executives in Arkansas. AEDCE’s mission is to enhance the professional development of its membership and to advocate for community and economic development benefiting the citizens of Arkansas.