Little Rock Chamber, partners launch $10,000 talent recruitment campaign

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) May 1, 2023 1:46 pm 1,172 views 

Little Rock business leaders announced a new initiative to recruit workers – Arkansas expatriates and newcomers – to the city with an incentive program that could provide $10,000 to participants.

Touting the effort as the Little Rock Love Connection, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce said it was an extension of a six-year old effort called “Love, Little Rock,” which highlighted the region’s attractions for business.

“Not only is Little Rock a city to fall in love with, it’s also an amazing hub of regional career possibilities,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “Our beautiful region is growing and offers a friendly, dynamic and diverse culture. Little Rock also offers affordable housing options, making it an ideal location to build a successful and meaningful career while enjoying a high-quality life. We’re excited to encourage more people to explore what Little Rock has to offer and join us in making it even better.”

Through the website – MoveToLR.com – the campaign offers both newcomers and former Arkansans a personalized job match opportunity and $10,000. Also, local residents can join the movement by playing matchmaker and referring friends and family to the program, which could earn them $501, a play on the region’s area code.

“With a growing number of businesses and industries expanding in the area, I’m excited to see what the Chamber is doing to nurture economic growth for our growing city and region,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. “Recruiting new residents by offering these incentives will strengthen our city’s workforce, create more long-term growth, and enhance the quality of life and place for all of our residents and surrounding neighbors here in the 501.”

Cash incentive-based talent recruitment campaigns are gaining popularity nationwide to bolster the workforce for expanding economies. Northwest Arkansas has done two installments of a similar campaign in 2020 and 2022.

The Little Rock Regional Chamber is partnering with area employers in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, to offer a diverse range of job opportunities for incoming residents. Business partners to-date include:

  • Stephens
  • City of Little Rock
  • Arvest Bank
  • Little Rock Port Authority
  • Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Baptist Health
  • CHI St. Vincent
  • Saracen Casino Resort
  • Central Arkansas Water
  • Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority
  • Mainstream Technologies, Inc.
  • Arkansas Children’s
  • Lexicon, Inc.
  • Halff
  • Cadence Insurance
  • BOND.AI
  • FORVIS
  • J.A. Riggs Tractor Company
  • McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc.
  • Apptegy
  • Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, Inc.
  • Attorneys Title Group, PLLC
  • Baldwin & Shell Construction Company
  • Bell & Company, PA
  • Edafio
  • First Orion
  • L’Oréal USA
  • McLarty Nissan of Little Rock
  • Remington
  • Revolution
  • Sig Sauer
  • Simmons Bank
  • Wilson Law Group, PLLC

The Chamber will also connect new arrivals with resources and support networks, including realtors, volunteer opportunities and networking events to help them acclimate to their new environment and build lasting relationships.