Economic Developers, Chamber Execs announce organization leaders

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by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) December 27, 2023 7:29 pm 1,202 views 

The Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives (AEDCE) announced its 2024 board of directors. The terms for the newly elected directors officially commence on January 1, 2024.

The statewide leaders appointed to the AEDCE board of directors for 2024 are as follows:

  • Colleen Bailey, City of North Little Rock
  • Alicia Payseno, City of Cabot
  • Leo Cummings III, IOM, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Anita Brackin, Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Tonya Fletcher, PCED, Paris Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Bentley Story, Entergy Arkansas
  • Logan Molock, Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce

“These extraordinary servant leaders from across the state consistently work to improve Arkansas communities, support businesses and improve our workforce. I am greatly looking forward to leveraging the experiences and expertise this board will bring to the AEDCE association in 2024,” said Candice Lawrence, executive director of AEDCE.

The officers of the board of directors for 2024 are President Gary Troutman, IOM with the Hot Springs Metro Partnership/Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce; First Vice-President Steve Cox, IOM with the Rogers Lowell Chamber; Second Vice-President Julie Allen, PCED with the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce; and Treasurer/Secretary Allison Hestand with the Paragould Regional Chamber and Economic Development Corporation of Paragould.

Nancy Lee McNew, CEcD, PCED of the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County
completed her term as board president at the end of 2023 but will remain on the board as immediate past president and an officer through 2024.

Other returning board members are:

  • Steven Lamm, Jonesboro Unlimited
  • James Bell, Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Ashlee Vaughan, Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance
  • Randy Zook, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA
  • Clint O’Neal, Arkansas Economic Development Commission
  • Jack Thomas, Little Rock Regional Chamber
  • Candice Lawrence, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas

The Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives (AEDCE) is the state’s association representing professional and volunteer economic developers and chamber executives in Arkansas.