Registration open for A-State’s NEA economic development and leadership forum

Arkansas State University’s Neil Griffin College of Business will host the 2025 Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum, highlighting the role Northeast Arkansas plays as a key driver of state and regional economic success.

The event will be held on Thursday, Jan. 9th from 11am to 5pm at the Embassy Suites and Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro. More information can be found here.

Attendees will engage with industry leaders and top experts from A-State as they examine pivotal sectors driving growth in the region and across the state, including health care, steel, agriculture and leadership development.

“A-State is at the forefront of shaping the industries that are vital to the prosperity of Northeast Arkansas, the state and beyond,” said Chancellor Todd Shields. “We invite leaders from across the state and region to join us for a forum highlighting A-State’s role in fostering growth and innovation that benefits everyone.”

Tickets for the forum are priced at $30 per person or $250 for a table of 10, with proceeds supporting student scholarships at A-State. Registration is available online at AState.edu/Catalyst.

“This forum will underscore our role in advancing economic growth and leadership development for the betterment of our students, employees and for all Arkansans,” Shields said. “Our university remains committed to driving progress not just locally, but across the entire state and region.”

Organizers are hoping to make Catalyst an annual event that expands into additional industries such as advanced manufacturing, banking, energy, food production, tourism, education, engineering, real estate, and more.