Six communities chosen to take part in the 2024 Retail Academy program
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has selected six Arkansas communities to participate in the 2024 Retail Academy program. The participating communities include Crossett, Hope, Marion, Morrilton, Newport, and Stuttgart.
“The Newport Economic Development Commission is honored and excited to be part of this year’s group of communities selected to participate in the Retail Academy,” said Jon Chadwell, director of economic development for the Newport Economic Development Commission. “Our partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission continues to enrich Newport and Jackson County in so many ways.”
The Retail Academy program provides rural communities with online education, market research, and technical assistance to assist them with recruiting retail opportunities to their region. The program provides local leaders with the resources and knowledge needed to recruit and support retail and restaurant businesses in their communities.
“Attracting retail opportunities is a key element for keeping our local communities growing and vibrant,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Retail Academy program will provide the resources and knowledge that local economic developers need to recruit retail companies to their communities.”
Retail Academy was developed by Retail Strategies, a Birmingham, Ala.-based municipal consultancy firm focused on retail recruitment and downtown revitalization, and will be administered by AEDC’s Community Development Division. Specific services and resources offered during Retail Academy include customized training, peer analysis, demographic overviews, a retail marketing guide, networking opportunities, and access to online courses.
“Clint O’Neal and his team at AEDC are committed to the growth and prosperity of rural Arkansas communities,” said Lacy Beasley, president of Retail Strategies. “Many deserving communities need better restaurants, grocery stores and shopping options but don’t have the tools or experience to effectively take a proactive approach to recruiting those businesses. Retail Academy empowers community leaders with custom retail recruitment plans, training, and ongoing support to demystify the process so they can take action.”
The 2024 Retail Academy program began Oct. 1 and runs through September 2025.
“The city of Marion is excited to partner with Retail Strategies through the Retail Academy program,” said Beth Wilson, director of economic development for the city of Marion. “This opportunity will enhance our efforts to attract and support retail businesses in our community. We thank the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for awarding Marion the grant to participate in this initiative, which will help us drive economic growth and development.”