Central, Northwest Arkansas Among Top Places To Do Business

Arkansas’ two largest metropolitan areas once again find themselves ranked among the nation’s top places to do business.

Forbes magazine on Wednesday placed Northwest Arkansas (No. 28) and Central Arkansas (No.32) near the top of 200 metropolitan statistical areas as “Best Places for Business and Careers.”

“People in both of our regions and around the state are working together to show some of the business advantages to being in Arkansas,” Mike Malone, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council, said in a statement “In both regions, efforts to create high-paying jobs, improve educational attainment and develop regional amenities are paying dividends. Our economies in Central and Northwest Arkansas are unique enough that we don’t compete, and we can root for the other’s success.”

The Northwest Arkansas economy is recognized as home to Wal-Mart Stores, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Simmons Foods and the University of Arkansas, the state’s flagship institution. In all, there are 30 companies in the region with annual revenue exceeding $100 million.

Central Arkansas’ diverse economy, centered around the state capital in Little Rock, is home to Stephens Inc., Windstream Communications, Dillard’s Inc., Acxiom, Dassault Falcon Jet Corp., The William J. Clinton Presidential Center, Winrock International and Heifer International.

Jay Chesshir, president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce said, “Great states have great regions that work together. With global competition, it’s never been more important to combine efforts to amplify Arkansas’ unique position in the world. These rankings are more evidence that our collaborative efforts yield results.”

The top 50 communities listed this year by Forbes as “Best Places for Business and Careers” are widely recognized by economic developers and in many publications as the nation’s elite regions. They provide good jobs, excellent schools and a high quality of life. They are solid communities now, and their leaders are determined to see them keep getting better, said Mike Harvey, the Council’s chief operating officer.