by - May 10, 2026 8:45 am
The next decade will define Arkansas’ economic future
It’s easy to forget just how much Arkansas has changed over the past decade. Not all of it has been obvious day to day, but taken together, the progress has…
Tag: Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
by - January 27, 2026 2:00 pm
State Chamber leader Randy Zook expects 2026 to be pivotal year
Randy Zook is the CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas. It’s a role he’s held for two decades, and he’s seen a…
by - January 9, 2025 2:47 pm
Landreaux, Hegeman to chair State Chamber, AIA in 2025
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas Inc. (AIA) announced new board leadership for 2025. Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, has been…
by - March 6, 2024 1:47 pm
State Chamber CEO: Arkansas ‘more economically competitive’ than ever
In recent years, Arkansas has become increasingly more economically competitive. Randy Zook, CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, said it has a lot…
by - December 6, 2023 5:01 pm
State Chamber’s Candice Lawrence selected for prestigious U.S. Chamber Foundation program
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Candice Lawrence, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas and Executive Director of Arkansas…
by - March 1, 2023 11:51 am
Chelsea O’Kelley named communications director for State Chamber, AIA
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas Inc. announced Wednesday (March 1) that Chelsea O’Kelley has been named director of communications. In this role, O’Kelley will coordinate and…
by - February 7, 2023 10:14 am
State Chamber announces new board of directors; Signature Bank CEO to chair
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas announced Tuesday (Feb. 7) that Gary Head has been elected chairman of the State Chamber board of directors,…
by - October 25, 2022 7:04 pm
State Chamber chief expects inflation to persist, foresees Congressional gridlock
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce CEO Randy Zook talks to business leaders – large and small – every day. Through his crystal ball, he expects major headwinds for national and…
by - August 18, 2022 8:01 am
Candice Lawrence promoted at State Chamber, will also lead AEDCE
Candice Lawrence, the communications and marketing director for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, has been promoted to two new roles. Lawrence, who joined the…
by - September 12, 2021 9:58 am
State Chamber chief says organization unlikely to take position on vaccine mandate; wants corporate income tax reduction
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas President and CEO Randy Zook says the business community’s reaction to a Biden executive order mandating vaccines has been “muted.” He also…
by - April 4, 2021 10:46 am
State Chamber chief says hate crimes law needed; pushing for employers to help with vaccines
State lawmakers should pass a newly filed hate crimes bill and Arkansas employers need to fully embrace vaccines for their workers. That’s the blunt assessment from Randy Zook, CEO of…
by - December 9, 2020 11:53 am
2021 State Chamber, AIA officers and directors announced
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas shared the results of their officer elections for 2021 on Wednesday (Dec. 9). Ronald Dedman of AT&T Arkansas was…
by - April 12, 2020 10:12 am
State Chamber chief: Hospitality hurting, healthcare next
The most apparent hit to the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic is the quick closures of indoor gatherings for restaurants, hotels and other businesses in the hospitality industry, said Randy…
by - November 6, 2019 2:25 pm
State Chamber crowd primed for changing workforce, industry landscape
“The world is changing too fast.” That’s one of a litany of concerns that Ted Abernathy outlined for about 600 statewide business leaders on Wednesday (Nov. 6) at the Arkansas…
by - September 8, 2019 10:34 am
State Chamber CEO: China tariffs ‘a long game’
Business leader Randy Zook said negotiations between the U.S. and China won’t be resolved soon, but he believes the end result will be better for the American consumer. Zook, president…
by - October 30, 2016 2:53 pm
Issue 3 will mean jobs for Arkansas
Editor’s note: Randy Zook is president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, and is serving as vice chairman of the Jobs for Arkansas committee….
by - February 10, 2015 5:15 pm
State Chamber planning workforce needs, opportunities push
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce is preparing a major campaign to call attention to the state’s workforce needs and opportunities. Meanwhile, legislators are preparing to consider a package of…
by - November 1, 2013 12:31 pm
State Chamber chief says education system needs work
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Zook said Friday (Nov. 1) that 98,000 Arkansans are unemployed and about 100,000 Arkansans are underemployed – in jobs that do…
by - October 21, 2013 9:36 am
Business leaders: D.C. actions ‘put things on hold’
The latest Talk Business roundtable included three state business leaders who discussed the federal government shutdown, workforce challenges, health care reform, and current economic conditions. Randy Zook, CEO of the…
by - August 28, 2013 6:53 pm
State Chamber to push out two new workforce websites
The State Chamber/Associated Industries of Arkansas is planning to launch two new websites to address workforce development needs in Arkansas. “Intern in Arkansas” will match a student’s area of study…