Hope selected to participate in AEDC Retail Academy program

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has selected six Arkansas communities to participate in the 2024 Retail Academy program. The participating communities include Hope, Crossett, Marion, Morrilton, Newport, and Stuttgart.

“Hempstead County Economic Development in partnership with the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to receive the Retail Academy grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission,” said Anna Lee Powell, president of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation. “Education for our leaders in retail recruitment and data will play a crucial role in empowering our local businesses and retailers. This grant provides us with valuable tools and resources to strengthen the economic foundation of Hempstead County and ensure sustainable growth and opportunities for Southwest Arkansas. It’s a significant step toward rural development in Southwest Arkansas and enhancing opportunities for our regional economy.”

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 begins October 1 and runs through September 30, 2025.