Hope representatives at Retail Academy meeting

Brandi Tuttle, Office Manager/Program Coordinator and Anna Powell, President of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation and Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christy Burns at meeting. HCEDC photo

CONWAY – Anna Powell, President of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation and Brandi Tuttle, Office Manager/Program Coordinator, along with Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Christy Burns, were in Conway this week at the Retail Academy for information to bring back to Hope.

Hope is one of six communities across the state selected by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to participate in the 2024 Retail Academy program.

Powell said at the time of the announcement, “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.

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.

The 2024 Retail Academy program runs through September 30, 2025.