NASHVILLE — The Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance (SADA) will bring together regional
leaders on April 10th for the State of the Southwest Luncheon in Nashville, an event focused on the
partnerships and investments shaping the future of Southwest Arkansas.
The luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Midtown Social in Nashville and will feature
Arkansas Secretary of Commerce, Hugh McDonald, along with Randy Zook, President and CEO of the
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, and regional industry and utility leaders.
Panel discussions will highlight the economic outlook for Southwest Arkansas, including infrastructure
investment, utilities, and industry activity across the region.
“As the host community, Nashville is excited to welcome leaders from across Southwest Arkansas,” said
Vanessa Weeks, Economic Development Director for Developing Howard County and Treasurer of the
Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance. “The Southwest Arkansas Community College Consortium, this
year’s presenting sponsor, represents a unified approach to workforce development and long-term growth.
That kind of collaboration is what’s driving this region forward.”
The consortium includes UA Cossatot, UA Hope-Texarkana, UA Rich Mountain, SouthArk College, and SAU
Tech, which have collaborated since 2013 to align education and training with the needs of regional
employers.
“Southwest Arkansas is strongest when our communities and partners are working together as a region,”
said Anna Powell, President the Hope-Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation and current
President of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance. “The State of the Southwest luncheon is our
opportunity to bring stakeholders from across the region together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships,
and continue building momentum for the future of Southwest Arkansas.”
“Our colleges have a long history of working together to support students, employers, and communities
across this region,” said Dr. Steve Cole, UA Cossatot Chancellor. “Serving as the presenting sponsor reflects
our shared commitment to preparing the workforce that will support the next chapter of economic growth
in Southwest Arkansas.”
Tickets for the State of the Southwest Luncheon are $50.00 and available online at
www.buildseviercounty.org/sada