The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Rural Services Division hosted its annual Rural Development Conference on May 21-23 in Hot Springs.
The conference offers participants the opportunity to learn about programs and services that assist local communities with development, planning, and revitalization efforts. The target audience for the conference includes state legislators, mayors, county judges, rural firefighters, local community leaders, and community development professionals.
Representatives from the City of Waldron, Scott County and the Waldron Area Chamber of Commerce attended this year’s conference.
“AEDC’s Division of Rural Services is proud to host this annual conference for our rural communities,” said Becca Caldwell, director of Rural Services. “We strive to provide engaging and diverse sessions aimed at tackling the issues rural Arkansas faces while also providing time for our community leaders, economic developers and elected officials to network with their counterparts.”
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivered the opening welcome for the conference on May 21. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin served as the guest speaker during the Rural Development Commission Luncheon on May 22.
Attendees participated in multiple sessions and roundtables throughout the conference. Topics included affordable housing, outdoor economy, rural real estate, regionalism, rural workforce strategies, and grant training.
