Arkansas State Chamber / AIA

One of the best things the State Chamber/AIA does to foster a business-friendly climate, aside from their policy work, is traveling around the state to talk directly to local businesses. They gather feedback through research and surveys, which informs the policy positions they advocate for during legislative sessions. The State Chamber/AIA unifies different types of businesses by focusing on overarching issues like taxes, workers’ compensation, and healthcare—issues that impact every business in Arkansas, regardless of size.

When the State Chamber/AIA says ‘business matters,’ they really mean it.

The State Chamber works tirelessly to protect and advance the business climate in Arkansas. They are nimble, stay close to their membership, and can establish an agenda on short notice to address key issues like tax policy, workers’ compensation, and workforce development.

The State Chamber is a first-class organization run by first-class people who are committed to growing Arkansas and its businesses. We’re fortunate to have them championing for us in the state.

Many businesses in our state have benefited from the advocacy of the State Chamber/AIA, because they can bring their needs directly to the Chamber… The State Chamber/AIA is indiscriminate in helping all members, regardless of the business’ size or importance. Everyone I know who has brought a problem to the Chamber has received attention and the best effort to mitigate their issues, which is all you can ask for from an organization that advocates for you.

The State Chamber is Arkansas’s strongest advocate for business interests through their lobbying team, executive development through their Leadership Arkansas program, and workforce development through their Be Pro Be Proud initiative.

The State Chamber is active in the policymaking arena at the Arkansas General Assembly, representing the interests of businesses effectively where the regulations and statutes governing business are set. The State Chamber helps to find opportunities for alignment among its members on various issues. While there may be times when members are on opposite sides, the Chamber often helps organize businesses to speak with a single voice, amplifying important messages on behalf of its members.

The State Chamber/AIA serves as a watchdog on the legislative process. Each session, they report on activities, analyze bills, and help us understand which ones might hurt our competitiveness or impose extra requirements. They report on legislative performance and reviews previous legislative sessions. They do a great job of connecting and getting the word out about larger policy issues to every corner of the state.

I don’t think there’s another organization in the state that does as much for businesses and supports them the way the State Chamber does. They promote pro-business policies, try to impact economic development, and provide networking opportunities and professional growth for their members.

The State Chamber/AIA has a passion for helping businesses not just survive, but thrive in Arkansas. They work day in and day out to make the state a better place for businesses to operate.

The State Chamber/AIA influences the business climate by ensuring that stakeholders have a seat at the table. Having a seat at the table is critically important, and the State Chamber believes in what they say. They trust the community, and the community trusts them, which secures and builds on that relationship.

Having that relationship with the Chamber puts us at the table and puts us in front of whatever policies need to take place. We’re the first to know.

The State Chamber/AIA is the recognized voice and leader for the business community in Arkansas. Their legislative accomplishments and leadership efforts have enabled the state to develop a thriving climate for business and industry, helping Arkansas to be competitive both nationally and internationally. When business or industry needs help, the State Chamber/AIA stands ready. By joining and supporting the State Chamber/AIA, businesses unite and achieve goals that would not be possible when working alone.