Business Matters

About the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas

We serve as the primary business advocate on all issues affecting Arkansas employers. Our mission is to promote a pro-business, free-enterprise agenda and prevent anti-business legislation, regulations and rules.

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Business Matters

Mission & Vision

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas are private, non-profit corporations that are totally funded by dues from our members. Together, the State Chamber/AIA accomplishes its mission through:

Our governmental affairs program, through which we actively communicate and work with government officials to protect, preserve and enhance legislation that protects the business community.

Networking and cooperating with state and local leaders and government officials, local chambers of commerce, trade associations, local industrial and economic development organizations, and, of course, our own members.

Each organization has its own officers and its own directors, but both share headquarters and professional staff in Little Rock.

HOW IT BEGAN

Our History

The State Chamber and AIA have advocated for business interests for nearly a century. Established in 1928, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas were founded to promote economic growth statewide. In order to better coordinate economic development efforts tailored to each region’s unique characteristics, the State Chamber and AIA refocused their respective roles after World War II. The State Chamber took on the role of coordinating local chambers across cities and counties, while the Associated Industries of Arkansas concurrently provided political support for business and industrial interests in tandem with the State Chamber’s mission.

Over the years, the State Chamber and AIA have played a significant role in guiding the state’s economic development efforts. The State Chamber and AIA have been instrumental in the establishment of key institutions like the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (formerly the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission), the Institute for Economic Advancement (formerly the Industrial Research and Extension Center), the Graduate Institute of Technology, and other agencies essential to the state’s growth.

HOW WE PROGRESS

Leadership

The State Chamber and AIA are each guided by an executive committee made up of members from diverse businesses and sectors across the state. These leaders work together to identify the most pressing needs of State Chamber/AIA members and recommend solutions to ensure that Arkansas businesses can thrive.

State Chamber Leadership AIA Leadership

THOSE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN

Staff

Get to know the dedicated individuals driving the mission of the State Chamber/AIA. Our team brings a wealth of expertise and passion to their roles, working tirelessly to advocate for our members and advance the economic interests of Arkansas.

Our Staff

STATE CHAMBER / AIA

Committees

Committees are essential to the success of the State Chamber/AIA. Comprised of business leaders and subject matter experts from member companies across Arkansas, these committees provide the State Chamber/AIA governmental affairs team with guidance on complex topics requiring specific expertise.