Top Economic Development Stories of 2020

Arkansas businesses met the monumental challenges of 2020 head-on, innovating to protect employees while adapting their operations during the pandemic. Many Arkansas-based manufacturers pivoted to produce and donate hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment. Other companies throughout Arkansas used creative operations and sales tactics to remain open for business.

The Department of Commerce launched several business assistance programs in response to COVID-19 that helped pave the road to recovery in 2020. For example, the Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program helped statewide businesses cover expenses incurred to keep patrons and employees safe during the pandemic.

Despite the pandemic, the state’s diverse economy and workforce continued to attract companies from various industries to locations all across Arkansas. In 2020, Amazon, Fiocchi, Emerson, Nestlé, Gerber, Cynergy Cargo, and other companies announced major investments that will generate hundreds of jobs for Arkansans.

Under the leadership of Governor Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston, Arkansas is well-positioned to get back to “business as usual” in 2021. Read more about the top economic development stories of 2020 here.