Three Rural Arkansas Communities to Participate in 2026 SelectUSA Summit

Three Arkansas communities will attend the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit as part of the “Invest in Rural America” initiative.

Hempstead County, Howard County, and Sevier County were selected to participate in SelectUSA’s “Invest in Rural America” initiative, providing them with the opportunity to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit. These Arkansas communities are among 32 communities and economic development organizations around the country that were selected for the program.

Through the “Invest in Rural America” program, the three counties will receive complimentary registrations to the SelectUSA Investment Summit, along with access to exclusive data and marketing tools, the opportunity to participate in preparatory programming, and invitations to investor networking opportunities. Hempstead, Howard, and Sevier Counties will also receive the Rural EDO Designation from SelectUSA.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premier foreign direct investment event in the United States. Each year, the SelectUSA Investment Summit attracts more than 5,500 participants and has helped facilitate more than $135 billion in new U.S. investment projects. These projects have supported 105,000 jobs across the United States and its territories.

By participating in the summit and the “Invest in Rural America” program, the three Arkansas counties will be empowered to promote their regions to international companies and have direct, one-on-one facetime with business investors.

 “We are thrilled to be selected for this incredible opportunity,” said Anna Powell, President of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation. “We look forward to being face-to-face with foreign direct investment opportunities and showcasing everything our community has to offer. This is a chance to tell our story, highlight our strengths, and attract new investment that will create jobs and drive growth right here in Hempstead County.”  

“We are proud to represent Howard County and Southwest Arkansas at SelectUSA through the Invest in Rural America program,” said Vanessa Weeks, Director of Howard County Economic Development. “This is an exciting opportunity to highlight our workforce, our site readiness, and the momentum we have built. Our focus is simple: build relationships that turn into real investment and long-term growth for our communities.”

"Sevier County, in partnership with Howard County, is advancing a unified regional strategy for industry recruitment,” said Veronica Ozura, Director of Sevier County Economic Development. “Through SelectUSA, we are showcasing a connected, collaborative, and investment-ready corridor, positioned to deliver long-term value for growing companies.