About Us | Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives

About Us

Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE)

Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) is the statewide professional association representing economic developers, chamber executives and entrepreneurial support professionals in Arkansas. Previously organized as two separate entities, (Arkansas Economic Developers and Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Executives) the two associations merged in 2016 to create a stronger, more efficient, and unified alliance.  Membership is available to anyone with an interest in the economic and community development of Arkansas. 

AEDCE Mission Statement: To enhance the professional development of our membership and to advocate for community and economic development benefiting the citizens of Arkansas.

AEDCE Objective: To increase the effectiveness of economic developers and chamber professionals in Arkansas by encouraging cooperation, exchange of information, and promotion of professional skills.

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AEDCE Board of Directors

Welcome!

On behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome to the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives community. Whether you are a long-standing member or joining us for the first time, your involvement strengthens the network of professionals dedicated to supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life in communities across Arkansas.

Our membership boasts an impressive roster of dedicated economic developers, chamber executives and local leaders. AEDCE continues to provide valuable resources, meaningful connections and opportunities for professional growth as we work to strengthen the economic future of our state.

If not already, you are encouraged to get involved. Whether it’s attending a conference, participating in professional development, contributing to a committee or simply connecting with peers, your engagement makes a difference. The value of AEDCE grows when members share their experience, ideas and perspectives. Your involvement helps ensure that our programs and initiatives continue to reflect the needs of communities both large and small.

I am honored to serve as AEDCE board president in 2026 alongside a dedicated and experienced board of directors who I also happily call friends. Being a part of this organization is more than professional development; it’s about working with others that deeply care about the people and places we serve. This is where AEDCE excels.

We are grateful for your role in shaping the future of our state. Every connection you make and every initiative you support helps build a brighter, stronger Arkansas! I look forward to connecting with you throughout the year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or Candice Lawrence, AEDCE executive director at candice@aedce.org.

Sincerely,

Julie Allen

Newport Area Chamber of Commerce

2026 Board President | Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives

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Governance

The governance of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives is vested in a Board of Directors elected by the general membership and composed of:

  • Two Directors from each of the four Congressional Districts, duly elected by the General Membership.
  • The duly elected officers.
    • President
    • First Vice President
    • Second Vice President
    • Secretary/Treasurer
  • Two at-large directors appointed by the President.
  • Ex-Officio Members
    • Current Arkansas State Director for the Southern Economic Development Council.
    • Immediate Past President of the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives.
    • Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
    • President/CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas.

Activities of Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives include:

  • Professional Development
  • Economic Development Training
  • Conferences
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Advocacy
  • Sharing of Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce News

Click here to download a copy of the AEDCE Bylaws