The Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance (SADA) will bring together regional leaders on April 10, 2026, for the State of the Southwest Luncheon in Nashville, an event focused on the partnerships and investments shaping the future of Southwest Arkansas.
The luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Midtown Social in Nashville and will feature Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald, along with Randy Zook, President and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, and regional industry and utility leaders. Panel discussions will highlight the economic outlook for Southwest Arkansas, including infrastructure investment, utilities, and industry activity across the region.
“As the host community, Nashville is excited to welcome leaders from across Southwest Arkansas,” said Vanessa Weeks, Economic Development Director for Developing Howard County and Treasurer of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance. “The Southwest Arkansas Community College Consortium, this year’s presenting sponsor, represents a unified approach to workforce development and long-term growth. That kind of collaboration is what’s driving this region forward.”
The consortium includes UA Cossatot, UA Hope-Texarkana, UA Rich Mountain, SouthArk College, and SAU Tech, which have collaborated since 2013 to align education and training with the needs of regional employers.
“Southwest Arkansas is strongest when our communities and partners are working together as a region,” said Anna Powell, President the Hope-Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation and current President of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance. “The State of the Southwest luncheon is our opportunity to bring stakeholders from across the region together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and continue building momentum for the future of Southwest Arkansas.”
“Our colleges have a long history of working together to support students, employers, and communities across this region,” said Dr. Steve Cole, UA Cossatot Chancellor. “Serving as the presenting sponsor reflects our shared commitment to preparing the workforce that will support the next chapter of economic growth in Southwest Arkansas.”
Tickets for the State of the Southwest Luncheon are $50.00 and available online at http://www.buildseviercounty.org/sada
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