Newport has been selected by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) as one of six Arkansas communities to participate in the 2024 Retail Academy program.
The Retail Academy program provides rural communities with online education, market research, and technical assistance to help them recruit retail opportunities in their region. The program provides local leaders with the resources and knowledge needed to recruit and support retail and restaurant businesses in their communities.
“Attracting retail opportunities is a key element for keeping our local communities growing and vibrant,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the AEDC. “The Retail Academy program will provide the resources and knowledge that local economic developers need to recruit retail companies to their communities.”
Retail Academy was developed by Retail Strategies, a Birmingham, Ala.-based municipal consultancy firm focused on retail recruitment and downtown revitalization, and will be administered by AEDC’s Community Development Division.
Specific services and resources offered during Retail Academy include customized training, peer analysis, demographic overviews, a retail marketing guide, networking opportunities, and access to online courses.
“Clint O’Neal and his team at AEDC are committed to the growth and prosperity of rural Arkansas communities,” said Lacy Beasley, president of Retail Strategies. “Many deserving communities need better restaurants, grocery stores and shopping options but don’t have the tools or experience to effectively take a proactive approach to recruiting those businesses. Retail Academy empowers community leaders with custom retail recruitment plans, training, and ongoing support to demystify the process so they can take action.”
“The Newport Economic Development Commission is honored and excited to be part of this year’s group of communities selected to participate in the Retail Academy,” said Jon Chadwell, director of economic development for the Newport Economic Development Commission. “Our partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission continues to enrich Newport and Jackson County in so many ways.”
Other participating communities include Crossett, Hope, Marion, Morrilton, and Stuttgart.
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