AEDC’s Rural Services Division to Host 2024 Rural Development Conference

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 21, 2024) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Rural Services Division will host its annual Rural Development Conference on May 21-23 in Hot Springs.

The conference offers participants the opportunity to learn about programs and services that assist local communities with development, planning, and revitalization efforts. The target audience for the conference includes state legislators, mayors, county judges, rural firefighters, local community leaders, and community development professionals.

“AEDC’s Division of Rural Services is proud to host this annual conference for our rural communities,” said Becca Caldwell, director of Rural Services. “We strive to provide engaging and diverse sessions aimed at tackling the issues rural Arkansas faces while also providing time for our community leaders, economic developers and elected officials to network with their counterparts. This year’s conference, with a packed agenda of great speakers and sessions, promises to be our best Rural Development Conference yet.”

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will deliver the opening welcome for the conference on May 21. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin will serve as the guest speaker during the Rural Development Commission Luncheon on May 22.

Attendees can participate in multiple sessions and roundtables throughout the conference. Topics include affordable housing, outdoor economy, rural real estate, regionalism, rural workforce strategies, and grant training.

The Rural Services Awards Luncheon will be held on May 23.  A full agenda for the Rural Development Conference can be found here.