Lafayette County AR Chamber Of Commerce

09/03/2026

Congratulations to the newly announced 2027 Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas (AEDCE) Board of Directors!

We’re especially excited to see three SADA board members among the leaders who will serve:

• Anna Lee Powell, Hempstead County EDC, Secretary/Treasurer
• Steven Jones, El Dorado-Union County Chamber, 4th Congressional District Director
• Venesha Sasser, Lafayette County Chamber & EDC, At-Large Director

Congratulations to the entire 2027 Board! We’re proud to see Southwest Arkansas well represented in this statewide organization.

Lafayette County AR Chamber Of CommerceoEl Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerced
Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation - https://swark.today/articles/arkansas-economic-developers-chamber-executives-announces-2027-board-of-directors

09/03/2026

Southwest Arkansas is 95,000 jobs strong, generating $5.5B in GDP, and building tomorrow's workforce through 8 regional education partners. A manufacturing base 2.5x the national average this is a region that's strong, skilled, and ready to grow.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

SADA was proud to sponsor Mark Perna’s general session at AEDCE’s Business in the ’Boro.

His message on engaging the next generation around passion, purpose and performance was right on target as we continue strengthening workforce and communities across Southwest Arkansas.

Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas

08/26/2026

Affordable. Connected. Full of opportunity. That's Southwest Arkansas.

From charming downtowns to quality schools, trusted healthcare to wide-open outdoor adventure — this is a region built for families, businesses, and everyone in between.

Live well. Stay connected. Build tomorrow.

www.growingsouthwestarkansas.com

08/26/2026

Congratulations to our own Venesha Sasser on being elected to the 2027 Board of Directors for Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE)!

Venesha serves as Executive Director of the Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the Lafayette County Economic Development Commission, leading efforts to strengthen business, attract and support investment, build strategic partnerships, and advance economic and community development throughout Lafayette County.

She was elected to serve as an At-Large Director on AEDCE’s 2027 Board, joining chamber and economic development professionals from across Arkansas who will help guide the association’s work to support, connect, and strengthen the professionals and communities they serve.

Her appointment comes at an exciting time for Lafayette County as we continue expanding our economic development capacity, preparing for new investment, strengthening workforce and community development, and building partnerships that position our county for long-term growth.

We are especially proud to see Lafayette County and rural Arkansas represented at the statewide level and to have Venesha bring the perspective, opportunities, and challenges of rural communities to the table.

Congratulations, Venesha! We are proud of your leadership and excited to see all you will contribute to AEDCE and communities across Arkansas in this new role. 👏🎉

Her term begins January 1, 2027.

08/26/2026

Across our 12 counties, we're seeing investment in infrastructure, housing, and industry, all built on a strong labor force and the kind of connectivity that makes growth possible. From new housing developments to expanding utilities and freight access, the foundation is here for businesses and families to put down roots and thrive.
Communities working together to create opportunity for everyone who calls Southwest Arkansas home.

08/12/2026

September 17, at the Cougar Arena, we will have a community update from Smackover Lithium as they welcome their contractors to Lafayette County.
5:00PM-6:30PM