The following is a transcript of Gov. Asa Hutchinson's radio column for the weekend of Feb. 5, 2016:
We have a lot to be proud of in Arkansas.
Over the past year, we have worked to grow our economy, create more high-paying jobs, cut taxes for the middle class and introduce computer science at every high school. Our list of accomplishments is long, but there is still much to do.
Arkansas is a small state, but we do a lot of big things. Since January of last year, Arkansas’s Economic Development Commission signed incentive agreements with 122 new and expanding companies. These companies will create more than 5,600 new jobs while investing $2 billion in the state.
We are cultivating an environment of economic growth, and the world is taking notice. I’ve touted our economic success in California’s Silicon Valley, Nevada and New York. My international travels to China, Japan, France, Germany and Cuba have also given me opportunities to emphasize that Arkansas is open for business.
Everywhere I go, I market our state. Why? Because we have a story to tell. And that story includes seven small homegrown businesses that have grown into seven Fortune 500 companies.
We have some of the brightest minds here in Arkansas, and we have the tools to provide industry with opportunities to do great things. As a business owner, you don’t have to live in New York, California, or Texas to see your business grow. Our state stands ready and able to compete in a rapidly evolving, high-tech worldwide economy.
But we need to continue growing our existing businesses, creating new businesses and enticing businesses to locate and expand here. That’s where “Arkansas Inc.” comes in.
“Arkansas Inc.” is a succinct way for us to communicate that Arkansas is in the business of growing business. When it comes down to it, businesses must be lean, fast and focused. In Arkansas, we recognize the needs of industry and can respond quickly and decisively. We are sending a message to high level executives and site consultants that Arkansas is and continues to be a great place to do business.
The launch of “Arkansas Inc.” comes in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Economic Developers from across the state, who work tirelessly to advance the quality of life in Arkansas through economic growth and community development.
Without their efforts and vision, “Arkansas Inc.” would be nothing more than a catchphrase. But today, it is sending a message that when you do business in Arkansas, you’re in very good company.
