Program Schedule for Class XVIII
Participants are required to attend at least 80% of the program sessions, including the entire opening session, which is mandatory.
The 2023-2024 program year is tentatively scheduled as follows:
Orientation
Sunday, September 17 – Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – Fairfield Bay Conference Center, Fairfield Bay
Participants will come together as a class, examine leadership, as well as their individual roles and responsibilities. The class will also receive a background on topics of significant concern in Arkansas as a foreword to issues that will be presented throughout the program. Class members will be asked to step out of their comfort zone and break ice and break with other class members and new friendships are formed.
*Orientation runs from 12 p.m. Sunday through 12 p.m. Tuesday.
Economic Development, Education and Workforce Development
Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20, 2023– Batesville
The economic development in this area of the state is ever changing so Class XVIII will get the chance to take a glimpse of some of the most popular sources of this region.
The deployment of Arkansas’ education system has a storied history and is, to this day, our State’s standard-bearer for local control. Facilitated by administrators and respected leaders from across the gamut of Arkansas’s education system, during this part of the session the class will be immersed in one of our state’s greatest responsibilities and challenges.
Agriculture, Conservation & Outdoor Life:
Wednesday, November 15 and Thursday, November 16, 2023 – Stuttgart
As the state’s No. 1 industry, agriculture is crucial to Arkansas’s economy. More than 44,000 farms spread across 13.8 million acres annually contribute more than $20 billion to the Natural State. That’s nearly one quarter of the state’s economic activity. Additionally, Arkansas agriculture provides jobs for one of every six citizens. In this session, you will get an inside look at the production of the state’s top export, Arkansas Rice, which is valued at nearly $2 billion annually. Two of the largest Arkansas Rice production companies are headquartered in Stuttgart, the “duck capitol of the world.” Bring your hot hands and camouflage because you will experience the outdoor life that gave Arkansas the “Natural State” nickname. Hear from those on the front lines for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission who play an important role in oversight of the protection, conservation and preservation of various species of fish and wildlife in Arkansas.
Government & Military
Monday, December 11 – Tuesday, December 12, 2023 – Little Rock
Little Rock is the home of the State’s Capitol and three branches of its highest governmental bodies.
In Part 1 of the Session, the class will assume the roles of legislators and work with sitting elected legislative leaders and various specials interests to move bills through the process from introduction in the committee room to final passage or defeat on a Chamber floor.
In Part 2 of this session, the class will travel to Little Rock Air Force Base / Camp Robinson and experience a ‘high level’ view of Central Arkansas’s military installations. The 188th Wing and 189th Wing of the Arkansas National Guard will come together to help Leadership Arkansas experience a 10,000-foot view of Arkansas’s military footprints – past, present and future. Top military personnel will escort the class through this experience and shine a light on the importance of these installations – and where we’d be without them.
Natural Resources, Defense & Industrial Development
Wednesday, January 17 and Thursday, January 18, 2024 – Magnolia, El Dorado & Camden
Few people realize that South Arkansas is such a hub for global aerospace, defense and advanced technological and chemical companies with worldwide interests. But as a part of Leadership Arkansas, you will experience them all. With nationally ranked companies a plenty there is no shortage to the eye-opening education you will receive. South Arkansas has seen a rapid expansion of industrial development, advances in weaponry and the distribution of natural resources. The issues surrounding the utilization of these important areas come to life with behind-the-scenes tours of companies that keep our military equipped with the best in tactical equipment and provide innovative ideas and products. Those areas combined with a look into the thriving Industrial Park areas, this session will surely open your mind to the wonders that are created in this part of the state.
Manufacturing & Infrastructure
Tuesday, February 20 and Wednesday, February 21, 2024 – Blytheville & West Memphis
Did you know that America’s leading steelmaker and recycler was located right here in Arkansas? Leadership Arkansas participants will get a once-in-a-lifetime behind the scenes tour and hear from company leaders on their innovative and teammate-focused culture. Hear about successful partnerships between one of Arkansas’ largest manufacturers and it’s local technical institute and realize just how vital workforce education is to keeping Arkansas at the forefront of Workforce Development. This session will also take a look at the Infrastructure of our state with a chance to assume the role of the Highway Commissioner as you prioritize funding to repair and replace Arkansas’ Highways.
Tourism, History & Revitalization
Wednesday, March 13 – Thursday, March 14, 2024 – Hot Springs
Arkansas is a state rich in history with a tourism industry that provides a lot to see and do. Tourism, strengthened by the revitalization of many key areas of our state, contributes quite a lot to our economy. During this session, class members will have a chance to look into an area full of history. This area has been a target for many revitalization projects that have restored structures to their historical beauty, reinforced the draw for tourists and increased the effect of economic development in the region.
Regional Development
Wednesday, April 17 – Friday, April 19, 2024 – Northwest Arkansas
From healthcare to poultry production, and transportation to retail sales, Northwest Arkansas continues to be one of the fastest growing and most progressive areas of the United States. Class members will examine the impact a relative handful of entrepreneurial pioneers have had not just within our state but nationally. They will also see how those who have followed have pooled the collective resources to continue their legacy.
Regional Development
Wednesday, April 17 – Friday, April 19, 2024 – Northwest Arkansas
From healthcare to poultry production, and transportation to retail sales, Northwest Arkansas continues to be one of the fastest growing and most progressive areas of the United States. Class members will examine the impact a relative handful of entrepreneurial pioneers have had not just within our state but nationally. They will also see how those who have followed have pooled the collective resources to continue their legacy.
Leadership, Planning & Graduation
Thursday, May 16 – Friday, May 17, 2024– Little Rock
Classmates will pull on their proverbial gowns and parade through the streets. But before they do, this now cohesive unit will examine the miles they’ve traveled and make plans for the future. Joined by seventeen years of alumni, sponsors, families and colleagues, the class will take their places in a long line of distinguished graduates and become a part of this accomplished group. Highlighting the series of events will be some of Arkansas’s most accomplished leaders.
For more information on Leadership Arkansas Class XVIII, contact Toni Lindsey at (479) 409-4389 or tlindsey@arkansasstatechamber.com.
**All dates / locations are subject to change at the discretion of the Program Director.
