APRIL 2022 NEWSLETTER

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

The Arkansas DEC is a private, non-profit organization that brings together experienced international business people with potential exporters to provide guidance and assistance in international markets. The DEC also works closely with the U.S. Commercial Service in Little Rock, and with federal, state, and local elected officials to educate and inform them on trade policy issues impacting the Arkansas business community.

Mission:

The Arkansas District Export Council encourages and supports:

• Exports that strengthen individual companies, stimulate U.S. economic growth, and create jobs
• Trade assistance and promotion activities of the U.S. Commercial Service domestic offices
• Development of the local trade assistance support network in our state.

Services:

• Counseling of local businesses
• Identifying export financing sources for businesses
• Identifying issues that affect export trade implementation
• Building local export assistance partnerships with other organizations
• Promoting international education at the community level

We want to serve you better as you seek to grow your exports. Please take a few moments to get to know our new Chairman and Treasurer!

Jonathan Bricker manages commercial banking relationships consisting of secured or asset-based credit loans throughout Benton County, Arkansas. He assists with working capital lines of credit, equipment financing and treasury opportunities with a background and focus on International Trade Finance.

As Chair, I’m seeking to stimulate economic growth within the State of Arkansas as well as job creation. The drive starts with the involvement of our fellow council members, the support of our legislators and local chambers of commerce. The outcome is our ability to strengthen, encourage and support individual companies in the world of exporting.  

Please feel free to send me your ideas! 

chairman@exportarkansas.org

Larry Walther began his career as an Engineer at SBC Communications, rising to the role of Vice President of Corporate Services and also serving as Chairman of SBC’s Foundation.

 Walther’s public service career was initiated in 2003 when Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee appointed him to lead the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) as Director. 

In January 2015, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson appointed him as Chief Fiscal Officer for the State of Arkansas and Director of the Department of Finance and Administration.

My hope for the ARDEC over the coming years is to reach each and every one of those Arkansas companies, large or small, that could benefit from exporting but are simply unaware of the opportunity.

treasurer@exportarkansas.org

Please feel free to contact us with your questions and suggestions:

Heidi Whitman, Administrative Coordinator, coordinator@exportarkansas.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

• April 13, 1:30PM CST--Free Trade Agreements TradeChat: How can my Arkansas business benefit?
• April 26, 9AM CST--Doing Business in Canada webinar