Little Rock is one of two Arkansas metropolitan areas ranked among the nation’s top places to do business.Forbes magazine on Wednesday placed Northwest Arkansas (No. 28) and Central Arkansas (No. 32) near the top of 200 metropolitan statistical areas as “Best Places for Business and Careers.”
The Northwest Arkansas economy is recognized as home to Walmart Stores, Tyson Foods,J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Simmons Foods and the University of Arkansas, the state’s flagship institution. In all, there are 30 companies in the region with annual revenue exceeding $100 million.
Central Arkansas’ diverse economy, centered around the state capital in Little Rock, is home to Stephen’s Inc., Windstream Communications, Dillard’s Inc., Acxiom, Dassault Falcon Jet Corp., The William J. Clinton Presidential Center, Winrock International and Heifer International.
Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce said, “Great states have great regions that work together. With global competition, it’s never been more important to combine efforts to amplify Arkansas’ unique position in the world. These rankings are more evidence that our collaborative efforts yield results.”