Gov. Beebe’s Five Economic Development Goals We will increase the incomes of Arkansans at a growth pace greater than the national average. We will expand entrepreneurship and have a retention strategy to decrease plant closures. We will compete more effectively with neighboring states for new business and new jobs. Our economic development policy will meet the special needs, and take advantage of the special assets of various areas of the state. It will not be a one size fits all. We will increase the number of workers with post secondary training so they are ready for a job when they enter the workforce and are prepared for new jobs in the future.

AEDC Mission Statement To lead statewide economic development, create targeted strategies which produce better paying jobs, promote communities, and support the training of a 21st Century skilled workforce.

Identified sectors fall in three categories: Growth Manufacturing Technology Clean, Green Sustainable Aerospace/Aviation Automotive Assembly and Suppliers Bottled Spring Water Health and International Foods Steel Bioscience Data Centers Information Technology/ Telecommunications Logistics Services Renewable Energy – Alternative Fuels Renewable Energy - Wind Power Green or Sustainable Building Materials 4

Educational Attainment

What We Need

The Disconnect • Lack of exposure to degree fields • Lack of understanding manufacturing today and in the future • Lack of knowledge of high wages paid by manufacturing

Per Capita Income • 2007 U.S. Per Capita Personal Income: $38,611* • 2007 Arkansas Per Capital Personal Income: $30,600* • Average Per Capita for Jobs Created by AEDC in 2007: $32,379** (Based on 6,619 new jobs) * Bureau of Economic Analysis Projection ** Based on Incentive Contracts signed in 2007