Arkansas State University’s Neil Griffin College of Business will host the 2025 Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum on November 6 at the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro. The event aims to bring together leaders in agriculture, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and regional cooperation to explore how northeast Arkansas is contributing to statewide growth and influencing global markets.
Chancellor Todd Shields highlighted the forum’s evolution from its successful debut earlier in the year, noting its transition into an annual fall gathering. “After a successful inaugural forum in January we’re proud to establish Catalyst as an annual fall event,” Shields said. “This year’s agenda brings some of the brightest minds and doers in Arkansas together across agriculture, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and regional collaboration to share what’s working, compare notes, celebrate successes and commit to next steps for future growth.”
The university plays a significant role in the regional economy. In the previous year, A-State generated a total economic impact of $2.5 billion. This includes $480 million from university operations, student and visitor spending, and an additional $2 billion from alumni who live and work across the state. These contributions support over 16,000 jobs and yield a return of $7.10 for every dollar invested by the state.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin White Jr. emphasized the institution’s role as a convener between industry and education. “A-State is committed to serving as a convener for industry and a catalyst that turns intent into action,” he said. “Collaboration leads everything we do, and we’re seeing how strong cooperation between employers and higher education aligns curriculum with real hiring needs, connects research to industry challenges and builds stronger pathways from classrooms to careers. Ultimately, these efforts are building a stronger northeast Arkansas and Arkansas.”
The forum will feature a lineup of regional leaders, including Laura Landreaux, CEO of Entergy Arkansas; Dave Stickler, CEO of Hybar; Jerry Halsey, Arkansas Highway Commissioner and CEO of Halsey Real Estate; Amanda Herget, co-owner of Gearhead Outfitters; and Marvin Dalla Rosa, senior project manager at Garver USA.
By fostering dialogue across sectors, the event seeks to strengthen economic development strategies and promote innovation through shared knowledge and strategic partnerships.
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The 2025 Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum slated
Arkansas State University’s Neil Griffin College of Business will host the 2025 Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum on Nov. 6 at the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro. The program will feature panel discussions on agriculture, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and regional collaboration with an eye on how northeast Arkansas is strengthening the state and influencing global industries. n n“After a successful inaugural forum in January we’re proud to establish Catalyst as an annual fall event,” Chancellor Todd Shields said. “This year’s agenda brings some of the brightest minds and doers in Arkansas together across agriculture, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and regional collaboration to share what’s working, compare notes, celebrate successes and commit to next steps for future growth.” n nLast year, A-State’s total economic impact reached $2.5 billion, including $480 million from university operations, student and visitor spending and an additional $2 billion from alumni who live and work throughout the state. That impact supports over 16,000 jobs and returns $7.10 for every dollar invested by the state. n n“A-State is committed to serving as a convener for industry and a catalyst that turns intent into action,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Calvin White Jr. “Collaboration leads everything we do, and we’re seeing how strong cooperation between employers and higher education aligns curriculum with real hiring needs, connects research to industry challenges and builds stronger pathways from classrooms to careers. Ultimately, these efforts are building a stronger northeast Arkansas and Arkansas.” n nFeatured speakers include: n n• Laura Landreaux, CEO of Entergy Arkansas n n• Dave Stickler, CEO of Hybar n n• Jerry Halsey, Arkansas Highway Commissioner / CEO of Halsey Real Estate n n• Amanda Herget, Co-Owner of Gearhead Outfitters n n• Marvin Dalla Rosa, Senior Project Manager of Garver USA.