JONESBORO, Ark. - The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce is organizing its annual trip to Washington D.C. Chamber leadership will be accompanied by individuals representing various Jonesboro business sectors. The goal of the trip is to engage with Arkansas’ national legislators on current issues and to advocate for initiatives beneficial to Jonesboro businesses and its economic growth.

 

Representatives from the City of Jonesboro and Craighead County plan to attend including local leaders invested in banking, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

 

Taking place Tuesday, April 25-Thursday, April 27, the two-day event will focus on meetings with legislators including scheduled visits with U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, U.S. Representative Rick Crawford, U.S. Senator John Boozman, and various staffers.

 

Mark Young, President and CEO of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s fly-in is designed to maximize everyone’s time in D.C.

 

“No matter the industry, we know time is precious for everyone,” Young said. “That’s why we planned this D.C. Fly-In to be as efficient and productive as possible. I’m looking forward to joining other Jonesboro leaders in advocating for our region while showcasing the great success and growth we encounter every day.”

 

Topics will include the Farm Bill along with infrastructure needs. This is the first Washington D.C. Fly-In hosted by the Jonesboro Chamber since 2018. Russ Hannah, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance at Arkansas State University, serves as the chair of the Jonesboro Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee.

 

“We are thrilled to have such a strong and invested group join us for the annual D.C. Fly-In,” Hannah said. “While this event has been on hold for several years partly due to the pandemic, the committee recognizes that working with our federal delegation is a key component to advancing the Chamber’s priorities in the areas of infrastructure development, agriculture, and business attraction. We anticipate very productive meetings, and we’re grateful to all our partners in the community for supporting the event.”