ARKADELPHIA, AR , September 10, 2025: The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that we have been selected by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to participate in the 2025–26 Retail Academy program. Other selected communities include Berryville, Malvern, Nashville, Russellville, and Walnut Ridge.
The Retail Academy program equips local leaders with tools, training, and research to attract and support retail businesses. Through online education, market analysis, and technical assistance, the program helps rural communities like Arkadelphia strengthen their retail sector, enhance quality of life, and create opportunities for growth.
“Being selected for the Retail Academy positions our community to better recruit and support retail opportunities that meet local needs,” said Shelley Short, president and CEO of the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce. “For rural areas, attracting the right mix of retail is not only about shopping options, it’s about strengthening quality of life, boosting our economy, and creating vibrant places where people want to live and work. We are truly thankful to be chosen for this program and look forward to putting its strategies into action for the benefit of our community.”
The Retail Academy program was developed by Retail Strategies, a Birmingham, Alabama-based municipal consultancy focused on retail recruitment and downtown revitalization, and is administered by AEDC’s Community Development Division. Specific services offered through the program include customized training, demographic and peer market analysis, retail marketing guides, networking opportunities, and access to online coursework.
“Building strong communities requires many different elements, including retail opportunities, to attract and retain residents, fueling local growth,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of AEDC. “The Retail Academy program is designed to help local communities with retail attraction, offering specialized training and resources to grow their retail base. AEDC is proud to announce the latest cohort of communities to participate in the Retail Academy program and looks forward to seeing these communities attract new retail companies.”
The 2025–26 Retail Academy begins September 25, 2025, and runs through September 2026.
