Nashville to Host SADA State of the Southwest luncheon

The Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance will host regional leaders on April 10 in Nashville for the State of the Southwest Luncheon at Midtown Social from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will focus on partnerships and investments shaping the economic future of Southwest Arkansas.

Featured speakers include Hugh McDonald and Randy Zook, along with representatives from regional industry and utility sectors. Panel discussions will explore the region’s economic outlook, with emphasis on infrastructure investment, utilities, and ongoing industrial activity.

Vanessa Weeks, economic development director for Howard County, said the Southwest Arkansas Community College Consortium reflects a unified approach to workforce development and long-term growth.

The consortium includes UA Cossatot, UA Hope-Texarkana, UA Rich Mountain, SouthArk College, and SAU Tech.

Formed in 2023, the consortium aims to align education and workforce training with the needs of regional employers.