Entrepreneurship & Innovation Series to Present Panel
JONESBORO – A panel featuring community and economic development executives will discuss “The Opportunity Landscape in Northeast Arkansas,” as part of the Neil Griffin College of Business Entrepreneurship & Innovation Series, Thursday, April 19.
The discussion will take place from 2-3:15 p.m. in the auditorium in the Carl R. Reng Student Union, 101 North Caraway Road, and will be live streamed on the Arkansas State Neil Griffin College of Business Facebook page. A reception will follow.
“We’ve brought together a panel of experts who will discuss the economic development of Jonesboro and our region and how these developments are creating new spaces for business creation or expansion,” said Dr. Hilary Schloemer, assistant professor of management in Griffin College.
Panelists include Chris Caldwell, the federal co-chairman of the Delta Regional Authority; Tiffny Calloway, director of community development for the city of Jonesboro; and Mike Downing, vice president of economic development for Jonesboro Unlimited.
Caldwell was confirmed as the co-chair of the Delta Regional Authority in December 2017 after being nominated by President Donald Trump. Prior to being confirmed as DRA chairman, Caldwell served as the director of special projects for U.S. Senator John Boozman. Caldwell was the campaign manager for Boozman’s 2016 re-election campaign, as well as political director for Boozman's 2010 Senate campaign.
Caldwell has also held various roles in the private sector and is an active volunteer in his community. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
Calloway oversees the city’s grants department and community development. The Pine Bluff native was a Distinguished Service Award winner while attending Arkansas State University and served as the Student Government Association as a senior in 2006-07.
Previously, she was the regional manager for community development for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, working with communities to create programs and services that encourage economic development. Calloway also worked with the Delta Regional Authority.
Downing joined Jonesboro Unlimited in September 2017 as the vice president of economic development. Jonesboro Unlimited is a private partnership organization dedicated to the advancement of economic prosperity in Jonesboro and the region.
Formerly, he was the director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. He came to Jonesboro with 35 years of experience in economic development.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri. While at A-State, Downing was a placekicker for the undefeated 1975 football team.
For more information about the Arkansas State Entrepreneurship & Innovation Speaker Series, contact Dr. Hilary Schloemer at hschloemer@AState.edu.
