The Personal Touch: How Arkansas Wins Business in the Global Economy

In an era of data-driven decision making, Arkansas is proving that authentic experiences and relationship-building still matter in economic development. We sat down with Clint O'Neal to discuss how the Natural State's unique approach is attracting international investment.

When competing for major business investments, most states lead with tax incentives and infrastructure. But Arkansas seems to have another strategy in its arsenal: duck hunting lodges and grilled dinners. Can you elaborate on this approach?

We believe in authenticity. During a recent site visit in Pocahontas, Arkansas, we hosted prospective investors for dinner at a duck hunting lodge. In Arkansas, we're just going to be ourselves. We have a culture of outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing. We didn't book a private room at an upscale restaurant for formal presentations. Instead, we had the mayor, county judge, and community college president with their sleeves rolled up manning the grill, telling jokes, being themselves—big personalities. And our visitors loved it. It just felt right as we discussed how everything falls into place.

Has this approach yielded tangible results?

Absolutely. Last summer, I flew to Kings Court, Ireland to meet with executives from Kingspan Group who oversee 210 manufacturing facilities across 80 countries. These executives had never personally visited Pocahontas at that time. While we discussed all the standard metrics—the existing building they were acquiring, the workforce, business costs—they specifically wanted to start our conversation by saying, "Tell me more about this dinner at a duck hunting lodge." Their colleagues had been so impressed by how they were entertained and taken care of. It just felt right to them.

Your path to economic development wasn't straightforward. How did you find your way to this profession?

I started at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission when I was 27 as a project manager, but my journey there wasn't direct. I was actually a junior high math and science teacher for a couple years after college. While rewarding, I realized I didn't have the energy to keep up with junior high kids my entire career. My wife and I spent a year teaching English in South Korea, and I worked briefly in sales after returning.

By my mid-twenties, I knew economic development was my calling. I completed a Master's of Science in Community and Economic Development at the University of Central Arkansas, which helped launch my career in this field.

What factors do you consider most important in economic development today?

The paradigm is shifting. Previously, a company would tell you where to live and you'd make it work. But increasingly, people choose where they want to live first. As economic development professionals, we need to make our communities and states attractive places to live—from outdoor recreation and quality of life to tax policy and site development.

On the industrial side, we need sites that reduce risk, accelerate timing, and give companies confidence they can succeed. While data availability and AI tools help speed up the conversation, there will always be a relationship element in this work.

How do you measure success in your organization?

We examine several factors. Beyond job creation, capital investment, and average wages, we evaluate the success of our initiatives and regularly take the pulse of community leaders to ensure we're providing necessary services.

Currently, we're in the middle of a legislative session, working on new legislation to enhance our economic development toolbox. That's our primary focus until our session concludes in mid-April.

The success of our organization comes down to executing results. I like to say that activity does not equal achievement. We track everything from our marketing efforts to elevate Arkansas's business image to the actual decisions private companies make to invest in our state.

Economic development can be a challenging field. What keeps you motivated?

I love this profession. I enjoy networking with other economic development professionals and especially love visiting with people considering entering the field, whether in Arkansas or elsewhere. This work is about building relationships and helping communities thrive.

Clint O'Neal was appointed Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in January 2023. His 17-year career in economic development includes roles as a Project Manager at AEDC (2007-2011), Vice President of Business Recruitment for the Missouri Partnership (2011-2018), and Deputy Director of Global Business at AEDC (2018-2023).

O'Neal serves on the boards of the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives, the Arkansas Economic Development Foundation, the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence, and the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. He is also Governor Sanders' Designee to the Delta Regional Authority.

A Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council and graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma, O'Neal lives in Conway with his wife, Heather, and their four children.