Pocahontas, Ark. — Pocahontas has been selected as one of six communities to participate in the 2026-27 Arkansas Retail Academy, a state program designed to assist municipalities in recruiting retail stores and restaurants. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) announced the selections on October 6, highlighting efforts to strengthen local economies through targeted business recruitment and support.
Ann Savage, executive director of the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, expressed optimism about the opportunity. "We are honored that Pocahontas has been selected as one of six Arkansas communities to participate in the Retail Academy program," Savage said. "This opportunity will give us valuable tools, market research, and professional guidance to strengthen our retail recruitment efforts and better position Pocahontas for future growth."
Joining Pocahontas in the program are El Dorado, Hamburg, Helena-West Helena, Sheridan, and Texarkana. Over the next year, participants will receive specialized training, peer analysis, demographic studies, retail marketing guides, and networking opportunities, as well as access to online courses. The academy, developed by Retail Strategies, a Birmingham, Alabama-based consulting firm, is administered by AEDC's Community Development Division.
Clint O’Neal, AEDC’s executive director, highlighted the program's role in broader community development. "Retail recruitment is an important aspect of economic growth," O’Neal said. "The Retail Academy equips communities with resources and training to expand their retail footprint."
Retail Strategies President Lacy Beasley noted that the program has produced measurable results for past participants. According to Beasley, communities in the first two Retail Academy cohorts collectively achieved nine new retail and restaurant openings, as well as generating more than $1.5 million annually in new state sales tax revenue. While no specific businesses have been announced for Pocahontas, the training and support are expected to position it for similar success.
The 2026-27 program began on September 22, 2026, and will conclude in September 2027. A workshop for the current cohort is scheduled for November in Conway, further supporting participants' efforts to build relationships with prospective businesses and promote their communities as attractive investment opportunities.
According to Savage, the chamber of commerce looks forward to utilizing the tools and expertise provided through the Retail Academy to showcase Pocahontas and Randolph County as desirable locations for retail and restaurant development.