November 17, 2004

Matt Largen, Business Development Coordinator, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce
Photo Courtesy of Mike Pirnique/Arkansas Business

The opening of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center this week promises to bring thousands of visitors to Little Rock from all over the world. For the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, the dedication ceremony on Thursday, November 18 is the culmination of one phase of economic development and the beginning of another. With all eyes are on President Clinton this week, the Chamber will be focused on creating new business opportunities for Central Arkansas through international networking.

Little Rock Chamber Business Development Coordinator, Matt Largen, took a few moments out of his busy schedule this week to reflect on the impact of the Presidential Center thus far, and to share his thoughts on the future growth of Little Rock. The following is an email exchange between Mr. Largen and web team @ www.clintonfoundation.org.

What are your thoughts about the Clinton Center in regards to stimulating economic growth and revitalizing the area in and around Little Rock?

The Clinton Presidential Center represents an unprecedented opportunity for business development in Central Arkansas. In addition to its power as a tourism magnet and research center, the Presidential Center - even before it has opened - has already had an enormous positive impact on economic development in the area. It will continue to be an important economic engine for Central Arkansas in the future.

Any specific numbers on new investments in Little Rock over the past few years as a result of the Presidential Center project?

The downtown areas of Little Rock and North Little Rock have realized over $1.3 billion in public and private investment in the last 10 years. This includes projects under construction, completed projects, and proposed projects.

What’s been the interest level from people and new businesses considering relocation to Little Rock?

In addition to its draw as a tourism attraction and its role in making Little Rock a destination city, the Clinton Presidential Center, along with Heifer International join a growing list of other major nonprofit organizations that call our region their home. One of the Chamber’s economic development priorities includes recruitment of non-profit regional and national headquarters. The Little Rock’s four international non-profits -- Clinton Foundation, Heifer International, Winrock International, and Lions World Services for the Blind -- form a very strong core whose work extends well beyond the borders of Arkansas.

In addition to their work overseas, these organizations employee hundreds of workers and enhance the quality of life by drawing speakers, researchers, and exhibits to the area. The region’s central location, the low cost of living and high quality of life provide the foundation and rationale to make a very strong case to other non-profits to relocate to the Little Rock area.

What are the goals of the Little Rock Chamber during dedication week?

Beginning November 14, Little Rock will be in the international spotlight for one week during the grand opening of the Presidential Library. The week provides Central Arkansas a window of opportunity to generate business development leads and encourage investment in existing industries. The goals of the chamber are to turn the grand opening week into a worldwide networking session for central Arkansas business development and to create ambassadors for the Little Rock region.