innovate arkansas

A coalition of economic development, energy and environmental leaders on Tuesday announced the formation of Progress Arkansas, a group charged with the task of building consensus and broad support for economic, energy and environmental policies.

According to a news release, Progress Arkansas members will define the group's agenda and start developing educational resources, forums and other activities. The group has released its first issue brief, which provides an overview of the state's electricity supply challenges and ways in which growing demand can best be met. It and other resources can be found at progressarkansas.com.

Progress Arkansas was initiated by Bob Lamb, who serves as chairman. Lamb also has served as the executive vice president of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas and as an officer, director and vice president of community development for the Arkansas Western Gas Co.

"Economic development professionals throughout the state are grateful for the many gains that have been made since Gov. Beebe, Maria Haley and the administration took office in 2007," Lamb said in a news release.

"However, there are still many challenges in front of us if we are going to build on those successes and see Arkansas reach its full economic potential. Progress Arkansas looks forward to working with the administration and other leaders throughout the state to be part of the solution to those challenges, meeting at the crossroads of economic development, energy and environmental policy development, which are all intrinsically related to our state's future prosperity."

Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce President Jay Chesshir said Arkansas has already landed "a number of 'green collar' jobs, including windmill blade production, biomass research and others. However, with proper planning and partnerships, the state has the potential to become a leader in green collar industries."

Progress Arkansas board member Michael Lamoureux also said recognizing the link between energy and the economy is key to competing in the 21st century economy.

Progress Arkansas' founding members include:

• Arkansas Economic Developers
• Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corp.
• Arkansas Environmental Federation
• Arkansas Municipal Powers Association
• Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp.
• Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas Inc.
• Arkansas State University Delta Center for Economic Development
• Arkansas Western Gas - A SourceGas Co.
• CenterPoint Energy
• Delta Plastics
• Empire District Electric Co.
• Entergy Arkansas Inc.
• Great River Economic Development Foundation Inc.
• Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Metro Little Rock Alliance
• Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co.
• Southwestern Electric Power Co.
• Wind Coalition