Guest: Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce (former CEO of Entergy Arkansas)
Arkansas is in an arms race for jobs ⚡️. Secretary Hugh McDonald joins Andy and Matt to talk about how the state is competing for data centers, reshoring manufacturers, and billions in new investment. From Act 373 to lithium incentives, aerospace growth in Camden to site development across the state—this is a candid look at what’s powering Arkansas forward. 🚀
McDonald reflects on his decades at Entergy, why power and workforce are the biggest questions companies ask, and what Arkansas must do to stay ahead in the race for talent and industry.
Topics in this episode:
⚡️ Arkansas’ growing power demands: data centers, crypto mining & Act 373
🏭 Reshoring manufacturing and new aerospace/defense investments
💰 Billions in capital investment & 10,000+ new jobs since 2023
🧪 Lithium extraction & incentives to keep refining jobs in Arkansas
🏗️ Site development and industrial recruitment strategy
🌲 Talent attraction & the “cool factor” of Arkansas’ outdoors
📈 Why Arkansas is at an inflection point for growth
👉 Tune in for insights on energy, jobs, and the future of Arkansas’ economy.
#FreeArkansas #ArkansasEconomy #Jobs
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