ROGERS, Ark. — The Mid-America Aerospace and Defense Summit was held at the Rogers Convention Center on Aug. 21 and 22, featuring some of the world’s top companies in the respective industries.
Close to 300 attendees from 100 different companies had a chance to see what Arkansas has to offer their business. The summit was also a networking opportunity for the attendees.
"It's a growing industry in the state," Executive Director for the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance Chad Causey said. "Most companies are in growth mode, expanding operations here, new companies locating here, and we're showcasing that and helping to make connections between those companies to do even more business."
State leaders, including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Sen. John Boozman, and Rep. Steve Womack, were also at the summit, reminding the industries that the Arkansas government is their partner.
"To those of you yet to invest, we'd love to help you grow your business right here in the Natural State," Sanders said in her keynote address to the summit. "I can assure you, you won't find a better place to call home, and you won't find a state that is a more willing partner or a more welcoming environment."
Causey said the state’s workforce, cost of doing business, and support from local politicians make Arkansas a viable option for companies in the defense and aerospace industry.
Not everyone was in support of the event. Friends of Palestine Northwest Arkansas held a protest against the summit and the United State’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza.
"Gaza is just a horror show," Ted Swedenburg, a member of Friends of Palestine said. "And dozens of civilians are being killed every day, and this is being done with weapons that the U.S. provides to Israel and that these corporations are producing and profiting off of and our tax dollars are paying for this horrible state of affairs."
Boozman said working to arm American allies will be the key to future peace.
"We've got Israel, we've got Ukraine, different hot spots people are concerned about," Boozman said. "For the last several years, things have been relatively stable. Now, all of a sudden we have this period of insecurity, so the whole world is really rearming themselves to protect themselves, peace through strength."
Aerospace parts and munitions is one of the state’s largest exports.
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