10/20/2023
Great time at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) Inaugural South Summit held at the beautiful The Capital Hotel in downtown Little Rock, AR last week. Crucial discussions were had on global food security, the federal international affairs budget and how it correlates to Arkansas.
USGLC's President and CEO Liz Schrayer noted that foreign engagement is especially important to Arkansas, which exports $6 billion in global trade of which $4 billion is agriculture. 95% of the world’s consumers live outside the United States. US Senator Boozman added that 40% of Arkansas agriculture products are exported, so trade is important to the success of farm communities. Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy Zook stated foreign trade represents opportunity for Arkansas manufacturers and farmers and also creates peace.
Walmart has made a special effort to empower women. Working with the USAID - US Agency for International Development, Walmart made a pledge to train more than 1 million farmers, and 740,000 of those have been women. Walmart's Sr. Director of Global Affairs Sarah Thorn said "the effort matters because we have stores in those regions, and we want the people in those regions to have money in their pockets so that they can come to our stores. And we want to make sure we’re stabilizing communities. … The best way to stabilize communities is to make sure that there’s economic opportunity.”
Thank you to Carey Campbell and the Office of U.S. Senator John Boozman for the invitation, and incorporating renewable energy and grid stability into the conversation. Bringing everyone to the table for these imperative discussions are not only crucial for national and state security, but also ensures strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.
Arkansas Solar Power Inc
U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas
Senator John Boozman's Office
