Chambers of commerce are vital proponents of local economies. They work to identify economic growth opportunities and use data to inform decision-making at the local level. In the Eighth District, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce represents business interests, engages in policy advocacy, workforce development initiatives, and economic research across rural and metro Arkansas communities.

Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas chamber, discusses his approach to working with communities on shared economic priorities. "First thing you try to do is get everyone on the same page and get the facts," Zook says. "What are the real numbers?"

Zook describes his approach to serving all kinds of communities across Arkansas, and how data and regional insight factor into that work. He also discusses how the St. Louis Fed's research and data play a role in supporting business and community leaders' understanding of local and regional economic conditions.

Condrad Daniels is president of HJI Supply Chain Solutions and chair of the St. Louis Fed's Louisville Branch board of directors. Reflecting on his role with the branch board, Daniels shares valuable insights that deepen the Fed's understanding of business conditions. He says Federal Reserve bank boards are filled with leaders from different corners of the economy. "It is every type of business, every type of leader," Daniels says.

In this episode of Your Fed, Your Voice, Humana Foundation CEO Tiffany Benjamin discusses how improving health care access supports the economy. "Health and wealth are tied together," Benjamin tells Seema Sheth, regional executive of the St. Louis Fed's Louisville Branch. "If you're not feeling well and you're physically limited, it's hard to work." Humana Foundation's work includes funding expansions of mental health access in rural areas and improving hospital outcomes through data insights.

In this episode of Your Fed, Your Voice, Memphis Medical District Collaborative President and CEO Rory Thomas discusses the intersection of health and community investment and the role both play in the economy. Thomas shares insights from nearly 20 years of working in community and economic development, including a role with the St. Louis Fed's Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC). Thomas tells Seema Sheth, regional executive of the St. Louis Fed's Louisville Branch, that his time with CDAC was one of the best experiences of his career and continues to help inform his work. The collaborative's focus includes leveraging data and community stories to drive impact and exploring AI adoption among district hospitals and institutions.

Lorrie Trogden, president and CEO of the Arkansas Bankers Association, speaks with Louisville Regional Executive Seema Sheth about the ways the organization partners with its member banks and provides training on how to better serve their customers. Trogden says the monthly "Breakfast with the Fed" events help bankers and St. Louis Fed staff connect and explore the "people stories behind the numbers." Trogden and Sheth discuss how these insights from the St. Louis Fed help those working to advance economic growth.

Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Ph.D., president and CEO of FOCUS St. Louis, and Seema Sheth, from the St. Louis Fed's Louisville Branch, explore how FOCUS St. Louis serves as a resource for civic leadership and training.

Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, speaks with Seema Sheth, regional executive of the St. Louis Fed's Louisville Branch, about how the organization serves as a safety net for the community.

Tim Nowak, executive director of World Trade Center St. Louis, speaks with Louisville Regional Executive Seema Sheth about how the organization is helping engage world markets by enhancing connections between local businesses and international resources.

"It's the small- to medium-sized companies that are driving (the region's) economy," Nowak said.  

He shared how the World Trade Center's focus on growing international trade is advancing economic development in the region.