The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Small Business Administration recognize the accomplishments of small business owners and advocates and present the Small Business Persons of the Year.  James Stapleton, the executive director of the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University and the author of a recent study conducted for the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) on small business creation, will be the keynote speaker at the 23rd Annual Arkansas Small Business Awards Luncheon, which is hosted by the State Chamber/AIA.

Join us in honoring the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Arkansas’s small business community. Register today for the Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Attendees will:

Honor Small Business Achievement: The Small Business of the Year Awards program will recognize the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Arkansas's small businesses. The program will celebrate the success of small businesses, small business lenders and advocates for small business.

 Network: Bring a stack of business cards. There will be plenty of time for networking with small business executives from throughout the State.

 Participate in the Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference and Expo: The Expo will feature exhibitors with products and services tailored to meet the needs of small and mid-sized businesses.

Register Today: Registration is $35 per person. 

The Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference is a FREE event for registered buyers and sellers.  The Small Business Awards luncheon is a separate ticketed event.  For additional information go to www.arkansasstatechamber.com