11/13/2025
Just one week ago, the Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum brought more than 600 leaders from business, education, and government together for a powerful day of insight and collaboration at the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center, Jonesboro.
The Neil Griffin College of Business was proud to be part of this extraordinary event, which focused on the future of jobs, investment, agriculture, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and the long-term growth of Northeast Arkansas.
We extend our appreciation to the outstanding panelists and moderators who helped make Catalyst a success:
Agriculture Panel
• Mickey Latour — Dean, College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University
• Wes Ward — Secretary of Agriculture, State of Arkansas
• Harvey Williams — Co-Founder & CEO, Delta Dirt Distillery
• Matt Bell — President & CEO, Origami Sake
Moderated by Dr. Calvin White, Jr. — Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor, A-State
Entrepreneurship Panel
• Amanda Herget — Co-Owner, Gearhead Outfitters
• Eric Howerton — Founder, AdFury.ai / PodcastVideos.com
• Dave Stickler — CEO, Hybar
• Jim Washam — Dean, Neil Griffin College of Business
Moderated by Heather Nelson — Executive in Residence, Neil Griffin College of Business
Infrastructure Panel
• Marvin Dalla Rosa — Senior Project Manager, Garver
• Jerry Halsey — Commissioner, Arkansas Highway Commission
• Jessie Jones — Chief Engineer – Preconstruction, ARDOT
• Laura Landreaux — CEO, Entergy Arkansas
Moderated by Mitch Bettis — President, Arkansas Business Publishing Group
Regional Collaboration
• Graham Cobb — Managing Partner, Emeraude
• Todd Shields — Chancellor, Arkansas State University
We’re also excited to announce that Arkansas State University’s Neil Griffin College of Business and the Delta Center for Economic Development will host the 2026 Catalyst: NEA Economic Development and Leadership Forum, continuing our commitment to amplifying the impact of Northeast Arkansas as a key driver of economic success for the state and region.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversations shaping the future of NEA. We look forward to next year’s Catalyst!