Workforce and Education

Portland, Oregon–The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas were awarded the 2025 Leadership Award from the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations, whose members also serve as the National Association of Manufacturers’ official state partners. COSMA members drive manufacturers’ priorities on state issues, mobilize local communities and elevate federal policy from the ground up in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The Arkansas State Chamber and AIA were recognized for their innovative, multi-state workforce initiative, Be Pro Be Proud.

“The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas and President and CEO Randy Zook have shown extraordinary leadership in tackling one of manufacturing’s most persistent challenges—closing the workforce gap,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO and COSMA Chair Michele Siekerka. “By building a dynamic, multi-faceted initiative that introduces students to the power of manufacturing, opportunities in the industry and hands-on workshops to learn about the sector, the State Chamber and AIA are expanding opportunity and empowering employers across the country to recruit and retain the next generation of talent.”

The Leadership Award recognizes the achievement of a state manufacturing association that has developed impactful initiatives to support manufacturers and strengthen manufacturing in their state. The Be Pro Be Proud initiative uses mobile workshops featuring state-of-the-art simulators to introduce students to modern manufacturing and connect them with local employers. Since its launch in 2016, the program has expanded to seven states, with an eighth launching in 2025, and it has reached more than 422,520 mobile workshop visitors.

“By transforming the perception of modern manufacturing careers—and demonstrating to students that manufacturing drives innovation, entrepreneurialism and life-changing career opportunities—the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas are supporting the next generation of builders and creators,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Through the Be Pro Be Proud initiative, they are inspiring students and delivering solutions for employers. The NAM congratulates Randy and the entire organization for their innovative leadership and tireless commitment to strengthening America’s manufacturing workforce.”

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.93 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org