The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is pleased to welcome three new members to its State Advisory Board.
Joining the board are Adriana Fuentes Archila, Randy Williamson, and Jarrod Norwood. Their appointments begin immediately.
All three are affiliated with financial institutions that serve Arkansas small businesses.
Fuentes is vice president of community development at Arkansas Capital Corporation. Williamson is senior SBA lender and commercial lender at Arkansas Federal Credit Union, and Norwood is vice president and commercial relationships manager for Regions Bank.
“These three individuals are wonderful supporters of ASBTDC and make excellent additions to our board,” said Laura Fine, state director. “Their experience in lending, community development, and business ownership will help steer ASBTDC towards its vision of fostering economic vitality and prosperity throughout Arkansas.”
The State Advisory Board provides fresh perspectives and new ideas, as well as feedback on ASBTDC programs and services, to Fine and her leadership team.
The board’s input helps ASBTDC develop strategies for meeting the needs of Arkansas small businesses and entrepreneurs and generating economic impact.
Members are appointed for three-year terms. Continuing for another term are Chad Hudson, David Marks, Itzel Meador, and Richard Ricciardi. Additionally, Adriene F. Brown, in her role as Arkansas district director for the Small Business Administration, holds an ad hoc seat on the board.
“What truly impresses me about ASBTDC is how the organization’s vision goes beyond merely supporting small businesses. ASBTDC aspires to uplift the entire economic ecosystem of Arkansas,” said Williamson, a small business owner and lender for 25 years. “I aspire to play a role in enhancing awareness of the extensive opportunities ASBTDC provides for small business.”
Norwood grew up in family businesses, learning firsthand the impact small businesses can have on their communities and employees. Now, his expertise is helping businesses utilize financing to grow while also maintaining profitability.
“ASBTDC truly helps small businesses,” Norwood said. “I appreciate their willingness to help and their expertise, which is backed by their highly targeted market research. They are there from idea to opening and every high and low thereafter.”
Through her board tenure, Fuentes said she wants to connect ASBTDC to “Latino networks and professionals in the state and create strategies to keep serving this community despite language barriers.”
“The ASBTDC is unique in its ability to serve clients statewide in any stage of business development,” she said. “I admire their profound commitment to working with socially and economically disadvantaged individuals across the state through various programs and initiatives.”