Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses (AAAB)

AAAB Board of Directors Now Seeking Nominations

The Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses (AAAB) Board of Directors unanimously approved adding two (2) more board seats starting in 2026. Our nomination process opened on October 21, 2025, and will close on November 9, 2025. The new board members will be selected during our November 18th Board meeting.

Our criteria for an AAAB board member:

Current member of AAAB
Must be willing to take on a volunteer position with a minimum of 5 hrs per month dedicated to the AAAB
Must be able to take on a minimum of a 12-month commitment
Must reside in Arkansas

We are currently seeking nominations. Do you have a person in mind, or would you like to self-nominate yourself?

Submit a Nomination

Connecting Arkansas and Asia in Business

Arkansas has a long and successful history of working with Asia in the areas of trade relations and foreign direct investments, as well as attracting professionals and entrepreneurs from Asia to the state. Did you know:

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 85% of Asians in Arkansas have at least a high school diploma; 46% of them have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. (Source: US Census)
Asians living in Arkansas had the highest median household income of all Arkansans by race of $90,288 per year: (Source: Neilsberg.com)
Arkansas continues to be an attractive location for Asian companies to do business, contributing to job creation. (Source: Arkansas Foreign-Owned Business Report)
Five of 10 Arkansas’s export locations are in Asia; specifically, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam (Source: 2023 and 2022)
Prominent Asian companies, including Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Welspun, and TY Garments USA, operate facilities in Arkansas.
Lithium Supply Agreement: Exxon Mobil signed a non-binding agreement with South Korea’s LG Chem to supply lithium extracted from Arkansas’ Smackover Formation, indicating collaboration in advanced energy sectors. (Source: Reuters)
Rice Trade with Japan: In 2023, Japan imported $414 million worth of rice from the U.S., with Arkansas poised to increase its contribution due to rising demand. (Source: Axios NW Arkansas)

Many professionals relocating to Arkansas for job opportunities, particularly those joining the Fortune 500 firms as well as technology and manufacturing companies, bring a global mindset. An organization like the AAAB that champions multicultural communities and fosters a diverse professional network is essential for attracting and retaining this talent, making Arkansas a welcoming place to call home.