Kari Hollis, Executive Director of the Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce, recently completed the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course offered through Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives (AEDCE). She joined forty-four other participants from four different states in the four-day fall program. Offered annually, the Mid-South Basic Course provides an intensive overview of the process and practice of local economic development. It features over thirty instructors who are recognized experts in their fields. It is one of twenty-five such courses accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
According to Shelley Short, Course Director, “Kari Hollis shows amazing potential as an economic developer and key player in the economic development process. Kari was a valued contributor during the course and by completing the course, she is better prepared to assist efforts fostering community and economic development in the Spring River area.”
Hollis’ completion of the course now qualifies her to attend a series of advanced training courses, ultimately leading to eligibility for designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).
Her professional background includes management, marketing, special event planning, grant writing and fundraising for nonprofits, chambers of commerce, and community organizations. Highlights of her career include serving as vice president of community matters and marketing for the United Way of the Inland Valleys in Riverside, Calif. Additionally, she has worked on major special events such as the 1988 Super Bowl and the 1993 America’s Cup in San Diego. She has been a resident of Cherokee Village since 2013.
