After roughly six months without a President & CEO at the helm of the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce, their Board of Directors announced on Thursday, April 4, 2024 that Shane Knight was offered the position and accepted. He will begin his duties on Monday, April 15th, according to a statement from the Chamber.
MySaline spoke with Knight on Thursday morning, to capture his mood and outlook – and ask about his ties to the rival city of Benton:
“I’m excited for the opportunity at the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce,” said Knight. “…an opportunity to move Bryant forward, to enhance our already established businesses, and create new opportunities for development in the city.”
Regarding Bryant’s climate for business and government, Knight was clear, “It’s pivotal for Bryant’s success for the Chamber and City to work together to achieve the success Bryant deserves.”
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He is a longtime citizen of Benton, Arkansas, and currently focuses his career energy in southeast Arkansas as the Deputy Director for the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District (SEADD). It is an organization that promotes regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions to strengthen the economic competitiveness and quality of life across the ten-county region in Southeast Arkansas. That job alone would imply his qualifications for heading up the Chamber.
Additionally, Knight is in his second 2-year term as a member of City Council with the City of Benton. He spoke about his intentions for his future there. “I’m grateful for my time to serve the City of Benton as City Council Member in Ward 4. I value my 4 years of experience,” stated Knight.
“I will serve the remainder of my term – through December. I will not be running for re-election. I need to devote my attention to the Chamber and the city of the Benton.”
On a personal note, MySaline.com is a member of the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce and we wish Shane Knight well.
Read the entire announcement below from the Bryant Chamber Board of Directors:
The Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce is very excited to introduce Shane Knight as the new President and CEO of the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Knight is currently the Deputy Director for the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District and will be leaving his post to begin his tenure as President and CEO for the Chamber on April 15th, 2024.
Mr. Knight brings an abundance of experience in economic development in the arenas of industrial and commercial recruitment along with a strong history of coaching small business leaders through the day-to-day operations and obstacles of building vibrant local businesses.
It is Mr. Knight’s desire to enhance the economic development of the City of Bryant by strengthening our already existing small businesses by building the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce into a resource that business owners of all sizes can utilize and see a direct impact from their financial investment into the Chamber.
Knight will focus on opportunities for each business owner to increase their leadership skill set, enhance their administrative skills, improve their employee experiences, and build a community of business leaders that can share their respective skill sets with other business leaders, to strengthen the local economy and economic opportunities within Bryant.
Knight stated “I am excited and eager to serve as the Chamber’s next President & CEO. The City of Bryant is a proud and prosperous city that is destined to take the next step in economic growth that will propel Bryant for generations to come. I believe wholeheartedly that the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce will be the gold standard for business development and how to recruit commercial and industrial opportunities.
“Collaborating with community and municipal leaders; we will capitalize upon our already successful events and strategies and take full advantage of untapped resources to provide our local business leaders with the motivation they are seeking to advance their businesses and the City of Bryant.”
Join us in welcoming Mr. Shane Knight as the new President and CEO of the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce.
With Sincere Gratitude, The Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
See the original job announcement for Chamber President at https://www.mysaline.com/bryant-chamber-ceo-position/.
See the feed for business news in Saline County at www.mysaline.com/business-news.