What if we had an ambassador who believed in us…who knew our strengths…who fought for us each day?  That’s what I want to do for this state I love.  That’s what I will be for Arkansas as your Secretary of State.

We all know of Arkansas’ nickname as The Land of Opportunity.  Arkansas has truly been a blessing for the O’Brien family.  Many of you have heard my story of the sacrifices and hopes that brought my family here.  Suffice it to say that living in Arkansas has given me a thankful heart and a desire to show my appreciation through public service. 

I’ve always known what a great state Arkansas is.  I remember watching Johnny Carson with my father and being furious at any Arkansas jokes.  I’ve never understood those who choose to ignore the significance of our state and our value.  A small sampling of Arkansas’ excellence includes:

• We are the home of the world’s largest public corporation, Wal-Mart.
• We are the home of the Forty-Second President of the United States, Bill Clinton.
• We are the home of the Premier C-130 Air Base in the World, Little Rock Air Force Base.
• Private entities such as Stephens, Inc. and agriculture businesses such as Tyson’s call the state of Arkansas home. 
• Medical opportunities and research abound at UAMS and Children’s Hospital among others.

Arkansas has produced greatness and has the capacity to do much more.  But we have to become our own best salesman. We have to tout ourselves so that others can see how much we have to offer.  We have to showcase the opportunities that exist. As Secretary of State, I will be the Ambassador that Arkansas needs…the Ambassador for everything we are doing right in Arkansas.

Here’s my plan:

    1.  Arkansas needs an Ambassador who has knowledge of “branding.”  I know quite a bit about the importance of branding because of my family history with McDonald’s restaurants.  In the world today, people form their opinion about our state in the blink of an eye.  Creating our brand and protecting our brand takes years of hard work. An impressive Arkansas brand determines whether people will locate their manufacturing plant, start their internet company, or make their retirement home here.

    Why is this important in whom you choose as Secretary of State? The type of people you elect on a statewide basis speaks volumes about the image the people of Arkansas portray to the nation and even to foreign countries.  I was educated at Jacksonville high school, The University of Arkansas for college and law school, all in Arkansas.  I speak the language of business and marketing; I can be the best ambassador for our state.

    2.  Arkansas needs an Ambassador who understands the Global Economy.  The world is     ever more interconnected and flat, and Arkansas has an important role to play.  Our top exports are aircraft/spacecraft; machinery and meat. Yet other great opportunities exist for our Arkansas economy.  A few examples:

• 60% of Arkansas is covered with forest; cellulosic ethanol is an opportunity.  We need to focus attention on our biofuels potential.
• There is opportunity in our film industry.  More can be done to support The Digital Product and Motion Picture Industry Development Act of 2009 which provides rebates to the industry; these jobs provide above average wages.
• A specific example: Trade with Cuba (Chicken and Rice)
• We need to add to our economic terms (Globalization and Foreign Direct Investment)

We are making steps in the right direction.  In 2007, we opened a World Trade Center in Rogers and a Mexican consulate in Little Rock.  We’ve taken strides with The Arkansas Economic Development website.  But we need to do more going forward…in a global economy, Arkansas needs a full-time Ambassador for our state.

    3.  Arkansas needs an Ambassador who attracts corporations and capital.
Arkansas has everything corporations and investors need.  We offer extensive multimodal transportation networks in railroads, rivers, and highways.  Arkansas is ranked NINTH in the nation in cost of doing business index which is an excellent attribute.  It’s not a hard sell due to our many opportunities…we simply need a continued, consistent effort. 

    4.  Arkansas needs an Ambassador who understands our Quality of Life.
There is no better place to live than Arkansas.  Once people find our state, they never regret their choice.  Michael Shelley, US Bank President, moved here in 2004 from Houston and will not ever leave.  Cost of living in Arkansas is very competitive, and our other nickname, “The Natural State,” says it all.  Don’t forget our number one asset:  The wonderful citizens of our state.  We need a Secretary of State who understands these things and wants others to experience everything Arkansas has to offer. 

How do we accomplish all of this?  First, we have to be united as a state.  One Team:  Arkansas. The Land of Opportunity.  We need to focus, as that team, on sharing our positive stories, utilizing new technology that allows us to spread our message efficiently and effectively.  We need to encourage Arkansas start-up companies. (Who knows who could be the next Wal-mart?) We need to encourage each other as well.

But most importantly, we need that Ambassador who believes in us…a Secretary of State who understands how to promote Arkansas and who is committed to our success.  

That’s the Ambassador I will be.  That’s the Secretary of State that I will be.