Arkansas Chamber Hires Business Media Veteran
Member companies and state business readers will see the State Chamber/AIA's publications and outreach shaped by a former Arkansas Business editor.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
The Arkansas State Chamber and Associated Industries of Arkansas hired Lance Turner as director of communications, overseeing digital and social media, media relations, publications and member outreach for the state's largest business advocacy organization.
Why it matters
A business association's communications function shapes how member companies and policymakers receive information about state business conditions, so the hire signals the organization's emphasis on digital reach and member engagement. Turner's background spans business journalism and public relations, which is the mix the role calls for.
Turner brings more than 25 years of journalism and public relations experience, including 21 years as online editor at Arkansas Business Publishing Group and two years as its editor. The hire is an individual appointment, and the announcement does not disclose organizational headcount or budget figures for the communications department.
The players
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce / Associated Industries of Arkansas
The state's principal business advocacy organization, representing employers on policy, workforce and economic development issues across Arkansas.
Lance Turner
Newly appointed director of communications with more than 25 years in Arkansas business journalism and public relations.
Arkansas Business Publishing Group
The Little Rock publisher of Arkansas Business, the state's regional business news outlet covering commercial and economic developments.
Ghidotti Communications
A Little Rock public relations firm serving clients with media relations and communications campaigns.
The details
Turner will oversee the State Chamber/AIA's communications strategy across digital and social channels, media relations, publications and member outreach. His most recent post was account supervisor at Ghidotti Communications in Little Rock, a public relations firm. Before that, he spent two decades in Arkansas business media, which gives him working familiarity with how state business audiences consume news. His on-air tenure at KTHV-TV Channel 11 adds broadcast experience to the mix.
Timeline
- 2000 to 2021: Turner served as online editor at Arkansas Business Publishing Group.
- 2007 to 2023: Turner appeared daily on KTHV-TV Channel 11's morning newscast.
- 2021 to 2023: Turner served as editor of Arkansas Business.
- November 5, 2026: The State Chamber/AIA announced Turner's hiring.
Market Landscape
Business advocacy groups in many states have moved communications functions in-house, hiring former journalists to run publications and digital channels. Turner's move from Little Rock's business press and a PR agency to the State Chamber/AIA fits that pattern of organizations building editorial-style capacity.
Companies that work with state business associations should expect communications from the State Chamber/AIA to become more frequent and editorially polished under new leadership. Member businesses and marketing teams may find it worth reviewing how they engage with the organization's publications and digital channels.
The takeaway
Operators who rely on state business associations for policy updates should watch the organization's publications and digital output over the coming months for changes in tone and frequency. Tracking those channels is a low-cost way to see how the new communications leadership reshapes member outreach.
Further reading
For more on executive moves across the state's business community, browse the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Talk Business & Politics.
