Arkansas Chamber Hires Lance Turner as Communications Chief
The State Chamber and Associated Industries of Arkansas named a veteran journalist and public relations professional to lead its communications strategy.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas has hired Lance Turner as director of communications. Turner oversees the organization's communications strategy across digital and social media, media relations, publications and member outreach.
Why it matters
The hire places a longtime Arkansas business journalist in charge of how the state's largest business advocacy group communicates with members and the public. Turner's background spans newsrooms and public relations, a combination suited to a role that shapes the organization's public messaging on business policy in Arkansas.
Turner brings more than 25 years of journalism and public relations experience, including 21 years as online editor of Arkansas Business Publishing Group from 2000 to 2021. The announcement does not disclose his start date or salary.
The players
Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas
The state's principal business advocacy organization, representing employers on legislative and regulatory issues affecting Arkansas commerce.
Lance Turner
A longtime Arkansas business journalist and former editor of Arkansas Business who was a familiar face on KTHV-TV's morning news.
The details
Turner most recently worked as an account supervisor at Ghidotti Communications in Little Rock. He also appeared daily on KTHV-TV Channel 11's morning newscast from 2007 to 2023, and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and printing from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
Timeline
2000 to 2021: Turner serves as online editor of Arkansas Business Publishing Group.
2007 to 2023: Turner appears on KTHV-TV Channel 11's morning newscast.
2021 to 2023: Turner serves as editor of Arkansas Business.
November 5, 2026: The State Chamber and AIA announce Turner's hiring.
Industry Context
Turner's move from Arkansas Business editor to the State Chamber/AIA follows a pattern of business journalists shifting into association and advocacy communications roles. The hire reflects the value trade associations place on former reporters who understand how business news is produced.
For Arkansas businesses and members, the hire signals how the State Chamber/AIA plans to communicate its positions across digital channels and media. Members and reporters seeking the organization's views will now work with a director who has spent decades covering the state's business community.
The takeaway
Hiring former business journalists into advocacy roles can strengthen how organizations explain their positions to the public. For readers tracking Arkansas business policy, Turner's background suggests a communications approach grounded in reporting experience.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage in Arkansas business news.
