our mission

Arkansas Manufacturing Professionals (AMP) is a professional and social organization centrally located in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

​Our mission is to empower and develop manufacturing professionals, foster professional relationships,
drive industry related success, and serve the local community proactively. 

who can join?

​Any individual that is driven to strengthen the local manufacturing industry, philanthropic community and professional network in Arkansas is welcomed to join.  The primary focus and involvement of AMP membership is manufacturing professionals looking to form a professional network, develop their personal career, and drive success for the Arkansas manufacturing industry.

Click here to join AMP now!

history

​Arkansas River Valley Manufacturing Young Professionals (ARVMYP) was founded in July of 2019 as a 501(c)(3) organization to positively transform the River Valley area to recruit, retain and encourage a sense of community for manufacturing young professionals.

The founding sponsor of ARVMYP was Gerdau, one of the largest recyclers and producers of long steel in North America.  Gerdau’s leadership noticed low retention rates among young talent and minimal rates of retention for non-local young talent.  Through this vision a group of Gerdau young professionals partnered with other manufacturing young professionals in the area to develop the vision and strategy to create the ARVMYP organization.  Shortly after the creation of ARVMYP, two other companies became founding sponsors – ABB, the world’s number-one manufacturer of NEMA motors, and Rheem, the largest manufacturer of water heating products in North America.

In 2024, ARVMYP was rebranded to Arkansas Manufacturing Professionals (AMP) to drive further inclusivity and manufacturing initiatives statewide.

Founding Board Members:

​President – Maggie Russell 
Vice President – Eryn Rose
Communications – Leslie Barnes
Treasurer – Stephanie Hendricks 
Programming – Kyle Schmitt, Greg Vanderpluym 
Professional Outreach – Enrique Gonzalez 
Community Outreach – Adrienne Lister