You’ve heard me say it here before that the Chamber is really busy with its economic and business development focus … and we are. This past month, and looking ahead to May and the Summer months, is simply a routine period for what’s become the norm for moving the Harrison-Boone County community forward.

We’re pleased to have reported to both the Boone County Quorum Court and the Harrison City Council an exciting and fruitful first quarter of the year. Highlights include $19.2M in forecasted prime business growth, $5.5M in main street business growth in just the first 90 days of the year, over 370 net new jobs forecasted adding an additional $9.6M in annual payroll. The community is off to a fast start, and more is on the way!

On Tuesday, as the regional Chamber, we partnered with Boone County Judge Hathaway to host the first-ever Municipalities Resources Conference — presented by Entergy. Quorum Court justices, and mayors from Alpena, Bergman, Diamond City, Harrison, Jasper, Omaha, and Zinc, along with city council members and department heads, learned about multiple resources that Entergy, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Arkansas Rural Connect program, and UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development have available for them and the citizens they represent. We also had partners NATCO, Ritter, Kinetic by Windstream and the NWA Economic Development District available to engage with the participants. More to come …

The Boone County Leadership Institute and Youth Leadership Academy — presented by Kinetic by Windstream — completed their ten-month programs this week and were virtually graduated on Thursday. The combined 31 participants learned about government, education, healthcare, non-profits, industry, agriculture, and teambuilding. Thanks to all of the organizations and individuals who gave of their time and talent in helping these future leaders gain an appreciation for what it takes to be engaged in the community. Applications for the 2021-2022 program year will be available later this month.

We’re excited to welcome several new investors to the Chamber with ribbon cuttings for Cromwell Engineers and Architects, CASA of North Arkansas and Bella-Ella’s, and watch for more in May. Our next Business After Hours will be Wednesday, May 5 with ‘SERC-O de Mayo’… yes, hosted by SERC Physical Therapy. We’ll also have the grand openings this month of Golden Ticket Cinemas and Planet Fitness, both located in North Hills Shopping Center. Thanks to each of these businesses for choosing to locate and be part of our growing Boone County community.

May 9 through 14 we’ll be celebrating the value of economic development with various activities noting how this important work leads to thriving business and industry. Watch and learn what drives and about those who play an integral role in the region’s prosperity!