As we move into the heat of summer, your Chamber – as the community focal point for business and the economic development organization for the region – is thriving. That means we’re busy working projects, programs and juggling the myriad components of economic and business development.

When we’re busy, more new jobs are created. New businesses thrive and new prosperity comes to the community at large. Existing Chamber investors are recognized for their contributions to the community and programs and opportunities are offered for business owners to be better at what they do. We also help build a business-friendly environment for startups and existing companies. It’s telling the Harrison-Boone County story of an outstanding quality of life, welcoming one and all to the natural beauty and opportunities of the Arkansas Ozarks.

This past month, we’ve recognized a number of Chamber investors for five, ten and twenty years of support…thank you to each of these businesses for your trust! The Point Financial sponsored a business networking event. Planet Fitness and Scooter’s Coffee held grand openings. We conducted additional Business, Retention and Expansion interviews, enlarging our database with important information on what makes our businesses click. We hosted three meetings on workforce development with North Arkansas College and local industries and community leaders, and an Eggs & Issues Breakfast for the statewide rollout of the Ready For Life program. We connected three of our major companies with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Arkansas Development Finance Authority regarding potential growth and expansion. Startup Junkie conducted an EmpowerHER seminar with nine participants. We met with US Representative Steve Womack, State Senator Scott Flippo and State Representative Ron McNair for updates on a number of important national and state issues affecting local businesses. We had meetings with three potential new business ventures for the community.

This is in addition to regular board, committee, and community meetings, and researching ways to grow our business-focused footprint, engaging with other economic development organizations (EDOs) in the region on what it takes to be successful in the EDO world.

We are a ‘connector.’ We connect businesses, entrepreneurs, resources, requirements, infrastructure, local governments, workforce initiatives, financing, goods and services, developers, nonprofits, community civic organizations…and anyone they need. It’s for sure that no one organization has all the answers, but we see ourselves as a clearing house for all things business. And we stay busy doing this every day. Whether it’s providing a local phone number for a retail store, or relocation materials for a prospective new resident, or answering press inquiries about a new business, or seeking support from our state and regional economic development resources, we’re constantly engaging for our prosperity.

We do these things, and more, every day…all while we continue Taking Care of Business. Cheers, Bob