From the Chamber’s President/CEO

Finally…sunshine and warmer temperatures. Spring is certainly here.

Last month was busy for your Chamber. From hosting workshops, meetings with our US Congressman, prospective community investors, new investor ribbon-cuttings and grand openings, and professional development for the team and our volunteers, we are focused. From Northark’s CTE signing day, to social media and HER Entrepreneurial workshops, to the Be Pro Be Proud mobile workshop, and the Harrison High School’s Lunch of Opportunity (part of the Workforce Initiative Network (WIN) program), our April was eventful.

Gotta brag some. People in our region set us apart from others. From every day, casual encounters to scheduled meetings and events, our people – all races, all ethnicities, all income levels, our students, our workforce, our employers, our volunteers, our retirees – everyone seems to have a common focus: respecting and helping each other make the best of their situation and livelihood and welcoming all to our communities. That’s not the case in all towns in our state or nation. Our people care. They watch out for each other. They give of their time, talent, and treasure … even if it’s to a stranger. The values and patriotism our citizens have and demonstrate to each other is a WOW factor for those first visiting here. Whether it be a gas station cashier, a restaurant server, a business owner, a hotel clerk, a service provider or a public servant, the image and outright friendliness we exhibit, set us apart. Be proud Harrison and Boone County!

With our economic development focus, it’s important for you to know that the momentum Harrison, Boone County, and the region have been experiencing, continues. From prospective new businesses to expansion and renovation of existing businesses, the community is ‘in the mix’ and in many cases, leading the pack. We’re addressing the lack of housing and employee workforce training and development. Meeting weekly with potential developers, educators, and business leaders, we’re discussing out of the box ideas for both issues. While not an excuse, we’re continually reminded that both challenges are faced in almost every community in Arkansas, and around the nation – we’re not alone. But we have one thing going for us: a collaborative, supportive, and engaged team of community, business, and elected leaders who understand solutions are there, we must identify them. And we will.

Lastly, apologies to participants, families, managers, and teachers/ counselors … that we had to move the Boone County Leadership Institute and Youth Leadership Academy graduation to May 5th. We look forward to welcoming those to this special acknowledgment of the completion of this eight-plus month program at TallGrass from 4:00 to 6:00pm this coming Thursday.

Please vote May 24th, with early voting beginning May 9th … it’s your privilege and right!

As noted, your Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce is busy Taking Care of Business!

Cheers, Bob