Texarkana Aluminum expands to round-the-clock operations

TEXARKANA — Good news was abundant at this year’s first Texarkana Regional Chamber of Commerce board meeting, conducted by new chairperson Jennifer Harland

Nash, on Texarkana’s west flank, was feeling pretty positive about itself. Texarkana Aluminum in particular was the big news of the meeting, as the facility announced it is expanding to 24-hour operations. In addition, JCM Industries reported a record setting year and anticipates the trend to continue through 2021.

Atwoods Ranch & Home, reported as the largest sales tax producer for Nash, also enjoyed a record year last year.

Multi-family housing is undergoing a construction boom in Nash as well.

Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman delivered a report for both the Texas and Arkansas sides, saying that not only are big projects like the Grim Hotel in Texarkana under way and on track but small businesses are opening and thriving as well — especially downtown. There are new businesses opening and existing ones expanding on both sides of State Line downtown.

Natalie Haywood, events and communications director for the chamber, announced the chamber’s Virtual Celebration livestream coming Thursday that will recognize individuals and organizations that helped the community make it through the difficulties of 2020. It will be structured like a TV show, with hosts, commercial breaks and the works. The event will be live on Facebook and YouTube and the silent auction will be handled online at biddingowl.com/TexarkanaUSAChamberofComm.

Also coming up is the chamber’s Women in Business conference, March 17, which will be virtual.

Chamber officials also plugged a fishing tournament starting April 22. It will feature a pro fishing league and will take place over an entire week. It will serve to promote Texarkana tourism.