Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
From the Chamber’s President/CEO
We hope you enjoyed a bountiful Thanksgiving this past week. Reflecting on this special occasion and moving into the Christmas holiday season, we have so much to be thankful for this year, especially the economic and business momentum that is bringing new prosperity to our community.
As we look back over 2022, we see new and expanding businesses on just about every corner in the region. And to go with those businesses, new jobs and increased employment opportunities abound.
Major manufacturing expansions, new retail and restaurant venues, new housing projects, exciting entrepreneurial ventures, enhanced infrastructure projects, and new community services … all dot the landscape. With the collaborative effort of our economic development team creating a welcoming business environment, as of December 1st, we’ve seen over $61,500,000 in new capital investment in the community this year alone. That investment has created 109 new jobs with an annual salary impact of over $3,000,000. By the end of the year, we’ll see about another $4,000,000 of investment and another 20-plus new jobs just in time for Christmas! And that’s just the beginning.
In the pipeline are over $188,000,000 in new capital investment dollars bringing more than 400 new jobs with an annual salary impact of over $13,000,000. These numbers, and the corresponding prosperity created, don’t just happen.
You’ve read this before, and it’s something I’m proud to repeat: we have the single best small town team in the state focused on the future prosperity of our community! The collaboration of many entities, each sharing the same vision, makes it possible. North Arkansas College with its workforce development, customized CTE programs, and the new Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation. The Harrison City Council and the Boone County Quorum Court. The O.U.R. Education Services Cooperative with their regional focus on 16 school districts. Harrison Public Schools and those of Alpena, Bergman, Lead Hill, Omaha and Valley Springs. The Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District and its team of talented people. North Arkansas Regional Medical Center and its state-of-theart healthcare services. The Boone County Economic Development Corporation with its rich history of beginning the effort to bring manufacturing to Harrison. The Boone County Regional Airport, HRO, that is building for the future. Routine cooperation with our utility and telecommunications partners. Explore Harrison. Our Small Biz Connection partners. Thanks to these organizations and their leadership for sharing the vision!
Please join the over 50 local businesses in the Chamber’s Empower Local Scavenger Hunt. Just scan the bar code and register for a $1,000 grand prize. Good hunting! And remember, always shop local.
Please join me in being thankful for our community this holiday season. From the Chamber Board of Directors and staff, we hope you’ll enjoy a very blessed Merry Christmas. We’ll see you in 2023!
We are Taking Care of Business in Harrison, Boone County, and the region!
Cheers, Bob