Manager Talks Development

PRAIRIE GROVE — Drew Williams, regional manager for the Community Development Division for Arkansas Economic Development Commission, addressed 25 members of the Prairie Grove Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

In a 20- minute powerpoint slide presentation about the AEDC’s role in helping communities all across Arkansas, Williams said it is all about “building relationships.”

“We (as state government) know that communities can grow and prosper when good economic development plans can be expanded,” Williams said. “We know each community is unique and their approach to increasing their business/ manufacturing base is different. That’s where we come in to help the city, the busi- ness and the state to pull these opportunities together to help growth. That growth and expansion will bring benefits to all of us.”

The AEDC presentation was to share the program with the Main Street Arkansas program, but that portion of the presentation has been set for a full meeting in July, according to Dale Reed, Chamber president.

Williams outlined the various divisions of the AEDC and the services 81 employees of the commission can offer to cities and developers.

“In our mission statement there are four action words,” Williams said. “Lead, create, promote and support, that’s what we are all about.”

In other business, the Chamber Golf Tournament has tentatively been moved to Oct. 4, a Friday before an open Razorback weekend, Reed said. More plans on the tournament will be released soon.

Also the “Welcome To Prairie Grove,” signs may soon be moved nearer the city limits if private property can be found to allow the signs on their property.

Th e Chamber of Commerce will meet next on Thursday, June 27, at noon, Reed said.