By John R. Schirmer
News-Leader staff
The Developing Howard County board heard several updates at the group’s March 27 meeting.
Economic Development Director Vanessa Weeks said Howard County has been re-certified as an Arkansas Act Work Ready County. “We’re the first in the area to be re-certified,” she said.
The designation reflects a qualified workforce in the county that will be prepared for future employers.
Weeks will become a member of the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives. “I went to their meeting last year. It is beneficial for me to join,” she said.
Members receive legislative updates, information on events in the state and contacts with the state Chamber of Commerce.
Ex officio board member Gary Dan Futrell said membership “shows a level of engagement; it shows we’re involved.”
Weeks gave board members the community meeting notes from Logan Benson of the Arkansas Economic Development Institute.
AEDI conducted a community meeting in Nashville last month at which Howard County residents offered input on a number of topics important to industrial recruitment and retention.
Benson compiled the notes for review by the board.
Weeks read a letter which she will send to the 23 investors who have supported Developing Howard County since its inception in late 2023. The letter includes highlights of DHC’s work during the past year.
“It’s remarkable what we’ve accomplished,” board chairperson Paul Britt said.
DHC will prepare a quarterly newsletter to send investors, Britt said. “It will have highlights of what’s been done.”
The newsletter likely will be e-mailed to investors.
Members held a 40-minute executive session to discuss a board vacancy created by the resignation of Nick Brooks.
Contacts will be made with individuals who have shown previous interest in serving on the board.
