By John R. Schirmer
News-Leader staff
Members of the Developing Howard County board of directors are reviewing the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy recently completed by the Arkansas Economic Development Institute at the University of Arkansas – Little Rock.
DHC received the document late last month. It covers a variety of topics ranging from business and industry to education, housing and community life.
A board workshop was planned for Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 3, for members to discuss CEDS and to consider committees recommended by the study.
DHC Director Vanessa Weeks and Dana Poindexter from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission will review the document with the board.
Paul Britt, DHC board chair, said four committees likely will result from the workshop.
CEDS was compiled by the economic development following public meetings where county residents had the opportunity to provide input.
The DHC board held its regular meeting Aug. 27, where CEDS and other topics were discussed.
Weeks, Charles Smith and Stephanie Harrison have applied for the Retail Academy. The academy’s goal is to recruit retail for Arkansas towns.
Poindexter said six communities from across the state will be selected for the academy. The selections will be announced shortly.
“It’s a good opportunity for training on how to find good matches and areas in communities to redevelop,” Poindexter said.
One academy session will be held in person, with two others offered via Zoom.
Weeks presented the monthly financial report, which showed a balance of about $51,750. “Payments are coming in on invoices,” Weeks said.
Board members talked about the feasibility study conducted earlier this year to determine if the Nashville area can support a new, 60-plus room hotel. The study determined that the facility would receive the necessary support.
A hotel developer has shown an interested in locating in Nashville.
DHC will hold its annual meeting Oct. 23 at Midtown Social. A meet and greet will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the business session at 6 p.m.
Board members present Aug. 27 included Britt, Harrison, Smith, Deb Marshall, Kelly Chambers, and ex officio members Gary Dan Futrell, Nashville Mayor Larry Dunaway and Howard County Judge Brent Pinkerton.
