Hope Lions Hear Program on Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation

The Hope Lions Club heard from Anna Powell and Brandi Tuttle of the Hempstead County Economic Deveopment Corporation on Monday (1-27).  Powell, the President of the EDC, first showed a video the organization uses for promotional purposes.  The video can be seen at edc.hopeusa.com.

Powell explained the EDC partners with the city of Hope, Hempstead County, and Hope Water & Light.  The organization also has about 30 other investors which included businesses and individuals.  The board consists of two members from the Hope City Board, two Hope Water & Light Commissioners, two Hempstead County J.P.’s, and three elected members from the EDC investors.

Powell said one of her aims since joining the EDC is to share with the community about their efforts to market Hempstead County and the area.  She talked about a “mayor’s summit” the EDC had with all Hempstead County mayors to share what resources are available for their communities.

The EDC partners with Arkansas Economic Development to bring regional events to the area.  Recently, five international business consultants from Arkansas Economic Development came to Hope to explain the work they are doing to advocate for Arkansas to foreign investors.  Powell said about fifteen area economic developers attended and were able to share information about their communities with the consultants.  The meeting was held at Hempstead Hall.

Powell noted some filming took place during Christmas Open House last year.  This was for a commercial that will be aired this year promoting Hope and Hempstead County.  This will be used in the Dennis Quaid “Viewpoint” show.

A list of projects was shared by their codenames for the club.  Powell said most of the time the EDC doesn’t even know who the company is looking at our community.  The EDC was able to share information about the community and workforce with well over a dozen companies looking to locate in Arkansas.

Powell noted the EDC has increased their press releases to better acquaint the community with the efforts of the EDC.  This also includes video the EDC is sharing on their youtube page.  She also talked about professional development within the EDC to allow them to know what’s relevant in this region and also in the national and international scene.

Pictures were shown of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders visit to Hope last year for her “Capitol for a Day” program.  The governor participated in a job announcement for Hope Baking Company.  Last year at this time the bakery had 125 to 150 employees. Today the Hope Baking Company has over 250 employees and Powell said that increase in jobs there is quite impressive.

Powell talked about her efforts along with the city, county, and Pafford to save the hospital.  She said the situation “isn’t perfect” but what’s most important is the hospital is still here and making progress after problems developed with its former parent company.  Powell emphasized the need for the hospital to be here to serve industries in this area.  The hospital has a 3 and half county primary service area.

Information on the development of the lithium industry in southwest Arkansas was discussed.  Powell said the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission is working to develop fair royalties for the landowners.  She said the next hearing on these proposed royalties will be in April.  Powell noted Hope is the nearest community with interstate access and a Wal-Mart to some of the proposed lithium plant sites and this could help Hope benefit from the possible boom in lithium production.

Powell shared some of the marketing materials the EDC is using.  She also highlighted new investors to the EDC.  Powell also shared some improvements that are planned for the EDC facility at 108 West Third.

Broadband was discussed by Powell and she detailed the EDC’s efforts to bring broadband to the rural areas.  She also detailed some efforts by the EDC to assist local governmental entities on grant opportunities.  Powell also talked about their expanded efforts on social media and youtube.  She also shared how the EDC is working with Arkansas Site Selection on marketing sites in our area.  Powell said they have 6 or 7 active sites now and plan to expand that.

Powell also talked about the local industries that reinvest in their facilities.  She noted this is a good indication of those companies planning to stay in our area.

Following Powell’s presentation, the Lions asked several questions about the EDC’s work.  The club greatly enjoyed the presentation.