MEXICO CITY, Mexico — Southwest Arkansas was represented on an international stage
last week as economic development leaders from Sevier and Howard counties took the region’s story
directly to nearly 200 vetted industry investors exploring expansion into the United States.
Veronica Ozura, representing Sevier County, and Vanessa Weeks, representing Howard County, were invited to
speak at The USA Expansion Summit in Mexico City by Jaime Menéndez, co-founder of Expansion USA. The
invitation grew from a relationship first established when they connected with Menéndez at the SelectUSA
Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. earlier this year.
For Ozura and Weeks, the opportunity was about more than representing two counties. It was about making
sure Southwest Arkansas has a seat at the table when conversations about future U.S. investment are taking
place.
“Rural does not mean disconnected, and it certainly does not mean we should be overlooked,” Ozura said. “We
are intentionally building relationships, showing up in the right rooms and making sure Southwest Arkansas is
part of the conversation when companies begin looking at where to invest next.”
Their presentation introduced investors to a region with established industry, workforce, transportation and rail
connections, available sites and strong partnerships at the local, regional and state levels. Just as importantly, it
demonstrated the willingness of Southwest Arkansas communities to work across county lines and compete
together.
“When we work together, we give Southwest Arkansas a stronger voice,” Weeks said. “Howard and Sevier
counties each bring different strengths, but connecting those assets and telling our regional story gives all of us
a better opportunity to compete.”
Also participating in the summit was Clarissa Bonillas, International Investment Specialist with SelectUSA
Mexico and the U.S. Department of Commerce at the U.S. Trade Center, U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Meaningful
conversations with Bonillas have helped strengthen an important connection between Howard and Sevier
counties and SelectUSA Mexico, with discussions already looking ahead to future events, continued
engagement and opportunities to connect Southwest Arkansas with companies exploring U.S. investment. The
relationship adds another important link to the growing network Southwest Arkansas is intentionally building
nationally and internationally.
The trip represents the side of economic development the public does not always see: relationships being built
before a prospect calls, communities being positioned before a site search begins and Southwest Arkansas being
introduced to decision makers before the next investment is announced.
From Washington, D.C. to Mexico City, Southwest Arkansas is showing up, working together and making sure
our rural communities remain on the map for what comes next.