January 12 Update
Laura Underwood of Underwoods Fine Jewelry is the new Board Chair of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. She will be one of two representatives from the Fayetteville Chamber on the HAMMRC Board.
NEWEST MEMBER BRINGS ENTHUSIASM TO HAMMRC BOARD
According to HAMMRC's newest Board member from Fayetteville, "Our Chamber’s objective with HAMMRC is to attract, develop and retain professional healthcare manufacturing companies.”
Underwood went on to say, “We expect our efforts to bring jobs and enhance the quality of life in the geographic region of the cluster, comprised of Washington County, Arkansas, and Adair and Cherokee Counties in Oklahoma.”
As the new Chamber Board Chair, Underwood is getting familiar with the Chamber's programs and her responsibilities.
"I am delighted to see the HAMMRC project fits right into our big goal of developing the Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma region into one of the Top 20 healthcare destinations in the world,” said Underwood.
Washington County, Arkansas, is an Investor-Partner for HAMMRC. Pictured above is newly-elected County Judge Patrick Deakins.
NEW LEADERSHIP AT INVESTOR-PARTNER
Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins is committed to continuing the support of HAMMRC started by his predecessor.
Judge Deakins said, “Our investment as a Partner in HAMMRC demonstrates our desire to invest in the transportation and infrastructure of the small cities in Washington County. HAMMRC will allow them to market themselves to manufacturing prospects and bring in jobs for their citizens.”
Along with the Judge, Washington County Justices of the Peace will be working with Mayors and other community leaders.
Judge Deakins continued: “We value the smal lcities along Highway 62 and share their desire to grow their populations and keep their high school graduates close to home; medical manufacturing companies can help us achieve those joint goals.”
VENDOR AND PROSPECTS FAIR UPDATE
The HAMMRC Leadership Team has decided to postpone the Vendor and Prospects Fair. They will be seeking input on planning the event at the January 20th Board Meeting.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND VALUE FOR MEMBERS
Thanks to our HAMMRC Investor AEP/SWEPCO, we have access to valuable economic development training for our community leaders. AEP/SWEPCO’s new online course, “Energizing Economic Development,” can be a valuable tool for small communities like those in our corridor; most rely on city officials or volunteers to lead their ED efforts. This high-quality, free course will fit everyone’s budget. After completing the course, which takes between 3 and 4 hours, Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce/HAMMRC staff members Wayne Mays and Hank Hoggard agree that it contains time-tested, proven steps to success. "From the 'do’s and don’ts of marketing' to a 'Business Retention and Expansion Program,' this course is on-target and provides a checklist and roadmap for new or experienced ED leaders,” Mays said.
Click the button below to access and register for the free course.
HAMMRC appreciates this timely contribution to our success. Contact Mays for more information or questions.