May 4 Update
SPOTLIGHT ON AEP/SWEPCO
American Electric Power/Southwest Electric Power Company became our first investor in 2021. External and State Government Affairs Manager Bradley Hardin, along with Eric Basinger, Economic and Business Development Manager, have provided valuable input to our leadership team on preparation, lead generation, and prospecting.
One value AEP brought to the table is its free economic development training. A link to the training for the Arkansas and Oklahoma courses can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. Four HAMMRC Leaders have completed the economic training program.
MAY 12 BOARD MEETING
As a result of a positive response from our membership presentation to the Lincoln City Council on April 18th, we have decided to hold our May 12th Board Meeting in Lincoln, AR. We were invited by School Superintendent Mary Ann Spears to meet at the School District Administration Building, 107 E School St, Lincoln, AR 72744. Superintendent Spears offered an incentive to the City Council, "I will pledge on behalf of the School District to pay one-half of the $1000 monthly fee for the city's membership. Lincoln Schools are looking for opportunities for students to find careers." Spears said, pointing out that "not all students want to go to college, but they need good paying jobs and careers that don't require college degrees."
Lincoln community leaders will be invited to the Board Meeting to observe our continuing discussion on the Strategic Plan. You can Click Here or click the button below to view the latest revision of the draft; please bring your suggested objectives.
The meeting space has Zoom capability. Board Members, please request if this is your best option to attend.
Official Notification is given that an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (Membership Withdrawal at any time without penalty) will be brought to the Board. Also on the agenda will be a presentation by Mark Goodman, the new Economic Development Director for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. The presentation will cover his research into the three HAMMRC Counties.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Next Board Meeting will be May 12th, 10 am - 11:30 am, at the Lincoln Middle School Admin Building.
Lincoln Middle School's address is 107 E School St, Lincoln, AR 72744.
Lincoln City Council Meeting May 16th, 7 pm Lincoln City Court Building on the East side of the Lincoln Square.
Membership Vote.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITY 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.