April 4th Update
The Long Game #2
Continuing our series on Economic Development, we will focus in this article on Community Development, with emphasis on Leadership and Teamwork.
In the economic development process teamwork is one of the most critical components to effective and sustainable development. Communities that work together as a team can build an attractive and unique synergy. It truly takes teamwork and the desire to make the community a better place for all.
Economic development effects should provide the appearance of a one-stop shop for business. A team that learns to work together is a team who can attract and retain quality companies and jobs. Here are some “do’s” in the process:
Support your local professional economic developer/organization as the lead (HAMMRC).
Ensure a frictionless development process (set joint goals agreed to by all).
Prepare your community for quality investment and development (complete “Energizing ED” online course from AEP/SWEPCO).
Speak with a pro-business voice (Mayors, Council members, and planning commissioners).
Understand the components of your workforce pipeline (schools).
Make a point to meet other leaders and utility partners (HAMMRC Board, AEP/SWEPCO, and Ozarks Electric).
Establish an incentives policy and cooperate with State agencies (AEDC, ODOC, EDA)
Here are the “dont’s” in the process:
Communicate with the media until approved by the company/prospect and the ED professional.
Make any promises you don’t have the authority or capacity to guarantee.
Goldman Sachs Opportunity
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Collaborative Strategies with Dr. Joe Fratesi
May 8 | 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | The Amazeum | Bentonville, AR
Join us for an engaging training with Dr. Joe Fratesi of the John C. Stennis Institute at Mississippi State University, where we’ll explore innovative collaborative strategies grounded in Strategic Doing and a multitude of other collaboration-based, strategically focused best practices.
This powerful framework will focus on actionable, results-driven approaches that empower communities to come together, create sustainable change, and solve complex problems. Whether you’re a community leader, organizer, or simply passionate about making a difference at the local-level, this session will equip you with practical tools to harness the strengths of different perspectives, foster collaboration, and drive progress.
For nearly 20 years Dr. Fratesi has helped communities and organizations collaboratively design and manage transformations to help them become more resilient and competitive. He strongly believes that “sparkplugs” exist in every community or organization, and with the proper structure and support, they can go on to accomplish amazing results. Dr. Fratesi has a strong passion for and a commitment to helping these “sparkplugs” realize their own potential and capacities.
The Bank of Fayetteville
Tyler Spoon (Community President of the Bank of Fayetteville) and Wayne Mays (Executive Director of HAMMRC) pictured together to show the joining of the Bank of Fayetteville to the investors a few months prior.
Upcoming Events:
4/8/25- HAMMRC Team Leaders meeting at Farmington
4/9/25- UAMS and Fuel Accelerator Showcase, 4/9/25 (see attached flyer)
5/9/25- HAMMRC Board of Directors meeting at Tahlequah (site to be announced later)
7/11/25- HAMMRC Board of Directors meeting (site TBA)
