The HAMMRC Leadership Team met with the Cherokee Film Production staff on Dec. 2 in Owasso to plan for the development of a series of short videos to be used in marketing HAMMRC to potential members, Investors, and prospects.  The videos will be available to members and Investors to embed on their websites, inform their stakeholders (City Councils, schools, Boards of Directors) and for members and HAMMRC staff use at trade shows and conventions. 

“HAMMRC is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its’ project established in 2021 between the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Tahlequah, OK Regional Development Authority. This award highlights the Chamber’s and TRDA’s commitment to its’ community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,”

At the Annual Convention of the International Economic Development Council in Denver, HAMMRC received a GOLD AWARD for its’ “Regional/Cross-Border Partnership” that impacted 25,000 – 200,000 residents.

In our July 12 HAMMRC Board meeting, we discussed an exciting project coming to the geographic region of HAMMRC. XTREMIS was introduced by U. S. Rep. Steve Womack (AR-District 3) in an April event in Fayetteville. XTREMIS will be a unique national resource for the development of advanced electromagnetic spectrum technologies.

Advanced manufacturing doesn't use the basic system of turning raw materials into finished products through mechanized fabrication technologies. Traditional manufacturers are transitioning to advanced strategies to Maintain market competitiveness. HAMMRC recruits In two areas of advanced manufacturers medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Through the online course Energizing Economic Development, twelve Lincoln community leaders learned the concepts of being pillars of economic development, enhancing business retention and expansion, and economic development strategic planning.

HAMMRC Welcomes New Leadership for 2024

Every focused advocacy group needs strong leadership, and HAMMRC has benefitted from strong, stable leadership since its inception two years ago. As mayor of the first City to join HAMMRC, Mayor Ernie Penn of Farmington grasped the high potential value of medical manufacturing to his community early on and led his City Council to a vote of confidence in late 2021. 

Spotlight on Judge Patrick Deakins and his participation on the 3-year Community Development Institute program. Learn about Existing Business and Industry Support and discover upcoming events, like the HAMMRC Board Meeting,

Read the latest insights on economic development along the AR/OK state line in the HAMMRC October Update. Learn about TRDA's mission to foster business growth in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and how HAMMRC aims to attract medical device manufacturers to the region. Discover upcoming events, like the HAMMRC Board Meeting, and a special grant opportunity aimed at rural and distressed areas.

HAMMRC's goal is to bring medical manufacturers to the Highway 62 corridor. Having success in this endeavor is not possible without a place for the prospective manufacturers to set up an operation.

HAMMRC is proud to have the support and sponsorship of the Washington County Government. Washington County joined HAMMRC as a partner sponsor in October of '22. Judge Joseph Wood was the county judge at the time of joining. Since then, Judge Wood has taken a role in the State's government.

One of the greatest allies of HAMMRC has been Arvest Bank. Arvest has a branch in every town in the HAMMRC corridor. Despite the size of a community's population, their dedication to the region shows they are true partners to the citizens HAMMRC serves.

Mayor Doug Hutchens' leadership resulted in a vote by the Lincoln City Council to join HAMMRC as our sixth member.

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.

The Cherokee Nation, represented by Board Member Brian Hail, has been a member since the inception of HAMMRC and has been an invaluable ally in the growth of our partnership.

Nathan Reed of the Tahlequah Regional Development Authority receives his membership plaque from Board Chair Mayor Ernie Penn. Nathan is leading the committee on strategic planning.

Farmington, AR, was the first city to catch the vision and join HAMMRC. Mayor Ernie Penn provided valuable leadership as the Board Chair during his first year and has been reelected to serve another one-year term.

AEDC Incentives Training – Whether you have been working in economic development for a while and could use a refresher course or are new to economic development and want to learn about state incentives and AEDC's business development process, you are invited to join us.

At the January 20th HAMMRC Board Meeting, officers elected for 2023 are Chair Mayor Ernie Penn of Farmington, AR, and Chair Elect Brian Hail of Cherokee Nation.