The luncheon was held at Hempstead Hall and kicked off by HCEDC Chairman, Dr. W. Ladell Douglas, who in his very first remarks said he and fellow board members were proud of the progress made over the last year. He gave a special mention to HCEDC President Anna Powell who has held the role now for 14 months. “We are very proud of the progress we have made over the past year, and I think that that progress is due to the wonderful leadership that we have now at economic development,” Douglas said. He also said it was an exciting time to be in Hempstead County, referencing the proposed sales tax that will be on the ballot in the upcoming election. The tax, if passed, would fund a new fire department, a splash pad at Northside Park, renovations of soccer fields and tennis courts, and a recreation/aquatics center that would include indoor basketball courts, indoor pool, indoor volleyball, a walking track and more.

 

During her remarks, Powell shared the momentum gained in economic development over the last year. One such advancement was a few of the grants HCEDC has assisted with like the Hempstead County Bridge Grant Program (ARDOT) and the Arkansas Department of Heritage Courthouse Grant Program, to name a few. “We will continue to pursue grants that we feel like are a good fit for our community, in partnership with our city and our county,” Powell said. She also shared the certification of this area as a Work Ready Community in January, as well as the involvement of HCEDC in twelve Requests For Information (RFI) on projects that could bring in potential business/industry to the community and southwest Arkansas.

 

Another point of progress today was the recognition of new investors into HCEDC. Tailgaters, Hope Public Schools, Hebrews 11:1, Martins, Honeycutt Printing, Sylvia Brown, and Dennis Ramsey were all honored with New Investor Awards. Also recognized was Castle Oaks Construction for 2510 safety days and Steve and Celia Montgomery for their contribution to the community. The Montgomery’s are former owners of McDonalds who are retiring after 34 years. Powell thanked them and all investors for continuing the HCEDC mission of creating economic growth in Hempstead County. 

Guest Speaker Don Bryant of New Millenium shared news, as well. He said the company is investing $16 million in expanding the facility to slit coils there on site instead of hiring out for that process. Bryant said this will reduce time, transportation costs, and working inventory capital, while also creating seven new jobs. 

One more momentous announcement regarding the sale of the hospital was made at the end of the luncheon. The HCEDC press release can be found HERE and the ongoing developing story by SWARK.Today reporter Jeff Smithpeters can be found HERE.

After the excitement and revelry of today's luncheon, HCEDC Vice Chairman Steve Lance summed it up best in his closing remarks. “I'm proud to be with this EDC organization, and I consider it a privilege to serve on this board. I don't recall in all the times that I've been with EDC that we've had such a celebration, but this has been an awesome day, one we'll remember for a long time.”