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ACE in the Hole
Arkansas' Community of Excellence program positions rural
areas for success.
By Trisha Ostrowski
In the game of economic development, competition is fierce.
A community, especially a rural one, can't afford to simply
play the cards it's been dealt, leaving success to chance.
Instead, it must become an active agent of change to pursue
the future it desires.
A community must identify and develop what sets it apart-its
"ace in the hole." That's exactly what rural communities
across Arkansas are doing through the Arkansas Community of
Excellence (ACE) program. Since created by the state's Department
of Economic Development in 1992, this initiative has set many
areas on the road to economic prosperity. Today, 52 communities
have ACE designation.
The heart of the ACE program is strategic planning, which
will ready an area to gain and grow businesses. For example,
each ACE community must develop a three-year economic development
plan and a one-year action plan. It must also implement a
program that keeps leaders in touch with established industry
and responsive to its needs. And, it must have a plan for
quick and effective response to inquiries. In short, the ACE
designation indicates to a prospective company that the area
has what it takes to support industry.
Over the last year, the vision, planning and pro-active approach
encouraged by ACE have paid off well for two southeastern
Arkansas communities. Both have experienced tremendous success
in garnering new investment.
Take the Drew County town of Monticello, for instance. Achieving
success for this community has meant overcoming adversity.
In October 2000, the area lost 750 jobs when Burlington Industries'
rug manufacturing operation closed its doors.
Not willing to accept defeat graciously, Monticello economic
developers set out to fill available space and to provide
good jobs for the citizens. Within a few short months, the
community attracted Canadian manufacturer Yanoor, which reopened
Burlington's operations.
In addition, Monticello has drawn major investment from existing
industry including War Eagle Boats/ Team Ward, Inc.; Maxwell
Hardwood Flooring; and Earthworks, an up-and-coming company
which manufactures foam core for mailboxes.
"The addition of jobs to the Monticello economy is certainly
a significant shot in the arm," said Adam Harris, executive
director of Monticello economic development commission. "The
companies have been drawn here by our availability of labor,
affordable labor costs and friendly culture."
Part of Monticello's strategic plan for growth that has proven
to be especially important is its commitment to having convenient
industrial sites. The community has developed an industrial
park with plans to begin construction on a spec building in
spring 2002.
For Warren, a second ACE community, planning and implementation
has also paid off well. The town, located in Bradley County,
completed as 50,000 square-foot spec building in June 2000.
Exactly one year later, the building had attracted H&L
Poultry, which will employ up to 300. H&L, according to
company leadership, was drawn not only by the available building,
but also by proximity of similar companies and an abundant
supply of ready workers in this rural community of 12,000.
"Thanks to our strategic plan, we have been able to
cut unemployment in half in the last five years," explained
Mary Seymore, executive director of Bradley County Industrial
Development Corporation.
Warren, Monticello and its neighbors are increasingly recognizing
the value of partnership, another outflow of strategic planning.
Together, they are able to pursue favorable legislation for
the region and provide advantages not often found in rural
locations.
One of several partnering projects is an intermodal facility
now underway. Recognizing that accessible transportation is
priority for companies that consider a rural location, the
communities are teaming up to construct a port on the Mississippi
River. This new endeavor will enable local industry to save
time and money in receiving raw materials and shipping finished
products. The facility will also include 500 acres of industrial
property accessible by rail, truck and water, according to
Harris.
Along with the port, the team effort has also facilitated
a strong transportation position for southeastern Arkansas.
I-69 will soon pass through Monticello and Interstate 530
will connect Monticello and I-69 to Interstates 30, 44 and
55. This multi-modal situation will help companies connect
to the world while enjoying the rich rural quality of life.
"The communities in Southeast Arkansas work very well
together," explained Libby Doss of the Arkansas Department
of Economic Development. "They have great leaders who
believe that they'll find strength in numbers." This
strong leadership and commitment to strategic planning are
dealing Arkansas' ACE communities a winning hand.
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