Hot Springs, Arkansas: Affordable, Attractive and Centrally Located

Historic Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas is billed as "America's First Resort," but the region is hardly all play and no work. Hot Springs is making a name for itself in the 21st century as an affordable answer to business and industry.

With its attractive cost of living and cost of doing business, economic development is strong in Hot Springs. More than $100 million in tourism, manufacturing, technology and life sciences projects have been announced in the past three years. The region is now preparing to serve more high-tech firms with its new office and technology park.

"We have a 38,000-square foot speculative building in the new Hot Springs Office & Technology Park that is currently under construction," said Jay Chesshir, president of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. "This building will serve as a catalyst to attract all types of office and technology-related industries."

Meanwhile, the 470-acre Mid-America Park is serving the region with a unique industrial, cultural, educational and recreational development. Both of these parks are located in the heart of the fast-growing Sunbelt region within 600 miles of 80 million people. While Hot Springs offers a small-city family atmosphere, there are more than 181,000 people within a 30-mile driving radius to ensure a readily available work force.

Arkansas has a reputation for reliable, skilled, and productive labor. The state's Right-to-Work law has historically provided a compatible labor climate for business and industry. State programs provide start-up training tailored to company needs at no cost. St. Joseph's Regional Health Center, Weyerhaeuser Company, Wal-Mart Stores and Xerox Corporation are among the city's largest employers.

"Hot Springs offers a sizeable and growing work force and a highly developed infrastructure," said Chesshir. "The community is known for its solid, progressive leadership and crystal clear vision for the future. Due to the quality of life that Hot Springs National Park provides, we are able to attract a wide range of people to move to the area."

To be sure, Hot Springs offers an attractive quality of life as one of America's "top small arts towns." It is surrounded by mountains and lakes, is home to thoroughbred horse racing, hosts international film and music festivals, and features a 200-acre botanical garden and numerous hiking and biking trails. All these amenities attract more than two million visitors each year.

The Arkansas corporate tax system is favorable to industry and its transportation system is complete. Hot Springs is served by Arkansas Midland Railroad which is a short-line feeder for the Union-Pacific Railroad. Interstate Highway 30 is only 20 miles away by U.S. Highways 270 and 70. The area is also served by numerous motor freight lines and four transfer storage companies. The municipal airport offers commercial air service through Mesa Airlines and has charter service available.

"The advantages of doing business in Hot Springs go far beyond the city's reputation for scenic beauty and world-class amenities," said Chesshir. "Having been named an Arkansas Community of Excellence by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development, Hot Springs offers a bustling business environment with a strong foundation of support services for all types of companies."

For more information on Hot Springs, visit www.hotspringschamber.com. Or, contact Jay Chesshir at (501) 321-1700 or jay@hotspringschamber.com