Developing Howard County Executive Director discuss growing industry at board meeting

Developing Howard County board met Thursday and discussed the need for possibly two committees to help the board discover how they can benefit Howard County.

Board President Paul Britt recommended a Product Development Committee and a Business Development and Retention Committee. Both committees would be made up of three board members, Britt and Vanessa Weeks who is the Developing Howard County executive director.

Weeks reported the boards CEDS should be completed by September and she asked the board to consider scheduling a public meeting for the community to attend. She said this would allow the community to offer suggestions, ask questions and help develop strategies for future growth.

Weeks attended a meeting in Magnolia. The meeting was hosted by the Dark Skies Association. Weeks said participants were encouraged to become certified as a Dark Skies member. She explained that a Dark Skies certified community is a place that people visit in an effort to sky the constellations. She said there is only one Dark Skies certified location in Arkansas and that is the Buffalo River National Park. She informed the board that according to Dark Skies, Astro Tourism is a growing industry in America.

Weeks informed the board that UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole was named the Rural Advocate of the Year during the Rural Development Conference.