Developing Howard County Advances Economic Initiatives, Accepts Feed Mill Property Donation

Developing Howard County Executive Director Vanessa Weeks updated board members on several economic development initiatives during the group’s regular monthly meeting.

Weeks announced that Nashville will host the upcoming SADA – State of the Southwest conference on April 10 at Midtown Social. She encouraged board members to attend the regional event.

She also reported that Nashville has received a SelectUSA designation and that she will represent Developing Howard County at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland from May 3–6. The summit connects investors, companies, economic development organizations and industry experts to facilitate business investment across the United States.

In addition, Weeks said she is working to secure a Competitive Community designation for Nashville through the state’s Competitive Communities Initiative (CCI). The CCI evaluation program was created to help communities become more attractive for investment and job creation by providing third-party assessments and targeted recommendations to spur economic growth.

Currently, 11 communities statewide hold the CCI designation, including two in Southwest Arkansas — Hope and Arkadelphia.

Weeks further reported that she and local leaders hosted a site visit Feb. 20 at the Oxbody facility. She said the visit was successful and that Nashville has advanced to the second stage of consideration alongside two other sites.

In other business, board members approved Weeks’ recommendation to partner with DNT Media to strengthen Developing Howard County’s online media presence.

A board representative serving on the Branding, Recreation and Entertainment Committee said efforts to gather signatures for the county’s wet/dry issue have stalled. He noted that without a significant increase in signatures, the measure will not appear on the November ballot for voter consideration.

Following adjournment of the regular meeting, the board convened a special called meeting via teleconference and notified local media.

Board President Paul Britt presented a resolution from Tyson Foods offering to donate the Nashville Feed Mill property on Mission Drive to Developing Howard County as a charitable contribution. The board unanimously approved the resolution and accepted the property donation.