Texarkana now has a new tool in economic development as the Texarkana Economic Development Council has just completed a training course that will help it attract new business to the area.
Members from the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, along with Jeff Whitten, Texarkana, Tex., Public Works director, Dr. Kenny Haskin, Texarkana, Ark., city manager, and Eric Bassinger, SWEPCO Economic and Business Development manager, completed the training.
"Working with Arkansas Economic Development Council, our team was put through a complete training and simulation regiment to prepare us to assist companies looking for a place to do business," said Chamber of Commerce board member Curtis Schneekloth.
The training took place in stages, with the team first learning how to handle researching requests when a company expresses interest in the area.
"When a company places a request with us, we have three days to a week to give them the information they need," Schneekloth said. "This part of the training taught us exactly where we need to go to find the information a company needs and how to get it to them quickly and efficiently. Instead of having to figure it out when a request comes it, we already know."
After that, TEDC trained on how to select a property based on a company's spelled-out needs and pitch site locations.
"We did a complete mock site visit," Schneekloth said. "We went through the whole process of getting a set of specifications, selecting a location and preparing a sales pitch based on that company's needs. AEDC set a team to role-play the company we were pitching to."
"We passed with flying colors," he added.
"It is exciting to bring together community leaders and the Arkansas Economic Development team to work on the Project Readiness Educational Program," said Michael Malone, president of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce. "It provided a learning experience for everyone about the Texarkana community, its many assets and the opportunities companies can find here. Our excitement continues as we grow economic opportunities."
"Prospective companies are drawn towards strong communities," said AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston, "The PREP program gives Arkansas communities the information and tools they need to become vibrant and more competitive in the site selection process. I would encourage all Arkansas communities to become involved in the program."
As to the next steps to be taken, Schneekloth said, "First, we will encourage local developers to start listing available properties on the AEDC web site to make them easier to find. We will also be visiting Little Rock and the AEDC project managers to make them aware of what we need and what we are up to locally."
"We want them to be thinking about Texarkana," Schneekloth said. "And the Chamber of Commerce is excited to help."