The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce announced several projects Tuesday during its January meeting.
Chamber chairman Corey Floyd announced that the Texarkana Twins, a collegiate level minor league baseball team, will be claiming office space in downtown Texarkana. The Twins have previously announced they will take to the field in Spring Lake Park for the first time this summer.
In other chamber news, Floyd is working with Scott Norton, TexAmericas Center executive director and CEO, on an Interstate 49 project.
"Right now, I-49 has stopped just outside of Texarkana," Floyd said "Our job is to push the effort to move the highway forward to Fort Smith, Ark., and link up with the bridge there. Scott and I will be working with various local agencies as well as the federal government to see this finished. Also, we are available to support the development of Texarkana Airport."
Michael Malone, chamber president and CEO, noted several projects coming in the new year. One is a touching up of the area around the downtown courthouse and post office.
"We are going to see that access is easier, rearrange the parking a bit and landscape around Photo Island," he said. "The idea is to make it easier to move around in that area and make it more photogenic."
Joey Martin of the Economic Development Council announced partnerships with Cooper Tire, Mayo Manufacturing, Express Employment, TEXAR Federal Credit Union and local school districts to produce a series of videos for each school districts, informing students and educators about local business, industry and possible employment opportunities.
Board member Jennifer Harland announced chamber trips to both Little Rock and Austin. Those going on these trips will have a chance to find out about various economic and civic activities going on as well as have opportunities to make contacts. These trips are not limited to chamber members. If interested, contact the Chamber of Commerce. The Little Rock trip is in late February, and the Austin trip is in early March.
Justin Hamiliton of Greater Texarkana Young Professionals announced several upcoming events. In March, they will conduct a tour of several downtown restaurants, including Pecan Point, Hopkins Icehouse and Verona. In May, Movies In The Park will begin. And in November, there will be a food drive for Harvest Texarkana.
Any questions about these or any other events or activities, stop by the Chamber of Commerce at 819 N. Stateline Ave., or call 903-792-7191.