In November's Texarkana Chamber of Commerce meeting, Board Chairman Cory Floyd announced that Judge James Carlow appointed him in October to the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority.
Floyd described the authority as a governmental organization that is responsible for increasing transportation infrastructure in East Texas.
"I look forward to bringing transportation projects to our region," Floyd said.
He also said the Transportation Alliance for Texas will discuss I-69 development at its annual meeting coming up in Houston.
The chamber's Economic Development Council will meet soon with state-level counterparts in Arkansas. During the meeting, the Texarkana EDC will obtain information on new state-level incentives to attract businesses to the region.
Michael Malone, president and chief executive officer, announced the chamber is working with SWEPCO to certify Maxwell Industrial Park on the Arkansas side as "shovel ready."
"This information will be publicly available and help make the area more attractive for business considering coming here."
He also announced that a grant from the Arkansas-side Advertising and Promotion Commission has helped the chamber work on a beautification and tourism development project for Photographer's Island next to the post office on the state line.
"We also have increased the number of business ribbon-cuttings," Malone said. "This year, we had 54 of them. Last year, it was 49. This is another indicator of increasing economic activity in our region."
The EDC announced a partnership with the city's four high schools to give students tours of local industry and business. Next month, local students will tour Harte Hanks.
Greater Texarkana Young Professionals is continuing its fundraiser, "Christmas Shopping Village," and still has room for businesses to obtain a booth. The fundraiser takes place each weekend until Dec. 24. Proceeds will fund the two scholarships GTYP gives to two local students. Contact [email protected] to participate.
The chamber will hold its annual celebration for chamber members Jan. 19. Malone has requested that those who want to donate artificial Christmas trees for decoration contact the chamber.