The Chamber of Commerce has borne witness to a year of economic changes in 2018.
Mike Malone, president and CEO of the chamber, considered the past year with satisfaction and said he anticipates doing even more this year.
"I'm feeling very positive as I look at the coming year, how things will be for the area economically. Sure, there have been some challenges, but for the most part, there is a whole lot to show off the economic strength of our community," Malone said. "I expect our trend of small businesses opening to continue apace. Further, I strongly feel larger businesses are looking seriously at the area, for several reasons."
Malone noted the high level of development along a wide range of lines that serves to make Texarkana and the surrounding towns and region more attractive to entrepreneurs.
"Our developing transportation network, with additions and expansions of the transportation routes running through our area, will increase our attractiveness for businesses," he said. "The airport construction schedule moves forward, expanding our local air travel facilities. I expect announcements about road construction projects in late 2019, like the widening of I-30 and so forth."
Chamber officials are working to help create positive economic change in the area.
"We are involved in economic development in working with the REDI group," he said. "We look forward to enhancing that relationship in the coming new year."
Malone said the chamber will work with local industry and educational institutions to enhance the present and future workforce.Educating the workforce, he added, remains a high priority.
"We are actively engaged with our higher education institutions as they provide certifications for our workforce. Also, we will continue our K-through-lifelong education initiatives to continue supporting the future workforce," he said.
The chamber also continues to pursue relationships with the state legislative bodies and other government organizations to keep abreast of points of economic interest. Malone said this includes playing a part in making the region more "military friendly."
"We host Red River Army Depot and other facilities in the area and wish to continue the community's military compatibility," he said. "More news coming as that develops, but among other things, we look forward to welcoming the new DLA commander.
"We are enjoying our past success and we intend to build on all of it going into 2019."