TEXARKANA, Ark. -- A proposed project to beautify the local Amtrak station's exterior received enough online votes to become a quarterfinalist in a contest with a cash prize.
Sponsored by the 2022 class of Leadership Texarkana, a local personal development organization, the project is one of 25 remaining in the America's Main Streets Road to Recovery contest. The highest vote-getter in the end will win $25,000 and a package of other prizes.
Voting at MainStreetContest.com continues through Dec. 12, and the winner will be announced Dec. 20. More than 200 entrants began the contest, and participants cast more than 494,000 votes in the initial round, according to a news release.
The Leadership Texarkana project team includes Jennifer Smith, John Moran, Justin Copeland, Toni Braley, Del Doughty, Val De La Garza, Vashil Fernandez and Wendy Stotts.
"The revitalization of downtown Texarkana is so exciting to see and now to be a part of. Our Leadership Texarkana project team is committed to bringing this special project to fruition with the help of the entire Leadership Texarkana Class of 2022, Main Street Texarkana, the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce and the amazing community of Texarkana citizens who will vote for the project," Stotts said.
In addition to the cash, prizes include a certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment, a Do it Best Corp. $500 shopping spree, a tmbr Flooring $500 shopping spree, a Nationwide Marketing Group $500 shopping spree, public relations and social media recognition, and a plaque.
Texarkana has had success securing funds this way in the past. It has built two dog parks and gotten downtown repainted via contests that required residents to vote online.
(For more information about the Amtrak project, call De La Garza at 903-280-8088.)