Economic growth sought

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

— Mayor Kevin Johnston and councilwoman Janie Parks, chairperson over the newly-formed economic development committee, met with Jessica Breaux of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission on March 2 to seek information and direction to aid in the formation of the new committee.

The meeting was held to learn new ways to promote the city of Gentry and to seek to maintain existing businesses and invite others to consider Gentry asa place to locate and do business.

"You're doing the right thing and stepping in the right direction," Breaux said of the city's new efforts to focus on promoting the city and make it a business friendly city. Most small cities, Breaux said, are doing little or nothing.

Breaux explained some ways the city could use its own Web site to promote the city. She suggested providing current demographics, business properties available, and highlighting those things which would give the city an advantage in attracting new businesses. Among them, nearness to major metropolitan areas (within a half-day's drive), rail access, highway access, the local workforce pool and local features were mentioned.

Also discussed were listing available business properties on the AEDC Web site. To be included, submissions would have to be buildings of 10,000 square feet or more or open land of 10 acres or more, suitable for business development.

Breaux also suggested some avenues the city may wish to explore to get help in designing and building a Web site to promote the city.

News, Pages 2 on 03/09/2011