Incoming wintry weather changed some plans for Bradley County Economic Development Corp.’s annual meeting but the meeting went on as scheduled at Immanuel Baptist Church on Monday.
Board Chairman Dr. Bob Smalling explained that Clint McNeal, Arkansas Economic Development Commission director, was scheduled to speak but had to cancel. He said McNeal would be rescheduled to speak at a future BCEDC board meeting.
Top photo: Bradley County Economic Development Corp. held its annual meeting Monday at Immanuel Baptist Church. Shown, from left, are new board member Bridgette Harding, President Dr. Bob Smalling, Vice President High Allen Quimby and Secretary-Treasurer Carlton Davis. Photo by Tim Kessler.
Smalling said the organization was working on funding sources. BCEDC works in conjunction with the city, county and Bradley County Chamber of Commerce “to make this a better place.” Several years ago, the county group merged with an economic development group in Hermitage. It is currently under the leadership of a 15-member board.
A moment of silence was observed for the late Sue Wagnon, a longtime board member. A motion was later adopted to present a resolution in her memory to her family members at a future board meeting.
Board meetings in the past year have included presentations on broadband, Warren and Hermitage school superintendents, green energy sanitation services at Lake Village and AHF, formerly Armstrong Hardwood Flooring.
Ex-officio members mayors of Warren, Hermitage and Banks, plus Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney have given updates to the board.
BCEDC is working on land acquisition for economic development. The city has 34 acres available in its industrial park and BCEDC has 59 acres. The organization also works with current industries.
“We’re hoping some of the things we’ve been working on the last 18 months come to fruition,” Smalling said.
McKinney said certification of property for economic development under an Entergy program takes about two years. “We’ve told everybody to be diligent in looking for property,” he said. “That’s the key goal is to have the property ready when it comes time.”
In other action:
- Accountant Bob Milton gave the financial report. He said BCEDC has about $128,000 in bank accounts, with $7,413 in the past year through membership fees and one lease to a small sawmill. Total assets are $922,000, with a net worth of $922,000. Expenditures were $26,823, which included some leveling work, resulting in a net loss of $19,409.
- New member Bridgette Harding was welcomed to the board. Officers reelected included Smalling, president; Hugh Allen Quimby, vice president; and Carlton Davis, secretary-treasurer.
- McKinney reported that the courthouse bell tower is almost completed, with lights to be installed soon. He said the green energy project should give an update to Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District within two weeks.
- Warren Mayor Gregg Reep said, “We’ve got some serious problems in downtown Warren with structures.” He said the Bryant’s Building will have to be torn down and a structural engineer will examine the Ederington-Hankins buildings and make recommendations. The Martin’s store property was apparently purchased for $5,000 by a buyer who apparently didn’t realize the city has a $900,000 lien on the property after that building was demolished at city expense. The city has also put $400,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds into street paving along with city funds.
- Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority Board Chairman John Lipton reviewed the history of the property, which has an $8 million value. He said the organization is currently working with three timber-related prospects.
- The annual budget was approved.
- Outgoing board member Keith Chambers was recognized for nine years of service.
- Warren Alderman Joel Tolefree spoke of business opportunities throughout the county, including the addition of cabins in recent years at Moro Bay State Park. He introduced James Tenner, who, along with his wife, Anita, will be opening Madar’s Restaurant.
- Chamber Executive Director said a ribbon-cutting was recently held for Main Street Market. She said the restaurant will have a ribbon-cutting in March. An Easter event will be planned in Warren City Park.