After eight months of research, the Newport Economic Development Commission will reveal the much-anticipated Jackson County Community Alumni Network.
A central aspect of the Network is a database that contains contact information for Jackson County current and former residents. This Network will exist to connect current and former residents to their hometown, market economic opportunities, and help mobilize on legislation and development initiatives that affect the area.
“The Jackson County Community Alumni Network will allow us to reach out to people who love Newport and Jackson County and recruit them as part of the growth process leading to our bright future,” said Jon Chadwell, Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission.
Helping the organization plan the project were University of Arkansas Clinton School students Joyce Akidi of Pader, Uganda, Charles Alex Lanis of Ada, OK, Shanell Ransom of Columbia, SC, and Jeremy Ratcliff of Raleigh, NC. The team researched database creation and management to design the Alumni Network for Jackson County. The team also collaborated with a committee of community leaders to constantly engage the voice of Jackson County.
Similar to many Delta towns, Jackson County experienced economic challenges in recent years and many people and businesses have left the city seeking communities that offer additional opportunities. The city has since recovered from the economic decline of the 1980s and 1990s, and now host’s very popular attractions such as Depot Days, PortFest, and the Delta Visual Art Show.
The intended impact of the Community Alumni Network is to eliminate economic stagnation by increasing economic development in Jackson County. The influence of this project is limitless but the desired effects are retaining residents. Population growth will lead to an increase in tax revenue, resulting in additional funding for the Newport Economic Development Commission initiatives, and countywide infrastructure development.
“The anticipated impact of the Alumni Network is huge. Anytime we can let people who care about our community know of the great opportunities happening today, they always want to get involved,” said Julie Allen, Executive Director of the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce. “It will bring a lot of resources and talent back to Newport, plus we will get reconnected with family and friends in new and exciting ways.”
The Network will be unveiled at a reception and public presentation on Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 5 pm. This will take place at the Newport Economic Development Commission, 201 Hazel Street, Newport, Arkansas.
About the Newport Economic Development Commission
The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) was created in 2002 by a vote of the citizens of Newport and it is those citizens that we work for each day. The Strategic Plan of the NEDC includes job-creation incentives to new and existing manufacturers, investing in infrastructure improvements to benefit business development, offering the ever popular ReNewport Grants to retail businesses and much more.
More information about the Newport Economic Development Commission is available at www.newportaredc.org
Responses