Stronger Economies Together (SET) Southeast Arkansas Region Session 1 Notes January 24, 2018 Session1 was facilitated by: Stacey McCullough (Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service) Steve Mosher (Area Director for USDA s Rural Development Fort Smith office and Community Development Coordinator) Wayne Miller (Professor-Community & Economic Development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service Tyler Knapp (Program Associate of Community and Economic Development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service). After a brief overview of the SET program, attendees reviewed results from the Civic Forums held on October 19 in Star City and November 15 in Lake Village. This was followed by an examination of regional economic data and a discussion of next steps. Civic Forum Review Documents reviewed included notes from both civic forums and the regional data snapshot used during the civic forums. These documents are accessible online at https://www.uaex.edu/business-communities/strategic-planning/stronger-economiestogether/southeast-arkansas.aspx. Top regional strengths identified during the civic forums were: Waterways/Ports/Mississippi & Other Rivers/Bayous Transportation River, Rail, Improving Roads, Hwy 65, Highway System (gateway to the South) Infrastructure Geography location of region Geographic Transitions & Features Land Natural Resources Wildlife, Recreation, Water, Soil, State Parks Diversity of Agriculture & Related Industries/Farmers Tourism Wildlife/Recreation/Natural Resources (Economy) Education Opportunities & Low Cost Tech Schools, K12, University/College Medical Resources History/Tradition Citizens diversity of people People Work Together and Accept Change Opportunities/Potential 1
Session 1 attendees identified two additional regional strengths that weren t included on the civic forum notes: I-530 potential expansion Timber Top challenges for the region identified at the forums included: Infrastructure Money/Tax Revenue Generational Poverty Skilled/Available/Prepared Workforce Housing - Affordability, Contractors, Sites, Type Lack of High Paying Jobs/Opportunities Education/Low Expectations Health Care Population Decline Lack of Community/Collaborative Vision Drugs/Drug Addiction Low Income Additional major challenges identified by Session 1 attendees were: Attitudes/negativity everyday people don t talk about the positives Voter registrations Lack of things to do for younger people (teens, 20-somethings) - *Cooperative Extension has opportunities for these populations Skilled tradesman plumbers, electricians, etc. Several strengths and challenges based on evidence in the civic forum data snapshot were observed by Session 1 attendees. (Additional evidence-based strengths and challenges were identified in civic forums see notes). Strengths Growing retiree-age population (spending $, mentors) Low cost of living (bring retirees back, market to this target population) - *AARP has program to provide assistance in this Innovation in region evidenced by patents per job - *What can we do to support additional growth? Challenges Population loss except for Grant County Declining population of young families, midcareer people 2
Reflecting on the civic forum notes and data snapshot, the last question posed to the group was, What potential opportunities stand out to you? Responses included: Green energy appeals to millennials Value-added agriculture, forestry, tourism (rather than raw exports) Tourism trails, walkability, linkages across region New agriculture opportunities organic farming, small farm entrepreneurship Exploration of Economic Data Before examining economic data, attendees were asked to begin thinking about the most important businesses/industry in the region based on their knowledge of the region, including their perceptions of employment and growth. Four industries were mentioned: timber, prisons/government, education/school systems, and medical facilities/hospitals. The group then reviewed data contained in the Regional Data Snapshot (Industry Cluster Analysis) and SEAEDD Dashboard provided during Session 1. It was noted that some of this data is based on estimates and may not reflect true numbers for the region. The data is intended to be used to identify major trends and should be considered within the context of attendees knowledge of region and local industry. Based on this review, the group identified five regional clusters that are particularly strong in region and warrant further examination in Session 2 (additional rationale given in parenthesis): 1. Agribusiness, Food Processing and Technology (distributed across region, import substitution potential, value-added opportunities) 2. Chemicals (focus on specific ones that support other industry in region, not really growing but may be opportunities in support of other industry in region) 3. Arts, Entertainment, Recreation & Visitor Industries (natural resource based opportunities, biking/walking trails, rail to trail, heritage tourism) 4. Forest & Wood Products (strong existing industry even though mature ) 5. Transportation & Logistics (lots of green on Industry Cluster Dashboard) Other Observations & Ideas There were a few other observations and ideas raised by the group during Session 1 that we want to carry forward for consideration as the planning process continues. 70% of business in 2015 had 2-9 employees; these small businesses are an important driver of the regional economy Digital/online economy is negatively impacting businesses in region (competition) 3
Need to consider non-employment related measures in final decision regarding industry clusters to include in final plan Strategy to consider: What skills/degrees/experience/etc. do employers in region need? Can region work on increasing number of people in region to fill jobs moving forward to decrease number of employees coming from outside region? Next Steps In Session 2, the group will explore additional data evidence related to the five clusters identified above to determine: Industries within clusters that have outperformed in the region compared to the nation Local capacity to supply inputs needed for selected clusters Workforce needs for selected clusters The group will also begin to identify relevant strategies related to creation, attraction, retention, and expansion of these clusters. It will be important to have stakeholders familiar with these clusters and industry needs involved as we moved further in the SET process. The following individual/representatives were suggested: Ag-related: Farm Bureau, USDA, FSA, NRCS, Carpenters Farms, UAPB Small Farm program Chemicals: Who are companies in region? Need to identify and engage Tourism/recreation-related: Jim Daily, Trudy Redus, regional tourism office reps, Jimmy Cunningham, Jennifer Conner Forest-related: Check with Joel Transportation: Who are companies in region? Need to identify and engage Stacey will send a list of questions/talking points to share with these individuals (see Preparing for SET Session 2-SEAEDD.pdf). The group also needs to identify a few people to begin filling in parts of the region s High Quality Plan based on information discussed in the Civic Forum and Session 1. Facilitators suggested the group may want to consider engaging a college writing class, student, or retiree from the region to help with this. 4
Session 1 Attendees Name Mary Ann Kizer LaDana W. Emerson Johnny Brigham Zola Hudson Susan Knight Jordyn Williams Lori Walker Denise Williams Randy Pruitt Diane Clement Joel Tolefree Essie Mae Dale-Cableton Patrecia Hargrove Linsley Kinkade Gregory Dale Steve Mosher Stacey McCullough Wayne Miller Tyler Knapp County Desha Desha Chicot Grant Cleveland Bradley SEAEDD Winrock International USDA Rural Development National Office USDA Rural Development Area Office facilitator University of Arkansas, United States Department of Agriculture and County Governments Cooperating. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 5