AVAMC to Hold Input Meeting in Eads
February 28, 2003
In recent months economic development organizations in the southern Arkansas Valley have joined forces to look at the issue of economic diversity in today’s challenging rural environment. The Arkansas Valley Area Marketing Coalition is an alliance to develop an Action Plan for business retention, expansion and attraction for the Arkansas Valley.
The Coalition has asked New Perspectives Group, LLC to work with them to develop an action plan and identify the most promising business opportunities that can create new jobs by either expanding existing operations or attracting complimentary businesses or strategic partnerships with other businesses in the High Plains region. This is realistic goal of creating jobs, business expansions or new opportunities that help to diversify the Arkansas Valley economy.
Felice Entratter and Steve Barnard will lead the NPG team – with combined economic development and business experience of over 45 years.
Project Outline: Phase I: Review of current materials, SIC code analysis of the study area, Business Survey and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of the Valley. Phase II: First stage research into business sector opportunities, linkages, and co-location opportunities. Phase III: Intense Research on culled list of business sector opportunities and development of an action plan for business development in the Arkansas Valley.
Following the final Action Planning session, 5 Community Meetings will be held in which NPG will present the summary recommendations to the Arkansas Valley’s business, education, and government leadership on June 4 & 5, 2003.
In order to better understand the business climate and the infrastructure in place (or not!) to encourage business growth we will hold five countywide meetings to hear directly from those most effected: local businesses, city officials, county officials, and school board members. More specifically, we will be asking you to share your opinions on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the Arkansas Valley’s effort to diversify the economy. YOUR INPUT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!
Please mark your calendar as follows: Date: March 4th, 2003; Time: 5:00 p.m.; Location: Our Place Restaurant; Dinner will be available.
If you are unable to attend but would like Felice and Steve to understand your business/community issues, please feel free to contact them at: feliceentratter@aol.com or 720-344-8240 between February 26th – March 2nd.
PLEASE RSVP BY MARCH 4TH TO: Janet Frederick, Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation 719-438-2200