The FRIENDS foundation board and members met for their annual meeting on January 20, 2022, where Tiffany Maurer presented the director’s annual report for 2021 and annual plan for 2022. The director’s annual report covered completed projects, such as:

  • A hotel feasibility study completed by AEDI
  • Applications to two federal grants, awarded $1 million grant through SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program
  • A partnership with the City of De Queen and the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce to begin the annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony
  • Hosted the first free hospitality training for Sevier County entrepreneurs
  • Started a social media campaign to raise awareness of local vacation rentals
  • Continued Global Entrepreneurship Week interview series on the @seviercountyed Facebook account

The 2022 annual plan included new projects and ongoing projects that will carry over from 2021. These include:

  • Completing work on a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) with AEDI
  • Work to distribute funds from SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program grant to assist small businesses in Sevier County, along with hiring and training staff to manage the grant
  • Continue partnership with Sevier County Chamber of Commerce, UA Cossatot Workforce Development, De Queen/Mena Educational Cooperative, and De Queen Public Schools to complete assigned goals to achieve ACT Work Ready Community designation
  • Continue to attend public meetings and serve as vice-chair of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance
  • Continue business recruitment, business retention & expansion initiatives
  • Continue to provide the Global Entrepreneurship Week interview series
  • Continue working with community partners for 2024 Eclipse planning

Next, the group discussed financial progress in funding the economic development department, along with economic development projects that exceed the basic operating costs of the department. With the receipt of grant funds supplementing part of department costs, the project balance will increase and provide more opportunities for the board to pursue. Some potential projects discussed were:

  • Establishing an opportunity zone fund for De Queen
  • Funding a census re-count
  • Encouraging partners to attend basic economic development training that will soon be offered
  • Hosting a broadband town hall discussion with the Arkansas Broadband Development Group and Sevier County residents
  • Discussing the potential for student discounted rates for membership in the foundation to encourage diversity in membership

The board members each elected to continue serving in their respective roles, with board president: Mike Branson, vice president: Greg Revels, secretary/treasurer: Jay Bunyard, and members: Angie Walker, Jimmy Bristow, Dr. Steve Cole, and Ned Hendrix. New members as of 2022 currently include Lori House, Stacy Dowdy, and Sandy Brewster.

For questions or to become a member of FRIENDS, please contact Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at tmaurer@cccua.edu or 870-584-1184.