Mississippi County Unveils Roadmap for Community Revitalization

BLYTHEVILLE, ARK. – A yearlong collaboration of Mississippi County’s private and public sectors culminated in the unveiling of the county’s first Delta Bridge Project Strategic Plan on Tuesday. The celebration included local leaders, funders, and a special address from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Executive Director, Grant Tennille, who welcomed the plan to the community.

The Delta Bridge Project, which is funded by the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation, one of the South’s most impactful philanthropic organizations, and by Southern Bancorp, one of the nation’s leading rural development banks, is a community led plan for revitalizing the county’s social and economic sectors with the goal of providing a stronger, brighter future for all Mississippi County residents.



Click here to download a PDF of the
Mississippi County Strategic Community Plan

“We’re excited to be part of this new phase in Mississippi County’s social and economic growth,” said Steve Jones, Senior VP of Programs for Southern Bancorp Community Partners. “The energy and determination in this community have been clearly exhibited over the past year as the community came together around the core idea of making Mississippi County an even better place to live, work, and grow.”

The planning process, which was first initiated in Phillips County, Arkansas in 2003 by Southern Bancorp, proved so successful that it was subsequently launched in Clark County, Arkansas as well as Sunflower and Coahoma Counties in Mississippi.

“Southern Bancorp has seen the impacts firsthand that the Delta Bridge Project can have on a community, from increasing opportunities for youth to building stronger economic development supports to creating a safer place to live,” said Jones. “And with the catalytic support of the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation behind this project, I know we have the necessary ingredients to make this plan a reality.”

The project’s origins can be traced to 2011, when Southern Bancorp first entered the Mississippi County marketplace. As is the practice of the mission-driven community development bank, an examination of the needs of the community was started. Southern realized early on that for such an ambitious plan to be successful in the county with such a large geographic size, that a strong philanthropic partner would be critical. That partner was found in the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation.

“When Southern approached us about providing the initial funding for this project, our board quickly realized the impact potential,” said Michelle Monse, President of the King Foundation. “We see in this part of the state, and this plan, the greatest opportunity to improve the overall quality of life in a way that honors both the Kings’ values and the philanthropic legacy that is our privilege to steward.”

The plan contains ambitious, yet attainable, goals for the county over the next ten years in the areas of Economic Development, Education, Housing, Quality of Life, Leadership, and Health and Wellness.

“While some of the plan’s objectives will take significant time and planning, others are already being achieved,” said Jones, referring to the recent remediation of 18 dilapidated properties around the county. “We’re cleaning up the county and getting it ready to put its best foot forward.”

The plan will be implemented by community led “Goal Teams” who have been integral in its creation. Made up of broad cross sections of the community, these teams will be responsible for shepherding the plan’s goals and activities.

For more information about the Delta Bridge Project plan, visit www.DeltaBridgeProject.com.


Southern Bancorp is one of America’s largest rural development banks, serving over 80,000 customers at 39 branches in both Arkansas and Mississippi. Southern invests in people and businesses in rural communities; empowers them to improve their lives; and helps them transform their communities.
On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.

 

Carl B. and Florence E. King started the Foundation that bears their names in 1966. Beginning with gifts from Mr. and Mrs. King, as well as a later bequest from their daughter, Dorothy, the Foundation has now grown to more than $50 million in assets and distributes approximately $2 million per year. The Foundation is committed to the highest standards of philanthropy and to honoring the original intent of the generous founders.
On the web at KingFoundation.com

 

###



Article by Delta Bridge Project

 http://deltabridgeproject.com/mississippicounty/

Osceola to Participate in Clean-Up Initiative

OCAH Organizing Litter Pickup for April 25-May 24, 2014
Volunteers needed to help keep Osceola beautiful

Osceola, AR (April 15, 2014) – Volunteers are needed to participate in OCAH’s first annual spring community improvement April 25-May 24, 2014. Sponsored by OCAH, Osceola/SMC Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Osceola, the cleanup is being held in conjunction with the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup in Arkansas (GAmC), the annual spring statewide litter pickup campaign promoted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB). 

“Litter continues to be a problem in Osceola,” said Debra Felske of Osceola, local coordinator of this year’s cleanup. “It can leave a negative impact on our community for years to come. By participating in this year’s Great American Cleanup in Arkansas, local residents can help make Osceola a vibrant community."

Everyone in Osceola is encouraged to participate in this year’s community improvement effort. Civic and service organizations, church and youth groups, school groups and clubs, scouts, individuals, families, neighborhoods, and businesses can organize cleanup teams and pitch in.

Local organizations are encouraged to choose an area of town for either litter removal or a beautification project.  OCAH will be providing a limited number of trash bags and gloves.  Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own supplies also.  Sign-up sheets will be available at the Chamber and Main Street offices.  A city wide clean-up day is scheduled for May 24 at the conclusion of this month long event.

“Community pride is everyone’s responsibility,” Felske said. “We all live in this community together and must work together to keep it clean and green. We do this to maintain our quality of life, to create a place we can all be proud of and to improve our local economy.” 

About the Great American Cleanup

The national kickoff for the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup is March 1. Local Great American Cleanup events are being organized in March, April and May. Activities will include beautifying parks and recreation areas, cleaning waterways, collecting recyclables, picking up litter, planting trees and flowers, and conducting educational programs and litter-free events. This year’s national Great American Cleanup is sponsored by Altria, Dow Chemical Company, Glad Products Company, Phillips 66, Troy-Bilt® Lawn and Garden Equipment and Waste Management.

About Keep Arkansas Beautiful

As a certified state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful Inc., Keep Arkansas Beautiful works to inspire and educate individuals to reduce litter, recycle and keep Arkansas beautiful. It operates as a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and is overseen by a nine-member commission appointed by the governor. KAB is funded by 1 percent of the eighth-cent conservation tax and, by mobilizing volunteers, returns to the state a cost benefit of more than $6 in community service for each program dollar spent. For more information about KAB, visit KeepArkansasBeautiful.com or stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

About Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful Inc., established in 1953, is the nation’s largest volunteer-based community action and education organization. With a network of nearly 1,000 affiliate and participating organizations, Keep America Beautiful builds vibrant communities through public-private partnerships and programs that engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community’s environment. To learn more about Keep America Beautiful, visit kab.org.

Information Contact: 

Debra Felske, GAmC Coordinator

Osceola Center for Arts and Heritage 

            870-563-0006

irector@ocah.org

Osceola/SMC Chamber launches Federation Partnership with U.S. Chamber

The Osceola/South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce is continuously looking for ways to provide

our members with additional services and resources. Today, we are excited to announce a partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that welcomes nearly 200 of our members, through their existing membership with our chamber, as a new member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at no additional cost.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation and 96% of their members are small businesses. Through businesses' membership with the U.S. Chamber, they will have access to the many valuable benefits designed specifically for small businesses, including the toolkits available on Small Business Nation, news and advocacy updates, and other products, services, and publications.

In the coming week, those that qualified will receive an email directly from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce providing our members with information on how to access the many resources now available.

For more information on this partnership or to become a member of the Osceola/SMC Chamber of Commerce, please email Ammi Tucker at osceolachamber@sbcglobal.net.

Business Workshops next week in Osceola

 

The ASU Small Business & Technology Development Center, in partnership with the Osceola/SMC Chamber, will be hosting two workshops next week to benefit both existing and potential small businesses and entrepreneurs.  The courses are open to anyone that wishes to attend, and members of the Osceola/SMC Chamber receive $5 off of the regular registration price.

Though the events will be held in the Chamber facilities, event registration is through the ASBTDC.  Online registration links are below the description for each respective course. Participants must register at least 24 hours prior to each course, so click over now and sign up today!

STARTING A BUSINESS IN ARKANSAS

Tuesday, March 18
9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Osceola/SMC Chamber of Commerce
116 N Maple
Osceola, AR 72370

Click Here To Register

Find out the major steps crucial to starting a business, identify key issues that affect your business success, and discuss start-up requirements as well as common pitfalls you may face as an entrepreneur. Learn what to do to be successful -- before you open the doors! 

Event fee $30

Chamber members $25

ASU Faculty, Staff, Students $15

Veterans FREE

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN APPLYING FOR A BUSINESS LOAN

Tuesday, March 18

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Osceola/SMC Chamber of Commerce
116 N Maple
Osceola, AR 72370

Click Here To Register

This seminar will explain how and where to get financing for prospective and existing businesses. Credit requirements, places to go for funding and the Small Business Administration's loan guaranty program will be presented.
Event fee $35
Chamber members $30
ASU Faculty, Staff, Students $17.50

 

The Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center has helped small Businesses and entrepreneurs launch, grow and succeed for 30 years from the Delta to the Ozarks.  This is a great opportunity for both existing and prospective business owners.

For more information, please contact Lois Travis or Abbi Siler at 870-972-3517, or lois@astate.edu or  lsiler@astate.edu, respectively.

Osceola Mayor Talks New Industry, Jobs at Chamber Luncheon

The Osceola/South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce held its first Member Lunch on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, in the Harold Ohlendorf Civic Center.  Over 70 business, industry, and community leaders came out to enjoy a delicious lunch catered by member Riverlawn Country Club and to hear Mayor Dickie Kennemore give the State of the City Address.

He began his program with general updates about the City of Osceola budget.  He showed the group that in comparison to 2013's budget, the city should recognize a $1,776,534 net increase in profits this year through both increases and revenue and reduction of expenses.  He noted that this was due to various department heads operating more efficiently and reduction of wages through attrition.  

The presentation then moved to many updates regarding industrial developments.

Map showing boundaries for existing and future industrial developments. Clockwise from bottom left: Evonik Cyro (existing, purple) American Greetings (existing, light blue), Indigo Resources LTD (future, dark blue), Plum Point Energy Station (existing, red), Bunge Corporation (existing, gold), Viskase Corporation (existing, pink), Big River Steel (future, yellow). Photo from the Mayor's presentation.

Blue Oak, a high tech recycling facility, was the first to be discussed.  The company will work to reclaim five precious metals found in circuit boards from a variety of electronics.  There are only six facilities such as this in the world, none of which are in the United States.  Kennemore also noted that those that do exist are repurposed recycling facilities, often having outdated technology and thus not recognizing maximum efficiency.  Blue Oak will be state of the art, bringing approximately 75 high paying technical jobs.  The project is anticipated to begin preliminary organization in the next 60-90 days.

Next, Kennemore gave information on Indigo Resources, the rail-to-barge oil terminal to be situated just north of Plum Point Energy Station.  Oil will be imported from Canada and North Dakota on rail cars, transferred to barge at the Osceola terminal, and transported to refineries in Memphis, Vicksburg, New Orleans, and Houston.  Indigo is expected to fill 225 jobs, and will break ground on April 1, 2014.

Kennemore then explained that with this kind of industry, there is some risk due to needed maintenance or inspection of rail cars.  When you consider the large amount of rail cars used by PPES and to be used by Indigo and Big River Steel, there will be quite the demand for a facility that can help in this respect.  The group was surprised when he announced that they are working to bring a tank car inspection and repair business to the former Fruit of the Loom site, and the 70,000 tank cars in need of inspection and repair will create 300 to 400 jobs, many in welding.  Scrap cars will be delivered to Big River Steel.

The presentation then shifted to an update on Big River Steel.  He gave a report on the recent meeting last Friday with the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, in which the agency lifted the construction stay on the project.  Though the air permit hearing still has to take place, he explained that this is a major and positive step forward by allowing BRS to begin preliminary site work.  The air permit appeal hearing is tentatively set for February 18, with a final decision to be made on or before March 31, 2014.  The plant is to bring approximately 525 jobs.

He also shared data about the steel industry and an article in Fortune magazine with Charles Koch of Koch Industries.  In it, Koch discusses their reasons for investing in BRS, one being that it will be the only large-scale producer of electrical-grade steel in the United States, which will be used to make transformers, power lines, and other equipment used in specialty grids of tomorrow.

"The New Koch" by Christopher Leonard, Fortune Magazine, January 13, 2014.

Article preview link: http://money.cnn.com/2013/12/19/leadership/koch-brothers.pr.fortune/index.html

On Friday, an administrative law judge lifted a stay that was blocking potential construction activities for the project. With the ruling, Big River Steel can begin site preparation work and move forward with initial construction planning.
The move also is a sign of confidence for investors in the project, which includes a consortium of domestic and overseas financial groups. There are still two more hearings to review the air permits obtained by Big River Steel related to the deal.
- See more at: http://talkbusiness.net/2014/01/big-river-steel-gets-stay-lifted-two-reviews-go/#sthash.18l9qUvx.dpuf

The $1.1 billion steel mill slated for Osceola has been tied up in a regulatory hearing as a chief rival, Nucor Steel, has asked for a re-examination of the air quality permits approved for Big River Steel by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. - See more at: http://talkbusiness.net/2014/01/big-river-steel-gets-stay-lifted-two-reviews-go/#sthash.18l9qUvx.dpuf

With all of the new industrial developments happening in Osceola, Kennemore discussed plans for accommodating infrastructure improvements, including water, sewage, rail spurs, and more.

Kennemore closed his presentation with discussing his goal of securing a new electric provider contract.  The current contract with Constellation expires December 31, 2014, and the city is looking to negotiate a 20-year full requirements contract with a new company to have in place on January 1, 2015.  He explained that a $0.02 reduction would generate an additional $2.4million surplus for Osceola Municipal Light and Power.  With this additional profit, the City will explore options including but not limited to rate reduction, increased services, and a new recreation complex such as a water park.

The Chamber was very happy with both the turnout and the very informative presentation.  The organization looks to host the luncheon series on a quarterly basis.  For more details about the next luncheon, event, or general information about the Osceola/South Mississippi County Chamber of Commerce, contact Executive Director Ammi Tucker at osceolachamber@sbcglobal.net or 870-563-2281.

Big River Steel gets OK to begin preliminary construction

Friday, January 24, 2014

By Sandra Brand | Osceola Times

Big River Steel is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) lifted the construction stay on Big River during a meeting in Little Rock early this morning (Friday).

Osceola Mayor Dickie Kennemore explained this does not mean the air permit has been approved, but it does mean John Correnti, CEO of Big River, can begin the preliminary construction phase such as soil tests etc.

"This is good news for the project," Kennemore said.

An administrative law judge has tentatively scheduled a Feb. 18 hearing on the appeal for the air permit.
Big River Steel, a $1.1 billion project, has promised to create at least 525 permanent jobs with an average wage of $75,000 in exchange for $125 million in state financing and other tax breaks. BRS will be built on the banks of the Mississippi River just south of Osceola.

Redistributed with permission from Sandra Brand. Original article link: http://www.couriernews.net/story/2044962.html

Give Thanks to Local Business

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, we often think of family, food, and fellowship.  It is the time of year that we celebrate with loved ones, count our blessings (but not our calories!), and begin the countdown to Christmas.

This holiday season, I ask each of you to take time to show your gratitude to the local businesses, industries, and organizations of our area.  Though kind words and encouragement are great, the best way to give thanks and support is through buying local.

Every dollar spent locally circulates six times within the local economy.  With approximately $0.45 of each $1 going back into the community, your initial dollar spent will have a $1.80 impact on our local economy while helping several other local businesses along the way.  Plus, by supporting local business, you help with job creation and retention, as well as sales tax generation that supports many great things in our community such as local parks, youth sports, and services.

Please remember your local businesses when shopping, whether before Thanksgiving, on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday, and through December.  For your convenience, I've attached our membership list to reference when planning gifts.

Click here to download our list of members. 

We thank each and every one of you for your support of the Chamber, our members, and the community.  In celebration of the holiday, the Chamber offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29.  Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and remember to Shop Local!

Sincerely,

Ammi Tucker

Executive Director

Osceola/SMC Chamber of Commerce

References:
The Local Multiplier http://www.localmultiplier.com/
U of A Economic Multiplier http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSCED6.pdf