Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Directory
TEXARKANA USA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
SPRING 2023
Destination TEXARKANA
Ashdown
Come Home to Farmers Bank
5
1. Texarkana
Highway 82 Branch 3601 E. 9th Street Texarkana, AR
2
2. Texarkana
Arkansas Blvd. Branch 1102 Arkansas Blvd. Texarkana, AR
4
3. Texarkana
St. Michael Dr. Branch 2900 St. Michael Dr. Texarkana, TX
49
4. Texarkana
Richmond Rd. Branch 5600 Richmond Rd. Texarkana, TX
30
TX AR
71
5. Ashdown Branch
237
3
960 S. Constitution Ave. Ashdown, AR
Texarkana
82
82
67
1
151
71
49
903.791.0490 | MyFarmers.Bank
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TEXARKANA USA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY CONTENTS
819 NORTH STATE LINE AVENUE TEXARKANA, USA 75501 (903) 792-7191 TEXARKANA.ORG
FEATURES 10 YOUR CHAMBER 22 WORTH THE DRIVE 32 ALL ROADS LEAD SOUTH 42 CENTRALLY LOCATED 44 EDUCATION IN TEXARKANA 54 HEALTHCARE HUB
CHAMBER STAFF Denis Washington President and CEO Natalie Haywood Director of Communications & Events Amber Adams Director of Partner Development Camille Powell Program Manager of Workforce Development Shawnee Blackwell Office Manager Since being established in 1905, the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce has been a partnership of businesses, organizations and professionals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in the community. To accomplish these goals we are active in many roles including economic developer, community planner, tourism hospitality resource, business spokesperson, economic counselor, government relations specialist, human resources adviser, and public relations practitioner. The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce is run by its members. Members elect a board of directors who determines policies and sets goals. The 2023 Chairman of the Board, James Bramlett, is the chief elected officer who presides over all board meetings. The chamber’s day-to-day operations are handled by the President, Denis Washington, who employs a team of professionals who assist the Board of Directors in accomplishing its goals. Contact us for more information about the opportunities and benefits of Chamber
membership at texarkana.org.
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TEXARKANA USA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY CONTENTS
819 NORTH STATE LINE AVENUE TEXARKANA, USA 75501 (903) 792-7191 TEXARKANA.ORG
RESOURCES 8 WELCOME 14 CHAMBER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 16 CHAMBER AMBASSADORS 19 PALMER AWARD RECIPIENTS 28 A SIGHT TO SEE 30 FAMOUSLY TEXARKANA 58 MEMBER DIRECTORY
PUBLISHED BY Cardinal Publishing, LLC PROJECT MANAGEMENT BY
(903) 949-1460 • www.txkmag.com CONTRIBUTORS
Shelby Akin Bryant Allen Burns Barr John Bunch Matt Cornelius Kyle DeLaughter
Britt Earnest Eric Ethridge Kara Humphrey Rodney Love Cassy Meisenheimer Leah Orr
Brittany Robles Paula Shankles Beyond the Line , the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Directory, is published twice yearly by Cardinal Publishing, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Information in this directory is gathered from various sources and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. The publisher assumes no responsibility for omissions, errors or misinformation. Please contact the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce with any additions or corrections. ON THE COVER Mary and Denis Washington enjoy an evening drive around Texarkana’s Lake Wright Patman.
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WELCOME
A WORD FROM TEXARKANA’S LEADERS
This is an exciting time to be in the Texarkana region. The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce witnessed its members rebound from the challenges of the pandemic. Our resilience has been longstanding for decades, which is evident in how we continue to dodge recessionary fears. Some members have experienced record-breaking performances. Economic development partners have aggressively marketed our region, including the expansion/ relocation of our existing businesses to meet their growing demand for their product. How best can this be served than by a willing and able workforce. Our members have a thirst for more skilled workers, and it is our mission to increase the pool of available resources by leveraging our partnerships. We are developing the pipeline for the region. Our staff and partners in workforce training, colleges, and high schools are stepping up to identify, counsel, and instruct our future workforce, while making available a path forward for displaced workers too. Downtown Texarkana has seen a resurgence in business activity, housing developments, art galleries, theatre, and events that once popularized this area. Noticed is the increased investment directed to redevelop properties that have been and will attract patrons and visitors. We like to think of downtown as a destination and encourage our residents and visitors to take some time to see this transformation. Come visit our arts and historic district and the designated entertainment districts.
Denis R. Washington President/CEO
I am pleased to be Chair of your 2023 Texarkana USA Chamber Board of Directors. Our role and responsibility is to be your business and community partner by leading and advocating for sustainable economic growth and prosperity for our region. We are unique because two cities, two counties, and two states work together daily as one community to secure a prosperous future for all. This year, 2023, celebrates Texarkana’s 150th Anniversary as a community with a rich history of successful family-
Hope -Texarkana, and Texarkana College. Each of these partners have invested capital in recent years in their campuses, with more capital improvements coming in 2023, 2024, and 2025 with the latest technology updates, security, and new educational programs supporting our students and educators. We will continue in 2023 to work in partnership with all the partners in education in supporting and strengthening the educational programs of our students. We will focus on expanding our outreach and engagement of your Chamber with the business owners, the communities, and the citizens. Your Chamber will continue to reinforce our regional partnership for expanding and retaining all our businesses by strengthening our workforce and ensuring the finest training opportunities are available for everyone. The main goal is your success and the success of the Texarkana region. The Chamber will continue to provide advocacy opportunities to foster the engagement of members, businesses, and residents of the Texarkana region in our governmental affairs program. Through this program, we will continue to provide information and opportunities relevant and necessary for your business and its success. The Chamber works daily to serve our members and our surrounding communities. This work is an opportunity to bring value and service to you and the Texarkana region. We look forward to serving you, working together for a common goal: the prosperity of “Texarkana U.S.A.,” while preserving our history and working to secure the future.
James Bramlett 2023 Board Chairman Farmers Bank & Trust
owned businesses and a tradition of strong family values. In 1873, the birth of this community began with the economic foundation of the timber and transportation industries, setting the stage for growth and prosperity. Even today, the transportation and timber industries remain significant economic forces. In 2023, our economy is more diversified, with several sectors calling our area home with large capital improvement projects taking place with these companies investing dollars back into their plants, workforce, and region. Education is at the forefront of our growth and future with 14 independent school districts and three higher learning institutions, Texas A&M University-Texarkana, the University of Arkansas
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CHAMBER YOUR 10 | Texarkana Community Directory | Spring 2023
CORE BELIEFS Unity We believe the chamber must be the trusted partner unifying the region. Vitality We believe advocacy, education, workforce developments and quality of place are essential We believe reliable and robust natural resources, transportation, and utility infrastructure are critical to the growth and economic development of the region. Advocacy We believe legislative advocacy is necessary for a favorable business environment. to supporting business retention and expansion. Prosperity
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YOUR CHAMBER
CHAMBER STAFF PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS
Shawnee Blackwell Office Manager
Camille Powell Program Manager of Workforce Development
Amber Adams Director of Partner Development
Dennis Washington President/CEO
Natalie Haywood Director of Communications & Events
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YOUR CHAMBER
OUR MISSION
Established in 1905, the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce has been a partnership of businesses, organizations and professionals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in a community. To accomplish these goals we are active in many roles including economic developer, community planner, tourism, business spokesperson, economic counselor and teacher, government relations specialist, human resources adviser, and public relations practitioner.
WHY JOIN
The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce is stronger than ever. By joining, you get member-only perks, exclusive advertising and networking opportunities, and a whole lot of exposure for yourself and your organization. Join today and see the difference! NETWORKING People do business with people they know. As a Chamber member, you have the opportunity to meet people through our programs and events. We host meetings, programs, and events to engage business owners, encourage communication, and foster business referrals. VISIBILITY Stand out and get noticed in your community! Increase your positive reputation and credibility. Each member of the Chamber receives a listing on our website and printed directory. With your membership, you have the opportunity to utilize our Wednesday Member-to-Member email sent to over 2000 people. Share your news, your business card, your latest offering. It is a tool worth using! LEARNING Gain a competitive edge over non-members with exclusive training opportunities on a variety of hot topics. We offer Grow with Google and industry-specific webinars geared towards entrepreneurs, lunch and learns, educational conferences, and much more. HAVE A VOICE Gain a say in what happens in government through the Chamber advocacy efforts. We provide access to local and state representatives through our Government Affairs Committee. We provide focused and effective support for issues and policies that reflect the Texarkana Chamber and our members’ vision and principles.
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YOUR CHAMBER
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Programs and events throughout the year are one way we deliver value to our members at the Texarkana Chamber. You can bet if we don’t have an event one week, we’ll have two the next. There are many opportunities and advantages for our members to engage and enhance their business, while enriching the community of Texarkana.
OPPORTUNITIES Ribbon Cuttings/Celebration Ceremonies
Golf Chamber Classic Each year in October, the Golf Chamber Classic hosts a golf outing and luncheon. It is a great time to network and showcase your business. Total Resource Campaign The Chamber’s inaugural Total Resource Campaign (TRC) was conducted in the fall of 2022. This comprehensive program offered several ways for members to increase their profile and visibility while supporting and sponsoring the Chamber programming that most closely matches their company’s own mission. The way the TRC sponsorship opportunities are designed, you are able to see the real value in each opportunity and the benefits available to you. Because of the wide range of opportunities, both in programming and in sponsorship levels, there are possibilities for member businesses of all sizes. And you can make certain that the sponsorship you select for your business will put your name in front of your desired target markets. Rather than approaching members repeatedly throughout the year about supporting individual events and programs, the TRC lets our business members take a more high-level and strategic approach to how they choose to maximize their Chamber investment for the entire year. If you are interested in participating in the next Total Resource Campaign please contact Natalie Haywood at nhaywood@texarkana.org.
While not only benefitting the Chamber member hosting the event, ribbon cuttings and celebrations are a great way to network. Everyone is welcome! Lunch & Learns Lunch & Learns are designed to be educational for our members. They are typically free to attend and hosted by a member organization. Topics can be industry specific or appeal to the masses. Business After Hours As a host for Business After Hours, you will have the opportunity to show off your place of business or your latest offerings. Each event has its own uniqueness and draws a different crowd. We typically have After Hours the fourth Thursday from 4:30-6:30 PM. Annual Celebration At the beginning of each year, the Chamber hosts their largest gathering of the year. Annual Celebration is a time to boast the accomplishments of the Chamber from the previous year, recognize members, and thank those involved with the organization. Women in Business Conference The Women in Business Conference is held each spring. The luncheon boasts top-knotch keynote speakers. It is aimed towards the working woman, whether you work from home, teach school, or run a multi-million dollar company, there is something for everyone. Engaging Texarkana Conference In the fall of each year, we host an educational conference geared towards medium to small businesses. Keynote speakers deliver powerful messages and pertinent information about the working world today. Breakout sessions and panels get down to the nitty gritty of what needs to be done to succeed.
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YOUR CHAMBER
GROUPS Ambassadors
Greater Texarkana Young Professionals The Greater Texarkana Young Professionals (GTYP) is a group of individuals under the age of 40 wanting to get involved in the community, experience new things, volunteer their time and network. GTYP welcomes both members and prospective members to networking and educational activities. Government Affairs Committee Government advocacy is a large part of what we do at the Texarkana Chamber. When you’re running your business, we’re looking out for it on the local, state, and national level. We want what’s best for our community, and that means what’s best for YOU. We’re called upon regularly to advocate for our businesses and join people together to talk about the issues that matter to them. Our committee and Chamber members take trips to the Arkansas and Texas legislature when they’re in session, and join the cities together once a year for the State of the Cities address.
The Chamber Ambassadors are a working arm of the organization. It is a group of business professionals aimed at bettering our relationships within the business community. Ambassadors meet monthly and set out each year to accomplish their goals. Economic Development Council/BR&E The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to trace our business retention and expansion efforts all the way back to 1913 when William Buchanan was asked to chair the Texarkana Board of Trade. The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce is a partnership of businesses, organizations, and professionals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in a community. To learn more about our Economic Development Council, email aadams@texarkana.org.
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2023 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Officers Joey Martin, EDC Chair Jennifer Harland, EDC Chair Elect Kim Fowler, Secretary Members
The Texarkana Chamber Ambassadors are a group of local business professionals volunteering their time to help welcome, promote and celebrate businesses in the Texarkana area. It is said at every ribbon cutting
that the Ambassadors are walking billboards. They never fail in their duty to spread the word about new and existing businesses throughout the community. In 2022, the Chamber Ambassadors helped welcome 104 new businesses to Texarkana, and they will strive to welcome even more in 2023. As always, the Ambassadors will continue to work alongside the Chamber of Commerce in their mission to improve our community and its economy. Malachi Smith 2023 Ambassador Chair
Kyle Dooley Kim Fowler Ron Collins Adam Dukelow Ross Sarine
Josh Haywood Robin Hickerson Lisa Thompson Shelby Brown Eric Cain
Non-Voting Member
Vance Liles, EDC Past Chair James Bramlett, 2023 Chamber Board President Denis Washington, President/CEO Texarkana Chamber
WHO REPRESENTS ME?
BUSINESS MEMBERS
Abernathy Company/ Warehouse AEP Southwestern Electric Power Co Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Barry Insurance Agency Bodcaw Bank BWI Companies Inc Cadence Bank CHRISTUS St Michael Health System City of Texarkana Texas Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Commercial National Bank Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Curt Green Express Employment Professionals Fay J Packaging Graphic Packaging International Industrial Mill & Maintenance JCM Industries Jerry V Sparks Kinetic by Windstream Ledwell Mayo Manufacturing Corporation Mil-Way Federal Credit Union Mr Larry D. Bunn Domtar-Ashdown Mill Dot's Rentals & Sales Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
MTG Engineers & Surveyors Nash Industrial Development Corp Offenhauser & Company PAM Specialty Hospital Red River Credit Union Red River Lumber Company Riverbend Water Resources District Ruth Ellen Whitt, Leadership Texarkana Schimming Company TexAmericas Center Texarkana Aluminum Texarkana Arkansas School District Texarkana College Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital Texarkana Gazette Texarkana Independent School District Texas A&M University- Texarkana The Arnold Companies Tri-State Iron & Metal Company Wadley Regional Medical Center Sparklight State Bank Sterno Summit Utilities Wholesale Electric Supply Wilf & Henderson PC CPA's Yates Group
TEXARKANA, TX U.S. Senate John Cornyn Ted Cruz U.S. Representatives Nathaniel Moran (District 1) Pat Fallon (District 4) Texas Senate Bryan Hughes State Representative Gary VanDeaver
TEXARKANA, AR U.S. Senate John Boozman Tom Cotton U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman Arkansas Senate Jimmy Hickey, Jr. State Representative Carol Dalby
PHOTO BY BRYANT ALLEN
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YOUR CHAMBER
2023 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jason Adams CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System
Dr. Becky Kesler Texarkana Arkansas SD Debra Kyles Assistant, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System Joey Martin Express Employment Professionals Steve Mayo
Tom Simmons Retired, Collom & Carney Clinic
James Bramlett Farmers Bank & Trust Allen Brown Mayor, Texarkana, AR Dr. Doug Brubaker Texarkana ISD Bob Bruggeman Mayor, Texarkana, TX
Dr. Jason Smith Texarkana College Russell Sparks Hightech Signs Ronnie Thompson
Mayo Manufacturing Brock McCorkle State Bank LaTonya McElroy Edward Jones Caleb Mudford A.L. Franks Chint Murdock Red River Credit Union Fred Norton Norton & Wood Scott Norton TexAmericas Center Chad Pirtle Pleasant Grove ISD
Liberty-Eylau ISD Patton Tidwell Retired, Red River Army Depot Tina Veal-Gooch Redwater ISD Brandon Washington Texarkana College Denis Washington Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Tammy Waters Domtar Justin White Guaranty Bank & Trust
Robert Bunch Mayor, Nash, TX
John Collins JCM Industries Ron Copeland Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Thomas Gilbert Wadley Regional Medical Center Jennifer Harland AEP SWEPCO Dr. Christine Holt University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
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PALMER AWARD RECIPIENTS
CHAMBER PAST CHAIRMEN
This award was established by the Palmer family in 1941 and is in recognition of long-term meritorious civic service.
Board of Trade (1905) William Buchanan E. W. Frost Fred Offenhauser W. R. Grim H. N. Heilhorn Past Presidents 1918 Stuart Wilson 1919 W.L. Hickman 1920 Leo Krouse 1921 C. E. Palmer 1922-23 F. E. Pharr 1924 H. P. Briley 1925-26 A. C. Stuart 1927 Arthur Temple 1928 John J. King 1929 L. C. Cargile 1930 J. R. Morriss, SR 1931-32 W. E. Bann 1933-34 E. Lee Tucker 1935-36 A. B. Clark 1937-38 Henry Humphrey 1939 Robert Maxwell 1940 W. B. Walsh 1941-42 H. R. Moore 1943-44 James A. Whyte 1945-46 S. H. Atkinson 1947 H. H. Womack 1948-49 Willard B. Simmons 1950 Ben G. Cox 1951-52 N. J. Kroencke 1953 John H. Gooch 1954 E. M. Jones, Sr 1955-56 Pearson Walsh 1957 W. C. Dudney 1958 Basil Hoag 1959 J. R. Bryant 1960 H. L. McAdams 1961 Mark Soderquist 1962-63 F. E. Hightower 1964 F. N. Eichorn 1965 B. A. Lemser 1966 W. H. Kelley 1967 James G. Collins 1968 C. B. Wheeler 1969 John F. Stroud 1970-71 James C. Morriss 1972 Pat Thomas 1973 C. A. Mitchell 1974 Earl Jones, Jr 1975 Joe Thomas
1941 Robert Maxwell 1942 L.C. Barry 1943 Dr. T.J. Wilbanks 1944 W.B. Simmons 1945 Hal R. Moore, Jr. 1946 Herman Wommack 1947 James Alan Whyte 1948 Wilbur Smith 1949 J.R. Crowder 1950 Mrs. A.R. McKinney, Jr. 1951 Mrs. J.T. Robison 1952 Mrs. Arthur Temple 1953 Edwin L. Stanley, M.D.
1985 Dr. Carl Nelson 1986 Truman Arnold 1987 Bruce Wilson 1988 Ben Sandefur Nancy Sandefur 1989 David Williams 1990 Hayes McClerkin 1991 Martha Morriss
1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Dean Barry
James E. Burt III
David Orr
Josh R. Morriss, Jr Dr. Carl M. Nelson Truman Arnold James Nowlin Jack L. Williams Bruce Wilson Hayes McClerkin
1992 Frederick E. Joyce, M.D. 1993 Walter C. Barnes, M.D. 1994 Denzer Burke, D.D.S. 1995 Don N. Morriss 1996 C.A. Mitchell Ann Forehand 1997 Remica Crank Gray
1954 David Nelson 1955 J.R. Morriss, Sr. 1956 J.Q. Mahaffey 1957 J.K. Wadley 1958 H.W. Stillwell 1959 James R. Bryant 1960 E.R. Bondurant
Ben Sandefur
Lynn Lowe F. E. Joyce
1998 William Roberts 1999 Connor Patman
William C. Ward Billy I. Crutchfield
George Crank Florence Crank
Herbert Wren Don Morriss
2000 Vasco McCoy 2001 William Morriss 2002 Fred R. Norton, Jr.
1961 Dr. W.H. Richardson 1962 A.G. Sanderson, Jr. 1963 Leon Kuhn 1964 Stuart Wilson 1965 Mannie Stevens 1966 H.B. Wren, Sr. 1967 Mrs. A.G. Sanderson, Jr J.C. Cabe 1968 Pearson Walsh 1969 William G. Fuller 1970 George Rozzell 1971 B.A. Lemser 1972 Herbet Wren, M.D. 1973 E.M. Jones, Sr. 1974 Josh R. Morriss, Jr. 1975 Margaret Stuart Dickey 1976 George W. Thompson, M.D. 1977 Earl M. Jones, Jr. 1978 L.E. Gilliland 1979 John F. Stroud, Jr.
Brenda Rochelle
Jerry Martin
Martha Cargile Norton
William B. Roberts
2003 Scott Bruner
Maurice Orr Buddy King
Jane Forehand Bruner 2004 Judy Kelley Morgan 2005 Dan Haskins 2006 Shirley Finn Ed. D. 2007 Patty F. Smith 2008 Ruth Ellen Whitt 2009 Joan Carter 2010 Danny Gray 2011 Denis Washington 2012 James Henry Russell
Terry Youngblood Fay J. Durrant Dennis Huffman
Tom Simmons Mike Craven
Curt Green
Howard Glick Ron Collins
Robert C. (Bob) Nelsen
2013 Lucille Cook 2014 Curt Green 2015 Steve Ledwell Lisa Ledwell 2016 Fay J Durrant 2017 Dean Barry LaCrecia Barry
John Jarvis David Haak
James Henry Russell
Danny Gray
2011-12
William O. Morriss
2013
Mary Dwight
1980 David Orr 1981 E.D. Trice 1982 Charles Gardner 1983 Mrs. Christine Nelson
2014-15 2016-17
DeMita Torrans
2018 Cary Patterson 2019 Sonja Hubbard 2020 Judge James Carlow 2021 Prissy Hickerson 2022 Fred Markham
Cory Floyd
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Mark VanHerpen Curtis Schneekloth
1984 Samuel Shuman 1985 Josephine Beck
Joey Martin
Jennifer Harland Stephen Mayo
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GREETINGS FROM THE GREATER TEXARKANA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Greater Texarkana Young Professionals has grown tremendously in the past three years. We have continued to expand our membership and expand our impact on the Greater Texarkana area. None of this would have been possible without our generous sponsors and dedicated members. On behalf of our Board and our membership, we say Thank You to our communities and supporters! We are off to a quick start in 2023 with an increased membership base and innovative community partnerships. Thank you to our program sponsors for this year—RRCU and Express Employment Professionals! This year we have an increased focus on our networking, scholarships, and philanthropic work throughout the community. GTYP is not only for developing young professionals, but also developing our community. If you or your organization are looking to get more involved with GTYP, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to making 2023 a noteworthy year for GTYP. Chint Murdock GTYP 2023 Chairman GTYPChamber@gmail.com
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DRIVE WORTH THE
PHOTOS BY BURNS BARR, MATT CORNELIUS, ERIC ETHRIDGE, RODNEY LOVE
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When considering a road trip, one typically asks, “Is it worth the drive?” Texarkana is. It is all the beauty of Arkansas and the hospitality of Texas rolled into a perfect Twin Cities package. Only in Texarkana will you find a diverse community of friendly people, a low cost of living, a flourishing job market, affordable housing, unique fine arts, beautiful parks, and first-class educational choices on both sides of the state line. Texarkana was voted Nicest Place to Live in Texas and Arkansas by Reader’s Digest, who picks one place from each state that “exemplifies kindness and civility in a time of American divisiveness.” Take the drive to experience the perfect balance of small-town community living with the excitement of burgeoning opportunity and development. It is that balance, along with
our convenient location situated at the junction of several interstate highways, that draws people to this area and provides the safety and security of home-sweet-home. Do not let the state line fool you. Though Texarkana operates as two separately functioning cities, the divide is only geographical. There is a longstanding tradition of cooperation and collaboration that unites the people and continues to build a firm foundation for the future of Texarkana. First settled in 1873, Texarkana made its start as a railroad town. Since that time, the city has grown into a place with as much diversity in business as is represented by more than 149,000 residents across the Texarkana Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas, which comprise the MSA, offer a wide variety of attractions, recreational opportunities, parks, entertainment, food, shopping, and fun for everyone!
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WORTH THE DRIVE
goTXK Calendar of Events CHAMBER EVENTS May 10 “Inspired” Women in Business Conference May 25 GTYP Golf Tournament September 20 Engaging Texarkana Conference October 2 Chamber Golf Classic October 10 - 13 Manufacturing Week
2023 MARKS THE 150 TH YEAR OF TEXARKANA Texarkana’s Sesquicentennial Celebration Centennial Time Capsule/Sesquicentennial Festival APRIL 14-15 Sesquicentennial Ball JULY 8 Founder’s Week Celebration DECEMBER 4-10
October 16 - 20 Chamber Week October 19 EDC Industry Appreciation Luncheon TEXARKANA TOURS Wednesdays, May 3 & 24 Saturday, May 13 & 27 Spring Walk Through History Tour | 10 am Fridays May 5-26 Spring Cycle Through History Tour | 6 pm LIVE MUSIC & THEATRE April 15
Texarkana Symphony Orchestra at the Perot Theatre Spectacular Stories featuring Brian Dunbar | 7 pm SPECIAL EVENTS April 27-30 Scout-A-Rama May 3 Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival May 13 Dragon Boat Races May 20 Spring Community Yard Sale May 25, June 1 & 8 Spring Movies in the Park For more information, visit gotxk.org.
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WORTH THE DRIVE
ENTERTAINMENT WORTH THE DRIVE
Texarkana offers a variety of entertainment and recreational opportunities including golf courses, murals downtown, and destination hunting and fishing locations. You can also enjoy the fishing, walking trails, and playgrounds of Bringle Lake Park. Holiday Springs Water Park features a lazy river, water slides, a wave pool and much more. Another attraction of Texarkana is the beautiful Spring Lake Park. At the center of the 145-acre landscape is a spring- fed lake surrounded by open green spaces, playgrounds, walking trails, a disc golf course, and covered picnic areas. It is the perfect place to spend a Texarkana weekend. Also in the park is Swanger Sports Complex, which hosts Texarkana Dixie Baseball, and Dobson Field, home of The Texas A&M–Texarkana Eagles. On a hot summer day, the park’s Rotary Splash Pad provides cooling relief with its 18 water structures. There is even a place for man’s best friend to enjoy a safe and secure outdoor location to run and play in the Kylee Sullivan Pet Safe Dog Park. With the addition of the fitness court and accessible playground, there is something for everyone. You find even more opportunities traveling around town including locations for a day of golf and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy year-round. New Haven Golf Club, Oak Grove Golf Club, Northridge Country Club, and Texarkana Country Club all offer beautiful options for the most enthusiastic golfer. All around town, golfers can take their pick between a variety of courses. Finally, Texarkana offers great choices for the sportsman and hunter of the family. The fishing at Millwood Lake and Lake Wright Patman cannot be beat. These lakes are perfect for hiking, camping, and swimming as well. A day at the lake is always a good day and Texarkana has several beautiful options to choose from. From Texarkana’s inception, the downtown area has been at its heart. Driven by the arts, downtown is alive with the murals of local artists. Downtown holds two entertainment districts, and the energy can be felt once a month at Downtown Live hosted by Main Street Texarkana where local artists and downtown restaurants host a night dedicated to the culture that can only be found in TXK. Downtown Texarkana is also home to three museums, the Texarkana Regional Arts Center and historical buildings that tell the story of Texarkana’s past. Fully restored in 1979, the beautiful and historic Perot Theatre plays host to a variety of spectacular concerts and theatre productions including Texarkana Community Ballet’s The Nutcracker. It is also the home of the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, which enhances and richly expands Texarkana’s musical culture.
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WORTH THE DRIVE
equipment and displays static exhibits which provide educational and recreational experiences. Through programs, lectures, publications, research library and special events, the museum augments its efforts to provide a meaningful educational experience for its visitors and those who use it as a resource.
Renaissance design is an architectural marvel. Throughout the year, the Perot Theatre Series brings national and international productions to the region and tours are available year-round. World War I Memorial Sheppard Park • 6th and Olive Streets • Texarkana, Texas A memorial to the men from Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas, who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country in the World War 1917-1918. Erected by the Texarkana Memorial Unit, an organization of women banded together to honor their loyalty, their service and their devotion.
Kidtopia and Skatetopia Park 201 Oak Street • Texarkana, Texas
Kidtopia Park is a wooden playground designed by kids for kids. It features some of Texarkana’s most famous landmarks, just twice the fun of the real things! Skatetopia Park is adjacent to Kidtopia. Built completely from custom concrete, this park is made for users of all skill levels.
PHOTOS BY BRYANT ALLEN, BURNS BARR, JOHN BUNCH, LINDSEY CLARK, MATT CORNELIUS
DOWNTOWN
Texarkana Public Library 600 West 3rd Street • Texarkana, Texas The library has over 100,000 materials available for check-out that include books, compact discs, videos, DVDs, digital audio books, magazines and downloadable audio books. In addition to these items, thousands of people enter the library to utilize print and electronic reference resources, access the Internet, checkout a laptop in house, enjoy free Wi-Fi service, make copies, send a fax, participate in computer and Internet training or attend one of the Library’s events. P.J. Ahern House 403 Laurel Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Classical Revival style home was built in 1906 by P.J. Ahern and serves as museum and event venue. Scott Joplin Mural Third & Main Streets • Texarkana, Texas A mural honoring Texarkana’s most famous son, Ragtime composer Scott Joplin.
Museum of Regional History 219 North State Line Avenue • Texarkana, Texas Housed in the city’s oldest brick building, it serves as the Texarkana Arts and Historic District Visitor’s Center, welcoming you with information on locations and events in downtown Texarkana that you do not want to miss on your visit.
Photographer’s Island 500 North State Line Avenue • Texarkana, USA The United States Post Office and Courthouse, also known as Texarkana U.S. Post Office and Federal Building is located on State Line Avenue in Texarkana, straddling the border between Arkansas and Texas. The Post Office is so unique that it has been noted to be the 2nd most photographed Post Office in the United States!
Texarkana Regional Arts Center (TRAHC) 321 West 4th Street • Texarkana, Texas The beautifully renovated Regional Arts Center began life in 1909 as a United States District Courthouse. The old courtroom is now a grand hall with a 26-foot-high ceiling. National touring art exhibitions grace gallery walls 12 months a year, and the halls ring out when the rolls are playing on the unique reproducing player piano. The Center also features “For Arts Sake” Gift Shop filled with unique gifts. It’s not to be missed. TRAHC ArtSpark and Art Wall
1894 Gallery 105 Olive Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Located inside the historic 1894 City Market. It’s the place for local and regional art. The historic setting and the floating walls of art makes this truly a must- see for art lovers and architectural appreciation.
4th Street between Texas Boulevard and Main Street • Texarkana, Texas A relaxing green space with revolving events and art displays.
Kress Gap Murals 116 West Broad Street • Texarkana, Texas What was formerly the Kress Department Store, has now become charming and colorful murals, bringing life to the abandoned space. Union Station 101 Front Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Union Station sits diagonally on the Arkansas- Texas state line. The building is the current home to Amtrak. Drive by and see this historic treasure, recently renovated outside in 2023 by a Leadership Texarkana group.
Perot Theatre 219 Main Street • Texarkana, Texas A jewel of the region, bringing the best of Broadway, classical music, ballet, jazz, modern dance and more to Texarkana. First opened in 1924 as the Saenger Theatre, Emil Weil’s Italian
Four States Auto Museum 217 Laurel Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Automobile museum that exhibits, restores and operates appropriate pieces of automotive
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he Otis Henry Memorial at Rose Hill Cemetery 100 South Lelia Street • Texarkana, Texas One of the oldest cemeteries in Texarkana. Founded as “city cemetery” in 1874, the Rose Hill cemetery and memorial lawn is the final resting place for several of Texarkana’s pioneers, forebears and veterans dating back to the Civil War. One of the most arresting WWI statues in Texas is a four-figured marble memorial for Corporal Otis Henry. A generic statue of a soldier throwing a grenade stands above a statue of the civilian Otis Henry flanked by two angels. Texarkana Historical Tour 819 North State Line Avenue • Texarkana, Texas See Texarkana in a brand new light with the Texarkana Historical Tour, a short, self-guided audio tour that showcases the character of the Texarkana community. Start at the Chamber of Commerce on State Line Avenue with your map and your audio guide. Slip back in time as you learn fun facts, bits of history and begin to see the city as architects, historians and artists do, as you tour in and around downtown
Front Street Festival Plaza Front Street Festival Plaza • Wood and Broad Streets • Texarkana, Arkansas
Bringle Lake Wilderness Area 7500 Bringle Lake Road • Texarkana, Texas Has approximately 144 acres that has been set aside as a nature area. This area also includes a bike/walk trail that begins at Bringle Lake East and runs to the Waterworks Spillway. There is also a single mountain bike trail that twists throughout the wilderness area. AROUND TOWN
This nifty old fifty-ton caboose was donated by Union Pacific Railroad to Texarkana in 2015. The 1979 Southern Pacific caboose was restored and placed in Front Street Plaza to serve as a symbol and celebration of Texarkana’s relationship with the railroad. An outdoor space will soon be added to the caboose to be used for entertainment and gatherings. Arkansas Municipal Auditorium East 3rd and Walnut Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Built in the 1920s, the Texarkana Municipal Auditorium saw its heyday in the mid-twentieth century. Visit the Municipal Auditorium to hear more about the architecture and the history of the building. Walk of Fame Park 416 East 3rd Street • Texarkana, Arkansas The Walk of Fame Park was built by the Arkansas Municipal Auditorium Commission to honor the people that performed on the stage in the Historic Arkansas Municipal Auditorium (AMA) since its opening in 1930. The AMA was one of the stops of many music legends that include Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jim Ed Brown. MIDTOWN
Perot Leadership Museum 1024 Tucker Street • Texarkana, Texas The permanent exhibit is a composite replica of Gabriel Ross Perot’s cotton office, which a young H. Ross Perot helped his father build. Learn about the art of cotton buying and check out artifacts from a bygone era in this permanent exhibition.
Four States Fair Ag Learning Center 3700 East 50th Street • Texarkana, Arkansas This is your only chance to visit the home of Miss Moo. The Four States Fair, in partnership with the Arkansas Beef Council, promotes dairy education and agricultural awareness in children. The center is the first of its kind in Arkansas and in the four states region.
Majestic Magnolia 4700 County Avenue • Texarkana, Arkansas The largest magnolia tree in Arkansas is estimated to be 185 years old. The tree is 16 feet, 7 inches in diameter, 61 feet tall and has an 82-foot wing span. Certified Arkansas’ largest Magnolia by the Arkansas Forestry Commission. UPTOWN Bringle Lake Art Park Located along Bringle Lake Wilderness Trail 7500 Bringle Lake Road • Texarkana, Texas Tucked away along the Bringle Lake Wilderness Trail near the Waterworks Spillway is home to walls of murals and a pathway of colorful sidewalks painted by locals. This spot is popular for recreational activities and located mid-way through the trail system.
George Tobolowsky Sculpture Texas A&M University-Texarkana • Texarkana, Texas Tobolowsky creates steel and stainless steel sculptures by welding together unique objects, such as scrap metal and industrial parts. Lake Wright Patman Off U.S. Highway 59 South Activities include camping, picnicking, fishing (Catfish, Crappie, Perch, Bass), hiking, boating, canoeing, swimming and bird watching. Legendary Firearm’s Indoor Gun Range 101 Slaton Drive • Nash, Texas Indoor gun range in the Texarkana area, located just west of Nash on Highway 82 offering four lanes at 25 yards, all indoors and climate-controlled. With a classroom for safety, LTC and NRA training. Millwood Lake U.S. Highway 71 North to Ashdown, Arkansas This is the place for serious bass fishing. A series of boat lanes meanders through submerged timber, marshes and oxbow cutoffs making it an outstanding fishing destination. This 29,260-acre lake abounds in largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. Birding is also popular at this Audubon- designated Important Bird Area with sightings of over 300 of Arkansas’ 400 species on record.
Spring Lake Park 4303 North Park Road • Texarkana, Texas The heart and pride of the Texarkana, Texas park system. This 145-acre park features a spring fed lake, open green spaces with picnic areas, playground units, fishing piers and an 18-hole disc golf course. The 1.75 mile Phillip McDougal Walking/Biking Trail strolls throughout the entire park and is a favorite spot for the recreational or avid jogger. James Bowie Centennial Statue 800 State Line Avenue • Texarkana, Texas One of the 14 statues erected for the 1936 Texas Centennial celebration, this larger-than- life bronze was designed by sculptor William M. McVey with W.W. Watkins providing the design for the Marble Falls granite base.
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FAMOUSLY
TEXARKANA
“I love telling people where I’m from. The water tower on the way into town says it all— ‘Texarkana is Twice as Nice!’ I loved growing up there and I love when I’m headed back home for a visit.” David Crowder American Contemporary Christian Music Singer, Songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist & Author “It’s a great small town and I was blessed to grow up in a place with a strong sense of community—where people genuinely cared about one another and helped each other.” Sarah Huckabee Sanders 47th Governor of Arkansas TXK Roots— Texarkana Magazine
SONGS THAT MENTION TXK “All My Ex’s Live in Texas”
“Ride” Trace Adkins “Southern Hallelujah” Trace Adkins “Texarkana” R.E.M. “Texarkana Baby” Eddy Arnold “Texas” The Charlie Daniels Band “Texas Swing” Clay Walker “Wanted Man - Take 1” Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash “Way Down” Tim McGraw, Shy Carter “Baton Rouge” Guy Clark
George Strait “Baton Rouge” Guy Clark “Call It What You Want” Tesla “Cotton Fields” Creedence Clearwater Revival “Cotton Fields” Elton John “East Bound and Down” Jerry Reed “I’ve Been Everywhere” Johnny Cash “Let’s Jump The Broomstick” Brenda Lee “No Place Like You” Maddie and Tae
MOVIES THAT MENTION TXK 2 Fast 2 Furious A Perfect World American Psycho Elvis Norwood One False Move Return to Boggy Creek
Smokey and The Bandit The Legend of Boggy Creek The Town that Dreaded Sundown The Town That Dreaded Sundown 2014 Vacation Walk The Line Zombieland
“Texarkana was a good place to grow up.
It was a small town, but big enough to ‘spread your wings’ a little.” Collin Raye
Multi-Platinum Country Music Recording Artist TXK Roots— Texarkana Magazine
“It was a great town to grow up in as a young kid because the pace of life was slow, and I was surrounded by so much love from my grandparents and family.” Dr. Otis Willaims Legendary Motown Singer with The Temptations TXK Roots— Texarkana Magazine
“I think it’s safe to say that Texarkana might just be a breeding ground for greatness.” David Michael Wyatt Singer, Songwriter and Actor TXK Roots— Texarkana Magazine
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SOUTH ALL ROADS LEAD
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PHOTO BY RODNEY LOVE
ECONOMY & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
As Texarkana grows, the cities’ leaders intentionally take steps to continually improve the day-to-day lives of their citizens and those who will come in the future. Success for the city will mean building an economically strong, business friendly environment poised to welcome new industry. The combined population of the twin cities is over 65,000 but includes a market of more than 149,000 people across the Texarkana TX-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area. Among these individuals is a dedicated and skilled workforce with a strong work ethic, resulting in successful operation, and continued growth in several industries. Unemployment rates are comparable to the
national average, but as our population benefits from a lower cost of living, residents can thrive in this economic climate. Location is key when considering opportunities for business in Texarkana. Access to key markets from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast, made convenient by our proximity to several major interstates, gives Texarkana an edge in drawing opportunities. With access to Texarkana College and University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, along with a four-year university, Texas A&M-Texarkana, the training of qualified employees is easily within our reach. Add to all of that a dedicated and skilled labor force, and you begin to recognize all the potential of the area.
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WHY TEXARKANA IS HOME TO YOUR NEXT SKILLED WORKFORCE
by Rob Sitterly President & CEO AR-TX Redi
One of the great benefits that businesses can tap into in Texarkana is a highly trained, industry-ready workforce, cultivated by an education system that was developed alongside Texarkana’s industrial history. A region can have all the industrial infrastructure and raw materials in the world, but its productivity still depends on the activity of motivated, trained workers. A skilled workforce is one of the most important factors affecting regional economic strength and growth. This relationship shows up in the figures: City Observatory identifies a robust statistical correlation between four-year college attainment rate and per capita income. The value of higher education is tangible, with each percentage point increase in attainment being correlated with a more than $1,000 increase in per capita income. The World Economic Forum suggests that education affects productivity in three key ways. First, it increases the collective ability to carry out existing tasks more quickly. More skilled workers work faster, make fewer mistakes and are able to optimize processes. As well as this, secondary and tertiary education is shown to facilitate the transfer of new information and knowledge about innovative concepts, developing a robust and productive knowledge economy. Finally, education increases a population’s creativity, boosting the region’s ability to develop new knowledge and develop innovations itself. This adds up to a recipe for regional success: businesses that can access a highly-skilled workforce have the opportunity to thrive. A FUTURE-FACING LEGACY The twin cities of Texarkana, found on the border between Texas and Arkansas, have a rich foundation of industrial excellence that dates back to the 1800s. The city’s legacy of U.S. builders and innovators, combined with low tax rates and prime connectivity, has made it a hub of industry today. Texarkana’s educational institutions are closely linked to industry and business needs, with programs specifically designed to develop the skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow. “Texarkana has a long and rich history of industry success,” said Rob Sitterley, president and CEO of Texarkana’s regional economic
development organization, AR-TX REDI. “This success is made possible by the region’s strong and innovative education system, which was built around providing a talented workforce for local employers. “The legacy of American builders in our region can be summed up in two words: work ethic. When you take work ethic and couple it with an incredible training program specifically tailored to meet the needs of an employer, you get a world-renowned product.” OUTSTANDING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS “Texarkana’s education system offers an impressive institutional backing for a region our size,” said Sitterley. “With the only community in the country that can call home to two public university systems and with almost 10,000 individuals enrolled at any time, a business will undoubtedly find a robust workforce pipeline deeply embedded here.” Built on the belief that employees are a company’s biggest asset, and talent is the most valuable investment, Texarkana College trains more than 4,000 students each year in 12 on-site custom training programs. Students receive tailored training in high-demand programs, gaining both soft and technical skills. The college turns out a trained workforce who are equipped to improve quality, productivity and turnover, and 88% of these graduates are placed in jobs that utilize their training and qualifications. Part of the college, the Ledwell School of Advanced Manufacturing, is a 20,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility with five programs of study, where students gain in-demand skills in areas including industrial maintenance and construction technology. To date, more than 50 businesses have reaped the benefits of this specialist workforce. The school’s yearly impact on the region amounts to $271.6 milliion and 5,801 jobs. As well as the college, two university systems serve Texarkana. These are two of the region’s top university systems for workforce development. Texas A&M University-Texarkana takes on more than 2,000 students each year in 24 undergraduate programs and 13 graduate
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