Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Directory
TEXARKANA USA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
FALL 2023
12 YOUR CHAMBER 24 WORTH THE DRIVE 32 ALL ROADS LEAD SOUTH 44 EDUCATION IN TXK 58 HEALTHCARE HUB TEXARKANA USA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY CONTENTS
819 NORTH STATE LINE AVENUE TEXARKANA, USA 75501 (903) 792-7191 TEXARKANA.ORG
CHAMBER STAFF Denis Washington President and CEO Amber Adams Director of Events and Communications 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, TEXAS 75501 903-792-7191 TEXARKANA.ORG
RESOURCES 8 Famously Texarkana
PUBLISHED BY Cardinal Publishing PROJECT MANAGEMENT BY
10 Chamber President Letter
903-949-1460 • www.txkmag.com PHOTOGRAPHY Matt Cornelius Kyle DeLaughter Rodney Love EDITORIAL/DESIGN/SPONSORSHIPS Matt Cornelius Britt Earnest Kara Humphrey Cassy Meisenheimer Alana Morel Leah Orr Terri Sandefur Beyond the Line , the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Directory is published twice yearly by Cardinal Publishing. 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 What’s better than a “celebration,” a “solarbration!” The twin cities unite to experience one rare and exciting event that can’t be missed–the total solar eclipse in April, 2024. The cover art celebrates the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness this celestial phenomenon in two states at once.
10 Chamber Chairman Letter
16 Chamber Programs and Events
19 Chamber Award Winners
26 It’s a Solarbration
34 Community Partner
40 Centrally Located
62 Member Directory
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TEXARKANA SONGS THAT MENTION TXK “All My Ex’s Live in Texas”
“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 Magazin e “(Texarkana was) a good place to grow up. It was a small town, but big enough to ‘spread your wings’ a little.”
“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
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
Collin Raye Multi-Platinum Country Music Recording Artist TXK Roots— Texarkana Magazin e
“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 Magazin e
“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 Williams Legendary Motown Singer with The Temptations TXK Roots—
Texarkana Magazin e
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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-
Texas A&M University-Texarkana, the University of Arkansas 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,
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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 to supporting business retention and expansion. Prosperity 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.
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YOUR CHAMBER
CHAMBER STAFF
PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS
Shawnee Blackwell Office Manager
Camille Powell Program Manager of Workforce Development
Dennis Washington President/CEO
Amber Adams Director of Events and Communications
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YOUR CHAMBER
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 Lunch & Learns
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. 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. 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.
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. Ribbon Cuttings/Celebration Ceremonies While not only benefitting the Chamber member hosting the event, ribbon cuttings and celebrations are a great way to network. Everyone is welcome!
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YOUR CHAMBER
2023 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Officers Joey Martin, EDC Chair Jennifer Harland, EDC Chair Elect Kim Fowler, Secretary Members
Kim Fowler Ron Collins Adam Dukelow Ross Sarine
Josh Haywood Robin Hickerson Lisa Thompson Shelby Brown
Non-Voting Member Vance Liles, EDC Past Chair James Bramlett, 2023 Chamber Board President Denis Washington, President/CEO Texarkana Chamber
BUSINESS MEMBERS Abernathy Company/ Warehouse AEP Southwestern Electric Power Co Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Barry Insurance Agency
WHO REPRESENTS ME?
MTG Engineers & Surveyors Nash Industrial Development Corp Offenhauser & Company - Insurance PAM Specialty Hospital Red River Credit Union— Summerhill Road
Bodcaw Bank Larry D. Bunn BWI Companies Inc Cadence Bank— New Boston Road CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System
Red River Lumber Riverbend Water Ruth Ellen Whitt Schimming Company State Bank Sterno Summit Utilities Resources District
City of Texarkana Texas Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Commercial National Bank— Summerhill Road Curt Green
TexAmericas Center Texarkana Aluminum Texarkana Arkansas School District Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Texarkana College Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital Texarkana Independent School District Texas A&M University- Texarkana The Arnold Companies Tri-State Iron & Metal Company Wadley Regional Medical Center 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 Van Deaver
TEXARKANA, AR U.S. Senate John Boozman Tom Cotton U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman Arkansas Senate Jimmy Hickey, Jr. State Representative Carol Dalby
Domtar-Ashdown Mill Dot’s Rentals & Sales Encompass Health
Rehabilitation Hospital
Express Employment Professionals Fay J Packaging Goodyear Graphic Packaging International Industrial Mill & Maintenance JCM Industries Ledwell Mayo Manufacturing Corporation Mil-Way Federal Credit Union—Arkansas Blvd
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 Joey Martin Express Employment Professionals Steve Mayo
Dr. Jason Smith Texarkana College Russell Sparks Hightech Signs Ronnie Thompson
James Bramlett Farmers Bank & Trust Allen Brown Mayor, Texarkana, AR Dr. Doug Brubaker Texarkana ISD Bob Bruggeman Mayor, Texarkana, TX
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
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
Pleasant Grove ISD Tom Simmons Retired, Collom & Carney Clinic
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YOUR CHAMBER
PALMER AWARD RECIPIENTS This award was established by the Palmer family in 1941 and is in recognition of long-term meritorious civic service.
CHAMBER PAST CHAIRMEN
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
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 1973 1974 1975 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
Pat Thomas C. A. Mitchell Earl Jones, Jr Joe Thomas Dean Barry James E. Burt III
David Orr
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
Josh R. Morriss, Jr Dr. Carl M. Nelson Truman Arnold James Nowlin Jack L. Williams Bruce Wilson Hayes McClerkin
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
1998 William Roberts 1999 Connor Patman
Ben Sandefur
Lynn Lowe F. E. Joyce
George Crank Florence Crank
William C. Ward Billy I. Crutchfield
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.
Herbert Wren Don Morriss
Martha Cargile Norton
Brenda Rochelle
2003 Scott Bruner
Jerry Martin
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
William B. Roberts
Maurice Orr Buddy King
Terry Youngblood Fay J. Durrant Dennis Huffman
Tom Simmons Mike Craven
Curt Green
Howard Glick Ron Collins
2013 Lucille Cook 2014 Curt Green 2015 Steve Ledwell Lisa Ledwell 2016 Fay J Durrant 2017 Dean Barry LaCrecia Barry
Robert C. (Bob) Nelsen
John Jarvis David Haak
James Henry Russell
Danny Gray
1980 David Orr 1981 E.D. Trice 1982 Charles Gardner 1983 Mrs. Christine Nelson
2011-12
William O. Morriss
2018 Cary Patterson 2019 Sonja Hubbard 2020 Judge James Carlow 2021 Prissy Hickerson 2022 Fred Markham
2013
Mary Dwight
2014-15 2016-17
DeMita Torrans
Cory Floyd
1984 Samuel Shuman 1985 Josephine Beck
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Mark VanHerpen Curtis Schneekloth
Joey Martin
Jennifer Harland Stephen Mayo
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YOUR CHAMBER
GROUPS Ambassadors
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 . 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.
Malachi Smith 2023 Ambassador Chair
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.
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YOUR CHAMBER
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.
Chint Murdock GTYP 2023 Chairman GTYPChamber@ gmail.com
We look forward to making 2023 a noteworthy year for GTYP.
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A total eclipse provides an opportunity for entire communities to simultaneously experience a moving and educational natural phenomenon, one that reminds us of the reality of our place in nature. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cover parts of Texas and Arkansas, passing directly over Texarkana, USA, on the way through the country. You can be among the few people to experience the total eclipse in TWO states simultaneously.
Many people have experienced a partial solar eclipse, but total eclipses are rare and an entirely different experience. In the last hundred years, only three or four total eclipses have crossed over large parts of the United States. The greatest of these was the so-called “Great American Eclipse” of 2017, which traversed the whole country from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast.
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IT’S A SOLARBRATION
Calling all space and science lovers!
In April 2024, a solar eclipse will traverse a swath of cities across the middle of the United States. Texarkana, Arkansas, and Texarkana, Texas, are in the path of totality, so Texarkana visitors and residents will have an excellent view of the eclipse. To celebrate this fascinating natural phenomenon, both cities are hosting a joint Solarbration event on April 5-8, 2024. Not many people will be able to say they witnessed the solar eclipse in two states at once! Texarkana is the perfect place to watch
Facebook page for updates. If your kids are active, there are plenty of parks and trails for your family to explore, too! Bobby Ferguson Park and Bringle Lake Park both have multiple playgrounds and other areas for your kids to explore.
Dog-Friendly Spots
Besides having some of the best food around, Texarkana, AR, is a dog-friendly city so you don’t have to leave Fido at home. Be sure to stop by the PetSafe JefFURson or Kylee Sullivan Dog Parks so your furry friends can stretch their legs and have some fun of their own. Host Hotels There are plenty of comfortable accommodations in Texarkana, and the Solarbration website has a list of hotels that have partnered with the event to host visitors during the eclipse. The Comfort Suites Texarkana, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Townplace Suites by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, and Hilton Garden Inn are great hotels for an overnight or multi-day stay. Join the Solarbration The Solarbration will start on April 5 and end on April 8, allowing plenty of time for everyone to celebrate the eclipse. The festivities will be on and around the state line, making Texarkana one of the only places you can view the eclipse in two states at once.
this historic event. If you’re planning a trip to Texarkana to watch the eclipse, we’re here to help you make the most of your trip. Here are some of the highlights to help you get started. The Food Scene From local staples like Julie’s Deli to hidden gems like Redbone Magic Brewing, Texarkana’s food scene will make your mouth water. You can find sizzling fajitas at Amigo Juan or Loca Luna. Fat Jack’s Oyster and Sports Bar and Pecan Point Gastropub and Brewery are iconic spots to grab a burger and beer. If you want to look outside of downtown, Naaman’s BBQ, Benchmark, and Twisted Fork are must-try spots. Fun for the Whole Family Aside from the Solarbration event, there are plenty of family- friendly things to do while visiting Texarkana. The Four States Fair will be in town that week, so keep an eye on their website and
• Path of Totality is the 117 mile-wide path where the shadow of the moon travels during the total eclipse, the moon completely covers the bright part of the sun. • Your location determines if you see a total or partial eclipse. • A partial eclipse is interesting, but totality is the awe-inspiring majestic view you want to see! Even a 99% eclipse is not 99% of the total eclipse experience. • The moon's shadow will approach from the southwest and travel northeast. • Everyone will need safe eclipse glasses to observe the partially eclipsed sun directly. Only during the TOTAL phase is it safe to look at the eclipse with your own eyes without eclipse glasses, when the moon blocks the bright surface of the sun.
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There’s lots to do in Texarkana, USA! Check out our website and follow us on social to stay up-to-date on Solarbration happenings around TXK. Plan to Stay & Play!
Understanding a Solar Eclipse— Why they are so rare? In a total eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks its light out. If it is that simple, why aren’t eclipses more common? After all, the new moon passes on the sun’s side of the earth every twenty-nine and half days. The answer is that the moon’s orbit around the earth is tilted. Consequently, most new moons pass below or above the plane of the earth’s orbit around the sun. The moon only subtends half a degree in the sky, so the new moon has to occur precisely when the moon’s up and down wandering align with the plane of the earth’s orbit to produce an eclipse. The next question one might ask is how can the moon, as small as it is, cover the sun. The answer is that while the moon is four hundredths the sun’s diameter, fortune has incredibly arranged it such that it is also four hundred times closer to the earth than the sun. Not only does this unlikely arrangement give us the spectacle of a total eclipse, but in just covering the sun’s disc, it has made it possible to learn all manner of things about the sun itself. A total eclipse even provided the first proof of Einstein’s theory of relativity. Even with perfect alignment, you don’t necessarily get a total eclipse. The moon’s orbit is not only inclined; it is also not perfectly round. Sometimes it is closer to the earth, and sometimes further away. If an eclipse alignment occurs when the moon is more distant, it does not quite cover the sun, and we get an annular eclipse. Not covering the sun’s disc, annular eclipses, like partial eclipses, don’t provide the same phenomena or experience as a total eclipse. The partial eclipse that we will experience on October the 14th, 2023 will be an annular eclipse in Texarkana, which points out that what you witness during an eclipse, indeed whether you see it at all, depends upon your location on the earth. Outside of totality, the moon passes across the sun either a bit high or low such that it never covers it all, so you get a partial eclipse. The further you are from totality, the less of the sun is covered. The totality area on earth is in the umbral shadow of the moon, where all direct sunlight is blocked. The area outside of totality, where there is a partial eclipse, lies in the penumbral shadow. This partial eclipse is just a glimpse at the wonder of a total eclipse that we have a front-row view of in April!
12:28 pm Partial eclipse will begin
1:46 pm - 1:49 pm Total eclipse, complete darkness during this time (could last up to 4m18s, depending on weather)
3:07 pm Second half of partial eclipse ends
SOURCE Arkansas Natural Sky Association
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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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32 | Texarkana Community Directory | Fall 2023 ALL ROADS LEAD SOUTH
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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courses. Awarding around 500 degrees per year, it is recognized as the most affordable four-year university in Texas. The University has received $3.6 million from the Texas Legislature as part of the ‘Create Better East Texas’ initiative with the mandate to address the educational and socio-economic needs of the region. Texarkana is also home to the University of Arkansas-Hope- Texarkana. Taking on more than 1,500 students per year, the University offers 53 programs of study and boasts over 110 employer partnerships. The University has a 55-year history of improving its offering in high-demand industries including manufacturing, health and information technology – and it is attracting more and more new talent each year, having seen a 15% increase in student population in the last five years. In the last academic year, the university produced 200 trained professionals in the region. Representatives of all three colleges in the region sit on the REDI Board of Directors, shaping the ongoing development of Texarkana. “There are countless businesses in the region that have relationships with and work closely alongside our educational institutions,” said Sitterley. “A strong education system leads to a productive and reliable workforce, which then leads to successful businesses.” For businesses, Texarkana offers a pool not just of highly qualified people, but of industry-ready graduates with skills and training that are tailored to the needs of industry. In Texarkana, educational institutions work hand-in-hand with businesses, and it is this relationship that makes the region’s workforce a great company asset. For more information, visit www.artxredi.com.
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TEXARKANA REGIONAL AIRPORT
Texarkana Regional Airport Terminal was constructed in 1960 and was last renovated in 1992. Over time, aviation travel has increased, and they have recognized the need for a larger facility to meet the travel demand of the flying public. In doing so, it will also be able to provide a more modern and appealing facility for its passengers. The location of the proposed passenger terminal will be across the airfield from the existing facility and adjacent to the existing Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station. This will allow better access to the airport via Interstate 49. The proposed passenger terminal will be bigger than the existing terminal and will include room for expansion, including the possibility of more airlines and destinations, concessions, enclosed passenger boarding bridges and an updated modern look. The project will be funded by federal grants, the cities of Texarkana, Arkansas and Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation, Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, and passenger facility charges. With the growth of the surrounding area, the airport is committed to growing its operation to keep up with demand. “With increased passenger growth prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the new terminal project is a crucial investment in Texarkana Regional Airport’s infrastructure and comprehensive goal to provide an overall better airport experience for our passengers,” said Paul Mehrlich, Executive Director of Aviation for the Texarkana Regional Airport Authority. The proposed passenger terminal will ignite interest locally in making Texarkana Regional Airport the airport of choice for commercial airline travel. By having state-of-the-art facilities that can expand in the future, airport users and more local businesses will be drawn to the area and put their trust in the airport to meet needs and help them become successful.
To that end, the airport wants to provide more travel opportunities to retain their regional base, attract more passengers and assist in economic development. The proposed passenger terminal shows a commitment to providing first-class service for our leisure and business community. “The new terminal contributes to the positive development in Texarkana,” said Mehrlich, “and will help the airport continue to be a viable travel source and economic engine.” Construction began in spring 2021 with an estimated completion in the spring of 2024. Texarkana Regional Airport is excited to be moving forward with this development and is looking forward to one day welcoming our community to the new facility.
CONSULTANT—McClelland Consulting Engineers, Inc. GENERAL CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER—Nabholz Construction
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HOUSING & COST OF LIVING According to Kiplinger’s magazine, Texarkana ranks number 17 in their top 25 cheapest cities in the United States to live. The twin cities have a cost-of-living percentage that is 13.4% lower than the national average. Median household incomes are about $45,000 and the unemployment rate as of December 2020, was 5.9% compared to the national average of 6.7%. With beautiful neighborhoods and affordable housing options, from large historic homes and modern new builds, to apartment and multi-family units, or trendy downtown lofts, Texarkana has the perfect home for every taste. As housing costs make up a large portion of every budget, Texarkana can boast housing rates at just over half the national average. You can find beautiful farmland for quiet country living, take advantage of the charms of suburbia near neighborhood schools and churches, or experience the excitement of nightlife right outside your door with downtown living. Communities of friendly neighbors and the safety of our police patrolled streets, Texarkana, USA, is a great place to call home. DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
Downtown Texarkana’s beautiful old buildings have long stood as a testament to our rich history. Up until the middle of the last century, this area was moving and shaking with commerce. Recently there has been a renewed focus on the historical importance and the beauty of these structures, and a concerted effort to bring them back to their former glory. Projects such as the Hotel Grim redevelopment provide insight into the goals of the revitalization efforts. This undertaking is transforming a hotel originally built in 1925 and redeveloping it into commercial space and residential apartments, while maintaining its historical personality. Exciting improvements are happening throughout the downtown area. As the buildings and facades are restored, so is the activity and energy, bringing back business and boosting the economy. Historic Downtown is creating a bright future for Texarkana with restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, and with those developments the demand for convenient residential proximity grows. One development brings another, and the possibilities are endless.
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CENTRALLY LOCATED
A LITTLE FURTHER…
Quality of life is determined by more than great places to eat, entertainment, and transportation of a city. Easily accessed and perfectly situated between Dallas and Little Rock, along Interstate 30, the twin cities of Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas, have always been a central source of metropolitan conveniences, commerce, and transport to the surrounding region. DRIVING DISTANCES FROM TXK With the urban cities of Dallas, Texas 167 miles west and Little Rock, Arkansas only 140 miles east, Texarkana is a gateway for trade and is accessed conveniently through a nexus of highways, railways, trucking lines, freight carriers, bus lines, and airports. The twin cities cover 71.5 square miles and are key players in the commerce and transportation of the region. With 39 freight terminals, one million tons of products are shipped out of the cities annually, and thousands of pounds of raw and consumer goods are brought in. Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads help carry the load as more than 90 freight trains travel through Texarkana daily. Amtrak is also available with daily rail passenger service. Greyhound Bus Line provides close to 40 connections daily if you are looking to get out of town, and Texarkana Urban Transit District bus service provides the answer if you are looking to get around town. Texarkana Regional Airport is also a convenience of living in Texarkana and makes multiple round-trip flights to Dallas every day. All these options and our access to Interstate 30 and Interstate 49, and a number of Texas and Arkansas state highways, make transporting products or people through the area a breeze. As Texarkana is continuously growing, flexible transportation options are helping us get ready for a future full of possibilities, and they are providing the convenience of accessibility for all our needs today.
NEW ORLEANS 390 miles AUSTIN 375 miles HOUSTON 290 miles MEMPHIS 280 miles KANSAS CITY 470 miles FAYETTEVILLE, AR 235 miles
AIRPORTS Texarkana Regional Airport is a public use commercial airport with 91 years serving Texarkana. It is co-owned by Arkansas and Texas. Fly TXK and
save on parking, fuel costs, and time. Scheduled to open in the spring of 2024, Texarkana will boast a brand new terminal.
RAIL Union Pacific Railroad
HIGHWAYS US Route 59 US Route 67 US Route 71 US Route 82 INTERSTATES I-30 • I-49 • Future I-69 (currently I-369)
Kansas City Southern Railroad
Amtrak passenger railroad service
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