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,
10 | Texarkana Community Directory | Fall 2023
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