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 honored to chair the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. I believe Texarkana stands at the doorway of some great things that are posed to happen in the coming months and years regarding economic development and growth in our community. I think we can all agree that economic growth is important for the future of Texarkana to continue to prosper economically and culturally. But it is not going to happen by chance, and it will require collaboration and unity with a common vision. The stronger the Chamber can become, the better
state and national level to ensure Texarkana is a ‘business friendly’ city is important for business retention and expansion, as well as the recruitment of new businesses to our area. The Texarkana Chamber is and will be a voice for the business community of Texarkana. To strengthen our efforts and deliver value to our members, we will focus on reestablishing closer ties with all Chamber members through outreach programs to understand and aid in solving issues. The Chamber can be a powerful force in the development of future businesses locating here, as well as in seeking ways to retain businesses that are already here. Through economic development and business diversity, all businesses will flourish as it increases the tax base, sales of items in other businesses, addition of specialty services, and making us more attractive to future businesses. Texarkana is no longer an isolated place on the map as we are forced to compete on the world stage to attract business and industry. It is clear to me that the Chamber will play a vital role in all these initiatives as, in my experience, the cities that have done well in economic development and business retention all have a strong Chamber of Commerce. As we work together to support and grow our business community, if not already a member, every business in Texarkana should consider becoming a member of the Chamber. And for those who are a member, please engage with us by being actively involved, as it is a great vehicle to make our unified voice heard. Together, we can build a better Texarkana for all.
Thomas Gilbert 2024 Board Chairman
Wadley Regional Medical Center
we can assist in this goal. We will continue to work closely with the REDI group while focusing on the retention and expansion of our businesses already here in Texarkana. The Texarkana Chamber is a network of businesses and community leaders designed to promote, attract, retain, and protect the business interests of its members and the community at large. We are a member-owned organization, and we must promote and protect the interests of our members. Lobbying efforts at both the
10 | Texarkana Community Directory | 2024
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