TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
MORE THAN A MOVE BY TERRI COX
T exarkana, USA, has been named one of “America’s Most Welcoming Places” by the MakeMyMove platform. The reason has very little to do with geography and everything to do with people. While communities across the country are competing for talent, Texarkana is doing something different. It is creating connection and belonging, and in doing so, it is quietly redefining what economic growth can look like. It has leaned in and welcomed the shift by inviting the nation to take a closer look at a place that has always been full of opportunity and connection. That invitation is called REDI…Set…Move. Launched in May 2024 by AR-TX REDI in partnership with the Cities of Texarkana, REDI…Set…Move is a talent attraction initiative designed for a new era of work, one where careers may be remote, but community still matters. Built in collaboration with the MakeMyMove platform, the program attracts high-earning remote professionals and entrepreneurs who could live anywhere but intentionally choose Texarkana. Through relocation incentives and hands-on support, the program introduces new residents not just to a city, but to a way of life. “We are a unique community where residents can choose to live in either Arkansas or Texas,” said President and CEO of AR-TX REDI, Rob Sitterley. “But what makes Texarkana truly
special goes well beyond geography. It’s the spirit of collaboration, the strength of our people, and the shared vision for a vibrant community that sets us apart. With a rich history and a deep sense of community, Texarkana isn’t just a place on the map. It’s a place where opportunity and quality of life come together in a way you won’t find anywhere else.” What began as a modest pilot program quickly exceeded expectations. The initial goal was to recruit 10 families in the first year. That number has already doubled. Since its inception, more than 20 families have officially relocated to Texarkana through the program, prompting leaders to raise the annual target to 20 families per year. That growth was made possible through the generous support of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation and the Patterson Troike Foundation, partners who understood that welcoming people is one of the smartest long-term investments a community can make. The national response has been striking. Nearly 10,000 applications have been submitted through MakeMyMove. More than 1,400 candidates have been pre-qualified. Over 330 offers have been extended, with 118 accepted, and 25 families have officially relocated. Interest continues to surge, with nearly 600,000 unique users exploring Texarkana online and more than 1.7 million impressions introducing the region to a national audience.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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