TEXARKANA MONTHLY
JEFF SCHREVE
The trend of public-private regional partnerships is happening all over the United States. It is a response to redefining the roles each stakeholder contributes to the economic development playing field. Dean states, “We can all work together to make this happen. We all have different needs, but we all have the common goal of making our community better!” Dean observed, with a level of frustration, the flat line trajectory of attracting new businesses to our area. The unintended consequence of decades of division and fragmented responsibility has blurred the roles of who is leading in job recruitment. By the natural forces of being a border city, our duplicate government structures are often forced to do everything twice. Dean suggests there is a better way. In this modern world of immediacy, the need to streamline the process of attracting companies requires a clear line of responsibility. The world is changing before our eyes and we must adapt quickly. This was the genesis for establishing AR-TX Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), a non-profit group born from a unified vision for the future of Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas, committed to helping business connect with economic development opportunities throughout the region. So why incorporate a public-private partnership? There are many advantages for corporations to work with private developers when searching for future sites to expand operations. Corporations need one point of contact to quickly assess their needs. It can often be confusing when working with multiple municipalities and governmental groups to determine who is in charge. Each entity has their own priorities and constituents. With a private developer, there is a clear executive chef and a concise set of goals which can be easier to negotiate. Another advantage is that private developers and corporations speak the same language. Everyone wants to avoid bureaucratic platitudes that tend to produce vague answers. When private parties are allowed to engage in meaningful discussion, decisions can be made quickly and accurately. Genuine progress can be made. A third advantage is that private developers are engaged in specific markets and have access to extensive networks. Private developers are experts in their field, and they can use this expertise to access key decision makers who may be interested in our region. In addition, private developers make calls, instead of waiting for the phone to ring. They are more responsive in their efforts to circumvent red tape and expedite creative solutions to overcome obstacles. Finally, they keep private conversations private. Most businesses are not looking to become part of the public record while negotiating and making final decisions on the best site selection. Dean declared, “I want Texarkana to grow. I guess, more than anything else, I want everybody’s kids to want to live back in Texarkana. Several years ago, Chris Karam and I were doing a class out at A&M. The kids were there talking to us and they said, ‘We don’t have any reason to stay in Texarkana. We’ve got to leave here. There’s nothing for us.’ I kept telling Chris, ‘This has got to change.’ I said, ‘We want kids to stay in Texarkana.’” Our region, as with most rural communities, has always been challenged with the “Brain Drain” phenomenon of young adults seeking better professional opportunities
TALKS ABOUT DEAN BARRY
Dean is a trash talker on the golf course. He is good enough to back it up. A number of years ago, Dean, Matt Reynolds and I would play together nearly every Friday afternoon. Matt was good enough to give Dean a run for his money (I was not much competition). One Friday, Matt was playing really well, and it was close. So Dean and I kept telling Matt how great he was playing and how victory was in sight. Matt proceeded to shoot an 11 on the next hole, ending the competition. Dean and I got a big kick out of the good-natured ribbing. (Matt was not as thrilled about it!). How do you feel witnessing Dean’s good deeds? e.g. Dean teaching Sunday school to special needs adults for 15 years. Dean has a great heart for people, especially those with special challenges. He and LaCrecia are very generous with their time, talent, and resources, always looking to help someone in need to better the church and the community. You developed a true friendship with Dean Barry on and off the golf course. When did you become fully aware of Dean’s unselfish devotion to our community? What can we all learn by following Dean’s example? Dean loves Texarkana. He wants to see the twin cities thrive with economic development and opportunity. He is always ready to lend his support, expertise, and financial participation to further the cause. I am always impressed with his generosity and selflessness. He is a dear friend who has partnered with me in a great way in sharing the gospel around the nation and the world through From His Heart Ministries.
NO CHICKS WERE HARMED IN THE PRODUCTION OF OUR COVER. We found them a wonderful home with Brixton Barr (L)
and Haven Casteel (R).
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BUSINESS & POLITICS
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