Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Directory
TEXARKANA USA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
SPRING 2022
10 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME 22 GATEWAY FOR TRADE 36 EDUCATION FOR ALL 46 HEALTHCARE HUB 52 YOUR CHAMBER TEXARKANA USA REG IONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUN I TY D I RECTORY CONTENTS
819 NORTH STATE LINE AVENUE TEXARKANA, TEXAS 75501 903-792-7191 TEXARKANA.ORG
CHAMBER STAFF Michael Malone, IOM, CCE President and Chief Executive Officer Natalie Haywood Director of Events and Communications Robbin Bass Director of Business Retention and Expansion Amber Adams Director of Partner Development Greg Stone 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 2022 Chairman of the Board, Stephen A. Mayo, is the chief elected officer who presides over all board meetings. The chamber’s day-to-day operations are handled by the President and CEO, Michael Malone, 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.
Byron Nelson was the first resident of Texarkana to play on the professional golf tour!
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TEXARKANA USA REG IONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUN I TY D I RECTORY CONTENTS
819 NORTH STATE LINE AVENUE TEXARKANA, TEXAS 75501 903-792-7191 TEXARKANA.ORG
RESOURCES
PUBLISHED BY Cardinal Publishing PROJECT MANAGEMENT BY
8 Famously Texarkana
903-949-1460 • www.txkmag.com CONTRIBUTORS Tyler Brown John Bunch City of Texarkana, Arkansas City of Texarkana, Texas Matt Cornelius Britt Earnest Kara Humphrey Molly Kendrick Cassy Meisenheimer Leah Orr Madeleine Russell Terri Sandefur THS Commercial Photography 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. Stan Shavers Michael Ulmer Antonio D. Williams ON THE COVER Larry Nicholson, owner of Larry’s Southern Garden, at 2425 North Robison Road, offers a full-service garden shop including personal attention, free delivery and hand- picked, healthy plants. After working in insurance for 21 years, Larry wanted to focus on his green thumb and decided to take a risk. The authentic southern charm of this beautiful shop draws you in, and Larry’s warm and attentive personality makes it hard to leave. Give Larry a call at 430-200-2930.
12 Community Vitals
20 A Sight to See
24 Economic Vitals
36 Education by the Numbers
55 Chamber Benefits
56 Chamber
President Letter
56 Chamber
Chairman Letter
58 Chamber Programs and Events
62 Greater Texarkana Young Professionals
63 Palmer Award Recipients
64 Member Directory
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TEXARKANA
Joe Anderson , NFL Player Miller Barber , Professional Golfer, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Jesse Belvin , Rock and Roll Vocalist,
Joshua Logan III , Stage and Film Director, Pulitzer Prize Winner Ryan Mallett , NFL Player Edwin “Eddie” Matthews , MLB Player, National Baseball Hall of Fame Durwood Merrill , MLB Umpire Will Middlebrooks , MLB Player, World Series Champion, Sports Broadcaster Carol Collins Miles , Supermodel, Musician, Restaurateur Craig “C. Mo” Monroe , MLB Player Mac Morgan , Bass Baritone Singer Dustin Moseley , MLB Player Ross Perot , Businessman, Billionaire, Philanthropist, Presidential Candidate in 1992 and 1996 Jason Peters , NFL Player, Super Bowl Champion Molly C. Quinn , Actor Collin Raye , Country Music Singer Ben Rice , Grammy Winning Record Producer, Vocal Producer, Musician, Mix Engineer Bill Rogers , Professional Golfer Sarah Huckabee Sanders , White House Press Secretary, Candidate for Arkansas Governor
Pianist, Songwriter J.B. Bobo , Magician Dan Blocker , Actor Tra Carson , NFL Player
Bessie Coleman , First Female African American Airplane Pilot David Crowder , Musician Ellen DeGeneres , Comedian, Television Host, Actress, Writer, Producer Dorothea Church , Model Nancy Curtis , Opera Singer Carl Finch , Grammy Winning Musician Zach Fischer , Professional Golfer Ocielia Gibson , Speaker and Author William “Bill” Glass , NFL Player, College Football Hall of Fame Kenny Graham , AFL and NFL Player Corinne Griffith , Actor, Producer, Author Jessica Haas , Speed Painter Cobi Hamilton , NFL Player Slade Heathcott , MLB Player Rich Houston , NFL Player Mike Huckabee , Former Arkansas Governor, Presidential Candidate, Television Host LaMichael James , NFL Player, Heisman Trophy Finalist Jacque “Jack” Jenkins , NFL Player Brandon Jones , NFL Player Nate Jones , NFL Player Parnelli Jones , Professional Race Car Driver, Racing Team Owner Scott Joplin , Composer, Pianist Jeff Keith , Musician Gary Kusin , Entrepreneur Tracy Lawrence , Country Music Singer Jarrion Lawson , Olympic Long Jumper
Dame Marjorie Morris Scardino , Publisher and Businesswoman
Billy Sims , NFL Player, Heisman Trophy Winner A. Maceo Smith , Pioneer Civil Rights Leader Harmonica Slim , American Blues Harmonicist, Singer, Songwriter Rod Smith , NFL Player, 2x Super Bowl Champion Gunnar Stansson , Screenwriter Drew Stubbs , MLB Player Jeremiah Trotter , NFL Player, 4x Pro Bowl Nathan Vasher , NFL Player, 1x Pro Bowl Michael Wacha , MLB Player Jonathan Weaver , Emmy Winning Television Producer Frank D. White , Former Arkansas Governor Dr. Otis Williams , The Temptations Co-founder
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There’s no other place like Texarkana. It is all the beauty of Arkansas and the hospitality of Texas rolled into a perfect Twin Cities package. A diverse community of friendly people, a low cost of living, a flourishing job market, affordable housing, beautiful parks and first-class educational choices offer Texarkana residents countless opportunities on both sides of the state line. Texarkana was voted Nicest Place to Live in Texas and Arkansas by Reader’s Digest, who picks one place from each state that “exemplifies kindness and civility in a time of American divisiveness.” Texarkana offers the perfect balance of small-town community living with the excitement of burgeoning opportunity and development. It is that balance, along with our convenient location situated at the junction of several interstate highways, that draws people to this area and provides the safety and security of home-sweet-home.
Don’t let the state line fool you. Though Texarkana operates as two separately functioning cities, the divide is only geographical. There is a longstanding tradition of cooperation and collaboration that unites the people and continues to build a firm foundation for the future of Texarkana. First settled in 1873, Texarkana made its start as a railroad town. Since that time, the city has grown into a place with as much diversity in business as is represented by more than 149,000 residents across the Texarkana Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas, which comprise the MSA, offer a wide variety of attractions, recreational opportunities, parks, entertainment, food, shopping and fun for everyone!
Wamba was formerly called Needmore.
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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
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32 246 14+ 7 2 2 Dog Parks
Churches
Recreation Areas
Festivals and Community Gatherings
Community Centers
Entertainment Districts
UNDER 5 6.6% 5-9 YEARS 6.7%
50.2% Male
OVER 65 14.3%
2000
137,486
10-14 YEARS 6.8%
Population History
2010
49.8% Female
45-54 YEARS 14.2%
149,198
Projected Population 2023
15-24 YEARS 12.9%
155,206
55-64 YEARS 12.3%
71.5 Square Miles (city limits) Twice as Nice
25-34 YEARS 13.2%
35-44 YEARS 13.0%
RECREATION AREAS ARKANSAS Bobby Ferguson Park Bramble Park
TEXAS Bell Park
Beverly Park Bringle Lake
Ed Worrell Baseball Park Ermer Dansby Pondexter Sports Complex Four States Fairground Iron Mountain Park
Bringle Lake Park East Bringle Lake Park West Bringle Lake Wilderness Area Collins Senior Center Ferguson Park Findley Park Grady T. Wallace Park Karrh Park Kidtopia/Skatetopia Kylee Sullivan Dog Park Lake Wright Patman Rotary Splash Pad Scott Joplin Park Southwest Community Center Spring Lake Park
Je erson Park Millwood Lake
PetSafe JefFURson Dog Park Sand at Glendale Shannon Neighborhood Center
Senator Street Park Vera Brad eld Park
2
15+ Miles of O -Road Bike Trails
4 Public Golf Courses
Private Golf Courses & Country Clubs Northridge Country Club Texarkana Country Club
New Haven Golf Club Oak Grove Golf Club Texarkana Golf Ranch The Links
Population | 149,000
TEXARKANA COMMUNITY VITALS 12 | Texarkana Community Directory | Spring 2022
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A PLACE FOR ALL In 2008, the Texarkana Arkansas Boys and Girls Club at 1 Legion Drive closed its doors, ending a 16-year span of providing a place for the families and children of Texarkana to grow physically and mentally. Three years later, in 2011, the building’s owners, George and Florence Crank, graciously gifted the building to the city. The wheels began to turn at City Hall and in 2022, after 11 years, $1.5 million and thousands of hours of love, planning and dedication, 1 Legion Drive breathed life again as the new Texarkana Arkansas Recreation Center. Servicing the local College Hill area and all of Texarkana, the complex serves as a hub for community activity and pride for all ages. Located in what was originally constructed in 1954 as American Legion Post 25-58, the facility houses a: • Full size gymnasium with bleachers, six goals, 20’ movie screen and scoreboard • 30-person meeting room with a 70'' smart TV • 12-station computer and learning lab • Private tutoring room • Full commercial kitchen • Activity room with pool table, ping-pong, foosball, seating area and 70'' smart TV • Three baseball fields with concession stand • One multi-use field Offering ongoing classes and programs, the Recreation Center provides something for everyone, no matter if your interest is games, fitness, sports, personal development or just relaxing. Activities focus on all age groups, from youth to seniors. Annual memberships and drop-in rates are available. All facility space can be rented for private or corporate events and offer unlimited opportunities for creating a unique and perfect environment for your needs.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
There is a lot happening in the Texarkana, Texas parks and community centers lately. The parks and recreation department sponsors many sports programs throughout the year, including Dixie Youth Baseball, a youth basketball league at Southwest Center, spring and fall leagues with the Texarkana Soccer Association, and the most recent addition, a unified softball league citywide. Other activities offered for youth and children include yoga classes, pickle ball, tennis lessons, piano, music classes and more. The city sponsors these activities to ensure the community has options for activities and entertainment at affordable rates and to promote healthy lifestyles. For more information about league registration and schedules, follow the Texarkana, Texas Park and Recreation Department on Facebook or visit ci.texarkana.tx.us. The Parks and Recreation Department also attempts to attract statewide, regional and national tournaments to Texarkana to further tourism and economic development within the city. They have hosted tournaments including baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and even fishing. These events bring hundreds of visitors to our city and boost the Texarkana economy. Texarkana is a great place to be. There are fun options for every member of the family, thanks to Texarkana Parks and Recreation!
A 3-and-a-half foot, 300 pound snapping turtle escaped from the Texarkana Zoo!
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by Antonio D. Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Housing Authority of Texarkana Texas
THE NEW AND IMPROVED HOUSING AUTHORITY OF TEXARKANA, TEXAS PIVOTS TO ADDRESS “THE NEED”
The Housing Authority of the City of Texarkana, Texas (HATT) positions itself and its affiliates to become major players in the workforce housing market. As of today, there is an affordable housing crisis. Communities across the country are facing low-wealth housing shortages. There is not a single county in the United States that can fill 100% of its low- wealth population’s need for safe, affordable housing. HATT and its affiliates have pledged to continue their efforts to positively address the needs of low-wealth individuals and families in Texarkana USA and beyond. The Housing Authority of the City of Texarkana, Texas, has pivoted its approach and methodology in providing new, innovative and affordable housing solutions. For over 80 years, HATT has served low-income families and seniors in Texarkana through accessible housing and Section 8 vouchers. Under the leadership of CEO Antonio Williams, and the housing authority’s board of commissioners and directors lead by Chair, Melva Flowers, the housing authority has effectively eliminated its public housing program and moved into the realm of asset management and development. These strategies allow the HATT to remain vital and current to its local communities, in addition to making a greater difference in the industry.
“Although the HATT (a Public Housing Agency) continues to provide affordable housing to our low-wealth individuals in Texarkana, Texas, we have a more entrepreneurial approach to the day-to-day, utilizing cutting edge real estate business, financing and customer service techniques and practices while considering our bottom line as we move strategically towards the future,” Williams says. “Since money is vital to put new strategies in motion, we have diversified our operations as we continue to pursue unrestricted revenue streams to create workforce and affordable homes locally.” Since the change in its business approach, the HATT has also created additional affordable housing in North Texas. Here’s the path they paved to get to where they are today. Conversion Completion Step one in this shift was to take care of our local clients in Texarkana, Texas by exiting the public housing program and completing a major construction modernization on the entire portfolio. Through a two-phase, $34 million effort, HATT has successfully closed on the conversion of all its HOPE VI and public housing properties under the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. The housing authority officially closed on its last conversions in Texarkana in June 2019 and is now 100 percent complete with the plan’s execution.
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Phase one of the plan entailed the conversion of 98 HOPE VI apartment units that were in relatively good condition. The second phase was more intensive, requiring major rehabilitation of 294 public housing units across five properties. With the full conversion completed, Williams says the community is pleased with the updates and outcome. “The feedback has been very positive on the product. It’s always challenging to move from place to place,” he said. “However, when the residents have completed the relocation to the finished product, they really love their units and express that it was worth the inconvenience. It has been a big contrast to what they’ve been used to, so I consider it a win-win.” Concurrent Strategy Implementation As its RAD conversion was in motion, HATT’s team was also building a plan for what comes next for the organization. The housing authority plans to use its experience and new skills in development to drive additional revenue through the organization and enhance the work it’s doing for the city. A key piece of this plan involves more development, both in Texarkana USA and outside the area. “Now that we’ve completed the construction and modernization of our current Texarkana clients and have gained valuable experience in the development arena, we realize we have created a very viable revenue stream,” Williams says. “So, we created more instrumentalities to assist other municipalities in need and generate additional unrestricted revenue to create more workforce and affordable housing here at home.” For example, “Texas Home Collaborative would allow us to induce bonds for development deals statewide. Additionally, Village Communities Development Corporation serves as a general partner and general contractor in development deals, to make the actual development deal more robust for someone who wants to invest in building quality and affordable communities. We’re currently doing this statewide, as
well. We recently closed a tax credit development deal in North Texas and have several on deck that we are looking toward bringing to fruition later this year.” Premier Texarkana Development & Management Facility Corporation (Premier Texarkana) is nearing the completion of another local development deal by actively partnering on the Hotel Grim Apartments with Cohen-Esrey. The 93-unit property is renovated out of a former historic hotel and has spurred a revitalization effort in downtown Texarkana, Texas and Texarkana, Arkansas. HATT has also created a 501c3 affiliate through which it plans to offer technical assistance to smaller housing authorities and investors in workforce housing outside the state of Texas (Prime Impact Solutions). Each of these new avenues and the Prime Impact affiliate will combine to contribute something quite valuable to not only Texarkana USA, but the affordable housing industry at large. In addition to the other oppor tunities that the HATT Conglomerate is pursuing, they are also working closely with the City of Texarkana, Texas, the City of Texarkana, Arkansas, HUD, nonprofits, contractors, developers, bankers, and the community to meet our goals and further our mission in providing opportunities for home ownership. In summary, a lot of planning went into developing our present business model and we have been successful in accomplishing all goals and milestones. As we reset the next five-year plan, which picks up from this snapshot in time, one of our goals will be to continue to address “the need” of affordable and workforce housing starting in Texarkana, then in the state of Texas, and ultimately in the entire United States through collaborations by participating on industry grout panels and sharing best practices with like-minded CEOs and professionals,” Williams says. “It’s a continuous process, but as environments change, and as regulations change, so will we... into perpetuity.
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Kidtopia and Skatetopia Park 201 Oak Street • Texarkana, Texas
Texarkana Public Library 600 West 3rd Street • Texarkana, Texas The library has over 100,000 materials available for check-out that include books, compact discs, videos, DVDs, digital audio books, magazines and downloadable audio books. In addition to these items, thousands of people enter the library to utilize print and electronic reference resources, access the Internet, checkout a laptop in house, enjoy free Wi-Fi service, make copies, send a fax, participate in computer and Internet training or attend one of the Library’s events.
Kidtopia Park is a wooden playground designed by kids for kids. It features some of Texarkana’s most famous landmarks, just twice the fun of the real things! Skatetopia Park is adjacent to Kidtopia. Built completely from custom concrete, this park is made for users of all skill levels. Texarkana Regional Arts Center (TRAHC) 321 West 4th Street • Texarkana, Texas The beautifully renovated Regional Arts Center began life in 1909 as a United States District Courthouse. The old courtroom is now a grand hall with a 26-foot-high ceiling. National touring art exhibitions grace gallery walls 12 months a year, and the halls ring out when the rolls are playing on the unique reproducing player piano. The Center also features “For Arts Sake” Gift Shop filled with unique gifts. It’s not to be missed.
PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS
Ace of Clubs House 420 Pine Street • Texarkana, Texas A living museum, the 22-sided house was built with the winnings from a poker game. Legend has it that James H. Draughon’s winning card was the ace of clubs. Architecturally unique, the Italianate Victorian home is most notable for its three octagonal wings and one rectangular wing that join to form the distinct shape of a “club.” P.J. Ahern House 403 Laurel Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Classical Revival style home was built in 1906 by P.J. Ahern and serves as museum and event venue.
DOWNTOWN
TRAHC ArtSpark and Art Wall 4th Street between Texas Boulevard and Main Street • Texarkana, Texas A relaxing green space with revolving events and art displays. Museum of Regional History 219 North State Line Avenue • Texarkana, Texas Housed in the city’s oldest brick building, it serves as the Texarkana Arts and Historic District Visitor’s Center, welcoming you with information on locations and events in downtown Texarkana that you do not want to miss on your visit.
Photographer’s Island 500 North State Line Avenue • Texarkana, USA The United States Post Office and Courthouse, also known as Texarkana U.S. Post Office and Federal Building is located on State Line Avenue in Texarkana, straddling the border between Arkansas and Texas. The Post Office is so unique that it has been noted to be the 2nd most photographed Post Office in the United States! 1894 Gallery 105 Olive Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Located inside the historic 1894 City Market. It’s the place for local and regional art. The historic setting and the floating walls of art makes this truly a must- see for art lovers and architectural appreciation.
Scott Joplin Mural Third & Main Streets • Texarkana, Texas A mural honoring Texarkana’s most famous son, Ragtime composer Scott Joplin.
Perot Theatre 219 Main Street • Texarkana, Texas A jewel of the region, bringing the best of Broadway, classical music, ballet, jazz, modern dance and more to Texarkana. First opened in 1924 as the Saenger Theatre, Emil Weil’s Italian Renaissance design is an architectural marvel. Throughout the year, the Perot Theatre Series brings national and international productions to the region and tours are available year-round. World War I Memorial Sheppard Park • 6th and Olive Streets • Texarkana, Texas A memorial to the men from Bowie County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas, who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country in the World War 1917-1918. Erected by the Texarkana Memorial Unit, an organization of women banded together to honor their loyalty, their service and their devotion.
Kress Gap Murals 116 West Broad Street • Texarkana, Texas What was formerly the Kress Department Store, has now become charming and colorful murals, bringing life to the abandoned space. Union Station 101 Front Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Union Station sits diagonally on the Arkansas- Texas state line. The building is the current home to Amtrak. Drive by and see this historic treasure.
Four States Auto Museum 217 Laurel Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Automobile museum that exhibits, restores and operates appropriate pieces of automotive equipment and displays static exhibits which provide educational and recreational experiences. Through programs, lectures, publications, research library and special events, the museum augments its efforts to provide a meaningful educational experience for its visitors and those who use it as a resource.
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AROUND TOWN George Tobolowsky Sculptures Around the Texarkana Community
Front Street Caboose Front Street Festival Plaza • Wood and Broad Streets • Texarkana, Arkansas This nifty old fifty-ton caboose was donated by Union Pacific Railroad to Texarkana in 2015. The 1979 Southern Pacific caboose was restored and placed in Front Street Plaza to serve as a symbol and celebration of Texarkana’s relationship with the railroad.
The Otis Henry Memorial at Rose Hill Cemetery
100 South Lelia Street • Texarkana, Texas One of the oldest cemeteries in Texarkana. Founded as “city cemetery” in 1874, the Rose Hill cemetery and memorial lawn is the final resting place for several of Texarkana’s pioneers, forebears and veterans dating back to the Civil War. One of the most arresting WWI statues in Texas is a four-figured marble memorial for Corporal Otis Henry. A generic statue of a soldier throwing a grenade stands above a statue of the civilian Otis Henry flanked by two angels. Majestic Magnolia 4700 County Avenue • Texarkana, Arkansas The largest magnolia tree in Arkansas is estimated to be 185 years old. The tree is 16 feet, 7 inches in diameter, 61 feet tall and has an 82-foot wing span. Certified Arkansas’ largest Magnolia by the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
Tobolowsky creates steel and stainless steel sculptures by welding together unique objects, such as scrap metal and industrial parts.
Arkansas Municipal Auditorium East 3rd and Walnut Street • Texarkana, Arkansas Built in the 1920s, the Texarkana Municipal Auditorium saw its heyday in the mid-twentieth century. Visit the Municipal Auditorium to hear more about the architecture and the history of the building. Walk of Fame Park 416 East 3rd Street • Texarkana, Arkansas The Walk of Fame Park was built by the Arkansas Municipal Auditorium Commission to honor the people that performed on the stage in the Historic Arkansas Municipal Auditorium (AMA) since its opening in 1930. The AMA was one of the stops of many music legends that include Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jim Ed Brown. Discovery Place Children’s Museum 215 Pine Street • Texarkana, Texas The area’s best hands-on children’s museum has a one-of-a-kind 12 foot sound wall, giant prehistoric animal murals and a living science lab. A special dress-up theatre and tot spot for the younger ones make this an attraction for the entire family. MIDTOWN Spring Lake Park 4303 North Park Road • Texarkana, Texas The heart and pride of the Texarkana, Texas park system. This 145-acre park features a spring fed lake, open green spaces with picnic areas, playground units, fishing piers and an 18-hole disc golf course. The 1.75 mile Phillip McDougal Walking/ Biking Trail strolls throughout the entire park and is a favorite spot for the recreational or avid jogger. James Bowie Centennial Statue 800 State Line Avenue • Texarkana, Texas One of the 14 statues erected for the 1936 Texas Centennial celebration, this larger-than- life bronze was designed by sculptor William M. McVey with W.W. Watkins providing the design for the Marble Falls granite base. Perot Leadership Museum 1024 Tucker Street • Texarkana, Texas The permanent exhibit is a composite replica of Gabriel Ross Perot’s cotton office, which a young H. Ross Perot helped his father build. Learn about the art of cotton buying and check out artifacts from a bygone era in this permanent exhibition.
Bobby Ferguson Park 3400 U of A Way • Texarkana, Arkansas A beautiful oasis, just south of I-30 includes a man-made lake, a nice pavilion, clean restrooms, a paved hiking trail that winds its way around the water, picnic tables and a children’s playground. It is the perfect place to stop, take a break and get some fresh air. Four States Fair Ag Learning Center 3700 East 50th Street • Texarkana, Arkansas This is your only chance to visit the home of Miss Moo. The Four States Fair, in partnership with The Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA), promotes dairy education and agricultural awareness in children. The center is the first of its kind in Arkansas and in the four states region. Lake Wright Patman Off U.S. Highway 59 South Activities include camping, picnicking, fishing (Catfish, Crappie, Perch, Bass), hiking, boating, canoeing, swimming and bird watching. Rocky Creek Outdoors 4001 South State Line Avenue Texarkana, Arkansas Located on 80 acres just outside of the Texarkana city limits, offers trap, skeet, 13-station sporting clay course, five-stand warm up facility, 3D archery course, 100-yard rifle range with four booths, and a 25-yard pistol range with five booths. Legendary Firearm’s Indoor Gun Range 101 Slaton Drive • Nash, Texas Indoor gun range in the Texarkana area, located just west of Nash on Highway 82 offering four lanes at 25 yards, all indoors and climate-controlled. With a classroom for safety, LTC and NRA training. Millwood Lake U.S. Highway 71 North to Ashdown, Arkansas This is the place for serious bass fishing. A series of boat lanes meanders through submerged timber, marshes and oxbow cutoffs making it an outstanding fishing destination. This 29,260-acre lake abounds in largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. Birding is also popular at this Audubon- designated Important Bird Area with sightings of over 300 of Arkansas’ 400 species on record.
Texarkana Historical Tour 819 North State Line Avenue • Texarkana, Texas See Texarkana in a brand new light with the Texarkana Historical Tour, a short, self-guided audio tour that showcases the character of the Texarkana community. Start at the Chamber of Commerce on State Line Avenue with your map and your audio guide. Slip back in time as you learn fun facts, bits of history and begin to see the city as architects, historians and artists do, as you tour in and around downtown UPTOWN Bringle Lake Art Park Located along Bringle Lake Wilderness Trail 7500 Bringle Lake Road • Texarkana, Texas Tucked away along the Bringle Lake Wilderness Trail near the Waterworks Spillway is home to walls of murals and a pathway of colorful sidewalks painted by locals. This spot is popular for recreational activities and located mid-way through the trail system.
Bringle Lake Wilderness Area 7500 Bringle Lake Road • Texarkana, Texas Has approximately 144 acres that has been set aside as a nature area. This area also includes a bike/walk trail that begins at Bringle Lake East and runs to the Waterworks Spillway. There is also a single mountain bike trail that twists throughout the wilderness area.
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GATEWAY FOR TRADE
Quality of life is determined by more than great places to eat and entertainment options. It also depends on the economy, business opportunities, housing, cost of living and transportation of a city. Easily accessed and perfectly situated between Dallas and Little Rock at the junction of I-30, I-49 and I-369, 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. 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 70 square miles and are key players in the commerce of the region.
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ALL ROADS LEAD SOUTH WHY CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE CHOOSING TEXARKANA ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY AR-TX REDI
The southern US has become an increasingly popular location for big-name auto manufacturers, with the region of Texarkana offering a rich industry legacy, robust infrastructure and affordability, as AR-TX REDI president and CEO Rob Sitterley explains. Automotive manufacturing operations are among the most costly and complicated operations there are, so choosing the right place to do business is paramount. Cost, workforce, logistics and regulatory red tape are among the multitude of factors that drive manufacturers’ location decisions. In recent years, the southern U.S. has become increasingly popular among car manufacturers, with big names like General Motors, Toyota and Tesla operating out of the southern states and Mexico. The region of Texarkana, located across Texas and Arkansas, is in prime position to provide them with the environment they need. “Texarkana is an ideal location for auto manufacturing,” says AR-TX REDI president and CEO Rob Sitterley. “The region has a rich legacy, complemented by an ideal geographic location and robust infrastructure. On top of all this, our region is among the most affordable places in the country to do business.” Texarkana: An emerging manufacturing location Texarkana is located right on the growing North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) ‘auto corridor’, which runs from Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico and accounted for nearly 90% of light vehicle production in the US in 2019. Traditionally, Detroit was the hear t of US automotive manufacturing, but since the establishment of NAFTA in 1992, nearly all new North American automotive plants have been built in southern states and Mexico. The agreement means that any product with at least 62.5% American, Mexican or Canadian parts is duty free. Mexico, in particular, is developing a significant automotive cluster and emerging onto the global market, with General Motors, Toyota, Peterbilt and others now present in the north-east. Because of its location, Texas is a primary link between Mexico and the rest of the US automotive market, and billions of dollars of vehicles and parts are now transported between Mexico and Texas annually. In 2020, Texas ranked 11th for transportation equipment exports in the US, with a total value of $1.3B and Mexico and Canada being its top two destinations. As the south continues to develop into a powerful automotive cluster, Texarkana is in good company. Neighbouring Mississippi is known as a powerhouse of the automotive industry, with nearly 200 suppliers employing around 26,000 personnel and the Mississippi State University Centre for Advanced Vehicular Systems focused on building the next generation workforce. In nearby Alabama, new auto industry projects created 2,600 new jobs and $1.6B in investment just last year, and Tennessee is home to massive assembly lines for General Motors, Nissan and Volkswagen and ranks number one in the southeast for electric vehicle manufacturing. But the trade oppor tunities are not just local. Texas is home to 15 seaports and 26 commercial airports, and leading
international automotive companies from countries including China, Germany, Japan, Sweden and the UK are increasingly investing and relocating here. A dynamic business environment “Texarkana is a great place to do business,” says Sitterley. With free land, low tax, an affordable workforce and a streamlined regulatory process, it has plenty to offer. The employment turnover rate of the AR-TX region is 33% lower than the national average. The world’s ninth largest economy, Texas is ranked fourth US state for ease of doing business by CNBC. In June 2013, Texas’ HB 800 law reinstated R&D tax credit, and in 2014, sales tax exemption and research credit were extended through 2026 to boost manufacturing and high-technology industries, which includes the auto industry. In Arkansas, manufacturing ranked the top industry in terms of contribution to GDP in 2020. The region boasts a well-established automotive manufacturing sector, with Texas ranking in the top ten nationally for automotive manufacturing employment and establishments. In 2019, it was home to the second most licensed drivers of any state, at almost 18 million, and over 23 million vehicle registrations, putting it second behind California. A major passenger vehicle assembly plant operated by global leader General Motors has been established in Texas for over 60 years, and Tesla opened its second US assembly plant in Austin in 2020. For automotive manufacturing companies, one of the main attractions of Texarkana is the region’s large, skilled and cost- effective labor pool, which is based on a long tradition of industry. “With such rich history in manufacturing, our workforce represents generations of dedicated builders and makers,” says Sitterley. “This makes our region ripe for large-scale auto manufacturing operations.” As well as this, a steady pipeline of new talent is being created through education, with Texarkana College offering auto industry- certified training from this year. A future-ready hub As the automotive manufacturing industry advances into the future, Texarkana promises to be a location of increasing opportunities. With sustainability and energy concerns becoming ever more pressing, the region is embracing automotive innovation. Texas and Arkansas offer a range of alternative fuel and clean vehicle rebates and grants, and Texas has established laws supporting testing and operation of automated vehicles. In September this year, AW Texas opened a $400M plant to produce automatic and hybrid vehicle transmissions. For automotive manufacturers looking to take advantage of the thriving industry cluster in southern America, Texarkana is a site of huge opportunity. The region has grown in prestige and market presence over the last couple of decades, and it is only set to grow.
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TEXARKANA ECONOMIC VITALS
LIVING & HOUSEHOLDS
SOURCE: JobsEQ
COST OF LIVING 14.4% Below the National Average
DEDICATED WORKFORCE Living Within 50 miles 288,000 Labor Force Participation 54.8% Unemployment 5.9% HOUSEHOLDS
LEADING INDUSTRIES
Median Household Income $59,400 Owner Occupied Housing 50.7% Average Family Size 3.2
EDUCATION 57.7% Some College+
HOUSING Residential Home Sales (2020) 1,294 Median Home Price $134,000
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N
AIRPORTS Texarkana Regional Airport , also known as Webb Field, 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. TAC Air-TXK o ers award-winning ground services, quick turns and the most competitive prices on Jet-A and Avgas aviation fuel at Texarkana Regional Airport in Texarkana, Arkansas.
RAILS Union Paci c Railroad Kansas City Southern Railroad Texas Northeastern Amtrak passenger railroad service
HIGHWAYS US Route 59 US Route 67 US Route 71 US Route 82 INTERSTATES 1-30 • I-49 • Future I-69 (currently I-369)
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txkmag.com 911 North Bishop Street, Building C, Suite 102 Wake Village, Texas • 903.949.1460
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Auto Body Technology program at Texarkana College. PHOTO BY MICHAEL ULMER
by Madeleine Russell
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN TEXARKANA USA
Our nation has focused heavily in the past two decades on the importance of a bachelor’s degree and has equated that with success. As a result, we are now seeing a shortage in skilled laborers. A career and technical education (CTE) pathway, once considered a “back-up plan,” currently has a starting salary equivalent to or more than masters graduates. It has become normal to see ads and marketing initiatives across social media platforms targeting people who have received CTE. Representatives from our local higher education institutions and school districts boast Texarkana, USA is ahead of the game in training and preparing for a highly skilled workforce. In fact, one of the most appealing factors for a new business wanting to move to Texarkana is knowing they will have the resources to hire highly skilled people. Texarkana CTE programs address industry needs and the constant innovation of technologies. CTE programs allow our region to continue to compete with larger cities and metropolitan areas across the state and nation. Brandon Washington, Vice President of Campus Operations and Dean of Community & Business and Workforce Education at Texarkana College, stated, “CTE programs allow a huge jump start to a person’s career. For example, industrial maintenance students at Texarkana College are being hired before they even graduate.” Washington explained, “there are enormous job openings with major earning potential and the U.S. is having trouble filling these spots. That is why the mission of the CTE program at Texarkana College is to identify these needs and invest in state-of-the-art
equipment to train our students and have them prepared to enter the workforce in these high demand jobs.” Not only are these initiatives being encouraged throughout the state of Texas, but the state of Arkansas is also seeing a high demand for CTE programs as well. Jennifer Theresa, Dean of the Industrial and Technical Division at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT), stated “Governor Hutchinson is making a big push for CTE programs. We want to be leaders in the state for this initiative and are expanding and moving forward in this direction.” A unique aspect of CTE programs in our community is the partnerships between higher education institutions and local school districts. Through dual credit CTE courses and state-wide CTE initiatives for K-12 schools, students are exposed more than ever to hands-on CTE programs. Stephanie Stokes, Dual Credit Coordinator at Texarkana College, stated, “Texarkana College partners with 16 school districts to provide dual credit CTE programs. Their instructors are highly trained and certified in the respective CTE subject, and the outcome of a dual credit CTE course is the exact same as a traditional college CTE course.” Stokes emphasized dual credit Career Tech programs allow young students to discover the type of work and industry they are interested in. It also exposes them to several pathways within each industry. Mikki Curtis, Director of Secondary Programs at University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, also works alongside Arkansas School Districts to partner and provide dual-credit CTE programs.
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Aviation Technology program at THS PHOTO BY THS COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Curtis said, “It is an amazing opportunity for high school students to graduate with one or more certificates of proficiency in a high demand skill. Something our school is very proud of is that CTE dual credit courses are completely free to high school students.” Curtis also said, “If a high school student wants to continue on from these certificates, they have a direct pathway towards an associate degree. Our CTE program provides opportunities for all high school students to obtain a high demand job quickly and efficiently.” Local school districts see the value in CTE programs and are constantly investing in their students. Charlotte Leon, Assistant Principal for Student Advancement at Texas High School, spoke about the numerous CTE programs at Texas High and their highly qualified, passionate, and experienced instructors. Leon said, “Mark Ahrens, a Computer Science and Robotics teacher at Texas High School, was recently selected among thousands of teachers as a 2021 Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Award recipient. He received a prize package of $30,000, which includes $25,000 to expand computer science and/or robotics education and a $5,000 teacher cash award.” Leon also spoke about a new initiative being implemented at Texas High called Camp ROAR. “This camp is to excite and motivate students for a CTE pathway and to showcase the many opportunities for obtaining a high demand job after graduating from high school,” Leon said. “We are molding and promoting our future by investing in our students and these CTE programs. The Tiger Family is phenomenal, and we want what is best for our students and for them to be successful.” Pleasant Grove ISD has big goals for developing students into productive, successful, and well-rounded citizens. Jennifer Gibson, Director of Career & Technical Education at Pleasant Grove High School, said, “Pleasant Grove ISD has taken full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Texas Education Agency to grow and enhance the Career and Technical Education programs over the past seven years. Through the expansion of programs within 13
career clusters, we have a full course offering to guide our students into careers that best suit their interests, and the needs of our community.” Gibson also said they are able to offer 35 industry- based certifications within various programs. PGISD currently leads the region in certifications earned by students. In 2021, PG students completed the year with 244 certifications earned. Liberty-Eylau ISD also serves as a leader in innovative CTE programs in our area. Linda Block, CTE Director and Assistant Principal at Liberty-Eylau High School, said a wonderful aspect of the LE CTE program is that it combines both hands-on, real-world experience and academic elements. For example, their construction and welding CTE students are using the fractions and equations they learn in the classroom in real-world experience. Block went on to say that CTE programs allow students who struggle in a traditional classroom the opportunity to succeed and learn in a unique setting. Many times, they see students who are uninterested in a traditional classroom flourish in a CTE course where they can see the purpose and meaning behind traditional academic methods. The future of CTE programs in our twin cities and across our nation will heavily focus on ever-changing, innovative technology. Studies project by 2050, all cars will be electric. Imagine how much that one projection will change the way automotive courses and programs will be taught around the world. Career and Technical Education is imperative to the success of our workforce. What has been seen as the last resort should be considered a top option to all students. Dr. Jason Smith, President of Texarkana College, says, “College IS for everyone.” Whether it’s a certificate in welding, an associate degree in industrial maintenance, or a dental assisting certification, college is in fact for everyone. The next time you or someone you know is contemplating education or a new career path, make sure Career and Technical Education is considered from the beginning. To put it simply, CTE is serving at the forefront of our future.
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TEXARKANA CHAMBER WILL RECEIVE $ 332,000 GRANT FROM T.L.L. TEMPLE FOUNDATION
The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation has been awarded a $331,988 grant from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation to further their efforts in workforce development in the region. The grant is to be distributed over a three-year period. The goals of the program are for Bowie and Miller Counties to earn and sustain ACT® Work Ready Communities (ACT® WRC) certification. “The Chamber Foundation is dedicated to providing a positive business environment. Our many businesses need and utilize qualified employees. Through this partnership, the Chamber shall assist in providing tools for potential employees and employers to be successful,” according to Michael Malone, president of the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce According to Robbin Bass, director of business retention and expansion for the Chamber, “ACT® WorkKeys is an exciting program because it links and aligns education partners, community-based organizations, and employers within the same common framework, using the same data, processes and tools to drive workforce development and economic growth.” During the past year, lead education, workforce and economic development stakeholders across Texarkana identified the need for and potential of ACT® WorkKeys. They dedicated themselves to vetting the ACT® WorkKeys program, including attending the ACT® WorkKeys Bootcamp, have collaborated for months to gauge interest, build partnerships and organize a local leadership team. The grant builds upon a solid foundation of local demand and demonstrated progress. The grant directly aligns with the T.L.L. Temple Foundation’s strategic education objective, “All 16-24-year-old rural East Texans
The grant will support the Texarkana region to become an ACT® Work Ready Community, and, as a result... • Texarkana regional education providers will inspire student preparation with the knowledge and skills they need for future workforce success. • Texarkana regional employers will be better able to align high-demand skills to jobs, find the right local talent, and train employees for future success. • Texarkana regional students and the current and transitioning workforce will have better opportunities to demonstrate their skills, identify their interests, and find the right good jobs. • Texarkana regional economic developers will have a stronger local workforce to retain, grow and attract business and industry. The T.L.L. Temple Foundation works alongside rural communities to build a thriving East Texas and to alleviate poverty, creating access and opportunities for all. Since its founding in 1962 by Mrs. Georgie Temple Munz, the T.L.L. Temple Foundation has invested more than $500 million primarily to strengthen communities in rural East Texas. For more information about the foundation, visit www.tlltemple.foundation. The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation was created in 2019 for the advancement of knowledge and understanding of economics, promote economic development, the leadership development of the community, matters of public concern, finance, education and training, housing, human relations, problems of minority groups, science and technology, economic planning and development, international relations, tourism and other subjects related to improved efficiency, development, acceleration of both the quality and quantity of economic growth
earn a credential with labor market value that contributes to building a thriving East Texas.” Specifically, the grant emphasizes the student success focus area for helping, “rural students, particularly historically underrepresented groups, gain degrees or credentials that lead to high-demand, high-wage jobs.”
and employment opportunities. This workforce development par tnership meets this objective. For additional information on the community and economic development, contact the chamber at 819North State Line Avenue, Texarkana, Texas: 903-792-7191, or rbass@texarkana.org.
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