A Day in the Life

Around here, like anywhere else I assume, some days are highs and some days are lows.  Sometimes though, you get both in one day.  We started off yesterday preparing for one economic development announcement.  By close of business, we had two.  One good. One bad.

First the good.  Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield made public their plans to build a new data center in The Meadows Technology Park.  The 17,000 sf data center will employ up to 20 people and represents a significant investment in our community by one of Arkansas most trusted names.  These are jobs for the next generation and our community is rightly proud to have them.

Now the bad.  IC Corporation (AMTRAN for you locals) announced the layoff of up to 477 employees.  This represents over half of their workforce.  Essentially, all bus assembly will be moving to their Tulsa, OK facility.  Many jobs at the plant will remain.  Fabrication, engineering, support services, pricing and some others.  This is a blow to our regional manufacturing economy.  Here at the CDC (our local economic development non-profit) we will spend coming weeks trying to assess any cascading impacts.  Specifically, what area suppliers may be affected.  Our neighboring cities and counties will be feeling the same (if not greater) sting that we will.  Our mission at the CDC is to see these jobs replaced.  The people losing their jobs represent the same skilled workforce that makes this economy great. Their skills, knowledge and expertise offer a great opportunity for any new or existing industry.

Today, we try to get a clear message out to the community and local media.  Monday, we plan and begin recovery.

Stay tuned for more updates.