The City Wire video: Gov. Mike Beebe talks about job recruitment

Gov. Mike Beebe took a few minutes after a recent “community celebration” (April 6) of Mitsubishi’s decision to locate a $100 million plant in the Fort Smith area to speak to the media about “the economic development recruitment business.”

He said the state is in “constant communication” with existing business and industry and companies potentially interested in locating an operation in Arkansas.

He also said the effort is very sensitive, with any media leaks potentially resulting in losing new jobs. Beebe said the state came “really close to losing Mitsubishi” because of a leak.

Mitsubishi is expected to employ up to 400 in the Fort Smith area by early 2012.

Above is a short (under two minutes) video of Beebe’s comments.