Regional alliance seeks citizen input

A regional economic development alliance formed in May is now seeking input from citizens in the region.

The Fort Smith Regional Alliance includes cities and chambers in LeFlore and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma and Crawford, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Scott and Sebastian counties in Arkansas.

Little Rock-based Boyette Strategic Advisors was hired to conduct a strategic analysis and plan for the alliance. Del Boyette has conducted the targeted industries studies for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Boyette was the AEDC director between 1993-1997, and has also served as the deputy commissioner for economic development of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

The plan would likely be a “three-year blueprint that could be extended to five years,” Boyette said.

The blueprint would include 5-7 economic development targets and “niche opportunities” for job growth. It would also include suggested improvements required to become more competitive. The improvements could come in the areas of workforce development, infrastructure, incentives and the overall business climate. Boyette has also said it would include an outline on how the regional alliance could work together internally and externally with entities like the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Part of creating the blueprint includes soliciting citizen comments.

“Input from area residents will be a critical component of this study as BSA seeks to understand the economic development challenges and opportunities in the Greater Fort Smith region,” noted a press release from the alliance.

The survey will take 10 minutes or less to complete, according to the alliance. Questions include:
What are the three greatest strengths of the region?;
What are the region’s three greatest challenges to be overcome?; and,
What is the region’s top opportunity?

Responses will remain confidential, according to the alliance.

Link here to access the survey.