Crystal Bridges to host historic 3-Commission meeting

Three of Arkansas’ most prestigious commissions will convene this week in Bentonville. It’s the first time anyone can remember that they have met together outside of Little Rock, which has local Chambers of Commerce and economic leaders eager to host this historic event.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the Arkansas Highway Commission and Arkansas Parks, Recreation and Tourism will each make a presentation at Crystal Bridges on Thursday morning (April 12) and then together tour the world-class museum of American art.

“I think it’s great to get these three commissions together, because they each have a large role in the economic impact of this region and our state. They each complement one another. Highway infrastructure is fundamental to the continued success of both parks and tourism and economic development which creates jobs,” said Dick Trammel, member of the Arkansas Highway Commission.

The five local Chambers of Commerce — Bentonville-Bella Vista, Fayetteville, Rogers-Lowell, Siloam Springs and Springdale — and the Northwest Arkansas Council will also host a dinner and reception for the state commissioners Wednesday evening at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.

“This meeting is a goodwill reception that will allow local community and business leaders some face-to-face time with representatives on these three important commissions,” said Mike Harvey, chief operating officer for Northwest Arkansas Council.

Harvey said the commissions will also hold their regular monthly meetings here while visiting the region this week.