GW Communications to open first Arkansas office, to hire 28 in Paragould

Paragould Mayor Mike Gaskill said Thursday (April 28) that a move into the city by GW Communications will help keep young people living and working in the town.

Gaskill was one of about 30 people who watched as officials with a Coppell, Texas-based information technology company announced plans to open an office in Paragould. According to officials, GW Communications works on providing broadband for cable and internet companies around the country.

Scott Watson, GW operations manager in Paragould, said providers like AT&T or Verizon will contact them when they want to expand services. The company will create a plat of the area while GW Communications decides if the equipment needs to go above or below ground. From there, GW Communications will put fiber terminals in the area for broadband service and will sell the terminals back to the telecom.

Watson said the company, which also has offices in Austin, Texas, Houston and Oklahoma City, will hire people with drafting and computer experience at the Paragould location. Watson said the company needs dependable employees who are willing to think outside the box.

In a statement Thursday, Paragould chamber president Sue McGowan said a strong workforce can make a huge difference.

“The company is creating jobs that pay a very competitive salary and will have a positive impact on many area families. We appreciate GW Communications making the decision to locate in Paragould and know our local workforce will be a great fit for the company’s needs.”

Arkansas Economic Development Commission Director Mike Preston said the company will add about $1 million in payroll each year to the local economy. Preston said the decision to locate in Paragould has a regional benefit as well.

“It is a good opportunity for Greene County, Paragould and Northeast Arkansas,” Preston said. “It is 28 jobs in the IT field and it is its first location in Arkansas.”

Preston said Gov. Asa Hutchinson has focused on economic development issues since taking office in early 2015, with the momentum now moving in the state’s direction. The announcement Thursday was the fourth major economic development announcement in the past month.

Conveyor company FMH Conveyors announced plans to build a 195,000 square foot facility in Jonesboro in March, while Chinese paper company Sun Paper and state officials announced plans this week for a $1 billion paper mill in the Arkadelphia area. Also, Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas announced Wednesday plans for a $247 million expansion at its hospital in Rogers.

Gaskill said city and business leaders in Paragould have worked for nearly 60 years on plans to bring businesses to Paragould. He said the work has contributed to the town’s growth. Preston agreed, saying the commission will hold its May meeting in Paragould. Also, Preston noted that while state officials can provide resources to help bring industry to a state, local groups play a key role.

“Local government is the absolute key to economic development,” Preston said.