Select Site certification completed in Wynne

The Wynne Economic Development Corp. and Entergy Arkansas announced Tuesday (March 29) completion of the utility’s Select Site certification for the 37-acre Wynne Highway 1 industrial site.

“The timeline for responding to prospects has shortened significantly,” said Cody Slater, CEO for the Wynne EDC. “And going through the certification process helps to ensure that we have the site information necessary to respond quickly to inquiries.”

“This site is well-suited for a manufacturer who wants to move products across the country and needs to act quickly, and the additional marketing that comes with certification provides our site with an advantage that few communities in the state have,” Slater added.

Recently announced projects in the state that have begun operations or are under construction on former Select Sites include an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Little Rock and the Tractor Supply Co. distribution center in Maumelle.

Entergy Arkansas Senior Project Manager Joe Bailey participated in the Wynne EDC board meeting to recognize the group for completing the comprehensive review and documentation process and to present a grant check to help offset some of the costs associated with the certification. Joining Bailey was Amy Williams, Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) regional community development manager.

The business and economic development team at Entergy Arkansas works with communities to implement an assessment tool that allows communities to certify their sites and communicate the prepared status to the AEDC, site location consultants and company decision makers looking to expand or move their business to Arkansas.

The Select Site program helps communities better prepare their sites as winning candidates for high-tech, manufacturing and distribution projects with a thorough audit of the site’s readiness for new or expanding business. Other Select Site properties are in Jefferson County, Magnolia, Newport, Osceola, Russellville and West Memphis.