Membership, economic development priorities for new Fort Smith chamber president

Today (May 26) is the first day on the job for Paul Harvel, the new president of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Harvel has served as president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce for two years, and served more than 20 years as the president and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is now a commissioner on the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

On May 21, Harvel agreed to a brief e-mail interview with The City Wire.

TCW: What do you anticipate will be your top three priorities in the first  few months on the job?

Harvel: “Membership Relations — Setting up a series of group meetings with the membership and one on one visits in order to listen to the members and develop a program to recommend to the membership that has short term and long term objectives. Simultaneously, meet with elected officials in the city, county, and state representatives, as well as the educational entities in Sebastian County.
 
“Economic Development — Begin structuring the BRE program (Business Retention and Expansion) in order to give top priority to existing companies and jobs in Sebastian County. Recommend the marketing efforts as it relates to our relationship with consultants that work nationwide in industry, office, and technology recruitment. Continue to embrace the Arkansas Economic Development Commission in making sure that they have all the necessary data and sites for referrals to Sebastian County when appropriate.

“Membership Development and Future Funding — There will always be an emphasis to have the proper financial resources to compete with other cities as well as provide necessary programs for the membership of the Fort Smith Chamber.”

TCW: What are you are hearing from people in the Fort Smith area about what  
they see as the chambers strengths, weaknesses and opportunities?

Harvel: “My concentration has been on Clark County since we have major projects that
need to be completed. I have also been spending my time with my assistant that was recently named to take my position. I am sure over the next 30 days, I can answer this question a lot better.”

TCW: Less than 5 years ago, the chamber generated with much publicity its “TIP” plan that outlined an economic development strategy. The chamber reportedly raised $4 million in in-kind gifts and cash donations. The chamber failed to keep its members and the public informed of progress on the TIP plan, and the plan eventually lost public awareness and support. Will you review the TIP plan and its recommendations, or will you consider investigating another approach to economic development  for the region?

Harvel: “I will definitely review the individuals, organizations, and companies that contributed to the TIP economic development effort as well as the expenditures as it relates to economic development projects. I have not reviewed the plan but will do so. However, many of my recommendations for Fort Smith and the region will come from my economic development background and consultation with other economic developers that have a proven track record in industrial recruitment, office related recruitment, and technology recruitment.”

TCW: There is somewhat of a debate about the region shifting some of its economic development focus from industrial recruitment to entrepreneurial support and high-tech (white collar) recruitment. What are your thoughts what to do to improve average incomes in the region?

Harvel: “Recruitment for industrial, office, and high tech is somewhat handled with the same process. Economic Development Consultants handle all of these projects. Our challenge will be to make sure we have the financial resources, to market our area in all three of these major economic sectors with consultants, corporate real estate divisions, and our state partner, the AEDC. We will be working in all three of these areas.”

TCW: What is it that you most look forward to in terms of returning to day-to-day chamber management?

Harvel: “Visiting with my members; working with local, governmental, and education entities; continuous activity of chamber programs; and being engaged in the pride of the city. I am coming to a city that I’ve always had a strong passion for, much like I did when I went to Little Rock in 1985. This is not just a job. This is trying to improve a city and area that I care very much about.”

(Shortly after it was announced Harvel was hired as the new president, members of the Fort Smith business community weighed in on what they want from Harvel. Link here for their comments.)