AEDC Consultant Praises, Challenges Northwest Arkansas

Jessica Breaux, a community development consultant at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, stressed the importance of “regionalism” during her presentation at the 2011 Northwest Arkansas Regional Development Conference.

The day-long event was held May 6 at the Holiday Inn in Springdale, and attracted about 200 attendees.

“Regionalism is the smart way to go, it’s the efficient way to go, for economic development,” Breaux said.

The idea, she added, is for a group of counties to share resources – whether that means workforce, infrastructure, etc. – in a collaborative effort to spur economic development. Such an effort is especially important in Northwest Arkansas, which Breaux called “the growth engine for our state.”

Northwest Arkansas Council executive director Mike Malone also spoke at the event, and Breaux said the council’s work shows it has embraced the idea of collaborating for a common good. Evidence is the NAC’s “growth and development strategy” unveiled in response to Gov. Mike Beebe’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development.

“Just the idea that they took the initiative to put together a plan shows they’re willing to work together,” she said.

Breaux also urged those who attended her session not to be satisfied with its economic standing relative within the state.

“If you’re comparing yourself to the rest of Arkansas, you’re not doing a very good job,” Breaux said, adding places like Gainesville, Fla., and Austin Texas, have been identified as better comparisons.