“I don’t think that we’re ever going to get another big factory like that here,” he admits. And for him, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The risks of relying on a large, single employer are too significant. “If one of your major manufacturing facilities that employs several hundred people shuts down, that’s a hard pill to swallow,” he explains. Instead, he sees the future in nurturing small businesses, particularly those with 5 to 25 employees. If a smaller venture closes its doors, it doesn’t devastate the community similarly. In addition to supporting small businesses, Mayor Smith envisions Mena becoming a hub for tourism and outdoor recreation, with the development of mountain bike trails creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs. “You’re talking outdoor outfitters, equipment, gear, clothing, souvenir shops,” he says, predicting a boom in businesses tied to adventure tourism. While larger projects like lift-access trails are still in progress, he is optimistic. He also notes the potential for shuttle services, as “people aren’t going to want to ride their bike all the way up to the top.” A conversation with a state official highlighted the airport’s role, as some tourists might arrive by private plane. “If they don’t pull a mountain bike off their plane, they’re going to want a quality rental,” the mayor explains, opening up rental and transportation services possibilities. Mayor Smith foresees Mena becoming a haven for entrepreneurs, stating,“There’s just so many things to think about and what’s going to snowball on these mountain bike trails.” A HIDDEN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE Mena’s airport, often flying under the radar for those unfamiliar with the area, is a major economic engine for the city. Mayor Smith describes it as more than just a facility for private flights; it’s a full-fledged aviation hub with a wide range of capabilities.“You can essentially bring a plane in on a trailer in parts, and you will be able to fly it out of our airport,” he says. The airport supports airframe construction, avionics, painting, and almost any repair or customization the plane needs. This versatility has turned the airport into a vital industry for Mena. Planes that arrive in pieces leave fully operational due to the facility’s technical skill 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 MENA, AR
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