WWW.HARRISONARKANSAS.ORG HARRISON, ARKANSAS BUILDING A VISION OF PROSPERITY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
HARRISON, AR BUILDING A VISION AND COMMUNITY D AT A GLANCE HARRISON, ARKANSAS WHAT: A small city in the Ozarks that exemplifies how strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and a focus on quality of life can shape a community’s future. WHERE: Situated in the heart of the Ozarks, located in northern Arkansas. WEBSITE: www.harrisonarkansas.org 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
N OF PROSPERITY DEVELOPMENT STRONG LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS, AND A FOCUS ON QUALITY OF LIFE ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HARRISON Harrison, a small city in Arkansas, stands as a great example of what that balanced approach should look like and, more importantly, what results it can produce. Harrison’s leadership has put considerable effort into attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurship, and fostering partnerships with regional organizations to bring in investments. Their strategies center around sustainable growth 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
practices, ensuring that expansion efforts are mindful of the city’s unique character and natural resources. Apart from its economic development efforts, Harrison’s leaders actively engage its residents, encouraging community involvement in decisionmaking processes. Investing in education and workforce development has been equally critical as well, as Harrison wants to ensure that local talent is prepared to meet the demands of new and existing industries. Additionally, the city hasn’t fallen behind in maintaining and enhancing its public spaces, like parks and community centers, which leadership views as essential for fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents. Harrison’s success as a small city in Arkansas is demonstrated by its thriving, diverse economy and closely-knit community. It exists currently as a picturesque, developing landscape harmonizing progress with the preservation of its heritage. It is where residents enjoy a high quality of life, businesses flourish, and visitors are drawn to its unique charm. With careful planning and active community engagement, the city is building a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come. A CITY OF EXCELLENCE AND SKILLED TEAMWORK In the heart of the Ozarks, the city of Harrison is setting a remarkable example of how effective leadership and a dedicated team can transform a community. The city’s success isn’t accidental; it’s the result of careful planning, a strong workforce, and an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. One of the most critical aspects of Harrison’s success are its talented department heads who are among the best in their fields. Harrison has undertaken significant projects that are reshaping the city’s landscape. 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 HARRISON, AR
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From completing a $10 million City Hall to the ongoing construction of a $20 million community center, Harrison’s leadership has shown that having the right people in the right positions is key to achieving great things. “Our staff… [they] are by far the best of the best at what they do. We allow them to do their job to the best of their ability and things seem to work out really well,” says Mayor Jerry Jackson, highlighting how his team’s expertise has been instrumental in ensuring the city’s projects are completed to the highest standards. For instance, the city’s new City Hall and the upcoming Creekside Community Center were designed and built with significant input from internal staff, ensuring that these facilities truly meet the community needs. The mayor’s executive committee, which includes the city’s CFO, Luke Feighert, and COO, Wade Phillips, plays a crucial role in making informed decisions that drive the city forward. “These guys are top-notch, and they care about our city. They want the best for it … it’s been amazing! They check every detail to make sure it is right for our community,” says Director of Public Relations Donna Braymer. However, Harrison’s growth is not just the result of internal efforts; it’s also the product of strong partnerships and community engagement. The city works closely with organizations like the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Parks and Recreation Department to promote Harrison as a destination for events and tourism. This summer alone, the city brought in over $4.1 million from tournaments held at its upgraded ball fields, attracting visitors nationwide. The investment in these facilities, funded by a citizen-approved tax, has paid off by positioning Harrison as a premier 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 HARRISON, AR
location for sports tournaments. Additionally, the city leverages its natural beauty and proximity to attractions like the Buffalo River and Branson, Missouri to draw visitors, further boosting the local economy. LEVERAGING INFRASTRUCTURE AND NATURAL ASSETS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Like any city, the ongoing goal is to promote itself to the outside world. Luckily, due to its location, Harrison has a unique advantage in attracting tourists. “The CVB helps us get the word out, but we also have an active Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter page all talking about the good things happening in Harrison,” Braymer says, referencing some of the more niche attractions Harrison offers thanks to its unique geography, like its motorcycle tours. Plus, the city’s active social media presence, combined with the efforts of the CVB, ensures that people across the country are aware of all that Harrison has to offer. One of the most exciting developments on the horizon for Harrison is the upcoming transformation of the former DogPatch Park into Marble Falls Nature Park by Bass Pro’s Johnny Morris, another exciting development that will attract even more visitors to the area. As powerful as they are, the events, amenities, and social media promotion are just the parts of Harrison’s strategy that rely on external support. The city’s internal economic foundation is equally, if not more, robust. Harrison’s strong manufacturing base is a major pillar of its economic success. The city is home to major employers like FedEx Freight, which has its headquarters in Harrison, providing jobs for 1,200 people. 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
This city is also home to Wabash Wood Products who specialize in making wood floorings for semi trailers. The city’s Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in attracting and supporting businesses, ensuring the local economy thrives.To supplement that, Harrison is focusing its efforts on improving its downtown district as well. “We’re revitalizing our downtown, and as hard as that is to do, we’ve already seen some great results! Three new eateries announced that they’ll be opening next month in our downtown area,” Mayor Jackson states, mentioning that many of the incoming downtown improvements, like new restaurants, will be positioned near the iconic Crooked Creek that runs right through downtown, as well as the Creekside Community Center. When completed, these projects will only enhance the city’s appeal but also create new opportunities for residents and businesses alike. Of course, attracting and supporting new businesses means supporting Harrison’s workforce as well, therefore, a key component of Harrison’s long-term strategy is also its focus on workforce development. The city recognizes the importance of preparing the next generation for successful careers, whether they enter the workforce directly or pursue higher education. For example, WIN (Workforce Initiative Network), a local workforce network, reaches out to middle school students, exposing them to career opportunities in manufacturing and other industries. This program is valuable for students who may not be interested in attending college but want to acquire the skills needed to earn a living wage. North Arkansas College, the city’s local community college, also plays a crucial role in this effort by offering programs that allow students to earn a fouryear degree without leaving Harrison. A FUTURE FOCUS ON QUALITY OF LIFE Harrison is making significant strides in its tourism and promotion,but its biggest leaps have undoubtedly 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09 HARRISON, AR
come from its infrastructure development. The city is currently working on several major projects, including the replacement of a bridge over Crooked Creek and the construction of three new roundabouts. These improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance the city’s transportation network and make Harrison more accessible and attractive to residents and visitors alike. The Creekside Community Center, set to open soon, will be a centerpiece of the city’s efforts to improve the quality of life for its residents. The center will include an aquatics facility, game room, Esports, three courts for hosting basketball, volleyball, and pickleball as well as meeting rooms for community events, parties, and more. An outdoor music venue will be added to Creekside, another mountain bike trail, and hopefully restoring the Creek to free-flowing to provide downtown recreational opportunities for people of all ages. “Everything we focus on right now is quality of life, not only for our people, but for people that move here,” Mayor Jackson states. As Harrison looks to the future, its leadership is focused on several key objectives that will continue to drive the city’s growth and development. These include attracting new industries, further expanding the city’s infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The city’s low cost of living, combined with its strategic investments in amenities, infrastructure, and incredibly low real estate and sales taxes, makes Harrison an attractive destination for young retirees and families alike. With a steady stream of new projects and initiatives on the horizon, the city is poised to continue its upward trajectory, offering a vibrant, welcoming community where people can live, work, and play. Harrison’s success story is a testament to the power of strong leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to the community. 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n DSI – Distribution Solutions, Inc. www.drivedsi.com Starting in 1997 DSI offered LTL dry van delivery. In 2004 DSI added temperature-controlled trailers (reefer units). This offering was an immediate success and continues to broaden their customer base. DSI continues to offer fullservice truckload, dry van & refrigerated services across the US while providing safe, and reliable services. The Team at DSI continues to provide on-time service to the expanding customer base. By leveraging its natural assets, fostering strong partnerships, and investing in infrastructure and workforce development, Harrison is creating a brighter future for all who call it home. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to improving the lived experience for its residents, ensuring that Harrison remains a place where dreams are realized, and opportunities abound. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
WWW.HARRISONARKANSAS.ORG WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Harrison AR
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