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. 156 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09
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