Business View Magazine | July 2020

167 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE JULY 2020 INDEPENDENCE COUNTY , ARKANSAS White Drive and Hwy 167 and intend to ramp up production; possibly doubling it in the next three years. So, we’re expecting an uptick in employment. “A major economic contributor is Intimidator and Spartan Mowers. They moved into their new facilities in 2019 – five acres under roof. So that’s another large investment in this community by the owners of that company, Robert and Becky Foster. Another company that continues to grow here is Life Plus, owned by Robert and Beth Christian. They’re hiring more people to sell their health products throughout the U.S. and Europe. Another highly successful company is La Croix Precision Optics. They produce optic lenses for sophisticated equipment in the medical field. They’ve had a change in management that is bringing an increase of national and international sales to that company.” Baldwin: “La Croix Precision Optics is a unique, high-tech company, one that you would not expect to be located in a rural Arkansas Independence County. One particular trio of community champions spend their time and efforts encouraging forward progress and sustainable growth. Business View Magazine spoke with County Judge Robert Griffin; Founder/CEO of First Community Bank of Batesville, Dale Cole; and CEO of Citizens Bank, Phil Baldwin about recent initiatives and what is on tap for the future in Independence County. The following is an edited transcript of that enlightening conversation. BVM: What’s been happening recently in Independence County from an economic development perspective? Cole: “Our community continues to thrive with new industry and new growth. In December, Bad Boy Lawnmowers Inc. announced a major sale of their company to the Sterling Group out of Houston Texas, and that new company has committed to more investment in Batesville and Independence County. They’re building their corporate headquarters here at the corner of