Business View Magazine | March 2019

228 BVM: Judge Griffin, how would you describe Independence County, and what are some notable achievements? Griffin: “We’re a community that’s on the move. We continue to expand, and our economy is good. Historically speaking, our employment is great. Our sales tax collections are indica- tions of the economic forces at work here. If you look at our sales tax data, you’ll find we’re more of a sub-regional hub. Retail chains including TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, and Ashley Furniture have invested in locations here and a new Hampton Inn is currently under con- struction.” Cole: “We have a population of 37,500-plus in Independence County, with a population over 10,000 in the city of Batesville. But our daily population in Batesville is close to 100,000 because people come here, primarily, for healthcare and employment, and to shop. We have been able to attract some national retail businesses because we have a strong economy and we’re a merchant center for a population of around 206,000, when you take into account Independence County and the six counties that touch it.” Baldwin: “I’ve only been in Batesville for five years, so I have the perspective of a new per- son. Independence County has incredible natu- ral beauty. I can actually sit on my back porch and watch bald eagles fly down the majestic White River, which is a world-class destination for trout fishing. Something else that’s unique for a small southern town in the United States, is that we have a great group of young profes- sional families. It’s one of our strengths. Those families, along with Batesville and Indepen- dence County, jointly created our strategic plan. It’s rare for a community to come together like that and actually change its direction, and the young people really made it happen. INDEPENDENCE COUNTY, ARKANSAS