City of Batesville & IMPACT Independence County Seek Input, Advisory Team Members to Shape the Final Scope for Building a Better Batesville Campaign 

City of Batesville & IMPACT Independence County Seek Input, Advisory Team Members to Shape the Final Scope for Building a Better Batesville Campaign 

[Batesville, September 26, 2023] – Following an August special election where Batesville residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of critical water infrastructure upgrades and quality-of-life enhancements, the City of Batesville, in partnership with IMPACT Independence County, is taking a significant step towards community-driven development. Together, they are excited to announce the formation of multiple Advisory Teams for a series of transformative projects, inviting residents to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their community.

These initiatives, spanning diverse areas of community development, aim to enhance the quality of life, promote inclusivity, and create vibrant spaces for residents and visitors. Projects include:

1. Events Center: A state-of-the-art facility set to become a cultural and economic epicenter, hosting concerts, sporting events, conventions, and more.

2. Children’s Nature Discovery and Play Area: A space designed to nurture the curiosity and imagination of our youngest residents while connecting them with the natural world.

3. Commercial Commons: An area that fosters businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs while promoting a sense of community.

4. Lifestyle Features of the Park: Features such as walking trails, bridges, pavilions, and recreational amenities that encourage active living.

5. Sports Courts: Multi-purpose courts for various sports, promoting physical activity and friendly competition.

6. Water Play: A refreshing water-based attraction for all to enjoy during warmer months.

7. All-Inclusive Play Space: An accessible playground designed to cater to children of all abilities, ensuring everyone can participate in playtime.

8. Skate and Cycle Park: A dedicated facility for skateboarders and cyclists to practice their skills safely and an adrenaline-pumping destination offering courses for other outdoor adventures.

9. Downtown Plaza: A dynamic public space that celebrates community culture and serves as a gathering point for residents and visitors.

Each Advisory Team will focus on a specific project and bring together a diverse group of stakeholders and design, accessibility, safety, business development, and community engagement experts. The teams will play a crucial role as a bridge between the project team and the community, ensuring that the project aligns with the community’s vision. They will make recommendations, address challenges, and advocate for the projects, actively seeking community support and enthusiasm for these initiatives.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply to join an Advisory Team for specific project(s) by October 9, 2023. Applications should include a statement of interest and any additional information deemed pertinent. Subject matter experts should include a résumé or CV highlighting relevant experience and expertise. Applications can be found at projects.betterbatesville.info. 

Following the application period, selection committees will review submissions and select individuals who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to each project. Notifications of selection will be sent out by October 13, 2023.

“Resident participation is instrumental in shaping the future of our community. We look forward to having a variety of voices on Advisory Teams,” said Jamie Rayford, Chief Operating Officer at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, which primarily facilitates IMPACT work. 

There is also an open opportunity for all residents to provide feedback and input on projects via an online form until October 9, 2023. The feedback form can be found at projects.betterbatesville.info. 

For more information or inquiries, please contact Jamie Rayford, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer at coo@batesvilleareachamber.com.

Cathy Drew

Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.

Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.

After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.

In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.

Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.

She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.

Drew serves on the Arkansas Travel Council Board of Directors, is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current publicity chair.

In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.