LITTLE ROCK — The Spring River Innovation Hub has announced that the Ozark Foothills region of Sharp, Fulton and Izard counties has been selected for a multi-state pilot program designed to build up rural economies.
The Create Bridges grant, submitted by the Spring River Innovation Hub in an effort to support regional collaboration, will be conducted through University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Community and Economic Development.
The local area is one of two multicounty regions in the state selected for participation in the technical assistance grant.
Create Bridges was recently launched in Oklahoma, Kentucky and Arkansas with the help of a $2.7 million grant from Walmart to the Southern Rural Development Center.
“There is no single model for economic development success,” said Spring River Innovation Hub Executive Director Graycen Bigger. “Thriving communities are those willing to be creative, utilize their unique strengths and share resources. Our area is dependent upon small business, tourism, hospitality and education sectors.
“The innovation hub, which seeks to promote creative, strategic partnerships within Sharp, Fulton and Izard counties, is proud to lead this planning process that will support our strongest industries and result in future economic growth. We look forward to strengthening ties with neighboring communities and enacting economic initiatives with our partners to advance the area.”
As part of this innovative initiative, University of Arkansas, the University of Kentucky, and Oklahoma State University will collaborate to develop, refine and pilot a process to help rural communities build their capacity for strengthening the retail, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, which provide jobs and business opportunities that frequently boost rural economies.
“One of the exciting features of this program’s design is the focus on addressing needs of both employers and employees. We’re inspired by the number of regions interested in participating because it shows that there is strong need and demand for programs focusing on these industries,” McCullough said.
“Working closely with the regional steering committees will ensure that we are building a foundation for success.”
The local area was chosen for its clear desire to grow the tourism and retail industries as well as a demonstrated commitment to Create Bridges businesses. While the tri-county area is well-known for its annual Cave City Watermelon Festival, the region is currently in the planning process for additional multi-city tourism events and festivals in 2019.
The area also boasts a strong tourism economy around its natural resources including lakes and rivers like Spring River. Ozarka College’s culinary program and the newly opened Spring River Innovation Hub are key resources for the region. This steering committee is comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, ranging from city mayors to local business owners.
McCullough and Julianne Dunn, an economic development instructor, will work with state partners to facilitate a retail academy for regional leaders and a business retention and expansion program. They also will coordinate with regional workforce investment boards to identify opportunities for workforce training focused on incumbent and new workers. The program also will look at workforce solutions to retain workers and promote from within.
Create Bridges is being developed by a team of experts including McCullough, Dunn, University of Kentucky’s Alison Davis, Oklahoma State University’s Dave Shideler and Sara Siems, and the Southern Rural Development Center’s Rachel Welborn and Grace Langford.
Create Bridges builds upon Stronger Economies Together (SET), a collaborative effort across 32 states led by the Southern Rural Development Center that helps rural counties work together to develop and implement an economic development plan for their multicounty region.
For more information about Create Bridges, visit https://uaex.edu/createbridges and contact Julianne Dunn at 501-671-2158 or jbdunn@uaex.edu, or Spring River Innovation Hub Director Graycen Bigger at 870-335-7409 or director@innovatespringriver.org.
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The University Of Arkansas System Division Of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The mission of the Spring River Innovation Hub is to provide a creative culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through an inclusive, collaborative network of diverse resources and opportunities that fosters sustainable small business and regional economic growth.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lacy, 34, spent most of her life in the hills of Lawrence County. Today, she lives in Cave City, the home of “World’s Sweetest Watermelons,” in what’s known as the Prince Matlock house. Its former owner helped create what’s known as the Cave Courts where the city’s cave lies above the Crystal River. He fashioned his home out of the same rocks and materials that are found among the cave’s property, and she feels blessed to now be its caretaker for many more years to come.