Future quality of life in NEARK addressed at regional forum

Discussing economic development and quality of life at a special forum Tuesday of last week at Paragould are, from left: Shawn Parker and Todd Watson of Piggott, Andrew Pigue of Paragould and Jordan Cornelison of Rector.
(Democrat photo)

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Those were questions posed to a group of younger residents in a special seminar held Tuesday of last week at the Paragould Community Center, an event hosted by the Economic Development Coalition of Northeast Arkansas.

Alan McVey, executive director of the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University, served as facilitator of the meeting.

Organizers of the event, including Frankie Gilliam, community economic development specialist with the Delta Center, said not enough attention is directed to younger residents of the region when looking at economic issues and quality of life. Gilliam said the session, and the additional emphasis on this age group, was based on a similar effort underway in Iowa.

"Your input will help us in our efforts to make this a better region," said Mark Young, chairman of the regional coalition, during his opening remarks. Young also is executive director of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce.

On hand for the meeting were members of the board of directors of the coalition, which covers Clay, Greene, Craighead, Lawrence and Randolph counties. Board members from Clay County are Piggott mayor Gerald Morris, Corning mayor Dewayne Phelan and Rector mayor Ron Kemp. Also present from Clay County were Corning economic development director Barry Sellers, Piggott school superintendent Ed Winberry and Rector community development director Jacinda Welch.

Serving on the panel from Clay County were Shawn Parker and Todd Watson from Piggott, Jordan Cornelison from Rector and Amanda Wiedemann and Mandy Goodman from Corning.

McVey told the 19-person panel the coalition board has a "very serious commitment to growing this region" and it would be interesting to hear the perspective of the younger residents.

Several panelists noted the strong "sense of community" that pervades Northeast Arkansas, adding that is a major reason for their decision to remain in or near their hometowns to work and live.

Parker said "maturity drives the sense of community" as such a concept becomes more important to individuals as they grow older.

That line of comment moved the panel into discussing "livability versus income," with several of the younger people pointing out that job opportunities are greater in larger markets. Among those areas mentioned were Memphis, Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas.

Facilitator Chris Marsh, who works in economic development for Entergy, noted there are four generations currently involved in the work force. They all represent "different cultures," Marsh said.

That led to some lively discussion on work expectations and flexibility. It generally was agreed that older members of the work force, and supervisors, expect more rigid scheduling and adherence to long-accepted ways of accomplishing work tasks. The younger group feels the need for more flexibility, citing the ability to work while at home, on the road or in different locations -- as well as variable hours from the traditional 8-to-5 concept.

McVey said there is a "young professional culture" that may be difficult for older workers and supervisors to comprehend. With that in mind, opening up lines of communication, such as the coalition-sponsored panel discussion, is a positive step.

Several on the panel said "career days" at local schools are positive experiences, providing information and insight for young people as they begin to make educational and employment choices.

Others also commented on the need to develop a "sense of balance" between working for enjoyment and for compensation.

At one point, Mayor Morris asked the young people what their thoughts are on community involvement, such as membership in civic clubs or other similar service organizations. Several said they find it difficult to work such activity into their lives, with the pressures of family and work.

Later in the meeting, Paragould mayor Mike Gaskill encouraged the young people to take a more active role in their communities, to help make it viable for their own children to live and work in Northeast Arkansas into the future. He said many of the "older set" also faced family-work pressures, but were able to find time for civic involvement to make their towns better places to live and raise families.

Also on the agenda was a discussion of the use of leisure time, in response to several questions from McVey. The panelists said there are leisure activities in the immediate area, but many times it is necessary to travel to larger cities for artistic, cultural and other entertainment opportunities. Several also noted the relative close proximity of Northeast Arkansas to several larger cities, such as Memphis, Little Rock and St. Louis.

Those present indicated the seminar process was helpful and additional meetings and communication can be planned. Marsh said a similar group has formed in Central Arkansas, called Create Little Rock, in which young professionals communicate and network.

The Economic Coalition of Northeast Arkansas was formed initially at a meeting involving the mayors of Piggott, Rector and Paragould. Since that time, it has expanded to Corning, as well as Craighead, Randolph and Lawrence counties. The group meets every other month, with most of the sessions taking place in the central location of Paragould.