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HARRISON, Arkansas – June 13, 2023 – The second “Eggs and Issues” breakfast of the year took place today at 7:30 a.m. in the Signature Bank Community Room. The event, presented by Quadrivium Specialized Data Solutions, represented by Account Manager Anna Swanson and Business Development Manager Giovanni Denestan, featured a lineup of Boone County elected officials presenting a comprehensive State of the County address, highlighting recent accomplishments. County Judge Robert Hathaway delivered the first presentation on the county’s infrastructure, specifically the roads. He revealed that the county boasts approximately 800 miles of dirt roads and 250 miles of paved roads, and in the past year alone, over 30 miles of road have been striped at a cost of $45,000. County Clerk Crystal Graddy, shared news regarding the relocation of the Clerk’s office to the new Boone County Government Center, which also houses the county assessor, collector, and VA office today. “We are excited that the judge has given us some really nice space in there where we're going to be able to serve everyone better,” Graddy said. She also emphasized the importance of voter registration updates in preparation for the upcoming 2024 presidential election, urging citizens to inform their office of any necessary address changes. Sandy Carter, County Treasurer distributed an informative handout demonstrating the county’s average sales tax growth rate of 6% over the past seven years. Carter expressed satisfaction with the county’s financial position. “Our finances are in a great place right now,” Carter said. “The county as a whole is sitting at a good position with all departments. Our pay scales have increased some to match local private businesses. That’s always good for retention, so we can keep people employed longer.” On this episode of the Taking Care of Business podcast Clint O'Neal joins Wilson to discuss the Arkansas Economic Development Commission mission and vision and share advice for how Arkansans can be a positive ambassador for our state.
Harrison was proud to have been chosen as the location for the bimonthly meeting of the Arkansas Economic Development Council and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) on June 8th. The Arkansas Economic Development Council is a Governor-appointed 16 member advisory Council for the AEDC. Clint, thank you for spending time in studio with Wilson before the commission meeting here in Harrison, we appreciate what you and your team are doing for our state! Assumes new role July 1, 2023 ![]() Harrison, AR, June 9, 2023. Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Jim Holland, formally announced today that Bob Largent, President and CEO of the Chamber, will be taking his planned retirement at the end of the year after more than 4 years of leading the organization. Largent has been credited with guiding increases in membership, leading several new workforce initiatives, and establishing strong relationships with business and community leaders throughout the region for the Chamber’s economic development mission. Holland, also President of Phillips Media, remarked, "Our organization owes a great deal of gratitude to Bob for his years of significant service. Under his leadership, we've seen increased success in advancing the interests of the business community and enhancements to the quality of life here in Harrison.” Wilson Marseilles has been appointed the Chamber’s new President/CEO effective July 1st. In this new role, he’ll lead the Chamber in its economic development mission through leadership, education, and investor relations. Holland noted, “We’re excited that Wilson’s proven leadership, innovation, business competencies, and organizational management make him the right person to lead the Chamber going forward. The past three years he’s demonstrated an uncanny ability to juggle the myriad requirements of Chamber work, focused here in Harrison and Boone County on Taking Care of Business.” Following graduation with a finance degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a year working in Cabot, Marseilles returned home to Harrison in late 2019, joining the Chamber as its Director of Investors and Marketing that November. He was promoted to Vice President of the Chamber in January 2022. Largent said, “I’m thrilled that Wilson will lead the Chamber going forward! He’s excelled with everything he’s touched here, raising the bar for the staff and, most importantly, our investors. Our revamped adult and youth leadership programs are a direct result of his innovation. He’s led the Chamber’s social media and communications enhancements; our digital media reach has increased 35% from 450,000 to 605,000. His successful efforts to grow the Chamber’s engagement with our workforce and career development partners has set the mark for other economic development organizations around the state and region.” A May 2023 graduate of Class XVII of Leadership Arkansas, Marseilles has also completed the International Economic Development Council’s Midsouth Basic Economic Development Course. He’s entering his second year of UCA's Community Development Institute and will be headed into the second year of the four-year curriculum of the Institute for Organizational Management, leading to his Certified Chamber Executive designation by the US Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized by the Arkansas Community Development Society with their 2023 New Community Developer of the Year award. He serves as treasurer of the Harrison Lions Club and a board member of the Harrison Country Club, and is an avid golf and basketball enthusiast. He and his wife Sydnee enjoy raising their 7 month old son, Warren. Marseilles noted, “The Chamber continues to prove that we can have a positive impact on business, the community, and the economic development of our area. Bob has accomplished much in realigning our mission from festivals to economic development and will continue to serve as a great mentor to me through the end of the year. I’m honored by the Board’s trust to continue building on our relationships and accelerating our growth moving forward.” About the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce The mission of the Harrison (Arkansas) Regional Chamber of Commerce is to be recognized as the premier business organization influencing Harrison’s and the greater Boone County’s economic and business development through leadership, education, and investor partnerships. The investor-driven Chamber also recognizes, values and promotes the outstanding quality of life locally that encourages people to live, work, invest and retire in the area. For more information, please visit www.harrison-chamber.com. |
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September 2023
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