Workforce
Your Future Employees
Taking Care of
Workforce development is a key component to driving economic growth in any climate but is especially critical today. As the primary economic development entity for the Harrison region, our Chamber is actively collaborating on local, state, and regional workforce initiatives through the Workforce Initiative Network (WIN)
The Workforce Initiative Network (WIN) was established in 2019 through a partnership between the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, the O.U.R. Educational Service Cooperative, and the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce. WIN is dedicated to preparing students in the 6 surrounding school districts for career success and building a local workforce talent pipeline. By organizing industry tours, a leadership academy, and fostering connections through “lunches of opportunity,” WIN bridges the gap between businesses and educational institutions.
Workforce Initiative Network: Providing Pathways
“We put this WIN program together so we could educate the kids, teachers, and counselors on how trade jobs are a better path for some kids. There are different pathways to success.”
— Craig Campbell, President - Boone County Economic Development Corporation
Top Five Growing Industries in Arkansas
Education and Health Services
Professional and Business Services
Leisure and Hospitality
Construction
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities
With a significant number of individuals nearing retirement and a shortage of young people to replace them, there is a growing opportunity for trade careers and skilled labor. In our region alone, with 430 graduating seniors annually, the demand for skilled labor is substantial. WIN recognizes the changing landscape of post-high school education and challenges the notion that college or university is the only path to success.
The WIN Program caters to the 60% of graduating seniors in the region who choose not to pursue higher education. It provides support and resources to guide them toward careers with a “living” (not just minimum) wage, emphasizing collaboration between students, teachers and counselors to map out personalized career paths that lead to success beyond high school. WIN encourages students to explore various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, communications and transportation, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.
To help students face the challenges ahead, WIN publishes a magazine that serves as a guidebook. This combined effort of many organizations in the region offers advice on hands-on training or education and provides exposure to the numerous careers available right here at home.
Our Workforce
By The Stats
In 2024, Home Source listed Harrison as the #6 most affordable town in Arkansas
In 2025, Home Snacks listed Harrison as the #2 retirement community in Arkansas
Our region comprises 6 area school districts, with an estimated 38,600 residents and a service population of close to 100,000
With 56% of residents between the ages of 18 and 64, the area has a substantial working-age population.
“The conversation about college/university is changing across the state as we recognize not all graduating high-school students will go to a college/university - and that's okay. It's not a decision that makes you greater or less than any of your classmates - but it's simply a different path.”
— Craig Campbell, President - Boone County Economic Development Corporation
Center for Robotics and
Manufacturing Innovation
We are proud to announce the completion of the $8 million Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation (CRMI) at North Arkansas College’s South Campus. With this dedicated workforce development center now in place, Harrison has become a destination within the state of Arkansas for advanced training and innovation. The CRMI provides space for more than 100 students and industry partners, supporting the upskilling and reskilling of the regional workforce.
The Northark Technical Center (NTC) is based on Northark’s North Campus and provides area high school juniors and seniors with the unique opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school at no cost to them. The curriculum provides students with hands-on training in several technical fields. The Center serves area high schools in Baxter, Boone, Carroll, Marion, Madison, Newton and Searcy counties. Many high school students earn credentials at the NTC while in high school and have opportunities to explore various careers before they graduate.
For over 30 years, the Ozarks Unlimited Resources Educational Service Cooperative (O.U.R. Cooperative) has been building educational bridges by providing quality services to local schools. By pooling creative resources and enhancing programs, the Cooperative saves money and enriches instruction for all students. It’s mission is to build educational bridges through professional, collaborative, responsive service.
Recent Projects
Partnered with Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and Arkansas Manufacturing Inc to gather local industry professionals to learn about North Arkansas College’s new Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation and discuss how we can help grow the workforce in the area
WIN Leadership Academy, completing it’s fifth year in 2025, consisting of five book study sessions with teachers to foster relationships between educators and industry leaders. Consistently reporting increases in student engagement and enhanced professional networks.
What Our Educators Are Saying
“WIN really helped build those relationships where they felt comfortable enough to actually reach out to those industries.”
“WIN is building those relationships, so that I felt comfortable enough to work on setting up professional development, my teachers felt comfortable enough and excited enough that several of them wanted to go and attend that professional development and they’re going to be telling their students about it.”
Job Board
Explore the latest opportunities in our region on the job board!
Contacts
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Jeff Nielsen
President/CEO of Harrison Chamber of Commerce
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Emilee Tucker
Career & Technical Educator Coordinator at Ozarks Unlimited Resource Educational Cooperative
Other Workforce Programs
Be Pro Be Proud Arkansas: leads the movement to bring a new generation of pride, progress and professionals to North America’s skilled workforce, inspiring and equipping individuals with the numerous opportunities available in Arkansas
Future Fit Arkansas: a workforce skills training program that places qualified individuals directly into well-paying jobs throughout Arkansas, equipping them with certificates, badges and inclusion in a SmartResume database, recognized by employers as trained and ready for hire.