Independence County launched the first phase of IMPACT Independence County on July 1 at a community meeting hosted by Lyon College and the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. The two higher-education institutions are partnering with the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce to bring about significant economic development in the county through IMPACT, a strategic-planning initiative designed to tap Independence County’s strengths in the hopes of bringing growth to the county.
Hundreds of residents attended the meeting in Independence Hall on the UACCB campus to hear the plan of action for IMPACT Independence County and to voice their opinions on key areas on which they think the project should focus.
Gov. Asa Hutchison attended the meeting to give residents a broader perspective of how IMPACT would not only benefit Independence County, but the entire state.
“When I’m looking to grow the economy in Arkansas, I’m looking to Batesville and Independence County to lead the way,” Hutchison said.
“Growing economically will help us in education and in every area of financial need in the state.”
The governor discussed efforts his administration is making to make Arkansas a more business-friendly state, such as lowering income tax rates and putting a competitive infrastructure into place to attract more industry to The Natural State. Hutchison said his efforts extend overseas, where he has been marketing Arkansas in Germany, France, China and Vietnam, particularly Arkansas’ thriving aerospace, defense and steel industries.
Surveys were distributed to attendees at the community meeting to gather input on areas for the county to focus on improving. Residents can also take the survey online at www.impactindependencecounty.com through Aug. 30.
Crystal Johnson, director of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, said transparency will be key throughout the entire process.
“Everyone in the county will receive a survey,” Johnson said. “We need to be a community that provides opportunities for our families, and it’s going to take all of us to do that. Once we identify the main focus areas based on the survey results, we’ll develop subcommittees to determine how to best carry out those projects.”
Survey results will be made public by Sept. 1. Community volunteers will form the subcommittees, which will each be co-chaired by up to three volunteers. Committees will be charged with determining the goals, objectives, feasibility and needs for each focus area, then forming an action plan to carry out those objectives.
UACCB Chancellor Debbie Frazier said she had personally witnessed the goodness of the people of Independence County as she recalled residents from all over the county joining together to help Midland School District when it fell into financial distress.
“It wasn’t their district, but individuals came together from all corners of Independence County and in 28 days raised over $400,000 to help save the Midland School District,” Frazier said. “I know what can happen when residents come together with developers in this county. This can only result in positive opportunities.”
Donald Weatherman, president of Lyon College, said that IMPACT Independence County is a project built around the cornerstone of the county — people helping people.
“This is not a project to raise taxes. This is not a project to ask for money,” Weatherman said. “This is a grassroots effort to try to plan how to make this an even more spectacular area to live in, and I hope everyone will take an active part in how we guide and direct this project.”
Dylan Brackley, an employee at Big’s restaurant in downtown Batesville, originally had no plans to stay in the area long-term, but now he’s setting his roots in Independence County.
“I’m originally from California,” Brackley said. “The locals here are so nice. They want to get to know you, and you build those relationships. That’s hard to walk away from.”
Brackley said he hopes more entertainment options and the continuing development of Batesville’s Main Street district will result from IMPACT.
“This is a college town, and now we have a college football team,” he said. “I’d like to see more entertainment opportunities come to the area. There’s a very strong community here with definite potential.”
Savannah Rison, an employee at Batesville Eye Care, said she thinks boosting small businesses in the area will be a key component to the plan’s success.
“That’s going to carry this place a long way,” Rison said. “Reaching out to the community like this is a great first step.”
Visit www.impactindependencecounty.com to take the survey by Aug. 30, express interest in serving on a committee, make a donation to the project or become a partner in the project. Residents can also follow IMPACT Independence County on Facebook.