GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Johnson County's growth and development since 2000 has been phenomenal. Industries, businesses and residents benefit from the area's close proximity to Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 64. The Union Pacific Railroad main line also runs through Johnson County and there are eight motor freight carriers that service the area. Transit time to major destinations range from one to five days. Jefferson Bus Lines run twice daily, West in the a.m., and East in the p.m. and the Clarksville Municipal Airport has a 4,500 foot, lighted and paved surface with a high intensity approach, and instrument landing system, and fuel is available. Clarksville Taxi continues to provide another avenue of transportation in Clarksville and Johnson County. Industrial facilities continue to grow and expand. Major industries in the area include Baldor Electric, a manufacturer of electric motors; Bright Harvest Sweet Potato, manufactures frozen sweet potato products; Hanesbrands, Inc., hosiery division; Tyson Foods, Inc., a poultry processing plant; Mid South Roller Company, established in 1980 manufacturers custom rubber molding and industrial rubber rolls; Nulyne, Inc., a hardwood pallet manufacturer; and Nite Lite Outdoors, manufacturer of rechargeable hunting lights and two catalog companies. Johnson County received grant funds from AEDC for expansion projects of Bright Harvest Sweet Potato, Hanesbrands Inc., and Nulyne Forest Wood Products. With these expansions come an anticipated 110+ new jobs over the next year Clarksville and Johnson County has an unemployment rate of 5.7 percent as of April 2009 In November of 2008, the Department of Arkansas Heritage hosted the designation of our Downtown Commerical Historic District. Forty-five buildings in Clarksville's downtown area have either been listed or are eligible to be on the National Register of Historical Places. The district begins at Spadra Bridge on Main Street and ends at the historical Depot that holds the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to our industry expansions, Meadowview Estates became one of our new single family communities, adding 40 single family homes off Interstate Lane in Clarksville. Our newest Apartment Community, Valley Estates of Clarksville, has a lot to offer our community. This well appointed 48 unit apartment community has several features which include an elegant clubroom, refreshing swimming pool, state of the art fitness center, business center, tot play lot, picnic tables and an on-site laundry center. The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., has issued a $1 million challenge grant to the University of the Ozarks in support of the university's $11 million capital improvements project. Primary components of the project are the renovation and expansion of the university's Seay Student Center and the construction of a new apartment-style residence hall. The $11 million project is part of the university's broader $40 million `PROMISE OF EXCELLENCE CAMPAIGN", which runs until March 31, 2011. The university has raised $33.4 million toward the $40 million goal. Along with capital improvements, gifts to the campaign have gone to create strategic faculty and staff endowments, scholarship endowments, annual scholarship support, and academic program improvements. Holiday Inn Express has completed their 37,210 sq. ft., 3-story facility off I-40 at Exit 55. Not only has this new facility provided new job opportunities for the community, but an additional 68 rooms (including 3 handicap accessible rooms) to our growing tourism industry. Johnson County's service and retail sector also continues to grow. Most residents find just what they need within 15 minutes of home and enjoy the personal service of locally owned businesses that range from discount and hardware stores to clothiers, antiques and collectibles. Over twenty-five restaurants make for an extensive menu of dining options. Several new additions to the service and retail sectors this year include Larry's Pizza, River Valley Oil & Propane, JL Gallery, Davis Cellular, Netscript Technologies, and My Favorite Past Times. The cooperation of the local financial institutions has had a major impact on the growth and development of Johnson County. The institutions believe in delivering quality and friendly service to all their patrons. For information on available employment opportunities or to list your resume, visit www.clarksvillearchamber.com and go to Johnson County Job Search.