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2006 PROGRESS REPORT
2006 was a very busy year for the Chamber. We addressed
many of the goals in the "ACE" strategic plan which will
enhance economic and community development for the city. This year
alone we have accomplished the following goals:
 Wrote
and administrated grants ($10,000.00) from the Arkansas River Valley
Tourist Association to purchase postcards, brochures, postage for inquiries,
co-op advertising for businesses to promote holiday (Christmas) activities,
and set aside money for advertising the new "Creek Fest" to
be held in June 2007.
Wrote
and administrated grant ($1,000.00) through NRA for the Johnson County
Youth Safety Program. Second year in a row.
Wrote
and administrated ($500.00) grant for the Boy Scouts through Wal-Mart
to pay for Eagle projects; some of which include projects on the Spadra
Creek Walking Trail.
Administrated
grant ($1,500.00) to fund the Health Fair held annually at the Marvin
Vinson Center.
Wrote
and received financial aid to help build the new Palmer Road extension
($1,000,000.00)
Wrote
and received a $7,500.00 grant to purchase 8 new laptop computers to
conduct workforce training and seminars for industries and area residents.
The chamber also conducted free Hospitality Training for approximately
60 employees of area businesses.
I
represented County at the Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Regional Association
as President of the Board, United Way Board member, and Arkansas Hospitality
Travel Council Board.
Coordinated
and developed a brochure for Clarksville Recreation on "Spadra
Creek" as handouts that the City and Chamber can use for individuals
using the trail.
Sponsored
the Arkansas Scholars program for the school districts. Students graduating
as scholars received medallions, diploma and transcript stickers. This
program is designed to encourage students to be ready for the workforce
and get a better education.
Sponsored
the Johnson County Leadership (nine month program) to encourage individuals
in the workforce who possess leadership qualities to get involved in
their communities and make a difference.
Updated
community website on a daily basis to promote our area. Over 1000 individuals
research our site weekly.
Continue
to work on Hugley property for Industrial Site for the County and city
of Clarksville.
Started
the "Free Rides for Seniors" program which has been very successful.
Over $5,000.00 to-date has been donated by area businesses to keep this
program going.
Seminars
on housing, health, fraud, and retail was held with a grant paying over
$8,000.00 and was free to the public. Area realtors and accounts were
able to get their CEU's.
Over
$6,000.00 was raised locally to get another $6,000.00 from the state
for the Single Parent Scholarship fund. Also this will allow us to be
in a pot of state money for a share of $50,000.00.
The
Mayor of Clarksville and I met with all of the existing industries in
Clarksville and addressed any issues they had.
Coordinated
and worked with the County Judge, Dan Roe of Knoxville, and Representative
George Overbey to get a sewer line (Grant of $193,532.00) to extend
under the interstate to Tracker Boats to keep 154 jobs in Johnson County
and expand the plant adding another 100+ jobs to Johnson County. Also
helped HBI get help on employee training and state tax credits when
they moved a division to Clarksville this summer providing an estimated
60 new jobs for Clarksville and Johnson County.
Received
grant of $3,000.00 to finish the energy efficient windows at the Courthouse.
As you can see, the goals we have
accomplished are numerous and the grant funds we wrote and received
for/benefited Johnson County are tremendous (over $1,237,032.00) this
year alone). We are here to serve you as your Economic and Community
Development office, and want to help Johnson County to continue organized
growth. Thank you for your support and we look forward to working
with you to achieve your goals in the future, providing an enhanced
quality of life for your citizens.
Vicki Lyons, Executive Director
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COOKIE
TIME!!!!
Girl
Scout Cookies will be delivered the week of February 12, 2007.
Call
Wynette at 754-2340 or Tabitha at 754-7755 to order.
