|
|
 |
JOHNSON COUNTY - First in the State to Certify
While
some may know about ACE - Arkansas Community of Excellence
- and what it means to cities and communities throughout
the state to have this designation, you may not realize
the many aspects involved in becoming certified. The ACE
program is designed to enhance the overall livability
of a community, retain jobs and enhance the community's
competitive position in attracting new jobs and investments.
The program is geared to economic growth and community
development. It is an effective tool used by communities
in a process of self-analysis, organization and goal setting.
Each community has an opportunity to capitalize on the significant
economic development services the Arkansas Department
of Economic Development and other state agencies provide.
Clarksville
was first designated an ACE community in September 1999.
Communities have to re-certify every three years. Vicki
Lyons, Executive Director of the Clarksville-Johnson County
Chamber of Commerce, and Chamber staff have been working
toward certifying countywide when it was time to re-certify.
This is quite a task. Communities with a population of
5,000-20,000 must implement a minimum of ten (10) components
including Education, Workforce Development, Health Care,
Law Enforcement, Fire Protection, Solid Waste Management
and Housing. Economic development components include Site
Development, Established Business & Industry Program,
Manufacturing, Agriculture and Agri-Related Business,
Tourism, Retirement Relocation and Commercial Development.
Numerous committees and countless hours of data collecting
have been done to accomplish this and the Chamber has
been notified that all of the hard work has paid off.
Johnson County is the first to
be designated ACE certified countywide in the state!
This means Johnson County will be given higher priority
when industry and/or investors are looking at Arkansas
for relocation and also more opportunities for grant funding.
Below is a copy of the official letter.
Governor
Beebe's Vision Plan
A
comprehensive county assessment that involves a compliation
of key demographic, education, economic and other data
that will inform county residents of relative trends.
The assessment will include trends in education, economic
activity, population change, workforce readiness, and
other key demographic indicattos impacting future economic
growth and quality of life in the County.
In
2008 the new Governor, Mike Beebe, implemented a new program
to take the place of the "ACE" Certification
program. Although the new program is not called "ACE"
and communities do not receive certification it provides
communicities the same opportunities to be ready through
stratigic planning for economic growth.
|
Mike
Huckabee
Governor
|
Arkansas
Department of Economic Development
|
Jim
Pickens
Director
|
|
September
23, 2002
Ms. Vicki
Lyons
Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce
101 North Johnson Street
Clarksville, Arkansas 72830-2949
Dear Ms.
Lyons:
Congratulations
all of your hard work has come to fruition.
Johnson County has been certified as the first
Arkansas County of Excellence (ACE) in the
state. Upon review, the Community Development
Consultants in the department have expressed
positive comments regarding your submission.
This submission will also be used for Clarksville's
recertification.
The governor's
office has been contacted to request Johnson
County's presentation be placed on his schedule.
We will contact you soon with a date for the
presentation.
I realize
it takes many hours by a number of people
to work on this process. You are all to be
applauded for your hard work and dedication
to your community. Clarksville is truly an
Arkansas Community of Excellence and now Johnson
County is truly an Arkansas County of Excellence.
Sincerely,
Jim Pickens
|
One
Capital Mall
Little Rock. Arkansas 72201
501.682.1121
FAX 501.682.7394
|
|
|
|
|
