Rector, Arkansas

Ask any business person in town and they'll tell you change is afoot at the Chamber of Commerce.  With the addition of Cyndi Corkran as the organization's new Community Development coordinator, membership is increasing and many new projects have been slated with the hopes of improving not only the economic basis of the town, but community affairs as well.  Things are looking up...

Response has been good so far, she noted, but she will send a reminder in a couple of weeks to those who have not paid their dues.

In addition, Corkran has been personally visiting prospective new members, presenting information and discussing with them the Chamber's goals. New members so far this year are Earls' Heating and Air, Tracy Horton and Bill Hampton of YHC/TV.

More community involvement is being sought for the chamber and business people and others interested in civic development are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings at 11:45 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Bowden Family Restaurant.

Corkran said funds continue to come into the chamber on the assessment for Christmas lights installed and maintained on Rector storefronts. The Chamber members present agreed that this has been a successful project of the organization and continued support is needed to make this possible every year.

Chamber president Ron Kemp said Richard Davies, executive director of the Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism will be the guest speaker at the April 8 annual banquet. Tickets are available at $15. Bowden Family Restaurant will cater the barbecue dinner.

Corkran said work is progressing on grant applications and plans for development of the community development office in the old city jail facility on Main Street. The facility also will house the chamber office, when completed. Architect Ken Stacks is working with the city on plans for the renovation of the building.

She also noted the steering committee is active on the Arkansas Downtown Network project currently underway in Rector. The purpose of the program is to restore and renovate structures in the downtown area and make it more viable from a business perspective.

In other business, Kemp discussed the need to become more pro-active in efforts to attract retirees to Rector, especially those who grew up in this area.

Persons wanting more information about the Rector Area Chamber of Commerce may contact Corkran at her office in City Hall or telephone 870-595-3035.