West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District

West Central Arkansas Planning & Development District (WCAPDD) is comprised of a ten counties, including; Clark, Conway, Garland, Hot Spring, Johnson, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Pope and Yell counties. Our region boasts a diverse regional economy. The region provides an unmatched quality of life for its residents with abounding recreational and outdoor opportunities. The regional quality of life along with a dedicated and able workforce makes it an attractive location for business and industry. Along with the natural beauty and recreational amenities, the region is home to first class medical care, shopping and restaurants.

Summer 2020 Outreach Summary

The Arkansas Economic Development Institute conducted interviews and surveys to help assess the needs of Arkansas’s communities among the eight development districts during the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. This section summarizes these findings for the West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District.

Miscellaneous Interview Comments

The public has been patient, supportive, and compliant
Respondents saw their response to the crisis as primarily a “make do” situation and emphasized their reliance on local volunteer efforts and resources. Aid, assistance, and information from outside sources were more problematic.
A few said that PPP loans were a lifeline.
It was a challenge to meet the public’s needs for essential services while keeping the employees that provide those services safe and COVID-free
It was challenging to secure reliable and accessible stockpiles of PPE, a robust testing program, and sufficient staff and treatment capacity to keep residents and employees safe and essential services operating.
Impact on the bottom line was minimal for cities and mid-size to large size businesses with little or no disruption to employees
Mid to large businesses initially experienced real difficulties with suppliers as COVID closures cascaded through the supply chain but recovered quickly. Cities and counties were able to make up gaps using local resources.

6.1% of WCAPDD businesses that were closed summer of 2020 will likely close permanently due to COVID-19

In WCAPDD, the following types of businesses have been affected by COVID-19:

WCAPDD Advisory Committee Members

Steve Arrison
CEO, Visit Hot Springs

Scott Bailey
COO, St. Mary’s Regional Health System

Lonnie Jackson
Professor College of Business

Alan Lipsmeyer
Mayor, City of Morrilton

David Rieder
Mayor, City of Clarksville

Dr. Doug Ross
CEO, St. Vincent Health Systems

Dr. Sandy Smith
Dean of Emergency Management, Arkansas Tech University

Dan Turner
Attorney, Clark County

Brenda Weldon
Mayor, City of Malvern

Michael Witt
Vice President Chambers Bank, Yell County