West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District

AR_PDD_WestCentral
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.
Counties Johnson | Pope | Conway | Yell | Perry | Montgomery | Garland | Hot Spring | Pike | Clark

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

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:

Tourist industry | Hotels | Boat rental companies | Bars | Industrial parts maker | Law firms | Furniture stores | Florists | Funeral home | Nursing home | Lumber mills | Poultry vaccination facility

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