WASHINGTON–The federal co-chairman of the Delta Regional Authority told members of Congress and key congressional staffers Thursday that a four-lane connection from Interstate 55 in Batesville, Miss., to Interstate 40 in Brinkley, Ark., could further enhance the region’s position as one of the nation’s logistics and distribution hubs.

Thanks to the people of Clark County and the members of the quorum court, the first goal of the economic development section of the Clark County Strategic Plan has been accomplished, said Phil Baldwin, an advisory member to the Economic Development Corp. of Clark County.

CADDO VALLEY – In one of several meetings on Friday, the executive director of the Economic Development Corp. of Clark County met with the mayor and council members of Caddo Valley.

“Delta Dreams”, the Arkansas Educational Television Network’s two-year study of eastern Arkansas’s decline and plan for recovery, won a prestigious Silver Screen Award in the social issues documentary category of the U.S. International Film and Video Festival.

The 7,500-square-foot facility was made possible through a $690,000 grant from the US. Department of Health and Human Services and local loans, said John French, president of Southern Community Development Corp.

ARKADELPHIA—Groundbreaking was held today for the Clark County Child Care center, a new 24-hour facility that will serve up to 100 children per shift and is scheduled to open by the end of 2008.

The center, funded by a $690,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, will be constructed by Southern Community Development Corporation (CDC) on 2 acres of land in the Clark County Industrial Park on U.S. 67 south of Arkadelphia.

The passage of a ½-cent sales tax last summer is the greatest accomplishment of the economic development subcommittee, said Bill Wright, an advisory member. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the county citizens, that money is now being used to bring new business and jobs into Clark County.

The formation of a Boys and Girls Club in Arkadelphia is in its first stages thanks to the leadership subcommittee of the Clark County Strategic Planning Committee. The subcommittee and other interested persons met Thursday afternoon with Ben Steinberg and Tim Schuringa of Southern Financial Partners. Schuringa was one of the founding board members of the Boys and Girls Club in Helena.

All economic development organizations in Clark County are now united into the Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance.

The decision to unite was made by committees of the Economic Development Corp. of Clark County and the Arkadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce. Other groups included in the alliance are the Clark County Industrial Council and the Gurdon Chamber of Commerce. There is also a spot for other organizations in the future, said Kelli Lancaster, president of the Arkadelphia Chamber.