Starting about four years ago, Dr. Billy Ray Lewis would attend City Council meetings and encourage us not to financially support our local Chamber of Commerce.
However, the Council always voted unanimously to do so. We partner with them by contributing $50,000 a year under a contract that states they will be our economic development arm.
Billy Ray Lewis thinks we should hire that department from within, but it would cost us far more than $50,000. The Chamber has and will continue to do a very good job, in my opinion, and here are just a few examples.
When I took office in January 2019, I immediately got involved with our Chamber. They recognized me as an ex-officio member. I attended most of their meetings, which involved leadership activities, almost daily.
What I have witnessed during my time is that our support has been money well spent.
Almost immediately after accepting the office of Mayor, I witnessed how the Chamber dealt with Flex Steel's closing, and many, many people lost their jobs. I witnessed the Chamber putting together a job fair inviting Human Resources professionals from Harrison and our surrounding area.
By the time the two-day job fair ended, I think everyone had job offers. This was a tremendous service and something that an organization like the Chamber should be expected to do.
Next, I witnessed the purchase of Claridge. The new owners could relocate Claridge Products to a different community. They indicated they needed a new facility and equipment, so nothing kept them in Harrison. But, I again witnessed the involvement of the Chamber securing them here and helping them have a new facility at the former Mass Merchandisers complex.
Next, the Chamber joined me in recruiting home builders or housing of any type in Harrison. We tried several things. After three years of hard work, we landed Bryan Properties, and a modern apartment complex with 216 units, varying between one and three bedrooms and baths, is available for our citizens.
Without the Chamber’s involvement, they would not have built-in Harrison. Again, this is just my opinion, but remember, Dr. Lewis, that I have been observing everything during those three years. So I do believe I should have an opinion on the matter.
In addition, one of the local meetings that the Chamber put together was with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, which consists of several Arkansas leaders who serve on this commission.
They arrived in town for a two-day event that included an evening meal. I learned quickly that none of these Commissioners had ever come to Harrison. The information and sites we shared during those two days were all new to them.
I had the privilege of joining Mrs. Annemarie Dillard Jazic’s table at dinner and relationships like this and all the others created that night are almost priceless. Again, the Chamber was the mechanism for making this stunning event.
I could go on and on about the value of the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce. However, I am limited to 500 words, so please take my word for it. The Chamber is a valued asset to the City of Harrison.
Jerry Jackson
Mayor of Harrison
Jerry Jackson moved to the community in 1980 and was voted Mayor in 2018. He ran and won re-election in 2022. Email info@harrisonar.gov to contact the mayor’s office.