Last month, I thanked Boone County and its leadership for the tremendous support and partnership they have provided the City of Harrison over the past eight years.
This month, I want to recognize several other organizations and their leaders who have worked alongside me, our City Council, and our city staff to help make Harrison what it is today.
Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce
Just two months after I became mayor in January 2019, the Chamber hired Bob Largent as its new president. Bob made some difficult decisions early on, redirecting the Chamber’s efforts toward economic development. It was a significant change, and one that helped establish a new direction for our community.
Bob was followed by Wilson Marseilles, then Mike Nabors, and today Jeffrey Nielsen. Each brought a different leadership style, and I believe those differences have been valuable to an organization that continues to grow and evolve.
Equally important has been the Chamber’s outstanding board of directors, made up of dedicated business and community leaders. Economic development doesn’t happen overnight, and the Chamber has been an important partner in creating opportunities for Harrison.
University of Arkansas Northark
I have to say, I really like the sound of that name!
Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Rick Massengale and his team, Northark has entered an exciting new chapter as part of the University of Arkansas System.
Whenever a new president has taken the reins at Northark, the standard has always been our founding president, Dr. Bill Baker. That’s a pretty high standard, but Dr. Massengale has performed exceptionally well.
The college recently reported record enrollment of 2,903 students, an increase of 32% over last year. More importantly, becoming UA Northark will provide greater opportunities and resources for students throughout our region. This is a tremendous achievement for our community and its future.
Harrison School District
Dr. Stewart Pratt became superintendent of the Harrison School District about a year before I became mayor. Throughout my eight years in office, Stewart has been both a partner and a friend.
Working hand in hand with Dr. Pratt has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time as mayor. His leadership extends beyond our schools, including serving as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.
Most importantly, Dr. Pratt and the Harrison School Board helped make possible the city’s ownership and development of what has become the Creekside complex, including Camp Jack. That partnership has created opportunities that will benefit Harrison residents for generations.
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
Harrison is extremely fortunate to have Sammie Roberson serving as president and CEO of NARMC.
I first got to know Sammie years ago, when she led nursing services, and we were involved in building the Hospice House. Since then, I have watched her work her way through the organization into its highest leadership position.
As CEO, Sammie has faced difficult decisions and helped guide our hospital in a new direction. Those decisions are never easy, and I applaud her leadership.
But perhaps what I will always remember most is what NARMC and its entire staff did for our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These dedicated doctors, nurses, and employees put their own health and, in some cases, their lives at risk to care for others.
Our community should never forget their courage and sacrifice.
Arkansas Department of Transportation
Over the past eight years, ARDOT has been a tremendous partner in addressing Harrison’s transportation needs.
I have had the pleasure of working with three District 9 engineers: Ralph Fulton, Steve Lawrence, and now Stacy Burge.
Having the district headquarters right here in our community is a tremendous advantage. These aren’t just state employees working somewhere in Little Rock. They are our friends and neighbors. They understand our community, and when problems arise, they respond.
From highway improvements and intersections to the new Main Street Bridge, our partnership with ARDOT has accomplished a great deal. There is still much to do, and I am confident this relationship will continue to serve Harrison well.
Explore Harrison
Matt Bell, his staff, and the board of commissioners at Explore Harrison have become such important partners that sometimes I feel like we are all one organization!
Explore Harrison has been involved in nearly everything we do to promote and improve our community.
The Creekside AMP has brought an entirely new dimension to entertainment in Harrison, while downtown music has become a Friday night favorite.
Explore Harrison has also been deeply involved in our downtown revitalization efforts. Over the past three years, we have placed considerable emphasis on bringing new life to downtown, and today we have 16 more businesses than we did three years ago.
That success belongs to many organizations, business owners, volunteers, and community leaders working together. Explore Harrison has been at the center of much of that cooperation.
Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District
Finally, I want to recognize Joe Willis and his outstanding team at the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District.
That’s a mouthful of a name, but what a great organization!
Day in and day out, these individuals work behind the scenes helping communities like Harrison identify, apply for, and administer state and federal grants.
During my eight years as mayor, Harrison has benefited from millions of dollars in grant funding for a variety of projects. Much of that success would not have been possible without Joe and his staff's initiative, knowledge, and hard work.
They seldom receive the public recognition they deserve, but their contributions to our community have been enormous.
A Community Effort
As I reflect on these past eight years, one thing becomes increasingly clear: No mayor, City Council, or city staff can accomplish great things alone.
It takes partnerships. It takes leadership. It takes organizations willing to work together, sometimes putting aside their individual interests for the greater good of our community.
I have been fortunate to work with some outstanding people who genuinely care about Harrison and its future.
To each of these organizations, their boards, their employees, and the many others who have contributed along the way, thank you.
What we have accomplished belongs to all of us.
Together, we have made Harrison a better place to live, work, and play.
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.