Welcome to

   The Northwest Arkansas

Economic Development District, Inc.

NWAEDD Plaza 818 Highway 62-65-412 North

 P.O. Box 190 Harrison, Arkansas 72602-0190  (870) 741-5404   FAX (870) 741-1905

Since it began operations in 1967, the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District has been involved in a broad program of economic and community development activities.  Economic Development is the cornerstone of our purpose, from which most other undertakings evolve.  It is generally accepted that a thriving economy generates a healthy community environment, and that most human and social activities are subordinate to the functions and status of the local economy.  For this reason, the District's fundamental efforts focus on those types of activities which will most likely result in improvement to the overall economy of specific localities, and to the Region as a whole. 

Often this equates to the creation of jobs.  Many of the District's economic development efforts are directed toward projects which create or retain employment opportunities for our citizens, for a healthy employment base is the core of a thriving economy.

While Economic Development is the central focus of this District, primarily through assisting and administering programs and projects which enhance employment in the region,  Community Development is also a vital part of our mandate.  This District is committed to working toward the achievement of goals which improve the overall quality of life for our citizens.  Although that generally begins with jobs creation, it extends to the development and improvement of public facilities, educational resources, public safety, and numerous other aspects of the Northwest Arkansas human environment.

Typically, our Economic Development efforts focus on the following projects and types of activities:

• Infrastructure Development - coordinating resources to provide water, wastewater, road and industrial park capacity, and other infrastructure improvements to support business and industry, and the creation and retention of employment opportunities in our Region.

• Employment Training - development and administration of innovative job and job skills training programs to provide employees with the higher levels of ability and experience that are needed by employers, and to provide employers with skilled, productive workers.

• Financing Capacity - coordinating grants, and long-term debt financing, often at less-than-market rates, to encourage the startup of new businesses and industries, or the expansion and modernization of existing ones.

Under certain circumstances, Economic Development projects are conceived and developed from within the offices of the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, as needs are recognized and opportunities become available.  More often, however,  the process begins when a representative of a member government or local business or industry contacts J. Michael Norton, Executive Director of the District, to discuss an idea, a community or business need, or an opportunity.  As a project develops, staff members with the appropriate expertise and experience are assigned to work with the community under the direction of the Executive Director toward the achievement of the economic development goals.

Community members, including businesses, local government representatives, and any citizens, who have a project in mind that will have distinct economic development benefits, particularly the creation of new employment in our Region,  are invited to contact the District to discuss the possibilities and opportunities.

For additional Information or Assistance Contact:
Mike Norton - NWAEDD Executive Director - (870) 741-6718