The Community and Economic Development division of the Delta Center provides technical support, strategic planning services, research and analysis, training and leadership development for local government, chambers of commerce and development organizations.
Redefining Economic Development
The Delta Center works closely with community leaders to explore and create awareness of how assets can be best utilized and great ideas transformed to build the community and grow the economy. We believe equally in the importance of regional development and that strong communities provide the foundation to bring major new investment into the area and state.
In addition to the Delta Center staff with a combined 60 years of experience in the community and economic development field, College of Business faculty provides a wealth of intellectual capital and expertise for studies and analysis.
Community Services
Powering Rural Development
Our Powering Rural Development Program assists small cities through county-led economic development strategic planning and organizational development in partnership with the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
Related Links
- The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas
- The Economic Development Administration
- Association of Arkansas Counties
- Perryville, Missouri
- Colquitt, Georgia
- Walnut, Iowa
Chamber of Commerce Training
The Delta Center provides training and planning retreats for Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Organizations. Training materials are developed by working closely with the staff and executive officers. Best practices and today’s trends are incorporated with traditional concepts and protocol to insure your leadership, whether they are new or experienced, are better prepared to guide the organization to its most productive level.
Related Links
- Building a Chamber Program - Mountain Home
- Building a Chamber Program that Works - Phillips County
- Building a Chamber Program that Works - Newport
- Economic Development Commission Training Program
- Economic Development Trends
- Funding Economic Development in Arkansas
- Holistic Development - UALR
- Membership Strategies - Generational Issues
- Mountain Home Image Campaign
- NCARED Retreat - What is Expected of Me
- Role of the Chamber in the 21st Century
Case Studies
The ASU Delta Center for Economic Development, in a partnership with East Arkansas Planning and Development District and the Institute for Economic Advancement – University of Arkansas Little Rock developed the economic development website adaptarkansas.org, which includes data for analysis and a series of case studies addressing issues relevant to comprehensive and new economy strategies.
Related Links
- Case Study Brief
- Local Tax for Economic Development
- Cheyenne Case Study
- North Carolina Rural Economic Development
- Iowa Case Study
Analysis & Studies
Planning sound growth strategies are essential components in today’s economic development and business expansion. The Delta Center provides studies for the public and private sector. A team often including Delta Center staff and College of Business faculty offer community leaders, economic development professionals and business clients up-to-date data and analysis to understand current conditions; identify growth strategies that maximize and direct important resources and are sustainable.
Related Links
- Regional and Community Demographics and Economic Profile - Clay - Craighead - Greene Counties
- Economic Impact Analysis
- Economic Profile of Jonesboro
- Jonesboro Conference Center Study
- Newport Housing Study
- Retail Gap Analysis
- Russellville Convention Center Feasibility Study
- Village Creek Project
Other Services
Develop an Ongoing Community Leadership Programs
A three-hour introductory session conducted in your community. Based on lessons from the 13-year ASU Regional Leaders Program, and other successful small city leadership programs.
State & Federal Table Hops
We arrange for at least 15 different state and federal resource agencies, both public and private, to visit your community for a 2-hour "Table Hop" event. Local citizens and organizational representatives move freely from table to table having one-on-one conversations with agency representatives about their services, programs and latest offerings. Done in association with a local organization.
Community & Economic Development Strategic Planning
Three hour organizational session to get your community on its way to a successful planning effort based on citizen and stakeholder involvement.
The complete strategic planning package that includes the 3-hour organizational session and all subsequent technical assistance to organize, conduct, draft and implement a strategic plan at the community or regional level.
Community Leadership Training
Six 1-day sessions and three 2-day sessions scheduled over a 9-month period beginning in August. Join the nearly 400 people from throughout north and east Arkansas who have graduated from the Arkansas State University "Regional Leaders Program" since it began in 1989. Each session is held in a different host community, and one is held overnight in Little Rock. Enhance leadership skills, and learn about the latest and best ideas in developing communities. Audience: emerging as well as established leaders from both public and private sectors.
