Program Description

Strong communities sell themselves to business prospects, existing companies looking to expand and local entrepreneurs who want to grow at home. Studies have shown that communities with the greatest potential for economic growth and progress are those that are visually attractive, have a strong educational system, a sound infrastructure and knowledgeable leaders utilizing a long-range approach to development.

The goal of Entergy’s Community Development Program is to provide communities with the tools necessary to move forward with economic development and to inform them of the processes involved in retaining existing business and recruiting new business. To accomplish this, Teamwork Arkansas is constantly looking for new and better ways to meet the needs of these communities. This has led to the development of educational programs, consulting services, networking tools and funding assistance.

Teamwork Arkansas’ commitment to economic development is visible in the strong partnerships developed over the years with public and private sector groups and individuals throughout the state. Teamwork Arkansas seeks to be a partner with these economic development allies by providing resources and services that develop community leaders, support worthwhile activities and recognize successes and achievements.

Assistance Offered through the Community Development Program

The Community Development Program is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the communities in the Entergy Arkansas service territory. These programs are broken out into Creating Awareness, Consulting, Contributions and Connections.

CREATING AWARENESS

Creating awareness within a community of the requirements to be successful in economic development sets the stage for good strategic planning and implementation. The following list of courses developed and/or supported by Teamwork Arkansas are available.

Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course - Communities face significant challenges in today's new economy. More than ever, leadership must be prepared to help their communities meet these challenges: to capitalize on new developments, to turn potential obstacles into opportunities, and to enhance the quality of life for those who live, visit, and invest in the area.

The Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) is accredited by the International Economic Development Council and serves to provide this preparation. It offers a general survey of community economic development by focusing primarily on strategies and practices. It is an intensive introduction to the fundamentals of economic development that prepares participants to help their communities meet the competitive challenges they face in fostering economic advancement. 

The Mid-South BEDC is held at the Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development, a new state-of-the-art educational and research facility on the campus of The University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It is part of a comprehensive curriculum of professional economic development courses offered by UALR's Institute for Economic Advancement.

Prospect Team Training - This class focuses on the site selection process and how consultants and clients typically conduct it. Participants review actual case studies and focus on the process of working with prospects prior to actually meeting them and then dealing with them face-to-face.

Community Development Institute - In 1987, Teamwork Arkansas was instrumental in the founding of the Community Development Institute (CDI). Held at the University of Central Arkansas at Conway, it is a week long professional skills and personal growth training program in community development and community leadership development endorsed by the Community Development Council. It is a three-year program that can be taken in conjunction with the Master of Science in Community and Economic Development degree (MSCED) offered by the University.

The program addresses the needs of personnel who have no formal training as well as those who wish to further develop their skills and understanding. Participants include area community development specialists, mayors, utility company personnel, bankers, community organizational workers, chamber of commerce and association staffers, city planners, community volunteers and higher education administrators.

Teamwork Arkansas offers scholarships each year to volunteer and professional community developers. You can access further information regarding course schedules and curriculum by clicking on http://www.uca.edu/conted/cdi. For information on scholarships contact one of our Community Development Consultants.

Specialized Training – Community representatives may be encouraged to attend other specialized economic development training courses offered outside of Entergy courses based on individual need. These will be offered on an as needed basis.

CONSULTING

Communities within Entergy’s service territory vary widely in their level of economic development opportunity, expertise and resources. Because of this, the services offered to each community also vary. The delivery of services is evolving to meet the changing needs of each community. Listed below are examples of some services.

Strategic Planning – The primary focus of the Community Development team will continue to be on the importance of implementing the strategic planning process in every community. An emphasis is placed on business retention and expansion and regional partnerships.

Marketing – A marketing plan is a basic component of any economic development plan. The Community Development team seeks to influence communities’ plan development with the goal of incorporating 1) a regional approach, 2) use of data acquired through thorough research and, 3) including Entergy’s “Boss In Town” program.

Boss In Town Program – Local community leaders “host” a luncheon or dinner honoring an existing industry during a regularly scheduled visit by the plant manager’s boss.  Teamwork Arkansas covers the cost of the luncheon or dinner.  The objective is to say thanks to existing industry for doing business in the community; build stronger relationships; identify opportunities that will help their business succeed; and, identify expansion opportunities.  Typical invitees would be the local plant manager, the plant manager’s boss, local economic development organization representatives, Mayor, County Judge and Entergy Director of External Affairs, Teamwork Arkansas staff and the local customer service manager/account manager.

Business Retention and Expansion – A comprehensive existing industry program is a vital component of any economic development plan. The Community Development Team promotes the inclusion of “best practices” to all communities including a list of critical business health indicators and early warning signs of business failure.  For more detailed information on this program see the full Entergy Business Retention and Expansion Guide on this web site.

CONTRIBUTIONS

The ability to fund or share in the funding of a community’s activities aids in the Community Development Team’s ability to influence those activities and is a clearly tangible value to the community.

Grants - Grants may be awarded to promote and/or facilitate economic development programs and/or activities.  Preference will be given to regional initiatives. 

Sponsorships – Sponsorships may be provided for community meetings, luncheons, dinners, receptions, seminars, conferences and other economic development related events.

Scholarships – Scholarships will be made available to assist communities in attending programs such as Community Development Institute, Economic Development Institute, Basic Economic Development Courses or other community or economic development related training.

Other requests may also be considered depending on the needs of the community and the availability of grant dollars. Applications may be made by local organizations such as chambers of commerce or development committees to the Entergy customer service manager in their area or made directly to Teamwork Arkansas. Community grants usually range from $500 to $2,500.

CONNECTIONS

Networking – Teamwork Arkansas hosts and participates in events which provide a platform for communication to develop and reinforce relationships among those involved in economic and community development.

Conferences – Teamwork Arkansas may host, support or participate in conferences that offer opportunities for economic development.

Public Relations – It is important to Teamwork Arkansas to support the efforts of communities and other partners. The Community Development team seeks to do this in several ways.

• Community Tours – This is an opportunity for the Teamwork Arkansas staff to familiarize themselves with the sites and buildings as well as meet the leaders in these communities. It is also an opportunity to show support for the local economic developer in their community.

• Board Service –Many opportunities exist to support economic and community development organizations through service on boards and committees.

• Presentations - Community Developers will make presentations to economic development organizations and civic clubs to support local initiatives and promote Teamwork Arkansas programs and services.

Contact Information:

Flave Carpenter, PCED, EDFP
E-mail fcarpen@entergy.com
Phone: 501.377.4441
Fax: 501.377.4448

Sherry McDonnell, PCED
E-mail smcdonn@entergy.com
Phone: 501.377.5882
Fax: 501.377.4448

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