Community Readiness

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. 

In 2010, Entergy Arkansas dedicated additional resources to its Community Development strategy by enlisting the support of over twenty (20) Customer Service Managers to implement Community Development programs and initiatives in the communities where they live and work. Entergy’s Teamwork Arkansas will continue to provide oversight of all Community Development activities and new program development. There are currently nine (9) major programs and/or initiatives that are the basis for Community Development programming at Entergy Arkansas. The following is a list of these programs and initiatives:

1. Business Retention & Expansion Program
2. "Select Site” Certification Program
3. Arkansas Site Selection Center (ASSC) Support
4. Strategic Planning Assistance
5. Adult Leadership Training Program Support
6. Economic Development Education Assistance for Local ED Professionals
7. Strategies for Local Economic Development Long-Term Funding
8. Assistance with Hiring & Evaluating Economic Development Professionals
9. Economic Development & Chamber Board Service

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

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