Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Chamber has busy year, new board in place

A PowerPoint program showed how busy the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce was during its last fiscal year.

The Chamber's fiscal year ends in October, with an annual report given at the October meeting.

From Sept. 1, 2002, to Aug. 31, 2003, according to Mary Godwin, executive director of the Chamber, there were 11 community coffees, 13 ribbon cuttings, 95 different events, activities and projects the Chamber was involved in, 26 different activities and events the Chamber attended, and three grants received.

Godwin also gave a list of upcoming events the Chamber will be involve in. These include the special election for the street tax on Nov. 18; the November Chamber meeting; the Leadership Nevada County graduation on Dec. 2; the Christmas Window Decorating Contest; the Parade of Homes Lighting Contest; the Christmas parade and Christmas on the Square on Dec. 8; and Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 20. The Chamber will also be helping with the Second Annual Picayune Toy Drive.

Updates on the state of the city, state of the county, the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system and economic development were also given at the meeting.

Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor said the greatest event during the year was the passage of a leash law. Since its passage, more than 110 dogs and 44 cats have been picked up from the city's streets.

He said the city has a goal of getting an overpass built to go over the railroad tracks and connect both sides of town when a train is going through.

Another goal, he said, is to build a civic center in Prescott. This center will include a new city hall and offices for the Prescott Police Department.

A project being worked on is getting a fire station on the east side of town, so there will be fire protection on both sides of town in the event a train is on the tracks and blocking access to the east side. This building will also house the Prescott Parks and Recreation Department.

Taylor urged everyone to vote for the proposed 1 3/8 cent sales tax to overlay all 30 miles of streets in Prescott. "This is the only way we can go it," he said.

Dale Booker updated the audience on the 9-1-1 emergency telephone system. "I'm proud of what Nevada County has," he said. "From any land phone a person can dial 9-1-1 and get emergency help."

All 9-1-1 calls are recorded both on paper and tape. The system has an electronic map which shows the exact location the call originates from in the county.

A system is being worked on to make it possible to locate people who call on cell phones. This, though, will require cell towers being erected throughout the county so signals can be sent and received.

The county's 9-1-1 system, he said, also has the capability of communicating with the deaf.

The ultimate goal is for any 9-1-1 call made in the county from any kind of phone to receive the proper response.

James Roy Brown, Nevada County Judge, kept his remarks short. He bragged on Booker saying the state has sent word Nevada County has the best 9-1-1 system in Arkansas.

According to Brown, the first phase of the rural water system for Bodcaw and Waterloo is completed, with the second phase to begin soon.

Jon Chadwell, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, said the Chamber and EDO work closely with one another on projects.

During the past year, he said, there were 17 prospects who visited the county, giving Prescott a look. These prospects were either industrial or large retail businesses.

Grocery stores have looked at Prescott as a possible location as well, he said, with interest shown. The problem is the only existing facility large enough for a grocery store is the old Taylor's building, and it's leased out at this time.

Three hotels examined Prescott as well, Chadwell said.

The state is working hard to attract business and industry to Arkansas, he said and people are starting to look for new locations.

"The library is the keystone to downtown development," he said. a

People are getting excited about it."

Area residents formed a human chain passing books from the old library to the new one, he said.

The sidewalk project is well underway and people will be pleased with the end result, he said.

In discussing some of the other things the EDO was involved in, Chadwell reminded the audience of movies in the park, saying it was well attended and the Whistlin' Gopher stayed open to serve refreshments.

Plans are being examined to build a skateboard park, with funds being sought through grants for its construction.

The area, he said, received grants for the walking trail project, the tobacco project and a home loan grant, with two grants specifically for EDO projects. "We've written 11 grants this year and had five funded. With the economy down, there's more competition for grants."

Exiting board members were recognized, as were the new board members. Joe Graham accepted the gavel as Chamber president for the coming year.