Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

New County Industry Announced

More good news came to Prescott and Nevada County Thursday night, May 21.

Gifford-Hill and Company, the second largest sand and gravel company in the nation, formally announced plans to locate a plant in Nevada County near the Boughton community.

The company has spent about $3 million to purchase approximately 700 acres in the region, and plans to spend about $5 million more for its facility, which will include a rail spur. Jim Ablowich, president of Gifford-Hill, made the announcement of the location,

According to Chandler Russ, executive director with the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, the company plans to mine between 600,000 and 750,000 tons per year.

Some 20 to 25 people will be hired once the plant is up and running.

A second bit of good news was the reception of a grant for $72,200 through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Enhancement Act, also known as ISTEA.

Russ said this grant, along with $18,000 the city of Prescott pitched in as matching funds, will be used to enhance the entrance of the industrial park.

About 1,800 applied for an ISTEA grant, with Prescott, Russ said, being fortunate enough to get one.

Thursday's Industrial Appreciation BBQ, held at the Prescott Country Club, was a success, Russ said, with about 125 on hand to enjoy the festivities.

Terry Sherwood, executive director of the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District, was the featured speaker.

He lauded the area for the success it's had recently in acquiring new businesses and industries, along with getting the ISTEA grant, as well as working with the industries in helping make the economic climate more viable.

"I take great pride in saluting you Prescott and Nevada County and in turn, joining with you as you salute your valued business and industrial leaders," he said.

He compared joining together to help keep the economy strong and challenge the potential of the workforce to getting together for a four-man scramble.

Both, Sherwood said, requires diversification of strengths and teamwork. "Your SWAPDD, is proud to be a strong member of your team, and proud to have the opportunity to work with each and every one of you on behalf of the collective economic growth and development interests of Southwest Arkansas."

There have been several successful projects born out of the alliance of the EDO and SWAPDD, he continued.

One was the expansion of existing industry and spawning new industries. The combined effort of the two, he said, helped secure four loans representing an investment of $885,000.

One of the industries helped was Forest and Lawn of Prescott.

New industries coming from this effort include Ward Wood Products, Red River Knitting and Funshine Furniture.

Sherwood said the partnership of the EDO and SWAPDD helped leverage $510,000 of additional investment capital, accounting for a total investment of $1.4 million, responsible for generating a net of 70 new jobs.

The loans also helped the infrastructure of Prescott, with the Prescott Water and Sewer project to the industrial park in an effort to support industrial growth and development.

There was also the Cale Fun Park, with David Benton helping spearhead the effort. Additional growth was seen in the Nevada County Public Health Unit, the Nevada County Waterloo/Bodcaw Rural Water System, and the new ISTEA grant.

More than $333,000 has been invested in job growth and development, he said.

"We have worked with you, your businesses, industry and educational institution in providing career and skill development training to 297 people either within or accessing your active labor market pool.

"Undoubtedly our richest resource; our inherent capacity to challenge the future investment in our people."

Sherwood lauded the state and local elected officials for their efforts in helping bring these good tidings to Prescott and Nevada County, saying the people of the area have a strong team. One that is aggressive and has vision.