Chamber kicks off Economic Development Week

The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn CELEBRATION: Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe, left, and County Judge Rick Davis, along with members of the Hot Springs Metro Partnership and The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and its Ambassadors, cut a ceremonial ribbon for the start of Economic Development Week on Friday.
The Sentinel-Record/Mara Kuhn CELEBRATION: Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe, left, and County Judge Rick Davis, along with members of the Hot Springs Metro Partnership and The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and its Ambassadors, cut a ceremonial ribbon for the start of Economic Development Week on Friday.

Hot Springs economic leaders and public officials cut a ribbon Friday at The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce marking the ceremonial start of National Economic Development Week, May 8-13.

Economic Development Week aims to create awareness for community programs that increase the quality of life for an area, according to the Hot Springs Metro Partnership, which hosted Friday's event.

The Hot Springs Metro Partnership will join the International Economic Development Council in the weeklong celebration, according to a news release.

"The celebration this week is an opportunity to recognize those professional economic developers and their partners with the city, the county and the state who work diligently to help businesses bring new jobs and new investments to our area," said Jim Fram, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Partnership.

Fram was joined Friday by Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe and County Judge Rick Davis, who helped cut a ceremonial ribbon at the chamber's office at Ouachita and West Grand avenues, along with the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

Throughout the week, the Metro Partnership will highlight local economic development that took place during 2016, the release said.

The economic development efforts are also being showcased this week nationally with members of Congress highlighting the work of the nation's economic developers through special resolutions that are appearing in the Congressional Record, the release said.

In recognition of the celebration, the Hot Springs Board of Directors last week presented Fram with a proclamation declaring this week as "Economic Development Week in Hot Springs."

Economic Development Week was created by The International Economic Council in commemoration of its 90-year anniversary as the largest professional membership organization for economic developers. Economic developers are charged with generating economic growth, creating better jobs for residents and facilitating an improved quality of life. The industry remains as complex, challenging and rewarding as ever, the release said.

Local on 05/06/2017

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