AR-TX REDI Board of Directors Mid-Year Report 2023

AR-TX

BOARD

OF DIRECTORS REPORT

Mid-Year 2023

#TAPINTOTEXARKANA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

— CHAIR SONJA HUBBARD Yates Group

— TREASURER DR. JAMES HENRY RUSSELL The Arnold Companies

STEVE LEDWELL Ledwell

MAYOR ALLEN BROWN City of Texarkana, AR

JUDGE CATHY HARDIN HARRISON Miller County, Arkansas

LESLEY LEDWELL Ledwell

DR. JASON SMITH Texarkana College

— VICE CHAIR CARY PATTERSON Nix Patterson, LLP

— SECRETARY DR. EMILY CUTRER Texas A&M University Texarkana

DEAN BARRY Barry Insurance

MAYOR BOB BRUGGEMAN

City of Texarkana, TX

JUDGE BOBBY HOWELL

Bowie County, TX

JENNIFER HARLAND

Southwestern Electric Power Company

DR. CHRISTINE J. HOLT University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

2023 — OUR MISSION

Foster a strong business environment and increase the economic base of the region by fueling job growth, attracting new investment and supporting existing companies. Strengthen consensus among diverse networks of businesses, local governments and community leaders to embrace the extraordinary value of Texarkana USA as an unrivaled place to thrive.

ORGANIZATIONAL PILLARS

CHAMPION REGION AS TOP BUSINESS DESTINATION

ADVOCATE FOR KEY BUSINESS ISSUES

FACILITATE COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

LETTER FROM THE CEO

As we reflect on the past six months, we are thrilled by the increased interest and in-person visits we have witnessed in the REDI region. Site selectors and company executives have recognized the unparalleled opportunities our region holds. We extend our gratitude to our incredible municipal partners whose support of economic development exemplifies the boundless growth potential in our community.

Our regional progress has been remarkable, and REDI is indebted to our government officials, community leaders, and dedicated stakeholders that have instilled a high level of confidence in REDI’s vision for the region. Additionally, we acknowledge the exceptional healthcare providers that got us through the pandemic and who have supported me personally. These unsung heroes are just another example of the quality of professionalism, expertise and care available in our region.

As we move forward, we remain committed to creating an environment where businesses can thrive, jobs can be created, and communities can flourish. Together, we are propelling the REDI region towards a future filled with even greater success and prosperity.

ROB SITTERLEY PRESIDENT & CEO

REDI MEGASITES

The Arkansas Manufacturing Center has now been officially removed from the FEMA floodplain. This monumental shift drastically enhances the attractiveness and viability of the property, paving the way for potential investors to envision the mega-site as the heart of Arkansas’s manufacturing future.

1,350 ACRES

This floodplain-free designation not only underscores the site’s geographical advantage but also translates to tangible benefits like substantial insurance savings and an augmented scope for infrastructure.

ROB SITTERLEY PRESIDENT & CEO

With an engineering study now complete, the East Texas Logistics Center has paved the way for progress, strategically implementing water, sewer, natural gas, and fiber infrastructure beneath the rail and interstate. This transformative development ensures an unparalleled level of readiness, making it the ultimate destination for companies seeking a seamless entry into the thriving REDI region.

850 ACRES

Engineering Study

Boring water

Sewer

Natural gas

Fiber under the rail and interstate

ENGINEERING SITE PLAN WITH BORING LOCATIONS

ADVOCACY

Our leadership has met with government officials, including Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Arkansas State Senator Jimmy Hickey, Texas State Senator Byran Hughes, Arkansas State Representatives Carol Dalby and Lane Jean and Texas State Representative Gary VanDeaver, to discuss crucial areas such as broadband infrastructure, Texarkana Regional Airport runway upgrades and improvements at the East Texas Logistics Center. REDI has also engaged with US Congressmen Nathanial Moran, Pat Fallon and Bruce Westerman to support the funding and development of our runway lengthening and strengthening project.

Through these dedicated efforts, we aim to create an environment that attracts new job-creating opportunities and supports the success and prosperity of existing businesses in the REDI region.

Growth Efforts

Broadband infrastructure

Texarkana Regional Airport runway upgrades

Improvements at the East Texas Logistics Center

CONCEPTUAL

REDI has been actively advocating for important initiatives to further enhance the region’s growth potential.

SITE PLAN FOR THE TEXARKANA REGIONAL AIRPORT EXPANSION

Expanding Horizons: Unlocking TXK’s Full Potential

$25.2 MILL

460 JOBS 500 FEET 2 COMPANIES

The Texarkana Regional Airport stands at the cusp of a major transformation.

With the new terminal nearing completion in 2024, efforts are now focused on extending, strengthening and widening the main runway from 6,601 feet to 7,101 feet. This expansion will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and pursue new opportunities in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and air cargo.

Preliminary commitments have already been secured from two companies planning large aviation facilities, pending the upgrades. These projects could potentially generate 460 high-paying jobs for the region. Federal funding of $25.2 million has been

pledged for enhancing the runway, taxiways and apron space. Additional state and local support is being pursued to supplement infrastructure costs.

As a central U.S. location with a strong workforce, educational programs and available land for development, the Texarkana Regional Airport is ideally positioned to become a major hub for aviation and aerospace companies. With continued vision and partnership, the runway expansion will help propel the airport into an even brighter future.

New Terminal Opening 2024

BROADBAND INITIATIVE

Striving to be the MOST CONNECTED region in the country

REDI’s advocacy efforts will prove critical in improving broadband infrastructure in the region.

The Bowie Broadband Partnership has successfully lobbied the State of Texas legislature, securing $4.5 million in funding for the development of a mid-mile fiber backbone in Bowie County. This investment, coupled with Bowie County’s commitment, will significantly enhance our connectivity and create opportunities for both residents and businesses to thrive in the digital age. Texarkana College will play an integral role in not only educating citizens on how to use the technology, but will also train individuals in the ever growing field of fiber optics.

$4.5 MILLION

IN FUNDING

for the development of a mid-mile fiber backbone in Bowie County.

ENHANCE CONNECTIVITY & CREATE OPPORTUNITIES

PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In collaboration with the 1909 Foundation, REDI has made significant progress in supporting creators, makers, entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses in the region. Through extensive research and interviews, we have identified key areas of opportunity, resulting in the establishment of “The Assembly Line” as a comprehensive resource hub for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Currently in phase two of the project, we are actively securing a physical space and developing strategic plans for staffing, member recruitment, and specialized programming.

2

PHASE 2 DELIVERABLES

Strategic Plan / Ops Consultation

• Goal Establishment & Timeline

• Entity Structure Review

• Discovery of Launch Areas of Focus

• Organization Documents

• Job Descriptions

Brand Strategy & Culture Guide

• Discovering Purpose, Mission, Vision

• Discovering Core Values

• Culture Development & Sustainability

Financial & Operations Documents

• 1-3 Year Operational Budget

• Financial Projections

• Budget Training

• Research Funding Opportunities

• Grants Toolkit (templates, etc.)

Interior Design Consultation

DR JASON SMITH PRESIDENT OF

• Mood Board w/ Links to Purchase

• Space Layout / Floorplan

Annual Subscriptions

• Squarespace (website host)

• Google Workspace (emails)r

TEXARKANA COLLEGE

ASSEMBLY LINE – MOCKUPS

THE ASSEMBLY LINE – MOCKUPS

The Assembly Line will serve as a valuable resource, empowering the region’s innovators and fostering economic growth.

MARKETING THE REDI REGION

We have strategically marketed the REDI region to highlight its unique strengths and advantages, attracting businesses from various industries. Our efforts have included the creation of a custom website, market briefs, and informational sheets to effectively communicate the region’s benefits to potential investors.

By consistently enhancing our brand image, we have successfully increased the visibility and appeal of the REDI region, positioning it as a top destination for companies seeking to expand and relocate.

Marketing

PROJECT HT USA

Using the updated site brochures as a foundation, REDI is able to deliver powerfully-branded and tailored proposals for economic development projects visiting the region.

TEXARKANA COLLEGE AVIATION SCHOOL INFO SHEET Redesigned and updated to demonstrate the talent development resources now available in the REDI region for the aviation industry.

PROSPECTING & PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT

REDI has been actively engaging with leading organizations and attending industry events to attract prominent companies to the region. We have presented these opportunities to top players in the industry such as Select USA, IAMC, Site Selectors Guild, MRO Americas, and Business Facilities LiveXchange.

These engagements have provided us with significant potential for growth and job creation, and we look forward to welcoming these site selectors and company executives to the Texarkana area.

At the forefront of innovation and industry trends, these top-tier events and industry alliances are indispensable to Texarkana’s rise as a thriving business epicenter.

“

ROB SITTERLEY PRESIDENT & CEO

REDI PARTNERS

A Special Thanks to Our Supporters