Economic Development
EDCNewport Economic Development Commission
Recruiting industry and growing business in Newport & Jackson County
Location & Access
Why Newport?
- 100 mi NW of Memphis, TNStrategic location in north central Arkansas
- 96 mi from Little Rock via US-67Connected by four-lane controlled access highway
- 410 mi NE of Dallas, TXRegional access to major markets
- Interstate 57 corridorEnhanced connectivity and development
- Union Pacific main line railDirect rail freight access
- White River port developmentWaterway access under development
A personal welcome
Jon Chadwell
Executive Director
jchadwell@newportarkansas.gov
Welcome to Newport and Jackson County
Start a Business
How to start your small business in Newport, Arkansas
Free Download
Business Starter Kit
The complete step-by-step guide to starting your business in Newport, Arkansas.
What's inside
- Assessing Your Idea
- Registration & Tax IDs
- Licensing & Zoning
- Financing & Incentives
- Opening & Operations
- Marketing & Growth
Tech Depot
Newport's downtown workforce training center
Commissioners & Staff
The Commission meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 AM at the Tech Depot, 209 Hazel Street
Members are appointed to five year terms by the Mayor and the City Council. The Commission guides the uses and expenditures of the 1/2% economic development sales tax collected in the city limits of Newport.
Commissioners
9 membersDean Sides
Chair
Jim Gowen, Sr.
Vice-Chair
Mike Turner
Treasurer
Scott Foushee
Commissioner
Benjy Harris
Commissioner
Hiro Kado
Commissioner
Nyesha Greer
Commissioner
Ike Wheeler
Commissioner
Lee Scoggins
Commissioner
Staff
4 team membersJon Chadwell
Executive Director
Julie Allen
Director of Chamber Affairs
Crystal Fulmer
Asst. Director of Finance & Business Services
Christel Taylor
Director of Downtown & Workforce Development
Incentives
Programs to encourage business development in Newport and Jackson County
Community & Economy
Newport at a glance
Quick Statistics
4 stats- Population
- 8,005
- County
- Jackson County
- Median Household Income
- $34,764
- Cost of Living Index
- 80.1below national avg
Key Industry Sectors
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Education
- Technology
- Agriculture
- Retail & Service
Census Data & Labor Statistics
2 sourcesData & Resources
Transportation, partner organizations, and statewide economic development links
Transportation — Modes & Connections
5 modesPartner Organizations
4 groupsD.R.I.V.E is a non-profit dedicated to the revitalization of the 14-block downtown improvement district designated by the City of Newport. Projects include the Front Street Entertainment Park, Jackson County Veterans Memorial, Jane Parnell Performance Hall, Monster Downtown Entertainment Series, Delta Arts Festival, Kids Fest and Downtown Entertainment District. Contact DRIVE at (870) 523-3618.
The Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation is a private economic development group dedicated to economic development projects in Jackson County. JCIDC most often partners with other local economic development groups on cooperative projects. Projects include the Downtown Sidewalk Project, Commerce Boulevard Project, D.R.I.V.E. Property Acquisition Project, Jackson County Road and Rail Spur Project, and Rice Road Paving. Contact: Jim Gowen, Sr., P.O. Box 650, Newport, AR 72112, (870) 523-3601.
The Newport Industrial Development Association is a private economic development group dedicated to economic development projects in Newport. Projects include the Downtown Sidewalk Project, Commerce Boulevard Project, D.R.I.V.E. Property Acquisition Project, Jackson County Road and Rail Spur Project, and Rice Road Paving. Contact: Edward Boyce, 515 2nd Street, Newport, AR 72112, (870) 523-5242.
The Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board is a public-private economic development group with the authority to authorize bonds for economic development projects in Jackson County. The Bond Board also maintains a number of available industrial sites and properties, which it allows the NEDC to use for recruitment of new industries or expansion of existing industries. Contact: Jon Chadwell, 209 Hazel Street, Newport, AR 72112, (870) 523-1009.
Economic Development Links
11 linksAEDC leads statewide economic development, creates targeted strategies which produce better paying jobs, promotes communities, and supports the training and growth of a 21st century skilled workforce.
Arkansas' largest source of low-cost financing for low-to-moderate income housing development, small industries, government, education, agricultural business enterprise and health care.
The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas are private, non-profit corporations that work together to continually enhance the economic climate in Arkansas.
Arkansas' Business Development team offers resources vital to the search for a new business location or expansion -- buildings and sites, workforce options, business intelligence, innovative incentives and quality of life.
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas serve approximately 490,000 homes, farms, businesses and industries, encompassing more than 60 percent of the state's land area.
The Arkansas State University College of Business center coordinates economic development outreach services for the Arkansas Delta.
Located at UALR, the Institute provides specialized services supporting economic advancement of Arkansas, available to businesses, governmental units, and communities throughout the state.
Connects Arkansas to the world by providing international trade services to companies and individuals and educating students in global commerce. Part of the World Trade Centers Association with over 300 centers in 90+ countries.
An association of professional and volunteer economic developers in Arkansas, organized for advancing the quality of life through employment opportunities and economic growth.
A non-profit membership organization dedicated to helping economic developers do their job more effectively and raising the profile of the profession.
The oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, with members in 17 states in the American South.
Get in Touch
Have questions? Select the organization you'd like to contact below.
Contacting
Economic Development Commission
- 209 Hazel Street Newport, AR 72112
- (870) 523-1009
- jchadwell@newportarkansas.gov
- Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM