September 8, 2010

The announcement last week that a second local industry will relocate to Nashville has been a blow to the Sevier County economy.

Engineered Products announced Wednesday that it will purchase the former Ox Bodies building in Nashville for its plastic molding plant. In a meeting with city and county officials last week, EPI officials said the poor condition of its building in De Queen and the availability of the Ox Bodies building was the deciding factor.

It was always the intention to remain in De Queen, EPI officials said. But the company has a history of locating close to Husqvarna, which is their largest customer.

The City of De Queen had been negotiating with EPI since the issue came up about six months ago. The owner of the EPI building agreed to build a warehouse addition on the building in De Queen. We assisted in contacting contractors and getting bids for the addition.

With the support of the Sevier County Rural Development Authority, a financial incentive was offered to keep the company, provided they create additional jobs.

Although it was not enough, the community made a strong effort to keep the company at its present location.

The De Queen-Sevier County Chamber of Commerce has called a couple of meetings to address the local economic situation. A 10-person committee has been organized under the auspices of Cossatot Community College in an effort to generate new industries and new ideas for local economic development. One issue being discussed is the possibility of a transportation system that would allow people to work in Nashville, but continue living in Sevier County. So far, there has been no decision on a bus system.

The group is in the process of getting organized. Anyone who would like to work on the issue of economic development may contact the Cossatot Community College or the Chamber of Commerce.

Billy Ray McKelvy, Mayor
City of De Queen, AR
221 N. 2nd St
P. O. Box 730
De Queen, AR  71832
870-584-3445
Fax: 870-642-3117
bmckelvy@dequeen-ar.us