onesboro LOCATION PROFILE 2013 j ARKANSAS JONESBORO

P.O. Box 789 • Jonesboro, AR 72403 • 870.932.6691 • www.jonesborochamber.com onesboro At a Glance Th ank you for your interest in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our community off ers many Population advantages for you and your business. j US Census Details of those advantages are described City: 70,187 (2012) on the following pages. Craighead County: 99,735 (2012) MSA: 124,042 (2012) Jonesboro is the 5th largest city in Arkansas Transportation with a population of over 68,000. Our Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is over Highways: U.S. 67, U.S. 63 (Future I-555), U.S. 49; State 1, 124,000. We are centrally located with easy 18, 141, 226, and 351 access to other major markets including America’s Distribution Center, Memphis, Rail: Main Line: Tennessee. Burlington Northern/Santa Fe and Union Pacifi c System A well qualifi ed workforce, low cost Motor Freight Carriers: Th ere utilities, the training capabilities of Arkansas State University and an are 41 motor freight carriers overall low cost of doing business are just a few reasons why many servicing the Jonesboro area companies are proud to call Jonesboro home. In addition, the quality of life is exceptional with excellent healthcare, abundant retail opportunities Airport Facilities: Jonesboro and numerous recreational and cultural activities available. Jonesboro has Municipal Airport - Charter Service been recognized as a City of Distinction for Workforce Development, and and Commercial Air Carrier Service to Lambert St. Louis International Airport as one of the Top Ten Small Markets of the Decade. We have also been provided by Air Choice One Airlines; recognized in various publications for our quality education and a great Memphis International Airport entrepreneurial atmosphere. is located 65 miles away. Jonesboro has planned for continued economic growth. Th e community Waterways: boasts several industrial parks with ample room for industrial expansion. The nearest ports are on the Mississippi River Th e industrial parks have all infrastructure in place, including access to a Th e Port of Osceola; Th e Port of West Memphis, and the high quality transportation network. International Port of Memphis Th e Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce coordinates the economic Utilities development eff orts of the community with local business professionals Electricity: and local and state offi cials. Th e economic development team is interested Jonesboro City Water & Light in the recruitment of new companies as well as the retention and expansion Natural Gas: of existing industries. CenterPoint Energy Water: Take a few minutes and fi nd out whyleading companies such as Nestlé, Jonesboro City Water & Light Telephone: Frito Lay, Hytrol, Post Foods, Riceland Foods, Nordex USA, Nice-Pak AT&T, Suddenlink & Products, Inc. and many others call Jonesboro home. Ritt er Communications Sincerely, Jonesboro Labor Market Civilian Labor Force 172,517 (January 2013) Mark Young President and CEO

2 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Table of Contents Location Maps...... 4 Work Force...... 5-9 Population and Income...... 9-11 Transportation...... 11 Utilities...... 12 Business Climate...... 12-14 Education and Training...... 15-20 Local Lifestyle...... 21-22 onesboro jARKANSAS

www.jonesborochamber.com 3 onesboro j Location Maps Jonesboro provides access to many major markets.

Miles to major cities:

Memphis: 63 St. Louis: 271 Nashville: 274 Atlanta: 448 Dallas: 453 Chicago: 519 Houston: 577

Within 1-Hour Drive of the America’s Distribution Center- Memphis, TN

4 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Work Force Major Service Employers (200 Employees or more) Company Services Total Emp. Level St. Bernards Healthcare Healthcare 2,777 Arkansas State University Education 2,016 Wal-Mart Super Centers (2) Retail 790 NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital Healthcare 770 Jonesboro Public Schools Education 739 NEA Baptist Clinic Healthcare 650 City of Jonesboro Government 540 Mid-South Health Systems Healthcare 508 Nettleton Public Schools Education 449 Valley View Schools Education 323 Jonesboro Human Development Center Healthcare 299 Craighead County Government 279 Focus, Inc. Educational Services 253 Westside Public Schools Education 251 Brookland Public Schools Education 249 Liberty Bank of Arkansas Financial 246 Trumann Public Schools Education 242 Ritter Communications Telecommunications 237 Harrisburg Public Schools Education 230 Source: Major Employers Guide, Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, April 2013 Major Manufacturing Announcements Year Established Company 2000 to Present - 50 or MoreProducts Employees Present Emp. Level 2001 Nestlé USA Frozen Foods 611 2006 Unilever (Formerly Alberto Culver) Personal Hair Care Products 386 2008 StarTek Customer Care Center 350 2008 Nice-Pak Products, Inc. Pre-Moistened Wipes 130 2008 Nordex USA Wind Turbines 72

Source: Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, April 2013

www.jonesborochamber.com 5 onesboro j Work Force

Year

Expansions of Existing Industries 2000 to Present - 50 or More Employees Company Products Emp. Added 2005 Frito-Lay Salty Snacks 100 2007 Nestlé Prepared Foods Company Frozen Entrees 125 2008 Nestlé Prepared Foods Company Frozen Entrees 23 2008 J.K. Products & Services, Inc. Tanning Equipment 20 2010 Hytrol Conveyor Company Conveyors 51 2010 Nordex USA Wind Turbine Nacelles 65 2010 Quad/Graphics Commercial Printing 93 2010 Great Dane Trailers Semi-Trailers 125 2011 Great Dane Trailers Semi-Trailers 100 2011 Hytrol Conveyor Company Conveyors 68 2011 Nice-Pak Products, Inc. Moistened Wipes 135 2011 Unilver Beauty Care Products 40 2012 Great Dane Trailers Semi-Trailers 50 2012 Hytrol Conveyor Company Conveyors 84 2012 Nice-Pak Products, Inc. Moistened Wipes 41 2012 Unilever Beauty Care Products 75

Source: Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, Annual Inventory of New & Expanded Industries, 2000-2012 (April 2013)

6 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Work Force Existing Production and/or Distribution Type Industries 50 or More Employees Company Product No. Employees Apex Tool Group Tool Boxes 200 Arkansas Glass Container Glass Containers 250 Best Conveyors, Inc. Flexible Conveyors 50 Butterball LLC Chicken and Turkey Breast Products 216 Camfi l APC Air Filtration Systems 208 Colson Caster Corporation Casters 81 Crane Composites Fiberglass Panels 78 Engines, Inc. Diesel Irrigation Power Units, Generator Sets, Re-Power, OEM, Marine Engines 78 Frito-Lay, Inc. Salty Snacks 530 Great Dane Trailers Semi-Trailers 300 Hytrol Conveyor Company Conveyor-Gravity Rack Systems 630 JK Products & Services, Inc. Tanning Equipment 195 Jimco Lamp & Manufacturing Co. Portable Lamps 120 Jonesboro Sun Newspaper 86 Millard Refrigerated Services Refrigerated Warehousing 50 Nestlé USA Frozen Entrees 610 Nice-Pak Products, Inc. Pre-Moistened Wipes 169 Nordex USA Wind Turbine Nacelles 75 OPTUS Voice and Data Communication Solutions 106 Post Foods LLC Cereal 230 Riceland Foods Rice, Rice Flour, Rice By-Products 280 Thomas & Betts Corporation Electrical Components 375 Trinity Lighting Lighting Fixtures 51 Unilever Personal Hair Care Products 417

Source: Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, April 2013

www.jonesborochamber.com 7 onesboro Work Force j Jonesboro Labor Market Area Population

16,083 17,969

42,090 31,206 17,264 17,415 96,443 46,480

17,997 24,583

17,870 50,902

Jonesboro Labor Market Area April 2013 County Civilian Labor Force Employed Unemployed Unemployment Rate Clay 5,725 5,100 625 10.8% Craighead 49,175 46,075 3,100 6.3% Crittenden 20,100 18,175 1,925 9.6% Cross 7,950 7,325 625 8.0% Greene 18,550 17,025 1,525 8.2% Jackson 7,075 6,400 675 9.4% Lawrence 7,150 6,525 625 8.7% Mississippi 20,675 18,700 1,975 9.6% Poinsett 10,600 9,825 775 7.4% Randolph 6,925 6,300 625 8.9% Sharp 5,900 5,325 575 9.7% Dunklin, MO 14,330 13,186 1,144 8.0% TOTAL 174,155 159,961 14,194 8.2%

Source: “Arkansas Labor Market,” Department of Workforce Services, April 2013 “Local Area Unemployment Statistics,” Missouri Economic Research & Information Center, 8 April 2013; Data provided June 19, 2013. www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Work Force Mean Wage Rates Per Hour

Job Classifi cation Jonesboro MSA Average Hourly Wage Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerks $14.59 Helpers - Production Workers $9.83 Team Assemblers $13.28 Industrial Truck & Tractor Operators $13.24 Maintenance Workers Machinery $17.59 Maintenance & Repair Workers, General $16.31 First Line Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers $22.95 Truck Drivers - Heavy & Tractor Trailers $16.10 Computer Support Specialists $16.07 Network & Computer System Administrator $24.47 Financial Managers $42.42 Medical and Clinical Lab Technicians $13.99 Offi ce Clerks, General $10.85 Receptionist and Information Clerks $10.35 Source: Department of Workforce Arkansas Occupational Employment & Wage Survey, Jonesboro MSA, July 2012. (Updated April 2013)

Population and Income Population Trends

Year Jonesboro Craighead County & Jonesboro MSA 1970 27,026 52,068 1980 31,530 63,239 1990 46,535 68,956 2000 55,515 82,148 2005 59,807 87,443 (112,539 MSA) 2010 67,263 96,443 (121,026 MSA) 2012 Est. 70,187 99,735 (124,042 MSA) 2017 Projection 75,016 106,754 (130,829 MSA)

Source: Population, U.S. Census Bureau and Esri Community Analyst, June 2013 www.jonesborochamber.com 9 onesboro Population by Age Population and Income Craighead Jonesboro United Jonesboro j County MSA Arkansas States 0 to 4 7.5% 7.3% 7.1% 6.7% 6.5% 5 to 9 7.0% 7.1% 6.9% 6.7% 6.5% 10 to 14 6.3% 6.6% 6.6% 6.7% 6.6% 15 to 19 7.8% 7.5% 7.3% 6.7% 6.8% 20 to 24 10.5% 9.2% 8.5% 6.9% 7.1% 25 to 34 15.3% 14.6% 14.0% 13.1% 13.5% 35 to 44 11.4% 12.0% 12.1% 12.2% 12.9% 45 to 54 11.5% 12.2% 12.5% 13.5% 14.1% 55 to 64 10.3% 10.9% 11.4% 12.5% 12.3% 65 to 74 6.6% 7.2% 7.7% 8.6% 7.5% 75 to 84 3.9% 3.9% 4.1% 4.6% 4.2% 85 + 1.7% 1.6% 1.6% 1.8% 1.9% Population by Race/Ethnicity Source: Esri Community Analyst, 2012 Estimate; April 2013. Craighead Jonesboro United Jonesboro Arkansas County MSA States White 74.0% 80.2% 82.1% 76.6% 71.9% Black 18.6% 13.6% 12.3% 15.5% 12.6% American Indian 0.5% 0.5% 0.4% 0.8% 1.0% Asian 1.5% 1.1% 1.0% 1.3% 4.9% Pacifi c Islander 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.2% 0.2% Some Other Race 3.2% 2.7% 2.4% 3.6% 6.4% Two or More Races 2.2% 1.9% 1.8% 2.0% 3.0% Hispanic Ethnicity 5.6% 4.9% 4.4% 6.8% 16.9% Source: Esri Community Analyst, 2012 Estimate; April 2013 Quick Figures Jonesboro MSA: Estimated median household income in 2012 - $35,926 Median owner-occupied home value in 2012 - $91,900 Education - Jonesboro MSA Unemployment Rates High school or higher: 83.4% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.9% Average Unemployment Rate for Graduate or professional degree: 8.5% 2011: 7.6% 2010: 7.6% Mean travel time to work in 2010 - 16.9 minutes

10 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Population and Income Household by Income Craighead Jonesboro Jonesboro MSA Arkansas United States County $0 - $15,000 20.5% 20.5% 22.7% 18.6% 13.5% $15,000 - $24,999 13.4% 13.2% 12.9% 14.8% 11.2% $25,000 - $34,999 12.4% 13.1% 13.3% 13.2% 10.7% $35,000 - $49,999 11.7% 12.5% 12.9% 15.8% 14.5% $50,000 - $74,999 17.8% 18.1% 18.1% 17.6% 18.6% $75,000 - $99,999 10.2% 10.1% 9.2% 8.4% 11.3% $100,000 - $149,999 10.0% 8.9% 7.7% 7.7% 12.0% $150,000 - $199,999 2.4% 2.2% 2.0% 2.0% 4.2% $200,000 + 1.6% 1.4% 1.1% 1.8% 4.0% Average Household Income $54,633 $52,749 $49,736 $51,955 $68,162 Per Capita Income $22,623 $21,501 $20,284 $21,011 $26,409

Source: Esri Community Analyst, 2012 Estimate; April 2013 Transportation Highways Interstates: I-55 (44 miles), I-40 (63 miles) U.S. Highways: 49, 63 (Future I-555), 67 (20 miles), 412 (17 miles)

State Highways: 1, 18, 91, 141, 163, 226, 351, 463

Airports Motor Freight Carriers Local: Jonesboro Municipal Airport There are 41 Motor Freight Carriers Commercial Airline Service to Lambert St. Louis International servicing Jonesboro Airport provided daily by Air Choice One Airlines Rail Service Runway Lengths: Runway 5/23: 6,200 ft. x 150 ft. wide Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Main Line Runway 13/31: 4,099 ft. x 150 ft. wide Union Pacifi c Main Line Runway Surfaces: Paved Local Charter Service: Air Center, Inc. Lighted Runways: Yes ILS Approach in Use: Yes

Nearest International Service: Memphis International Airport (78 Miles) Memphis, Tennessee (65 miles)

www.jonesborochamber.com 11 onesboro Utilities j Electricity Water Local Supplier: Jonesboro City Water & Light Local Supplier: Jonesboro City Water & Light Power Generation Co.: Jonesboro City Water & Light Water Source: 30 Deep Wells & Southwest Power Administration Treatment Capacity: 38.5 MGD System Peak Design Capacity: 495 MW Peak Usage: 29.26 MGD (June 30, 2012) Peak Demand (August 3, 2011): 303 MW Surplus Capacity: 9.24 MGD 2012 Average Industrial Cost per kWh: 4.73 cents Storage (Elevated and Ground): 14.5 MG Wastewater Treatment Natural Gas Local Supplier: Jonesboro City Water & Light Transmission System: Noram Gas Transmission Type of Treatment: Trickle Filter, Activated Sludge Local Distribution Company: CenterPoint Energy Treatment Capacity: 13.5 MGD Current Flow: 6.8 MGD Surplus Capacity: 6.7 MGD Source: Jonesboro City Water & Light, April 2013

“City Water and Light has signifi cant excess capacity in the water, wastewater and electricity areas. We off er some of the lowest rates in the country and have not had an electric rate increase since 1984. We believe that CW&L’s position will continue to strengthen in the future, thus greatly benefi ting our community in numerous ways for years to come.”

--Kevan Inboden, Special Projects Administrator, City Water & Light Business Climate Professional Industrial Associations

Jonesboro has many professional industrial associations, including the following:

American Society for Quality

Arkansas Society for Human Resource Managers

NEA Association for Operations Management

Northeast Arkansas Existing Industries Association

Northeast Arkansas Purchasing Management Association

Society of Manufacturing Engineers 12 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Business Climate Location Inducements The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) prepares an incentive package for projects which reach a certain positive economic impact. It could contain, but not be limited to the following: The Advantage Arkansas Program, the InvestArk Tax Credit, the Tax Back program, the ArkPlus program, Customized Training Incentives, and the Create Rebate Program.

Choice of pre-zoned industrial sites, with all utilities available immediately. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) often partners with companies and communities to share the cost of project infrastructure needs. Those infrastructure needs can include, but are not limited to, site work, parking lots, relocating roads, sewer and water improvements, and rail spurs, where needed.

If taxable, or non-taxable, municipal Industrial Revenue Bonds are used to fi nance the land, building, and equipment for this project, we will execute a letter of agreement for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). State law requires that the agreement provide at least 35% of the regular annual tax rate until the bonds are retired.

Jonesboro Unlimited will pay the water main tap fee and the sewer main inspection connection fee required.

The plant manager assigned to the facility will become a member of the Northeast Arkansas Existing Industries Association. (A local manufacturers’ association which meets six times annually.)

The Jonesboro Economic Development Corporation and the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce offers to bring a team to your company to brief transferring employees on the benefi ts of living in Jonesboro.

Local Government

Form of Government Full-Time Firefi ghters City: Mayor/Council City: 112 Firefi ghters County: Judge/Quorum Court Equipment: 19 Units

Fire Insurance Class Rating Full-Time Policemen City: 3 City: 150 Offi cers County: 29 Deputies The City of Jonesboro has both Planning and Zoning Enforcements.

Source: City of Jonesboro and Craighead County, April 2013

www.jonesborochamber.com 13 onesboro Business Climate j Local Taxes Applicable Ad Valorem Taxes $48.05 per $1,000 Assessed Value

Rate: County General: .0040 County Road: .0021 Library: .0020 Policemen’s Pension: .0005 Firemen’s Pension: .0005 Nettleton School Millage: .03895 .04805

Rate of Assessment Residential, Industrial Real and Industrial Personal are each assessed at 20% of market value.

Raw Materials Tangible personal property in transit through Arkansas and inventory Goods-in-Process Inventory tangible personal property manufactured, processed or refi ned in Arkansas Finished Goods Inventory and stored for shipment outside the state are exempt.

Sales Tax State Sales Tax: 6.0% (State sales tax on Groceries 1.5%) Local Sales Tax: 2.5% Total: 8.5%

There are no Municipal related taxes on employees. Source: Craighead County Tax Assessor, April 2013 Area Landfi lls Local Landfi ll Legacy Landfi ll Class 1 Classifi cation 100 Years Life Expectancy Current Permit Expires July 2014 870.972.6353

Hazardous Waste Landfi ll: Hazardous Waste Incinerator Chemical Waste Management (Waste Management) Clean Harbors El Dorado, LLC 36964 Hwy. 17 North; Emelle, AL 35459 309 American Circle; El Dorado, AR 71730 800.963.4776 - www.wmsolutions.com/facilities 870-863-7173 - www.cleanharbors.com

Source: Craighead County Solid Waste Disposal Authority, April 2013

14 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS

Education/Training Awards Public Education Jonesboro From National Merit Finalist to Presidential Scholar Finalist, Jonesboro High School Enrollment 2012-2013 graduates distinguish themselves as Jonesboro Nettleton Valley View some of the strongest in the nation. The Jonesboro High School Class of 2011 Kindergarten 540 286 200 received over $7.6 million in scholarship Grades 1-6 2,741 1,527 1,191 monies and Newsweek Magazine recognized JHS as one of the top high Grades 7-9 1,168 740 609 schools in the nation. Grades 10-12 1,068 658 519 Nettleton Nettleton Public Schools has 31 National High School Graduates Board Certifi ed staff members. Staff recognitions include Milken National Jonesboro Nettleton Valley View Educator Award, Arkansas Teachers of the 2012 323 190 137 Year, Presidential Award of Excellence in “Teaching Science and Math,” National 2011 280 205 150 Outstanding Agri Teacher, Arkansas 2010 347 173 134 Counselor of the Year, Business Teacher of the Year, Coaches of the Year, and Arkansas 2009 331 205 119 School Recognition Award. 2008 309 160 116 Valley View Valley View Public Schools has a 169,000 School District Drop-Out Rate Square Foot high school under construction, which will include 30 academic classrooms, Jonesboro Nettleton Valley View four classrooms for the arts, fi ve special 3.5% 1.3% 0.8% education spaces and workforce development space. It will highlight modern classroom technology and modern science lab equipment. The facility will also include Pupil/Teacher Ration a 2,200 seat gymnasium. Jonesboro Nettleton Valley View Grades K-6 17.5 14.6 15.54 Grades 7-9 14.1 15.55 15.54 Grades 10-12 13.9 14.83 14.75

Source (April 013): Arkansas Department of Education Arkansas Department of Education Data Center, General District Information NORMES, District Report Cards 2010-2011 school year U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics Common Core of Data, Search for Public Schools 2010-2011 www.jonesborochamber.com 15 onesboro Education/Training j Public Education Graduates Seeking Higher Levels of Education ACT Scores Jonesboro Nettleton Valley View Jonesboro Nettleton Valley View Arkansas 2011-2012 54.2% 62.1% 65.0% 2012 21.4 21.3 22.6 20.3 2011 21.1 21.6 23.0 19.9 Percentage of Students taking ACT Test 2010 21.4 21.7 22.3 20.3 Jonesboro Nettleton Valley View 2009 21.1 22.4 22.6 20.6 75.2% 73.7% 84.7% 2008 20.9 22.3 21.5 20.6

Source: Arkansas Research Center, April 2013 Private Education Ridgefi eld Christian School Ridgefi eld is a non-denominational private Christian school that Enrollment Pupil-Teacher provides a distinctively Christ-centered, Bible-based education. 2012-2013 Average Ratio The purpose of this ministry is to guide students in the knowledge of God, the development of Christian character, and academic Pre-Kindergarten 27 NA excellence. RCS has a wide variety of course offerings, as well as Kindergarten 15 9:1 many extracurricular activities. Graduates leave Ridgefi eld well prepared for college and for life. Elementary (1-6) 82 8:1 Junior High (7-9) 47 5.3:1 ANSAA (Arkansas Non-Public School Accreding Association) www.ridgefi eldchristian.org High School (10-12) 78 6.5:1

High School Graduates in 2012: 20 Drop-Out Rate: 0% Source: Ridgefi eld Christian School, April 2013 Graduates Seeking Higher Levels of Education: 100% Percentage of Students taking the ACT Test: 95% ACT Composite Scores: 22.2 (2012) and 23.0 (2011) Blessed Sacrament Enrollment 2012-2013 Founded in 1886, Blessed Sacrament School provides an educational foundation and community experience based on gospel values. An accelerated curriculum is offered to students in grades K-6. Pre-Kindergarten 12 Blessed Sacrament seeks to promote mastery of basic skills of communication, decision making, Kindergarten 15 problem solving and creative expression in their students, with each student being challenged to become responsible, self-motivated and self-disciplined. They also strive to instill in each child a 1st Grade 18 sense of self-worth and enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Students are provided spiritual guidance and enrichment via a daily religion class. Extra-curricular activities are offered in the areas of P.E., 2nd Grade 18 music, library, art, Spanish, and the annual science fair and art show. Students also participate in 3rd Grade 18 several student-led service projects throughout the year. ANSAA (Arkansas Non-Public School Accrediting Association) 4th Grade 18 www.catholicjonesboro.com/school/bscs.htm

5th Grade 14 Source: Blessed Sacrament School, April 2013 6th Grade 9 16 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Education/Training Pupil-Teacher Private Education Enrollment Ratio (Maximum) Concordia Christian Academy Pre-Kindergarten (3-4 yr) 13 12 Kindergarten (4-5 yr) 15 15 Concordia Christian Academy is a school transformed by the love of Christ. They try to apply this principle to all aspects of the school. They Kindergarten 14 15 use a multi-sensory approach to teaching all subject areas. This allows all students to be taught in the way they learn best. They use multi-age 1st - 2nd Grades 17 15 classrooms which allow students to have more help with the subjects they 3rd - 4th Grades 24 15 are weakest in and more challenges in teh areas in which they excel. Some of the school’s other strengths include a family atmosphere, individualized 5th Grade 8 15 attention, Christ centered discipline and a daily Bible class. 6th Grade 8 15 NLSA Accredited (National Lutheran Schools Association) www.concordiachristian.com 7th Grade 2 15

Source: Concordia Christian Academy, January 2012

Vocational Training

Northeast Arkansas Career & Arkansas State University Newport Technical Center Jonesboro & Marked Tree Campuses Jonesboro, Arkansas Associate of Applied Science School Districts Participating: 12 General Technology Enrollment: 500 Hospitality (Food & Service Management) Hospitality (Culinary Service) Courses Offered Plumbing Industrial Maintenance Advanced Manufacturing Technical Certifi cates Advanced Manufacturing Advertising and Graphic Design Certifi cate of Profi ciency Culinary Services Advanced Manufacturing Automotive Collision Technology Food Services Management Emergency Medical Technician Industrial Maintenance Automotive Service Technology Phlebotomy Plumbing Technology Welding for Construction Criminal Justice Practical Nursing Welding for Manufacturing Telecommunications Culinary Arts Hospitality Services Welding Electronics

Health Science Technology http://www.asun.edu/Campuses Horticulture Source: ASU Newport, April 2013 Hospitality Management HVACR

www.jonesboroatc.com Source: NEATC, April 2013

www.jonesborochamber.com 17 onesboro Education/Training j Arkansas State University The Arkansas State University (ASU) system is headquartered in Jonesboro and provides numerous benefi ts to companies located in the region. The system is comprised of campuses across northeast Arkansas in Jonesboro, Beebe, Mountain Home and Newport. Programs offered include technical certifi cates and associate degrees through the doctoral level. With over 22,000 students, ASU helps to ensure a quality and dynamic workforce.

ASU offers 45 degrees and over 160 undergraduate and graduate fi elds of study, including specialized areas in business, engineering, agriculture, nursing and health professions and many more.

The university is committed to providing training and educational programs through the Delta Center for Economic Development and the ASU Newport - Jonesboro Campus. These programs are designed to assist new companies as well as provide on-going training for existing companies. The training programs are customized to meet the specifi c needs of the company.

ASU is the home of the Arkansas Bioscience Institute (ABI). ABI is a collaborative research effort of fi ve institutions. The purpose of ABI is to improve the lives of Arkansans through agriculture and medical research. Key research areas include agriculture and disease, molecular innovations in food science, Plant metabolic engineering and plant based protein production.

The state of the art facility provides signifi cant resources to faculty, students and industry in several areas including plant genetic engineering, DNA and protein analyses, mammalian cell culture, microscopy and analytical support. ABI partners with companies to conduct research and faculty are encouraged to identify products and processes that may someday have commercial applications.

In addition to teaching and research, ASU serves as a source for numerous cultural and recreational activities. ASU plays host to a variety of concerts, lectures and art exhibits. Spectators can also watch exciting men’s and women’s college athletics.

Arkansas State University has served the region for over a century and looks forward to continuing to meet the needs of the citizens and companies of the future.

“In 1909, Arkansas State University was created in Jonesboro because the local leadership recognized the economic value of att racting an educational institution to the community. Today, the relationship between higher education and economic development is more important than ever. ASU contributes to the economic development of our region and state through our academic off erings, research initiatives, and outreach programs. Education and economic development are inextricably linked and all of us must work closely together to enhance both these eff orts for the good of our community and state.”

-- Dr. Charles L. Welch, ASU System President

April 2013 18 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Education/Training Colleges/Universities Located within 50-Miles of Jonesboro Enrollment Name Degree Offered Fall 2012 Arkansas State University PO Box 10 13,877 Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 Specialists, Ph.D. 870-972-3030 www.astate.edu Crowley’s Ridge College 100 College Drive Paragould, Arkansas 72450 206 Associates, Bachelors 870-236-6901 www.crc.edu Arkansas Northeastern College 2501 S. Division Street Blytheville, Arkansas 72315 1,672 Associates, Certifi cates 870-762-1020 www.anc.edu Williams Baptist College PO Box 3737 Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 566 Associates, Bachelors 870-759-4120 www.wbcoll.edu Black River Technical College 1410 Hwy. 304 East Pocahontas, Arkansas 72455 2,404 Associates, Technical Certifi cates 870-248-4000 www.blackrivertech.org ASU Newport 7648 Victory Blvd. Newport, Arkansas 72112 870-512-7800 www.asun.edu 2,043 Associates, Certifi cates, LPN, Transfer Courses Branches: ASU Technical Center PO Box 280, Marked Tree, AR 72365 870-358-2117 5504 Krueger Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401 870-932-2176 www.asun.edu/campuses Source: Arkansas Department of Higher Education, April 2013 www.jonesborochamber.com 19 onesboro j Education/Training

Jonesboro’s Solution for Cutting-Edge Skills Training

Cutting-edge training that delivers an immediate and sustained return on investment for existing and future employees is critical to the success of any workforce development strategy and is absolutely essential in today’s fast- paced, ever-changing, globally-competitive business environment. Jonesboro’s solution to skills training for industry comes by way of the Workforce Training Consortium (WTC), which has been a vital component of this area’s economic development activities since 1995. The WTC is a non-profi t consortium of industry and education formed to develop an employer driven training center.

The WTC is located at the ASU Newport Jonesboro Campus at 5504 Krueger Drive in the center of the Jonesboro Industrial Park. Regional employers are invited to become members, with fees assessed based on the level of membership. Curriculum includes courses in the following areas: Professional Development Supervisory Skills Advanced Manufacturing LEAN 101 Safety & First Aid, CPR GMPs Adult Education Assessments Computer Literacy & Applications Construction Electrical Mechanical Welding Learn all about the WTC at www.wtcjonesboro.com where you can also view the current schedule of classes, or contact the ASU Newport Jonesboro Campus for more information at 870.933.9788.

“Th e Workforce Training Consortium (WTC) provides opportunities for employees to enhance their existing skills and develop new skills. Th e industry driven program provides quality, aff ordable and convenient training. We are blessed to have such a wonderful resource. A defi nite home run!!” --Gregg Goodner, President, Hytrol Conveyor Company

20 www.jonesborochamber.com ARKANSAS Local Lifestyle Financial Worship Centers Banks: 14 Protestant - Over 90 Catholic - 1 Jewish - 1 Local Media Islamic - 1 Newspapers Jonesboro Sun Hotels/Motels Arkansas State University Herald Hotels/Motels: 21 Radio Stations Number of Beds: 1,476 Oldies 92.7 FM HOT 107.5 FM Party KASU - 91.9 FM Public Radio Residential Housing KAOG - 90.5 FM Christian KBTM - 1230 AM News Talk Number of Homes Available in KDXY - 104.9 FM Country Price Range Jonesboro, AR KEGI - 100.5 FM Rock 0-$100,000 110 KFIN - 107.9 FM Country KIYS - 101.7 FM Top 40 $100,001-$200,000 232 KJBX - 106.3 FM Mix $200,001-$250,000 47 KNEA - 970 AM Sports $250,001-$300,000 48 KWHF - 95.9 FM Classic Country $300,001 & Above 94 Television Total 531 KAIT 8 (ABC) KTEJ-TV (PBS) Source: Jonesboro Board of Realtors, May 2013 KVTJ-TV (Christian)

www.jonesborochamber.com 21 onesboro Local Lifestyle j Healthcare Hospitals HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital - 67 MidSouth Health Systems - 16 NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital - 100 (181 after completion of new hospital construction) St. Bernard’s Medical Center - 375 St. Bernard’s Behavioral Health System - 60 Surgical Hospital of Jonesboro - 12 Outpatient Surgery Center (Day surgery, no licensed beds for overnight.)

Total Beds: 630

24-Hour Emergency Medical Mobile Services Physicians: 466 AACLS Advanced Air Ambulance Airevac Lifeteam Dentists: 63 Emerson Ambulance Service Clinics: 75 Hospital Wing Source: Arkansas State Medical Board; Arkansas State Medic-One Ambulance Board of Dental Examiners, April 2013

Recreation

Parks Public Golf Courses Municipal Parks - 21 Sage Meadows Golf Course (18-hole Golf Course) State Parks - 3 within 25 miles or less Links at Jonesboro (9-hole Golf course) Federal Parks - 2 within 100 miles or less Private Country Clubs Jonesboro Country Club (18-hole Golf Course) RidgePointe Country Club (18-hole Golf Course)

Public Libraries Craighead County/Jonesboro Public Library Offers 184,653 Books/Media and 355 periodicals (Includes 7 branches)

22 www.jonesborochamber.com