The North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation (NLR EDC) is the development tool for comprehensive planning and marketing of the city. A true team effort, the NLR EDC utilizes government and corporate resources, Arkansas Department of Economic Development Commission (ADED) data and management capabilities, and computer software programs; an important aspect is the information regarding community resources. The chamber and the NLR EDC can provide a complete, up-to-date package on North Little Rock to companies seeking relocation data.

As part of its overall economic development program, the North Little Rock EDC sponsors an Existing Employer Retention (EER) program. Each year meetings with company officials are held to discuss various topics of interest, problems, expansion plans, and how the chamber and the city may be of assistance to them.

The state of Arkansas and Pulaski County offer tax structures favorable to business. As detailed later in this publication, Arkansas ranks among the five lowest states in the nation in overall per capita tax burden because of the local Enterprise Zone, abundance of electricity, water, natural resources, and an outstanding transportation network.

The NLR EDC maintains an inventory of available sites for potential employers. The North Little Rock I-440 Industrial Park, a 282 acre area complete with underground utilities, electrical substation insuring ample supplies of power, an intrapark sewer system, street lights, and site protection through a Bill of Assurance, is the center of construction activity for new industry.

The construction activity in this park indicated the need for additional planned industrial sites. A second industrial park is under construction. The Central Arkansas I-440 Industrial Park will have fiber-optic capabilities for any type of industry requiring the latest in telecommunications. Details of these parks are discussed later.

Building construction has been brisk for the past four years both in North Little Rock and central Arkansas. New industry and expansion of existing companies have fueled growth in both commercial and retail sectors. As indicated in the following chart, investment in new industry facilities and housing have more than exceeded the monetary investments of the past few years.

Todd Larson, Executive Director
North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation
(501) 371-0116 Fax (501) 372-5955
e-mail: tl@nlredc.com

Hal C. Matthews
President, Matthews Properties
(501) 758-4302

Joe Smith
Director, City Commerce and Government Relations
(501) 340-5311

Lyndell Lay
CEO, Lay Commercial Mortgage Company
(501) 771-1468