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CALENDAR ITEMS
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Texarkana, AR, Board Mtg - April 17th
Career & Community Expo - April 18th
Texarkana Comp Plan Meeting - April 20th
TxDOT Construction Open House April 24th
Texarkana, TX Council Mtg - April 24th
Texarkana USA Chamber Bd Mtg - April 25th
Texarkana Leadership Graduation - April 25th
Community Garage Sale/Electronics Recycle Day - April 29th
Dragon Boat Races - April 29th
Leadercast - May 5th
Wine Festival - May 6th
Texarkana, TX Council Mtg - May 8th
Railfest - May 13th & 14th
Texarkana, TX Council Mtg - May 22nd
Texarkana Water Conference - May 31st
Red River Focus Area Study - June 1st
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CHAMBER ITEMS
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NEW BUSINESS RIBBON CUTTINGS
Tuesday, April 18 | 4:30 PM
HomeLife on Richmond Meadows
4205 Richmond Meadows, Texarkana, TX
Wednesday, April 19 | 4:30 PM
The VET
3504 Robin Lane, Texarkana, TX
Friday, April 21 | 11:30 AM
Moore Supply Co
1805 W 7th St, Texarkana, TX
Thursday, May 11 | 4:30 PM
Champion Tours & Travel
424 Lelia St, Texarkana, TX
Friday, April 28 | 11:30 AM
Jamison's Center of Kindness
1101 Couch St, Texarkana, AR
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MEET A NEW PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMER
Moore Supply Company
Thursday, April 20 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Texarkana Emergency Center
Friday, April 28 8-9:15
Texarkana Convention Center
4610 Cowhorn Creek Road
Texarkana, Texas
CHAMBER BUSINESS
Texarkana USA Chamber Board Mtg
Chamber of Commerce Board Room
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ECONOMIC UPDATE
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Building & Site Information Requested
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If you have commercial buildings and sites available, complete
building form or
site form as appropriate and return to mmalone@texarkana.org
Thank you.
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BE A PART OF THE CHANGE
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2017 Career and Community Resources Expo
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April 18th
1-4 pm
Texarkana Convention Center
See Flyer here
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Leadercast 2017
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Leadercast
May 5, 2017
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Sulllivan Center
on
Summerhill Road
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RIVERBEND WATER MANAGEMENT
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RED RIVER VALLEY ASSOCIATION
Texarkana Water Conference
May 31
Holiday Inn & Arkansas Convention Center
see flyer
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RED RIVER FOCUS AREA STUDY
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Meeting
Update & input on the Red River Focus Area Study
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Thursday, June 1, 2017
9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Ark-Tex Council of Governments
4808 Elizabeth St
Texarkana, Texas
RSVP to: Jennifer Wilson
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| Welcome to "On The Record"
This is a weekly publication of the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce. We will be presenting information on public policy, governmental meetings, and issues of business concern. Our goal is to provide you with information to empower your engagement. Thank you for your partnership with the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce.
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 TEXARKANA/TAMUT STARTUP WEEKEND 
Texarkana Chamber of Commerce and A&M-Texarkana announce plans for 2017 Startup Weekend Texarkana - see press release
See Information Poster here
Startup Weekend link to event for information and where tickets can be purchased.
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 CHAMBER DELEGATION ADDRESSES LEGISLATION
Chamber members, Dean Barry, Judge James Carlow of Bowie County, Mayor Bob Bruggeman of the City of Texarkana, Texas, Curtis Schneekloth of Cooper Tire and Rubber Company and Michael Malone of the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce, attended the Texas International Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations legislative committee meeting. Judge James Carlow and Michael Malone provided testimony in support of House Bill 3460 to allow an increase in the weight capacity of less than 3 miles of Interstate highway in Bowie County. The increase in weight capacity would allow the shipment of sealed ocean cargo shipping containers from local businesses including Domtar Mill in Ashtown, Arkansas. Shown in picture is Dean Berry, Judge James Carlow, Curtis Schneekloth, and Mayor Bob Bruggeman.
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CHAMBER HOSTS THIRD JOINT CITY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce hosted the third joint city meeting between Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas, at the Council of Governments building in Texarkana, Texas. The focus of the meeting was water - now and our resources; and an update on the Texarkana Regional Airport development and construction program. Airport Director Mark Mellinger, present the airport update with future application for a federal grant to finish putting the pieces together for the project. The completed project is expect to be in 2020. Planing and drawings should be underway in 2017 and 2018
. J.D. Phillips of the Texarkana Water Utilities presented a report on the status of the present system and its capacities. Elizabeth ("Liz") Fazio Hale joined Riverbend Water Resources District as the Executive Director/CEO, presented an overview of expected needs and relationships with other area water authorities. Discussion included water reserves and future needs of the region. The next meeting of the Joint City Committee shall be Tuesday, August 8th at 3:00 pm at the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce offices. The focus of the meeting shall be broadband.
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 TEXARKANA, ARKANSAS
Governmental Meetings
April 17, 6:00 pm, Board of Directors Meeting, City Hall Agenda
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TEXARKANA, TEXAS
Governmental Meetings
April 24, 6:00 pm, City Council Meeting, City Hall
May 8, 6:00 pm, City Council Meeting, City Hall
May 22, 6:00 pm, City Council Meeting, City Hall
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TEXARKANA, TEXAS
Governmental Meetings Results - April 24th City Council Meeting
Approved:
- Resolution authorizing City Manager to enter into agreement with Service Line Partners Private Label Inc., to provide utility customers opportunity to purchase sewer & water line warranty
- Ordinance rezoning Lot 12, Block 22, (514 North Lake Drive) Westside Addition to Commercial
- Resolution approving amendment to CDBG consolidate plan & 2016 Annual Action plan
- Resolution accepting HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantee Assistance for $1,429,000
- Resolution denying application for authority to increase rates submitted by Southwestern Electric Power Company
- Moved to next meeting: appeal on burning permit
- Resolution authorizing city manager to execute contract for Millwood Water Tratment Plant Sludge Ponds Cleaning project in amount with Texas portion not to exceed $74,529 with the total amount not to exceed $119,000.
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 TEXARKANA, TEXAS
City Introduces Draft Comprehensive Plan Update and Seeks Final Input From Citizens
TEXARKANA, TX- The third and final public engagement meeting regarding the City's Comprehensive Plan Update will be held Thursday, April 20, 2017, 6:00 p.m. at the Texarkana, Texas Convention Center. The City will introduce the draft recommendations for each element of the Comprehensive Plan update and receive input from the public to define early priority actions and improvements within the elements of Future Land Use Plan, Parks and Trails; Mobility/Transportation; Urban Design; Downtown; and Neighborhoods (read more)
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TEXAS LEGISLATURE
An update on Texas legislation is available. Included in this newsletter includes:
- Senate Bill 1: The General Appropriations Bill
- House Bill 2: The Supplemental Appropriations Bill
- Senate Bill 19: Instituting a performance-based tuition
- Senate Bill 42: Judicial and Courthouse Security Act
- Senate Bill 452: Collective bargaining organization
- Senate Bill 737: Requiring a proposed budget of a local government containing revenue from a new fee or an increase in an existing fee to contain a statement that the budget included a fee increase and itemize the fees being increased
- Senate Bill 650: Prohibiting tax increment financing
- Senate Bill 2119: Eliminating the Top 10 percent automatic admissions rule
- Senate Bill 1000: Establish a joint interim committee to continue study the feasibility of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system
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 ARKANSAS LEGISLATURE
The Senate and House adjourned.. They will reconvene the first week of May for Sine Die adjournment and then likely start a Special Session the same day. The Special Session is expected to be only a few days and will deal with health care issues and technical corrections.
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 UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN JOHN RATCLIFFE
Congressman John Ratcliffe is conducting an opinion survey. You can participate here.
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK
In response to the Assad regime's attack on innocent civilians using chemical weapons, President Trump called for a military strike on the Syrian airfield where the attack was launched.
I publicly supported the president's decision as a direct and proportional response to Assad's heinous assault on innocent life in violation of international law barring the use of chemical weapons.
Do you support President Trump's military strike on Syria in response to Assad's chemical weapon attack on innocent people?
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TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL PAXTON
View more on these topics
AG Paxton Leads 15-State Coalition in Support of Revised Immigration Order
$1.17 Million Collected in Back Child Support through Program Tied to Vehicle Registrations
REQUEST FOR OPINION
RQ-0157-KP: Whether the deposit of net sales tax revenue into the state highway fund as required under article 8, section 7-c(a) of the Texas Constitution may be made after the close of the fiscal year when deposit before the close of the fiscal year is not possible.
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TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
TxDot is hosting a Construction Open House and inviting interested citizens to attend and learn about the upcoming widening of FM1297 (McKnight Road) from 0.3 miles east of FM2878 (Pleasant Grove Road) to FM 559 (Richmond Road) in Texarkana. Purpose of project is to widen the existing roadway to provide a continuous left turn lane. For more information, contact:Kenny Icenhower, Kenny.Icenhower@TxDOT.gov ,903.838.8574
Monday April 24, 2017
4:30 -6:30 pm
Pleasant Grove HighSchool Cafeteria
5406 McKnight Road
Texarkana, TX 75503
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TEXARKANA GAZETTE
"Things To Know: Texas Lawmakers Turn On The Corporate Incentives" by Paul J. Weber, The Associated Press, April 8
"City Council Will Vote On Final Piece of Grim Funding" by Karl Richter, April 9
"No Quick Fix For Aging U.S. Infrastructure" by David A Lieb & Joan Lowy, The Associated Press, April 10
"Trump And Taxes" by Josh Boak & Stephen Ohlemacher, The Associated Press, April 10
"Feelings Are Mixed On Possible SRBA Shake-up" by Jennifer Middleton, April 11
"Cities To Discuss Water and Airport" by Karl Richter, April 11
"Texas Side Considers Backing Riverbend To Pursue Water Rights, by Karl Richter, April 11
"Miller County To Extend Health Contract For Treating Inmates" by Jim Williamson, April 11
"County To Add Roof Project To Budget" April 11
"Arkansas District Turns School Buses Into Billboards" April 11
"Local Judge Picked As Liaison For New Texas Lawyers' Organization" April 11
"Lunch With Leaders" by Junius Stone, April 12
"Cities Get Update on Water Issues and Airport Upgrade" by Karl Richter, April 12
"Officials Hope New Street Will Ease Traffic on Richmond Road" April 12
"Arkansas Side Directors Look At Proposed Fee Changes" by Karl Richter, April 13
"Trump Administration To Lift Federal Hiring Freeze" by Jill Colvin, The Associated Press, April 13
"Tough Texas Sanctuary Cities Bill Moves Closer To Approval" by Will Weissert Meredith Hoffman, The Associated Press, April 13
"Officials Open Extension of kPavilion Parkway North" by Lori Dunn, April 14
"Senators Visit Depot And Pledge Support" by Karl Richter, April 14
"SRBA Bill A Step From House Floor" by Jennifer Middleton, April 14
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BUSINESS ARTICLES OF INTEREST
BUSINESS
Is U.S. Manufacturing Really Declining?
The manufacturing sector's share of U.S. jobs has fallen over time, but its output has kept pace with the U.S. economy in real terms.
Americans pulled back on their spending at auto dealers and restaurants in March, causing
State Rep. Andy Davis isn't sure why his bill was able to get traction this year when similar bills in previous years did not, but he's delighted that his Personal Finance & Job
ECONOMY
Americans pulled back on their spending at auto dealers and restaurants in March, causing retail sales to drop despite signs of a healthy job market. Retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 0.2 percent, the Commerce Department said Friday, after a
The Little Rock office market experienced negative absorption of 41,210 SF during fourth-quarter 2016, primarily from departures in Class B and C office properties. The vacancy rate ended the year at 8 percent, down 0.2 percentage point from the year-earlier quarter.
EMPLOYMENT
Fewer Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, which is evidence of a stable job market and greater security for workers.
GOVERNMENT
For all the work that got done during this year's legislative session, there remains a raft of unfinished business that lawmakers must confront sooner or later.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday the following appointments to state boards and commissions:
The Arkansas Legislature passed and Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed Act 668 in March to loosen some restrictions for non-accredited investors, though all details haven't yet been worked out.
HOUSING
The AP assesses the U.S. housing market this spring and finds home supplies tight. "The national supply of homes for sale hasn't been this thin in nearly 20 years,
Long-term U.S. mortgage rates fell for a fourth straight week, with the benchmark 30-year rate marking a new low for the year.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
A good leader should be flexible and willing to adapt to new situations to guide an organization to success, says Fitz Hill, a former college football coach and college president,
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 US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Opportunity is at the heart of the American Dream, and at the heart of opportunity is a job. When the right person fills the right job, we all benefit--families, neighborhoods, businesses.
With the internet playing a crucial role in how so many companies do business, how can we defend businesses from cyberattacks by rogue nations like North Korea or Iran?
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UNITED STATES FEDERAL RESERVE
FEDERAL BANKING REGULATIONS
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 TIP OF THE TOP HAT
- To United States Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven on being appointed as one of six inaugural liaisons for the Women Lawyers of the Eastern District of Texas.
- To Prissy Hickerson upon receiving the Dalee Hawkins Award for her work in the community.
- To the 2017 Wibur Award recipients: Tonya Dunhy-Adult Winner; Ricky Cook - Youth Winner, Shelby Dunphy-Day - Youth Rising Star; and Believe in Beverly Neighborhood Association - Organization Winner. Awards were presented by Leadership Texarkana.
- To Main Street Texarkana upon earning state accreditation.
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