Chamber EDC Golf Tournament
The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council hosted an Industry Appreciation Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Texarkana Country Club.
Texas A&M-Texarkana and Texarkana College were recognized for their recent outstanding efforts to aid in economic development in the Texarkana region. It was noted that TAMUT has started new programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, led an economic development survey in conjunction with the Chamber, and has had a strong COVID-19 reaction that has allowed continued instruction. Texarkana College continues to lead the state in graduation rates for 3-year completion, requires their workforce students to successfully complete a work-ethics course, and has seen an increase of 28% enrollment in all 12 workforce certificate programs.
Joey Martin, board chairman for the Chamber of Commerce, and Brandon Washington, chairman for the EDC, recognized past board chairman, both mayors, and members of the Riverbend Water Resources board in attendance. Washington highlighted the EDC’s focus on advanced manufacturing and business retention and expansion. “Eighty percent of job growth in our area comes from existing businesses,” explained Washington. “Our focus will be on connecting those businesses with resources they need to grow and expand.”
The winners of the first flight were Cary Patterson, Rob Sitterley, Josh Andrus, and Mike Craven with a score of 59. The second flight winners are David Hickerson, Mayor Allen Brown, and Ryan Berry with a score of 65.
Sponsors for the event were Dot’s Rentals & Sales, Kinetic Business, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Complete Coverage Insurance, AEP SWEPCO, Conterra Networks, Express Employment, State Bank, Texarkana College, Nash Industrial, Cooper Tires, Eagle Distributing, Mil-Way Credit Union, Offenhauser, and Texarkana Emergency Center & Hospital.
The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce is a private not for profit membership trade association focusing on connecting the community and businesses. The Chamber has been a community partner for over 100 years in Bowie and Miller counties. Information on the Chamber and membership is available at 819 North State Line Avenue, Texarkana, Texas or 903-792-7191. Questions can be directed to Natalie Haywood at nhaywood@texarkana.org. 
