Broadway and Doramus to Lead Economic Development Efforts

Saline County, AR (February 28, 2006) –

The Saline County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) at its Feb. 27 annual board meeting announced the retention of State Senator Shane Broadway and Paul Doramus, a Benton businessman, to lead its economic development efforts. SCEDC President Bill Hope, Jr. said, “We are excited about Shane and Paul agreeing to undertake this ever so important role for our county. We as a board have worked diligently over the last year with Teamwork Arkansas finalizing our strategic plan. Their association with our organization is the first step towards plan implementation.”

The mission of the Saline County Economic Development Corporation is to plan, facilitate and lead county-wide efforts and support regional initiatives to accomplish economic growth which supports the organization’s vision. Initially, the newly designated team will work toward developing a long-term funding mechanism for the organization. In addition, they will share limited duties as the executive director working with regional initiatives including Metro Little Rock Alliance, Teamwork Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of Economic Development.

At the board meeting, James Jones, Entergy regional customer service manager and SCEDC board member, and Mike Maulden, Entergy director of external affairs, presented the organization with a $10,000 grant to help further the group’s efforts. “Saline County has so much potential as it relates to economic development. It has been a pleasure facilitating the SCEDC’s efforts. Hopefully, working with the board, we have positioned the county for meaningful economic development,” said Sherry McDonnell, CCD, with Teamwork Arkansas, Entergy Arkansas’ Office of Economic Development.

The Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association has also committed $5000 a year for the next three years to further the SCEDC efforts. Paul Day, a Hot Springs Village resident was recently elected to the board.

Mark Vanderpool, president of Union Bank offered, “I have participated in SCEDC activities for over three years. We have accomplished so much in the last year under Bill Hope’s leadership and the hard work of our board. Paul and Shane’s leadership, experience and vision will be invaluable.”

Senator Broadway noted, “Paul and I have worked together on numerous projects through the years on behalf of Saline County. This new affiliation will hopefully become the foundation for our county, cities and chamber organizations to work collectively as a team as it relates to economic development and other important issues.”

Broadway is an Arkansas State Senator and former Speaker of the House of the Arkansas House of Representatives. In addition, he serves as director of client services and development for Insight Communications located in Bryant, Arkansas.

Doramus was a former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Little Rock. He is an independent businessman and president of PGD and Associates, LLC.

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