Nicky Boyette – The board and staff of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation gathered at Keels Creek Winery on June 2 to mix with community leaders and present its “Expect More Arkansas” program. This particular group, funded by the Winthrop Rockefeller Trust, emphasizes economic health in Arkansas, and is not to be confused with the Winrock Foundation and its international projects.
Board member Vicki Saviers explained that the foundation wants the state to know about its goals, and in turn get better acquainted with the state. She asked associate vice president Regan Moffitt to explain their new initiative.
Moffitt said that 70 percent of the jobs in Arkansas do not require any education beyond high school, and many pay barely enough to support one parent and one child. She said there is a cycle of not expecting more in communities, so jobs mostly remain the same.
In the near future, Arkansas will be adding jobs requiring more education and technical training, so Moffitt said the foundation plans to expand educational opportunities in the state, make life-long learning possible, create higher-paying jobs and higher expectations and, as the primary goal, flip the 70-30 split.
Program associate Russell Carey stated estimates show there will be 148,000 new jobs in Arkansas by 2023 and new hires will be made for 400,000 existing jobs, so the challenge is to create jobs that pay better. He noted Arkansas is not the only state in the south with a significant wage disparity, but “there is something we can do about it.” He said the key to success would be plugging away at supporting “the right education.”
“We have a choice,” Moffitt stated. “We must expect more from Arkansas.”
Tammy Thurow, president of the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, said the foundation called her in early spring about bringing their board to Eureka Springs for the June meeting. After a preliminary tour, the foundation worked with Thurow to bring the board to town so they could take economic development inventory of Eureka Springs. One board member told Thurow Eureka Springs was “rural economic development on steroids.”
“We definitely can work with them,” Thurow said.
Alderman Terry McClung said, “I’m tickled to death they were here.” He conversed with board members about the local economy, and said the event opened doors for the city. “Eureka Springs put its best foot forward for them.”
Sandy Martin, chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Development, said it was an honor to have the foundation come to town and recognize Eureka Springs for being an outstanding example of a thriving creative community. Martin also remarked the challenge the Foundation is taking on – lack of educational opportunities which leads to low wages and a lackluster image – fits well with what the Mayor’s Task Force has identified as impediments to local growth.
Martin also pointed out the foundation is asking every city it visits to challenge itself to do more, to expect more. She said, “Getting the state on the same page working on education, higher paying jobs, maximizing potential, enhancing the image through inclusion and opportunity for growth is critical. I’m glad to say that Eureka Springs does have a mayor and community leadership on the same page with that vision.”