Governor's rep says Rector project a state model

Rector mayor Ron Kemp makes opening remarks at a tour Thursday of the Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center in downtown Rector. Looking on are Chris Masingill and Amanda Richardson of Gov. Mike Beebe's office and Jacinda Welch, director of the training center. Welch led a tour of the center, which is being renovated through a $250,000 stimulus grant, prior to a luncheon in which Masingill congratulated Rector for its commitment to economic development and jobs growth through the center program. (Democrat Photo/Nancy Kemp) [Click to enlarge]

A key member of Gov. Mike Beebe's staff said Thursday the Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center in downtown Rector is an ideal project for jump starting the economy and providing impetus for jobs growth in the state.

Chris Masingill, director of intergovernmental and external affairs, made the comments at a luncheon following a tour of the facility.

"This is just what we were looking for as a use for the state's stimulus money...it's perfect," he said to the local group. "Don't let anyone tell you the stimulus program isn't working in Arkansas," Masingill said, noting that similar projects all across the state are making a real impact.

Masingill said Arkansas' careful system of managing state government resources left the state in an ideal position to take advantage of the federal stimulus money in creative ways. Other states, he said, have had to use the funding just to shore up state government shortfalls and remain operational.

Masingill praised the local community for its commitment to developing the creative program, in which vocational and academic courses are being offered through partnerships with Black River Technical College in Pocahontas and the Greene County Industrial Training Center in Paragould. On hand for the luncheon, and making positive comments about the program, were BRTC president Richard Gaines and GCITC director Vicki Kuykendall.

The City of Rector received a $250,000 grant through the federal stimulus program, coordinated by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development and the Governor's Office. The funding is being used to renovate the center with classroom space, a conference room, computer center, physical fitness areas and a kitchen.

During comments at the luncheon, Rector mayor Ron Kemp thanked NEAITC director Jacinda Welch and Janet Lee of the East Arkansas Planning and Development District for their hard work in formulating the grant application and working with ADED staffers on various details.

"They did a tremendous job and I appreciate it," Kemp said.

The mayor also thanked the governor's office for their support of the community, as well as the ADED.

ADED representative Renee Doty, who has worked with Rector on numerous projects over the years, echoed Masingill's comments that the training center is an ideal project for support by the state as it works to retrain and develop the workforce in tough economic times. Kemp said ADED and Rector have had an excellent relationship in such areas as the ACE program, which led to the construction of the city's outstanding senior citizen center and other local improvements.

Also present at the luncheon were city and chamber of commerce representatives from Piggott and Corning, project architect A.C. Williams and Phyllis Meredith of KMC General Contractors of Jonesboro, the firm awarded the renovation contract.

The event started with a tour of the facility directed by Welch, who said the goal of the center is to provide training and activities for all members of the community. A comprehensive program is being developed, she said, through the working partnership with BRTC, GCITC, local businesses and area employers. "We are really excited about what we are doing here and look forward to meeting the training needs of residents throughout this area."

It is anticipated the renovation project will be completed in April and additional classes and activities will begin at that time at the center.