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'Distributing' the Wealth

Distribution, in fact, is now among Arkansas' target industries. And the state has much more to offer than simply a central location.

"We're blessed with a good interstate system here as well as a good water system," says Mike Maulden, director of economic development with electric utility Entergy Corp. "We have good rail services as well, so our transportation infrastructure is strong."

And Arkansas continues to add to its transportation arsenal. Currently the state has five new regional freight transportation facilities under way. "The new regional transportation centers will offer centers for manufacturing, intermodal transportation -- be it rail, truck, barge or any combination -- and customs services," says Cliff McKinney, intermodal transportation planner with the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Dept.

The Port of Little Rock is also gearing up for its intermodal plans. The Little Rock Port Authority has begun development of a new slack water harbor to replace the old port. Other plans include linking roadways and two Class I railways directly to the new harbor in order to create an intermodal transportation center. When all is completed, the port will be able to offer barge, rail and truck transportation, and with the airport just minutes away, air freight service is feasible as well.

Some distribution-related companies have already decided to take advantage of what Arkansas has to offer. Goody's Family Clothing, for example, has purchased 32 acres (13 hectares) in Russellville where it will build a US$20 million, 234,000-sq.-ft. (21,739-sq.-m.) distribution center. "Russellville is an excellent geographic location for our second distribution center, which is intended to support our planned new store expansion in the Southwestern and Midwestern United States during the next four years," says Robert M. Goodfriend, chairman and CEO of the clothing retailer.