How rural Arkansas communities exceed the needs of corporate growth strategy
The simple pleasures that come with building a life outside of a bustling urban landscape are not lost on Arkansas residents. Of the over 3 million residents who call the Natural State home, a majority choose to reside outside of Arkansas’ largest metros.
Most Arkansas cities hold a population of less than 10,000 residents but are by no means ghost towns in terms of economic development. The value of living in a rural community for most is that the quality of life desired is attainable without sacrificing quality jobs or educational opportunities.
There is no shortage of skilled talent to be found around the state. As corporate leaders and local entrepreneurs continue to reinvest in rural Arkansas communities, one thing remains true: The Arkansas workforce will get it done right.
Deeper Roots
Nestled along the White River about 60 miles east of Little Rock lies the city of Des Arc, the largest city in Prairie County with a population of 1,905 as of 2022. Des Arc is representative of one of the state’s oldest river ports whose earliest economy was driven by agriculture.
Arkansas native and current Des Arc Mayor Roger Scott has had a front row seat to the growth of this community. Scott first served as the city’s mayor for two terms about 30 years ago, returning to the role in 2020. His goal was to continue to push the city’s progress forward, centering the community’s voice at the heart of new development initiatives.
In September 2024, White River Energetics announced it will create 100 new jobs with an investment of more than $70 million in an expansion of its operations in Des Arc, Arkansas.
Photo courtesy of AEDC
“Everyone here pulls together and they stick together,” says Mayor Scott. “You don’t find many little towns or communities do that anymore.”
The tight-knit community has allowed for an entrepreneurial spirit to flourish and find the support needed to grow a small business beyond the region. Homegrown companies such as White River Energetics, D3 Auto Sales and Guess and Company are prime examples of the trust Arkansas residents have in the capabilities of their community.
Guess and Company owner Paul Guess left his role at leading pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company to come home to Des Arc and pursue his own business venture. The home goods manufacturer opens warehouse doors from October to December selling holiday decor, candles and accessories and annually draws in visitors from around the state to the city.
“Our community built this town,” says Mayor Scott. “I have to say that young business people right now are really stepping up and that’s what you want to see.”
In September 2024, ammunition primer and energetics manufacturer White River Energetics announced its plans to expand the company’s home base in the city. The current 14,000 square-foot manufacturing facility will receive a $10 million investment to add an additional 90,000 square feet of space by 2026. This upgrade will not only allow for the company to scale current capacity but will afford space to dedicate to the development of new products to serve domestic and international customers.
A global shortage of smokeless propellant led the D&M Holding Company subsidary to also invest in the construction of a $60 million single base smokeless propellant manufacturing plant on the site. Once that plant is complete, the company will look to add 100 new roles at the site, which currently employs nearly 200 individuals.
“We are proud of all the people and employees who have worked tirelessly to support WRE and make this happen,” said D&M Holding Company Vice President of Operations BJ Rogers. “Having grown up in Des Arc, I’m personally proud to see the successes that have been made with primers and look forward to continued success in the future production of propellant.”
New Hope
That same entrepreneurial spirit can be found throughout every region of Arkansas, especially as these companies build upon their success where it all began.
Hope Baking Company, formerly known as Southern Bakeries, was given new life when Massachusetts-based East Baking Company acquired the closed business site in 2023. Owner Dan Serra first arrived in Hope in 2022 to explore the possibility of expanding his company’s portfolio. The opportunity to meet former Southern Bakeries employees gave Serra a taste of the loyalty this community had to the plant since 2003, a characteristic he knew not to pass up on from a business perspective.
In January 2024, Hope Baking Company announced an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Hope, Arkansas, that includes the creation of 266 new jobs and a $37 million investment.
Photo courtesy of AEDC
“Everyone has been so welcoming. I’m from the north, we don’t have this,” Serra said at the time of the investment announcement. “It’s refreshing to know that the bakery’s in the right hands of the right people.”
A few days into January 2024, Hope Baking Company announced that it would be investing $37 million to expand the site. At the time of acquisition 300 employees worked at the facility. Now 266 new jobs are set to be created in the region. The site will produce a number of bakery items including breadsticks and English muffins.
“Hope Baking Company is excited to be reinvigorating the operation of the bakery and equipment located in Hope, Arkansas, and looks forward to steady expansion of its employment count,” said Serra.
The city, located in Hempstead County, is home to a little over 8,600 residents. Hope is the birthplace of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and current Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, proving the city knows a thing or two about producing hardworking citizens who know how to lead the way.
“We’re excited to see a local business expand,” said Hope Mayor Don Still. “We’re glad Hope Baking Company believes in investing in our community. Our bakery has been a stable business in our community for many years. Again, we’re always excited for new businesses to come to Hope, but we’re just as excited to see an existing one grow.”
A Trusted Investment
In 2024, the northern Arkansas city of Pocahontas was chosen by Tate, Inc. for a significant investment. A nationwide site selection search was led by the raised access floors and data center company to solidify its decision to invest in Randolph County. The new manufacturing facility represents the first plant of its kind in the state and will produce fabricated steel frames catering to data center development.
“Tate is excited to expand our operations with a new production site in Pocahontas, Arkansas,” said Tate Global President of Cloud Solutions and Innovation Daniel Kennedy. “This move strengthens our commitment to delivering innovative solutions and supports our long-term growth. We are grateful for the strong local support as we begin this new chapter.”
The new 420,000-square-foot facility is slated to welcome 148 direct jobs by 2029.
Pocahontas is currently home to more than 7,500 residents and is representative of one of Arkansas’ largest National Historic Districts. The city’s residents value the outdoor recreational lifestyle available as it connects to five rivers, notably the Black River. The notion of live-work-play is not lost on those who call the city home, as the location provides an avenue to enjoy activities like watersports, hunting and fishing year-round.
