Blytheville, AR 2011 Community Profile and Resource Guide

www.greaterblytheville.com 1

www.tenaris.com

www.greaterblytheville.com 1102 W. Walnut • Blytheville, AR 72315 • Phone: 870.762.2262

415 W. Keiser • Osceola, AR 72370 • Phone: 870.563.3330

www.tempsplusstaffing.com

Peggy Lemons, President

• Management / Administrative

• Industrial

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• Heavy Equipment Operators

• Maintenance Mechanics

• Steel Production

• Aluminum Foundry

• Automotive Parts Assembly

• Fabrication / Welding

• General Factory

We makeit easierto find

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Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce2

GreetingsPride, ProGress, & PossiBility ..............................................................................4

LegacyA HeritAGe of Pride & resilienCe .....................................................................7

RelaxationreCreAtion & tourism, deltA style .............................................................10

LivingComfort & CHArm .......................................................................................................15

Table of ContentsCommunityLink.com 1 800-455-5600

production

VP of production operationsAmanda White

director of publication design Kelly Friederich

managing editorLaura Wilcoxen

copywritingGreater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce

proofreaderChristina Reese

photography coordinator/ content consultantJay Nehrkorn

photographyBill Bell

website creation & support Josh Chandler

director of media purchasing Diana Vaughn

business developmentdirector of business development George Prudhomme

director of outside salesDebbie Moss

business development managerBonnie Ebers

marketing consultantGary Rogers

customer service directorKathy Risley

customer service representativeJamie Trail

advertisingad researchMary KopsheverMildred Walker

ad trafficCarol Smith

ad designJosh Mueller

administrative supportadministrative supportKathy HageneCarol Smith

account supportTerri AhnerTricia Cannedy

human resources assistantTeresa Craig

mailroom technicianMelinda Bowlin

information technologypublishing systems specialistChristopher Miller

executive leadershipchairman and founder

Craig Williams

chief financial officer

Rhonda Harsy

ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at [email protected].

FOR INFORMATION Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce, 300 West Walnut, Blytheville, AR 72316, Telephone 870-762-2012, Fax 870-762-0551, www.greaterblytheville.com

© 2011 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, 618-357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

Visit Blytheville onlinewww.communitylink.com/blytheville-arkansas

On the Cover:

Cover photo by Bill Bell

The largest recycler

in the country, Nucor

Steel turns scrap

metal into high-quality

steel for construction

and manufacturing

projects worldwide.

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LIz n’ Company

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Blytheville, Arkansas 72315• Rx Systems Facials• 30 Years Experience

D E S I G N E R

CommerceCuttinG-edGe industry, Boutiques, & An iCon .................19

Chamber of CommerceAwArd-winninG, ViBrAnt witH GrowtH ............26

EducationestABlisHinG tHe future ......29

HealthserViCes, fACilities, & exPertise ........................................33

FaithGenerosity, worsHiP, & CArinG ........................36

ParticularsCommunity fACts & fiGures ..............................39

Index of AdvertisersPleAse suPPort tHe AdVertisers wHo mAde tHis PuBliCAtion PossiBle ................43

P r i d e , P r o g r e s s , & P o s s i b i l i t y

We are proud of our city — the gateway to the

Arkansas delta — and we are delighted that you

are either visiting or considering our community as

a place to live or work. We publish this magazine in

an effort to help you learn about our community; we

hope that through the editorial and advertising, you

will find resources for anything you might need.

Welcome to the Blytheville area!

Greetings



This region of northeast Arkansas is rich with a history of lumber mills, cotton farms, steel-making, and the blues. Quality living is available and affordable. First-rate recreation facilities, full medical services, several 12-year school systems, Arkansas Northeastern College, and over 65 churches round out a full scope of community assets.

We are located only five miles off the Mississippi River — known here as the Great River — opening the door to the Arkansas Mississippi River Valley and the Great River Road. And in Blytheville, the comfort of small-town living combines with the ease of interstate accessibil-ity to big-city amenities. Only an hour south on Interstate 55 is the city of Memphis, Tennessee, and just 215 miles north is thriving St. Louis, Missouri. Once a sleepy agricultural community, our pushing-to-get-ahead area is No. 1 in the nation in steel production. Over 5,000 industrial jobs, many revolving around steel production, pepper the landscape near the Mississippi River, a major transportation vein. The former Eaker Air Force Base, closed in the early ’90s, is now home to two Air France companies and Aviation Repair Technologies, a growing company in the field of aircraft repair and refurbishment.

You will also find our area filled with other little gems. The Arkansas Archeology Survey Station at the Arkansas Aeroplex has recovered arti-facts over 800 years old, reflective of the sophisticated pre-Colombian culture that once existed here. Lights of the Delta, a holiday fantasy of lights, brings the Christmas season alive as the largest display of its kind in the entire mid-South. Shopping offers unique boutiques, including a bookstore that is listed among the 10 top destination bookstores in the nation.

Enjoy your connection with Blytheville! If we can help you further, visit our website at greaterblytheville.com, or call at 870-762-2012. Whatever you do, I hope you are touched by the warm spirits and friend-liness of our people — they are truly our finest asset!

Do come back, now!

Liz SmithLiz Smith, Executive DirectorGreater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce

www.goffrealestate.org

LET US SHOW YOU OUR HOMETOWN

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LegacyA h eri tAg e o f P ri d e A n d re s i li en c e

the Blytheville area, as part of the mississippi river delta region of the U.s., has a lush underlying history. literally. for deep beneath the

alluvial delta soil a sophisticated pre-columbian society has been discovered.

ongoing “digs” at the big site in gosnell have revealed entire households,

complete with pottery and artifacts galore. the region was ideal for such a

big settlement, bordering the mighty Mississippi — superb for travel — and

bestowing soil rich enough to grow any crop.



Come swing a few sticks up through the Ozarks and over to the Delta.

124 W. Walnut • Blytheville, AR 72315For more information call 866-2-GOLF-AR or visit NationalStateGolfTrail.com That history is significant, since the people of

Mississippi County always have used what the land could give them. Prior to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Mississippi County had thousands of acres of cypress and hardwood trees. With the huge demand for cheap timberland for rebuilding the Windy City, Blytheville by 1890 was no longer a sleepy, backwoods town, but a rip-roaring mill camp with looking-for-trouble honky-tonks, pool halls, rooming houses, slick businessmen with waxed mustaches, and questionable ladies. After the woodlands were razed, residents looked to that fertile Delta soil for their livelihood, planting cotton and soybeans. Until a quarter century ago, agri-culture reigned supreme in the Blytheville-Gosnell area. With the advent of mechanization farming required less manpower, resulting in significant cuts in the number of farm workers. Many left for jobs in other places. Cotton gins and former industry giants like Chicago Mill diminished in number or disappeared; the area suffered economic decline until the old industries were replaced by the newer industries — particularly steel-related — that now fill the industrial park and river port areas.

Backtracking, the town of Blytheville was founded by the Reverend H.T. Blythe, a Methodist minister who led a rather tumultuous life. Each of his five wives died, and though he died a widower in 1904, he had fathered nine children. Blythe became a community activist and major landowner, involved in most every aspect of the town, which became known first as Blythesville. During the tim-ber boom of the 1800s, rail transportation became essential, and as the new railway was established, the geographic boundaries changed, leaving “old Blythesville” and the new area, Blytheville.

The trees had vanished, but the people of Mississippi County learned again how to be highly prosperous. Farmers were attracted to the soil and land was cheap. As the agricultural econ-omy bloomed, people came, and people brought churches, schools, and merchants. Downtown

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Blytheville emerged as a solid family community, one that was the center of commerce and activity for the county, and the area remained a world leader in cotton production until the latter 20th century.

In later years, when agriculture produc-tion changed so dramatically, the people of the Blytheville area were again called on to find new roads to success. Blytheville’s prime location on the Mississippi River appealed to the steel industry, as did the strong work ethic and physical willingness of farmers who provided a perfect workforce. With the arrival in the late 1980s of Nucor Steel, the area expanded industrially as the nation’s leading steel-producing county.

But the heritage of Blytheville area people is not necessarily defined by toil or cotton or new indus-try. It is also defined in their dedication to commu-nity and their determination to become the best at whatever they do. Local organizations such as Main Street Blytheville, the Mississippi County Delta Blues Society, and the Ritz Civic Center join with the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Great River Economic Development Area Foundation to play integral roles, not only in the active preservation of landmarks and customs, but also in facilitating an atmosphere of love, pride, and progress amongst local residents. Whether these organizations are building hometown pride by ren-ovating storefronts of Main Street, by restoring the historic art deco Greyhound Bus Station, by inspir-ing awe when listening to a Delta Blues concert, or by steadily increasing job opportunities through industrial and retail recruitment, they are bring-ing it all back around to the one asset that is both the heritage and the future of Blytheville, Gosnell, and Armorel: the people. The great people of this Mississippi Delta community prove themselves today as they have proven themselves throughout the years. They are distinguished by an almost magical friendliness and warmth and by their never-ending resolve toward progress.

Gateway to Arkansas Aeroplex

201 South Airbase Hwy.Gosnell, AR 72315870-532-8544f: 870-532-5958

Relaxationre c re At i o n & to U ri s M , d eltA s t y le

to do in the blytheville area. from year-round celebrations and festivals

to cultural activities and natural recreational outlets, life in and around

the area offers lots of choices. Whether you’re just passing through or

thinking about a move to the area, Mississippi county can provide for

your leisure and cultural interests.

residents and visitors alike alWays find something enjoyaBle




LodGInGIf you’re visiting, the town offers over 700 hotel

rooms, with prices to suit most every need.

The premier • Holiday Inn, with upscale ame-nities and full services, furnishes among the most luxurious accommodations in the tri-state area.The newest property, the • Comfort Inn, offers an intimate setting and features special “pet-friendly” rooms, an indoor pool, and a work-out room. The • Hampton Inn and Days Inn provide affordable alternatives for comfortable visits in the Delta, along with a number of smaller, more informal motels.

All area hotels are conveniently located near Interstate 55, with dining options close by. You can easily be spoiled by Southern hospitality in the Blytheville-Gosnell area — you will see that easy living and friendliness characterize most every activity.

ARCHEoLoGIC And HIsToRICArkansas Archeological Survey Station

Another of the area’s most fascinating features is the Arkansas Archeological Survey Station, established on the Arkansas Aeroplex in 1999 to capitalize on the amazing archeological sig-nificance of this Mississippi River valley region. Cultural resources in the Blytheville station ter-ritory include:

Prehistoric Indian sites dating as far back as •10,000 years agoTown and mound sites from the Mississippian •era (AD 900–1600)Sites that may have been visited by the •Hernando de Soto expedition in 1541

Civil War era sites•The final resting place of the steamboat •SultanaA New Deal agricultural cooperative•An outstanding example of art modern archi-•tecture from the 1930s

Station archeologists research and conserve the area’s heritage year-round. Archeological digs and educational events are held throughout the year. Visits to the station can be arranged by call-ing 870-532-9104.

James K. Hampson CollectionMore archeology is available in the James

K. Hampson Collection, near Wilson, about 30 miles south of Blytheville. It presents an amazing look at the decorative arts of the late Mississippian people from the Nodena Site. Notable pieces include a large collection of the famed “Nodena Red and White” pottery, Nodena type site points, and a variety of effigy vessels, including a remarkable human head effigy, one of only three unearthed at 1,000-year-old pre-historic Native American village sites located in Mississippi County.

Delta Gateway Museum— On Its Way!

No place in the United States offers a more interesting heritage than this Delta region, and the historic Kress Building on Main Street in Blytheville will soon offer a reflection of just that. One of the community’s most exciting projects now in development, the Kress will house the Delta Gateway Museum. With exhibits depicting the entire history of the agricultural and industrial growth of the area, the museum will trace the people of Mississippi County — their trials and tribulations and the impact of nature — and the expertise they developed from the pre-Colombian era till modern times.

Greyhound Bus Station Also located in historic downtown, the

Greyhound Bus Station, home to Main Street Blytheville, poses another crucial reflection of the area’s heritage. The only free-standing deco-moderne Greyhound station remaining, the site is restored to its original state, with exhibits that tell stories of its past. A pivotal spot on the Dixie Line that connected the South to the North, this station helped transport the blues to Chicago. It also provided the last goodbye for many soldiers as they left for four wars, and its structure pre-serves even some less honorable aspects of area history, with separate entrances for “coloreds” and “whites.”

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Ritz Civic CenterTop-notch cultural events are brought to

the Blytheville area through the activities at the Ritz Civic Center. Located on Main Street in Blytheville, this historic landmark first opened its doors to entertain the citizens of Mississippi County in the early 1900s. Completely renovated in the 1980s, the Ritz Civic Center is a focus of entertainment and culture, with a seating capacity of 485.

The Ritz is also home to the Arts Council of Mississippi County and the Act 2! community theater troupe. Touring companies/performers from California to New York are featured at least five times a year, in addition to regional enter-tainment of all sorts. For more information, call 870-662-1744.

ouTdooR ACTIvITIEsThere’s nothing like a warm afternoon in the

Delta — or, if you like to duck hunt, no place can be more entertaining on chilly winter morn-ings, when ducks swoop in to land in water-cov-ered rice fields. Hunting, fishing, and golfing are among the many ways for residents and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors, not to mention those good ole neighborhood barbeques, fish fries, and ice cream socials.

GolfingA golfing community, the Blytheville area

features two beautiful courses.

The private • Blytheville Country Club is home to two big tournaments, the Calcutta and the King Cotton, when golfers from all areas come to enjoy the classic BCC 18-hole course, complete with clubhouse and the Blytheville Country Club Pro Shop.With more than 7,200 yards, the 18-hole •championship golf course Thunder Bayou offers area residents and visitors the chance to play on a Clark and Associates-designed course. Characterize by hybrid Bermuda

fairways and links-style topography, Thunder Bayou hosts a myriad of events and tourna-ments on Natural State Golf Trail and has been ranked as the No. 2 public golf course in Arkansas. For more information on the public course, call 870-532-2621.

PARks And RECREATIonBlytheville Youth Sports Complex

This multi-purpose recreational facility — acclaimed as absolutely top-notch — is located on the grounds of the former Eaker Air Force Base. The Sportsplex offers 12 fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, all equipped with tourna-ment lighting. A frequent site for state and regional tournaments, the complex has drawn hundreds of athletic teams and thousands of visitors into the community.

Other Sportsplex amenities include a conces-sion stand, changing rooms, picnic tables, and a state-of-the art, 1.5-mile walking trail. For more information, call 870-762-0476.

Walker ParkThe city of Blytheville maintains five city

parks. The largest is Walker Park, a popular spot for families. Walker Park includes picnic areas, a public swimming pool, a 0.6-mile walk-ing lane, playground equipment, tennis courts, and a gazebo. The park’s large lake is a popular fishing hole for senior citizens and children 16 and under, and visitors of all ages enjoy feed-ing the waterfowl that call Walker Park home. For more information, call the Blytheville Parks Department at 870-763-3602.

Big Lake Wildlife RefugeOne of the true jewels of the region, the Big

Lake National Wildlife Refuge, just 15 miles west of Blytheville, is a renowned sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, especially migratory

Becky Hawkins, Owner/Mgr.

500 Park St. • Blytheville, AR 72315Ph: 870.762.2800 • Fax: 870.762.5443

Email: [email protected]

ROTHROCK DRUG COMPANY

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1945

700 N 6th StreetBlytheville, AR 72315Phone 870.763.4451

Dr. Kathleen Rothrock Elliott, Pharmacist

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waterfowl. More than 225 different species of birds, including bald eagles, have been identified within the refuge boundaries. The area is also a popu-lar fishing destination, boasting excellent year-round bass fishing. For more information, please call 870-564-2429.

FEsTIvALsNo community is truly alive unless it celebrates itself. Local festivals are

always a “main event” in this down-home region.

Lights of the DeltaMany annual events are celebrated in the area, but none are as spectacu-

lar as Lights of the Delta. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, the mid-South’s largest festival of lights is open to the public at the Arkansas Aeroplex. This drive-through wonderland features 7 million lights, with 45 displays over 40 acres. Hayrides, Santa Claus, and concessions make the visit to this fantasyland a unique and memorable treat for over 20,000 visitors a year. The Delta is in fact all a-twinkle during the holiday season, with the historic downtown district also sparkling with thousands of lights. Learn more at lightsofthedelta.com.

MayfestHeld on an early weekend each May, this community festival cel-

ebrates the magnificence of spring in the mid-South. A die-hard tradition in Blytheville and originally known as Springtime on the Mall, Mayfest attracts thousands into the downtown streets for entertainment, arts, crafts, rides, food, contests, and sales, sales, sales.

Gosnell Cotton FestivalGosnell spearheads the fun for a unique celebration of another great

season in the mid-South: autumn. Of course, this festival is also a celebra-tion of cotton, a vital component in the cultural and economic makeup of Mississippi County. The Cotton Festival gives local residents and visitors an opportunity to revel in food, crafts, music, and lots of cotton-pickin’ fun.

Chili Cook-OffAnother fall festivity, sponsored by the United Way of Greater

Blytheville, the big cook-off not only spotlights chili recipes produced by teams from all around, it also features rides and crafts for the whole family. Chili tastin’ is cheap, but do watch out! Unique chili recipes can contain most anything!

Annual Christmas ParadeSmall-town living allows Blytheville to hold on to some traditions that

are greatly lost in today’s world. Such is the Annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Held on the first Friday following Thanksgiving week, the parade weaves down Main Street with bands, twirlers, horses, and floats — all made by com-mercial and nonprofit entities in the area. The quaint charm of the parade brings out families and friends to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or hot apple cider while they welcome in the most festive season on them all.

Looking for a way to spend the day? Looking to learn or experience a little culture? The Blytheville area, in the heart of the Delta, has history, nature, and tradition on its side.

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Living if you are planning your family’s next Big move, then consider this: Why not move to a region where

you can afford the home of your dreams and benefit

from a delectably relaxed way of life as well? blytheville

and the surrounding communities of Mississippi

county give you just that opportunity. the amenities

only begin with affordable real estate and an appealing

lifestyle. you will also find variety in housing choices,

from brand-new developments to gorgeous historic

homes on tree-lined streets. regardless of whether

you are looking to start a family and buy your first

house or are preparing to retire into less demanding

accommodations, the local real estate market has an

option to meet your needs.

co M f o rt & c h A r M



For potential buyers looking for a manageable starter home, the Blytheville and Gosnell residential markets offer affordable bungalows and smaller ranch homes with two and three bedrooms. These homes are located in an array of settings ranging from older neighborhoods to newer rural subdivisions. While these homes may be modest in stature, they provide rich opportunities for younger couples to make homes in conveniently situated areas. These same homes also provide quality solu-tions to more experienced homeowners who are looking to downsize their home responsibilities.

If you’re ready to take the step toward a larger home that comes with more amenities, you’ll be able to do so in the Blytheville region — lovely homes can be found for a surprisingly lower price when compared to other parts of the Midwest and the country. Mid-sized homes with an extra bedroom or an attached garage are in plentiful supply. For those individuals who seek the luxuriant comforts of executive homes, the Blytheville area accommodates with stately colonial homes and sprawl-ing contemporary ranches located in both subdivisions and more rural surroundings.

The area’s rich Delta history is reflected in the gorgeous older homes sheltered by huge oak trees, but the bright and new have a place in Blytheville too. New additions are in development, and these new homes, located in prime areas, feature the most luxurious of amenities and virtu-ally every convenience.

Rental properties are also available, though with the area’s emerging construction, they are harder and harder to find! The Blytheville-Gosnell area offers a wide variety of options, from apartment complexes to multi-bedroom homes, located in both town and country settings. Most notable is Westminster Village of the Mid-South, a modern retirement com-munity that merges activity with a unique community environment to provide a premier independent-living facility. Located within the friendly confines of the former Eaker Air Force Base, Westminster Village offers individuals 55 and over a variety of affordable two- to four-bedroom duplexes that range in size from 1,000 to nearly 1,600 square feet. One of only a handful of such facilities in the United States, Westminster Village has not only converted Eaker’s housing, but has also incorporated its com-munal buildings into the design of the retirement community. Residents also benefit from easy access to Thunder Bayou Golf Links.

To start the process of relocation into the greater Blytheville area, contact a local real estate agent or the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber

www.unitedagenciesofblytheville.com


of Commerce for a list of agents. As a sincere gesture of Southern hospitality, members of the Blytheville Board of Realtors® maintain the practice of extending services other than just home location. While local real estate agents will be happy to send you a relocation packet or give you and your family a tour of the friendly environs, they also regularly schedule and facilitate school visits so you and your children can witness firsthand the excellence of local schools.

greater blytheville Area chamber of commerce18

Commerce

the Blytheville area is a Bustling hive of industrial activity,

with success that is ensured through a diversified industrial base and

led by the cotton and steel industries. in fact, the area ranks first

in steel production nationwide and second in cotton production.

Among the newest developments, blytheville is home to an aviation

center where a growing number of companies are building area

expertise in aviation repair/maintenance. blytheville also has a

growing retail segment, and the community at large is dedicated to

on going growth as it transitions to a predominantly industrial area.

cU t ting-edge indUstry, boU tiqUes, & An icon



LEAdInG IndusTRIEsCotton

Benefiting from unusually rich soil and a prime location near the Mississippi River, the cotton industry is perhaps the county’s old-est stock and trade, and it is steeped in Delta history. Today hundreds of workers in the area still are employed in the planting, har-vesting, ginning, buying/selling, and shipping of one the world’s most essential products. Modern technology — from irrigation systems

to state-of-the-art implements — has drastically changed the dynamics of the cotton business in Mississippi County, home to one of the largest cotton gins in the world, which is located just west of the Blytheville-Gosnell area in the com-munity of Leachville.

SteelThe steel industry arrived on the Blytheville

scene in the late 1980s, drawn to the area’s central-ized location and unique transportation infrastruc-ture, which includes the Mississippi River. Today,

the industry, spearheaded by America’s premier steel maker, Nucor Steel, is responsible for some 3,000 of the area’s manufacturing jobs, and since steel is produced from scrap metal shipped via the river to local plants, the county is home to the largest recyclers in the world. The variety of steel products produced in the area ranges from I-beams to steel coils to structural tubing.

AirAmong the newest arrivals to the industrial

landscape is Aviation Repair Technologies, one of the nation’s leading aircraft restructuring com-panies. Taking advantage of the facilities at the Arkansas Aeroplex, developed on the grounds of the former Eaker Air Force Base and includ-ing an 11,600-foot runway, ART repairs any and every part of large aircraft. Malfunctioning coffee-makers, seats in need of reupholstering, and jet engines requiring rebuild are all part of the ART expertise. With ART as a linchpin, other avia-tion companies such as Air France have located facilities in this emerging industrial segment.

The Blytheville area’s industrial base goes beyond cotton, steel, and air. Other companies are diverse, and the products they produce are assorted. From greeting cards, to automotive components, to margarine products — it is all being produced every day in Mississippi County.

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PoIsEd FoR IndusTRIAL GRowTHThe riverfront industrial area, featuring

access to the Mississippi River; the Blytheville Industrial Park, located just off Interstate 55; and the Arkansas Aeroplex all offer attractive locales for continued industrial growth in the area.

Manufacturers choose the area because of an impressive list of amenities. Most important is the highly strategic location — Blytheville is within 500 miles of 40 percent of U.S. buy-ing power and is at the center point between Canada and Mexico. The city’s ideal proximity to Memphis (an hour by car) allows residents and businesses to benefit from all that a large city has to offer without having to deal with the daily frustrations of city life. And cities such as St. Louis (200 miles away) and Little Rock (189 miles away) are easily managed day trips.

Built for success, the Blytheville industrial scene is vibrant and ready for more. A commu-nity assessment by Lockwood Greene reported: “Rarely has Lockwood Greene seen a more posi-tive local business climate…”

Centrally located in the heart of an excel-lent transportation nexus, Mississippi County presents a great opportunity for companies interested in industrial expansion and the rapid delivery of goods or products. The county offers a motivated workforce backed by state-of-the-art training facilities and institutions, excellent transportation options, a highly supportive busi-ness environment, and an aggressive approach to growth that includes a generous incentive plan. Also, Mississippi County possesses a skilled and dedicated labor force and the ability to attract laborers from other regions. Employers can select from applicants likely to have expertise as

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Mississippi County

ArkAnsAs EConoMiC

opportunity

CoMMission, inC.

1400 N. DivisionBlytheville, AR 72316

Tel: (870) 776-1054Fax: (870) 776-1567

Never settle for less.

835 East Main StreetBlytheville, AR 72315

Ph: 870.763.6453Fax: 870.763.6782

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electricians, maintenance professionals, assem-bly workers, forklift operators, payroll experts, machine-maintenance mechanics, and plant supervisors and managers.

As a unique labor-force aid, the region also offers customized training and consulting to help businesses keep pace with changes in technology and meet their workforce needs. The Solutions Group, a professional support division of Arkansas Northeastern College, pro-vides an innovative model that brings the best features of a private consulting and training firm together with coursework recognition and the portability of an accredited institution of higher education. Its syllabus offers the latest in indus-trial, management, and computer-technologies training programs that are both convenient and cost-effective. Training programs are customer-driven, with sessions operating on the customer’s schedule and providing services relevant to spe-cific customer needs. With a highly specialized staff exclusively devoted to this program, the group also coordinates pre-employment training activities with the state of Arkansas through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

The people of Mississippi County have com-mitted themselves to forging new and lasting partnerships with business and industry. In 2003, the county created an innovative publicly funded program to create highly competitive incentives for industrial and commercial growth. This program provides funding to incoming industry or expanding existing industry that can be used for almost any tangible aspect of growth, from the purchase of land and buildings to the construction of new infrastructure.

The combined attributes of the Blytheville area — good accessibility, strong workforce

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potential, a pro-business atmosphere, and a pro-gressive incentive program — are complemented by a population of residents who are absolutely focused on growth and progress.

RETAILGood business in Blytheville is not limited

to industry. The retail sector is another growth segment, featuring leading chains such as a Walmart Supercenter and a 96,000-square-foot Lowe’s, to a number of independent businesses and boutiques.

The historic Main Street corridor takes on a charm all its own with its captivating architec-ture, serpentine street design, and abundant, flower-filled planters. Apparel, cards and gifts, home furnishings, home décor accessories, and unusual antiques are a few of the shopping options. Main Street is also home to the nation-ally acclaimed That Bookstore in Blytheville. Packed with 25,000 titles, this landmark is a regular stop for world-renowned writer John Grisham. The store has gained tremendous

popularity among publishers, making it a fre-quent book-tour stop attracting best-selling authors such as Michael Connelly, Malcolm Gladwell, Pat Conroy, Mary Higgins Clark, and well-known figures that have included Senator Hillary Clinton, President Bill Clinton, Laura Bush, and Condoleezza Rice.

On the National Historic Register, down-town Blytheville continues to evolve as property owners preserve history and develop unique merchandising ideas. Shoppers can be treated to a variety of salon services, bakery delights, an elegant “tea room” lunch, or one of the best hamburgers to be found.

Shopping doesn’t stop at Main Street. The entire Blytheville and Gosnell area is filled with an assortment of specialty businesses, as well as familiar chain store establishments.

BusInEss AssIsTAnCEWhy is progress so apparent in Blytheville?

The area’s pro-business attitude starts with gov-ernment and is further supported by a multitude

of organizations that work together to aggres-sively pursue growth and progress. Two city governments, a county economic development team, and the Chamber of Commerce work to make it easy for businesses to locate in the Blytheville area and take advantage of the incen-tives that will lead to greater prosperity.

As that commerce continues to develop, both businesses and residents are served by a comprehensive list of professionals. To assist in filling workforce needs, for instance, the com-munity features three leading employment ser-vices, each staffed by specialists in industrial and professional placement. Major banks, including Farmers Bank & Trust, Southern Bancorp, South Bank, and the Northeast Arkansas Federal Credit Union, offer up-to-date financial services and lending capabilities, and both cities are served by a comprehensive list of attorneys, accountants, and professional consultants.


www.nucoryamato.com

Chamber of CommerceAWA rd -W i n n i n g , V i b rA n t W i t h g roW t h


the mission of the greater Blytheville area chamBer of commerce, over 500 members strong, is to improve the business environment

and enhance quality of life in the area served. As such, the chamber

plays an active role in community development and economic

restructuring in blytheville and has become an essential leader in

paving the road to progress for business and industry in the area.

Working closely with city governments and other key organizations,

such as the great river economic development Area foundation

and Main street blytheville, the chamber strives to bring the best

of all things to the area.



The Blytheville region, which lies in the Mississippi River Delta region of northeast Arkansas, has had a tumultuous business history, and in what is a transitional area of the country, much of the work at the Chamber focuses on growth potential. Over 700 people comprise committee rosters and membership rolls in this strong and growing Chamber of Commerce, all of them at work at building business and workforce for the area.

The Chamber that serves the Blytheville area is unusual: While it does provide networking programs, including Business After Hours, Early Bird breakfasts, 10 luncheons per year, and an annual banquet that attracts nearly 500 people, it also is the recipient of statewide awards for its programming. Almost five years ago, the Chamber initiated “Money for Main,” a grant-making and lending program designed to re-establish the charm and viability of the historic downtown area of Blytheville. The program is a huge success. Over 20 businesses have enhanced their storefronts, while others purchased and renovated buildings to open new businesses. The Chamber received the state award from Main Street Arkansas, as well as a nomination for a national award, for championing downtown.

The Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce also targets edu-cation as an important component in improving quality of life and pros-perity in the area. The “Bookin’ with the Chamber” program, together with the Chamber commitment to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (called “Books from Jan” and set up in memory of a former education committee chair) earned the Chamber the Arkansas Reading Association’s Celebrate Literacy Agency Award in 2011, despite competition from many other organizations in the state. And it doesn’t stop there. To develop funding for these programs, the Chamber partners with the renowned That Bookstore in Blytheville to produce an on-stage interview program called “Stardust on Blytheville.” The program, which has raised over $30,000, has featured such notables as authors John Grisham and Pat Conroy, actor George Hamilton, and political figures Laura Bush and Condoleezza Rice.

The secret to the success of the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce is innovative programming and partnerships — the Chamber serves as a hub in its work with community organizations like Main Street Blytheville and Great River Economic Development. It also works closely with city governments and enjoys a solid relationship with legislators at the national and state levels.

If you are visiting Blytheville, visit the Chamber — see the beautiful headquarters located right in the heart of town at 300 West Walnut, and learn more about the people who make this mid-South community so spe-cial. It’s often said that the Greater Blytheville Area Chamber of Commerce is “where Southern hospitality begins.” In all truth, the phrase may not have originated here, but you will find it to be well-perfected art.

www.neafcu.org

Education

e s tA b li s h i n g t h e f U t U re

With three puBlic school systems at its heart,

a local college, and a new KiPP delta school, the blytheville area

offers not only a realm of academic options for preschool through high

school, but also plenty of opportunities in the field of higher education.



ARmoREL PuBLIC sCHooLsAmong public schools, the Armorel School

District presents an excellent option for parents who prefer a small-school environment with strong achievement standards. With an enroll-ment of 400-plus students in K–12, the district retains a minimum of 41 certified faculty mem-bers. Elementary classrooms are equipped with the Light Speed sound system, and students have access to a complete computer lab. With Benchmark test scores ranking among the top in the county, the school offers accelerated reading and math and a full scope of gifted and talented programs, as well as services for those students with special challenges.

At the high school level, the district offers 48 units of credit through its fully certified staff. AP classes in English, math, science, and American history give students the opportunity to gain college credit at the high school level, and the district offers accelerated reading and math courses in grades 7–9. Music, drama, and

a well-rounded athletics program complete the educational experience in Armorel.

BLyTHEvILLE PuBLIC sCHooLs “Striving for Excellence” is the motto of the

Blytheville School District, the largest school system in the area. This excellence is achieved by a well-developed and enriched curriculum, outstanding teaching, administrative support, and the involvement of the parents and citizens of this community, along with superior buildings and up-to-date technological equipment.

In addition to meeting stringent state stan-dards, all schools in the Blytheville School District have been awarded the highest possible accreditation by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, and all schools meet standards exceeding requirements both of the state and the North Central Association.

Offering a full-day program, the primary school and kindergarten utilize balanced lit-eracy classrooms to maintain a focus on read-ing and writing as well as strong mathematics

development of young children. The elementary and intermediate (grades 3–6) schools also incor-porate balanced literacy classrooms in a rounded curriculum of core subjects injected with music, physical education, library, and counseling. Fifth and sixth graders have expanded options, including band and art programs.

The secondary system of Blytheville School District centers on advanced learning and skills training. Blytheville High School has numer-ous specialized programs, including building trades, business/marketing education, computer engineering, horticulture, and four-year foreign language programs (French and Spanish). BHS also offers advanced placement courses in all core subjects, including English, American his-tory, European history, statistics, and chemistry, as well as the option of acquiring college cred-its for advanced high school coursework. The entire secondary curriculum is enhanced with a complete range of athletic programs and fine arts options. Finally, terrific extracurricular pro-grams — Odyssey of the Mind, Quiz Bowl, clubs and organizations, and so on — challenge and reward students in terms of further intellectual and leadership development.

GOLDCROWN

GLENDA’SJack & Glenda AshmoreOwners

300 W. Main StreetBlytheville, AR 72315(870) 763-3200

870-762-9956 ext. 101870-762-0326 Fax

5027 North County Road 1015Blytheville, Arkansas 72315

www.artmissco.com

www.farmersagent.com/mtdavis


Terry Abstract Company

Abstracts of Title • Title Insurance • Loan Closing Services

As one of the oldest businesses in Blytheville, Terry Abstract Companyhas been providing prompt, reliable, comprehensive services

for the Real Estate industry for over 100 years.

Terry Abstract Company is proud to be involved with our fellowprofessionals in the real estate industry who make the process

of buying and selling your home as effortless as possible.

405 North Broadway • Blytheville, AR 72315 • 870-762-2381

Koonce, SimmonS,& carraway, pllc

C e r t i f i e d P u b l i CA C C o u n t A n t s

Philip Koonce, CPADave Simmons, CPA

510 West Main streetblytheville, Ar 72315

870-763-7601

GosnELL sCHooL dIsTRICT The philosophy of Gosnell Public Schools

embodies the belief that each student should be provided an equal opportunity to reach his/her full potential in all curriculum areas. The school system offers a mid-size environment and provides a program that allows for the maximum growth potential of the student emotionally, physically, socially, and academically.

All Gosnell Schools are members of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. The Arkansas Department of Education identified Gosnell Schools as excellent in all areas in grades K–12, and all schools exceed the standards required by North Central Association and the Arkansas Department of Education.

Gosnell Elementary School has a graded instructional program for children from kinder-garten through sixth grade. Grades K–5 feature modified, self-contained classes with specialized classes in music, art, P.E., library, and guidance. Grade 6 is departmentalized. Resource rooms, self-contained classes, speech, and GATE classes are provided for students with specific needs and abilities.

Gosnell Secondary School serves grades 7 through 12, with a curriculum offering a variety of college-preparatory, business, and physical education courses, along with music, art, com-puter, vocational, and school-to-work courses. For those students with special abilities, the school provides gifted and talented, resource, self-contained resource, and speech pathology classes. Advanced placement courses are avail-able in calculus, physics, and English IV. Finally, a variety of extracurricular activities provides students with opportunities to develop socially and to become responsible citizens. Programs such as Peer Counselors, D.A.R.E., and Smart Choices are offered through cooperation of the city of Gosnell, and President’s Education Awards Program, Science Fair, Odyssey of the Mind, Spelling Bee, Quiz Bowl, and Art Fair provide students additional opportunities for advanced development.

kIPP dELTAOne of the newest innovations in Blytheville,

the KIPP School brings a nationally acclaimed innovation to the rural area. The Knowledge is Power Program is well-known all across the country for its outstanding record in college prep academic training. Only two such schools exist in Arkansas, both distinguished by test scores exceeding state averages and offering students rigorous yet inspiring opportunities to succeed academically.

The Blytheville KIPP Delta began in 2010 with fifth grade classes — the age studies indicate to

www.dlinc.net


be the most pivotal in early education — and the program continues to expand grade by grade.

For additional information on KIPP, see kipp.org. For specific questions about enrollment in Blytheville KIPP Delta, call 870-780-6333.

ARkAnsAs noRTHEAsTERn CoLLEGE Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC),

located in Blytheville, constantly evolves to serve the educational needs of the area. ANC is well-known for its reputation of offering the most excellent education available to students in Mississippi County and the surrounding areas. Formed through a merger in the summer of 2003 between Cotton Boll Technical Institute and Mississippi County Community College, the new institution boasts a 60-year history of edu-cating thousands. A high school graduate can take the first two years of a traditional college

curriculum, acquiring credits that can be trans-ferred toward a senior college degree. Students can also receive terminal degrees in nursing or in various technical and vocational skills.

Custom-designed pre-employment training, post-employment training, and re-training pro-grams are part of the ANC stock and trade. The Solutions Group was specially established to forge a partnership between the college and local indus-try, bringing training directly into the workplace and supplying instruction for any industry need, from business math to auto parts assembly.

ANC expands the scope of education beyond two-year programs. In partnership with four-year universities in the state, ANC offers access to both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. On the other end of the spectrum, the college partners with local public schools in providing college-level courses to high school students.

www.blythevilleschools.com

www.learningstopcatalog.com

Health Cares erV i c e s , fAc i li t i e s , & ex P ert i s e

the Blytheville area is not just a good place to live — it’s also a good place to stay healthy. staying fit is easy, with affordable

state-of-the-art facilities within 10 minutes from most any location, and

local medical care that includes leading-edge services and technology.

With a physician population of over 40 and growing, the area medical

expertise continues to broaden. Key specialists such as ob-gyns, family

practitioners, internists, pediatricians, and urologists join general practice

physicians to meet the community’s major health care demands.



GREAT RIvER mEdICAL CEnTERGreat River Medical Center, a full-service

hospital with 168 beds, is committed to keep-ing quality health care closer to home for the community. The hospital offers a 24/7 physi-cian-staffed emergency department, an ambula-tory surgery center, a 20-bed senior care unit, advanced cancer treatment, a sleep disorders laboratory, and progressive women’s services, as well as a full slate of advanced services and technology. It also provides on-site care not just through private physicians, but also through the services of one of the most progressive physician specialty programs in the nation.

Cancer CenterAdvanced cancer treatment, including medi-

cal and radiation oncology, is available at the Great River Cancer Center. From early detection to radiation therapy, counseling, and many other services, the Cancer Center offers comprehen-sive programs for treating cancer patients. With the recent purchase of new equipment and plans for expanding the building, the Cancer Center promises even greater options and hope for patients and their families.

Women’s CenterAs health care for women becomes increas-

ingly specialized, Great River is meeting patient needs. In one convenient location, the Women’s Center features a wide range of services, includ-ing classes, diagnostics, treatment, and advanced medical care for women. Obstetric services are characterized by the latest in equipment and monitoring systems, an infant security system, private rooms, and a lactation center. A full range of gynecological care is offered, as well as mammography.

www.kippdelta.org

www.pirates.crsc.k12.ar.us


Additional ServicesOther services offered at Great River include:

Inpatient surgery (same-day/ambulatory surgery)•Labor and delivery•Comprehensive inpatient care•Intensive care•Geropsychiatric unit•Complete radiology services, including CT, •MRI, ultrasound, and echocardiologyNuclear medicine•Full lab services•Physical, occupational, and speech therapies•

sTAyInG FITWhile good weather allows many folks

to enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle in the Blytheville-Gosnell area, exercise and fitness are always readily available and affordable, regard-less of Mother Nature’s behavior.

YMCAThe YMCA, located in the center of the

Arkansas Aeroplex property, is a terrific place for comprehensive exercise. Open from as early as 6 a.m. till late evening, the “Y” features high-tech equipment, together with the standards in treadmills, step tech, and stationary cycling.

And when it’s time to relax, the sauna is there to purify the system and bring peace of mind.

Fitness and Wellness CenterThe Great River Medical Center’s Fitness and

Wellness Center is another option for fitness. A full-service gym available daily for any exercise regimen you might choose, the center also offers cardiac rehabilitation in a monitored environ-ment. The center is staffed all day and con-tinually refines and expands its array of lifestyle

programs and offerings, focused on prevention of and recovery from injury and illness.

GREAT RIvER CHARITABLE CLInICA new addition to the health care mix in

Blytheville is the Great River Charitable Clinic, which opened in 2008. Founded by the local Ministerial Alliance, the clinic provides health care to qualified low-income, non-insured peo-ple of all ages through the services of volunteer physicians, dentists, and pharmacists.

Faithg en ero s i t y, Wo r s h i P, & cA ri n g


the communities of mississippi county are steeped in the tradition of their faith. blytheville’s first resident and namesake, henry t. blythe, was a Methodist circuit rider and a man of

deep religious convictions. faith has been the backbone of these northeastern Arkansas communities as

economies have shifted and their solace as fortunes have ebbed and flowed. And ultimately, it is the fiber

of faith that accounts for one of the community’s primary assets — people who care about each other.



Hometown churches can be found inter-spersed throughout Blytheville and Gosnell neighborhoods. Some of these churches — rep-resenting a wide variety of denominations — are historic, but new congregations continue to evolve, forming new churches that, like the old, are committed to connecting to the community with not only traditional worship services, but also with weekly activities and valuable outreach programs. One Blytheville church, Pathway Ministries, offers a private school setting for stu-dents, beginning with preschool through 12th

grade. Other churches are responsible for some 30 after-school children’s programs and educa-tional programs to help the underprivileged.

The churches of the area play an important role in community development. For example, the Blytheville Ministerial Alliance spearheaded the creation of the Great River Charitable Health Clinic, a facility offering free health and dental care to uninsured, low-income people. The clinic, opened in 2008, draws on area churches for volunteer physicians, nurses, dentists, phar-macists, and staff members.

The strong faith of Delta people has been key to their thriving survival throughout his-tory. No place is that faith more evident than in the families and churches in Blytheville-Gosnell area. Known for its charitable giv-ing, the Blytheville area supports a number of important causes. Well over $100,000 each year is raised in support of the nationally known St. Jude’s. The United Way of Greater Blytheville grants thousands of dollars each year to local organizations, as does the Mississippi County Community Foundation. Other organizations receive tremendous support in their efforts to provide services: First Tee, a national children’s golf/life-skills program; the American Red Cross; the Haven, serving domestic abuse victims; the Humane Society; the Mississippi County Food Pantry; and the Great River Charitable Clinic are only a few charitable organizations that represent the bigheartedness of the community — a clear reflection of core Blytheville values — faith, hope, and charity.

www.higginbothamfamilydental.com

Particularsco M M U n i t y fAc t s & f i g U re s

GEnERAL InFoRmATIonCounty: Mississippi

City of Blytheville 124 W. Walnut Blytheville, AR 72315 870-763-3602

City of Gosnell 201 S. Airbase Highway Gosnell, AR 72315 870-532-8544

City Governments: Blytheville & Gosnell CountyMayor-council form of government (mayor and six-member council)• Quorum court system• Elected county judge • 13 elected justices of the peace



dRIvER’s LICEnsE & LICEnsE PLATEsArkansas State Revenue Department326 N. 6th St. Blytheville, AR 72315 870-762-2321

munICIPAL sERvICEsMunicipal zoning .......................................................... YesPublic library ...................... Yes (Mississippi County Library)Emergency 911 system ................................................ YesRescue squad .............................................................. Yes

Emergency ServicesPolice Department124 W. Walnut St. Blytheville, AR 72315 870-763-4411Police Personnel ........................................................... 64Marked Vehicles ........................................................... 14

Response Time ...............................................2–3 minutes

Fire Department3704 Dakota St. Blytheville, AR 72315 870-532-5006Fire Personnel .............................................................. 35Engines .......................................................................... 9Stations ......................................................................... 3Response Time ................................................... 3 minutes

CLImATE AvERAGEsWinter temperature ....................................................48°FSpring temperature ....................................................70°FSummer temperature ..................................................90°FFall temperature ........................................................72°FAnnual rainfall.................................................... 50 inches

CommERCIAL sERvICEsGeneral waste disposal ................................................ YesSpecial waste disposal .................................................. NoRadio stations ............................................................... 5TV channels ............................................................... 151 Cable ....................................................................... 2DSL/wireless carriers ...................................................ATT ......................................................................... RitterNewspapers ..............................................................DailyBanks ............................................................................ 4 Assets .............................................. ..$1,121,000,000

www.mchsys.org

www.anc.edu

WaterCity supplier ...................................................................... Blytheville Water WorksSource of supply ...........................................................................................WellsNumber of wells ................................................................................................. 4 Pumping capacity ...................................................................6 million gallons/dayStorage capacity ...................................................................16 million gallons/dayPeak consumption ...................................................................5 million gallons/daySurplus capacity .....................................................................2 million gallons/day

Wastewater TreatmentLocal supplier ............................................................................. City of BlythevilleSystem capacity ...................................................................................... 4 millionPeak sewer treatment ........................................................................... 2.2 millionSurplus capacity ................................................................................... 2.3 millionState-certified sewage treatment plants ............................................................... 3

HEALTH FACILITIEsHospitals ........................................................................................................... 1 Beds ........................................................................................................ 168Clinic ...............................................................................................................YesDoctors ............................................................................................................40Dentists ..............................................................................................................8

TRAnsPoRTATIonVehicularHighways serving community ...........................................................................................3 (I-55, Highway 61, Highway 18)Motor freight terminals ...................................................................................................4Local carriers .................................................................................................................9Interstate carriers ................................................................................9Intrastate carriers ................................................................................9Package delivery service .............................................. YesCommercial bus service ................................................ Yes

Travel TimesCity................Highway Miles ......Days by TruckChicago.........................464 ........................................... 1Dallas ...........................502 ........................................... 1Kansas City ...................455 ........................................... 1St. Louis .......................216 ........................................... 1Memphis ........................68 ......................................... 0.5Tulsa ............................451 ........................................... 1New Orleans .................460 ........................................... 1Little Rock ....................188 ........................................ 0.5

WaterwayName of waterway ...................................Mississippi RiverPublic barge ................................................................ YesChannel depth ........................................................12 feetLength of season ............................................... 12 months

RailwayBurlington Northern/Santa Fe (freight) • Daily Switching• Serving local companies and Osceola and Wilson, Arkansas

Regional AirportsBlytheville Municipal AirportLocal .......................................................................... YesCommercial airline ........................................................ NoType of surface ...................................................... AsphaltLength of runway ..................................................5,001 ft.Lighted runway ............................................................ YesFuel available .............................................................. YesCharter service available ............................................... NoCourtesy van available ................................................. YesPrivate storage available .............................................. YesPrivate maintenance available ...................................... Yes

Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport AuthorityLocal .......................................................................... YesCommercial airlines....................................................... NoType of surface .....................................................ConcreteLength of runway ................................................11,600 ft.Lighted runway ............................................................ Yes Fuel available .............................................................. YesCharter service available ............................................... NoCourtesy van available .................................................. NoPrivate storage available .............................................. YesPrivate maintenance available ....................................... No

Commercial AirportsMemphis International Airport Memphis, Tenn. ...............................................70 milesLittle Rock National Airport Little Rock, Ark. .............................................190 milesLambert-St. Louis International Airport St. Louis, Mo. ................................................218 miles

Natural GasSource Gas

ElectricityEntergyMississippi County Electrical

Co-Op

Local TelephoneATT

Cell Phone CarriersATTVerizon

uTILITIEs



Lunsford’sFlower Shop, Inc.

1505 West Main St.Blytheville, AR 72315

(870) 763-7001www.lunsfordsflowers.com

4541 E. State Hwy. 18 • P.O. Box 466 • Blytheville, AR 72315(870) 763-4561 • [email protected] • www.pathwaynow.com

EduCATIon FACILITIEs (BLyTHEvILLE, GosnELL, ARmoREL)BlythevilleType ...........................#..........Teachers ....EnrollmentKIPP School ....................1 .................. 8 ...........................120

Charter school .................1 .................. 6 .............................65

Elementary ......................4 ................ 147 ...................... 1,773

Middle school ..................1 ................. 46 ..........................483

High school .....................1 ................. 69 ..........................797

Community college .........1 ................. 62 ....................... 1,823

ArmorelType ...........................#..........Teachers ....EnrollmentElementary ......................1 ................. 24 ..........................225

Grades 7–12 ...................1 ................. 24 ..........................197

GosnellType ...........................#..........Teachers ....EnrollmentElementary ......................1 ................. 70 ..........................825

Grades 7–12 ...................1 ................. 54 ..........................620

www.lunsfordsflowers.com

www.blythevillefumc.org

www.pathwaynow.com


PleAse sUPPort the AdVertisers Who MAde this PUblicAtion Possible

Index of AdvertisersAccountAnt

Koonce, Simmons & Carraway, PLLC — Page 31510 West Main St.Blytheville, AR [email protected]

Individual, business, and fiduciary income tax return preparation; write-up services; payroll preparation; payroll and sales tax reports.

Adult cAre/Senior living

Elm Croft — Page 141401 E. MoultrieBlytheville, AR 72315870-838-0033fax 870-838-0034www.elmcroftal.com

Heritage Square — Page 9710 N. Ruddle RoadBlytheville, AR 72915870-763-3654fax 870-762-1172

Northeast Arkansas Alzheimer’s Unit• Safe and secure controlled access unit• 24-hour electronically supervised alarm system• Friendly, caring, local, and specially trained staff on duty 24 hours a day• Accommodating Medicad, Medicare, and private insurance

Agriculture

Omnium-Winfield Solutions — Page 13300 W. WalnutBlytheville, AR [email protected]

Agricultural ChemicalsDry Flowable Herbicides and Suspension ConcentrateFungicides • InsecticidesFormulation and Packaging

AntiqueS/giftS

Sisters’ at the CROSSING — Page 12223 W. MainBlytheville, AR 72315870-763-2520fax [email protected]

With 24 years of interior design experience, Pam Blankenship moved to Main Street incorporating antiques and gifts with her design venture. Located in historic downtown Blytheville, the site also offers Southern Grace Tea Room and serves the entire Delta region.

ArtS

The Arts Council of Mississippi County — Page 30306 W. Main St.Blytheville, AR [email protected]

Enhancing the quality of life for citizens of all ages by providing visual arts, theater, music, and dance opportunities.

Automotive - deAlerShip/repAir

Paul Newell’s Collision Center & Auto Rental — Page 43909C East MainBlytheville, AR [email protected]

BeAuty SAlonS

Liz and Company Hair Design — Page 3322 N. 6th St.Plaza Shopping CenterBlytheville, AR 72315870-762-2561

Elizabeth Cato, Designer• Rx Systems Facials• 30 Years Experience

www.tbib.com


churcheS

First United Methodist Church — Page 42701 W. MainBlytheville, AR 72315870-763-3351fax [email protected]

Pathway Ministries — Page 424541 East State Hwy. 18Blytheville, AR 72315870-763-4561fax [email protected]

Pathway Ministries is made up of two separate areas: Pathway Church of God and Pathway Childcare Center. We exist to honor God by connect-ing people, growing believers, and sharing hope.

dentiStry

Dr. T.E. Westbrook Jr. — Page 32507 Hutson St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-5274

Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

Higginbotham Family Dental — Page 383710 East Main St., Suite KBlytheville, AR 72315870-762-1331fax 870-762-0699www.higginbothamfamilydental.com

We offer general and cosmetic services for every-one in your family in a warm and caring environ-ment. Children, emergencies, and new patients are always welcome. We accept all dental insurances.

economic development

Mississippi County Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission, Inc. — Page 221400 N. DivisionBlytheville, AR 72316870-776-1054fax 870-776-1567

Mississippi County Economic Development — Page Inside Back Cover4701 Memorial DriveBlytheville, AR 72315870-532-6084fax [email protected]

educAtion

Arkansas Northeastern College — Page 402501 South DivisionBlytheville, AR 72316870-762-1020www.anc.edu

Blytheville Public Schools — Page 32405 West Park St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-2053fax 870-762-0141www.blythevilleschools.com

Blytheville Public Schools is the largest school dis-trict in Mississippi County. Our 3,000 students are challenged each and every day by one of the most advanced curricula and innovative teaching methods in the state.

Gosnell School District No. 6 — Page 34600 N. State Hwy. 181Gosnell, AR 72315870-532-4000fax 870-532-4002www.pirates.crscK12.ar.us

The Gosnell School District is proud of educating tomorrow’s future leaders by providing a combina-tion of good facilities and strong academic pro-grams. All of this is possible with an experienced and caring staff.

KIPP Delta Public Schools — Page 341007 S. Franklin StreetBlytheville, AR 72315870-780-6333fax [email protected]

KIPP Delta Public Schools empowers students to develop the knowledge, skills, and character traits necessary to pursue a college education and a life of value, joy, and integrity.

electricAl Supply

Electrical & Industrial Supply — Page 30310 S. LockardBlytheville, AR 72316870-762-5600fax [email protected]

Electrical & Industrial Supply provides all types of electrical supplies with over 25 years of experience. As part of Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED) we are proud to support the industry in Blytheville.

employment AgencieS

Temps Plus Staffing — Page 1102 W. WalnutBlytheville, AR 72315870-762-2262fax 870-762-0375plemons@tempsplusstaffing.comwww.tempsplusstaffing.com

equipment rentAl

NES Equipment Rentals — Page 25302 NCR 909Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-2201fax [email protected]

You need reliable equipment and tools to get the job done. That’s why we’ve built our business on providing 100% dependable aerial lift equipment to customers like you.

finAnciAl inStitutionS

Farmers Bank & Trust — Page Outside Back Cover400 W. MainBlytheville, AR 72315870-763-8101fax 870-763-3500farmersbankbly.com

Since 1908, we have been committed to meeting the financial needs of consumers, large and small businesses, and our agricultural markets. We owe our success to the patronage and loyalty of our customers.

Northeast Arkansas Federal Credit Union — Page 28P.O. Box 467Blytheville, AR 72316-0467870-532-5633fax 870-532-5820www.neafcu.org

NEAFCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit, financial cooperative. We have five locations, online bank-ing, mobile banking, and much more! NEAFCU also offers great rates on loans. To learn more, visit www.neafcu.org.


Southern Bancorp Bank — Page 21120 South 2nd St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-763-4443fax 870-762-5312www.banksouthern.com

Southern Bancorp is a Rural Development Bank investing resources in the needs of communitiesin Arkansas and Mississippi … service, solutions, and fiscal integrity reflecting the finest traditionsof community banking.

floriSt

Lunsford’s Flower Shop, Inc. — Page 421505 West Main St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-763-7001lunsfordsflowers@sbcglobal.netwww.lunsfordsflowers.com

government

City of Blytheville — Page 8124 West Walnut StreetBlytheville, AR 72315870-763-3602fax 870-762-0443

City of Gosnell — Page 9201 S. Airbase Hwy.Gosnell, AR 72315870-532-8544fax 870-532-5958

heAlth cAre

Mississippi County Hospital System — Page 40Great River Medical Center1520 North Division St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-838-7300www.mchsys.org

SMC Regional Medical Center611 West Lee Ave.Osceola, AR 72370870-563-7000www.mchsys.org

One Team, One Goal, No Limits

heAting & cooling

D & L Inc — Page 311411 Ash Ext.P.O. Box 628Blytheville, AR 72316870-762-5836www.dlinc.net

Commercial and Industrial Heating and Air Services

hotelS/motelS/Bed-&-BreAkfAStS

Holiday Inn Blytheville — Page 61121 E. Main Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-5800fax 870-763-1326www.holidayinn.com

houSing/retirement living

Westminster Village of the Mid-South — Page 215215 Southside DriveBlytheville, AR 72315870-532-6696 ext. 106800-914-2516fax 870-532-5076www.wmv.org

Westminster Village is a leisurable independent retirement community with charming and spacious three- and four-bedroom homes. Good neighbors make good friends. Many social and recreational activities are available.

inSurAnce

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield — Page 2707 East MathewsJonesboro, AR 72401870-974-5750fax 870-974-5713

Blue Cross and Blue Shield is one of the nation’s leading health care benefits companies, providing innovative health benefit plans, dental, vision, life insurance, behavioral health benefits, and pharmacy benefits management services.

Mike Davis Insurance - Farmers — Page 30 524 N. 6thBlytheville, AR 72316870-762-0333fax [email protected]/mtdavis

United Agencies — Page 16801 W. MoultrieBlytheville, AR 72315870-763-6812fax 870-763-4558riconnel@swbell.netwww.unitedagenciesofblytheville.com

United has provided insurance to Blytheville & the surrounding area for over 100 years. We survived by taking care of our customers. We remain open because of our customers. Stop by or give us a call.

inveStment

Holmes Financial Services, Inc. — Page 301594 S. Division St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-1171fax [email protected]

Diana Holmes provides financial planning for those wanting to achieve their life goals, whether they are college, a house, a comfortable retirement, to leave a legacy, or any other purpose.

mAnufActuring

Air Liquide — Page 84326 N. CR 919P.O. Box 87Armorel, AR 72310870-763-2500fax 670-763-9352www.airliquide.com

JMS Russel Metals Corp — Page 305027 North CR-1015Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-9956

Nibco — Page 174059 East Hwy. 18Blytheville, AR 72315870-763-7044

Providing quality products and service that meet or exceed customer expectations. Since 1963.

Nucor – Nucor Hickman — Page 24–25P.O. Box 30Armorel, AR 72310870-762-2100fax 870-762-2108www.nucor.com

In 2007, Nucor Hickman recycled over 2.8 million tons of scrap metal that would otherwise end up in our landfills or blight our scenic landscape, includ-ing working with local law enforcement to melt down confiscated weapons.

Nucor-Yamato Steel - Hickman — Page 24–25P.O. Box 1228Blytheville, AR 72316870-762-5500fax 870-763-1042www.nucoryamato.com

We have the capacity to produce over 2.5 million tons per year of not only wide-flange beams, but also H-piling, sheet piling, standard I-beams, chan-nels, and various other structural shapes.


Paco Steel and Engineering Corporation — Page 13P.O. Box 267Armorel, AR 72310870-763-6113fax [email protected]

• Moment Frames• Columns• Headers & Joists• Wood Steel Beams

Tenaris Hickman — Page Inside Front CoverP.O. Box 248Armorel, AR 72310870-776-5561fax [email protected]

We are the leading supplier of tubes and related services for the world’s energy industry and other industrial applications.

mortgAgeS

1st American Home Mortgage — Page 3520 Chickasawba St.P.O. Box 551Blytheville, AR [email protected]

When you decide to buy a home or refinance a mortgage, it’s a big step. You can trust us to find the loan program that’s best for you.

petroleum productS

Star Petroleum — Page 224384 State Hwy. East 18Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-1500fax [email protected]

phArmAcy

Rothrock Drug Company — Page 13700 N. 6th St.Blytheville, AR [email protected]

Personalized, quality service. We carry designer fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, gifts. We accept most major Medicare-D plans and insurances.

plAnt mAintenAnce, fABricAtion, And mAchine WorkS

Systems Contracting Corporation — Page 225556 North State Hwy. 137Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-5889fax 870-762-1931www.tsg.bz

plumBing SupplieS

Blytheville Winnelson Company — Page 38601 West AshP.O. Box 1407Blytheville, AR 72316-1407870-763-6462fax [email protected]

reAl eStAte

Century 21 McWaters — Page 6512 ChickasawbaBlytheville, AR 72315870-623-1667www.century21mcwaters.com

Goff Real Estate - Elaine Goff — Page 5317 N. BroadwayBlytheville, AR [email protected]

Specializing in Property Listing and Selling. Serving Blytheville and Mississippi County for over 25 years!Our agents have a combined experience of over 140 years.

reStAurAntS

Bistro Eleven 21 — Page 201121 W. Main St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-1432www.abbyhouseworth.com

Located inside the Holiday Inn in Blytheville, Arkansas. The restaurant is proud to provide a sensational setting of casual elegance with an art deco flare.

Perkins Family Restaurant — Page 351121 E. MainBlytheville, AR 72315870-763-6797

retAil

Burge’s Shoe Center — Page 42312 West MainBlytheville, AR [email protected]

“Shoes For Every Member Of The Family”Nationally Advertised BrandsWe Specialize In Service

Glenda’s Hallmark — Page 30300 West Main StreetBlytheville, AR [email protected]

Hubbard & Hoke Furniture — Page 3401 W MainBlytheville, AR [email protected]

For all your home furnishing needs — furniture, appliances, carpet, electronics — visit Blytheville’s oldest and largest showroom in the historic down-town. You’ll find the name brands you trust, financ-ing, and superior service.

The Learning Stop — Page 32314 W. Main St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-838-1523fax [email protected]

We offer bulletin board sets, borders, design com-puter paper, stickers, Christian decorations, science fair boards, office products, pencils, poster board, bulletin board paper, chart tablets, laminating, book binding. Everyone welcome!

Me & My Sister Merle Norman — Page 14321 W. Main St.Blytheville, AR [email protected]

Cosmetics, shoes, apparel, Brighton jewelry, and handbags, home decor, children’s cloths, baby gifts, and much more make us the only locally owned and operated specialty boutique serving the Greater Blytheville Area.


That Bookstore in Blytheville — Page 43316 W. Main St.Blytheville, AR [email protected]

Our cozy store is full of first-rate reading material. Find ebooks at tbib.com. Author signings, special events, commitment to community, and unsur-passed customer service are what you’ll find here!

Wal-Mart - Store 62 — Page 433700 E. Hwy. 18Blytheville, AR 72315870-763-0440fax 870-762-6661www.walmart.com

retAil - food

Hays Store, Inc. — Page 3200 East Main Street andDay Shopping Center605 West Moultrie StreetBlytheville, AR 72315870-763-1640

Proudly Serving You Since 1935

ServiceS - cuStomer

Mailboxes & Beyond — Page 17103 W. Main St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-763-8381fax 870-763-8382mailboxesandbeyond@sbcglobal.netwww.mymailboxesandbeyond.com

We’re your one stop errand shop!• Packing & Shipping• Printing (Business Cards, Flyers, Banners, Posters, Etc.)• Copy & Fax• Money Center — Check Cashing & Western Union• And Much More!

Sheet metAl

Blytheville Sheet Metal — Page 17300 N. LockardP.O. Box 1631Blytheville, AR 72316870-763-1007fax 870-763-2731

Steel

Skyline Steel, LLC — Page 135896 Hwy. 18 EastArmorel, AR 72310870-762-1000fax [email protected]

A premier steel foundation supplier serving the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and South American markets, Skyline Steel is a wholly owned subsidiary of ArcelorMIttal, the world’s larg-est and most respected steel company.

Steel fABricAtion

Schueck Fabrication Company — Page 133859 North County Road 919Armorel, AR 72310870-762-0655fax 870-762-0749

Schueck Fabrication Company, a division of Lexicon, Inc., started in early 1992 to service the fabrication needs of Nucor Yamato and Nucor Steel. We also fabricate miscellaneous steel. We are headquartered in Little Rock, AR.

tAx prepArAtion

H & R Block — Page 22835 East MainBlytheville, AR 72315870-763-6453fax 870-763-6782www.hrblock.com

• Experienced Tax Professionals• Convenient Location• Year-Round Service• IRS E-File Available• Work Guaranteed

telecommunicAtionS

Mo Ark Communications — Page 122825 S. Division St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-763-9441www.mo-ark.com

Wireless Solutions Since 1954• IP Video/CCTV • GPS & Vehicle Tracking • Public Safety Solutions • Wireless Broadband • Two-Way Radios • Equipment Repair

title ServiceS

Terry Abstract Company — Page 31405 N. BroadwayBlytheville, AR 72315870-762-2381fax [email protected]

Our Services Include:• Abstract Preparation• Closing/Escrow Services• Real Estate Information for Professionals• Title Searches/Services

trAvel ServiceS

Travel Consultants International — Page 13500 Park St.Blytheville, AR 72315870-762-2800fax [email protected]

“Wherever your dreams take you, we can get you there.” We offer great cruise discounts and specialize in Mexico, the Caribbean, and destination weddings. Let us plan your next dream vacation.


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Blytheville, AR 2011 Community Profile and Resource Guide

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