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Introduction
The Pine Bluff and Jefferson County area offers excellent economic and industrial development opportunities. Because of our central U.S. location, excellent multi-modal transportation system, pro-business climate, and moderate cost of living, more than 70 diverse manufacturing industries call Pine Bluff home.
The last ten years' record boasts capital investments of $1.3 billion, and creation of over 1,000 jobs. The Alliance is committed to working with clients to insure a successful venture for both the company and for Pine Bluff.
Clients
Clients of The Alliance generally are identified in one of the following groups:
- Industrial, business, professional, institutional or civic enterprises established in Jefferson County or its environs.
- Companies allied to existing business or industry in the Pine Bluff area, seeking to broaden a customer base or to develop new or expanded production and/or distribution capabilities.
- Entrepreneurs desiring to form an entirely new venture for the supply of goods or services; or
- Enterprises located in other communities, states or nations that would profit from a location in the Pine Bluff area.
Regardless of category, The Alliance staff protects the confidentiality of all client inquiries and communications.
Services
The Alliance provides a wide range of services, some of which are outlined below. The list provided here is not exhaustive but is intended to suggest a range of services available. Requests for additional services are welcomed and will be met within the limits of legal, human and fiscal limitations.
Information
The Alliance strives to be a one-stop information center for all clients. The staff regularly conducts research in order to maintain current, factual information, which will be of value to all clients. Special research projects may be undertaken to respond to client requests for additional data. Among the resources immediately available are:
- Staff Consultation. The professional staff of The Alliance is available to meet with clients upon request. The staff is well versed in identifying information resources required by most clients and may be able to provide guidance necessary to obtain the specific data required.
- Publications. The Alliance publishes the following for client use:
- Analysis of Available Labor
From time to time, The Alliance publishes the results of labor surveys or an analysis of characteristics of those applying for pre-employment training programs. Upon request, special analyses of current labor availability may be possible.
- Directory of Manufacturers
Updated throughout the year, this directory provides listings of manufacturing concerns in the Pine Bluff area both alphabetically and by North American Industry Classification System numbers indicating the type of goods a firm manufactures or processes.
- Pine Bluff Resources
A comprehensive presentation of statistical data and factual information relating to the community, financial, human and physical resources of Pine Bluff, this publication addresses those questions most often posed by clients. This presentation is subject to continual revision as new data are obtained.
Facilities
Many clients are seeking facilities in the Pine Bluff area for initial location or for expansion. The Alliance staff is prepared to assist in the selection process in order to assure that client needs are met as fully and economically as possible.
- Buildings. A registry is maintained of existing buildings within the service area that are available for lease or for sale. Detailed data for most of these buildings are available for immediate review. Additional research will be conducted if necessary. Appointments may be arranged through The Alliance for personal inspection of the properties without revealing company or personal identity. Building data can be reviewed at www.jeffersoncountyalliance.com
- Sites. The Alliance represents two of Arkansas' premier industrial neighborhoods: The Harbor Industrial District and Jefferson Industrial Park. In addition, files are maintained on other commercial/industrial properties available throughout the area. When appropriate, The Alliance may secure an assignable option for a selected site in order to protect the confidentiality of the client company's interest until all arrangements have been completed for the new location.
Finance
The Alliance does not have capital resources available to handle business and industrial finance. However, the staff does maintain an extensive liaison network with potential grant-making entities, investors, commercial lenders, investment bankers, revenue bond counselors and underwriters, venture capitalists, and other sources of industrial finance. The staff is available to meet and work in confidence with clients.
Pine Bluff Briefing Center
An attractive and functional briefing center has been developed at The Alliance offices. A conference area, with seating for up to 50, and audio-visual equipment are available. Smaller meeting facilities and guest offices have also been developed. With advanced scheduling, these facilities may be utilized for general or confidential meetings.
Business Forums
The staff constantly monitors changing regulatory requirements and proposed legislative actions that may affect its clients. When circumstances warrant, The Alliance sponsors forums to bring pertinent, factual information to area employers.
Leadership Liaison
Community and economic development is vitally important to all of the people of the Pine Bluff and their leaders. The creation of employment opportunity is the top priority for our region and state. That keen interest and deep commitment allows the staff of The Alliance to provide an effective interface between clients and the top leadership, both public and private, of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, the State of Arkansas.
Excellent relationships are maintained with public agencies at all levels and with the Arkansas congressional and legislative delegations. When appropriate, appointments or introductions can be made to assist in meeting client needs.
Media Relations
The Alliance enjoys an excellent relationship with the print and electronic news media of the area. The staff is available to assist clients in media relations by making arrangements for press conferences or the release of news items.
The staff may also be helpful in planning and making arrangements for clients' special events, such as annual meetings, awards ceremonies, visits by dignitaries, community orientations or other projects. Such activities may be coordinated with advertising/public relations counsel or key members of internal staff.
Ombudsmanship
As a tax-exempt non-profit corporation, The Alliance is also non-partisan and does not engage in political activity of any sort. However, in the interest of assisting its clients, The Alliance may undertake educational efforts in order to make legislators and/or governmental personnel at all levels aware of factual information. When appropriate, members of The Alliance staff may also intercede with governmental agencies on behalf of client companies.
Personnel Recruiting/Retention
Marketing materials produced by The Alliance for the attraction of new business and industry to the community are often useful to area employers for both personnel recruiting and retention. Where appropriate, the staff or The Chamber's Community Marketing Committee may be of assistance in community orientation efforts for prospective employees.
Tax Incentives
State tax incentive information is maintained in Alliance files. The staff is available to meet with clients to review those incentives and to assist in obtaining maximum benefits afforded by law.
Training
As technology advances and the industrial workplace becomes more complex, there is a growing requirement for both training and re-training of the labor force. The Alliance identifies resources and monitors programs that are available in both the public and private sectors. The staff is available to discuss the alternative ways and means of meeting the demand for industrial training.
Transportation
Transportation is the vital link between manufacturing or distribution facilities and their suppliers and customers. The cost and efficiency of transportation has a direct impact on operating profits.
To assist its clients, The Alliance can arrange access to highly skilled professional transportation consultants. The consultants are fully familiar with local capabilities. Their analysis of transportation requirements and the most advantageous method of meeting those needs is often beneficial to area firms.
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