Garland County Economic Development Corporation (GCEDC) is pleased to announce the addition of Kay Brockwell to the economic development staff. Brockwell will function in the newly created position, Director of Business Retention and Recruitment for Garland County Economic Development Corporation.

“Kay has been a respected, outstanding leader in economic development to not only Eastern Arkansas, but the entire State and the Garland County Metro area is lucky to have an additional source who will bring knowledge and professionalism to our already strong economic development strategy,” said Dave Byerly, CEO and President of the Garland County Economic Development Corporation.

Brockwell is a 12-year veteran in economic development, leading Marion, Ark. in the development of Arkansas’ first certified mega-site and successfully recruiting Hino Motors Manufacturing USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Toyota and one of the largest commercial truck manufacturers in Japan. In Marion, Ark., Hino employs 500 and produces automotive parts for the Toyota’s Tundra and Sequoia.

“GCEDC has been diligently working toward the creation of this position for several years. In 2007 we were finally able to develop a sound strategy that would allow the position to be realized in 2009,” said Byerly. “The board and I are pleased with how the plan has come to fruition.”

Local business retention and expansion is the cornerstone of any economic development program, which will be Brockwell’s focus, according to Byerly. The primary functions of the Director of Business Retention and Recruitment are to accomplish a proactive existing business retention and expansion program and to generate and nurture job creation prospects for the Greater Hot Springs Metro area.
Byerly states that he has desired to create a position largely dedicated to the local business and expansion need since his 2005 arrival.
“One of the things I have been tasked with is developing a business retention and support program for existing industry,” said Brockwell. “I feel strongly that the existing business have to be taken care of first and foremost.”

In addition to local business assistance, Brockwell will also implement and direct the GCEDC’s job recruitment strategy. This will include managing the community’s local asset inventory, as well as responding to the needs of businesses and site consultants who are looking for future site locations.

“I participated in the interview and selection process for the Director of Business Retention and Recruitment and all of the candidates were strong. There was an excellent field of high quality candidates that expressed interest in this opportunity. Ms. Brockwell’s credentials and experience are very impressive. Her extensive expertise and success in Eastern Arkansas made her a perfect match. We feel very fortunate to have her on board and look forward to her addition to this community,” said Mike Ferguson, current GCEDC chairman.

Brockwell is native to Eastern Arkansas and a graduate of Memphis State University with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. While in Marion, Ark. her economic development program led to the creation of more than 1,000 new jobs and approximately $300 million in capital investment. Brockwell currently serves as the president of the Arkansas Economic Developers Association. She also serves on the board of the Memphis Regional Economic Development Council, Metro Economic Development Forum and a ten-county regional economic development coalition, named the Crossroads Coalition, where she serves as a past chairwoman. She is a former board member to the Mid-South Community College Foundation and currently sits on the board of the Southern Economic Development Council.

“There are very few places I would have left Marion for and Hot Springs is one of them. I have visited several times as a tourist and a conventioneer. Hot Springs has a great atmosphere and I am looking forward to calling it home,” said Brockwell, who will begin her new position with GCEDC in mid-May.

According to Byerly, with the position now filled, economic development efforts in the community will be able to expand.

“I am looking forward to having the program take the next step forward for the community’ behalf. We remain attentive and committed to preserving and growing local jobs in our community. This is an important step toward that ongoing commitment,” said Byerly.

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