[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 106 (Thursday, July 9, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               RECOGNIZING THE NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COUNCIL

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I want to recognize the hard work, 
dedication, and achievements of the Northwest Arkansas Council, which 
is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This organization helped transform 
Northwest Arkansas into an economic powerhouse. In 1990, business and 
community leaders created a cooperative regional business foundation 
with a focus on what is best for the region. Now, 25 years later, the 
council has strengthened partnerships and achieved many successes.
  Early on, the council recognized the importance of expanding the 
region's infrastructure. It planted the seeds for development by 
pursuing the construction of a new regional airport, an interstate to 
connect western Arkansas, and a massive 2-ton water system to serve 
Benton and Washington Counties.
  These priorities laid the foundation for the expansive growth and 
development of the region. Northwest Arkansas continues to flourish 
under the council's encouragement and vision. By focusing on the future 
and on mutually beneficial goals, the council is a leader in 
visualizing and promoting investments that meet the needs of citizens 
and local businesses. In recent years, the council's goals have 
expanded toward growing the region's workforce, including increasing 
the number of high school and college graduates and attracting top 
talent.
  This unique partnership encourages communities throughout the region 
to think about long-term goals and creates a strategic plan to 
accomplish them. What is impressive is that the council consistently 
achieves most of its goals, often ahead of schedule.
  The council is a model for success. Economic development regions 
across Arkansas and throughout the country use the council as a model, 
with hopes of achieving similar success. The council has demonstrated 
the value of cooperation and collaboration, as well as the importance 
of keeping attention focused on common ground and shared interests.
  I congratulate the Northwest Arkansas Council on its 25-year 
commitment to growth and development and for continuing to make the 
region better through infrastructure improvements, workforce 
development, and regional stewardship. I look forward to continuing to 
work with the Northwest Arkansas Council and seeing its future 
achievements.

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