Wynne Economic Development has received funding from the Arkansas Community Foundation to assist with debris cleanup following the March 31 tornado.
WEDC will use the $15,000 grant to acquire dumpsters to help with the cleanup downtown and in other areas around town.
WEDC board members also approved nearly $22,500 in renovations to the Bill Thomas Tech Center. Those renovations include repairs to the building that was used as a temporary high school campus following the tornado; and a remodel of the WEDC and chamber office. It was noted the building has not been significantly updated in 20 years, and it is time for a facelift.
Board members also approved a request from Hicks Brothers Welding of up to $137,000 for the purchase of new machinery. The agreement includes a clawback stating the WEDC will hold the machinery for a certain period. Hicks Brothers will also have to keep the four jobs they plan to hire in place for a certain period. The company also has to have the requested machinery re-quoted.
In other news, WEDC will receive up to three presentations from firms at its meeting this month concerning re-branding; and will host a lunch-and-learn alongside the Arkansas Economic Development Commission on Nov. 28 on community readiness.
