Through the online course Energizing Economic Development, twelve Lincoln community leaders learned the concepts of being pillars of economic development, enhancing business retention and expansion, and economic development strategic planning.

HAMMRC Welcomes New Leadership for 2024

Every focused advocacy group needs strong leadership, and HAMMRC has benefitted from strong, stable leadership since its inception two years ago. As mayor of the first City to join HAMMRC, Mayor Ernie Penn of Farmington grasped the high potential value of medical manufacturing to his community early on and led his City Council to a vote of confidence in late 2021. 

Spotlight on Judge Patrick Deakins and his participation on the 3-year Community Development Institute program. Learn about Existing Business and Industry Support and discover upcoming events, like the HAMMRC Board Meeting,

Read the latest insights on economic development along the AR/OK state line in the HAMMRC October Update. Learn about TRDA's mission to foster business growth in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and how HAMMRC aims to attract medical device manufacturers to the region. Discover upcoming events, like the HAMMRC Board Meeting, and a special grant opportunity aimed at rural and distressed areas.

HAMMRC's goal is to bring medical manufacturers to the Highway 62 corridor. Having success in this endeavor is not possible without a place for the prospective manufacturers to set up an operation.

HAMMRC is proud to have the support and sponsorship of the Washington County Government. Washington County joined HAMMRC as a partner sponsor in October of '22. Judge Joseph Wood was the county judge at the time of joining. Since then, Judge Wood has taken a role in the State's government.

One of the greatest allies of HAMMRC has been Arvest Bank. Arvest has a branch in every town in the HAMMRC corridor. Despite the size of a community's population, their dedication to the region shows they are true partners to the citizens HAMMRC serves.

Mayor Doug Hutchens' leadership resulted in a vote by the Lincoln City Council to join HAMMRC as our sixth member.

American Electric Power/Southwest Electric Power Company became our first investor in 2021. External and State Government Affairs Manager Bradley Hardin, along with Eric Basinger, Economic and Business Development Manager, have provided valuable input to our leadership team on preparation, lead generation, and prospecting.

The Cherokee Nation, represented by Board Member Brian Hail, has been a member since the inception of HAMMRC and has been an invaluable ally in the growth of our partnership.

Nathan Reed of the Tahlequah Regional Development Authority receives his membership plaque from Board Chair Mayor Ernie Penn. Nathan is leading the committee on strategic planning.

Farmington, AR, was the first city to catch the vision and join HAMMRC. Mayor Ernie Penn provided valuable leadership as the Board Chair during his first year and has been reelected to serve another one-year term.

AEDC Incentives Training – Whether you have been working in economic development for a while and could use a refresher course or are new to economic development and want to learn about state incentives and AEDC's business development process, you are invited to join us.

At the January 20th HAMMRC Board Meeting, officers elected for 2023 are Chair Mayor Ernie Penn of Farmington, AR, and Chair Elect Brian Hail of Cherokee Nation.

Newest Member Brings Enthusiasm to HAMMRC Board.

Arvest representative Dax Moreton(above), based in Lincoln, AR, stands near the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line on Highway 62

HAMMRC Team Leader Wayne Mays shares an update with the Board on an agenda item in the November 11th meeting.

HAMMRC Board of Directors welcomes Washington County AR Government as our newest investor and details about our first Annual Board Meeting

HAMMRC is designed to help further Northwest AR and Northeast OK as a top 20 medical destination in the United States. This region is abundant in resources — from nationally recognized hospitals and medical schools to research facilities