Economic Development

The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) was created in 2002 by a vote of the citizens of Newport and it is those citizens that we work for each day. The Strategic Plan of the NEDC includes job-creation incentives to new and existing manufacturers, investing in infrastructure improvements to benefit business development, offering the ever popular ReNewport Grants to retail businesses and much more. Retail sales in Newport continue to grow at a rate that exceeds both the national and state average. If you are looking for a new business home or just a great community in which to live, we’d love to visit with you about why we think Newport would be the perfect place!


Want to start a business in Newport, Arkansas? Check out our Newport Business Starter Kit to get you started on the right track!

Message from the Director

Jon Chadwell, Executive Director

Jon Chadwell

Executive Director

Email


Welcome and thank you for visiting the homepage of the Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC). The NEDC serves as the lead economic development contact in Newport and the primary source for information regarding the pro-business environment you will find here. We are committed to working closely with the existing business community as well as those contemplating new investment and/or relocation to Newport and Jackson County.


A little bit about us…located on the banks of the White River, Newport is strategically located in north central Arkansas approximately 100 miles northwest of Memphis, TN, 410 miles northeast of Dallas, TX, and 275 miles south of St. Louis, MO. Also, Newport is located only 96 miles from the state’s Capitol and economic center, Little Rock, via U.S. 67, which is a four-lane controlled access highway. In addition to its location and pro-business environment, you will find that Newport is a community that affords a quality of life second to none.


Abundant and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, advanced educational and training opportunities through Arkansas State University-Newport, strong public schools, and impressive health care facilities are just some of the things that make Newport a great place to live.


Again, thank you for browsing the NEDC homepage. If you have questions or desire more information, please contact us. We look forward to the opportunity to visit with you personally.

Tech Depot and DTech Park

Newport’s Tech Depot and Downtown Technology Park are innovative strategies developed out of a collaboration between the Newport Economic Development Commission, the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences, and ASU-Newport. An $3.1 million state-of-the-art IT training facility is being constructed in downtown Newport to house Tech Depot through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

 

The goal of Tech Depot is to provide quality Information Technology apprenticeship training for companies in northeast Arkansas and to create a world-class workforce to attract new technology companies. Until the new facility is ready, Tech Depot is housed in the historic Iron Mountain Railroad Depot.

 

DTech Park is built around the backbone of Ritter Communications fiber service in downtown Newport that can provide any speed required for IT companies. The combination of robust infrastructure and world-class IT training makes DTech Park and Tech Depot the perfect place for your IT business or to train your IT workforce.

Learn More

Economic Development Commission

The members of the Newport Economic Development Commission are appointed to five year terms by the Mayor and the City Council. The Commission guides the uses and expenditures of the 1/2% economic development sales tax collected in the city limits of Newport. The Commissioners welcome input and ideas from the citizens of Newport and all Commission meetings are open to the public. The Commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 am at the Newport Business Resource Center, 209 Hazel Street, Newport, AR 72112.


Newport Economic Development Commission:

Chair – Dean Sides, (870) 523-2792,  Email

Vice-Chair – Jim Gowen, Sr., (870) 523-3601,  Email

Treasurer – Mike Turner, (870) 523-3490,  Email

Commissioner – Scott Foushee, (870) 579-2268,  Email

Commissioner – Benjy Harris, (870) 523-5559,  Email

Commissioner – Tommy Okada, (870) 523-3693, Email

Commissioner – Nyesha Greer, (870) 217-9074,  Email

Commissioner – Dr. Johnny Moore, (870) 512-7841,  Email

Commissioner – Lee Scoggins, (870) 523-8767,  Email

Executive Director – Jon Chadwell, (870) 523-1009,  Email

Director of Chamber Affairs – Julie Allen, (870) 523-3618, Email

Assistant Director of Finance & Business Services – Crystal Fulmer, (870) 523-3618, Email

Director of Downtown and Workforce Development – Christel Taylor, (870) 523-1009, Email

Start A Business - How to Start Your Small Business in Newport, Arkansas

Communities Unlimited, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce and the Newport Economic Development Commission have been working with a group of local volunteers to design the ultimate guide to helping you start your own business right here in Newport. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of assessing, setting up and eventually operating your business. Complete with local resources and contact numbers, the Business Start Up Kit, is the best tool you can use to build a solid plan for starting and marketing your business.


To download a Word version of the kit simply click Newport Business Starter Kit.


If you have questions about any part of the kit or about starting a business in Newport, Arkansas, please feel free to call the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce at (870) 523-3618 or the Newport Economic Development Commission at (870) 523-1009.

Agendas & Minutes

The Newport Economic Development Commission is pleased to make the Agendas and Minutes of the Commission meetings available to the public. Select the date of the meeting below to see the agendas or minutes for that particular meeting.

Agendas

Minutes

Incentives

The Newport Economic Development Commission, along with other groups in the community, offers incentives to encourage business development in Newport and Jackson County. The links below will provide information on our major incentive programs, however, the Commission may award additional incentives at its discretion so feel free to contact us at (870) 523-1009 or director@newportaredc.org for more information.

  • ReNewport Grant

    The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) offers the ReNewport Grant program.  The NEDC has created a funding pool of $25,000 to be dedicated to help small businesses in the city limits of Newport make needed improvements to the exterior of their buildings, to their parking lots or grounds.  The goals of the grant are to assist small businesses in making capital improvements to their buildings, to make businesses in Newport more competitive by helping improve their access and signage and to assist in the beautification of the community.


    The grant will be a 50% matching grant, meaning that the business owner or the building owner will pay half of the cost of the improvements and the NEDC will award the business a grant for the other half of the cost.  The maximum grant amount will be $2,500, allowing businesses to receive 50% of up to a $5,000 project.  The grant can be used for any exterior renovations to a building or property that houses an active business or that will house an active business within 30 days of completion of the project.


    Grants will be awarded on a first qualified application first funded basis with applications being accepted starting January 15.  If you would like a grant application and a set of grant guidelines, please contact the Newport Economic Development Commission.  Applications must be turned in to the Newport Economic Development Commission, 201 Hazel Street, Newport, AR 72112.  They can be mailed, delivered in person, faxed to (870) 523-1055 or emailed to director@newportaredc.org.  The NEDC will continue to accept applications until businesses have used the pool of funds allocated for the year.

  • Local Job Creation Incentives

    The Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) offers incentives based on job creation to qualifying manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and non-locally competitive business.   Incentive funds are in the form of a forgivable loan that can be repaid through the creation of jobs or cash payment at the end of the agreement period.  The amount of incentive is based on a per job calculation that varies according to average wage, corporate investment, length of the contract and other factors.  Incentives are given solely at the discretion of the NEDC and require a vote of the Commission to be approved.


    To inquire about incentives for your business contact the Newport Economic Development Commission for more information.  Applications for incentives include a narrative of the project, a business plan, business and personal financial documents and tax returns for existing businesses.  All information given to the Newport Economic Development Commission is considered confidential.

Meeting / Event Facilities

Statistics & Demographics

The following resources have been provided for your convenience. Please note that the information is all maintained by third party sites.


2010 Census Data


2000 Census Data

 

1990 Census Data


Labor Statistics

 

Census State Data Center

Real Estate

The Newport Economic Development Commission and the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce maintain a listing of available commercial, industrial and office space in Newport. We are not a real estate company, but we can put you in contact with the owner or the realtor representing a piece of property. If you would like to choose a real estate agency to represent you as you obtain property in Jackson County you can select from among the following real estate agencies in Newport.


Real Estate Companies

  • Commercial

    A number of good commercial development sites are available for development in Newport.  Feel free to call the Newport Economic Development Commission at (870) 523-1009 or email us at director@newportaredc.org for a full listing of available properties or contact the companies below that have multiple commercial sites.


    Bratcher Real Estate and Insurance (870) 523-5100,  Website


    Grady Auctions & Realty (870) 523-5229, Website


    Holden Conner Realty (870) 523-6576


    Honey Realty & Insurance (870) 523-8878, Website


    John Minor Crop Insurance & Real Estate (870) 523-8900, Website

  • Industrial

    The Newport Economic Development Commission has industrial property that is available for incentivized prices to encourage industrial development.  The price of the land can be reduced based on the amount of private investment a company is making and the number of employees they anticipate hiring.  Feel free to call (870) 523-1009 or email us at director@newportaredc.org for more information.


    For a complete listing of land available in Jackson County

    click here


    For a complete listing of buildings available in Jackson County

    click here

  • Office

    Office space is available in the city limits of Newport.  Feel free to call the Newport Economic Development Commission at (870) 523-1009 or email us at director@newportaredc.org for a full listing of available properties.

Transportation

  • Highways

    Newport and Jackson County are served with outstanding connections to the state and national highway system.  Future Interstate 57 (US Highway 67) connects Newport I-30, I-40 and I-55.  Eleven different state highways connect the county to the state highway system.

  • Railroad Service

    Union Pacific System Ð Main Line


    Days transit time to:

    Chicago - 3 Days

    Dallas - 3 Days

    Kansas City - 3 Days

    Los Angeles - 10 Days

    St. Louis - 2 Days

  • Motor Freight Carriers

    Newport is served by several motor freight carriers, including:

    Bailey Trucking – (870) 523-6667

    Federal Express Freight – (800) 343-3352

    ABF Freight – (870) 935-3611

    R&L Carriers – (501) 945-4277

    SAIA Trucking – (870) 935-1332

    United Parcel Service – (800) 742-5877

    Yellow Transportation – (870) 930-9839

  • Waterways

    The White River Regional Port Authority is developing a port on the banks of the White River in Newport, Arkansas.  Currently the port is looking for a partner to assist in the development and operation of the port.  Interested parties should contact Jon Chadwell: 201 Hazel Street, Newport, AR 72112

    (870) 523-1009, Email


    The Osceola Port is 85 miles from Newport; it is the closest general purpose river terminal. It also has a rice grain terminal. The port is within 5 miles of I-55, and 46 miles from I-40. The Osceola Port has increased the speed to unload rice and grain. There has been an improvement to the roads that go to the facility. Three new scales have been added to weigh trucks. $2,000,000 is planned for improvements in the next year and a half.


    Contact: Jeff Worsham

    1923 E County Road 718

    Osceola, AR 72370

    Phone: (870) 622-0204

    Fax: (870) 563-5290

  • Airport Facilities

    Newport Municipal Airport


    Longest Runway: 5002 ft. paved surface, lighted runway, high density approach, and fuel is available.


    Commercial Air Carriers:

    There are no Commercial Air Carriers in Newport


    Jonesboro Municipal Airport


    Carrier:

    Air Choice One


    The Jonesboro Municipal Airport is located 42 miles East North East of Newport.


    Little Rock International Airport

    American

    Continental

    Delta

    Southwest

    Northwest

    USAirways

    ComAir

    Skyway Airlines

    TWA

    United Express


    Little Rock is located 94.9 miles Southwest of Newport and is a full-service airport.


    Memphis International Airport

    AirTran

    American

    Continental

    Delta

    United

    US Airways

    Federal Express

    America West

    KLM

    North West

    UPS


    Memphis International Airport is located 101.3 miles South East of Newport and is a full-service Airport.

Other Economic Development Organizations

A number of private for-profit and non-profit groups work together with the Newport Economic Development Commission to grow and improve Newport and Jackson County. These groups provide a range of development opportunities for the county.

  • Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort (D.R.I.V.E.)

    D.R.I.V.E. is a non-profit dedicated to the revitalization and improvement of the 14-block downtown improvement district designated by the City of Newport.  The full name of the organization is the Downtown Revitalization and Improvement Volunteer Effort.  Working with multiple partners, DRIVE coordinates efforts to stimulate growth in the historic downtown area.  Downtown Newport is now a member of the Arkansas Downtown Network.


    DRIVE has worked on a number of projects including:

    • Downtown Sidewalk and Lighting Transportation Enhancement Grant
    • Front Street Entertainment Park
    • Jackson County Veterans Memorial
    • Monster Nights Downtown Entertainment Series
    • Depot Days Festival
    • Delta Arts Festival
    • And business growth

    DRIVE’s current project is to transform the former Hutchins furniture building into the Jane Parnell Performance Hall and the Rock N Roll Highway Museum.  If you would like to be part of this project, please contact D.R.I.V.E. at (870) 523-3618.

  • Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation

    The Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation is a private economic development group dedicated to economic development projects in Jackson County. JCIDC most often partners with other local economic development groups on cooperative projects. Projects in recent years have included the following:


    * Downtown Sidewalk Project

    * Commerce Boulevard Project

    * D.R.I.V.E. Property Acquisition Project

    * Jackson County Road and Rail Spur Project

    * Rice Road Paving


    For more information contact the Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation, Jim Gowen, Sr., P.O. Box 650, Newport, AR 72112, (870) 523-3601

  • Moving Jackson County Forward

    Moving Jackson County Forward is a private for-profit economic development group dedicated to economic development projects that benefit Newport and Jackson County. Moving Jackson County Forward is composed of members who contribute $500 per year and the board is made of of the members present at any regular meeting. The membership regularly chooses projects to implement that are outside the scope of the other local groups. Projects in recent years have included the following:


    * Extension of the Economic Development Sales Tax

    * Commerce Boulevard Project

    * Branch Outreach Center

    * Bringing Ag Tech Programs back to the local high school.


    For more information contact Moving Jackson County Forward, Richard Carraway, 117 Walnut, Newport, AR 72112, (870) 523-8934

  • Newport Industrial Development Association

    The Newport Industrial Development Association is a private economic development group dedicated to economic development projects in Newport. The Association most often partners with other local economic development groups on cooperative projects. Projects in recent years have included the following:


    * Downtown Sidewalk Project

    * Commerce Boulevard Project

    * D.R.I.V.E. Property Acquisition Project

    * Jackson County Road and Rail Spur Project

    * Rice Road Paving 


    For more information contact the Newport Industrial Development Association, Edward Boyce, 515 2nd Street, Newport, AR 72112, 

    (870) 523-5242

  • Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board

    The Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board is a public-private economic development group with the authority to authorize bonds for economic development projects in Jackson County. The Bond Board also maintains a number of available industrial sites and properties, which it allows the Newport Economic Development Commission to use for the recruitment of new industries or the expansion of existing industries.


    For more information contact the Newport-Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board, Terry Dillon, 1100 Nancy Street, Newport, AR 72112,  (870) 217-1764

Economic Development Links

  • Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)

    AEDC leads statewide economic development, create targeted strategies which produce better paying jobs, promote communities, and support the training and growth of a 21st century skilled workforce.

    Learn More >

  • Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA)

    Responding to the changing needs of Arkansas’ growing and increasingly diverse population and business community since 1985. ADFA is Arkansas’ largest source of low-cost financing for low-to-moderate income housing development, small industries, government, education, agricultural business enterprise & health care.

    Learn More >

  • Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas

    The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas are private, non-profit corporations that are totally funded by dues from our members. Each organization has its own officers and its own directors, but both share headquarters and a professional staff in Little Rock.


    The State Chamber formed in 1928 to advocate for the business community in the state. The Associated Industries of Arkansas was founded as a separate but sister organization, and the two groups work together to continually enhance the economic climate in Arkansas.


    Learn More >

  • Entergy’s Office of Business Development

    Arkansas’ Business Development team offers resources that are vital to the search for a new business location or expansion — buildings and sites, workforce options, business intelligence, innovative incentives and quality of life. Services include Site Selection and Project Management Services, Research and Engineering Services, Large Project Services and Contract Services. Entergy’s team works along with an extensive network of government agencies, business and communities to help companies find the properties to best meet their needs.


    Learn More >

  • Arkansas Electric Cooperatives

    The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are committed to matching your company with the right location. We serve approximately 490,000 homes, farms, businesses and industries in Arkansas, encompassing more than 60 percent of the state’s land area.


    The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas play an active role in the community and economic development of our state. By maintaining a low cost and abundant power supply backed by an active infrastructure enhancement and business recruitment program, the cooperatives plan to keep Arkansas a vital, powerful economic opportunity for your company.


    Learn More >

  • Delta Center for Economic Development

    The Arkansas State University College of Business is the home of the Delta Center for Economic Development. The Center will coordinate the economic development outreach services of the university and provide a coordinated and comprehensive approach to serving the businesses, governments and citizens of the Arkansas Delta. The opportunity to create the new center came when a $1,000,000 grant from the Economic Development of Arkansas Fund Commission was received. The Center has the task of bringing all current outreach services under one roof and adding new services that are appropriate for the Arkansas Delta.


    Learn More >

  • Arkansas Economic Development Institute

    Located in the New Donald W. Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development Building, the UALR IEA is a part of the UALR College of Business. It is comprised of a unique collection of professional expertise divided into three basic functions: data, research and training.


    In a single location, the Institute provides specialized services which support the economic advancement of Arkansas and are available to businesses, governmental units, labor organizations, communities, and private individuals throughout the state.


    In particular, the Institute is dedicated to supporting the economic development community by serving as a source of sound and credible research and training. Covering a broad range of issues, the Institute assists as a catalyst for the University’s contribution to providing effective state economic development strategies and increased vitality in business and industry.


    Learn More >

  • Arkansas World Trade Center

    The mission of the Arkansas World Trade Center is to connect Arkansas to the world by providing international trade services to companies and individuals and by educating students in global commerce.


    The ARWTC brings together businesses and governmental agencies involved in foreign trade to further the economic outlook for the state as a whole and encourage stability, peace and world trade development on the global level. This is very good news for Arkansas.


    The ARWTC is a part of the World Trade Centers Association comprised of over 300 World Trade Centers in over 90 countries, representing over 1,000,000 companies worldwide.


    Learn More >

  • Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives

    Arkansas Economic Developers (AED) is an association of professional and volunteer economic developers in the state of Arkansas. It was organized in late 1976 with a constitution and by-laws formally adopted on September 27, 1977.


    According to its constitution, it is organized for the purpose of advancing, through professional and educational efforts, the quality of life in Arkansas by the development of employment opportunities through economic growth and community development. Article III of the constitution states that any reputable person engaged in activities directed toward the economic and community development of Arkansas shall be eligible for membership in AED when elected in accordance with provisions set forth in the by-laws.


    Learn More >

  • International Economic Development Council

    The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to helping economic developers do their job more effectively and raising the profile of the profession. When we succeed, our members create more high-quality jobs, develop more vibrant communities, and generally improve the quality of life in their regions.


    Learn More >

  • Southern Economic Development Council

    Tracing our roots to the fall of 1946, the Southern Economic Development Council is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America. We have members in 17 states in the American South, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.


    SEDC is a non-profit, 501 (c)(6), membership organization governed by a Board of Directors and Executive Committee. One director is elected by each member state to serve with elected officers on the Board of Directors. Our office is located in Atlanta and managed by a professional staff.


    Learn More >

Contact Us

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Newport Economic Development Commission

209 Hazel Street

Newport, AR 72112

Phone: (870) 523-1009


© 2025 

Newport Economic Development Commission. All Rights Reserved.