FRIENDS Foundation

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First FRIENDS Foundation Meeting Takes Place

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PRESS RELEASE

183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832

870-584-1124

www.cccua.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12 February 2021

CONTACT: Ben Renfrow, Marketing Coordinator

The first annual FRIENDS Foundation meeting took place on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 11:30 A.M. at the De Queen Herman Dierks Park community building. FRIENDS is a foundation that was established to help Sevier County grow through economic development projects and activities. Twenty-eight people attended the meeting, and five attended via zoom.

The history of FRIENDS and the Sevier County Economic Development department was discussed during the meeting. Membership and funding progress toward the annual budget was also covered. The meeting concluded with the election of the 2021 FRIENDS Foundation Board of Directors.

The FRIENDS Foundation Board of Directors includes President Mike Branson, Vice-President Greg Revels, Secretary/Treasurer Jay Bunyard, Dr. Steve Cole, Jimmy Bristow, Angie Walker, and Ned Hendrix.

Jeff Tollett and Dion Cooper from REA were invited to the meeting as special guests to announce to the foundation members that REA has plans to enter broadband service in our community and answered questions about that process.

The FRIENDS Board of Directors had its first directors’ meeting on Friday, February 12, 2021, at UA Cossatot’s De Queen Campus in the Weyerhaeuser room at 11:30 A.M. At the meeting, they met with a hotel developer to gain insights on hospitality conditions since the pandemic hit. They also discussed leadership training opportunities for our community to consider.

All individuals of Sevier County are encouraged and welcome to join FRIENDS. Membership for the year is granted with any donation of $100 or more. For any questions about the Sevier County FRIENDS

Foundation, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at tmaurer@cccua.edu or 870-584-1184.###

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FRIENDS Foundation Established for Sevier County

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Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer has announced that a foundation has been created to benefit Sevier County. The foundation is called FRIENDS, and it recently became an official 501 (c) (3) with the IRS allowing donors to receive tax credits. This foundation aims for funds to be raised from donations to assist Sevier County and its residents in cultivating and completing economic development projects and activities.

FRIENDS stands for Funding Retention and Increasing Efforts for Notable Economic Development in Sevier County. It was created last year with citizens of Sevier County in mind. Anyone who donates a minimum of $100 automatically becomes a member of the FRIENDS Foundation and funds raised will help Sevier County grow financially while also providing the Sevier County Economic Development department with the opportunity to receive money for business development, training, advertising, and assistance with projects to benefit Sevier County residents. The foundation will look for projects within opportunity zones while keeping site selection, business retention, and training efforts in mind to help with business development.

The annual FRIENDS Foundation meeting for 2021 will take place at the Herman Dierks Park Community Building in De Queen on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Topics to be discussed at the meeting will include future projects, funding progress toward the annual budget, and potential projects to establish the Sevier County Opportunity Zone Investment Fund. Masks will be required, and social distancing will be encouraged.

For questions on becoming a FRIENDS member or to RSVP for the FRIENDS Foundation’s annual meeting, please contact Sevier County Economic Development Director Tiffany Maurer at tmaurer@cccua.edu or 870-584-1184

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