New economic development project manager for West Memphis
New economic development project manager for West Memphis
Darby tapped for position to focus on jobs
news@theeveningtimes.com
West Memphis Economic Development Director Phillip Sorrell introduced the department’s new Project Manager Mallory Darby to City Council last Thursday. Darby will work with Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) requests and develop employment by working to recruit and retain jobs in West Memphis.
Sorrell outlined her qualifications in a city council work session prior to the last city council meeting of February. Darby, a Mississippi State graduate with a bachelors degree in marketing and management, had worked since graduation as Director of Research in the three metropolitan area development district called the Golden Triangle Development LINK in Mississippi. Starkville, Columbus, and West Point frame the Golden Triangle.
Darby assisted on major projects recruiting Yokohama to West Point, assisted in Steel Dynamics paint line expansion in Columbus and certifying a 1,200 acre Infinity Megasite.
“She comes to us from a very successful economic development district in Mississippi,” said Sorrell.
“She will complete requests for information with Arkansas Development Commission.”
The AEDC issues requests for information (RFI) when
Hail to the Chief
The Big River Crossing was decked out in red, white and blue in a Presidents Day lighting tribute.
Photo courtesy of BRX site location consultants express an interest in locating a business or industry in the State.
“She has a background there and in market research, working with labor statistics for these RFI’s,” said Sorrell. These are extensive packages and we get at least two of these a month through the State.”
Sorrell zoomed in on Darby’s four year work experience in retaining jobs and developing jobs in the Golden Triangle. Working to expand the paint line at steel dynamics served to demonstrate her abilities.
“She has experience in an area that doesn’t always get attention when we think about economic development, business retention, working with existing businesses,” said Sorrell, ”helping them to retain existing jobs and helping them to grow.”
A December 60 Minutes piece documented development in the Golden Triangle which increased by 10,000 jobs in the last 10 years. Sorrell said Darby would help with “outside the box ideas.”
“She worked with Joe Max Higgins in that area in a very, very successful program,” said Sorrell. “She brings fresh ideas to the city in marketing and market research and experience working with site recruiters.”
Darby is no stranger to Arkansas, after 8 years near Starkville, she told city councilors that she haled originally from Mississippi County.
“This is home for me,” said Darby. “I’m learning about West Memphis. I am excited to join y’all.”
By John Rech
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