Steel, workforce development to play huge role in area’s future

Major growth will be a boon to all of Northeast Arkansas residents

By Michael Wilkey

Paxton Mefia Group

JONESBORO – The area that once were cotton and soybean fields in Mississippi County has been part of a new industrial revolution, bringing nearly $10 billion in investments in the past 20 years, officials said Thursday as a new event highlighted the industry and others like it.

The Neil Griffin College of Business at A-State hosted the first A-State Catalyst event at the Embassy Suites, Red Wolf Convention Center. Officials said nearly 600 people attended the event, which looked at steel and workforce development; connections and mentorship; healthcare and workforce development; and mental health, wellness and leadership.

A-State Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields said the event was modeled after work done by the Northwest Arkansas Council. The group is made up of business, community and educational leaders in Northwest Arkansas.

Shields said the group has worked together to make sure things are moving in the right direction, with officials always asking what everyone is doing right and what can be worked on to create a better region.

Big Steel

Several people, who participated in a panel discussion Thursday on the steel industry, said the industry is in a constant state of change.

In addition to Dr. Shields, the audience heard from Dan Brown, Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology Steelmaking, U.S. Steel and Chief Operations Officer, Big River Steel; Arkansas Northeastern College President Dr.

Christopher Heigle; Zach Moon, Vice President and General Manager at Nucor-Yamato Steel and Lexicon, Inc. CEO Patrick Schueck.

Brown told the group that the industry moves at a fast pace and that employees must be innovative. According to most reports, Mississippi County is the largest, steel producing county in the United States.

Brown said the county has a competitive edge due to human capital.

Brown noted that in addition to being innovative, companies must also use research and development, have good employees and build partnerships with colleges and universities to get employees trained for the future.

Moon said he grew up in Northeast Arkansas, had the chance to travel for work and had the opportunity to come back home. He said a multimillion dollar partnership with A-State and ANC to help with workforce development will help create and educate the workforce in the region.

Schueck, whose company delivers 150,000 tons of steel each year, said innovation is key and that working to maximize ability can help the employee and company alike.

'If you get rust in the blood, it does not go well,' Schueck said.

Both Dr. Shields and Dr. Heigle said the collaboration between business and universities is also key.

Dr. Shields said he had the opportunity to tour US Steel

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and was surprised at how technical the facility is, noting Silicon Valley in Northern California and the Research Triangle in the Carolinas have partnered with research universities to help with workforce development.

Dr. Heigle said working to meet the needs of students, who are the company's future employees, is also a major focus.

The Future

The panel was asked about what makes Mississippi County and Northeast Arkansas special to prospective businesses.

Brown said innovation, along with workforce leadership, training and retention have played a major role in the steel industry's growth in Northeast Arkansas.

Schueck said it was simple.

'It's the people,' Schueck said.

Schueck said the area is made up of hardworking farmers and people not afraid of hard work, benefiting from reliable power and access to transportation including I-55, I-555 and I-57, the Mississippi River and a large rail network.

However, several on the panel said a major key for the future will be providing employees with a purpose of more than just picking up a paycheck.

As for a pressing need, several also said building skilled labor, finding that purpose in life and keeping young people in Northeast Arkansas should be a focus for the future.

Officials said that all proceeds from the event will be going toward student scholarships at AState.

Officials also plan to host a second event in Northeast Arkansas later this year, looking at other issues.