George Makris

Operates as a association for beer wholesalers

The Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1994 through the merger of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Foundation. The organization is dedicated to promoting sustained economic growth and establishing Pine Bluff and White Hall as business communities. The non-profit company is based in Pine Bluff, AR. The alliance focuses on attracting and retaining industrial investment to create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and improve quality of life. It offers strategic advantages such as multimodal connectivity with major rail service, highway access, a public port facility with a foreign trade zone, and a regional airport. The county features affordable property and housing, a diverse industrial base in agriculture, manufacturing, and scientific research, and proximity to major markets. Key industrial sites include Jefferson Industrial Park and the Harbor Industrial District, supporting heavy industry with utilities and rail access. The alliance provides resources for businesses, including site selection assistance, workforce training, infrastructure information, and guidance on incentives. It highlights major employers such as Central Moloney, Tyson Foods, Saracen Casino Resort, and Jefferson Regional Medical Center. The organization supports regional partnerships, workforce development, and community leadership programs to foster civic engagement and professional growth. Recent economic development includes investments in energy, wood pellet production, and gaming, contributing to job creation and regional stability. The alliance collaborates with the Pine Bluff-Port Authority to manage industrial districts and ensure water transportation access. Allison J. H. Thompson has been the CEO of the company since 2019.

Operates as a non profit organization that operates cultural crossroads

Chamber of Commerce

Wholesale Beer Distributors of Ark, Inc. is a company based in Little Rock, AR.

Functions as a College/University

The Economic Development Corp. of Jefferson County is a not-for-profit public entity established in 1979 to support business development, attraction, expansion, and retention within the county. The non-profit company is based in Hillsboro, MO. It offers financial programs such as SBA 504 loans in partnership with local banks and Economic Development Fund loans, which provide low-interest financing aimed at creating jobs, increasing private investment, and retaining at-risk employers. The organization administers the county’s Community Development Block Grant and HOME formula grants, assisting low-to-moderate income residents with housing rehabilitation, septic system replacement, and sewer tap-on fees, while promoting fair housing rights. The Industrial Development Authority issues tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds to finance large-scale commercial and industrial projects, including manufacturing, distribution, multi-family housing, and pollution control facilities. The organization also supports small businesses by referring them to the Small Business Development Center for confidential, no-cost counseling on capital access, market opportunities, business planning, and growth management.

Operates as a state chartered bank