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STEVE HOUSERMAN
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"A chamber of commerce is a form of business network, for example, a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the interests of businesses. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. Local businesses are members, and they elect a board of directors or executive council to set policy for the chamber. The board or council then hires a President, CEO or Executive Director, plus staffing appropriate to size, to run the organization.
A chamber of commerce is a voluntary association of business firms belonging to different trades and industries. They serve as spokesmen and representatives of business community." The Clarksville Johnson County Chamber of Commerce is a center for business resources, economic development, community involvement and growth, and tourism. Business Resources: Education and training, advertising and promotion, networking and events, and connections and referrals. Community Involvement & Growth: Community information, service projects, locating grants and other funding, and events Tourism: Visitor center for Johnson County, promotion of the county, hosting events to attract tourist, and natural recreation Click Here to learn more! |
The Clarksville Johnson-County Regional Economic Development Organization (CREDO) is a separate non-profit housed with the Chamber, allowing the two groups to share resources and expenses. CREDO, as the economic development entity for Johnson County, is committed to expand and diversify the economy, to retain employers and attract higher paying jobs, to increase incomes and investment, and to generate and
maintain positive growth throughout Johnson County for all its citizens. The CREDO Board is made up of dedicated community leaders who use their time and resources to promote and market the available economic benefits of living and doing business in Johnson County. They all have extensive backgrounds of public service with a focus on preserving and improving the quality of place in our community for everyone. CREDO is historically funded with a mix of private and public funds. As such, under its obligations to taxpayers, it meets under the Arkansas Open Meetings Act. CREDO serves as the point of contact for RFI’s from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, site selection consultants, or directly from companies looking for potential sites for economic development. It is the caretaker of the City’s I-40 business/industrial park and continuously markets and promotes this property for the City. Overall, CREDO pledges that existing businesses and industry are provided the appropriate available manpower, resources, and skills of the Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber to allow for a sustainable and improved economic landscape in our region. In addition, it is obligated to discover and assist new business and industrial development in Clarksville. Clarksville is an outstanding community, with great people and wonderful assets. To ensure economic success, communities must be proactive in developing themselves in a way that will be attractive to residents, existing companies, and companies looking for a new location to invest and grow. The most likely path toward success is to establish a focal point in the community and provide it with the funding and skills required. |
Meet the Staff:
Jessica Gunn
Vice President, Community Development, Membership, & Events Coordinator
As the Clarksville Johnson County Chamber of Commerce Membership and Events Manager, Jessica listens to member challenges in order to identify and connect people to workshops, promotion or other avenues of assistance. She is responsible for membership growth and retention.
Jessica is a Lamar High School graduate and earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Public Administration and Public Relations.
Jessica was formerly employed by the Arkansas Army National Guard as a recruiting assistant and at the Joint Operations Center located on Camp Robinson.
jgunn@clarksvillejocochamber.com
Vice President, Community Development, Membership, & Events Coordinator
As the Clarksville Johnson County Chamber of Commerce Membership and Events Manager, Jessica listens to member challenges in order to identify and connect people to workshops, promotion or other avenues of assistance. She is responsible for membership growth and retention.
Jessica is a Lamar High School graduate and earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Central Arkansas in Public Administration and Public Relations.
Jessica was formerly employed by the Arkansas Army National Guard as a recruiting assistant and at the Joint Operations Center located on Camp Robinson.
jgunn@clarksvillejocochamber.com