7 months ago
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In the next 30 days, Conway expects to wrap up more than $80 million worth of new construction all over the city. It's something so big that local business leaders say they've never seen anything like it in the city's history.
"We're handing over the keys to them on Friday," Conway Chamber Commerce President Brad Lacy said.
Lacy talks about keys to the new Hewlett Packard plant in Conway. The first round of workers is scheduled to arrive Monday, opening the door to more than just a new job.
"Locally, we have seen some of the largest projects under construction in the history of our city during the last 12 to 18 months," Lacy said.
The HP plant is one of three projects sparking an $80 million "jolt" in Conway's economy.
The other two are a $26 million Student Life and Technology building at Hendrix College and a new home for the College of Business at University of Central Arkansas.
"The community is growing and that's putting a lot of eyes on Conway and getting people to move here," said UCA's Jeff Pitchford.
It's a bright picture during not-so-bright times elsewhere. And Conway business leaders say the city's growth is just one piece in turning piles of dirt into economic gold.
"Conway has an extremely diversified economy and in these times we tend to do better," Lacy said.
Lacy adds investment in education is one of the reasons HP was drawn to Conway. Pitchford says a new business school could naturally draw more industry.
"We're saving space in this building to use to help partner with businesses and corporations," Pitchford said.
It offers promise to see more construction sites in Conway down the road.
There are already some projects in the works for next year in Conway. Southwestern Energy plans to open a new regional office headquarters with around 400 workers.
Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield plans to open a data center as well.
