Entergy Arkansas is investing in the lives of their customers by providing funding for a major workforce development initiative in northeast Arkansas. Tech Depot, a $4.27 million workforce development initiative in Newport, Arkansas, is receiving a $100,000 grant to acquire equipment and furniture to be used in training individuals for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Entergy Arkansas is partnering with the Newport Economic Development Commission and 17 private businesses to provide $494,500 in funding to equip the new Tech Depot facility.
Major grants by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, the Delta Regional Authority, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) allocation and the Arkansas Office of Skill Development constructed a $3.1 million training facility, a free WiFi technology park with electric vehicle charging stations and a new parking area in downtown Newport. The investment from Entergy Arkansas and the other partners has been used to purchase computers, testing equipment, STEM labs, childcare furniture, equipment for a co-workspace and an outdoor learning environment. The training programs will target existing employees in the region, single parents who are earning a wage lower than the regional average, individuals in substance abuse recovery programs, people transitioning from incarceration and individuals seeking apprenticeship opportunities.
“We appreciate the leadership of the Newport Economic Development Commission for having the vision to address workforce training and development in such a comprehensive manner. The NEDC and Tech Depot’s initiatives will be an asset that serve the citizens, employers, and community for many years to come,” said Danny Games, director of business and economic development for Entergy Arkansas.
Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development, Jon Chadwell said, “Entergy Arkansas is a vital partner in economic development efforts across the state. Through programs such as Tech Depot or services like the Arkansas Site Selection Center, Entergy assists local communities as we work every day to help our neighbors to have increased opportunities to provide for their families. We are so grateful for their investment in Tech Depot and look forward to the growth it will provide for years to come.”
A grand opening for the Tech Depot project will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. at 209 Hazel Street in downtown Newport. The public is invited to attend and celebrate this important investment to grow the region’s workforce. For more information on Tech Depot and its programs, contact the Newport Economic Development Commission at (870) 523-1009.
