Best of Siloam Springs

By Randy Rice Northwest Arkansas is the fastest growing region in the state and the 15th fastest growing region in the country, with a 16% growth rate over the past decade. And rather than following the traditional model of having a large central city surrounded by commuter suburbs, Northwest Arkansas has emerged as a unified region of small towns that have grown up independently, each with their own personality. To succeed and stand out from the rest, these towns have had to approach their growth prudently. Some have been more successful than others. Few have achieved the success of Siloam Springs, a town that has managed to sustain strong and steady growth while retaining their hometown feel. "I think calculated and smart growth is what Siloam Springs is in the middle of right now," said Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Economic Development Nathan Reed. "Every business that comes to us wanting to set up shop in town, we have a very calculated approach to deciding who we encourage and how we encourage them to do it. So while our growth is by some measures, explosive, we are always very careful to remain in control of it." "Growth has been good and growth has been steady in Siloam Springs. And that's the way we like it," added recently retired President of Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce, Wayne Mays. "Our growth has been steady and consistent, as opposed to the growth in what is referred to as the I-49 corridor which has experienced just explosive growth over the past decade. And while explosive growth may be exciting, it is also very challenging to your infrastructure and very expensive to try to keep on top of, much less ahead of." "Quite honestly there are towns and communities all over the state and the country that are struggling, particularly in their downtown areas. They can't seem to get businesses to stay, much less move into their town's business center," Mays continued. "But the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce, through cooperation with the city and the Main Street organization have helped facilitate improvements to the infrastructure, our sidewalks and streets in particular, while promoting growth and supporting local entrepreneurs." Siloam Springs has maintained a viable town center and succeeded where other towns have failed. Currently they boast an occupancy rate of 96% of downtown storefronts. "I think the calculated approach that I mentioned is the secret to having such a successful occupancy rate," Reed said. "We at the chamber, along with the people over at Main Street, sit down and discuss every business that is thinking about coming in to Siloam Springs growth is steady and solid Nathan Reed 24 • Best of Siloam Springs Wednesday, March 25, 2020 Siloam Springs Herald-Leader 14565 Highway 43 S • Siloam Springs, AR 479-524-8895 • pigeonfamilyfarms.com pigeonfamilyfarms pigeonfamilyfarmsnursery anks for your busins and for voting for us! anks for your vote! 479-524-4366 109 W. University Historic Downtown Siloam Springs Occasions Hwy. 16 • 1 mile south from 412 Bypass Behind DaySpring - Siloam Springs 479-524-9213 RogeRs Automotive 875 S. Dogwood St. • Siloam Springs 479-373-6608 Thank you for choosing us! 1134 Hwy 412 West • Siloam Springs • 524-8510 We Serve Thank You for voting for Us! We appreciate your business!!!

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