The Fort Smith Region

Workforce & Industries

Workforce

A capable, qualified workforce is essential for progress in any region. Companies in Fort Smith and the surrounding cities can attest to the strength of its employee base. A diverse skill set, solid work ethic, and commitment to seeing tasks to completion, are among the qualities that area corporations value in the local workforce.

The region has a long history of hard-working individuals across industries such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, distribution, food processing, electronics, healthcare, and more. Other fields, include banking, media, printing, and countless others, employ thousands throughout the area. Some businesses have been in operation for more than century, with roots that run deep in their respective communities.

    The Fort Smith region is further strengthened by the presence of outstanding educational systems. These school districts and higher ed institutions work with local businesses to provide programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of thriving industries. Several high schools participate in concurrent course and technical training programs with universities. WATC (Western Arkansas Technical Center), operated by the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark, and Carl Albert State University in Poteau, also offer technical training and partner with districts to help students get a career jumpstart. The Tyson Foods Logan County Career Center is a state-of-the-art facility that ATU-Ozark utilizes to offer courses in automation technology, allied health and adult education in the Paris community. The Peak Innovation Center is another prime example of the power of partnerships. Students from 22 area districts have the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge technical and career programming through Peak. Construction is currently in the latter stages of a multi-million dollar facility designed specifically for hands-on, career-focused programming through UAFS.

    In addition to having a qualified workforce, the Fort Smith region benefits from lower than average cost of living rates. Fort Smith’s cost of living averages 14% below the national average. Neighboring communities boast similar numbers, making the region appealing to both employers and employees.

    Looking for employment?
    Visit CareerReadyFortSmith.com for a list of job opportunities in the region!

    The Fort Smith region is further strengthened by the presence of outstanding educational systems. These school districts and higher ed institutions work with local businesses to provide programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of thriving industries. Several high schools participate in concurrent course and technical training programs with universities. WATC (Western Arkansas Technical Center), operated by the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark, and Carl Albert State University in Poteau, also offer technical training and partner with districts to help students get a career jumpstart. The Tyson Foods Logan County Career Center is a state-of-the-art facility that ATU-Ozark utilizes to offer courses in automation technology, allied health and adult education in the Paris community. The Peak Innovation Center is another prime example of the power of partnerships. Students from 22 area districts have the opportunity to take part in cutting-edge technical and career programming through Peak. Construction is currently in the latter stages of a multi-million dollar facility designed specifically for hands-on, career-focused programming through UAFS.

    In addition to having a qualified workforce, the Fort Smith region benefits from lower than average cost of living rates. Fort Smith’s cost of living averages 14% below the national average. Neighboring communities boast similar numbers, making the region appealing to both employers and employees.

    Looking for employment?
    Visit CareerReadyFortSmith.com for a list of job opportunities in the region!

    Links

    WATC/UAFS

    Carl Albert

    ATU-Ozark

    Peak Innovation Center

    Industries

    The greater Fort Smith region is a smart place to do business, which is why so many companies and industries call the area home. Geographical advantages include access to the Arkansas River and a number of major rail lines. These provide strategic shipping options for local manufacturers. The region is also located along the nation’s second busiest interstate, I-40, as well as I-49, which continues to expand to connect the country. Such factors have long-contributed to a thriving trucking industry including the nearly century old, ArcBest Corporation, which has consistently been ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 carriers. The area also has deep military roots. From being founded as a Western frontier post to its present-day operations at Fort Chaffee and Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith has played an important role in a wide-range of military training endeavors. In 2021, Ebbing was selected as the site for a multi-national pilot training program that is expected to have a nearly $1 billion economic impact on the community.

    Companies also benefit from the area having a lower-than-average cost of living and doing business in comparison to many other areas of the country. CNBC’s ”America’s Top States for Business 2021” study ranked Arkansas and Oklahoma third and fourth respectively for most affordable costs of living. Oklahoma took the top spot for low cost of doing business, with Arkansas close behind at number four. Such stats bode well for both employees and employers, helping to boost both parties’ bottom lines.

    In addition to strong Chambers of Commerce who are eager to help companies locate to the region, both Arkansas and Oklahoma have staff dedicated at the state level to assisting corporations and entrepreneurs navigate the process of starting or expanding their business. These qualified professionals can provide valuable knowledge and tools regarding subjects such as taxation, funding resources, and much more.

    Companies also benefit from the area having a lower-than-average cost of living and doing business in comparison to many other areas of the country. CNBC’s ”America’s Top States for Business 2021” study ranked Arkansas and Oklahoma third and fourth respectively for most affordable costs of living. Oklahoma took the top spot for low cost of doing business, with Arkansas close behind at number four. Such stats bode well for both employees and employers, helping to boost both parties’ bottom lines.

    In addition to strong Chambers of Commerce who are eager to help companies locate to the region, both Arkansas and Oklahoma have staff dedicated at the state level to assisting corporations and entrepreneurs navigate the process of starting or expanding their business. These qualified professionals can provide valuable knowledge and tools regarding subjects such as taxation, funding resources, and much more.

    Links

    Arkansas Economic Development Commission

    Oklahoma Department of Commerce

    Fort Chaffee

    Ebbing Air National Guard Base

    188th Fighter Wing