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VisionWorks' Breakthrough Solutions
Community and Regional Success Stories
Sebascott is on a Roll – November 2002

Sebascott Leadership Team Commits to Move Forward

Sebascott is the name given to the rural portions of Sebastian and Scott Counties in western Arkansas, with the Sebascott Economic Development Council playing a key role in the development of this area of the state. Marion Mathis, Economic Development Coordinator for the city of Mansfield, reports on the excellent work taking place in the area:

• A new senior citizen center is now being constructed in Mansfield. Funding for the center came from a block grant, from the state legislature, and from the city and county. Because the bids came in too high, the city and county are doing part of the work. The city assumed the responsibilities of general contractor, thus saving $150,000.
   
• The school board broke ground for a new $7 million high school, following a positive vote for a millage last March.
   
• A new bank from Greenwood is building a branch in Mansfield.
   
• The first phase of Mansfield’s downtown enhancement project has been completed, adding new lamp posts, benches, trees, and sidewalks. Funding came from the ICE-T Program through the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.

When asked about the keys to successful development of the community, Mathis replied: “Have a good, progressive mayor, and a city council that will work with him [or her]. You have to have good leadership and educate the people. Programs like VISION 2010 have also put us in touch with the right people.”

VisionWorks concurs that good leadership is essential, and you can see that Sebascott has it in spades.