(Editor’s Note: Each year, Arkansas Business partners with the Arkansas Municipal League to present the Trendsetter City awards, which recognize exceptional initiatives underway in municipalities across the state. Large, medium and small-sized cities were honored in six categories: Diversity and Inclusion; Education/Workforce Development; Infrastructure and Water; Public Works/Environmental and Green Management; Technology and Security; and Tourism Development/Creative Culture. Below is one winner’s story. For more, click here.)
Education/Workforce Development
Honorable Mention • Over 20,000
Population: 30,520 | Mayor: John Agee | County: Greene | Region: Northeast
The Challenge
Seeing local industry struggle to fill positions, and with growing demands for soft skills and industry training, Paragould leaders saw the city falling behind neighbors throughout the state in workforce readiness. The city’s current and up-and-coming workers often lacked the preparation and training needed to meet modern employment requirements. The gap hindered economic growth and drove population declines, as local employers struggled to find qualified job candidates, and those without the skills needed in the local economy moved elsewhere to find work.
The Solution
Paragould launched the Generating Innovative Networks initiative, a workforce development program aimed at bridging the skills gap. Supported by the Delta Regional Authority and local funding, the initiative provides hands-on training and industry-specific education, including soft skills development through the Greene County Skills Pipeline. The program has graduated its first cohort in the Skills Pipeline, helping residents improve job readiness and positioning Paragould as a leader in workforce innovation.
Industry leaders dictate the GIN’s curricula to ensure those receiving training have job opportunities within their local community.
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