Jamie Rayford

The chamber’s plan seems to be working. Between 2019 and June 2023, child care slots in Independence County grew by 168%, helping to address an issue that had stifled economic growth in the area. read more >

Fresh eyes, strategic planning, youthful energy and cold, hard cash are shaking up Batesville, a college town on the jagged edge of the Ozarks that is burdened with many of the same challenges as the Delta that’s just minutes away. read more >