A-State Marks Construction Start for Red Wolf Convention Center

A-State Marks Construction Start for Red Wolf Convention Center

"Construction continues apace and we're looking forward to the opening very soon," Chancellor Kelly Damphousse said as heavy machinery prowled the site behind him.

"Long term it's in the best interests of Jonesboro," said Jerry Morgan, chairman of the Jonesboro A&P Commission.

"The partnership with Arkansas State, that's the exciting part of this," O'Reilly said. "And the ability to start the hospitality program."

"They really need to see it built," O'Reilly said of the state associations the city is hoping to attract. He added that a convention center becomes established and really begins to thrive in its third year.

The Other One

"We've had ups and downs and challenges," ASU System President Chuck Welch said, but he added that convention center supporters had always believed the project would be "transformative" for the region.

"I know they had a great group and a good plan, but I didn't think two convention centers would have worked," O'Reilly said.

the A&P Commission voted 3-2 to provide $300,000

but it has not restarted

"It's tough to finally strike a deal and make it work," he said. "But the persistence and dedication of all people involved has been fantastic."

"We may not all agree on each issue … but at the end you'll see us all come together and do the right thing for Jonesboro and northeast Arkansas," Perrin said.

"I grew up here," Welch said. "I can't imagine something like this happening in my hometown."

ArkansasBusiness

Friday, May 18, 2018