Texarkana, Texas – Arkansas Texas Regional Economic Development, Inc. (AR‑TX REDI) announced that its headquarters will relocate to the Texas A&M University Texarkana campus this October. The nonprofit, which connects businesses with development opportunities across Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas, said the move will strengthen its partnership with the university and align economic‑development efforts with education, workforce training and business recruitment.
University partnership at the forefront
“The University and I personally are pleased to help co‑lead economic development initiatives in our growing region,” said Texas A&M Texarkana President Ross C. Alexander. Alexander added that the relocation reflects a strategic alignment of the university’s and community’s priorities, positioning the campus as a hub for regional growth.
Benefits for businesses and job seekers
AR‑TX REDI President and CEO Rob Sitterley highlighted the practical advantages of the new location. “With A&M Texarkana now the fastest‑growing university in the country, we are excited to build on that momentum and continue working together to shape what comes next for our region,” Sitterley said. By sharing space with the university, AR‑TX REDI expects easier access to research resources, student talent pipelines and joint training programs that can help local employers fill skilled positions.
Board support and community impact
Board chair Sonja Yates Hubbard echoed the sentiment, noting that the university’s rapid growth is attracting new talent and opportunities. “Having REDI on campus will strengthen the organization’s ability to collaborate with educators, government leaders and private‑sector partners,” Hubbard said.
What the move means for the region
The relocation is expected to create additional opportunities for joint projects, such as entrepreneurship incubators, workforce‑development grants and coordinated outreach to attract new businesses. Local officials anticipate that the closer relationship will help streamline efforts to recruit companies, support existing firms and promote a skilled labor force that meets the needs of emerging industries.
Looking ahead
As the campus prepares for the October transition, both the university and AR‑TX REDI are planning a series of events to introduce staff, students and community members to the new collaborative environment. The partnership underscores a broader trend in the region: leveraging higher‑education assets to drive economic growth and improve quality of life for families across the Texas‑Arkansas border.
For more information about AR‑TX REDI’s programs or Texas A&M Texarkana’s economic‑development initiatives, visit the university’s website or contact the organization directly.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
