LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Little Rock Regional Chamber and Entergy Arkansas announced today the completion of its Select Site certification for a new 875-acre industrial megasite located on the southeastern portion of the Little Rock Port. Representatives from both organizations along with Congressman French Hill, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, and leadership from the Little Rock Port Authority were on hand to celebrate this achievement.

Select Site is an initiative designed to provide Entergy Arkansas-served communities with a competitive advantage and shovel-ready sites. This developmental and promotional tool allows communities to certify sites using a set of comprehensive and pre-determined criteria to better satisfy site location searches by consultants and companies.

“In 2016, I called Rep. French Hill requesting help in scheduling a meeting with the FAA to discuss relocating the VOR Cone at the Little Rock Port. As a past Chairman of the Little Rock Regional Chamber, Rep. Hill understood it was essential to the future economic growth of the central Arkansas region,” said Jay Chesshir, President and CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “That was the first step in a decade-long journey in partnership with Bryan Day and the Little Rock Port Authority to study this site, acquire the property, build the infrastructure, and take the site to market, which we are officially doing today.”

“Thanks to unprecedented investment from Mayor Scott and the Little Rock City Board of Directors, with infrastructure support from Judge Barry Hyde and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, this is the largest certified industrial site in central Arkansas and is well-suited for a large manufacturer who needs access to interstates, rail and port facilities, plus adjacent land for suppliers,” Chesshir added. “The additional marketing that comes with certification also provides our site with an advantage as we compete for investment against other markets around the United States. Our last certified site led to our recruitment of Amazon, which has created thousands of jobs for people across the metro Little Rock region. We hope to have an even larger impact with the Little Rock Port Megasite.”

“The Little Rock Port Megasite provides access to road, river, rail, and runway – intersecting in the heart of the state’s Capital City,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “This certification sets the stage for a transformational economic development project that could change the face of Little Rock and provide high-paying job opportunities for residents in our city and across the central Arkansas region.”

“In Arkansas, we are prioritizing the development of shovel-ready sites to attract top-tier companies to our state,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Little Rock Port Megasite will be a significant asset for the State of Arkansas as we pursue economic development prospects, and Entergy’s ‘Select Site’ certification positions it as a location that meets the qualifications that site selectors and companies look for in an industrial site.”

Entergy Arkansas Vice President of Business and Economic Development Danny Games was on hand today to recognize the megasite as the newest Entergy Arkansas Select Site and commended the group on the completion of the comprehensive review and documentation process. A grant was provided by Entergy Arkansas to help offset some of the costs associated with the certification. Also, as a benefit of certification, custom videos and 360 images of the site were created by Entergy. The megasite will be featured on the Arkansas Site Selection Center. You can view the .

“A site of this size comes with the expectation that utility partners will be able to provide the necessary infrastructure and energy to power large customers,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “This is one important reason we are advocating for the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act of 2025 to ensure that we are prepared to provide all of Arkansas with the power they need to attract high-paying jobs and great employers. That is why we appreciate the Governor for supporting the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act and the General Assembly for considering the policy necessary to attract these jobs and investments in our state.”

The Select Site initiative helps communities better prepare their sites as winning candidates for high-tech, manufacturing and distribution projects with a thorough audit of the site’s readiness for new or expanding business. Through the Select Site program and the Arkansas Site Selection Center, Entergy Arkansas is helping to meet those needs. Other Select Site properties are located in Jefferson County, Magnolia, Newport, Osceola, Russellville, West Memphis, and Wynne.

Recently announced projects in the state that have begun operations or are under construction on former Select Sites include an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Little Rock, Owens Corning in Russellville and the Tractor Supply Co. distribution center in Maumelle.

�վ��������� for details on each Entergy Arkansas Select Site, including the latest Little Rock Port Megasite.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy Arkansas, visit the  and connect with @EntergyArk on social media.

About the Little Rock Regional Chamber

The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization responsible for fostering the economic growth and development of the Little Rock region to ensure that business and industry may operate profitably and enhance the earning opportunities and quality of life for every citizen.

In 2023, Entergy Arkansas helped secure more than $934 million dollars in capital investments and create approximately 1500 new jobs through announced economic development projects. Over the years, capital investments in Arkansas have spanned a wide range of industries and companies from around the world, including Big River Steel, Dassault Falcon Jet, Tractor Supply, Amazon and Owens Corning.

Site Selection magazine evaluates top utilities each year based on criteria such as job-creating infrastructure and facility investments, innovative programs and incentives for businesses and useful tools and data on their websites. The magazine’s profile of Entergy appears in the September 2024 issue, available both in print and .

“Entergy Arkansas has been committed to helping our state and our communities be successful in economic development for more than 100 years,” said Danny Games, director of economic development. “We are proud to work with our state and local leaders to support even more growth here in the Natural State in the future.”

Customer investments

Capital investments in Arkansas over the last 17 years represent a variety of industries and companies from around the world in the steel, timber, food, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, and chemical sectors. Entergy Arkansas developed and launched virtual tours of our certified Select Sites and produced high caliber videos and 360 degree aerials promoting the sites and continues to partner with the University of Central Arkansas and the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives in delivering training for local economic development professionals and elected officials This is just a sample of initiatives that demonstrate the scale and breadth of economic growth we have helped drive across Arkansas.

Economic partnerships

We understand that siting new or expanding industrial facilities can be a complex process, and our teams have built partnerships to enable economic development throughout our four-state service area. Site Selection magazine once again recognized Entergy for our extensive support of local economic development efforts. Our state-of-the-art site selection website, , empowers companies with the essential information they need to locate, expand and market their commercial and industrial properties within our state. It also features over 341 listings, nearly 9 of which are certified development-ready.

Community development

Since 2018, ���ϳԹ��� has delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities, philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy across our four-state region through the Entergy Charitable Foundation.

Environmental sustainability

In 2022, ���ϳԹ��� reaffirmed our 2020 commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and we expect to reach 50% clean, carbon-free power generation capacity by 2030. We also anticipate 50% reduction of our carbon dioxide emissions rate by 2030.

In addition to offering access to critical information, Entergy provides services in site selection, project management and more. Learn how we can power your business at .

“Entergy plays an important role in attracting new businesses and driving economic growth that positively impacts our local communities,” said Ernest Peeples, Entergy Texas director of business and economic development. “We’re pleased to be recognized as a top utility in economic development for 15 straight years, and we look forward to many years of continued success for Southeast Texas.”¬†

Entergy was recognized for helping drive around $13.4 billion in corporate facility investments and create more than 6,700 jobs across its service territories. 

Montgomery County Power Station is one of Entergy Texas’ recent notable economic development projects. In total, construction of the plant resulted in approximately 1,000 onsite employees and created a significant economic impact on the local area, with millions spent with local vendors. Continued operations of the plant will employ 45 people.¬†

Criteria used by Site Selection magazine for its rankings include the use of innovative programs and incentives for business, website tools and data and each utility’s job-creating infrastructure and facility investment trends.¬†

Entergy Texas’ state-of-the-art site selection website, , empowers communities with the tools they need to market commercial and industrial properties. Site Selection magazine’s profile of Entergy may be viewed in the September 2022 print issue and on their .¬†

In addition to Entergy’s continuous support to local communities and workforce development, the company is also a utility industry leader in sustainability and has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Entergy’s Economic Opportunity and Empowerment program was recognized by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, and the utility also received the 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award.¬†¬†

Entergy provides companies with access to essential information needed to locate, expand and promote their business within our four-state region. In addition, Entergy provides companies with services in site selection, project management, large projects and contracts. Learn more how Entergy generates business growth for our entire region at . 

About Entergy Texas 

Entergy Texas, Inc. provides electricity to more than 500,000 customers in 27 counties. Entergy Texas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through its operating companies across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy is creating a cleaner, more resilient energy future for everyone with our diverse power generation portfolio, including increasingly carbon-free energy sources. With roots in the Gulf South region for more than a century, Entergy is a recognized leader in corporate citizenship, delivering more than $100 million in economic benefits to local communities through philanthropy and advocacy efforts annually over the last several years. Our approximately 12,000 employees are dedicated to powering life today and for future generations. For the latest news from Entergy, visit the .

OSCEOLA, Arkansas – Today officials with Mississippi County Economic Development and Entergy Arkansas announced completion of the utility’s Select Site certification for the Osceola Driver 130 industrial site, which sits on 130 acres near I-55, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway, and the Mississippi River.

“The timeline for responding to prospects has shortened significantly,” said Clif Chitwood with Mississippi County Economic Development, “and going through the certification process helps to ensure that we have the site information necessary to respond quickly to inquiries.

“This site is well-suited for a manufacturer who wants to move products across the country or across the world, and the additional marketing that comes with certification provides our site with an advantage that not many in the state have,” Chitwood said.

Entergy Arkansas Director of Business and Economic Development Danny Games and Tandee White, community developer, were on hand to recognize Mississippi County for completing the comprehensive review and documentation process and to present a grant check to help offset some of the costs associated with the certification. Joining Games and White was Clint O’Neal, executive vice president of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.           

Entergy Arkansas works with communities to implement an assessment tool that allows communities to certify their sites and communicate the prepared status to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, site location consultants and company decision makers.

“Along with providing reliable and affordable power with rates among the lowest in the country, Entergy Arkansas works to prepare the communities we serve for attracting new business and encouraging business expansions that result in new jobs, investments and economic growth,” said Games. “With today’s climate, it is even more important that we communicate that state of readiness online and up our digital game.”

The Select Site program helps communities better prepare their sites as winning candidates for high-tech, manufacturing and distribution projects with a thorough audit of the site’s readiness for new or expanding business. Preparedness is a necessity for economic development success in today’s business environment, Entergy Arkansas officials said, as site location consultants and prospective companies require immediate response times often on very short notice. Through the Select Site program and the Arkansas Site Selection Center, Entergy is helping to meet those needs. Other Select Site properties are located in Jefferson County, Little Rock, Magnolia, Maumelle, Newport, Russellville and West Memphis.  

Visit for details of each Entergy Select Sites, including the latest Osceola Driver 130 site.

ABOUT ENTERGY ARKANSAS

Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 715,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ��� (NYSE: ETR), an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy delivers electricity to three million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of $10 billion and approximately 13,000 employees.

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Mississippi County Economic Development and Entergy Arkansas announced completion of the utility’s Select Site certification for the Osceola Driver 130 industrial site today. On hand were (from left) Clint O’Neal, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, executive vice president of global business; Tamika Jenkins, Mississippi County Economic Development representative; Danny Games, Entergy Arkansas director of business and economic development; Blytheville Mayor James Sanders, Mayor of Blytheville; Mississippi County Judge John Nelson; Osceola Mayor Sally Wilson; and Clif Chitwood, Mississippi County Economic Development director.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be the only community in Arkansas with two certified sites,” said Paul Harvel, president of the Russellville Regional Alliance for Economic Development. “I want to thank Entergy Arkansas for the opportunity and to thank all the people who put in hard work to get us to today’s success.”

Omar Clemons, area customer service manager, and Tandee White, community developer, were on hand to recognize Russellville on behalf of Entergy Arkansas for completing the comprehensive review and documentation process for its 44.38-acre industrial site known as the Butterfield – Russellville East End Site and to present a grant check to the Alliance to offset some of the costs associated with the certification.

Entergy Arkansas works with communities to implement an assessment tool that allows communities to certify their sites and communicate the prepared status to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, site location consultants and company decision makers.

“Along with providing reliable and affordable power with rates among the lowest in the country, Entergy Arkansas works to prepare the communities we serve for attracting new business and encouraging business expansions that result in new jobs, investments and economic growth,” said Danny Games, director of Business and Economic Development for Entergy Arkansas. “With today’s climate, it is even more important that we communicate that state of readiness online and up our digital game.”

The Select Site program helps communities better prepare their sites as winning candidates for high-tech, manufacturing and distribution projects with a thorough audit of the site’s readiness for new or expanding business. Preparedness is a necessity for economic development success in today’s business environment, officials with Entergy Arkansas said, as site location consultants and prospective companies require immediate response times often on very short notice. Through the Select Site program and the Arkansas Site Selection Center, Entergy is helping to meet those needs. Other Select Site properties are located in  Jefferson County, Little Rock, Magnolia, Maumelle, Newport, and West Memphis.  

Visit to see more details of each Entergy Select Site, including the latest Butterfield – Russellville East End site.

“We’re delighted to be building out our network of operations in Little Rock, Arkansas,” said Alicia Boler Davis, Amazon’s vice president of global customer fulfillment. “We greatly appreciate the strong support from local and state leaders as we look to open our first fulfillment center and second delivery station in the state of Arkansas. We look forward to creating over a thousand jobs for the Little Rock community, with industry-leading pay and comprehensive benefits starting on day one.”

“It’s not surprising that Amazon has selected the Port of Little Rock as the newest location for its next project,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Arkansas has a trained workforce and is centrally located with easy access to miles of interstate, rail, and navigable waterways. I am delighted by Amazon’s decision and confident that the Port of Little Rock will be a great fit for the company.”

“This is great timing for Arkansas,” said Danny Games, director of business and economic development for Entergy Arkansas. “From the AEDC to the Little Rock Chamber and port leadership to the city of Little Rock and Pulaski County, there was a coordinated effort to convince Amazon this is where they want to invest in a state-of-the-art distribution center. We’re gratified and excited that they agreed.”   

The facility is under construction on an 80-acre site on Zeuber Road. Entergy Arkansas certified the site as a Select Site in October 2019 and developed as a tool for recruitment.

In the new 825,000 square-foot fulfillment center, Amazon employees will work alongside Amazon robotics to pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys.

Amazon is currently retrofitting an existing 85,000 square-foot facility on I-30 to serve as a delivery station, which is anticipated to launch in late 2020. Delivery stations power the last mile of Amazon’s order fulfillment process.

“Little Rock welcomes Amazon in Arkansas’ first major investment from the company and is excited to provide new economic opportunities to our residents,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “The COVID-19 public health crisis has caused deep concern among many Little Rock families as they struggle to stay afloat due to current economic uncertainty. Today’s announcement provides reassurance that Little Rock will rebound and that jobs are on the way. Additionally, Little Rock’s geographical location with river, rail, road, and air access make it ideal to expand Amazon’s distribution throughout the South.”

“Central Arkansas is quickly becoming a magnet for new economic development, this is due to continued investment in our infrastructure. I’m proud to lead a group of committed partners whose hard work has led to one of the largest companies in the world opening a new center in Pulaski County,” said Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde. “Since we began planning industrial quality road and traffic infrastructure two years ago, we’ve attracted two international companies that are bringing new jobs to central Arkansas in large numbers.”

On top of Amazon’s industry-leading minimum starting wage from $15, the company offers full-time employees comprehensive benefits including full medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as a 401(k) with 50 percent match starting on day one. The company also offers up to 20 weeks of maternal and parental paid leave and innovative benefits such as Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibility with their growing families.