Around AR-3
This week marked a district work period, which means I got to spend time doing my favorite thing: traveling throughout Arkansas’s Third Congressional District. A few highlights below!
Dick Daniel Distinguished Citizen Award
Congressman Womack with Raymond Burns, who was honored with the Rogers Rotary's Dick Daniel Distinguished Citizen Award!
We are incredibly lucky to live in a community where citizens are always ready to step forward and make our cities and region an even better place to live. I was pleased to join the Rogers Rotary and Arkansans in celebrating one of these great leaders. We came together to recognize the recipient of the Dick Daniel Distinguished Citizen Award, which pays tribute to individuals who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in improving the quality of life in the community. This year's award went to Raymond Burns, President and CEO of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. Raymond has been a great partner and played a significant role in making Rogers and NWA what it is today. His leadership has supported the region’s success, and this Dick Daniel Distinguished Citizen Award is extremely deserved. He's a prime example of someone who constantly puts service above self and is constantly working to contribute in a positive way. Congratulations my friend!
World Trade Center Arkansas
Congressman Womack receives an update on recent WTCA work from CEO Denise Thomas and her team. They are a pivotal organization that supports trade, economic development, and our region's businesses!
Trade is critical to the strength of Arkansas. The future of the Third District's economy is vitally connected to the industries growing in our region, which play a key role in the worldwide marketplace. From blockchain technology and advanced mobility to logistics and trucking, there is great opportunity in our region and throughout the Natural State. I appreciated talking to World Trade Center Arkansas (WTCA) CEO Denise Thomas and University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor for Economic Development Mike Malone about economic development, trade missions, and business growth. We share the priority of ensuring local organizations have strong market access and growth potential. WTCA is a pivotal resource that has supported bilateral trade services, global connections, and export development programs for local businesses.
Rogers Public Schools
Congressman Womack with new Superintendent of the Rogers School District Dr. Jeff Perry. Welcome to Arkansas!
Academic excellence is a fundamental principle of Third District schools. I met with Dr. Jeff Perry, who recently assumed his position as the new Superintendent of the Rogers School District. He is dedicated to an engaging and strong curriculum, and I look forward to him building on his work in education right here in Arkansas! His approach is to lead by example. I know our students, teachers, and families are readying for a new year of learning! I was also sure to flag for Superintendent Perry our hardworking military service academy students from Rogers! We are blessed to be home to a region filled with hardworking and remarkable young men and women who are the future of our state and nation.
Mundo-Tech
Congressman Womack with the Mundo-Tech team after their meeting.
Did you know the Third District is critical to supporting the sound of freedom in our skies? Mundo-Tech is a cutting-edge company in Rogers that manufactures F-35 parts and other components for America's fighter fleets and aerospace vehicles. Their team is producing critical capabilities for the defense, aerospace, and commercial airline industries. I stopped by to discuss manufacturing, F-35 component production, and defense. We also talked about technical training and the importance of ensuring our region has a pipeline of qualified and trained employees for the future. Such innovative work right here in our backyard!
VA Staffing Shortages
This week, the Arkansas congressional delegation sent a letter to Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough regarding the staffing shortages at VA facilities in Arkansas.
Time and time again, we hear from veterans across the state concerned about the shortage of doctors, clinicians, and other personnel at our VA facilities. We need to ensure that those who served our nation receive the benefits they have earned, including access to reliable health care. We are hopeful that Secretary McDonough can provide us answers, which will allow us to work towards a solution on behalf of all our Arkansas veterans.
To read the Arkansas delegation’s letter to Secretary McDonough, click here.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead. You can keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office. |