As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, so does our demand for reliable electricity and broadband. Ozarks Electric Cooperative is working hard to expand access and deliver high-speed internet through OzarksGo, their all-fiber-optic network. I got a firsthand look at their operations, including their state-of-the-art data center.

Back home and around the country, we are grappling with overcrowded prisons and the challenges that come with it. One way we can address this is by ensuring nonviolent offenders have the tools to reenter society as productive individuals. Washington County is doing just that through its new Community Rebuilding Initiative. Thank you, Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins, for your leadership on this program and for showing me around.

The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club has been serving our community’s youth for decades, but with their newly renovated Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit, the Club can take their service to next level. The new unit includes dedicated spaces for STEAM programing and more—representing critical investments in our young people. Thank you to the Club team for inviting me to see their new facility and the work they do every day to ensure boys and girls in the community have a safe outlet and access to educational resources.

While Fort Kids Children’s Museum organizers work to break ground on a new permanent location along the Arkansas Riverfront, youngsters in the community can visit their pop-up location in Fort Smith’s Bakery District. I had the opportunity to tour this temporary location that features rotating interactive exhibits and free STEAM-focused programs. Thanks to the museum’s board members for sharing their efforts to enrich the education of the next generation.

In Fort Smith, I joined a roundtable discussion with emerging leaders from across a wide range of industries and trades. I always enjoy connecting with up-and-coming changemakers, and it was great to talk through the key challenges and opportunities in the region’s business landscape.

Congratulations to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Captain Ryder Sparks for being awarded the prestigious Amelia Earhart Award. Named after one of the great pioneers of aviation, the Amelia Earhart Award is given only to those cadets who embody excellence in leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and character. Only five percent of CAP cadets achieve this honor, and it was a privilege to recognize this outstanding young American.

I appreciated the chance to hear directly from local business leaders during a roundtable hosted by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. These conversations serve as an opportunity to listen to those working to build a more prosperous Fayetteville and to share how I’m addressing key issues on Capitol Hill.

For four generations, the Lewis family has been a trusted part of the Northwest Arkansas business community, providing quality vehicles and top-notch service. I enjoyed touring Lewis Automotive Group’s dealerships and learning from their team how they take care of their customers and employees.  

The Visionary office building in Rogers is one step closer to being open for business. At the topping-out ceremony celebrating the placement of the final support beam, I reflected on the transformational growth of our region driven by pro-business policies and strong public-private partnerships—efforts that I’ve been working on since my days as mayor of Rogers. This 194,463-square-foot office building is a testament to that growth and will soon be a home to national companies and more.

American manufacturing is alive and well at Bekaert’s Rogers facility, where steel cord is produced for the tire industry. I enjoyed touring their plant and seeing their operations firsthand.

From commercial to industrial projects, Milestone Construction is busy building across Arkansas. I appreciated the chance to visit their Springdale headquarters and talk to them about the challenges and opportunities we are facing in Congress.

I had the privilege of speaking at several welcome back events for educators across Northwest Arkansas working for the school districts in Rogers, Springdale, and Bentonville. As parents and K-12 students are preparing to kick off a new academic year, I shared a few words of encouragement and my gratitude for the faculty and staff who help our pupils succeed. Their commitment to our students is inspiring, and I thank them for the critical work they do every day.

It was a pleasure to join Senator John Boozman for a roundtable with members of the Rogers-Lowell, Springdale, Fayetteville, and Bentonville Chambers of Commerce. Their insights are vital as we work to put in place policies that bolster our businesses, attract new investment, and build a stronger NWA for tomorrow. Hearing directly from local leaders helps guide our efforts in Washington, and we are grateful for their time and perspective.