Julie Murray talked to us at Rotary about Heber Springs’ development plans. Julie is an experienced business professional with an extensive background in marketing and business development. Most recently, Julie spent the last four years with Solutions House, an advisory services firm that assists organizations with corporate training and ethics programs.
Prior to that, she worked at the Wal-Mart home office in strategy and development as well as the global communications department. Julie received her undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas and a Master of Science in Leadership and Ethics from John Brown University.
Julie and her husband, Doug, relocated to Heber Springs from Northwest Arkansas in April 2013 when Doug was hired as the Plant Manager for the Tigg Corporation.
The Kick-Start Heber Springs Action Plan was officially launched in May of 2106. The process began with a week-long assessment from UCA’s Community Development Institute’s Advanced Year class in August 2015 of Heber Springs’ challenges and asset-based opportunities. This work led to the prioritization of six key issues and opportunities for Heber Springs:
1) Branding and marketing
2) Economic development
3) Education and workforce
4) Quality of Life & Place
5) Tourism
6)Funding and finance
Many people and organizations are working together on this effort, including representatives from the City of Heber Springs, Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce, Heber Springs School District, Arkansas State University at Heber Springs, Greers Ferry Lake Trails Council, Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River Association, Cleburne County, business owners, local banks, and many other community leaders and citizens.
The question and answer session that followed Julie’s talk mentioned in some detail the attractions Heber Springs can offer to tourists: A charming small town environment with a beautiful lake. This lake, we all agree, is one of the prettiest water bodies in the US; clean, warm in summer, few insects, forested shores and a varied coastline, as well as decent fishing. I know many lakes in the US, Europe and Africa and am convinced we have a winner here. Julie’s energy and vigorous plans will have good results to attract tourists and economic development.