LeadAR Class 20 Golden Triangle Tour

by Stacy Walley, Southern Lumber Sales Manager, Weyerhaeuser Company - May 29, 2024

On May 23-24, our team embarked on a journey through the heart of south Arkansas, delving into the rich history, vibrant industries, and bright future of the region. Our tour centered around the Golden Triangle region of the state which encompasses the cities of Camden, El Dorado, and Magnolia.

Thursday kicked off in Camden, an Aerospace and Defense industry hub known for its production of cutting-edge missile defense systems. At the Hiland Industrial Park, formerly known as the Shumaker Naval Ammunition Depot, we witnessed firsthand the innovation that defines this region. A highlight of our visit was the tour of the Lockheed Martin facility, where we saw the production process of HIMARS and M270 rocket launcher vehicles. At this location they also produce precision fire missiles and IAMD systems. It was fascinating to learn that Aerospace and Defense stands as the top export in Arkansas, underscoring the critical role this sector plays in driving economic growth.

In addition, we were able to learn more about Camden’s rich cultural heritage. The McCollum-Chidester House Museum offered a captivating glimpse into the area's past, also at the same location was the Leake-Ingram Building which played a critical role as a Freedman's Bureau office, aiding African Americans following emancipation. Following our tour, we had a very good discussion on economic development over lunch with Camden's leadership which provided valuable insights into the community's aspirations and challenges.

Later that day we traveled to El Dorado, where we were greeted by the local leadership to learn more about the region's abundant natural resources, including water, oil, gas, timber, bromine, and lithium. Learning about their efforts to conserve water and sustain the Sparta Aquifer highlighted the community's commitment to environmental stewardship. That evening we spent time with El Dorado's leadership at Madhouse 101 restaurant which offered an opportunity to network and exchange ideas.

The following day led us to Magnolia, where we met at the Southern Arkansas University's Beyond the Campus building for a deeper dive into leadership communication with a session led by Dr. Bobby Soileau of LSU AgCenter. During this session we gained insights into leadership communication and the appreciation of diverse personality styles. We would also like to thank Albemarle Corporation and Magnolia's leadership for their hospitality providing food, drinks, and gifts. After lunch we had an informative session on brine production and lithium extraction presented by Albemarle Corporation, showcasing their commitment to the community and their innovative technology.

A visit to South Arkansas University's Poultry Science building provided a great opportunity to learn more about broiler and egg production, which is a vital part of the economy in the area. Our day concluded with a tour of Southern Aluminum, where we learned more about their innovative “swirl” table designs and commitment to quality.  All their products are sold wholesale and 85% of their business supports the hospitality sector worldwide.

It was very enlightening to learn more about the Golden Triangle, and the economic impact this region has on our state.  We had a great time and learned a lot in the process. 

LeadAR is a program designed to help Arkansans broaden their understanding of issues and opportunities facing our state and strengthen their ability to make a difference. For more information about LeadAR, visit the website or contact Robinson, jrobinson@uada.edu, or Lisa Davis, ldavis@uada.edu.