Unifying Texarkana
By: Jade Cunningham
Updated: February 1, 2013
As Texarkana's first-ever Leadership Summit gets underway, many are optimistic about the future of the Twin Cities.
The event kicked off Thursday night as many openly talked about their visions of the area, because Stateline isn't just a street, it's a division that keeps the Arkansas and Texas sides from working together as one.
"There have been some issues," Arkansas Mayor Wayne Smith says. "I think personalities were getting in between the issues and not getting worked out."
So for three days, leaders from both Texarkanas and the Chamber of Commerce are getting together to try and help the community unite.
"The question is, 'What is our opportunity if instead of waiting for cirisis, we put our heads together and we proactively work towards bringing out that excellence?'" said Leadership Texarkana Executive Director Ruth Ellen Whitt.
"Our goal is to develop all of those assets, so that we are one of a kind, and second to none in everything that we do."
Those involved will learn about problem solving, teamwork, and the importance of open communication. Something Texas Mayor, Bob Bruggeman, says is key to moving forward.
"As time goes by, we'll have differences on interpretation of different matters," Bruggeman says. "But, by coming to this particular training session or the summit, I think it'll equip us with the tools to know how to carry on a positive dialogue and to congratulate each other along the way."
Smith agrees.
"I think this is one of the steps we're going toward to set aside the personalities and get to know the individual and understand that we have more in common than we do against each other. It's more important that you don't see them by name or title, you get the opportunity to actually sit down and learn something about them."
However they both say unity can only be accomplished if both sides work together. Something they both say they want to do.
"If we're all willing to utilize what we're exposed to here, then I think everyone here on both sides of the fence is willing to do it."
"I'm just optimistic about the future of Texarkana, USA, and I'm very supportive that Mayor Smith and I along with our boards and councils will continue to work together as we move forward," Bruggeman says.
The Summit's last day is Saturday at the Texarkana Country Club.
If you have questions or comments you can e-mail them to leadershiptxk@cableone.net.
The event kicked off Thursday night as many openly talked about their visions of the area, because Stateline isn't just a street, it's a division that keeps the Arkansas and Texas sides from working together as one.
"There have been some issues," Arkansas Mayor Wayne Smith says. "I think personalities were getting in between the issues and not getting worked out."
So for three days, leaders from both Texarkanas and the Chamber of Commerce are getting together to try and help the community unite.
"The question is, 'What is our opportunity if instead of waiting for cirisis, we put our heads together and we proactively work towards bringing out that excellence?'" said Leadership Texarkana Executive Director Ruth Ellen Whitt.
"Our goal is to develop all of those assets, so that we are one of a kind, and second to none in everything that we do."
Those involved will learn about problem solving, teamwork, and the importance of open communication. Something Texas Mayor, Bob Bruggeman, says is key to moving forward.
"As time goes by, we'll have differences on interpretation of different matters," Bruggeman says. "But, by coming to this particular training session or the summit, I think it'll equip us with the tools to know how to carry on a positive dialogue and to congratulate each other along the way."
Smith agrees.
"I think this is one of the steps we're going toward to set aside the personalities and get to know the individual and understand that we have more in common than we do against each other. It's more important that you don't see them by name or title, you get the opportunity to actually sit down and learn something about them."
However they both say unity can only be accomplished if both sides work together. Something they both say they want to do.
"If we're all willing to utilize what we're exposed to here, then I think everyone here on both sides of the fence is willing to do it."
"I'm just optimistic about the future of Texarkana, USA, and I'm very supportive that Mayor Smith and I along with our boards and councils will continue to work together as we move forward," Bruggeman says.
The Summit's last day is Saturday at the Texarkana Country Club.
If you have questions or comments you can e-mail them to leadershiptxk@cableone.net.
