Stuttgart Industrial Park achieves Entergy Arkansas ‘Select Site’ Certification – Entergy Newsroom

Stuttgart Industrial Park Achieves Entergy Arkansas ‘Select Site’ Certification

Economic Development Milestone Supporting Sustainable Development Goals

Date: June 24, 2025

Location: Stuttgart, Arkansas

The Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce, Stuttgart Industrial Development Corporation, and Entergy Arkansas have announced the successful Select Site certification of two industrial sites within the Stuttgart Industrial Park, located on U.S. Highway 79. The certified sites include a 154-acre site and a 62-acre site. This achievement was celebrated with representatives from all organizations and Mayor Norma King Strabala in attendance.

About the Select Site Certification

The Select Site initiative is designed to provide Entergy Arkansas-served communities with a competitive advantage by offering shovel-ready industrial sites. This certification process involves a comprehensive evaluation based on predetermined criteria to ensure sites meet the needs of site location consultants and companies, thereby promoting sustainable economic growth.

Key Developments Leading to Certification

• Extension of water and sewer infrastructure to the industrial park, supported by grants from the Economic Development Authority and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
• Completion of a thorough site readiness audit and documentation process.
• Financial support from Entergy Arkansas to offset certification costs.
• Creation of promotional materials including a custom video and 360-degree images to enhance site visibility.

Statements from Leadership

Bethany Hildebrand, President and CEO of the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of the certification:

“This certification is the next step to making these two sites among the top industrial sites in the state.”

Danny Games, Vice President of Business and Economic Development at Entergy Arkansas, highlighted the challenges and benefits of certification:

“Certifying a site is not an easy or quick task and certifying two at the same time is an even bigger challenge. Accomplishing these certifications ensures that Stuttgart has timely information on hand to satisfy site location consultants and prospective company inquiries.”

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Certification promotes job creation by attracting high-tech, manufacturing, and distribution projects.
   • Supports sustainable economic growth in the Stuttgart region.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Improvement of infrastructure such as water and sewer systems enhances industrial capacity.
   • Encourages innovation through readiness for advanced industrial projects.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Development of shovel-ready sites contributes to sustainable urban and industrial planning.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration among local government, economic development organizations, and Entergy Arkansas exemplifies effective partnerships.

Impact and Future Prospects

The Select Site certification enhances Stuttgart’s attractiveness for new and expanding businesses, contributing to regional economic resilience and sustainability. Certified sites will be featured on the Arkansas Site Selection Center, increasing visibility to prospective investors.

Other certified Select Site locations in Arkansas include Little Rock, Jefferson County, Newport, Osceola, Russellville, West Memphis, and Wynne. Recent projects on former Select Sites include:

• Amazon Fulfillment Center in Little Rock
• Owens Corning facility in Russellville
• Tractor Supply Co. distribution center in Maumelle

For further information and to view the promotional video of the Stuttgart sites, visit the full video here and Arkansas Site Selection Center.

About Entergy Arkansas

Entergy Arkansas, LLC serves approximately 735,000 customers across 63 counties. As a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, it produces, transmits, and distributes electricity to over 3 million customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The company is committed to sustainable energy solutions, investing in cleaner energy generation including natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, while maintaining affordable rates.

Entergy Arkansas is recognized nationally for sustainability and corporate citizenship, delivering over $100 million annually in economic benefits through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy. For more information, visit entergyarkansas.com and connect on social media at @EntergyARK.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article focuses on economic development through industrial park certification, job creation, and attracting businesses.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The certification of industrial sites and infrastructure improvements such as water and sewer extensions support industrial growth and infrastructure development.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Entergy Arkansas’s investment in cleaner energy generation including natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy is relevant to this goal.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Development of shovel-ready industrial sites with proper infrastructure supports sustainable urban and community development.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development.
   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and increase the industry’s share of employment and GDP.
3. SDG 7 Targets
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
4. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated planning and management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of Certified Industrial Sites
   • The article mentions certification of two industrial sites in Stuttgart, which can be tracked as an indicator of infrastructure readiness and economic development.
2. Grants Obtained for Infrastructure Development
   • Grants from Economic Development Authority and Arkansas Economic Development Commission for water and sewer extension indicate progress in infrastructure targets.
3. Investment in Clean Energy
   • Entergy Arkansas’s investments in modern natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy can be measured by the share of clean energy in the energy mix.
4. Economic Benefits Delivered
   • More than $100 million in economic benefits annually through philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy reflects progress towards economic growth and community development.
5. Operational Projects on Certified Sites
   • Projects such as Amazon Fulfillment Center and Tractor Supply Co. distribution center indicate successful industrial development and job creation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: entergynewsroom.com