“WORK HERE. LIVE HERE.”
Original story in the Arkansas Business Land of Steel Growth Report: https://digital.abpg.com/land-of-steel-growth-report_2024/page/8-9
With the rise of major industries, including the steel sector, and a flourishing workforce, Mississippi County has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at sustaining and supporting this growth: “Work Here. Live Here.” This program bridges the gap between employment opportunities and community development by encouraging workers to not only build their careers in Mississippi County but also their home lives.
The initiative, launched by local leaders, banks and employers through the Great River Economic Development Foundation, encourages new and existing employees of Mississippi County’s largest employers to buy homes in the area. Homeowners are incentivized with up to $50,000 off the cost of a new home and up to $25,000 off an existing home. With this financial assistance, WHLH aims to foster long-term community ties, increase local homeownership and reduce employee turnover, creating a stable workforce and thriving neighborhoods.
At the heart of WHLH is the vision to make Mississippi County not just a place to work but a place to call home. Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson sees the program as a game-changer for the region.
“Our county has been blessed with tremendous industrial growth, particularly in the steel sector,” said Nelson. “But we know that to truly thrive, we need to support the people who work here and encourage them to plant roots in our community. WHLH is about creating that connection, where our workforce feels invested in both their jobs and their community.”
Nelson noted that the program isn’t just about economic benefits but also about creating a sense of pride and belonging in the community.
“When people own homes here, they’re more likely to stay, contribute and help build a brighter future for Mississippi County,” he said.
Farmers Bank & Trust has been a key partner in the initiative. During a recent celebration of the initiative’s 100th home, bank President Randy Scott highlighted how the local banking community has rallied around the initiative to make homeownership more accessible to workers.
“We see ‘Work Here. Live Here’ as an investment in the future of our county,” said Scott. “We know that when people own homes, they have a stake in the community’s success. Our bank has made it a priority to support this initiative through competitive home loans and financial advice, helping employees make the transition from renters to homeowners.”
Scott emphasized that this program aligns with the bank’s mission to uplift the local economy. More than 60% of program participants have been first-time homebuyers.
“We’ve been part of this community for decades, and we’re committed to helping it grow,” he added. “Programs like ‘Work Here. Live Here’ allow us to be part of something much bigger than just banking — we’re building futures.”
For Scott Pfantz, the 100th homeowner through the WHLH initiative, the program was a dream come true. When Pfantz and his wife considered moving from out of state, they compared several different towns in the area, but the program incentives made it hard to pass on putting down roots in Mississippi County.
Pfantz, who recently moved into his new home, believes WHLH is essential for attracting and retaining
talent in the area. “It’s not just about having a job — it’s about having alife here,” he said. “I feel like I’m building a future, not just for myself, but for my family and my neighbors.”
Corporate Commitment
Mississippi County’s industrial giants have also embraced the WHLH program, recognizing the importance of a stable workforce rooted in the community.
Big River Steel, a major player in the region’s economy, has been an advocate of the program from its inception. Lenore Trammell, chief compliance officer and general counsel at Big River Steel, highlighted how the initiative has positively impacted both employees and the company.
“At Big River Steel, we understand that our success is tied to the people who work here,” Trammell said. “By encouraging our employees to live where they work, we’re not only helping them achieve homeownership but also fostering a sense of local loyalty and commitment that’s vital to our operations.”
Trammell noted reducing employee turnover and improving quality of life are keys to long-term growth.
“When employees are happy and invested in their community, they’re more likely to stay and grow with the company and contribute to the local economy,” she said. “WHLH has been a win-win for us, and we’re proud to support it.”
Looking to the Future
As the program continues to grow, Mississippi County leaders are optimistic about its long-term impact.
With more than 100 homes already purchased through the initiative, WHLH is proving to be a powerful tool for community and economic development. By offering employees the chance to build their lives in the same place where they work, Mississippi County is laying the foundation for a vibrant, sustainable future.
With more companies signing on to the program and an increasing number of workers taking advantage of its benefits, “Work Here. Live Here.” is set to reshape the county’s landscape, one home at a time.
For more information about WHLH, visit workhereliveherear.com.