Chris Claybaker, director of economic development for Berryville, introduced Goodman and Michelle Perez, program associate for U.S. programs at Winrock International. Claybaker explained that
Goodman’s retail analysis and assessment addressed the “vibrant downtown and retail community” goal identified in Berryville Works 2020, the city’s recently completed economic development strategic plan.
“I think the presentation you’re going to see is one of those missing links we’ve needed in our community to help sell it properly,” Claybaker said.
Perez spoke about Winrock International’s role in Berryville’s economic development plan, explaining that Winrock International is a nonprofit organization in Little Rock founded by former Arkansas governor Winthrop Rockefeller. She said the organization’s work focuses on economic development, education, environmental issues and human rights.
“My team and I work exclusively in the United States and Arkansas in particular in small rural communities like Berryville,” Perez said.