Interview: Steven Jones on How Union County Is Cultivating Industry Growth
Steven Jones, president and CEO of the Union County-El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, says the chamber’s focus is not simply waiting for a “lithium boom” — it’s helping create one.
In an interview with Lithium Link, Jones said Union County is staying in close contact with major industry players, including Standard Lithium, Lanxess and companies moving through the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator, to better understand their needs and help position the region for growth.
Jones said much of the industry remains in an evaluation phase, especially around the “missing midstream” — the processing, manufacturing and supply-chain activity that could follow lithium extraction.
The Pitch
Jones said the county’s pitch starts with its workforce and industrial experience. While direct lithium extraction is new, Union County has decades of experience in energy, bromine, oil and gas, and chemical manufacturing.
“Bring your project to Union County and we’ve got the folks to show you how to get it done,” Jones said.
Jones also pointed to quality-of-life assets like the Murphy Arts District, the El Dorado Promise scholarship program and the area’s growing role as a regional health care hub as important tools for recruiting companies, workers and families. Those assets, he said, help make the case that Union County is not only ready for industrial investment, but also a strong place for people to live and put down roots.
Teamwork
To capture more of the lithium supply chain, Jones said Union County is focused on site readiness, infrastructure and strong coordination with state economic development leaders.
Jones cited industrial water from the Ouachita River as a major advantage, giving the county a resource many industrial prospects need and one that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Collaboration is also central to the work. Jones said local employers, education partners, health care leaders and regional economic development groups are helping present a united front as South Arkansas prepares for the lithium opportunity.
That regional approach, he said, is increasingly important as communities across the Smackover Formation work to attract investment and support new industry.
More
In the full conversation, Jones also talks about:
The infrastructure work underway on key highway corridors
How local employers are helping recruit new industry
Watch the full interview for more on how Union County is preparing for what could come next.
