Global Expertise Benefits Arkansas's Small and Medium Sized Manufacturers

Winrock's U.S. Programs brings global expertise home to benefit Arkansas, the mid-south, and the United States. To accomplish the AMS objective, we will, along with other business partners, identify and pursue cooperative efforts that will both benefit and increase the availability of project expertise and training and the distribution of products and services to SME.

Rural and enterprise development programs, technology assistance, adn environmental services provide crosscutting strategies to address challenges facing the region and nation. Activities include: natural resource management, manufacturing and business extension, workforce development, cooperative development, Southern United States trade Association (SUSTA), Arkansas Wood Manufacturers Assocation (AWMA).

Two full-time project managers, supported by the AMS funding, will work closely with Winrock and its partners to provide manufacturing and business extension services.

Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions primary purpose is to assist Arkansas's small and medium sized manufacturers (SME) with their economic development activities.

• Provide office space, equipment, and resources for the project manager (office space for one position, the other will be housed at AMS Central Office),  as necessary to carry out associated duties and responsibilities;
• Submit an annual report, any management letters associated with the report, and any other required reports;
• Allocate 100% of co-located project managers' time devoted to AMS activities;
• Co-located project managers are required to comply with specified performance goals;
• Develop and implement new AMS services in the area of business development and growth planning for manufacturers; and
• Identify AMS projects for value-added agricultural products, where appropriate.