Westerman Comments on Clarksville Jobs Announcement

Statement

Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Hot Springs) issued the following statement regarding the Hanesbrands expansion in Clarksville:

"I congratulate Hanesbrand and the city of Clarksville on the announcement of 120 new jobs in the Fourth District. This is not only great for the individuals hired at the facility, but the local economy, as well. The construction jobs created by this expansion, as well as the infusion of economic benefit in the Johnson County economy from those permanently employed, will help spur further development in the community.

"Jobs announcements like the one today are far too rare in today's economy. My pledge to the people of Clarksville, Johnson County and the entire Fourth Congressional District is to work on policies that promote job creation through lower taxes and less red tape so all communities in our region and state can experience growth like Hanesbrand announced today. I look forward to working with Governor Hutchinson and other state and local officials to make sure Arkansas and the Fourth District are prime locations to expand existing businesses and grow new ones."

Hanesbrand announced Friday that it would expand its Clarksville facility at 1904 West Clark Road, relocating a women's hose line from Mexico at a cost of $1.4 million. The project will receive $400,000 in state flexibility funds.

FULL TEXT OF WESTERMAN'S PREPARED REMARKS AT HANES ANNOUNCEMENT

"I want to thank you, Travis, for that warm introduction. And thank you to Matt Hall and plant manager Cathy Stalcup for hosting this event today. Mayor Simpson, I want to thank you, too, for hosting us. It is always a pleasure to be in Clarksville. And Governor Hutchinson, it is a pleasure to see you today and welcome you to the Fourth District for your first jobs announcement as Governor!

"And what a day it is for Hanes and the city of Clarksville. Not only is the city getting an investment of more than $1 million, but with that investment comes construction jobs and 120 permanent jobs following the plant's opening.

"This is about more than just a jobs announcement for the city of Clarksville -- this is about a wave of development that will come to Clarksville and Johnson County as a result of Hanes' investment in our community. As we all know, the total $1.4 million investment by Hanes will multiply several times over as construction workers spend their earnings at local restaurants, hardware stores, and retail stores as they feed their families, and spur further development through spending their hard earned dollars in this, their own community.

"The same will be true once Hanes begins hiring and Clarksville residents again see 120 new employees join the expanded payroll at this facility.

"But the growth and economic development brought about by this single expansion doesn't have to stop in Clarksville or Johnson County. All of the Fourth District and Arkansas should be able to experience events like these, celebrate announcements like these, and appreciate times like these in the coming months and years. How do we do that? By cutting through the red tape, lowering taxes and making it easier for job creators to do just that, create jobs.

"I want to say congratulations again to Hanes and the city of Clarksville on this jobs announcement."

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