By Ray King

With Stant shutting down and Evergreen Packaging announcing that it will close part of its production facility, the search is on for industries that can create jobs, particularly for those who are losing the ones they currently have.

The Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County is at the forefront of trying to locate those industries and Allison Thompson, the President and CEO of the Alliance, was asked about the selling points her organization uses to attract new industry.

Speaking to Deltaplex News, Thompson was also asked why some companies are saying no.

Thompson said while companies are aware of the crime problems in Pine Bluff, they have not used that as a reason to say no, and she has not heard that listed as a factor by companies who are leaving.

She also talked about People Shores, a tech company that is locating in Pine Bluff, and what they will offer.