AR-TX REDI, a nonprofit organization, aims to create jobs and expand the regional economic base by attracting new businesses and industries to the area. REDI was created to promote the value of the region’s unique resources along the interstate corridors in Miller (AR) and Bowie (TX) Counties. The region is positioned for exponential economic growth within the manufacturing, logistics and technology sectors. The state line is a unifier that will help the region stand-out and prosper in a competitive economic development environment.

In January 2013, Dr. Emily Cutrer was appointed President of Texas A&M University-Texarkana. A historian at heart, Emily and her husband, Tom, also a cultural historian and Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, immediately became immersed in the Texarkana community. Even with a schedule that would be daunting to most, Emily enjoys helping students realize their full potential and serves on the boards of a myriad of community organizations.

A district manager for Cherry Hill Programs, Terri Lynn oversees hiring and training for malls in Louisiana and Mississippi working in seasonal photography promotions. She is also a food broker for Prep Cakes, a business that specializes in sugar-free meal replacement sweet treats. She was previously the studio coordinator for Barbell Butterfly in Shreveport, where she also served as a weight training instructor for clients there and in Texarkana. She was recently hired by The Sportsplex to teach group fitness classes and is pursuing a Personal Training certification so she can work as a trainer there.

Joyfully retired, Bernice Riles is married to her husband, Samuel. She has two sons, Rodney Lavelle Adkins and Vincent DeWayne Taylor, and one daughter, Barbara Jean Adkins-Sears. Her favorite Bible verse that she strives to live by every day is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Happily married for 42 years, Penny Allred and her husband, Bud, are blessed with a son, Jeff Allred, and two daughters, Brandi Quinn and Amber Fry. She admits that all three of their children possess “amazing hearts, unique gifts, and an ever increasing love for the Lord that has made them each strong in their own faith.” The Allreds also have four grandchildren, Garret, Gavin, Addison, and Mason, who are the loves of their lives!

A mom, wife, daughter, “Mimi,” friend and leader, Dr. Donna McDaniel chooses to be a positive, loving individual who is focused on encouraging herself and others to maximize potential in one another. She shows enthusiasm for people and life, and makes a difference in the world by sharing the love of Christ through her daily life.

A coach and business teacher at Pleasant Grove High School, Gina Clark enjoys being a good role model for her students and touching many lives along the way. Married to husband, Doyle, for 24 years next month, they are the proud parents of a daughter, Ashlyn, who is a sophomore at UCA in Conway, Arkansas, and a son, Brenton, a seventh grader at PGMS.

Tiffany Labrada has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for the past 11 years. She is goal-oriented and works hard to make her business, Tranquility Spa & Salon, a success. “I know what I like and want. And I do what I need to, to get it accomplished,” she says.

Yulin Brewer works with her husband, Jerry, at NAI American Realty Company. She helps pay the bills and works with the bookkeeper and secretary to help keep the business running smoothly. She loves spending time with Jerry and their daughter, Shannon, often while enjoying fine cuisine or attending the many charity events in Texarkana.

During her speeches, Christian author and speaker, Joyce Meyer, often says: “When you begin to worry, go find something to do. Get busy being a blessing to someone; do something fruitful. Worrying will not solve your problem.” Rhonda King strives to follow those life’s instructions, while being a humble servant who listens to God for daily direction.

TEXARKANA’S “BUNCO BABES” ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FUN AND FRIENDSHIP THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED FOR OVER 30 YEARS

MULTI-SPORT ATHLETE, NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES GOLD MEDALIST, AND TEAM USA WORLD COMPETITOR STANLEY “LEE” WOODS TRAINS AND PLAYS HARD TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS

BETTY JO (FITE) HAYS IS ENERGIZED BY COMMUNITY SERVICE, ART

AFTER SPENDING MUCH TIME AS A DEVOTED VOLUNTEER, JANET BARNES HAS HELPED TEXARKANA BECOME A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE

FOR OVER 70 YEARS, BOBBY MAY HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE AS A COURT REPORTER FOR THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM

DAVID PEAVY BELIEVES IN PRESERVING OUR COMMUNITY’S HISTORY

RWANDAN IMMACULÉE “GABIE” INGABIRE enjoys studying in the U.S., being involved in the community, and learning all she can about business.

New Boston native Taylor Granberry lives out her dreams in front of an audience of 1,100 every single night

Mary Jane Orr reflects on seven decades of creativity, determination, and volunteerism.

Christopher Allen combines his talent for design with his love for art.