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EDUCATION STRESSED AT CONFERENCE LUNCHEON

By Ray King/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 10:02 AM CST

Saying that education was the key to improving the way of life of Arkansas residents, a member of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission wrapped up the first Family Economic Security Conference in Pine Bluff and urged those attending to, “stay the course.”

“Do not stop,” urged Pine Bluff attorney Jack McNulty, vice chairman of the commission, during a luncheon at the Convention Center.

McNulty was filling in for AEDC Executive Director Marie Haley, who was unable to attend because of a broken bone in her foot.

“Do not get discouraged,” McNulty said. “We’re all working together to try and improve the lives of the people in this state.”

The conference brought together representatives from social service agencies, community and faith based organizations and government officials to share ideas and network together in an effort to improve the quality of services they provide.

Using a speech prepared for Haley, McNulty said in the distant past people could achieve a middle class income “with a high school diploma and a good work ethic.

“Arkansas is facing a crossroads in economic development and, for us to adjust, to move ahead, one word is the key and that’s education,” he said. “Few of our students attend college and fewer of them graduate, and these days even entry level manufacturing jobs require some skills in math.”

He also told the group that even though they might not think their agencies are important for economic development in the state, they are.

“Each of you plays a part in the state’s financial security,” McNulty said. “You make sure our children are safe, that there’s food on the table, that health care is available for the sick. You are all economic developers because what you do improves the quality of life for those who need it the most.”

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