In a previous blog entry, I wrote about the importance of downtowns. Important because they represent the community heart. Important because they usually reflect the history, the architecture, the “sense of place”, the place where people come together. Important as well as a center of Commerce and Trade.
Harrison has a long history as a regional trade center drawing from as far away as 50 miles. Over the past 15 – 20 years It has lost some of that energy due to the growth in Fayetteville area and the huge retail development and tourist industry growth in Branson, Missouri. Harrison was losing ground, was on a downward spiral and the future was looking pretty bleak. Well, “enough of that” became the battle cry from a few motivated, energetic folks who decided “to do something about it.”
From a few… now many… the leaders, businesses and citizens of Harrison have come together and are reversing the trend. They have formed a group called CORE with committees, weekly and monthly meetings, specific action steps to improve, revitalize and build for the future. They are now capitalizing on the obvious proximity of our nation’s first National River … The Buffalo National River … and are promoting Harrison as “The Gateway to the Buffalo”.
To my earlier point about the importance of downtowns, this community is successfully bringing new retail business development and entertainment events to the historic downtown square. For my money, “Harrison is coming back”.
How do Dave and Jeanette Fitton get my nod as heroes. Very simple … not only have they been advocates, not only have they been leaders and organizers but every day, every week, every month they have been the glue that has held this movement together. There are bigger names involved, but no one has done more to stay consistently engaged, to send the reminders, to publish the minutes, to follow up than this couple.
Harrison is on the move once again thanks to a bunch of people but my choice for the hero designation goes to:
Dave and Jeanette Fitton of Harrison Arkansas
Jim Dailey 
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