Arkansas' workers have a traditional rural heritage that includes the classic American belief in giving a full day's work for a day's pay. Our local workforce is 31% manufacturing compared to the U.S. average of 19%.  You'll find the motivated, hardworking people of El Dorado very productive.

Unemployment Comparison by Year
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Workforce Training in El Dorado

In keeping with its mission to "prepare the current and future workforce," South Arkansas Community College is committed to workforce development by offering courses and programs that parallel the needs of regional employers. With two campuses in El Dorado, SouthArk attracts students from across south Arkansas and north Louisiana, proving that college doesn’t have to be far away and expensive to fulfill another part of its mission: to provide "excellence in service, teaching and learning."

The Workforce Development Center at South Arkansas Community College serves as a link between the college and area businesses, industries, and government agencies. Customized training is developed in response to a specific demand by local business and industry. The center is able to deliver training whenever and wherever it best meets the client's needs.

One of the best higher education options in Arkansas, SouthArk offers both transfer and occupational curricula at below average costs for public higher education; this allows most students either to continue working or find employment while pursuing advanced training locally.

General education course work is readily transferable, enabling many students to continue with baccalaureate studies at neighboring four-year institutions. In addition, the College offers certification in the following areas: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE); Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD): Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA); Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA); Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS); A+ Certification, Network + Certification; and Leviton Cabling Certification.

For full employment statistics please visit:
www.discoverarkansas.net

TIP Strategies Plan   

Recognizing the challenges facing El Dorado and Union County, the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce and the Union County Industrial Board, hired TIP Strategies—an Austin, Texas, based economic development consulting firm—to assist in crafting a response. The findings and recommendations outlined in this Economic Development Strategic Plan should serve as a framework for guiding future economic development efforts in Union County.

While the challenges facing Union County are real, so are the opportunities. TIP Strategies (TIP) believes El Dorado, and surrounding Union County, have the potential to develop into the regional center for South Arkansas. The vision, goals, strategies, and actions outlined in this plan, if fully implemented, will go far in repositioning the El Dorado and Union County as the regional center for South Arkansas, setting it on a course for long-term economic growth and vitality.

The recommendations outlined in this plan are based on TIP’s experience working in communities throughout the country and applying our knowledge of economic development best practices to Union County’s unique situation. Our experience in economic development planning is complemented by efforts to understand the area’s challenges and opportunities through the following activities:

A review of existing economic and demographic data, including population growth, educational attainment levels, occupational information, employment growth, major employers, and other relevant statistics for Union County,

Tours of El Dorado and Union County sites to better understand its economic development product from a real estate standpoint,

Interviews with area stakeholders, including face-to-face interviews with business and community leaders,

Community feedback through an online questionnaire, and

Focus group meetings and workshops to establish priorities for appropriate goals and strategies.