Texarkana Chamber Hosts First “State of Downtown” at Historic Grim Hotel

The Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce earlier this week held its first-ever “State of Downtown” event. An event that brought together community members to celebrate the growth and revitalization efforts in the city’s core.

The event took place in the historic Palm Room of the former Hotel Grim, now the Lofts at the Grim, and featured remarks from local leaders, including Texarkana, Texas City Manager Dr. David Orr and Texarkana, Arkansas City Manager Tyler Richards. Both emphasized ongoing collaboration between the twin cities and highlighted the importance of continued investment in Downtown Texarkana.

Attendees included business owners, developers, civic officials, and residents who are all deeply involved in shaping the future of the downtown and surrounding area. Updates were shared on current and upcoming downtown projects, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure improvements aimed at making the district more vibrant and walkable.

The day concluded with a dynamic live panel discussion featuring downtown champions who live, love, and breathe the district.

Panelists included:

• Jennifer Unger, CEO of the Texarkana Regional Arts & Humanities Council (TRAHC)
• Dr. Brandy Eldridge, Executive Director of the Assembly Line
• David Jones, Operating Partner at Hopkins Icehouse
• Vashil Fernandez, Planning and Community Development, City of Texarkana, TX
• Josh Morriss, Owner & Operator of Silvermoon on Broad

The event also served as a platform to reinforce the community’s shared vision for economic development, historical preservation, and cultural vitality.

The Chamber says it hopes to make the “State of Downtown” an annual tradition as momentum continues to build across the region.

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