LEADERSHIP CONNECTION | Build Sevier County

FRIENDS

foundation

FRIENDS is an acronym for Funding Retention and Increasing Efforts for Notable Economic Development in Sevier County.

The FRIENDS foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in June of 2020 that is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and community development in Sevier County, Arkansas. Through collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, we aim to enhance the region's economic landscape by supporting initiatives that retain businesses, attract investment, and improve the quality of life for all residents.

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FRIENDS

foundation

OBJECTIVES

Community Engagement: Facilitate active participation among local businesses, government entities, and community organizations to identify and support economic development initiatives.
Funding Support: Secure and allocate funding for projects that promote economic retention and growth, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to benefit the Sevier County community.
Capacity Building: Provide training, resources, and support to local entrepreneurs and businesses to enhance their capacity for growth and sustainability.
Strategic Partnerships: Develop and strengthen partnerships with regional and state economic development agencies, educational institutions, and private sector stakeholders to amplify collective efforts.
Promote Awareness: Increase awareness of Sevier County’s economic potential through marketing and outreach efforts, showcasing opportunities for investment and development.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a system for measuring the impact of funded projects and initiatives, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in our efforts.
Advocacy: Act as a voice for the community in advocating for policies and resources that support economic development and enhance the overall well-being of Sevier County residents.

VERONICA OZURA

DIRECTOR

SEVIER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A lifelong De Queen resident, Veronica Ozura serves as Director of Sevier County Economic Development, where she works to strengthen the region's economy through business attraction, workforce development, entrepreneurship, community partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives.

A graduate of De Queen High School, Veronica earned dual bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Arkansas Tech University and holds master's degrees in School Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University–Texarkana.

Throughout her career, Veronica has worked at the intersection of education, workforce development, counseling, and community engagement. Her experience spans K-12 education, higher education, economic development, and nonprofit leadership, providing a unique perspective on connecting people, businesses, and resources to create long-term opportunities.

Today, she works alongside local, regional, and state partners to advance projects that support economic growth, workforce readiness, quality of life, and investment throughout Sevier County and Southwest Arkansas.