Go Forward Pine Bluff recently hosted a delegation of leaders from the Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
The delegation included participants from Rural LISC’s 2024 seminar, representing national funding organizations, grantees and grantors who arrived in Pine Bluff on a bus tour for a look at GFPB’s efforts.
Ryan Watley, CEO of Go Forward Pine Bluff, provided an overview of the organization’s initiatives, emphasizing the collaboration between public and private entities.
“This visit underscores the progress we’ve made in our mission to reimagine Pine Bluff,” said Watley. “We are honored to host Rural LISC and share the tangible results of our work with such an influential audience. Their engagement reinforces the importance of partnerships and investments in sustainable, community-centered solutions.”
During the visit, Rural LISC participants explored various initiatives spearheaded by GFPB, including programs designed to enhance education opportunities, attract and retain businesses, improve government services and create public spaces.
The visited locations also featured WE Center WE Build, which offers workforce development opportunities through apprenticeship programs focused on construction. Additionally, they are involved in neighborhood revitalization efforts by using apprentices to help construct new homes in areas that need redevelopment.
The partnership between GFPB and Rural LISC illustrates the potential of leveraging public-private collaboration to foster inclusive growth, according to a news release.
