Hot Springs chamber and Metro Partnership promote local workforce programs and apologize for heated minutes remark
February 05, 2026 | Hot Springs City, Garland County, Arkansas
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Gary Traubman, president and CEO of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Hot Springs Metro Partnership, and colleague Gary Jackson presented the organization's workforce outreach to the Hot Springs Board of Directors on Feb. 3, telling the board the program has reached thousands of students across 12 school districts and highlights local employers from aerospace to health care.
Traubman and Jackson described a curriculum of in‑school visits, mock interviews and large 'Draft Day' events that bring dozens of employers to campuses so students see local career paths. Trautman said the effort is intended to keep young residents "from having to leave" Hot Springs for work and pointed to examples including manufacturing, maritime and aerospace companies in Garland County.
The presentation included specific employer examples and numbers: organizers said they have spoken to whole classes at Lakeside and Fountain Lake, reach multiple grade levels (including senior events with as many as 330 students), and operate in 12 school districts. Trautman highlighted employer partnerships such as AAR and local manufacturers and noted the program emphasizes technical reskilling for jobs affected by automation and AI.
The presentation prompted praise and questions from directors, then shifted into a tense exchange when Director Dudley Webb read a line from Metro Partnership meeting minutes: "President Troutman shared Bill Burrow needs help with the city board. There are 2 that don't get it." Webb asked Trautman to explain who the minutes referred to and why the comment appeared in meeting notes.
Trautman responded directly to the board: "First off, I wanna apologize for that because it was heat of the moment," and asked that the group move forward cooperatively to attract investment to Hot Springs. Director Phyllis Beard called the public comments in the minutes "cowardly" and asked whether board members up for reelection should be worried by public criticisms; Trautman denied seeking power and said he wants to "pay it forward" for the community.
No formal action followed the exchange. Directors who voiced concern asked staff to clarify the record and to continue working with the chamber and Metro Partnership on economic development and workforce initiatives.
The board then moved on to other agenda items; Trautman and his colleagues remained available to answer further questions after the meeting.
Traubman and Jackson described a curriculum of in‑school visits, mock interviews and large 'Draft Day' events that bring dozens of employers to campuses so students see local career paths. Trautman said the effort is intended to keep young residents "from having to leave" Hot Springs for work and pointed to examples including manufacturing, maritime and aerospace companies in Garland County.
The presentation included specific employer examples and numbers: organizers said they have spoken to whole classes at Lakeside and Fountain Lake, reach multiple grade levels (including senior events with as many as 330 students), and operate in 12 school districts. Trautman highlighted employer partnerships such as AAR and local manufacturers and noted the program emphasizes technical reskilling for jobs affected by automation and AI.
The presentation prompted praise and questions from directors, then shifted into a tense exchange when Director Dudley Webb read a line from Metro Partnership meeting minutes: "President Troutman shared Bill Burrow needs help with the city board. There are 2 that don't get it." Webb asked Trautman to explain who the minutes referred to and why the comment appeared in meeting notes.
Trautman responded directly to the board: "First off, I wanna apologize for that because it was heat of the moment," and asked that the group move forward cooperatively to attract investment to Hot Springs. Director Phyllis Beard called the public comments in the minutes "cowardly" and asked whether board members up for reelection should be worried by public criticisms; Trautman denied seeking power and said he wants to "pay it forward" for the community.
No formal action followed the exchange. Directors who voiced concern asked staff to clarify the record and to continue working with the chamber and Metro Partnership on economic development and workforce initiatives.
The board then moved on to other agenda items; Trautman and his colleagues remained available to answer further questions after the meeting.
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