Osceola Mayor Urges Mississippi County to Stick Together

Harris cites Blytheville-Osceola partnership and shared future in steel economy at county chamber luncheon.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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At a county chamber luncheon in Blytheville, Osceola Mayor Joe Harris Jr. urged Mississippi County residents to stand together, citing the strong partnership between Blytheville and Osceola and the shared future of the region in the steel economy. Harris emphasized that the county is better when everyone works together, as what affects one community affects the entire county.

Why it matters

The speech highlights the importance of regional cooperation and unity in a county facing economic changes. As the steel industry becomes a dominant force, Harris wants to ensure Mississippi County presents a united front and positive perception to attract investment and growth.

The details

During his speech, Harris praised the partnership between Blytheville and Osceola, noting that the two communities are connected and that the county as a whole, with a population of 47,000 to 50,000, must work together. He encouraged the crowd to continue promoting a good perception of Mississippi County as an ideal place to live, work, and play. Harris also recognized Osceola City Councilman Tyler Dunegan, emphasizing the importance of local leaders being involved in regional initiatives.

  • The Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce held its first luncheon of 2026 on Wednesday.

The players

Joe Harris Jr.

The mayor of Osceola, Arkansas, who was the featured speaker at the county chamber luncheon and urged regional unity.

Liz Smith

The executive director of the Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce, who introduced Harris and stated the chamber's dedication to county unity.

Tyler Dunegan

An Osceola City Councilman recognized by Harris for his involvement in regional initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“The partnership that Blytheville and Osceola have – It's a great partnership. These two communities are connected. When you look at the population of Mississippi County, we are 47,000 to 50,000 people. We're just a mid-sized city, the entire county. So we are all connected one way or the other.”

— Joe Harris Jr., Mayor of Osceola (osceolatimes.com)

“We have sustained from Blytheville to Manila to Wilson to Osceola. I want to say to us all, let's stick together. Because whatever hurts us in Osceola is going to hurt you in Blytheville. Whatever hurts in Manila is going to hurt Osceola. Wilson, Birdsong, and Joiner, we are all one big happy family. There is no, this happened in Osceola. No, this happened in Mississippi County.”

— Joe Harris Jr., Mayor of Osceola (osceolatimes.com)

“The perception you give people, it could be a good perception or a bad perception. So, let's continue with our good perception. Mississippi County is an ideal place to live, to work, and to play.”

— Joe Harris Jr., Mayor of Osceola (osceolatimes.com)

What’s next

The Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce plans to hold 10 luncheons throughout 2026, with the exception of July.

The takeaway

This speech underscores the importance of regional cooperation and unity in Mississippi County as the area navigates economic changes, particularly the rise of the steel industry. By presenting a united front and promoting a positive perception of the county, local leaders hope to attract investment and growth that will benefit all communities.