By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
June 22, 2001
DEKALB Public officials, community activists and other organizers turned out Thursday to kick off a three- to four-month planning initiative they hope will help improve the quality of life in Kemper County.
Mike McGrevey, Kemper County Economic Development Authority executive director, described the luncheon meeting held at the Development Authority's Business Incubator called the Team Kemper Vision to Action Summit as a good start.
McGrevey said the group will begin a process of strategic planning. About 60 people attended, including former Gov. William Winter and representatives of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Appalachian Regional Commission, Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Miss.
McGrevey said an additional 50 people have committed to help local officials seek larger grants and funding for business and industrial growth.
The new vision plan will "pave the way for broad-based advancements on all fronts," McGrevey said, including economic growth, health care, education and recreation improvements.
Developing the plan is only the beginning, he said. Pursuing it is the key to success.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.