By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
July 20, 2001
The East Mississippi Business Development Corp. will go outside its board room today, seeking direction for a strategic plan.
Business executives, government officials and private citizens will brainstorm with a consultant hired to help develop priorities and goals. Then on Aug. 7, Richard Anderson of Integral Assets Inc. of Marquette, Mich., will hold an all-day session with the EMBDC board to complete the plan.
Anderson started his meetings Thursday morning, following the board's regular monthly meeting; he will wrap up his work today.
Developing a strategic plan is something Wade Jones has wanted to do since becoming EMBDC president earlier this year. Jones said that the plan would become part of the overall planning and budgeting process when completed.
In other matters:
EMBDC board members were briefed on plans for Meridian Day, set for Wednesday at the Neshoba County Fair. The program starts at 11 a.m. and should be over around noon.
Board president Glen Deweese discussed an upcoming reception for all past presidents of the various economic development agencies over the years. No date was set.
The board was updated on the development of the new industrial park, ongoing prospect activity and work with the Mississippi Development Authority's European Office. Frank Thompson also reported that the annual EMBDC golf tournament will be Sept. 17.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.
As part of the strategic planning effort of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp., non-board members were interviewed by consultant Richard Anderson of Integral Assets Inc. Thursday and today.
Those interviewed included Archie McDonnell Jr. of Citizens National Bank, Dr. Billy Riley and Becky Lewis of The Riley Foundation, Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith, Wallace Strickland of Rush Foundation Hospital, Gil Carmichael of MidSouth Development, Wilbert Jones of the Greater Meridian Health Clinic, community volunteer Betty Lou Jones, Ray Chumley of WTOK, Rusty McMillian of the Mid-Mississippi Development District, Bob Jenkins of Bonita Lakes Mall, Meridian Star publisher Paul Barrett, Fred Wile of Southern Cast Products and Jimmie Smith and Hank Florey of the Board of Supervisors.