Businessman: EMBDC needs more money, members

By By William F. West / community editor
July 26, 2002
A longtime Meridian businessman said the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. needs more contributions and members to compete with other cities for business and industry.
Ronnie D. Massey, 71, director emeritus with the EMBDC, told board members Thursday that Meridian and Lauderdale County should be as successful as Hattiesburg has been.
Massey said the EMBDC needs more than just one or two people leading economic development efforts. He said he has raised similar concerns in the past.
Massey spoke at the end of the EMBDC's monthly meeting. The EMBDC is the chief economic development agency for Meridian and Lauderdale County.
EMBDC President Wade Jones defended his organization's efforts, saying that community leaders are working together and are supported by the state.
EMBDC Chairman Tommy Dulaney said that Harry Martin, the longtime economic development leader in Tupelo, recently mentioned on television that his city has a team of economic development experts.
Dulaney pointed out that Tupelo's economic development efforts are supported by money from CREATE a regional foundation established by the late newspaper publisher George McLean.
Massey recalled meeting with former economic developers in Hattiesburg a couple of years ago about that city's success in pulling together an economic development organization.
Massey said he believes the Meridian area has the elements for success, "but it's going to take some pocketbooks."
Massey said Hattiesburg found success despite more political problems than Meridian has.
Jones said he will keep an open mind to Massey's suggestions.