For Immediate Release December 7, 2009
Contact:Lawrence Johnson 662.378.3141
DELTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER
ENDS THE YEAR WITH POSITIVE RESULTS
The Delta Economic Development Center of Washington County is a fairly new business in the Delta. Started in 2007 by a dedicated and hardworking group of volunteers from the public and private sector, the main goal was to combine the Washington County Industrial Foundation and the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. The mission to recruit and retain business and growth brought these citizens together and will continue to be the reason as a new year quickly approaches.
Lawrence Johnson, DEDC Chairman, along with the thirteen members of the Executive Committee are excited to report that even in the middle of one of the worst national economic times, the DEDC is thriving financially. According to Lawrence, “We just held a meeting and received the most current financial statement from our treasurer and the DEDC is “in the black” and has six month reserve. This is a strong statement to our community and the staff that work within the budget guidelines.” Johnson adds, “Ed Johnson, DEDC Executive Director, works closely with the treasurer and controller to ensure that funds are being spent appropriately. The public and private sector have donated this money and we consider ourselves the good stewards.”
Members of the executive committee along with Lawrence Johnson are: Ray Humphreys, DRMC; Harvey Tackett, CPA; Cindy Ayers, Delta Foundation; Victor McTeer, McTeer Foundation; Ronnie Taylor, MARS Foods; Kim Dowdy, Dowdy Dental Clinic; Mayor Heather Hudson; Mayor Corey Holmes; Mayor James Lowe; Mayor Cora Burnside; Mayor Melvin Willis and Board of Supervisor President Paul Watson.
Goals that were set two years ago by the executive committee included 1) hiring an executive director; 2) employing a qualified and loyal staff; 3) introducing the DEDC to the state and region; 4) work on national level to recruit new business. Each of these standards were met and solidified before the year has ended. Ed Johnson and his staff work diligently to show the state and nation that Washington County, Mississippi is a viable place to place or keep your business. In a competitive market, areas all over the globe are competing for a small segment of business that has the dollars to move to a new area. The DEDC has managed to stay on the radar screen for businesses so that when their recession is over, Washington County is prepared on all levels.
The executive committee, executive director and staff have begun working on an updated strategic plan for the upcoming year and are energized by the possibilities. These successes have been possible due to the financial commitment of many companies, individuals, and government entities that understand the importance of having the Delta Economic Development Center work for the community. As the DEDC continues to grow, this will allow Washington County to have a larger seat at the table which brings jobs, growth and stability to our citizens.
For more information, contact Lawrence Johnson at 662.378.3141.
ENDS THE YEAR WITH POSITIVE RESULTS
The Delta Economic Development Center of Washington County is a fairly new business in the Delta. Started in 2007 by a dedicated and hardworking group of volunteers from the public and private sector, the main goal was to combine the Washington County Industrial Foundation and the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce. The mission to recruit and retain business and growth brought these citizens together and will continue to be the reason as a new year quickly approaches.
Lawrence Johnson, DEDC Chairman, along with the thirteen members of the Executive Committee are excited to report that even in the middle of one of the worst national economic times, the DEDC is thriving financially. According to Lawrence, “We just held a meeting and received the most current financial statement from our treasurer and the DEDC is “in the black” and has six month reserve. This is a strong statement to our community and the staff that work within the budget guidelines.” Johnson adds, “Ed Johnson, DEDC Executive Director, works closely with the treasurer and controller to ensure that funds are being spent appropriately. The public and private sector have donated this money and we consider ourselves the good stewards.”
Members of the executive committee along with Lawrence Johnson are: Ray Humphreys, DRMC; Harvey Tackett, CPA; Cindy Ayers, Delta Foundation; Victor McTeer, McTeer Foundation; Ronnie Taylor, MARS Foods; Kim Dowdy, Dowdy Dental Clinic; Mayor Heather Hudson; Mayor Corey Holmes; Mayor James Lowe; Mayor Cora Burnside; Mayor Melvin Willis and Board of Supervisor President Paul Watson.
Goals that were set two years ago by the executive committee included 1) hiring an executive director; 2) employing a qualified and loyal staff; 3) introducing the DEDC to the state and region; 4) work on national level to recruit new business. Each of these standards were met and solidified before the year has ended. Ed Johnson and his staff work diligently to show the state and nation that Washington County, Mississippi is a viable place to place or keep your business. In a competitive market, areas all over the globe are competing for a small segment of business that has the dollars to move to a new area. The DEDC has managed to stay on the radar screen for businesses so that when their recession is over, Washington County is prepared on all levels.
The executive committee, executive director and staff have begun working on an updated strategic plan for the upcoming year and are energized by the possibilities. These successes have been possible due to the financial commitment of many companies, individuals, and government entities that understand the importance of having the Delta Economic Development Center work for the community. As the DEDC continues to grow, this will allow Washington County to have a larger seat at the table which brings jobs, growth and stability to our citizens.
For more information, contact Lawrence Johnson at 662.378.3141.
