Figures released on the Delta’s economy at Delta Councils Midyear Board of Directors Meeting on November 18, were very impressive. According to Delta Council, the last two years have been unprecedented in terms of economic growth for the Mississippi Delta. Never before have more companies chosen our area in which to invest for their futures. These investments have led to new plant locations as well as virtually phenomenal growth within our existing business and industry sector.

No single entity can or should claim credit for these private investment decisions. But it is obvious that the Delta Council and its Development Department, under the strong leadership of Mark Manning, are contributing to this intensive industrial and economic growth. They also are working for the continued health of the regionÕs agricultural interests.

The success of industrial development is rooted in partnerships. And, in the Delta we are fortunate to have countless partners working in our best interest. Jimmy Heidel and the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, have greatly increased the number of industrial prospects in the Delta, such as the recent addition of Dollar General in Indianola. Traditional forces in industrial recruitment such as Entergy, the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi and the Municipal Energy Association of Mississippi have also worked to provide opportunities for the Delta.

One of the most unique aspects of the Mississippi Delta I have witnessed is the loyalty of its citizens. Their commitment causes many people across a large area to work toward common objectives. It is challenging for a family to work together, a neighborhood to work together, or even an entire community to harness their resources toward the common good of all of its citizens. But, it is almost unheard of today in this country for an entire region encompassing 76 communities, 18 counties, and a broad diversity of economic interests, to come together on a routine basis for the purpose of fostering and nourishing a better way of life for its people.

The Delta is moving forward and according to figures released during the Delta Council meeting, our region has much to be happy about:

Manufacturing employment in the Delta has grown 19% since 1980 while growing only 2% for the U.S. as a whole. Direct wages from manufacturing have grown 147% over the same period leading to current payrolls of approximately $1.0 billion. And, for the first time in recent memory, population estimates are indicating modest growth after decades of stagnation and decline.

Perhaps most significantly, recent unemployment figures are not historical lows. Retail sales are approaching the $4.0 billion mark, indicating that many of our wage and salary dollars are staying in our communities. And, our tax base is also benefitting from a 1997 Assessed Valuation of $2.4 billion, representing a conservative book value of assets totalling $16 billion.

While a growing national economy has contributed to these positive numbers, trouble is on the horizon and we must work harder than ever to keep our companies productive and strong. The Asian Flu has already affected some of our companies such as the closure of Wolverine Tube in Greenville. While we cannot affect the international economy, we must work closely with local companies to make certain that these closure decisions affect other areas rather than the Delta.

We in the Delta owe a great debt of gratitude to Delta Council and other organizations who work daily to try to insure a better quality of life for all of us.

DBJ goals for 1999

As we approach 1999, the Delta Business Journal will close out the year on a positive note. We have achieved many goals in the six months weÕve been publishing and we owe this success to our many valued readers and advertisers.

In 1999, we will introduce several new departments and focus sections. Without letting the entire cat out of the bag, here are a few highlights:

• Beginning in January, we will have a new monthly section called, Delta Healthcare. This particular industry adds much to our economy and we feel that it does not receive the recognition it deserves. In this special section, we will provide you with the latest news as well as company spotlights, guest columns, and indepth articles. We urge anyone related to this industry to provide us with suggestions concerning this section.

• Also, we plan to add a special spotlight article every month called, Women Entrepreneurs. We have found that the Delta is full of women business owners who add much to our business community. If you have any candidates, please contact us soon.

• We will also be expanding our Agribusiness section and well introduce another publishing venture that will reach all known farmers and landowners in the Delta. This venture will add a new dimension to how farmers receive their agricultural news. It will also create a unique opportunity for advertisers who are interested in reaching this large group. More on this later.

As you can see, we have many things planned for 1999. We will be making more announcements in the coming months of other ways we plan to improve the publication.

As always, we promise to continue our pro-business stand and to do our part in the economic development of the Mississippi Delta. DBJ

Scott Coopwood

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