SCEDP Director's Report

As I mark the close of my first year with the SCEDP, I am awed by the strengths Stone County is blessed with.

First and foremost, the Stone County’s people are its biggest asset. I can’t praise enough the willing volunteers whose get-it-done attitude and community spirit are taking SCEDP’s signature events to new levels. Thanks to them, this year’s Pine Hill Festival was one of the most successful in years; the Trash Bash cleanup saw a record number of volunteers; and the annual Christmas Parade was the biggest ever. And it is the people of Stone County who are shaping the image that is attracting the interests of developers and business owners.

The SCEDP is conducting an average of two ribbon cuttings and/or groundbreakings every month, and I continue to respond to a steady stream of inquiries from prospective developers.

We are able to achieve this kind of success because of the tremendous cooperation and working relationship among the SCEDP, the Stone County Board of Supervisors, the city of Wiggins, and Mississipippi Gulf Coast Community College. Together, we are focusing on the elements critical to successful growth – keeping infrastructure in step with growing needs; sustaining a viable workforce; being aware of industry trends; and acquiring the resources to meet the needs of prospective new industries and businesses – while keeping in mind that the best growth is planned and controlled.

Every bit as important as getting new business is SCEDP’s commitment to the enterprises already doing business in Stone County. Part of being committed to those businesses means keeping an eye on industry trends and best practices. In so doing, the SCEDP recognizes the importance of fitness in the workplace and is working to make employee fitness programs similar to those that have had positive results for other companies available to the businesses and industries in Stone County.

On the tourism front, the SCEDP has successfully kicked off Stone County’s tourism campaign, which is bringing positive attention to the area and is promoting aspects that deserve the limelight. To further tourism promotion, the SCEDP has partnered with the Pat Harrison Waterway District, which includes Flint Creek, its crown jewel. Flint Creek draws some 400,000 visitors each year, and through the partnership with SCEDP will work to increase that number and cross-promote other attractions, shops, and areas of interest in Stone County.

As we continue to welcome visitors and new neighbors alike, I know the SCEDP can count on Stone County’s citizens to show visitors the hospitality we are famous for and to reach out to new neighbors, helping them assimilate into our community.

As always, please remember that the SCEDP is your resource; we’re here for you. Call us anytime at 601.928.5418 to share your thoughts or concerns to ask us any questions.

Charlotte A. Koestler, Executive Director
Stone County Economic Development Partnership