A refreshing experience

By Staff
Sept. 10, 2001
In an encouraging sign of community spirit at work, volunteers freshened up the new industrial park site over the weekend. There were sights and sounds of heavy equipment at work as strong shoulders tackled a variety of tasks related to cleaning up the property, making it more visible from the highway.
The fact that it was accomplished courtesy of private parties is even more significant than the sight of all the equipment on the job. People interested in attracting new jobs simply got together, rolled up their sleeves and struck a blow for economic development the old fashioned way they moved some dirt and cut some grass.
Coordinated by the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, these volunteers showcased what members of our community can do when we all work toward the same end.
Economic development experts say a community's best bet at attracting tenants to an industrial park is to have an industrial park that is ready to go when prospects visit. Infrastructure work should already be in place. In this field, visuals are vital. It is almost impossible to convince a prospect's site selection consultants of what may one day be in place.
The local site is a fine piece of property with the kinds of transportation access that corporate prospects not only expect but also demand. Critics will continue to say it cost too much. There is great value in opening up the site so people can see it as they drive by, and begin to see the possibilities for themselves.