The Clarke County Economic Development Committee plays a vital role in our community. Do you know what the committee does? Over the next few weeks, The Clarke County Tribune will cover several articles explaining this important part of our county.
An interview with Economic Developer, Newt Ishee of Mid Mississippi Economic Development which covers Clarke County
Editor: Mr. Ishee, we are pleased you took time to talk with us about this very interesting subject. Economic Development sites are important to you representing the County to industrial prospects. Tell us about the sites available in Clarke County.
Ishee: We have several sites scattered around the county. One is South of Quitman at the intersection of Hwy 145 and Hwy 18. This site has approximately 300 acres available. This site is now being developed to provide a better visual presentation to a prospect.
Another site is in Quitman across from McDonald’s on Hwy 145. This is the former Nazareth Mills Knitting Mills site. It has been cleared, graded and planted to stabilize the site. On this site is a 160,000 square foot warehouse that is owned by the County. Plans are underway to further enhance this site for future use.
There are several other sites that are under private ownership that we show to prospects with agreement of the property owners. A very large site is located South of Pachuta between Hwy 11 and the interstate. This site has single ownership and can be 3,000 acres in one site if a large project requires that much acreage. This site is bounded by Hwy 11 and Interstate 59. It also has natural gas and high voltage electric transmission service available. Adjacent to this site a large solar electric project is under construction.
Editor: What are our best sites?
Ishee: The best site for one project may not be the best site for the next project. That’s why the requirements of the prospect dictate the site we propose to a developer. They want a complete environmental assessment and the property should be in the possession of the County or a single owner.
Generally speaking, most want rail access, utilities on site, good connections to a 4-lane highway and high speed internet. The sites I mentioned have those capabilities.
Editor: How do our sites rank with other sites you see across the area?
Ishee: We have compiled a lot of information on each of the sites in Clarke County are continuing to improve them to make them more attractive with more data and improvements. I think we are ahead of many rural counties with the sites we have
Editor: How do project developers see our area?
Ishee: I talk to a lot of developers and consultants, and they see our area in a very positive light. I think that we will see projects focus more on smaller rural communities like Clarke County the next few years. We just need to continue our efforts to be ready when a project comes to Clarke County.
Editor: In your opinion what can we do to enhance our response to attract new prospects?
Ishee: Continuing to develop these properties will improve our chances to land a prospect. Community development / quality of life will improve our soft assets. Strong schools, churches, and small businesses will additionally improve the evaluation of our area. Proximity to larger communities such as Meridian provides access to an airport, higher education, shopping opportunities and entertainment. But many prospects seem very satisfies with a strong, smaller, developing community with good access to these services.
A major asset is the Jones College Extension in Stonewall. Funded by the County about ten years ago this gives us access to workforce training that most all prospects seek. Whether its training or re-training Jones is able to respond. And the County has participated in tuition assistance for local students. Everyone who is under employed should take advantage of this asset.
Editor: How would you describe success in our economic development efforts?
Ishee: Success is in the eye of the beholder. But most would agree that quality job opportunities are a key building block for any community. The type of jobs in a community creates opportunity for developing other jobs for our people. Good jobs should lead to better homes and more successful families.
Many small communities are known for their work ethic and the type of skills they possess in existing jobs. Most prospects want to know that a capable upward mobile workforce is available in the area. I think we have a workforce that can compete for those opportunities.
Editor: Any parting thoughts?
Ishee: Yes, I appreciate the opportunity to partner with Clarke County leadership to make a positive impact for our community.
