Prepare for next business cycle, says TVA official

The Webster Progress-Times

Focusing on regionalism and reducing risks for prospects are especially important now in economic development, according to a Tennessee Valley Authority official.

"It's a challenging time but this is an opportunity to reboot and prepare for the next business cycle," said Jimmy Allen at the Webster County Development Council's annual Recognition Banquet.

Allen, general manager for technical services with TVA, was guest speaker at the April 14 event, held at First Baptist Church of Eupora's Family Life Center.

He said communities cannot hide during the recession and should be planning for the next couple of years or they will be left behind. Communities should continue to work with existing businesses to help with their retention and expansion, he said.

Additionally, said Allen, communities should engage in regional cooperation. For example, he said, Webster County could focus on tying in with the Tenn-Tom Waterway region.

"We're encouraging communities to work together to expand their influence," said Allen.

He also stressed the importance of community preparedness (first impressions) and considering what a community looks like to the outside world through its Web site.

Allen said communities should put themselves in the shoes of prospects and help them get rid of risks by being creative in the incentives they offer. TVA can help communities with site readiness, he said, and mentioned the success of megasite certification, with Mississippi having three such sites.

New growth markets that Allen mentioned include data centers and the energy sector. He noted that energy efficiency is growing in acceptance and that nuclear energy is starting to come back into its own, pointing out that it is emission-free and should spawn opportunities.

Special Tribute

The banquet included a special tribute to the late Lynn Lamb, Mart Salley and Larry Crowley. WCDC Executive Director Cynthia Wilson presented gifts to their widows, Janice Lamb, Ruthie Salley and Linda Crowley, as tokens of appreciation for their husbands' service to Webster County as supervisors.

Lynn Lamb, who took office in 1988, served as supervisor for District 3 until the fall of 2004, when he died suddenly of a heart attack.

Mart Salley, who took office in 2004, served as supervisor for District 2 until the fall of 2008. "He was diagnosed early in his first term of office with cancer and throughout his battle against the disease, he didn't let it deter him from serving the people who elected him," said Wilson.

Larry Crowley first went into office in 1981 and served as supervisor for District 4 until the end of 2008. He was diagnosed with leukemia in September of 2006.

"During his battle with leukemia Larry, like Mart, didn't let his illness keep him from serving the people who put their confidence in him. Whether in Tupelo or Nashville he participated every time he could in board meetings via conference call," Wilson said.

"Lynn, Mart and Larry were part of the group that saw the need for an economic development organization in Webster County, and worked to make it a reality," she continued. "They all served on the board for the Webster County Development Council, and Mart and Larry provided leadership for the organization during the time they served as president of the organization."

A plaque honoring the three supervisors for their lifetime of service to Webster County will be placed on display in the Courthouse, according to Wilson.

Award Presentations

These awards were presented at the Recognition Banquet:

¥ Outstanding Small Business of the Year: Tenhet Real Estate of Mathiston.

¥ Outstanding Big Business of the Year: W.W. Sly Manufacturing of Mathiston.

¥ Community Economic Development Award: Eupora Arts Inc.

¥ Volunteer of the Year: Dot McCorkle, librarian at the Webster County Public Library.

¥ Teacher of the Year: East Webster Elementary School - Shelia Kirkman, Eupora Elementary School - Helen Culpepper, East Webster High School - Martha Sullivan, Eupora High School - Brenda Mason, and Webster County Career and Technology Center - Carol Pittman.

¥ Entrepreneur of the Year: Silly Whispers of Mantee, and Dogwood Cottage Bed and Breakfast of Eupora.

¥ Health Professional of the Year: Brenda Beardain, CNA at Golden LivingCenter-Eupora.

¥ Young Farmer of the Year: Lance Crowley.

¥ Conservationist of the Year: Doug Stephens, who retired in January as district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

¥ Lifetime Achievement: the Rev. Willy Weddle, pastor of Walthall Baptist Church. "Brother Willy preaches love and support," said presenter Sandra Dewberry. "He has contributed much through his loving support of our community - through his ministry, through his nurturing role in our school system and through his successful venture in our downtown business community."

¥ Community Service: Craig Bjorgum and Holly Hawkins. Both employees of Belinda Stewart Architects, they were recognized for working to help establish and promote Eupora Arts Inc. and the BLY Fine Arts Center, and for working on many other events and activities.

See page 3Afor more pictures.