The Webster Progress-Times

The Webster County Development Council reported various items of interest in the December activity report.

Executive Director Steve Anderson reported that the WCDC office has moved from the old Eupora High School building to the newly renovated train depot on South Dunn Street.

"I have heard nothing but positive remarks concerning the new location," Anderson stated. "The Depot is better for Webster County because of location, image and many other things." He encouraged people to stop by for a tour.

Anderson also reported that the advisory committee is reviewing the script for a recruitment video, which was to begin the final phase in January.

These additional activities were listed in the December report:

€ The council's website is complete and limited advertising space is available. The address is www.webstercountyms.com.

€ A recruitment brochure has been completed. Extra copies are available at the WCDC office.

€ Congressman Roger Wicker's office contacted Anderson for a project that needs 500 to 600 rural acres. The Advisory Board and Anderson are searching for this property, which would mean 15-25 jobs.

The county Board of Supervisors may have discussed this matter during a closed session on Dec. 15, when it met in executive session to discuss the prospective sale of land. Larry Crowley, who is president of the WCDC Board and a member of the WCDC Advisory Board, made the motion to go into the closed session. No additional details were released and no action was taken.

€ The Mississippi Development Authority is continuing to work on the retail evaluation of Webster County. The process has been slowed because of an MDA staff shortage. This will provide assistance to local landowners and building owners to secure retail for their properties. Anyone needing this information may contact Anderson at 258-7835.

€ Vision to Action committees are continuing to work on their implementation plans. These are ongoing committees and anyone who is not on a committee and would like to serve may contact Anderson.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is funding parts of the VTA's Community Development and Buy Local committees. These committees are working on the required detailed plan that is needed by each committee.

€ Leadership82 is making progress. The next class meeting for the 17 participants from Webster, Choctaw, Montgomery and Carroll counties is today and Friday.

€ Britton Industries should have employment activity soon. Hawkeye Glove is up and running and adding employees every week. About 24 workers are now employed with a goal of 100 employees in the first quarter of 2004. Anderson provided training information to both industries that would produce savings on training costs.

€ Local industries which were contacted about the North Mississippi Industrial Development Agency clustering project decided not to participate, but Anderson said he hopes that Webster County will have spillover from the rest of the region to improve the county's economy.

€ Anderson is working with developer Forrest Wofford on a prospect for his building, formerly occupied by Futorian, and arranged a meeting with key players and a prospect for the Red Kap building.

€ Anderson is working with the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District for a grant for a local industry and has contacted the Tennessee Valley Authority for economic information for the county.