The Webster County Development Council recently released its August 23004 progress report.

The report, compiled and written by WCDC executive director Steve Anderson, reads as follows:

€ In the two years of the existence of the WCDC, the unemployment rate has dropped from 27.8% (990 unemployed) to 9.9% (270 unemployed).

Great progress in has been made with the help of many volunteers. An organization is only as good as its volunteers. The WCDC has volunteers that are working hard to make a difference in our county.

€ Congressman Roger Wicker has been called on to assist in a project for Webster County. He responded immediately to help us achieve greater economic development opportunity.

€ Working with a prospect that would like to locate a manufacturing facility here that would employ 200-250. He should be making a site visit soon.

€ Leadership82 which is a partnership with Webster and three other counties is moving forward for the next class that begins in September. Leadership is a very important element in economic development. Leadership82 is working to improve the leadership shills of Webster County.

€ The WCDC is working with several building and property owners that want help in securing tenants for their property. The partnership with TVA makes this possible.

The WCDC has access to valuable demographics and other data that would cost thousands of dollars if we were to buy it own our own. This data is used to contact possible retailers that are a match for Webster County.

€ I met with the owner of a wireless internet provider. Broadband is a must for economic development and the WCDC is working to achieve the goal of county-wide internet access.

€ The WCDC is seeking a grant to paint the "Welcome to Eupora" signs that are faded.

€ The WCDC has applied for a grant for a regional farmer's market. A farmer's market is needed and would help the farmers and residents of this area.

€ Assisted a local entrepreneur who wants to start a local radio station.

€ I attended a Governor's Conference titled "Outside the City Limits." This was a conference that focused on rural economies like ours.

Over 500 gathered from around the state to listen from several experts concerning this matter. The keynote address was by Jack Shultz, author of Boomtown USA. Mr. Shultz did research over three years to find what the successful small towns have in common.

There are 7 keys of success in small towns mentioned in his book. The keys are:

1. Adopt a "can do" attitude.

2. Shape your vision.

3. Leverage your resources.

4. Raise up strong leaders.

5. Encourage an entrepreneurial approach.

6. Maintain local control.

7. Build your brand.

7. Embrace the Teeter-Totter Factor.

The WCDC is working hard to achieve this success for Webster County. Three Mississippi towns were chosen in the "Top 100 Small Towns in America": Philadelphia, Oxford, and Picayune.

€ I visited a business incubator in Jackson. An incubator is a great tool for helping to grow our own businesses.

OPPORTUNITIES

€ Our Vision to Action committees are continuing to work. If you are not a member of Vision to Action and would like to make a difference, join one of our committees. You do NOT have to be a paid member of the WCDC to participate.

€ Our next Vision to Action combined committee meeting will be held on Sept.r 21.

€ "How to Start Your Own Business" seminar will be held on Thursday, Oct. 14.

€ "Customer Service" seminar will be held on Thursday, Nov. 4.

€ I will be attending a TVA Consumer Connection (retail) seminar in Nashville in September.

Editor's note: Anderson is executive director of the Webster County Development Council: P. O. Box 542, Eupora, MS 39744; 258-7835; webwcdc@bellsouth.net; www.webstercountyms.com.