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The Simpson County Development Foundation celebrated their 39th annual meeting at Boswell Regional Center. Due to remolding of the Boswell Nutrition Services Building, the event was held at the work activity center.
President Pat Brown welcomed guest. The Farm Bureau Cooking Team led by Chris Williams prepared the meal.
Joe Max Higgins, Jr., Chief Executive Officer for the Golden Triangle Development LINK, presented the program. Joe Max is on fire for development and led the charge in Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha counties growth. He is often referred to as Mssissippi’s Golden Boy.
Joe Max spoke of the importance of a winning attitude. “Work as a team, pick your best sites, and keep a flow-chart in your mind” Higgins explained.
Joe Max is probably one of the best speakers I have ever heard—and I’ve heard some good ones. Listening to a person who took what I would almost call “dry territory” to a fertile land. He knows what he is talking about. As with most things, there is no magic formula. Wide open eyes…searching and seeking…learning, listening and acting…as a county we must bond with other counties to make our area strong.
Click here to learn more about Joe Max Higgins
The SCDF named Trustmark Bank as the business of the year. President Pat Brown presented Brandon Hubbard with the award.
Shannon Welch presented Ally of the Year Award to Central MS Planning and Development, Mike Monk.
President Pat Brown remarked on his tenure in office. “Lead, follow, or get out of the way,” has been Pat’s Moto. He has been a highly successful fierce leader. “There are good things going on in Simpson County,” stated Brown. According to Pat, there has been more interest in Simpson County during the past year than in the last ten years.
Donnie Caughman, Executive Director of the SCDF, thanked the membership for the support of projects and asked for continued support as we move forward with projects “on the table.”
Donnie is pictured with Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson.
The minutes from the last annual meeting were approved.
Brien Hubbard gave the Nominating Committee report. New members of the board serving until 2021 are : Mary Frances Priest, Lacey Evans, Michael Kennedy, and Brett Osborn.
Other director members are: Whitney Baker, Julie Breazeale, Ian Cowart, Price Wallace, Whit Fortenberry, Kelly Jones, Marvin Lee, and Josh Pierce.
Executive Committee: President: Malory Yelverton; President-elect: Brian Hubbard; Secretary-Treasurer: Josh Duckworth; Vice-President-Government Relations: Mayor Dale Berry and Mayor Todd Booth; Vice-President-Economic Development: Brandon Hubbard; Vice-President-Community Development: Stan Bulger; Vice-President-Stakeholder Development: Shannon Welch; and Past President: Pat Brown
Our county’s top employers:
500 or more employees: Boswell Regional Center, Simpson County School District, and Millcreek Rehabilitation Center
300 or more employees: Wal-Mart
200 or more employees: Magee General Hospital
100 or more employees: Simpson General Hospital, Simpson County, Polk’s Meat Products, and Hillcrest Health Center
Continued support of the SCDF means continued growth for our county.
Pictured are Matthew Hickman, Brien Hubbard, LauraLyn Barr, and Robbie Barnes
The Business of the Year team from Trustmark: Brien Barnard, Brandon Hubbard, Kristen Zilla, and Mary Frances Priest
