Over 60 community members, elected officials and stakeholders gathered at the historic Rosenwald School on the Prentiss Institute campus for an informative Lunch and Learn event titled “Everything You Wanted to Know About Economic Development but Were Afraid to Ask.”

This event, generously funded by a grant from Entergy, aimed to provide a clearer understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District.

Among the attendees were State Senator Andy Berry, Annah Thames from Cindy Hyde-Smith’s office and various other local officials and community leaders.

The event concluded with an inspiring speech by Michael Evans, President of the Board of Supervisors, who emphasized the importance of community collaboration for future growth.

The panel was moderated by Emlyn Jackson from the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District.

It featured experts who shared valuable insights on several key areas of economic development, including infrastructure, small business support and energy solutions.

Panelists included Chris Hinton, representing Entergy and Mississippi Main Street, who highlighted energy innovations and Main Street revitalization efforts; Ed Hargrove from Accelerate Mississippi, focusing on workforce development and employment readiness; Flint Brent from the Small Business Development Center, discussing resources for entrepreneurs and small business growth; Thomas McElroy from Cooperative Energy, who outlined sustainable energy initiatives for the county and Tim Climer from the Mississippi Development Authority, providing information on state-level development programs and funding opportunities.

The discussion centered on how Jefferson Davis County can leverage these areas to attract investment, create jobs and build stronger infrastructure. Specific focus was placed on developing the Highway 84 Corridor for commerce and enhancing the county’s natural tourism potential through the Longleaf Trace Corridor.

One of the key highlights of the day was the keynote address by Michael Marks, an expert in economic development and tourism. Marks spoke passionately about the untapped potential of tourism as a powerful driver for economic growth in rural communities.

“Tourism isn’t just about visitors, it’s about economic transformation,” said Marks. “Every tourist is an opportunity for local businesses to thrive, for jobs to be created and for the community to showcase its unique character,” he said.

Marks highlighted how Jefferson Davis County’s rich heritage and natural resources could attract a broader audience and contribute to sustainable growth.

A unique feature of the event was the Red Beans Focus Group Game, where attendees were invited to vote on the development areas they felt were most critical by placing red beans in containers representing different priorities. These areas included downtown revitalization, workforce development, agriculture and CTE initiatives, tourism development, Highway 84 corridor commerce and revitalizing the Prentiss Institute.

The results showed strong community support for downtown revitalization and workforce development, highlighting the public’s desire to see a focus on these two areas in future development plans.

“This Lunch and Learn provided the perfect platform to engage the community and gather valuable input. We’re thrilled to see such a strong commitment to making Jeff Davis County a better place to live and work, said JDC Economic Development Director Gary Russell Bass. “The feedback from today’s game will guide us as we move forward,” he said.

In his closing speech, Michael Evans delivered a powerful message to the attendees. “Today, we’ve taken the first step toward a stronger future for Jeff Davis County,” said Evans. “It’s up to us to work together and turn these ideas into actions that benefit everyone in our community,” he said.

This Lunch and Learn event was made possible by a grant from Entergy, which has been instrumental in supporting Jeff Davis County’s development efforts. Entergy’s continued partnership underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in driving economic progress for the region.

The Lunch and Learn was not only educational but also a positive step forward in aligning community efforts with development goals. With strong local support, expert input, and funding from partners like Entergy, Jefferson Davis County is well-positioned to achieve long-term, sustainable growth.

Attendees enjoyed a locally catered meal from Dampeer’s Family Restaurant, featuring red beans & rice, coleslaw and banana pudding.

“With a united vision and commitment from all sectors of the community, Jefferson Davis County is set to thrive and grow, ensuring a prosperous future for all its residents,” said Bass.