The Simpson County Development Foundation‘s annual membership meeting on April 11 featured guest speaker Brad White.
White is a native of Simpson County and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation. As director, White has worked to secure record salary adjustments for MDOT employees to stop the high turnover rate of employees.
White established a great working relationship with the Mississippi legislature, resulting in historic funding for MDOT projects statewide.
Director White spoke with Foundation members present calling for a change in how MDOT is funded and proposing a 15 percent of use tax funds be used for maintaining infrastructure. He also called for leadership in Mississippi to be proactive and help with funding that will allow for proper maintenance and new projects to be completed.
SCDF Executive Director Pat Brown gave his report, highlighting the first Leadership Simpson County Class hosted by the Foundation since Covid-19. The group of young local leaders chosen for the program graduated in December 2023. Brown reported that the Foundation has worked aggressively on solar opportunities in Simpson County and said five organizations are currently considering locating in Simpson County and a contract is being negotiated with the Simpson County School District.
Brown highlighted projects the Foundation has been involved in around the county, which included receiving $15,000 for the congregant meal program in Magee and plans for major renovations to D’Lo Water Park.
He said the Foundation helped develop the five year strategic plan for the county and is working with elected officials to provide direction for economic development efforts for the future.
Brown shared some current issues in the county, stating that 52 percent of working age people in Simpson County choose not to be employed. He also said chronic absenteeism is plaguing the school system. Brown called on everyone to do what they can to make Simpson County a better place to work and live.
Annual awards were presented by president Carley Cockrell. Community Partners of the Year Awards were presented to the Magee Chamber of Commerce and Mendenhall Area Chamber of Commerce. The awards were accepted by Magee Chamber President Lacye Evans and Mendenhall Mayor Todd Booth. Business of the Year was presented to Russell Incorporated and accepted by Skip Russell. The President’s Award was presented to Allison Shivers.
Awards for completing The SCDF Leadership Class were presented to Kayla Ware, Dr. Monica Webber, Alisha Walker, Mandy McNeil, John Riley, Matt Lee, Marlan Jones, Penny Aguirre, and Ian Cowart.
Before adjourning the meeting, past president Carley Cockrell passed the gavel to incoming president Dylan Sanford.
Sanford spoke briefly on the upcoming projects for The Foundation and expressed excitement for the progress being made in the county.
