March 8, 2024
Pearl River Community College welcomed Lindsay Ward, Pearl River County Economic Development Director, as the guest speaker for Lunch and Learn on Thursday, March 7.
Attendees were greeted by Vice President for Planning and Institutional Research/Dean of Honors Institute (Poplarville) Dr. Jennifer Seal, who also led the invocation before lunch was served. PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood welcomed attendees while sharing a little about Ward and economic development in the county.
Ward came to the county three years ago to become a driving force for economic development in Pearl River County. She works with many individuals and organizations toward making Pearl River County a great place to live, work and call home.
The County’s first-ever economic development strategic plan was written in 2020. Thanks to the diligence of Ward and stakeholders, including the Pearl River County Economic District Board and Pearl River County Board of Supervisors, several projects have been funded for a total of almost $20 million, with approximately 19% of the total coming from county funding. The largest project is the Pearl River County Industrial Park off Highway 26, close to Interstate 59.
“The funding we’ve secured reflects years of hard work and dedication of the Board of Supervisors and other stakeholders,” said Ward. “Funding received from the State of Mississippi shows their intent to continue to invest in Pearl River County. They see our value and the impact we can have here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast because of where we are on the I59 corridor with approximately 667,000 people in the 60-minute radius of the industrial park site.”
Carol Williams, Treasurer and Board Member of the Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the continued growth of the chamber and recent cooperation with the Picayune Chamber of Commerce at the state capitol. Exciting news included a sign for the City of Poplarville to be installed near Exit 29 of I-59, approval for changeable LED lights on the buildings downtown, and improvements to the Town Green that includes live oaks planted by Poplarville Pretty and picnic tables.
The next Lunch and Learn will be held in the fall.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), and Facebook (@PRCCMKTG).
Article and Photography by Laura O’Neill.
