PICAYUNE —
The unemployment rate in our state is on the rise again. For the second straight month an increase in those seeking employment place the current rate at 9.1 percent. With high unemployment and declining property values taking their toll on state and local tax governments, our county certainly sits in a significantly over-extended position. Continued cuts in services may well continue to take a toll on our community for the foreseeable future. These cuts will begin to effect infrastructure maintenance and development and ultimately limit the community’s ability to promote economic development activities. The only way to gain traction is to grow the number of tax payers. Many communities employ economic development professionals that engage in the activity of primarily attracting new business to a community. However, many would argue that his model is antiquated. Furthermore, the funding of this mode of economic development typically comes from the taxpayer. Some form of a tax is imposed that places a drag on the spending power of a taxpayer; money that could be spent in the local economy.
One economic development activity that is neither a trend nor requires taxation to survive is entrepreneurship. This activity actually thrives when the level of government intervention is minimal. Most often referred to as small businesses, many go own to grow into big businesses. In fact, most new jobs are actually created by small businesses as they grow and develop.
One of the major fallacies of our culture is that we often frown upon failure. When in fact, in the case of business startup and operation, perhaps we should not be so critical of these risk takers; many communities are developing local support systems to support business startups. The only government intervention required are policies that encourage small business development.
Other support mechanisms that spur growth are other business owners. Success seems to spur success; businesses work together to support other members in conjunction with the education community to create an enabling culture. This includes understanding financial systems. All businesses need startup funding; often the biggest challenge of starting a small business is gaining necessary startup capital. This is where the advice and guidance of successful entrepreneurs can be most helpful. Without a well-developed business and financial plan, most businesses will not succeed.
Another support mechanism that enables the success of small business growth has been broadband connectivity. Some rural areas are utilizing this as a highway to bring new opportunities for development of the entrepreneurial workforce. No longer does one have to be tethered to a land line either. Most mobile companies offer 3G connectivity, with the move towards 4G just around the corner. This opens up huge windows of opportunity for small and mid-size businesses; fact of the matter is you don’t have to be a tech wizard to do business over the internet either. Innovation in among the knowledge based businesses that operate in the Silicon Valley, Seattle and other high tech communities have really simplified the process. The vendor can operate their own website or utilize services such as Ebay and Amazon.com or a combination thereof. Then there is a host of ways to advertise online as well. Facebook seems to lead the pack. Vendors also gather followers via their website or Facebook and then tweet shopping information out to their customers. All of these services can be established via the internet and without some kind of advanced technological education; just basic computer literacy.
In the end, a successful small business environment is comprised of reduced bureaucracy (i.e. small government), a tolerant culture in regards to risk takers, financiers that engage in small business funding, and a local support structure that in turn attracts new ventures. This is not a trend; in fact, this is the backbone of the US economy! Most big businesses entered infancy as just a dream, or passion, of a risk taker. However, many have persevered with the help of a support structure that enabled them to grow.
Business
Economic Development Trend: Here to stay
- Business
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- Dual Enrollment Practical Nursing Program available at PRCC Some students possess the maturity level and academic wherewithal to begin studying toward a fruitful career path while still in high school. It is no secret that many earn most of the necessary credits towards a high school diploma by the completion of the junior year of school; thus, requiring the student to attend high school for part of the school day during their senior year. Many students have jobs or extracurricular school activities, such as band or athletics, to help round out the day. However, those not in falling into these categories often ended up with a lot of free time; fortunately policy makers in Mississippi are finding ways to assist these students.
- Senators Burks Hill and Smith along with Representative Frierson panelists for Chamber Business Review The Greater Area Picayune Chamber of Commerce held a Legislative Review for the business community, at Char Southern Steakhouse, Monday at 5:30 p.m. Panelists included State Senator District 40 Angela Burks Hill, State Senator District 47 Tony Smith, and State Rep. Herb Frierson of Poplarville. All are Republican. They spoke on the past session and bills they either authored or helped pass which impact local and state businesses.
- Investing in the community one building at a time There is a bit of a renaissance occurring in Pearl River County. This is happening one building at a time. It seems to be happening rather quietly, but the end results are going to help shape the future of the county and the cities located here.
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Medical Group gives back to community
, Children’s International Medical Group is proud to announce the opening of their pediatric clinic in Picayune.
The clinic is one of many throughout La. and Miss. which brings compassionate care centered around pediatric patients and the community in which they live.
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Charter Bank names Westfall as VP
Charter Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Rich Westfall as vice president of business development and marketing. His responsibilities will be to lead business and community development and oversee all marketing efforts for the bank.
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Weak Oracle sales, Cyprus fears weigh on US stocks
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street Thursday after Oracle’s weak sales results weighed down big U.S. technology companies. Traders also worried about Cyprus running out of time to avoid bankruptcy.
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Mississippi REALTORS® hold annual REALTOR® Day at the Capitol
On Feb.7, 2013 Pearl River County REALTORS® joined more than 120 Mississippi REALTORS® at the Mississippi State Capitol to take part in REALTOR® Day at the Capitol.
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More than school board needs to be changed: Part 2
Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
At quick glance, it is easy to see that the Mississippi economy will only need about 25 percent of its workforce at the bachelor’s level or higher. Most jobs still require only a high school degree, but many well paying jobs will require some sort of 2 year degree or a post high school type credential such as a certificate in welding, carpentry or plumbing. -
HORNE LLP welcomes Picayune native as spring accounting intern
HORNE LLP, one of the top accounting and business advisory firms in the nation, recently welcomed Melissa Pigott of Picayune, Miss., as a spring accounting intern. A total of 26 accounting students were selected for the highly competitive internship program.
Pigott is a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and is completing her internship in assurance services in the Ridgeland, Miss., office location. -
More than school board needs to be changed: Part 1
By Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
The Senate Education Committee passed Bill 2141 recently. The bill is championed by local Senator Tony Smith. While the bill would not affect Pearl River Central Schools, it would change the Picayune and Poplarville School Districts from a mix of appointed and elected board members, to all elected. An amendment was put in the bill to require board members to have at least one year of college. - More Business Headlines
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