Officials with the Pearl River County Tourism Council announced this week their receipt of a certificate of exemption notice from Delbert Hosemann, the Mississippi Secretary of State.

PRC Tourism is now a Mississippi registered charitable organization, council treasurer Reba Beebe said.

The council was formed in 2009 and is a member of the Mississippi Tourism Council, Beebe said.

According to the council’s mission statement, the council was formed to promote events and attractions in Pearl River County and develop the county into a prime tourist attraction.

“This is the first step for our group,” Beebe said. “Our goal is to be classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit group in order to apply for grants.”

Any funds awarded will be used to promote county events, Beebe said.  The first project will be the printing of rack cards to be placed in Mississippi welcome centers with a list of county activities to attract tourists.

The council meets once a month, Beebe said.

“We welcome anyone interested in helping promote Pearl River County to join,” Beebe said. “Our mission is to unify the whole county.”

For more information call 601-799-3070.