Monday, Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nuria Arias spoke with the Pearl River County Supervisors about upcoming projects designed to promote not only Picayune but also Pearl River County.
This year, the chamber will celebrate its 80th anniversary and, in conjunction with the milestone, will unveil a renewed website, Arias said. The chamber is working on a strategic plan to enhance member participation and value, promoting economic and sustainable business and strengthening the organization.
“We also want to offer support to our community and continue offering our residents a good quality of life,” Arias said. “We do that through community partnerships and events to make sure our families not only have a place to go to work and school, but a place to enjoy as well.”
The new website will have links to the E-Newsletter, a member network list, summit conferences, workshops, reports, studies, news feeds, advocacy and member network benefits.
She also spoke about the Ambassador program, of which both city’s mayors and three supervisors are members. In this program, community leaders speak to the Mississippi Development Authority about problems specific to their area.
“Government entities play a huge role in economic development and that’s the reason I’m reaching out to you and saying let’s work together. We want our county to grow and be sustainable and still leave our legacy of being a wonderful wholesome community,” Arias said. “Our suggested pitch is this: Pearl River County is proud to offer a growing workforce, ideal leadership and locations along with attractive economic incentives and a great quality of life to prospective businesses and looks forward to welcoming new and diverse industries to the community.”
In another matter, board members held a discussion regarding the county’s landfill, which is managed by Waste Management.
The conversation was sparked when the board approved the fourth quarter host fee check in the amount of $9,500.
“When that landfill was taken in,” District III Supervisor Hudson Holliday said, “local people were supposed to be able to dump their garbage for free. You can still dump your garbage for free if it’s one or two bags.”
District IV Supervisor Farron Moeller asked the board to allow him to research the matter. He also invited anyone to call with questions and recommendations.

In other action:

–– The board approved a letter, submitted by County Engineer Les Dungan, requesting that the Mississippi Department of Transportation inspect the intersection located at Highway 11 and Ivy Street in Ozona.
“I believe there are some things that MDOT can do to improve the safety there,” Dungan said. “Vehicles traveling Highway 11 are not visible to drivers trying to enter the highway from side roads. This may be in part as a result of the speed and traffic on Highway 11. We would like to see a reduced speed zone in the area and advanced warning lights advising of the upcoming dangerous intersection.”

The next board meeting will be held on March 23 at 9 a.m. inside the court building in Poplarville.