Encouraging local economic development will be the theme of an upcoming luncheon sponsored by Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Southern Char Steakhouse on West Canal Street beginning at noon.

Jamie M. Miller of the Mississippi Development Authority will be the guest speaker for the special event.

Miller currently serves as the deputy director of governmental affairs and chief innovation officer for MDA. His position focuses on local, state, federal and international government relations.

He also serves as disaster recovery administrator and oversees state-owned ports.

Miller also coordinates with all Mississippi military installations on behalf of MDA, works with the Mississippi Military Communities Council, coordinates all federal research center relations for MDA, serves as liaison to the Delta Regional Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission and oversees statewide benchmark performance initiatives.

This year, Miller could play an important role in extra funding for Pearl River County as it is one of the communities the U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS have designated as “Qualified Opportunity Zones.”

“This is all related to economic development,” said Chamber Executive Director Terry Farr. “He will talk about these opportunity zones.”

Farr said there will be a lot of opportunities for businesses to be able to borrow some money, which will be one of the items Miller is expected to discuss.

“He will also be talking about the BP money that could potentially be available for communities as well,” he said.

“It’s all about economic development, growing the county, and growing the cities,” Farr said. “It’s all about making this a better place to live, shop and work.”

The price for the luncheon is $13. The deadline to register is Monday, Feb 18 at noon.

To register or get more information about the event call the Chamber office at 601-798-3122.