A consulting firm says 10 counties in southwestern Mississippi should focus their economic development efforts on five business areas.

The firm recommends call centers, metal fabrication, plastics, large food-processing industries and general food processing.

Britt Herrin, the Pike County economic development director, spoke to local chamber of commerce officials this week and presented the report prepared by Location Strategies of Atlanta.

Location Strategies conducted the research for the Southwest Mississippi Partnership. The 10 counties in the partnership are Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson.