null

Sponsored by The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
In This Issue
Alumni
Would you like to be highlighted in our newsletter? Let us know what you have been doing since graduation. Email us and we will tell your story of success! 
Upcoming Events
OSHA Training at The Accelerator on September 16, 2014. Learn More
Southern Miss vs. Appalachian State September 20, 2014 at the Rock!
MEDC Young In the Profession Workshop September 23-24, 2014. Learn More
2014 Mississippi Reshoring Summit
September 24, 2014. Learn More
Governor's Energy Summit October 8, 2014. Learn More
Save the Date for the dedication of Scianna Hall Thursday, April 30, 2015.
Job Openings

President, Economic Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce, Jones County, MS...View Position

 

Regional Economic Enterprise of MS

Choctaw, Montgomery, & Webster Counties 
is seeking 
Executive Director..View Position
Join Our Mailing List
Stay Connected

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our profile on LinkedInView our videos on YouTube 
September 15, 2014
Student Capstone Report on the Impact of Tourism in Covington County
Two MSED students worked with Covington County Chamber of Commerce to provide insight on how tourism impacts the county. Samantha Walker and Chelsey Everett spent their summer analyzing national data and forecast trends on outdoor adventure tourism as well as researching the current attractions in Covington County.

 

The Covington County Chamber of Commerce requested a study for the impact of their local attractions on tourism. The chamber wanted to see the trends for the past 3 to 5 years and the potential growth. They requested an economic impact analysis on their tourism industry with recommendations for how to increase awareness of tourism in Covington County. The data included in this research report was collected through interviews with local business owners, EMSI data, and the local Chamber of Commerce for Covington County. This report provides insight regarding the types of tourism industry Covington County currently has as well as its role in a new tourism industry called agri-tourism.

 

Chelsey presented the final capstone report to the Covington County Chamber of Commerce and received positive feedback about the potential for Covington County. The report found that overall outdoor hard adventure sports such as kayaking, water rafting, camping, and rock climbing have been growing nationally 25 percent in the last five years. Soft adventure such as snorkeling, bike riding, shopping and dining have been growing at around 9 percent in the last five years. Covington County has a strong history of rural tourism with its river canoeing, waterpark, and agri-tourism. The report focused on the need for community involvement as well as more awareness of what the county has to offer. 

Innovative Intermodal Professional Workforce Summit in Winona
Southern Miss assisted the CAVS Extension of Mississippi State University, the North Mississippi Rail Authority, and the Mississippi Trucking Association to facilitate an Innovative Intermodal Professional Workforce Summit for the North Central Planning and Development District (NCPDD) in Winona. The summit brought together community leaders to discuss the development of the transportation and warehousing industry in north central Mississippi. The meeting utilized the Innovative Engineering and World Cafe method to facilitate the dialogue. The meeting opened up with presentations from MSED alum, Pablo Diaz, Executive Director of the Grenada County Economic Development District (GCEDD) and Hall Miller, President of the Mississippi Trucking Association. Short line rail revitalization was a major concern at the meeting as both the north/south Grenada Railway line (GRYR) and the east/west Columbus and Greenville Railway (CAGY) are in need of repairs. Workforce issues, such as the need for more truck drivers and training programs for the transportation and warehouse industries, was also discussed.   
Student Economic Development Association

Joining a student organization can produce a lot of benefits for graduate and undergraduate students. It allows networking, social skills, professional experience, and leadership skills. The Student Economic Development Association's (SEDA) goal is to foster this community of networking, learning and leadership for graduate and undergraduate students. The organization is open to any student wishing to learn more or pursue a career that promotes economic development at any level. SEDA is a growing organization and currently stands as the representative organization for the Master of Business in Economic Development program for the College of Business. Every year the members of SEDA put on an annual Alumni Tailgate at one of the home football games. Be on the lookout for more information about this tailgate as well as some of the other events SEDA is planning by joining us on Facebook

Southern Miss Economic Development | tasha.may@usm.edu | 118 College Drive #5191
Hattiesburg, MS 39401-0001

Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.