The 2015 IEDC accredited True South Basic Economic Development Course scheduled for September 21 through 24, 2015 at USM's Trent Lott National Center in Hattiesburg will include nationally known economic developers from across the U.S. Southeast. Current

participants include registrants and guest speakers who represent six states (North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Mississippi) and internationally from India and Romania. The guest speakers possess a vast amount of experience and will feature a keynote address from Gray Swoope, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vision First Advisors in Tallahassee, Florida.  

True South Basic Economic Development Course targets working professionals interested in economic development fundamentals and graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Economic Development. It is IEDC accredited and covers topics such as Trends in Community Development, Managing Economic Development Organizations, Marketing and Attraction, Business Retention and Expansion, Ethics in Economic Development, Economic Development Finance, Transportation Infrastructure, Small Business Development, Entrepreneurship, Workforce Development and Strategic Planning. Register now!

The Marshall County Industrial Development Authority commissioned USM's Economic Development Research Team to conduct a study proposing alternatives for highest and best use of 300 acres of real estate property that borders the northern edge of Chickasaw Industrial Park. On July 28th, the research team hosted community leaders and residents at the Casey Community Fire Department to seek input and gain insight about potential future uses of the property. Residents and landowners of the beleaguered property initially approached county leaders interested in a negotiated sell because of rapid growth in industrial development and highway infrastructure projects which now encircles the property. As part of the study currently underway, USM researchers are partnering with The University of Memphis to develop alternative-use recommendations.

Mississippi's Giant House Party, The Neshoba County Fair, was held July 24-31. July 30th was economic developers day at the fair hosted by the East Mississippi Economic Development Council. During this day several economic developers open up their cabins to the economic development community. The week long fair fosters political, agricultural, and social exchanges. State, local, and on occasion national politicians come to the fair to make their speeches at the pavilion in Founders Square. Incoming MSED students Tiffany Aultman, Sean Moody, and Alicia Frazier attended the fair and can be seen pictured with Ellen Bourdeaux from MDA's Asset Management team.