Columbia, MS – The Columbia Lions Club welcomed Lori Watts, President of the Marion County Development Partnership (MCDP), as its guest speaker on Thursday, February 13. Watts provided an insightful update on the organization’s ongoing efforts to position Marion County for industrial growth through strategic site development initiatives.
During her presentation, Watts highlighted how MCDP is leveraging state grants to enhance indus-trial properties, ensuring they are ready to attract potential businesses and industries. She explained that the State of Mississippi has prioritized economic competitiveness, offering funding for critical projects such as environmental studies, master planning, and infrastructure improve-ments. These initiatives are designed to make communities more attractive to industrial prospects, creating new opportunities for economic development and job growth.
Watts emphasized that these preparedness efforts help address key concerns for prospective companies, including time, cost, and risk. By having industrial sites ready for development, businesses can move forward with greater confidence, knowing that critical infrastructure and due diligence are already in place. This proactive approach not only shortens the timeline for project completion but also reduces financial uncertainty and potential obstacles.
By investing in site readiness and infrastructure, Marion County is taking proactive steps to strengthen its competitive edge and expand its industrial base. Watts noted that these efforts align with the state’s broader mission to support local economies and facilitate long-term business success.
For more information about MCDP’s ongoing projects and economic development efforts, contact the office at 601-736-6385. Columbia, MS – The Columbia Lions Club welcomed Lori Watts, President of the Marion County Development Partnership (MCDP), as its guest speaker on Thursday, February 13. Watts provided an insightful update on the organization’s ongoing efforts to position Marion County for industrial growth through strategic site development initiatives.
During her presentation, Watts highlighted how MCDP is leveraging state grants to enhance indus-trial properties, ensuring they are ready to attract potential businesses and industries. She explained that the State of Mississippi has prioritized economic competitiveness, offering funding for critical projects such as environmental studies, master planning, and infrastructure improve-ments. These initiatives are designed to make communities more attractive to industrial prospects, creating new opportunities for economic development and job growth.
Watts emphasized that these preparedness efforts help address key concerns for prospective companies, including time, cost, and risk. By having industrial sites ready for development, businesses can move forward with greater confidence, knowing that critical infrastructure and due diligence are already in place. This proactive approach not only shortens the timeline for project completion but also reduces financial uncertainty and potential obstacles.
By investing in site readiness and infrastructure, Marion County is taking proactive steps to strengthen its competitive edge and expand its industrial base. Watts noted that these efforts align with the state’s broader mission to support local economies and facilitate long-term business success.
For more information about MCDP’s ongoing projects and economic development efforts, contact the office at 601-736-6385.
