The Jackson County Economic Development Foundation was established through local and private legislation that created a public-private partnership focused on growing and diversifying the economy. Local leaders like former Ingalls Shipbuilding president Jerry St. Pe and county supervisor, Chevron retiree, and future lawmaker Manly Barton, worked collaboratively to set in motion what would become one of the most effective economic development organizations in Mississippi. After having turnover in the supervisor elections, convening meetings to identify other organizations that successfully promote economic development, and searching for an executive director, Jackson County leaders determined the foundation model with a diverse stakeholder board reflecting both elected and private sector members was critical to revitalize Jackson County’s economy. Today, some 25 years later and building on the county’s long track record of success in business and industry, the JCEDF provides a unified and comprehensive approach to promoting economic development, with a focus on four areas: creating jobs, generating capital investment, increasing the quality of life, and diversifying industry.
· Jerry St. Pe: “2 factors set Jackson County apart: public officials who understand the endorsement of good public policy to help business and industry succeed and secondly, we have a diverse industrial base that serves the county well during good economic times and when there is a downturn in the economy.”
· Manly Barton: “I’ve been part of the group (JCEDF) from the very beginning and it’s been very exciting… We were successful because we listened to people… and I’m very proud to have been part of the first group.”
The JCEDF difference
To quote Mr. St. Pe, Jackson County is “envied by many communities that are engaged in economic development…we have public officials who understand the endorsement of good public policy to help business and industry succeed.”
The public-private partnership of the JCEDF brings together elected officials, business and industry stakeholders, educators, and community leaders. Working together with JCEDF as a coordinating body, this partnership and broad mix of stakeholders has resulted in key successes across policy and economic development. One such example has been the JCEDF’s work to find community-driven ways to enhance the local workforce pipeline.
Alongside Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Jackson County, local schools, and JCEDF helped launch the “P3: Passion. Purpose. Paycheck.” career coaching program in each of the county’s seven high schools. The goal? Help students find a plan for enrollment, enlistment, or employment after high school. P3 has introduced high school students to real-time employees of Jackson County employers such as Chevron, Ingalls, Bollinger, Tindall, Northrop Grumman, Superior Optical, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Singing River Health Systems, with many students finding good jobs in the local community.
In addition to partnerships, the JCEDF believes strongly in long-term planning. For example, the JCEDF recently commissioned a nationally-recognized consulting firm to assist with development of a strategic innovation plan to grow the innovation economy with an emphasis on how best to capitalize on the assets of existing defense and other industry, higher education, and federal agencies while considering Jackson County’s vast natural environment and quality of life features.
Public policy is a unique focus on JCEDF. With its leaders having experience at the state and federal levels of government, including Congress, the JCEDF is well-suited to be a change agent in fostering policy discussions that lead to real-time solutions. A recent example includes the Foundation’s S.O.S. Pascagoula campaign, a collaborative effort among city, county, and business stakeholders to remedy negative effects of a FEMA-imposed “substantial flood improvement rule” that has stalled certain new and improved housing developments. The JCEDF created a website, identified key champions, and continues to work closely with state and federal partners to raise awareness of the impact of this rule and find relief for Jackson County.
The JCEDF recognizes that economic diversification is critical to a community’s long-term health and resiliency. The Foundation’s strategic innovation plan builds on this belief, calling for investments into research and development to attract more innovative companies. To date, the JCEDF’s goal to ensure diversity of industry has been successful: The county’s largest industries include manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. From regional shipbuilders providing global impact, to energy production at America’s largest domestic oil refinery; from home-grown businesses and a healthy entrepreneurship community to university research institutions, Jackson County is proudly home to wide range of industries and career opportunities.