CHICKASAW COUNTY – In a survey conducted by the Chickasaw Journal, readers expressed their opinions on their main community concerns and issues. Topping the list were concerns about the economic conditions in the county. 71 percent of those who voted said they felt conditions were worse this year than the previous year.

With the current economic recession felt around the country, no one doubts that Chickasaw County is feeling the strain as well, but community and government leaders are remaining optimistic and continuing to move forward toward the future.

CDF Executive Director Joyce East said that although the economic situation is unclear, some positives can be found.

“From 2007-2008 we had ten new businesses open and ten more from 2008-2009,” East said. “Of course, not all of them were sustained, but people are still willing to make the investment in business.”

Many residents fear job security or the uncertainty of the job market, but East points to several local and area companies that have remained solid.

“According to the WIN Job Center, Golden Chair in Houlka is accepting applications, MPI is accepting applications, International Paper and Lifestyles in Okolona are all accepting applications and hiring,” East said.

East said that a major part of her job is assisting with the retention and expansion of existing businesses and her counterpart across the county agrees.

Linda Carnathan is the Director of the Okolona Area Chamber of Commerce and pointed out several local established businesses as assets to the town and community. During a walk down Main Street stores are accessible to purchase anything from home décor, clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, insurance, prescriptions and more.

“We have several older businesses that are doing well,” Carnathan said. “Okolona Drug is doing a good business and Harolyn’s Flowers does well.”

Carnathan and East both believe that the county has opportunities to offer both existing business and new industry. In Houston, the Industrial Park has been a location for several new businesses, one of which is currently expanding. The newest plan for the area is the construction of a Regional Correctional Facility that will house state inmates. The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors opened bids on the project last week and are hoping to begin construction this spring. The facility will have the capacity to house 300 inmates and will bring with it about 40 full-time jobs in various employment fields from security to administration to food service and medical services.

Mayor Stacey Parker addressed the board proposing a partnership for the development. Parker is applying for a grant for sewer improvements to accommodate the new facility.

“We’re trying to be progressive,” Parker said. “We’re working with MDA on the economic side based off this (facility) as a creator of jobs.”

Under the radar

With the assets that Chickasaw County possesses from the Industrial Parks in Houston and Okolona, access on the eastern side of the county to waterway, rail and four-lane transportation, the area seems to be ready for incoming business.

“I think it is just prime,” Carnathan said. “When things do turn around and take off, we are in the right place.”

East said that it can be disheartening to put hours of effort into wooing a new company, only to have them move in a different direction. When Toyota announced plans to build a plant in Blue Springs, all of Northeast Mississippi began trying to entice suppliers and Houston was on the short list for a while.

“They eventually decided on Henderson, Tenn.,” East said. “We made it to number two on the list, but that doesn’t show up economically.”

Most economists are calling for patience and urging citizens to weather the storm in anticipation of an economic turn-around. East said that in the current economy, accentuating the assets of the area are crucial.

“It’s very important to stay positive,” East said. “Our best resource is our people.”