Carroll County in Mississippi has formally joined the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation, marking a significant step in regional collaboration aimed at boosting economic growth. The agreement, signed by the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, establishes an official partnership that had previously existed only informally for over three decades.
Founded in 1980, the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation expanded its outreach to include Carroll County in 1990, supporting key projects such as AerCap Materials, Anel Corporation, and Delta’s Edge Solar. Despite long-standing cooperation, this new contract formalizes the relationship, ensuring consistent delivery of economic development services.
Under the arrangement, the foundation will provide support in business recruitment, workforce development, site readiness, engagement with existing industries, retail expansion, regional marketing, and inter-community coordination. Carroll County will also gain representation on the foundation’s board and receive regular progress reports, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Thomas Gregory, Executive Director of the now Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation, emphasized the mutual commitment to regional prosperity. He stated that the formalization ensures local businesses, industries, and residents receive dedicated assistance. The goal is to attract new investments, support current employers, and foster long-term economic resilience.
Jim Neill, President of the Carroll County Board of Supervisors, described the partnership as a pivotal advancement for the county. He highlighted the value of aligning with an experienced organization deeply familiar with local opportunities and challenges. The collaboration is expected to stimulate job creation, strengthen industrial support systems, and enhance overall economic vitality.
Local leaders believe this unified approach will improve the region’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining investment. By pooling resources and expertise, the three-county alliance aims to leverage shared assets and pursue emerging economic opportunities more effectively.
— news from SuperTalk Mississippi Media
— News Original —
Carroll County added to regional economic development foundation
As Mississippi continues to reel in major economic development projects, officials in one of the state’s Delta counties are looking to capitalize on the momentum.
On Tuesday, the Carroll County Board of Supervisors entered into a formal agreement with the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation. The agreement added Carroll County to the foundation and marked the first partnership between the county and the foundation, despite more than three decades of informal collaboration on major economic development initiatives, including support for projects such as AerCap Materials, Anel Corporation, and Delta’s Edge Solar.
The organization was founded in 1980 as the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation. It expanded its mission in 1990 to include Carroll County, where it has continued to play a role in economic development without an official contract. The newly signed agreement reflects the shared desire of both organizations to strengthen their partnership and ensure consistent, coordinated economic development services for the county.
Under the agreement, the economic development foundation will provide services that support business recruitment, workforce development, site readiness, existing industry engagement, retail recruitment, regional marketing, and community collaboration. Carroll County will also have representation on the foundation’s board of directors and a reporting process through which the foundation will outline progress and activities to county leadership.
“Carroll County has been an essential part of our organization’s mission for more than 30 years, and today’s agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening economic vitality across our region,” Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Thomas Gregory said.
“By formalizing this partnership, we are ensuring that Carroll County businesses, industries, and residents receive the dedicated support they deserve. We look forward to working closely with the Board of Supervisors to attract new investment, support existing employers, and build a stronger future together.”
Foundation leaders and Carroll County officials alike view the new partnership as an opportunity to leverage regional assets, pursue new economic opportunities, and reinforce the county’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining jobs and investment.
“This partnership represents a major step forward for Carroll County,” Carroll County Board of Supervisors President Jim Neill said. “By engaging the EDF as our official economic development organization, we are gaining a trusted, experienced partner with a deep understanding of our communities and our opportunities. We are excited about what this means for job growth, industry support, and the long-term prosperity of Carroll County.”