JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) – Economic activity in Jones County has reached a high level, prompting both personal and professional investments from residents. Ross Tucker, who leads the Jones County Economic Development Authority as president and CEO, highlighted the community’s appeal for living, working, and leisure activities. According to Tucker, the county is experiencing historically low unemployment rates due to sustained economic expansion. He noted that expanding industries and businesses are creating more local opportunities for employment and investment. George Blackwell, a co-owner of a local establishment in Ellisville, emphasized the community’s role in their decision to open a restaurant in the area. The Powhatan, which opened earlier this year in April, has seen positive business performance so far. Samantha Mick, the restaurant’s general manager, reported strong summer sales and increasing weekly activity. Both Tucker and Mick expressed optimism about the county’s future, provided that consistent growth continues. Mick described the welcoming atmosphere that makes customers feel at home. The Jones County Economic Development Authority plans to maintain this growth trajectory by collaborating with community leaders to attract and support additional businesses and industries.
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JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) – Business is booming in Jones County, and it’s leading people to plant roots in the community, personally and professionally.
“People are finding it very beneficial to live, work, stay and play here,” said Ross Tucker, the president and CEO of the Jones County Economic Development Authority.
Tucker says the unemployment rate in the county has been the lowest it’s ever been for quite some time, thanks to the county’s economic growth.
“You have industries and businesses that are expanding, hiring, and investing, which brings in more opportunities closer to home for a lot of people,” Tucker explained.
The Powhatan in Ellisville agrees with Tucker. George Blackwell, one of the owners, says the community was a big part of the decision to open the restaurant.
“We’re all from Ellisville, and we kind of wanted to get a place here that we could get everybody behind,” Blackwell said.
The Powhatan opened in April of this year. The general manager says, so far, business has been amazing.
“Business has been really good for the summer. We’re ramping up every week, loving to see new faces every day coming in,” Samantha Mick, the general manager of The Powhatan.
Both leaders are excited about the future in Jones County as long as traffic stays consistent.
“It’s wonderful to see them come through, calling us to see what we’re having today, what’s new. It feels like family, and that’s what we want,” Mick told WDAM 7.
The Jones County EDA says to make sure the county’s economy continues to grow, they will continue to work with community leaders and attract, assist, and recruit other businesses and industries.
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