Southwest Mississippi Partnership
Target Marketing Plan
The Challenge
Though rural in character, Southwest Mississippi is a 10-county region surrounded by five metropolitan areas (Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Hattiesburg, Jackson, and New Orleans) whose combined populations total more than 2.8 million. As a result, Southwest Mississippi has historically remained overshadowed by its larger neighbors. While the Mississippi River historically served as the primary transportation route for not only the region but also the nation’s Heartland, it is the interstate traversing the eastern half of the region that has more recently brought economic opportunity to the region.
Consequently smaller communities in western counties are more tied to a commodity-driven “Old South” economy, while many in the eastern counties have enjoyed opportunities more closely tied to the rise of the “New South.” In recent years, Southwest Mississippi—especially the Natchez area—has suffered several closures at a number of major manufacturers.
The Approach
The Southwest Mississippi Partnership recognized these myriad challenges and hired TIP Strategies to assist in crafting a target marketing plan for the 10-county region. The goal was to identify target industries and develop a blueprint for guiding the region’s economic development marketing efforts. To complete this project, the consulting team performed a regional assessment, a target industry analysis, and a marketing plan for the Southwest Mississippi Partnership.
The Outcome
TIP Strategies identified several “core” industries, including specialty foods, packaging, pharmaceuticals, logistics/distribution, metal fabrication, and automotive, that presented immediate prospects for the Partnership. In addition, TIP also selected several “non-traditional” opportunities that are related to the region’s educational system and natural, cultural, and historical amenities. These included recreation/leisure activities, such as retiree attraction, outdoor recreation, and film/music. Finally, TIP believed that emerging opportunities should also be considered as a strategic focus for the Partnership, identifying advanced polymers, digital media, and higher education as long-term targets for development.
Britt Herrin Executive Director Pike County Economic Development District/ Chamber of Commerce 112 N. Railroad Blvd. McComb, MS 39649 601.684.2291 Fax: 601.684.4899 pcedd@pikeinfo.com
