News You Can Use!
Gulf Coast Regional Office News 9/18/2008
The Gulf Coast Offices will be closed from today for about 4-5 weeks for repairs and re-construction of the Bolton Building in Biloxi. Due to intermittent power losses during this construction, our office phones will not be working. We will be shutting down our file server to protect the equipment during this work.
Robert Williams and Bill Webb will have access to emails and other computer accesses via their laptops. You can reach Robert on his cell at 228-324-1913. Bill can be reached either on his state cell, 228-324-1870 or, preferably, at 228-223-8808.
The temporary fax number is 228-896-6020 (Harrison County Development Commission). He asks that we use it sparingly and would prefer contact by telephone or email. We will still receive our mail and will check daily.
If anyone has questions, please contact Bill at 228-223-8808.
This work that is being done on our building is the results of damage from Katrina. FEMA is providing funds to get the building back up to speed. We did not sustain any damage from Gustav or recent storms.
Asset Mapping
What is Asset Mapping?
The Asset Development Division of the MDA is charged with mapping the hard assets of Mississippi's 82 counties. Asset mapping serves as an effective tool for understanding the wealth of resources that exist in each community - even those with small populations or suffering from poverty and economic distress. The long-term development of a community rests on its ability to uncover and build upon its assets. To be truly effective, asset mapping must include a plan for linking the assets of a community together in a way that promotes economic growth and community improvement.
MDA will being the process by providing a city or county with an inventory form to be completed, this list will include the assets they (the communtiy/county) have identified. MDA will review the inventory and then send a team of people into the community to begin further asset identification and mapping. Once the report is finalized, then MDA will provide an informative presentation of their findings back to the community.
The end result will be a interactive website that anyone can click on (by city or county), and look at the existing assets.
MDA Asset Development Division is also partnering with Mississippi State University's Community Action Team, when asset mapping these communities.
Carbon Credits
An emerging opportunity for tree growers. To read all about it select Carbon Credits.
Grants available for community improvement projects:
MDA's Economic Development Marketing Match Grant Program -
This program is designed to enhance the marketing of the State of Mississippi by enabling regions and communities to promote themselves as a site location for out of state businesses and industry. Approved projects must have a definable goal of out-of-state business site location marketing.
The program Application, Guidelines, and Final Report Checklist can be found on the MDA website at Economic Development Marketing Grant Program. They can also be obtained by contacting your MDA Regional Office listed below.
The General Mills maker of Hamburger Helper, is offering
My Hometown Helper grants for local groups interested in making a difference in their community. People looking to improve their hometown – from helping to fund a volunteer fire department, to restoring a town landmark, to supporting a local school – are encouraged to submit entries. Last year, the program gave away more than $200,000 in total grants and helped communities purchase new band equipment, build a school playground, and fund a tornado warning system, among other projects. To learn more about the grant program select
My Hometown Helper.
If you have any questions regarding these programs, please contact your MDA Regional Office Manager:
The next round of grant applications will be accepted no later than October 1, 2008.
Informative Websites:
For more information:
Asset Development/Regional Services
Telephone: 601.359.3449
Fax: 601.359.1971
assetdevelopment@mississippi.org