The Partnership is effectively stimulating economic growth in the Starkville/Oktibbeha County area by:

• an accelerated economic development effort including national advertising, participation at targeted business trade shows, industry recruiting trips, plus improved research capabilities and promotional materials (both printed and web-based);

• strengthening relationships with those at state, regional, and utility economic development organizations who can help us spread the word about our desirable business environment, leading to recommendations to their prospects and opportunities for new business locations;

• offering a forum for members to lead, learn, and shape a more prosperous future through active involvement and input; ? bringing together all of the key community and economic development entities in the county under one roof, within one organizational framework, to share one mission which is to build a more prosperous future for area businesses and residents;

• bringing together all of the key community and economic development entities in the county under one roof, within one organizational framework, to share one mission which is to build a more prosperous future for area businesses and residents;

• identifying, counseling, and supporting entrepreneurs whose ideas and abilities can lead to the creation of local firms offering good jobs to local citizens;

• coordinating the efforts of the three communities (Starkville, Maben, and Sturgis), the county, the university, and the private sector to identify and act on the best ideas and projects that will enhance the quality of life, increase business/tax revenues and employment options;

• providing timely, reliable assistance to local business and industry establishments to ensure that each can reach its potential in regard to profitability, job creation, and capital investment;

• organizing and implementing programs to assist small business owners in making the most of their opportunities to succeed in this environment;

• organizing and administering programs to support better education, transportation, community/diversity relations, community appearance, and leadership/business development;

• linking and drawing on the resources of the Create Foundation (North Mississippi's Community Foundation) to grow our own community development foundation, SOAR (Starkville-Oktibbeha Achieving Results);

• spearheading a planned and progressive promotional effort to attract retirees who can contribute to our growing community of educated, active, resourceful, and delightful citizens;

• recruiting sports tournaments and other tourism venues to utilize the vast number of recreational facilities within the community. Visitors translate into customers and, of course, dollars to support your business and the tax base.