Video spotlights impact, opportunities of globalization for area business

                                                                                                               

September 11, 2009 - ADAMSVILLE, Tenn.—The McNairy County Economic Development Commission last night unveiled a new tool to help area businesses understand and benefit from globalization. Executive Director Ted Moore was joined at the screening by representatives of funding partners USDA Rural Development, Alcorn County Alliance and Selmer/McNairy Industrial Board, among others.

 

"Taking a regional approach to business development and job creation is smart," said Rural Development Area Director Harriet Cannon. "It's not every day that a development partnership crosses state boundaries, so I'm glad Rural Develop has the financial resources to be part of this creative collaboration."

 

Production was funded in part by a $40,000 Rural Development grant, $12,000 from the Alcorn County Alliance in Miss. and $1,500 from West Tennessee Industrial Association. The Selmer/McNairy County Industrial Board also contributed cash and in-kind resources worth $16,500.

 

The Jackson-based marketing firm Younger Associates wrote and produced the video. Copies will be available on several economic development websites representing McNairy and Alcorn Counties. Copies will also be distributed to state and regional economic development professionals to raise awareness of business opportunities in the area.

 

Filmmakers used documentary-style personal stories from local community and business leaders to explain both the challenges and opportunities for businesses created by advances in transportation, technology and other market forces. The writers also emphasize the region's strengths and offer insight into how local companies can excel in today's competitive environment.

 

Others at the premiere included Rep. Marsha Blackburn's representative Johnny Blakely, McNairy County Mayor Jai Templeton, Adamsville Mayor Tommy Morris, Bethel Springs Mayor Norma Smith, Selmer Mayor David Robinson, Stantonville Mayor Larry Raines and USDA Rural Development's Billy Lane.

 

Rural Development's rural business opportunity grant program provides assistance to local governments and non-profit organizations that assist small businesses, develop local business infrastructure, provide job training, conduct feasibility studies or provide technical assistance to businesses and community leaders.

 

USDA Rural Development invests in business development, community infrastructure, homeownership, affordable rental housing and technology to improve the quality of life in rural communities. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $435 million in financial assistance through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

 

For more information on Rural Development programs available in southwest Tennessee contact the Rural Development Area Office in Jackson at 731-668-2091, ext. 2, toll free at 1-800-342-3149 ext. 1495 or visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

 

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