Director Buzz Sutherland
. MU Delta Center . Portageville, Missouri
(573) 379-5431
"SMEDA
is an investment in our region's future. Our goal is to strengthen job growth
and business development in Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Dunklin
and Stoddard Counties by unifying our ecomonic development approach, realizing
what is good for one area is good for the entire region"
The Vision
That the six county Bootheel area of Southeast Missouri
achieves and sustains prosperity which provides above-average incomes, career
opportunities for all its residents, and a family-oriented way of life.
The Mission
We will unite as a region to identify and promote the area's
many advantages to prospective employers. We will promote the goods and
services of existing businesses inside and outside the region. We will encourage
improvement of area conditions which may impede economic growth.
The Objectives
*Create and strengthen
job opportunities throughout the region at twice the state average by 2006.
*Promote regional cooperation and communication among cities, counties,
and businesses to facilitate 10% growth of regional businesses dealing with
each other by 2006.
*Create and maintain a positive attitude and identity for the region
which will result in increased awareness of its advantages by internal and
external audiences.
*Identify and secure three-year funding by the year-end 2004.
*Identify infrastructure
and educational/training needs which impede economic development and form
strategies to address their improvements by 2005.
*Develop working relationships with four surrounding states toward
a greater mutual cooperation in regional development activities.
*Develop stategies to promote greater state and federal support of
this regional development effort by 2005 and implement them in 2006.
Participating Counties
Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot,
Scott, Stoddard
Steering Committee
Roster