Jon Maynard, who oversees community development in Oxford, told members of the Kosciusko-Attala Partnership last week that the focus of local development should be attracting numerous small businesses, not large employers.
The KAP gathered for its annual meeting at the soon-to-open restaurant the Skylight Grill on the Square.
Maynard also said that creating communities where people want to live is the engine that will draw new businesses to an area.
“If you develop your community, businesses will start revolving around your community,” he said, adding that it is also critical that local residents support local business. “You need to support them. It takes you to start the trend.”
He said it is also vital for communities to unite to solve issues improving livability.
“Everyone has to get behind the solution,” Maynard said. “The issue is not a problem, not solving it is.”
Maynard concluded, saying the city and county are actually in a great position for growth.
“You are sitting in the best economic opportunity I’ve seen,” he said.
The KAP also awarded Golden Shovels to individuals who make significant contributions to life in Kosciusko and Attala County. This year’s recipients were Maudie Benton, Louis Crowe, Amy Rawson and “The Wild Bunch” - Tom Wasson, Bill Mitchell and Vic Gressett.
