City and county leaders and the business community gathered at The Aisle for the annual Kosciusko-Attala Partnership (KAP) banquet on a recent Thursday evening.
KAP board Chairman Tim Cook said the event was intended to celebrate the contributions of the business community, and recognize those who “make it a place that we can all be proud of.”
Darren Milner, executive director of the KAP, highlighted many of the programs the organization has championed over the past year.
One of those programs is the Aspire Mississippi program, which brings local business leaders together with young people to provide training, increase community relations and career pathways.
Milner touted the positives that make Attala County attractive to businesses and new residents, including history, good healthcare and great schools. He also said the attitude of public officials is a help to the KAP efforts.
“I can tell you that the people who are here, the city and the county, are pro-growth,” he said. “I believe true growth begins and the community development level.”
Milner encouraged business leaders to be involved in community events because a positive community encourages involvement and business growth.
The forthcoming addition of the Native American Museum is expected to help bolster local businesses, including restaurants and bed & breakfasts.
He noted that more than 8,000 people stopped at the Visitor Center along the Natchez Trace this past year, and that as the community continues to develop, more and more of those people will have reason to venture into the downtown area and stay.
Milner also said building community is likely to draw jobs to the area since companies like to locate where potential employees want to live.
“Just because we are a small community, doesn’t mean we have to act like it,” he said.
The KAP ending the evening with an awards ceremony recognizing area businesses and individuals.
Community Impact Awards were given to Danny Holt of Holt Body Shop, Ronnie and Linda Sullivan and David and Christy Hudson of Sullivans Drug & Gifts, Gary and Melanie Biggers of Central Signs and Graphics, Sonny and Doreen Branning of Branning Photography, and Aaron Akers of Central Eelectric Power Association. Outreach Awards were given to the City of Kosciusko and to Attala County.
Golden Shovel Awards were given to longtime Kosciusko Visitor Center volunteers Lois Pinkard and Sara Catherine Davis, who is the eldest volunteer at there.
