This week, 25 fellows from the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy provided volunteer services at the US Department of Defense’s (DOD) Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) medical mission at Cairo High School in Cairo, Illinois. In partnership with the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC), the Tri-State IRT mission provides no cost medical, dental, and optical services to residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or in need of quality care in Sikeston, Missouri, Barlow, Kentucky, and Cairo, Illinois. Executive Academy fellows assisted members of the armed forces with patient intake and processing throughout their clinical visit. Fellows heard from community leaders and uniform service members on the importance of community partnerships to successfully host an IRT mission as well as the impact of health and well-being to local and regional economic and community development

Clarksdale, MS – Delta Regional Authority Chairman Chris Caldwell today issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Cochran.

Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) began accepting applications for the 2019 – 2020 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy. Since 2005, the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) has trained a diverse group of community leaders who currently live and/or work in the Mississippi Delta.

CLARKSDALE, MS – Today, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) launched the Delta Workforce Program, an initiative designed to support workforce training and education, build long-term community capacity, and increase economic competitiveness across the Mississippi River Delta region and Alabama Black Belt.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell joined President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, and other Federal member agencies for the inaugural meeting of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. – Federal and state officials will join the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) at a workshop aimed to help organizations access funding opportunities.

CLARKSDALE, MS. – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Chairman Chris Caldwell announced today that DRA is opening the 2019 application cycle to provide investments through its available funding opportunities. DRA funding programs are tailored to address specific infrastructure improvements, help develop the Delta’s workforce and local industries, and enhance regional economic opportunities.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is seeking proposals from institutions of higher education within the Delta region to help DRA build upon its nationally recognized Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) program.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Federal Co-chairman Chris Caldwell announced today that Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin has been named States’ Co-chair of DRA for 2019

SIKESTON, MO. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is investing $1 million to help build a world-class broadband network in eight counties in the Missouri Bootheel. The underserved communities will receive an additional $15.5 million investment from two electric cooperatives that have pledged to deliver fiber-to-the-home broadband that will enhance economic development opportunities for rural communities.

Last week, a Wall Street Journal article highlighted that Foxconn, a Taiwanese supplier for Apple, is considering outsourcing Chinese engineers and skilled laborers for its new facility in southern Wisconsin. With state and local governments pledging nearly $4 billion in tax and performance-based incentives, Foxconn was one of the state’s largest economic development deals in 2017 with the company’s commitment to invest $10 billion, build a 22-million-square- foot facility, and hire 13,000 factory workers, engineers and business support positions. But a tight labor market in Wisconsin has made recruiting a challenge for Foxconn, which begs the question: what is the value of creating new jobs when the readiness of the existing workforce cannot meet the company’s labor demand?

The Delta Leadership Institute (DLI), a program sponsored by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), welcomes 31 fellows to the 2018-19 Executive Academy. The fellows will participate in the 10-month program to improve their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration and help drive economic growth in DRA’s eight-state region.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA REGION – Tennessee is sending five leaders from across the state to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI). They will join fellows from the seven other Delta states to participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to help further their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration, and drive economic growth across DRA’s eight-state region.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA REGION – Missouri is sending a leader from the state to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI). They will join fellows from the seven other Delta states to participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to help further their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration, and drive economic growth across DRA’s eight-state region.

JACKSON, MS – Mississippi is sending five leaders from across the state to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI). They will join fellows from the seven other Delta states to participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to help further their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration, and drive economic growth across DRA’s eight-state region.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA REGION – Louisiana is sending five leaders from across the state to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI). They will join fellows from the seven other Delta states to participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to help further their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration, and drive economic growth across DRA’s eight-state region.

FRANKFORT, KY – Kentucky is sending two leaders from across the state to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI). They will join fellows from the seven other Delta states to participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to help further their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration, and drive economic growth across DRA’s eight-state region.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois is sending four leaders from Southern Illinois to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI). They will join fellows from the seven other Delta states to participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to help further their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration, and drive economic growth across DRA’s eight-state region.

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Arkansas is sending six leaders from across the state to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI). They will join fellows from the seven other Delta states to participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to help further their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration, and drive economic growth across DRA’s eight-state region.  

MONTGOMERY, AL – Alabama is sending three leaders from the state’s Black Belt Region to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI). They will participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to improve their skills in community leadership and policy development, promote regional collaboration, and help drive economic growth in DRA’s eight-state region.

NASHVILLE, Tn.  – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced that it will invest nearly $2.8 million to make infrastructure improvements that will attract new industry and support expansion of existing businesses, enabling the creation and retention of about 3,400 jobs. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $444.1 million in new investments to Tennessee.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Chairman Chris Caldwell and Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D-LA) today announced that DRA will invest $2.6 million to enhance workforce training, help create and retain jobs and improve water and sewer service for rural families. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $34.6 million in new investments to Louisiana.

LITTLE ROCK, Ar. –Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Chairman Chris Caldwell and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson today announced that DRA will invest $2 million to enhance economic development opportunities, provide safe and sanitary sewer and water service to rural families, provide workforce training and development and improve healthcare. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $18.8 million in new investments to Arkansas.

SPRINGFIELD, Il.  –Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Chairman Chris Caldwell and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner today announced that DRA will invest nearly $1 million to improve infrastructure, build a new healthcare facility and enhance workforce training and development in Illinois. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $9.2 million in new investments to Illinois.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  –Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Chairman Chris Caldwell and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson today announced that DRA will invest $1.1 million to support new manufacturing businesses, help add jobs and a product line to an existing business, and develop workforce training programs for students and displaced workers. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $17 million in new investments to Missouri.

FRANKFORT, Ky.  –Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Chairman Chris Caldwell and Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin today announced that DRA will invest $1.5 million to deliver infrastructure improvements that will support business expansion, help create 210 new jobs by attracting an international manufacturer and improve the lives of 669 families. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $61 million in new investments to Kentucky.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Chairman Chris Caldwell and Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant today announced that DRA will invest $2.6 million to enhance workforce training, help create and retain jobs and improve water and sewer service for rural families. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $30.7 million in new investments to Mississippi.

MONTGOMERY, Al.  –Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Chairman Chris Caldwell and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey today announced that DRA will invest $1.1 million to enhance workforce training and development, help create technology jobs and deliver safe drinking water to the Black Belt region. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $13.4 million in new investments to Alabama.

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced it will invest $1.4 million to enhance infrastructure in six Louisiana parishes that will improve life for more than 126,000 families and boost economic development opportunities. An additional $3 million will be invested by other partners.

EUTAW, AL. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced that it will invest $372,425 in infrastructure improvements in Eutaw. The investment will extend Eutaw’s existing sewer collection system to support construction of a new travel stop at exit 40 of Interstate 20/59 and create 43 new jobs.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) has opened the grant application cycle for the Delta Region Community Health Systems Development – Technical Assistance Pilot Program, which is a collaboration with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The purpose of the program is to enhance healthcare delivery in the Delta Region through intensive technical assistance to providers in select rural communities, including critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, rural health clinics and other healthcare organizations.

MARTIN, Tn. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today announced it will invest $300,000 in infrastructure improvements that will create about 200 news jobs at an international manufacturing business in Martin. The South Korean-based manufacturer plans to build a 100,000-square-foot facility that will support the automotive and residential appliance industries.

PADUCAH, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) congratulates six new Tennessee graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy who now have the tools to support DRA’s efforts to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across west Tennessee and the Delta region.

PADUCAH, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) congratulates six new Mississippi graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy who now have the tools to support DRA’s efforts to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across Mississippi and the Delta region

PADUCAH, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) congratulates seven new Louisiana graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy who now have the tools to support DRA’s efforts to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across Louisiana and the Delta region.

PADUCAH, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) congratulates five new Kentucky graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy who now have the tools to support DRA’s efforts to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across western Kentucky and the Delta region.

PADUCAH, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) congratulates five new Illinois graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy who now have the tools to support DRA’s efforts to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across southern Illinois and the Delta region.

PADUCAH, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) congratulates 10 new Arkansas graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy who now have the tools to support DRA’s efforts to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across Arkansas and the Delta region. 

PADUCAH, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) congratulates six new Alabama graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy who now have the tools to support DRA’s efforts to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across the Black Belt of Alabama and the Delta region.

PADUCAH, Ky. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) congratulates 48 new graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy who now have the tools to support DRA’s efforts to create jobs, build communities, and improve lives across the Mississippi River Delta region and the Black Belt of Alabama.

GUTHRIE, KY.  – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and Gov. Matt Bevin (R-KY) today announced a nearly $1.2 million investment to improve infrastructure at a planned automotive sheet manufacturing facility located just outside of Guthrie. The 153-acre manufacturing plant is a $300 million economic development project that will create 125 new jobs in Todd County.

Two rural communities in Alabama and Louisiana will each receive a $15,000 seed grant from  the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) through Healthy Places for Healthy People (HP2), a federal initiative that brings together community leaders and healthcare partners to create walkable, healthy, economically vibrant downtowns and neighborhoods.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will hold a healthcare mission in Harrisburg, IL., that will deliver no-cost medical, dental and optical care to residents across the region. The mission will be open daily at Harrisburg Middle School from June 18-27. The middle school is located at 312 Bulldog Blvd.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will hold two no-cost healthcare missions that will deliver medical, dental and optical care to residents across the region. The sessions will be held in Monroeville and Thomasville, Ala., from May 28-June 4. You do not have to be an area resident to receive treatment; anyone who attends will receive care on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions will be held daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and Gov. Bruce Rauner today announced that DRA will invest $500,000 in infrastructure enhancements that will create 50 news jobs and retain more than 400 permanent jobs at one of this city’s largest businesses.  The announcement highlights national Infrastructure Week in the Mississippi River Delta region.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) today opened its application cycle for the 2018-2019 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy. Since 2005, the Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) has trained a diverse group of community leaders dedicated to improving their communities.

CLARKSDALE, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), through a program partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development program, today announced it will invest more than $200,000 to support job-training efforts in several Mississippi Delta communities. The announcement highlights support for rural communities during National Economic Development Week.

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is opening the 2018 application cycle to provide investments through its States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP). The program is DRA’s primary investment tool to spur infrastructure improvements, help develop the Delta’s workforce and local businesses, and enhance regional economic opportunities.

LITTLE ROCK, AR. – Governor Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas has been named the State’s Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority’s Board of Governors. He took over leadership this past weekend from Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama and will serve alongside DRA federal co-chairman Chris Caldwell

CLARKSDALE, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority’s new website will provide residents and entrepreneurs across the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt region with new tools to identify and secure investment and resources, the agency announced today.

“An important part of our efforts to help drive economic development in Delta communities is to stay connected with our stakeholders, friends, and partners and provide a platform for Delta residents to stay connected with us. DRA.gov now provides increased services and streamlined information for each person that we work with as well as those that don't know us yet,” DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill said.

Delta Regional Authority awards $1.5 million in new investments to communities to transform region’s workforce development
Awards work with local leaders to improve regional skills pipelines through stronger workforce systems in Delta communities

DELTA REGION -- Today, on behalf of the White House Rural Council, six federal agencies joined to announce 26 communities selected to participate in Local Foods, Local Places, a federal initiative providing technical support to integrate local food systems into community economic action plans. Under this effort, a team of agricultural, transportation, environmental, public health and regional economic experts will work directly with the communities to develop specifically identified local food projects.

Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Christopher Masingill announced seven communities in four states that will be receiving Local Foods, Local Places technical support in the Delta region via conference call.  Projects in these communities will include efforts to create a local food network, establish a regional food innovation center and develop job training efforts around local food entrepreneurship.   

Delta Regional Authority leverages federal resources to strengthen infrastructure to create local jobs and economic opportunity

Chairman Masingill: “Strategic federal investments into the physical and human infrastructure of Delta communities are necessary to create economic opportunity for the hard-working people of Louisiana.”

Delta Regional Authority leverages federal resources to strengthen infrastructure to create local jobs and economic opportunity

Chairman Masingill: “Strategic federal investments into the physical infrastructure of Delta communities are necessary to create economic opportunity for the hard-working people of Arkansas.”

Delta Regional Authority leverages federal resources to strengthen infrastructure to create local jobs and economic opportunity

Chairman Masingill: “Strategic federal investments into the physical and human infrastructure of Delta communities are necessary to create economic opportunity for the hard-working people of Alabama."

Delta Regional Authority leverages federal resources to strengthen infrastructure to create local jobs and economic opportunity

Chairman Masingill: “Strategic federal investments into the physical and human infrastructure of Delta communities are necessary to create economic opportunity for the hard-working people of southeast Missouri.”

The most difficult opportunity to pinpoint is sometimes the one that’s right in front of you. And in every rural town across the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions there is an opportunity, namely an economic opportunity, that all of us need to do a better job at seeing: helping small business owners and entrepreneurs access affordable capital.

Gordon Waller’s family has a long history in economic development in Missouri. His grandfather was a banker for over 50 years, and his dad was in banking for 42 years. Waller’s career has already spanned more than four decades.

In the tough world of business startups, a company that withstands the trials and challenges of its early years may seem to have it made. But as businessman Alex Hernandez can attest, even the owner of a thriving company can occasionally overlook key needs.

Delta Regional Authority leverages federal resources to strengthen community infrastructure and health care training to create jobs and economic opportunity

Delta Regional Authority Leverages Federal Resources to Strengthen Community Infrastructure and Health Care to Create Jobs and Economic Opportunity

DRA, Kentucky Economic Leaders: Reimagining Workforce Development is Key to Regional Growth Workforce Summits Bring Together Key Stakeholders and Thought Leaders on Workforce Development New $1.7M Investment in Workforce Development Will Build Local Capacity & Strengthen Links between Education, Needed Skills, Workers and Jobs

Candy Capel’s varied career has included multiple ventures in public service, but she seems to have found her voice at the Alabama State University’s radio station WVAS.

Top Notch Security, Inc. is prepared to celebrate its 15th year in business on October 23rd with a celebration for employees, customers and other key Personnel at its Memphis, TN headquarters.  Mr. Alfred Washington, Owner/CEO knew back in 1999 that starting a business would prove to be one of the best ideas he ever had.

DRA Invests $300,000 in National Geographic Society Geotourism Alliance to boost tourism, small business growth

Mississippi River Communities, Businesses to promote culture, history for increased tourism

DRA, Lieutenant Governor Dardenne, Louisiana Economic Leaders: Reimagining Workforce Development is Key to Regional Growth

Delta Regional Authority challenges regional leaders to stay connected and utilize training to strengthen local and regional communities

Workforce Summits Bring Together Key Stakeholders and Thought Leaders on Workforce Development

New $1.7M Investment in Workforce Development Will Build Local Capacity & Strengthen Links between Education, Needed Skills, Workers and Jobs  

Workforce development is rapidly coming to the fore in the nation, and the summer of 2014 has seen a flourish of meetings and summits devoted to workforce development reform in the Delta. Luckily for the region, there is a program that could easily be considered the benchmark of excellence for employment training, and Susana Schowen is playing lead in ensuring its success.

Increasing foot traffic to Medlin Chiropractic has been both a passion and a challenge for one small business in New Albany, Mississippi.  Since opening his office in 2012, educating the public on the many benefits of chiropractic care has been Dr. Greg Medlin’s main focus.

When the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission announced the Delta Regional Authority’s investment in Grayville Industrial Park, planners hoped to attract over $8 Million in public and private investment and 132 jobs to the area.

Leaders Convene Key Stakeholders, Announce $1.7 Million Investment into Reimagining Workforce Development

Report Identifies Strategies for Local Leaders to create Workforce System that Prepares and Connects Workers for the Jobs of the Future

DRA, WHITE HOUSE RURAL COUNCIL, US DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE HOST “MADE IN RURAL AMERICA” FORUM IN MEMPHIS, BRING TOGETHER ECONOMIC LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

CHAIRMAN MASINGILL: “The Delta region and its people are primed to reap the jobs and economic benefits of a national focus on rural America.”

Delta Regional Authority, White House Rural Council, & U.S. Department of Commerce will hold “Made in Rural America” Regional Forum to help increase rural exports

DRA Chairman Masingill: “Boosting export capacity for rural businesses provides a critical opportunity for economic growth in the Delta region.”

ALBION, IL. - Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission is pleased to announce that the Delta Regional Authority has funded a $100,000 investment to the City of Grayville, Illinois. 

DRA Investments Will Strengthen Links between Education, Needed Skills, Workers and Jobs

DRA to Host Workforce Summits across Region, Bringing Together Key Stakeholders and Thought Leaders on Workforce Development

Updated Farm to School Census Demonstrates Economic Impact of Local Food

Delta Regional Authority–U.S. Department of Defense partnership will bring medical, dental, and optical care to three southern Illinois cities at no cost to communities

This summer, three southern Illinois communities will serve as Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) mission sites, hosting medical professionals from U.S. Military Reserves. Through this partnership between DRA and the U.S. Department of Defense, servicemen and women will provide free medical, dental, and optical care to residents of these communities for ten days in late June.

Jamie Darling is a Delta girl, born and raised.

“Delta soil runs in my veins,” Darling says. “The resources we have here are second to none, from the soil to the people.”  

Applications for Federal Investment in Community Projects Open for 252 Counties and Parishes

Center to serve the needs of entrepreneurial development throughout Central Arkansas

State governors, Board review investment returns from 2013, plan for new Delta programs in 2014

Chairman Masingill: "In partnership with the Governors of our eight states, we continue to leverage our investments in the Delta for maximum impact."

DRA investment will combat the high toll of chronic disease through behavioral change in the workplace Chairman Marshall: “A healthy workforce is necessary to support a healthy economy and a healthy Delta region.”

Louisiana has more than 300,000 registered veterans–about fifteen percent of the state’s population–and with thousands of soldiers still returning to the U.S. from deployment in the Middle East, the health care organizations that are charged with taking care of them upon their return can be overwhelmed by this volume. 

DRA investment will provide state-of-the-art equipment for trainees to gain jobs in the expanding Alabama automotive industry

Chairman Marshall: “This funding will provide crucial opportunities for education and employment with Mercedes-Benz and the automotive industry of west Alabama.”

DRA investment will combat the high toll of chronic disease through behavioral change in the workplace

Chairman Marshall: “A healthy workforce is necessary to support a healthy economy and a healthy Delta region.”

Delta Regional Authority Program Brings Leadership Network to participate in four-day course at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government

Chairman Masingill: “Developing cohesive leadership in our communities is vital to moving the Delta region forward.”

When Chinese manufacturer Golden Dragon Copper was looking to build its first facility in the U.S., 61 communities across the nation put in bids on the $100 million deal, which guaranteed more than 1,000 new jobs for the selected area. Deep in the Black Belt of Alabama, Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day was up for the fight.

Ten years ago, Magee General Hospital (MGH) was a small facility that offered few services to residents in south central Mississippi, forcing some to drive as far as Jackson to seek additional care at larger hospitals.

One of the most critical pieces of legislation before Congress today is the Food, Farm, and Jobs Bill.

Throughout his long career as a state legislator and educator, Jack Crumbly has worked tirelessly to improve the present and future of the Arkansas Delta. As a superintendent, he helped the Earle School District construct a $4.2 million high school facility, for which he helped campaign door-to-door.

A fish export business in western Kentucky is utilizing local waterways to create jobs, feed the global population, and provide a solution to an invasive freshwater fish species through international trade.

Shelley Ritter has been working to preserve and encourage the Delta blues legacy since 2003 as Executive Director of the Delta Blues Museum, a nationally recognized tribute to the legacy and spirit of the blues musicians of the Mississippi Delta.

After the devastating destruction caused by the Joplin, Mo. tornado in May 2011, C & M Contractors, Inc.—of Ripley County, MO—were faced with a challenge unlike any they had experienced in more than ten years of operations.

Twenty years ago, the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Phenix City, Alabama were almost entirely undeveloped. Today, the location is the site of multiple major developments, attracting tourism, education and sports enthusiasts to the region.

I would like to highlight what is to be a big week for the Mississippi River and the Delta region with three events in promotion of economic and community development along the Mississippi River Delta: the Mississippi River Economy Summit, the Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus, and the Mississippi Delta Strategic Compact.

Dr. Loretta Prater served more than 40 years as a teacher and administrator before her retirement as the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau in 2012. In recent years, Prater has continued her focus on community health, becoming increasingly aware of the connection between health education and economic viability for a community or region.

Dream Baskets, Inc., started as a small gift basket company in Julie Kuppart’s parents’ garage in Harrisburg, Illinois in October 1995.

In Northwest Tennessee, generations of residents have relied on the manufacturing sector to provide employment. Today, crippled by an aging and unskilled workforce, the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs, and youth outmigration–factors worsened by economic downturn–unemployed workers must move in search of employment to metropolitan areas or remain underemployed.