Case Studies
Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority
“Boyette Strategic Advisors brings to the table a wide range of hands-on economic development organizational experience. The team has not only worked in diverse economic development organizations, but has seen what it takes to develop a structure that matches to the area’s specific needs. Their work in Natchez has allowed the community to come together with a new entity that will help drive the economy of Southwest Mississippi.”
The Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority, along with a supporting core group, engaged BSA to develop an economic development organizational structure to create an organization that will enhance current efforts to attract jobs and promote the area as a business location.
Completion of this organizational structure involved conducting an assessment of the area and its current structure by reviewing demographic and other information related to current economic development efforts, reviewing current organizational documents for Natchez-Adams County, including organizational charts, program offerings and budgets; conducting stakeholder interviews and group discussions with community leaders, state economic development leaders, and others; and conducting an online community survey.
It also involved conducting research on six benchmark cities/counties in order to assess their economic development structure and programs and development of organizational recommendations that address structure; bylaws and board responsibilities; funding/investors; partnerships and regionalism; communications; and implementation.
The Implementation section of the recommendations provided Natchez-Adams County with guidance on how to move forward with the new organization, including steps to legally establish the new organization, hire an economic development professional, and secure funding needed to ensure the organization’s viability and effectiveness.