Moving Forward »

Over the years, VisionFirst Advisors has been able to quantify the importance of optimizing the value of community assets, whether natural like the Mississippi River or man-made like The GRAMMY museum, to create economic wealth. Successful communities find ways to utilize each of their assets as part of a holistic economic development strategy. All too often, we hear, “If only we had a four-year university, if only we had a river port, if only we had a major tourist attraction.” Cleveland and Bolivar County have an abundance of assets that when aligned with strategy can provide a pathway to prosperity.

To do so, it will take a reset of the Chamber’s organization and a collaborative approach to implementation of the plan. Leadership matters. That is why it is important to find the right leadership and skill set to advance this new strategic initiative. People are excited about changing the economic trajectory of the region and building a new future. Success of this plan will be greatly increased by embracing a spirit of engagement during implementation and communicating progress. There is no doubt that Cleveland and Bolivar County can become a center of commerce for not only the region, but the entire state of Mississippi.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead