SWOT Analysis »

Based on the conversations with stakeholders and desktop research, VisionFirst identified the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats regarding the community’s economic development efforts as well as the area’s competitiveness overall. This analysis relied heavily on qualitative input as well as industry knowledge.

STRENGTHS

• A desire to bring the community forward through positive change • Delta State University (DSU) • Community Colleges • Baxter Pharmaceuticals • DSU’s programs in Aviation, Music, Outdoor & GIS with online programming • Strong music heritage that attracts talent and tourism • Music institute with three recording studios • The GRAMMY Museum • Regional center in the Delta • Rosedale Bolivar County Port

WEAKNESSES

• Racial divide • Lack of trust among the community • No formalized BR&E program • Lack of proactive economic development activities • Lack of a coordinated effort to move the community forward • Lack of coordinated programming efforts • Local school district performance • 15 municipalities • Awareness of assets to external audiences

OPPORTUNITIES

• Creative economy around music, arts, culture and downtown renewal • Reorganization of the Chamber • Utilize the current national conversation to host meaningful conversations on race and educational disparities • Engaged stakeholders who want to work together • Renewed interest to work together • Tell unified story • Mississippi River and Terrene Landing

THREATS

• Do nothing to bring the community forward • Lack of partner engagement and the ability to work together • Declines in student population at Delta

State University • A singular approach to improvement • Desire to compare community to only other Delta communities • Lack of a unified vision to optimize strategic assets