Joe Max Higgins, Jr Email & Phone Number

CEODirect the consolidated efforts for The Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development for Columbus-Lowndes County and direct the Economic Development Efforts for Oktibbeha and Clay Counties in Mississippi. Key responsibilities include organization of public/private partnerships that strategically position the community to take advantage of growth opportunities, financial management of an annual budget of 2.3 million dollars and the management of a staff of Ten. Major accomplishments include achieving TVA Megasite Certification (three separate Mega Sites), the implementation of a best practices retail recruitment program and the development of a successful industrial recruitment effort. During my tenure in Lowndes County these efforts have resulted in the location or expansion of numerous facilities and resulted in the commitment and or creation of over 6,000 direct manufacturing jobs and over $5.5 Billion in capital investment. These efforts have made The Golden Triangle, Mississippi the most popular place for business in Mississippi, since the formation of the LINK.

Operated a consulting company specializing on environmental, planning, community and economic development services. Current client base includes power companies, municipalities, financial institutions, industrial/commercial developers and real estate companies. Services offered includes but is not limited to; environmental audits, retail analysis, economic modeling, incentive negotiations, industrial park planning, site analysis, lobbying and strategic planning for community and economic development activities.

Direct the Economic and Community Development activities for Paragould /Greene County. These activities have resulted in the creation of 4,500 new industrial jobs, investment totaling in excess of 360 million dollars, a vastly improved retail sector and a greatly improved quality of life for the citizens of Greene County. During this time Paragould ranked second in the state for new industrial jobs in 1994 and 1995, first in 1997, and second again in 1998, thus making Paragould a top growth city in the Mid-South Region.

Employed to direct the industrial and community development activities for Johnson County. Duties included the preparation of grant and loan packages to assist area businesses and industries, administration of various state programs and maintaining an established industries program. During my tenure at JCDC I was directly/indirectly responsible for the commitment of 130 million dollars to construct or expand manufacturing facilities, the award of 4.5 million dollars of grant funds for economic and community facilities and the creation of 2,500 new jobs. Thus making Clarksville one of the top three job producers in the State during my tenure.

Initially employed to act as liaison between the firm's existing and future client base. This duty included the preparation of various proposals outlining the company's qualifications. In addition, my duties included acting as Bond's representative with various funding and regulatory agencies In early 1988, my duties were expanded to include the preparation of various grant and loan packages, financial analysis, site selection, client representation, preparation of permit applications, as well as direct management of firm construction projects. This work dramatically increased the number of clients serviced by Bond.

This position consisted of assisting the Mississippi County, Arkansas election commission in developing a federally court ordered re-apportionment plan for the Justice of the Peace DistrictsUtilizing U. S. census data I prepared plans for submission and adoption by the County, Plaintiffs and the Voting Rights Section of the Federal Government.

Institute For Organizational Managment

Community Development Institute

Ba, Geography/Urban And Regional Planning