Sustainability or Suspect: Evaluating the Sustainability of an Economic Development Program in the Mississippi Delta

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The purpose of this paper is to explore the sustainability of an externally funded community and economic development program in the Mississippi Delta. This research follows up on an initial study conducted prior to the on-set of an economic development intervention program. Evaluation procedures are discussed. Return on investment of the external funds is compared in two Delta communities. Vastly diverging development strategies are reviewed. Recommendations for future rural community investment are provided.

Stream: Economic Sustainability

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Brent D. Hales, serves as an Assistant Professor of Economic Development in the Trent Lott National Center of Excellence for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and graduate coordinator of the Master’s of Science in Economic Development at The University of Southern Mississippi. He previously served as director of the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research and of the Center for Community and Economic at Delta State University. His primary area of research since 1996 has been the examination, promotion, and community adoption innovation-based community and economic development practices. Dr. Hales has developed questionnaires, conducted needs assessments, held conferences and workshops, and worked with service and application providers, community leaders, and businesses to meet the needs of the communities at their levels. He also spearheaded the development of the Mississippi Delta Technology Council, and more recently the Pine Belt Innovation Council, a collaborative project between public and private entities actively using innovation and technology in their business, development, or educational activities. He holds a Ph.D. in Rural Sociology from Iowa State University, an MS in Sociology from Middle Tennessee State University, and a BS in Sociology from Brigham Young University. Dr. Hales has published on technology councils, innovation networks, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.