About Us

Winston County Economic Development Partnership Building

The Winston County Economic Development District Partnership (WCEDDP) is an umbrella organization that coordinates the efforts of five entities working to sustain the vitality and promote the economic development of Winston County. The partners are:

• The Louisville/Winston County Chamber of Commerce
• The Main Street Association
• The Economic Development Authority
• The Winston County Development Corporation
• The Winston County Business and Industry Incubator

These organizations work closely together under the leadership of the Partnership’s executive director and staff.

Economic Development Services

The Partnership offers a range of programs and services to prospective industries, entrepreneurs and startup businesses, existing businesses and industries, visitors, county residents, and Chamber of Commerce members.

Services for Prospective and Existing Industries

• Maintains current listings of available sites and buildings
• Provides compilations of demographic and workforce data
• Provides infrastructure data, including transportation and utilities
• Furnishes information on education, health care, and other aspects of living in Winston County
• Assists in analyzing incentives and tax advantages available at the state and local levels
• Coordinates with local and state governments to meet infrastructure needs
• Assists in identifying grant opportunities and submitting applications
• Coordinates with East Central Community College for targeted workforce training

Services for Entrepreneurs and Startup Businesses

• Offers affordable space for research and development, light manufacturing, and service operations
• Arranges for sharing of conference rooms, office equipment, and secretarial support
• Provides business mentoring and advice on resources
• Assists with seeking Winston Community Development Corporation loans for business expansion and startups

Services for Tourists, Visitors, and County Residents

• Distributes notices of upcoming events and festivals
• Provides information on points of interest, including historical and cultural sites
• Maintains listings of the county’s dining and lodging establishments
• Responds to requests for information by telephone and e-mail

Services for Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Members

• Refers visitors and newcomers to local business establishments
• Provides support for major festivals and other events
• Provides networking opportunities
• Hosts seminars and business discussions
• Provides resource materials on starting or expanding a business
• Publicizes upcoming promotions and ribbon cuttings for new members
• Publishes a newsletter promoting members and events
• Lists and promotes member businesses through this Web site and a Facebook page
• Conducts promotional events for retailers
• Provides low-interest loans for building upgrades through the Economic Restructure Committee
• Works on beautification and revitilization of the downtown area
• Raises funds for area improvements through membership and development efforts

Leadership

Gerald Mills, PCSD, IOM, CPM, Partnership Executive Director
Gerald is a veteran of 30 years of economic development experience with the Mississippi Research and Development Center, the Mississippi Development Authority, and the Winston County Economic Development District Partnership. He is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and is an instructor in the Institute for Organization Management, a professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is a certified facilitator for training in Steven Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Linda Skelton, Director, Chamber of Commerce/Main Street
Linda is IOM certified through the U.S.Chamber Institute in Athens, Georgia. She also holds Main Street certification. She has 15 years of experience with the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Association and attends continuing education programs with the Mississippi Economic Development Council and the Mississippi Main Street Association thoughout the year.

Martha Mills, Incubator Manager
Martha has managed operations of the Winston County Business and Industry Incubator since its founding in 2002. She works with potential and current incubator clients and is responsible for upkeep of the incubator buildings. She also supports Partnership efforts by developing proposals and presentations for prospective industries.

Economic Development District Board of Directors

• Vice-President, Grady Suttle – Retired Georgia-Pacific Executive
• Terry Reynolds – VP Owner, Rives and Reynolds Lumber Company
• Secretary/Treasurer, Wilson Webb –  Louisville Utilities
• Dale Saulters – Administrator, Winston Medical Center
• Rev. Ben Pittman – Pastor
• Ralph Goss – Retired, WIN Job Center
• Mayor Will Hill – City of Louisville
• Jerry Estes – Winston County Board of Supervisors
• Mayor Tommy Gardner – Town of Noxapater