October 28, 2026
Pearl River County鈥檚 Economic Development Director Lindsay Ward presented at Lunch and Learn Thursday, Oct. 22, at 91福利. Before addressing community members and local leaders, Ward met with Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute students, introducing them to the topic of economic development and its impact on the county.
PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood greeted attendees and introduced Ward. He credited her with securing almost $23 million for development projects, including more than $18.6 million from partners outside the county.
鈥淚鈥檝e had a chance to work with Lindsay in a variety of capacities,鈥� said Breerwood. 鈥淎s she goes out to talk to potential industry partners that may be considering our area for economic development, she represents us to the highest of standards in the way that we want to be represented. Lindsay, let me just publicly say we鈥檙e grateful for the work that you do and the leadership you provide.鈥�
Ward explained why the county is pursuing economic development and how its projects aim to attract employers and support residents. The creation of high-paying jobs in the county is the ultimate goal for economic development. She shared statistics on the livable wage and annual household income requirements for individuals, couples, or families in the area, with many existing jobs in the county not meeting the livable wage threshold. Ward also showed data indicating more than 1,000 county residents in advanced manufacturing-related occupations work outside Pearl River County.
鈥淥ur people are already trained in these skills,鈥� said Ward. 鈥淣ot only are they trained in the skills, but they鈥檙e actually already having to travel outside of Pearl River County for them.鈥�
Preparation of sites for future industry was addressed, with Ward sharing photographs and renderings of the projects. The Pearl River County Industrial Park in Poplarville has been expanded with an additional 211 acres, adjacent to the original 130-acre site. Work along Highway 26 was completed to improve traffic flow, and a water tower is planned for future construction following a utilities expansion plan. A speculative building has been proposed for the Poplarville site; a smaller approach has already been completed by the County with the two 10,000-square-foot buildings constructed at the Tech Park near Picayune Municipal Airport.
An airport advancement plan was recently completed, recommending that the Poplarville-Pearl River County Airport extend its runway to 5,000 linear feet and the addition of hangars and other facilities. The new emergency operations center with a fire station near the Pearl River County fairgrounds is slated to begin construction within the year.
Finally, Ward spoke about the benefits of economic development beyond job creation. She cited the dramatic increases in tax revenue from businesses such as Home Depot in Picayune and Love鈥檚 in Poplarville. The tax revenue from those businesses directly benefits each city and school district.
鈥淚t truly takes all of the state, the local, and the federal delegation working together to see the benefit,鈥� said Ward. 鈥淚t truly is such a joy because I鈥檓 very passionate about moving this community forward.鈥�
Carol Williams, Interim Director of Poplarville Main Street, and Laura O’Neill, Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member, provided updates on recent and upcoming events. Along with reminders of holiday events, the formation of a new Pearl River County Chamber of Commerce to consolidate the existing Picayune and Poplarville Chambers was highlighted. This included mention of the officers and the transition board for the new entity, effective January 1. The sponsors for the event included Mississippi Power and Wells Insurance, LLC.
For the latest news on 91福利, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter (), Instagram (), Facebook (),and TikTok ().
Article and photography by Laura O’Neill.
