Video: Mississippi Economic Council Touts “Excelerate Mississippi” Campaign in Tupelo

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TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Business, education and government leaders from across our region had an opportunity to talk about what they believe are the most pressing needs facing the state.

With keypads in hand, these community leaders are giving their input on a number of topics.

The Mississippi Economic Council is criss-crossing the state, as part of its “Pacesetter ” tour.

“The idea is to solicit information from people all over the state, what they think about issues from transportation, education, workforce, economic competitiveness and this enables us to focus our agenda and help the legislature focus on what people are thinking.”

One of the biggest concerns is the state of roads and bridges throughout Mississippi.

A campaign known as “Excelerate Mississippi” is calling for an additional 375 million dollars a year, targeted for the most critical bridges and roads.

A study found 936 state bridges aren’t able to hold up to the traffic and weights for which they were originally designed.

There are a number of options to fund infrastructure repair, including a gasoline tax.

“You just can’t wish a bridge safe, if you want to drive on a safe bridge, somebody has to pay for it, and that’s us taxpayers, so you have to be willing to accept reasonable expense to invest in safe roads.”

The rising cost of healthcare has had a big impact on businesses.  In fact, more companies are taking part in wellness programs, which give employees discounts on medical insurance, if they lead healthy and active lifestyles.

As Industrial Development Director at the Three Rivers Planning and Development District, Josh West knows the importance of maintaining a healthy workforce.

“When I am recruiting companies, one of the first things they’re going to ask, they want people to show up for work and show up on time and that’s one thing in North Mississippi our furniture industry is really keen on .”

Most of these leaders favored charter schools and school choice to help improve education statewide.  Results from all of the Pacesetter tour stops will be tabulated, and shared with state lawmakers.  In Tupelo I’m Allie Martin WCBI News.

The Pacesetter Tour stops Tuesday at EMCC for a lunch time meeting.