Video: West Point Poised for Economic Growth

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WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – The city of West Point has had its highs and lows economically in the last decade but now, things seem to be on the upswing. West Point Mayor Robbie Robinson has only been in office a little over a month but he has hit the ground running.

“Since July 1 it’s been a very, very fast pace. I always thought of the Mayor’s job being part-time. Well certainly, nothing could be further from the truth. I’m here everyday,” says Mayor Robinson.

Members of the business community are excited about working with the Mayor and the city’s prospects.

“We’ve got a great board and Mayor and I’m looking forward to working with all of them. I think it’s happening at a really good time with everything that’s going on here in West Point,” says Cynthia Wilson, a member of the West Point Rotary.

So what’s going on in West Point? Jobs, jobs and more jobs.

“I see an increase in sales tax collections. I see an increase in job opportunity potential which means a decrease in unemployment rate,” says Mayor Robinson.

West Point is preparing to open Yokohama Tire, which should bring nearly 2,000 jobs to town over the next ten years. West Point Police Chief Tim Brinkley says the new economic will also help his department.

“Whatever it is we think the community is stressing over most right now, is tied to resources and we think that crime is as well. So with the opportunity for new resources comes the opportunity to hire additional officers, comes with the opportunity to provide more services comes with the opportunity to provide more programs that will lead to a reduction in crime,” says Chief Brinkley.

Mayor Robinson says it’s all about improving the quality of life for West Point residents.

“We want it to be a community, if you want a job and if you want to work, then you’re going to have that opportunity too,” says Robinson.

Clay County has historically had one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.