Wilson Named to Manage Business Incubator

Wilson

TUPELO, Miss. — Judd Wilson has been named director of small business development for the Community Development Foundation (CDF).

CDF is the economic development organization and Chamber of Commerce for Tupelo/Lee County.

In this role, Wilson will manage the Renasant Center for IDEAs, Tupelo/Lee County’s regional business incubator. The mission of the Renasant Center for IDEAs is to provide the physical and social infrastructure to assist in the formation and development of successful businesses, which will diversify our area’s economy, create regional job opportunities, and foster economic growth and vitality.

“Judd’s marketing experience and business acumen will be an asset to our current business clients and will help us meet the needs of entrepreneurs in our area,” said David Rumbarger, president and CEO for the Community Development Foundation.

As director of small business development, Wilson will manage the day-to-day operations of the Renasant Center for IDEAs and market the business incubator’s bundle of services to potential business clients. Since it opened in 2007, the incubator has housed 35 clients, collectively employing 258 workers. Entrepreneurs also have access to staff from the University of Mississippi Small Business Development Center and the Northeast Mississippi Contract Procurement Center at the Renasant Center for IDEAs.

“I am excited to help new businesses grow and showcase the many opportunities available through the Renasant Center for IDEAs,” said Wilson. “A stable economy means growth in the small business sector, and I look forward to helping businesses find the tools they need to grow and succeed.”

Wilson previously served as a pharmaceutical sales representative, a profession that brought him to Tupelo over 16 years ago. He serves as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in Tupelo, and is active on the Tupelo Community Theatre Board of Directors. He is married to Martha Ann, and they have two children.