| 316 W. Commerce St. | Hernando, Mississippi | 38632 | 662-429-4414 | fax 429-0952 |  |
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From the Chairman
The DeSoto Council has been blessed in 2006, and it has been my privilege to serve as chairman. Thirteen new industry location and the expansion of nine existing industries has brought a capital investment of $63 million and 950 new jobs to the county. We have seen the grand opening of I-69, with the planning stages for I-269 beginning; FedEx Ground opened a hub in Olive Branch; and a tremendous amount of teamwork led to a special session that provided incentives to Riverbend, the biggest development DeSoto County has ever seen; the opening of the Baptist Memorial Hospital – DeSoto new bed tower and seven new schools.
Of course, there are many other activities throughout the year that have been successful – the Capitol Breakfast in Jackson, the Washington Briefing Committee, Salute to Industry Golf Tournament, Silent Auction, and 9-Iron Chef Competition, Leadership DeSoto, just to name a few. These programs would not be successful were it not for the tireless efforts of our volunteers and committee chairs who meet to plan and execute these events and make it look easy. One behind-the-scenes committee is the Infrastructure Committee, which meets on a regular basis to discuss issues facing the County’s infrastructure needs and future.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as chairman this year. Thanks again to our volunteers, our board members, and the DeSoto Council staff for making 2006 another banner year for DeSoto County. Blessings to you all in this new year.