Bootheel Synergy designated as USDA Economic Development Region

USDA Rural Development Program Support Director, Greg Batson, announced recently the designation of Bootheel Synergy as a Stronger Economies Together (SET) Phase VII Region. A total of six other regions in five states were also selected to participate in the SET program.

“Rural communities recognize the vital importance of economic development for the benefit of residents. Understanding the difficulty of maintaining an adequate economic development program on their own, communities are joining forces to better use resources to grow businesses and create jobs,” said Batson. “USDA Rural Development’s Stronger Economies Together (SET) program enhances regional economic development efforts by providing assistance in the creation of a high quality plan. The plan is produced in collaboration with local stakeholders and a state resource team made up individuals from state and federal agencies, university extension and other organizations who possess expertise and knowledge in community and economic development.”

USDA Rural Development launched the SET program in 2009 to strengthen the capacity of communities/counties in rural America to work together in developing and implementing an economic development blueprint. This blueprint strategically builds on the current and emerging economic strengths of a region.

Bootheel Synergy is the 7th region to be designated in Missouri. The regions of Old Trails, Lake of the Ozarks, Green Hills, Parkland, Ozark Foothills, and Kaysinger Basin were designated in the prior phases of SET.

“The ‘Stronger Economies Together’ SET designation has already brought together a diverse group, each with unique backgrounds, all committed to the health of the region as a whole. The synergy of our communities working in harmony will give us a competitive edge in crafting and conveying our regional story,” said Joel Evans, President & CEO of Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation and SET Team Member. “This project, appropriately named "Bootheel Synergy" will allow us to identify, develop, and market the unique assets of our communities as one united region and open the door to additional resources including the invaluable partnership with Rural Development.”

Bootheel Synergy serves the counties of Scott, Stoddard, Mississippi, New Madrid, Dunklin and Pemiscot.

Respective partners involved include: University of Missouri Extension, Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission, Stoddard County Industrial Development Authority, Missouri Delta Medical Center, Pemiscot County Port Authority, Delta Regional Authority, Sikeston Regional Chamber and Area Economic Development Corporation, City of East Prairie, City of Kennett, City of New Madrid, and Three Rivers College. These partners will play a vital role in providing guidance to the SET recipients.

The SET program includes assistance as step-by-step coaching to guide the design and implementation of a practical and viable regional economic development plan, in-depth data tailored to the region that describes its current and emerging clusters, comparative economic advantages, detailed demographic and socio-economic information, as well as technical assistance.