Contact: Maridith Geuder
For prospective or existing businesses in the Mississippi Delta, a nearly instantaneous source of free information is readily available at a research center near Greenville.
Established in 1993 with support from Mississippi State University, the Delta Data Center provides detailed site maps, market and statistical information and related data about facilities and infrastructure in an 18-county region stretching from Warren to DeSoto counties.
Created by MSU's Social Science Research Center, the data center is operated in partnership with the Delta Council. Offices are located seven miles east of Greenville at council headquarters on the grounds of the Stoneville-based Delta Research and Extension Center.
In addition to business and industries, Delta Data Center services are provided at no charge to chambers of commerce and other economic development organizations. SSRC research scientist Larry Doolittle said the information can be tailored to a specific business or industry, providing "real-time data quickly and reliably."
Also, computer software now under development soon will enable economic developers to customize a prospect package and have the information out of their offices within minutes.
"We're in the ninth year of a grant directed at diversification of the economic base in the region," Doolittle said. "We continue to expand our use of technology, including the Internet and geographic information systems to provide support for this goal."
The technology allows the translation of land elevation, census tracts and other data into maps, explained data analyst Beverly Fratesi. She works closely with communities and industries to develop maps, brochures, tables, and other reports that provide detailed market information.
"The center has given us a success rate we didn't have before," said Mark Manning, the Delta Council's director of development.
"We serve the needs of an area-wide consortium, providing resources for local development groups," he added. "We're able to provide information that gets the attention of industries interested in the Delta region."
Recently, the center assisted in recruiting a regional distribution facility for Dollar General Stores. After considering several sites based on data provided by the data center, Dollar General chose Indianola. The 800,000 square-foot distribution operation is expected to employ about 400 people and have an annual payroll of $5-$10 million.
"That was a very fast-paced activity," recalled data analyst Fratesi of the Dollar General search. "We received nearly hourly requests for information on specific sites."
In another situation, the data center worked closely with other area groups to secure federal designation as a Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone--one of only three empowerment zones in the nation. Designed to help rural- and urban-stressed areas, the program will provide a six-county area with $40 million in economic and community development support.
When timing is critical, the center can mean the difference between success or failure, Manning said, adding, "Once you're in contact with a company, it often becomes a horse race.
"Generally, the horse that wins the race is the one that can give the best and most accurate information most quickly," he said. "With the Delta Data Center, we can do that."