Quitman “Richly Rewarded”

“Richly rewarded” is how Quitman, MS, Mayor Eddie Fulton describes his city’s association with Jones County Junior College (JCJC).

“Without the WAEM Regional Initiative and JCJC, our city would be struggling for an identity. Now, we have a vision for our city and a roadmap to follow.”

A key component of the WAEM Regional Initiative has been “rural place building,” helping small towns create roadmaps toward prosperity.

Citizens participate in Town Hall meeting.

A number of WAEM communities participated in Small Town Design workshops. Many did not, including Quitman. Still, the community and junior college partners in WAEM brought benefits to their communities.

“JCJC helped us bring the Mississippi Development Agency in to do an asset mapping of our City, as well an economic assessment,” said Fulton. “JCJC civic facilitator Lela Bryan was instrumental in helping us to set up two Town Hall meetings to bring in our citizens to help map out the goals for our city.” JCJC also attracted the Community Action Team from Mississippi State to conduct a First Impressions analysis. “Dr. Virgil Culver, head of that program, continues to be a beacon for us,” said Fulton.

The mayor touted significant progress made in less than a year. “From the Town Hall meetings, committees were formed and in less than a year we have embarked on the following programs”

1. Beautification Committee – committed to creating a Park (Mary Carter Park) to utilize for City promotions, Historic Clarke County, Day in the Park, and an Arts Fair.
2. Chickasawhay Arts Commission – formed and application for tax exempt status has been made.
3. Finalizing the plan to become a Certified Local Government and create a downtown historic area.
4. Neighborhood Watch Committee – formed and maps are being created to also help with disasters.
5. Economic Development and Planning Commission – will be started in May.”

Through the WAEM Regional Initiative, colleges like JCJC were able to dedicate staff support to community building initiatives. Lela Bryan’s work with Quitman is one of many examples. But, one that Quitman citizens may long remember.

Sarah Wheat expressed her thanks “for the excitement they have created in our town.” Peggy Doggett spoke of “conscientious work” and for “inspiring us to believe the dream for our city is possible.”

The WAEM Regional Initiative and its programs were made possible by a WIRED grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.