2007 Annual Report Executive Summary
Mid-Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance
The Mid Delta empowerment Zone Empowerment Zone’s mission is to build a working partnership among all citizens within the Mid Delta region to develop, implement and sustain superior programs which will bring opportunities for economic and social development to the Mid Delta. Mid Delta Empowerment Zone Alliance, Inc.
Working closely with the MDEZA Board, John C. Greer, Jr. Executive Director, and EZ Community, the MDEZA Inc. continues to strengthen its commitment to the grassroots communities as well as attracting leading industries to locate within the boundaries of the Empowerment Zone. MDEZA is comprised of six counties, i.e., Bolivar, Holmes, Humphreys, Leflore, Sunflower and Washington and incorporates 15 surrounding municipalities. The framework of MDEZA program continues to be embodied in its four key principles: Economic Opportunity, Sustainable Community Development, Community-Based Partnerships, and Strategic Vision for Change. MDEZA's primary role for the past decade has been and continues to provide financial and technical assistance to government and community organizations in the impoverished areas of the region. The Agency is in the midst of continuing to re-construct its website which will be interactive and transparent in showing off the Agency’s activities to make the Mississippi Delta region a better place to live and work. MDEZA continues its vision and mission to be an agent for change in the Mississippi Delta region through community, economic, healthcare, housing, social, and technology development. The $40 Million Dollar social services block grant has provided fuel for numerous successful projects within the EZ for more than 14 years.
Staff developed four councils that serve to get the grassroots community involved in developing and implementing strategies to assist their community on a local and state level. The Councils were created to act as liaison for the community leaders. Councils are to be utilized by the Mayors as a collaborative and cooperative instrument to bring economic and community changes within the towns. The councils are: 1) Mid-Delta Superintendent’s Advisory Council; 2) Mid-Delta Community Advisory Council; 3) Mid-Delta Finance and Banking Advisory Council; 4) Mid-Delta Business Industry International Trade Council; 5)Mid-Delta 5t6tt and 6) Mayoral Council.