The West Point-Clay County Growth Alliance has suffered its share of growing pains over the past few months, with staff changes, a new partnership and a new direction.
But now the Alliance also has a new director of community development: Cynthia Wilson, former executive director of the Webster County Development Council.
Wilson moved into her new office in West Point Monday and said she’s having to hit the ground quickly to learn as much as she can.
Wilson replaces Martha Allen, who resigned in September, citing changes in the Growth Alliance organizational structure, the resignation of then-President Jeff Rowell and her upcoming wedding as reasons for her departure.
Wilson said board members are working out the details of a reorganization, which will place her as the only employee at the West Point office and factor in a newcomer — whomever the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link hires to represent West Point and Clay County.
The Growth Alliance agreed in January to pay the Link $350,000 annually for the next three years to have representation on the Link board. The Link will appoint one person to handle business and industry recruiting solely for West Point and Clay County.
Brenda Lathan, vice president of economic development for the Link, said the position has not yet been advertised, but someone should be in place by July 1. The new hire will work mainly at the Link office, but will also have office space at the Growth Alliance in West Point.
The Growth Alliance will remain active as the area’s chamber of commerce and will continue to operate the West Point Main Street program.
Wilson will work closely with the Main Street program to develop and extend business downtown.
“We’re trying to get this community in the best possible shape, so whenever a good prospect comes, they’ll want to move here,” Wilson said.
She also hopes to increase membership and implement a campaign encouraging residents to shop locally. Additionally, she wants to help businesses identify and apply for grants and aims to tie together the downtown area and outlying businesses, like Mossy Oak and Walmart.
West Point’s strength is its strong community support and volunteer base, Wilson said. The biggest problem she sees is maintaining cultural diversity .
“Sometimes that’s really difficult,” she explained. “We just want to do what we can to make sure the Growth Alliance and community are a true reflection of the diverse population in our county.”
Despite the change and challenges, she’s looking forward to the task.
“I think it’s a new start, a new direction,” Wilson said. “I’m excited about being here. I think there are going to be numerous opportunities to grow and become an even bigger, better place, and I’m looking forward to having a part in doing that.”
Wilson and her husband, Ricky Wilson, live in Eupora but are relocating to West Point. They have two sons, Robert, 36, and Steven, 30.
Cynthia Wilson has a master’s degree in secondary education from Mississippi State University. She worked for the Webster County Extension Service from 1983 to 2005, serving as home economist and county director.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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