The Choctaw Plaindealer

According to the keynote speaker at the Choctaw County Economic Development Foundation banquet, Blake Wilson, Mississippi has a secret weapon.

Wilson, Mississippi Economic Council President, claims that the people of Mississippi are the driving force behind the success level of the state and that people should be proud to call it home.

Over 180 people purchased tickets to the annual banquet where Alan Bates, CCEDF Executive Director delivered a Foundation report, which covered work done with Red Hills Mine and an update on the impoundment project.

The annual event began with the singing of the national anthem by Chelsea James and Emily Moncrief, which was followed with the invocation by Bro. John Bardwell.

This year the entertainment was provided during the meal. Mark Wood kicked off the event by playing several pieces on the piano and the Back Porch Pickers, which includes Temperance Badcock, Curtis Burton, Cory Burton and Tom Booth, followed his performance.

CCEDF took a few minutes out of the program to honor a local resident and national celebrity, Roy Oswalt.

Joe Gant, former coach and friend to Roy Oswalt, pitcher for the Houston Astros, presented a special award to Oswalt at the banquet.

His father, Billy Jo Oswalt, received the award on Roy's behalf. As Roy's father was accepting an award from his home county, Roy was pitching for the Astros in what would turn out to be a win for the team with a final score of 13 -12.

The business update for the banquet was delivered by Headwaters Resources Associate, Doug Gruber, which focused on the importance of the flyash produced by Red Hills Mine to the local economy.

According to Gruber, the flyash produced in Choctaw County is an important ingredient in local road construction and has even made its way to New Orleans to help reconstruct roads so that large equipment could travel to the levy breaks and begin repairs.

He explained that as the use of flyash in road construction becomes more and more popular it would lead to the economic growth of Choctaw County and in turn benefit residents of the county by providing additional jobs and more income.

Wilson's speech on Mississippi's great successes was the conclusion for the banquet. While Wilson spoke mostly about the great things the state of Mississippi is doing as a whole and the many Mississippians that are making a name for themselves internationally, he also talked about local projects that will make a difference on a local level. He feels like the impoundment project that Choctaw County has taken on will lead to great things for the county.

According to Wilson having a lake in Choctaw County will take time and patience, but he believes that the amount of effort that goes into establishing a lake will determine the amount of economic success that is returned to the county after it is completed.

"A project like this won't happen overnight. It will take time and patience from those working on the project and the community," said Wilson. "However, I think that a lake with residential and recreational purposes will lead to great things for Choctaw County."