Stone County - EDP

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

⭐ 2026 Citizen of the Year

Recipient: Jonathan Williams, USM Women's Basketball Assistant Head Coach

The Stone County Economic Development Partnership is proud to recognize Jonathan Williams, Assistant Head Coach for Southern Miss Women's Basketball, as the recipient of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Award.

This award honors an individual whose service, leadership, and commitment have contributed significantly to the betterment of Stone County. Jonathan's dedication to mentoring others and investing in the community exemplifies the spirit of this recognition.

Congratulations and thank you for making a difference in Stone County!

10/13/2026

TODAY!

📣 Help us spread the word!

Our community partners are hosting an exciting opportunity, and we encourage residents, businesses, and visitors to get involved. Check out the details below and mark your calendars!

10/12/2026

DEADLINE is EXTENDED! Register here (scroll to the bottom of the page):
https://stonecounty.com/scarecrow-convention

The Pine Hill Ladies have decided to give everyone a little more time to get those scarecrows ready...

Register here (scroll to the bottom of the page):
https://stonecounty.com/scarecrow-convention/

10/12/2026

📚 2026 Educator of the Year Award
Recipient: MGCCC 2026 Job Fair Initiative

Congratulations to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, recipient of the 2026 Educator of the Year Award!

This award recognizes educators and educational initiatives that create opportunity, inspire innovation, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In response to the closure of Hood Industries' Stone County operation, MGCCC quickly stepped up to help support displaced workers and others seeking employment opportunities throughout our community. Through the 2026 Job Fair Initiative, job seekers were connected with employers, workforce resources, and new career pathways during a time of significant transition for many local families.

The initiative demonstrated the vital role education and workforce partners play in strengthening our local economy and supporting our workforce when it is needed most.

Thank you, MGCCC, for your leadership, responsiveness, and commitment to creating opportunities for the citizens of Stone County!

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

📣 Help us spread the word!

Our community partners are hosting an exciting opportunity, and we encourage residents, businesses, and visitors to get involved. Check out the details below and mark your calendars!

10/11/2026

Local Stone County entrepreneurs—could this be your next big opportunity?

The InvestMS Scale-Up Pitch Competition is offering a chance to win $15,000 and put your business in front of investors November 11.

This opportunity is geared toward Mississippi-based companies with traction and plans to raise $250,000 or more to grow.

The application deadline has been extended to Thursday, October 15!

We have incredible entrepreneurial talent in South Mississippi. Let’s make sure it’s represented! Tag a business owner who should take a look. 👇

$15,000 is up for grabs at Accelerate 2026!

Applications are now open for the InvestMS Scale-Up Pitch Competition, giving Mississippi companies the opportunity to pitch their business and compete for $15,000 in prize funding. Selected companies will pitch live during Accelerate 2026 on November 11 at The Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center.

🚨 Deadline extended: Apply by Thursday, October 15.

The InvestMS Scale-Up Pitch Competition is powered by the Regions Foundation and is part of Accelerate 2026, presented by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi SBDC Network.

Apply here: https://loom.ly/bRiDb-U

10/09/2026

💎 2026 Gem of Stone County Award

Recipients: Michael & Wendy Clark, Flint Creek Water Park

Congratulations to Michael and Wendy Clark, recipients of the inaugural Gem of Stone County Award!

This award recognizes an individual, business, or community leader who promotes the Explore Stone County tourism campaign and helps showcase the many assets that make our county special.

Through their dedication and efforts, Michael and Wendy have helped shine a spotlight on one of Stone County's treasured destinations and contributed to growing tourism in our community.

Thank you for helping visitors discover the best of Stone County.

10/08/2026

🎨 2026 Outstanding Contribution to the Arts & Creative Economy Award

Recipients: Tim & Debra Purvis, The Design House and Pac & Ship

Congratulations to Tim and Debra Purvis of DesignHouse Inc - House plans and 39577.com Pac-N-Ship, Wiggins, recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to the Arts & Creative Economy Award.

This award recognizes the important role creative individuals, partnerships, and businesses play in strengthening the local economy. Through their entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and commitment to our community, Tim and Debra have made a lasting impact on Stone County.

Thank you for helping make Stone County a more vibrant place to live, work, and create.