A new strategic plan for economic development in Warren County goes public Monday.

The new strategic plan for the area will be presented during a 3 p.m. program Monday at the Hinds Community College Vicksburg Auditorium. The event is open to the public, said Pablo Diaz, chamber executive director and port director.

“So far, we have had a great response with community stakeholders sending their RSVPs and we expect a great crowd,” he said. “We still ask people to RSVP to 601-636-1012, and for those that can’t attend we invite them to get familiar with the plan, as it will be available at vicksburgchamber.org the day after the official presentation.”

The plan is the result of a study performed by Vision First Advisors at the request of the chamber, city of Vicksburg, the Warren County Port Commission and the Warren County Economic Development Foundation.

It includes information about the area developed through interviews with more than 45 community leaders and more than 300 surveys from the community.

Diaz said the plan will provide recommendations and tactics in several areas that will support the acceleration of economic development in the region to attract investment and create jobs.

Members of the Partnership board and elected city and county officials will be present for the program. Gray Swoope, president and CEO of Vision First Advisors, will present the plan, followed by a reception.

Diaz started April 1, 2017, following the creation of The Partnership, which combined the EDF, Port Commission and the chamber into one cohesive driver of economic development. After he was hired, he initiated the process of creating a strategic plan for how to bring jobs and industry to Warren County.

“The reason we do strategic planning is so that a third party can listen to our community, evaluate the opportunities and objectively —that is the key word, objectively —make recommendations about what they believe will bring more progress, jobs and investment to Warren County, in the fastest period of time,” Diaz said.

“At the Partnership, we hope this plan will inform the community of the direction we need to take to bring more jobs and investment, transform our economy and to make of Vicksburg the wealthiest and best community in the state of Mississippi and the southeast.”