Thomas Gregory, Executive Director - Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll EDF
NEWS RELEASE
Carroll County, Miss. (December 2, 2025) — The Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation (EDF) and the Carroll County Board of Supervisors have formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing the EDF as Carroll County’s official economic development organization. This milestone marks the first formalized partnership between the two entities, despite more than three decades of informal collaboration on major economic development initiatives, including support for projects such as AerCap Materials, Anel Corporation, and Delta’s Edge Solar.
The EDF, founded in 1980 as the Greenwood-Leflore Economic Development Foundation, expanded its mission in 1990 to include Carroll County, where it has continued to play a role in economic development without an official contract. The newly signed MOA reflects the shared desire of both organizations to strengthen their partnership and ensure consistent, coordinated economic development services for the county.
Under the agreement, which begins October 1, 2025, the EDF will provide a comprehensive suite of services that support business recruitment, workforce development, site readiness, existing industry engagement, retail recruitment, regional marketing, and community collaboration. The agreement also provides for Carroll County representation on the EDF’s Board of Directors and establishes a reporting process through which the EDF will outline progress and activities to county leadership. Collectively, these provisions represent a structured, collaborative approach to advancing economic opportunity and positioning Carroll County for sustained growth.
EDF Executive Director Thomas Gregory said the partnership represents an important step forward for the region, noting, “Carroll County has been an essential part of our organization’s mission for more than 30 years, and today’s agreement reflects our shared commitment to strengthening economic vitality across our region. By formalizing this partnership, we are ensuring that Carroll County businesses, industries, and residents receive the dedicated support they deserve. We look forward to working closely with the Board of Supervisors to attract new investment, support existing employers, and build a stronger future together.”
Carroll County Board of Supervisors President Jim Neill expressed similar enthusiasm, saying, “This partnership represents a major step forward for Carroll County. By engaging the EDF as our official economic development organization, we are gaining a trusted, experienced partner with a deep understanding of our communities and our opportunities. We are excited about what this means for job growth, industry support, and the long-term prosperity of Carroll County.”
The MOA represents the culmination of decades of cooperation and sets a course for deeper alignment between Carroll County and the EDF. Both organizations view the partnership as an opportunity to leverage regional assets, pursue new economic opportunities, and reinforce the county’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining jobs and investment.
For more information about the EDF, visit www.greenwoodedf.com
