Yalobusha County sees growth and potential in days ahead

Although recent attention has been focused on the closing of the statebacked beef plant at Oakland, leaders in Yalobusha County believe this negative can be turned into a positive. They optimistically point out the good things happening in this rural county that has a population of 13,051 according to the 2000 Census. Nor do they rule out the possibility of the beef plant re-opening as the same type of facility.

"Don't write it off yet," says Rex Howell, president of the Yalobusha Economic Development District. "The whole state is focused on that one area, but it's not dead yet. We're all upbeat and positive that we'll find someone to run it."

He and Rep. Tommy Reynolds list the merits of the infrastructure that exist in the Oakland area now to support new industry. "That whole area along Interstate 55 has good potential," Reynolds said. "After enduring all that we've endured, it's a positive thing for Yalobusha County. Most anything can happen in that area now because it's more attractive. It's been brought into the resource mix that others had and completes the chain."