Leadership Washington County is a comprehensive 10-month program designed for emerging business leaders in Washington County. The program fosters leadership development and community involvement through workshops, seminars, tours, team-building activities, and a class project.

The program begins in March 2025. The class will meet once a month for 10 months, on the first Tuesday of every month. The last meeting will be December 2, 2025 and will serve as the students’ graduation ceremony and class project presentation to the public.

The DEADLINE to apply is FEBRUARY 14, 2025. Click here for an application. 

Our Annual Golf & Gathering will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Greenville Golf & Country Club.

This full day gives the opportunity for our businesses, Chamber members, and community representatives to come together for networking, team building and fun. In addition to the four-man scramble, players will receive lunch, golf course beverages on us, and a chance to win over $1000 in prizes.

As you know, this is one of our biggest fundraising events for WCEA and Chamber. Don’t play golf? No problem! There are still opportunities for you to support the event through a multitude of sponsorship levels or through volunteering your time to assist with the tournament. 

The Washington County Economic Alliance, Delta Compass, and Chamber of Commerce will host the 2025 Annual Meeting and Banquet Thursday, May 15, 2025, at E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center at Jake and Freida Stein Hall in Historic Downtown Greenville, Mississippi.

The event will begin at five o’clock in the evening with a cocktail hour featuring business showcases, a Delta Ducky Hunt, silent auction, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment. At six o’clock, a buffet dinner will be served, and the annual meeting and awards ceremony will follow. Award categories this year include Businessman of the Year, Businesswoman of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, Cary Karlson Award, Larry Cazavan Leadership Award, and Betty Lynn Cameron Ambassador of the Year Award.

This will be the premiere fundraising event for the Washington County Economic Alliance, Delta Compass, and the Chamber. With your support, we are able to grow industrial recruitment, build a skilled talent pipeline for employers, innovate within the small business ecosystem, and increase the quality of life in Washington County through creative placemaking.

Prepare for an evening of elegance and Delta Hobnobbing as we come together to recognize the outstanding achievements of our Chamber members and the vibrant business community you represent.

The Mardi Gras Parade will kick off at 4:00 PM, starting at the intersection of Edison Street and Washington Avenue, traveling down Washington Avenue, and concluding at the War Memorial at Walnut Street. Participants of all kinds—whether floats, golf carts, bands, dance teams, or individuals in costume—are encouraged to join in the fun.

Following the parade, the Mardi Gras Block Party will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the greenspace adjacent to the Rodeway Inn (Washington Avenue and Walnut Street). Attendees will enjoy a live performance by Grammy Award-Winning Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, creating an authentic and energetic Mardi Gras atmosphere.

This event is free and open to the public, making it a perfect opportunity for the entire community to come together and celebrate. Proceeds will benefit the Greenville Christmas Committee initiative, ensuring the holiday spirit continues to thrive in our community.

Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $5,000 and include a variety of benefits. By becoming a sponsor, you can support an event that brings joy and culture to the heart of Greenville.

Click here to learn how to participate. 

Business After Hours is a quarterly networking event hosted by the WCEA Chamber of Commerce, designed to bring together local business professionals in a relaxed, social setting. Attendees have the opportunity to connect, build relationships, and exchange ideas while enjoying refreshments and exploring the host venue. This event fosters collaboration within the community and provides a platform for businesses to showcase their services and products to a broader audience.

We invite the public to join us as we power-shop across Washington County on Saturday, November 15, 2025!

Each retail stop on the crawl will have their own designated time slot but will be open all day. And there’s no need to stop for lunch because we will be serving small bites and drinks from our local restaurants and eateries at every stop along the way!  

Santa is expected to be making stops at each location during their designated time to draw for raffle prizes and award the Most Festive Attire – but the Grinch will also be out and about trying to crash the big day! 

Delta Health System is the leading medical provider in Washington County and has been serving the Delta area since 1953 with the mission of providing high quality medical services to the citizens and communities in the Tri-state Delta Region and to be a leader in providing needed support services to healthcare providers and patients to improve the health of the communities served.

Services provided at Delta Health System – The Medical Center includes:

Delta Health Alliance  is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that is changing health care and education in the Mississippi Delta by improving access to health services, promoting healthier lifestyles, and expanding educational opportunities.
Services and programs for Washington County include:
Deer Creek promise Community, Delta C.A.R.E.S., Catch PE, College Promise Initiative, Delta BLUES diabetes Initiative, Delta Careers Collaborative, Delta Futures 3, Delta Opioid Initiative, Produce Rx, Delta Resources and Referral Centers, Delta Safe Families Collaborative, Delta Strong Initiate, Delta Wellness Center, Financial Literacy, G.R.E.A.T., Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Delta LEADS, Leland Medical Clinic, Life Skills Training, LINKS, Promise Community Literacy Fellows, Mississippi RIVER, NEW YOU Collaborative, Parents as Teachers, SPARK, Mobile Medical Clinic, TORCH, Watch D.O.G.S., Delta WORC, and Youth Council.

For a full list of healthcare providers and services, please visit our Chamber Directory.

In a county that has produced over 100 published writers, including a Pulitzer Prize winner and notable entertainment figures like Muppets creator Jim Henson, learning isn’t just about happy endings—it’s also about great beginnings and lifelong success. So, while choice and quality make today’s P-12 schools a solid foundation for career and college readiness, higher education opportunities here and nearby mean residents never have to say “the end” to their education—lifelong learning is available and convenient at multiple highly-rated institutions.

P-12: Washington County has a multitude of excellent public and private schools to choose from. With four school districts, four parochial schools, two private schools, one prep school, and a vocational technical center, we are preparing our next generation with a solid foundation for career and college readiness.

Greenville Public School District, Hollandale School District, Leland School District, Western Line School District, St. Joseph Catholic School, Greenville Christian School, King’s Court Christian Academy, Unity Christian Academy, St. James Episcopal Day School, Deer Creek School, Washington School, Greenville Technical Center.
        
Higher Education: Local employers rely on Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) Greenville Campus for world-class workforce training, while local residents know MDCC as a strategic resource for seamless academic and vocational preparation, allowing students to complete career track training for immediate employment or earn two-year transferrable academic degrees. Students ready to go on to a baccalaureate degree can actually earn their four-year degree in Greenville thanks to an innovative collaboration between MDCC, Delta State University and Mississippi Valley State University.

Outdoor Activities:

Whether it’s boating, fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, sport shooting, cycling, golfing or geocaching, Washington County is home to some of the best outdoor activities in the state.

Leroy Percy Wildlife Management Area and State Park, Stoneville Wildlife Management Area, Muscadine Farms Wildlife Management Area, Lake Washington, Lake Ferguson, Lake Lee, Deer Creek, Greenville Cypress Preserve, Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge, Scenic Levee Walking Trail, Warfield Point Park & Campground, Greenville Golf & Country Club, Washington County Golf Course, Greenville Speedway  

Gaming:

The twist of fate at the card tables is part of Mississippi folklore, where they say that farming is the original gambling. Washington County was once famous for blind tiger booze, craps shooting, and juke joints. Now, the casinos are world-class establishments featuring decor and atmosphere that mesh perfectly with the unique aura of the Mississippi Delta, “the most Southern place on Earth.” Blackjack, poker, dice and other table games, plus hundreds of video poker and slot machines await your arrival. Whether you are a high roller or just want to drop a few quarters in the slot, pack your bags, throw in your lucky rabbit’s foot and head to Greenville, you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy in these gaming halls.

Trop Casino, Harlow’s Casino Resort and Spa

Museums:

The Delta Museum Mile is a unique and diverse collection of Greenville’s museums, all located near one another. You can see it all, from Pre-Columbian treasures to antique fire trucks, original manuscripts and World War II and Cold War memorabilia, artifacts from Delta Bluesmen and the world’s most famous frog, Kermit. There’s something wonderful for every member of the family to see.

Jim Henson Boyhood Exhibit, River Road Queen Welcome Center & Museum, MS Wildlife Heritage Museum, Hwy 61 Blues Museum, Our Town Museum, Winterville Indian Mounds, 1927 Flood Museum, E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center, William Alexander Percy Memorial Library Greenville Writers’ Exhibit, Hebrew Union Temple and Century of History Museum

History and Architecture:

Home to the most unique and influential places in the Delta region, Greenville-Washington County has diverse examples of architectural styles from Romanesque Revival to Mid-Century.
Linden Plantation, Thompson House, The Belmont 1857, Washington County Courthouse & Arboretum, Wetherbee House, Bush Garden Estate

Eats:

Fried catfish, corn shuck tamales, and pimento cheese are just a few staples in the eclectic and delicious menu of the Delta. From the world-famous James Beard award winning Doe’s Eat Place to the best Delta raised fresh catfish at Sherman’s on South Main, and our new Culinary Technology Program at MDCC Greenville Campus, you are sure to tingle your tastebuds here. Visit our Chamber Directory for a full listing of local restaurants and eateries.

Blues:

The Delta is most famous as the home of the Blues. With the longest running blues festival in the world, and home to a plethora of blues musicians, Washington County is an incredible source of original blues music. If you’re lucky, you can catch Pat Thomas playing on Broad St in Leland, or one of our many Greenville Bluesmen playing in from of Jim’s Café mid-morning.

Leland Mural Project, Downtown Greenville Entertainment District, Mississippi Blues Trail

Festivals & Community Events:

The Delta has always been known to throw the best parties in the South! And our festivals are no different.
 
Delta Hot Tamale Festival, Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party, MS Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, Highway 61 Blues Festival, Sam Chatmon Blues Festival, Christmas on Deer Creek, MS Wildlife Heritage Festival, St. Azar Delta Soul Golf Celebrity Golf Tournament, Mockingbird Singer Songwriter Series, Big MAMA Fishing Tournament, MS River Marathon, Greenville Heritage Rodeo, Snake Grabbin Rodeo, Gumbo Nationals, Roll’n on the River Car Show

Arts:

With all the culinary and musical genius brewed here, our performing and fine arts are just as great. Our local Cultural Arts Center houses a local theater company, permanent collection, art gallery, artist retail space, dance studio, and brings performances from the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and national ballet companies to the stage annually. The Center also hosts over 30,000 attendees from Viking River Cruises each year for a special performance from local musical icons Steve Azar, Eden Brent, and other special guests.

Delta Center Stage, Greenville Arts Council, Indigo Gallery, Roger D. Malkin Gallery

Looking for a job? Looking to hire? Check out our new Job Board link at the top of the page! 

While Mississippi ranks #1 in competitive cost for labor, quality is what brings industry to our state and to our county. We know how to grow, and we’ve been ahead of the curve in growing a world-class system to address current and future needs of the workforce.

Mississippi’s Workforce Investment Network (WIN) and the community college system works to create and advance a workforce that is second to none. And here in Washington County, your operation will reap the gains of the powerhouse partnership between the Washington County’s WIN Jobs Center and Mississippi Delta Community College.

From CDL’s and PLC programming to Customer Service and Craft skills, the Workforce Education Division of MDCC is another tool in your arsenal of overcoming the demands and obstacles that you face. Working alongside the WIN Center, the Capps Center will provide rapid responses in the form of customized, quick turn-around training that can result in nationally recognized certifications and other job readiness skills that you require.  Should you not know the solution; the Capps Center can consult with you and formulate one.

Pathways to Possibilities is an interactive, hands-on career expo for 8th graders in public, private and home schools, as well as at-risk youth, ages 16-24. Each student experiences a variety of career pathways, aligned with the U.S. and Mississippi Departments of Education. Each year, over 2,000 8th graders come together in Greenville, MS at the Washington County Convention Center for an exciting, fun filled day to learn of career opportunities locally and regionally.

Justin Archer Burch is president & CEO of Washington County Economic Alliance and Delta Compass.  Justin is a national leader in rural economic development and has 15+ years experience in supporting rural communities to be a community of choice for work, play, living, and innovation.  He has a B.A. from Ole Miss; MSS from Mississippi College; and post-secondary credentials from Harvard, Princeton, Purdue, and the University of Oklahoma.  Justin is a W.K. Kellogg Community Leadership Fellow and Obama Foundation U.S. Leader Fellow.  

jburch@wceams.com

Hillary Boggs is the Chief Operating Officer at the Washington County Economic Alliance and Delta Compass, where she manages the day-to-day operations and executes the strategies of the organizations as well as manages the accounting operations including the production of financial reports and the administration of a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk. Boggs has twenty plus years of advanced statistical analysis, financial analysis, and business development experience in the venture capital, private equity, and financial sectors, where she has successfully implemented mergers and acquisitions projects and worked with private equity investors through all phases of the business life cycle from seed to exit strategies. She is an experienced and successful grant writer. Boggs holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Millsaps College and an M.B.A. from the Millsaps College Else School of Management, where she received numerous awards including the William James Award for Academic Excellence and the Charles Sewel Award for the Outstanding M.B.A. Student.

hboggs@wceams.com

Carolyn Mills-Baker, Director of Alignment, has over 12 years of dedicated service to WCEA. Carolyn spearheads initiatives that bring together diverse stakeholders, fostering synergy and cooperation to achieve shared objectives. Her ability to navigate complex landscapes and forge connections has been instrumental in enhancing the economic landscape of Washington County.

cbaker@wceams.com

Chamber Director Mary Catherine Brooks has over ten years of experience working in community and economic development. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and earned a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana Tech University. In 2020, Brooks graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continued Studies with a International Economic Development Council certification. She has a passion for community service and volunteer work and is also an artist and graphic designer. She has served in current role since August of 2023.

mbrooks@wceams.com

Are you interested in joining our Ambassador team? Click here to learn more.