State of the Region in the Pine Belt

HATTIESBURG, MISS. - Elected officials from across the Pine Belt came together Friday morning at the Southern Oaks House & Gardens building, to discuss the “State of the Region.” Representatives discussed challenges and developing projects happening within each of their governing areas.

Friday’s panelists consisted of Petal Mayor Hal Marx, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker, Lamar County Board Member (District 4) Phillip Carlisle, and Forrest County Board Member (District 5) Chris Bowen. The panelists answered numerous questions about a variety of topics, such as infrastructure, economic development, and future progression.

“Economic development is a team sport,” Carlisle said. “It takes entities of government coming together. Because obviously, as one city or county thrives, so do others.” Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker agreed with Carlisle’s comments. “With each of us doing our part, with each of us doing our best in terms of infrastructure, customers service to our citizens… I think you are really going to see the Pine Belt have a future that’s really bright.” Barker stated.