Committees

Much of the Partnership’s work is carried out through committees staffed by business leaders and other representatives of the larger community.

Ambassadors

Partnership ambassadors represent a cross-section of our diverse business sector. They assist and support the Partnership in many ways. Examples include helping to host Business After Hours sessions and other events, participating in ribbon cuttings, welcoming new members into the Partnership, and conducting member visits during May Member Appreciation Month.

Education Committee

Education and business leaders in Starkville and Oktibbeha County who want to work for the betterment of education in our community serve on this committee. Standing members are the superintendants of the Starkville School District and the Oktibbeha County School District, the headmaster of Starkville Academy, the principal of Starkville Christian School, a representative of East Mississippi Community College, administrators of Mississippi State University, and representatives of the Starkville and Oktibbeha County business community. Programs conducted by the committee include Mississippi Scholars, Education Hall of Fame, and Project CLASS. The committee enlists a broader group of volunteers to carry out specific projects.

Committee of One Hundred

The Partnership’s highest level of private sector contributors, including the community’s most involved business leaders, comprise the Committee of 100. These community leaders work to shape a prosperous local business climate for today and for the future. The members meet quarterly to share ideas and information and to stay updated with current economic trends and issues that affect the Partnership and the community. View a list of Members

Military Affairs Committee

Actively supporting the military community in our area is the focus of this committee. The group’s projects include a Memorial Day parade and ceremony at the Oktibbeha County Courthouse in downtown Starkville. Each year the committee also assists the Mississippi State University athletic department with the Veteran’s Day football game. The committee is currently seeking funds for a new veteran’s memorial.

Miss Hospitality Committee

Volunteers serving on this committee plan and direct the local Miss Hospitality pageant and support the efforts of the young lady named Miss Hospitality for Starkville. They assist her as she prepares for the state-level pageant and help coordinate her plan of work for the year.

Starkville Young Professionals

This fairly autonomous group was originally an initiative of the Small Business Development Committee. The monthly meetings typically include a speaker plus time for networking among our community’s young professionals (those under 40). The group often takes on fundraising projects for worthy causes, such as the tuition guarantee project and the annual Souper Bowl fundraiser for the United Way.

Christmas Parade Committee

The Christmas parade is anticipated eagerly by the community’s children and adults alike. Members of the parade committee encourage participation by businesses, nonprofit and civic organizations, church groups, educational institutions, and other groups that work with children. Members secure the help of volunteers, and they create publicity and enthusiasm for the event.

Starkville Business Exchange

Local entrepreneurs meet monthly for a roundtable session to share ideas and develop a mutually beneficial network of outside-the-box thinkers. The roundtable is led by the participants themselves, but the Partnership helps by coordinating meeting locations and hosts and by providing other resources