Economic Development
 
   Little Dixie is one of the few community action agencies aggressively pursuing regional community economic development efforts. Considering the distress statistics in our three counties (unemployment rates, income levels, illiteracy rates, etc.) such participation is fitting.
 
    Initial economic development efforts began with funding provided by Enterprise Community status in March 1995. The effort had two thrusts - tourism and conventional industrial development. Until 1999, development efforts were limited to Enterprise Community borders. At that time, Enterprise Community funding ended and Little Dixie began multi-faceted efforts in all three counties.
 
    Tourism development efforts continue in the areas of lake development, operation of state parks, rodeo facilities, historical site initiatives, and assistance to the circus industry.
 
    General economic development activities include: assembling partners to fund and operate the Business Information Center and One-Stop Capital Shop; cooperative efforts with the Choctaw Nation in pursuing industrial and service industry growth; assisting municipalities in addressing infrastructure problems with water and sewer; developing partnerships with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and the Small Business Administration; and operating a variety of loan programs that have resulted in over one million dollars in small loans being provided to local citizens to start or expand their businesses.
 
    Successes are hard fought and often take years. For example, work on the 17.5 million dollar rehabilitation hospital in Hugo was begun by Charles Cayton, the Enterprise Community's first economic developer, in 1995. The 2.8 million dollars generated to develop Kiamichi Park is an example of progress year-by-year, cabin by cabin, improvement by improvement.
 
    Economic development assistance has been provided to Idabel for their train depot reconstruction and for their airport terminal. Assistance has also been provided to Beavers Bend State Park by extending the AmeriCorps program to help that significant tourism asset to address its many problmes and opportunities. Assistance has been provided to Antlers in obtaining funds for the $800,000 renovation/restoration of their historic depot.
 
    Economic development staff is no longer located only in Hugo. Staff is now officed in Antlers and Idabel as well.
 
    Much has been done. Much remains to be done. By bringing together a variety of community organizations and other assistance we can, together, make a difference.