45 F
Oxford

Vassallo: Oxford’s Economy Booming

Jon Maynard
Jon Maynard

HottyToddy.com had the pleasure recently to discuss the Oxford economy with EDF President Jon Maynard. We primarily were interested in the economic impact that Baptist’s new hospital is already having on the community, however, what we came away with was much more than anticipated!

HottyToddy.com: Jon, before we get into the central theme (focus) of the interview, please share with our readers the impact that healthcare facilities have on attracting retirees and others.

Jon Maynard: Medical care is absolutely a major component in attraction. If you’re strictly talking about individuals 60 and older, this is undoubtedly a major concern.

The Baptist Hospital construction can be seen across construction for Oxford Farms neighborhood.
The Baptist Hospital construction can be seen across construction for Oxford Farms neighborhood.

HottyToddy.com: With the hospital well into construction, how will the new facility add value to the Oxford community?

Jon Maynard: Scheduled to open in December 2017, the biggest advantage of the new medical facility is with improving the types of technology. In addition, the efficiency of the building will be significant. The approximate $400 million investment is definitely influencing other types of investment.

HottyToddy.com: Speaking of other investments, what are we already seeing?

Jon Maynard: This new catalyst is already influencing physicians and medical service groups. Baptist is committed to a very long term deliverable of advanced healthcare in Oxford. This is telling the entire medical community that “we’re very serious” in this community about a high, professional level of quality healthcare in all areas.

Oxford Farms is one of many new neighborhoods appearing as part of Oxford's growth.
Oxford Farms is one of many new neighborhoods appearing as part of Oxford’s growth.

HottyToddy.com: We understand that other sectors are also being influenced in the immediate area in close proximity to the new hospital.

Jon Maynard: That is correct. There is a new hotel coming on board, new residential development and much more forthcoming in the future.

HottyToddy.com: You often reference the fact that Oxford is a sustainable regional center in terms of an economic environment. How so?

Jon Maynard: Policom Corporation ranks the Micropolitan Statistical Areas each year. There are 536 of these currently that fall into the range of 10,000 population to 50,000. This year (2016) Oxford is ranked number 17 nationwide and number one in the state.

HottyToddy.com: This is most impressive. What are the criteria that comprises the ranking?

Callicutt Realty is a part of Oxford's growth.
Callicutt Realty is a part of Oxford’s growth.

Jon Maynard: Policom looks at basically three different groups of data. Because of space limitations, I’ll concisely describe the three. Group one reflects the overall growth in size and quality. This simply says what people earn and the standard of living. Group two focuses on how the economy is behaving. The “flow of (money)” coming into the area is critically important. Group three emphasizes any negative sectors wherein growth indicates an adverse trend. Actual per capita income relating to the poor and disadvantaged (welfare) and Medicaid per capita income (assistance) are measured accordingly as are positive trends.

HottyToddy.com: Before moving on to something else, how is Oxford faring versus the other 17 micropolitans throughout the state?

Oxford Pediatric Group is a part of the medical community within the growing city.
Oxford Pediatric Group is a part of the medical community within the growing city.

Jon Maynard: Exceptionally well. We have led the field every year (2007 forward) with the exception of 2009 when we were second to Vicksburg on the list of 17. To illustrate how the economy has changed, since 2009, Oxford has improved from 67th to 17th nationally whereas Vicksburg moved from 66th to 325th. We are definitely trending in the right direction.

HottyToddy.com: Let’s explore some of those other positive areas that Oxford is receiving so much national acclaim.

Jon Maynard: From 2010 through 2015, Lafayette County has grown by 12.3 percent. This compares to .8 percent for Mississippi and 4.1 percent for the U.S. Northeast Mississippi has grown 1.7 percent in this period. As to per capita income, the county is at $34,703 (2014) compared to $34,431 for the state and $46,049 for the nation. Comparing Lafayette to the other 16 counties in Northeast Mississippi, we are first in high school completion and first in “health outcomes.” This ranking is reflective of how healthy the citizenry is.

Oxford Women Clinic is a part of the medical community surrounding the Baptist Hospital.
Oxford Women Clinic is a part of the medical community surrounding the Baptist Hospital.

HottyToddy.com: Returning to the term “sustained growth,” what does this exactly mean?

Jon Maynard: Starting in 1990, Oxford has grown by two percent or more each and every year. This says volumes about our economic strength. And it says to potential investors, the risk of making a large investment here is minimal.

HottyToddy.com: In wrapping up, our retail trade area basically includes a ten-county region. Is that a fair assessment?

Jon Maynard: We are definitely a regional center and are attracting consumers from multiple counties. All of our surrounding counties plus some outside such as Copiah and Grenada are all contributing to our growth.

A view through one of many tunnels during construction of new neighborhoods and businesses around the Baptist Memorial Hospital.
A view through one of many tunnels during construction of new neighborhoods and businesses around the Baptist Memorial Hospital.

We could have talked to Jon for hours about all of Oxford’s contributing factors to this positive growth. As to Policom Corporation’s 2016 Report, Oxford is now rated the number one Micropolitan in the entire southeastern United States. Improving on this rate of performance will be tough, however, we are blessed to have visionary leaders who will not be content to rest on our laurels as it is often said in economic development circles that “getting better is better than being good.” Oxford is fortunate now to be included in both discussions!

EDITOR’S NOTE: City-growth expert Joel Kotkin spoke at the Courtside Club at the Ole Miss Pavilion on May 6 on how Oxford can improve its economical growth. Read the story here.


Steve Vassallo

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.

Follow HottyToddy.com on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat @hottytoddynews. Like its Facebook page: If You Love Oxford and Ole Miss…

Most Popular

Recent Comments

scamasdscamith on News Watch Ole Miss
Frances Phillips on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Grace Hudditon on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Millie Johnston on A Bigger, Better Student Union
Binary options + Bitcoin = $ 1643 per week: https://8000-usd-per-day.blogspot.com.tr?b=46 on Beta Upsilon Chi: A Christian Brotherhood
Jay Mitchell on Reflections: The Square
Terry Wilcox SFCV USA RET on Oxford's Five Guys Announces Opening Date
Stephanie on Throwback Summer
organized religion is mans downfall on VP of Palmer Home Devotes Life to Finding Homes for Children
Paige Williams on Boyer: Best 10 Books of 2018
Keith mansel on Cleveland On Medgar Evans
Debbie Nader McManus on Cofield on Oxford — Lest We Forget
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: The Last of His Kind
Richard Burns on A William Faulkner Sighting
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Bettye H. Galloway on Galloway: Faulkner's Small World
Ruby Begonia on Family Catching Rebel Fever
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
Greg Millar on The Hoka
jeff the busy eater on Cooking With Kimme: Baked Brie
Travis Yarborough on Reflections: The Square
BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH on Oxford is About to Receive a Sweet Treat
baby travel systems australia on Heaton: 8 Southern Ways to Heckle in SEC Baseball
Rajka Radenkovich on Eating Oxford: Restaurant Watch
Richard Burns on Reflections: The Square
Guillermo Perez Arguello on Mississippi Quote Of The Day
A Friend with a Heavy Heart on Remembering Dr. Stacy Davidson
Harold M. "Hal" Frost, Ph.D. on UM Physical Acoustics Research Center Turns 30
Educated Citizen on Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
Debbie Crenshaw on Trump’s Tough Road Ahead
Treadway Strickland on Wicker Looks Ahead to New Congress
Tony Ryals on parking
Heather Lee Hitchcock on ‘Pray for Oxford’ by Shane Brown
Heather Lee Hitchcock on ‘Pray for Oxford’ by Shane Brown
Dr Donald and Priscilla Powell on Deadly Plane Crash Leaves Eleven Children Behind
Dr Donald and Priscilla Powell on Deadly Plane Crash Leaves Eleven Children Behind
C. Scott Fischer on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Sylvia Williams on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Will Patterson on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
Rick Henderson on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
George L Price on I Stand With Coach Hugh Freeze
on
Morgan Shands on Cleveland: On Ed Reed
Richard McGraw on Cleveland: On Cissye Gallagher
Branan Southerland on Gameday RV Parking at HottyToddy.com
Tom and Randa Baddley on Vassallo: Ole Miss Alum Finds His Niche
26 years and continuously learning on Ole Miss Puts History In Context With Plaque
a Paterson on Beyond Barton v. Barnett
Phil Higginbotham on ‘Unpublished’ by Shane Brown
Bettina Willie@www.yahoo.com.102Martinez St.Batesville,Ms.38606 on Bomb Threat: South Panola High School Evacuated This Morning
Anita M Fellenz, (Emilly Hoffman's CA grandmother on Ole Miss Spirit Groups Rank High in National Finals
Marilyn Moore Hughes on Vassallo: Ole Miss Alum Finds His Niche
Jaqundacotten@gmail williams on HottyToddy Hometown: Hollandale, Mississippi
Finney moore on Can Ole Miss Grow Too Big?
diane faulkner cawlley on Oxford’s Olden Days: Miss Annie’s Yard
Phil Higginbotham on ‘November 24’ by Shane Brown
Maralyn Bullion on Neely-Dorsey: Hog Killing Time
Beth Carr on A Letter To Mom
Becky on A Letter To Mom
Marilyn Tinnnin on A Letter To Mom
Roger ulmer on UM Takes Down State Flag
Chris Pool on UM Takes Down State Flag
TampaRebel on UM Takes Down State Flag
david smith on UM Takes Down State Flag
Boyd Harris on UM Takes Down State Flag
Jim (Herc @ UM) on Cleveland: Fall Vacations
Robert Hollingsworth on Rebels on the Road: Memphis Eateries
David McCullough on Shepard Leaves Ole Miss Football
Gayle G. Henry on Meet Your 2015 Miss Ole Miss
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on Neely-Dorsey: Elvis Presley’s Big Homecoming
Jennifer Mooneyham on ESPN: Ole Miss No. 1 in Nation
Wes McIngvale on Ole Miss Defeats Alabama
BARRY MCCAMMON on Ole Miss Defeats Alabama
Laughing out Loud on ESPN: Ole Miss No. 1 in Nation
Dr.Bill Priester on Cleveland: On Bob Priester
A woman who has no WHITE PRIVILEGE on Oxford Removes Mississippi Flag from City Property
A woman who has no WHITE PRIVILEGE on Oxford Removes Mississippi Flag from City Property
paulette holmes langbecker on Cofield on Oxford – Rising Ole Miss Rookie
Ruth Shipp Yarbrough on Cofield on Oxford — Lest We Forget
Karllen Smith on ‘Rilee’ by Shane Brown
Jean Baker Pinion on ‘The Cool Pad’ by Shane Brown
Janet Hollingsworth (Cavanaugh) on John Cofield on Oxford: A Beacon
Proud Mississippi Voter on Gunn Calls for Change in Mississippi Flag
Deloris Brown-Thompson on Bebe’s Letters: A WWII Love Story
Sue Ellen Parker Stubbs on Bebe’s Letters: A WWII Love Story
Tim Heaton on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Tim Heaton on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Karen fowler on Heaton: Who is Southern?
Don't Go to Law School on Four Legal Rebels Rising in the Real World
bernadette on Feeding the Blues
bernadette on Feeding the Blues
Joanne and Mark Wilkinson on Ron Vernon: a Fellowship of Music
Mary Ellen (Dring) Gamble on Ron Vernon: a Fellowship of Music
Cyndy Carroll on Filming it Up in Mississippi
Dottie Dewberry on Top 10 Secret Southern Sayings
Brother Everett Childers on ‘The Shack’ by Shane Brown
Mark McElreath on ‘The Shack’ by Shane Brown
Bill Wilkes, UM '57, '58, '63 on A Letter from Chancellor Dan Jones
Sandra Caffey Neal on Mississippi Has Proud Irish Heritage
Teresa Enyeart, and Terry Enyeat on Death of Ole Miss Grad, U.S. Vet Stuns Rebel Nation
P. D. Fyke on Wells: Steelhead Run
Johnny Neumann on Freeze Staying with Rebels
Maralyn Bullion on On Cooking Southern: Chess Pie
Kaye Bryant on Henry: E. for Congress
charles Eichorn on Hotty Tamales, Gosh Almighty
Jack of All Trades on Roll Over Bear Bryant
w nadler on Roll Over Bear Bryant
Stacey Berryhill on Oxford Man Dies in Crash
John Appleton on Grovin' Gameday Memories
Charlotte Lamb on Grovin' Gameday Memories
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on Two True Mississippi Icons
Morgan Williamson on A College Education is a MUST
Morgan Williamson on A College Education is a MUST
Jeanette Berryhill Wells on HottyToddy Hometown: Senatobia, Mississippi
Tire of the same ole news on 3 "Must Eat" Breakfast Spots in Oxford
gonna be a rebelution on Walking Rebel Fans Back Off the Ledge
Nora Jaccaud on Rickshaws in Oxford
Martha Marshall on Educating the Delta — Or Not
Nita McVeigh on 'I'm So Oxford' Goes Viral
Guillermo F. Perez-Argüello on How a Visit to the Magnolia State Can Inspire You
Charlie Fowler Jr. on Prawns? In the Mississippi Delta?
Martha Marshall on A Salute to 37 Years of Sparky
Sylvia Hartness Williams on Oxford Approves Diversity Resolution
Jerry Greenfield on Wine Tip: Problem Corks
Cheryl Obrentz on I Won the Lottery! Now What?
Bnogas on Food for the Soul
Barbeque Memphis on History of Tennessee Barbecue
Josephine Bass on The Delta and the Civil War
Nicolas Morrison on The Walking Man
Pete Williams on Blog: MPACT’s Future
Laurie Triplette on On Cooking Southern: Fall Veggies
Harvey Faust on The Kream Kup of the Krop
StarReb on The Hoka
Scott Whodatty Keetereaux Keet on Hip Hop — Yo or No, What’s Your Call
Johnathan Doeman on Oxford Man Dies in Crash
Andy McWilliams on The Warden & The Chief
Kathryn McElroy on Think Like A Writer
Claire Duff Sullivan on Alert Dogs Give Diabetics Peace of Mind
Jesse Yancy on The Hoka
Jennifer Thompson Walker on Ole Miss, Gameday From The Eyes of a Freshman
HottyToddy.com