National Accolades Arrive in Oxford's Square

National recognition by third party advocates trumps paid advertising each and every time. The Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation (EDF) is still celebrating following last week’s publishing of one of the “Top Five” Micropolitan Success Stories from the Heartland as identified by the Walton Family Foundation.
Other cities being showcased for this outstanding accomplishment joining Oxford include Jasper, Indiana; Ardmore, Oklahoma; Findlay, Ohio, and Brookings, South Dakota. A Micropolitan Statistical Area is defined as a geographic area of one or more counties with one city containing at least 10,000 population but less than 50,000.
The recognition is all predicated on economic growth and future projections. Per the report….”from 2011 to 2016, job growth (in Oxford) averaged 4.4% and wage gains averaged 6.2% – vastly outstripping the U.S. averages of 1.7 % and 4.3%” respectively. The study continued….”Oxford’s network of octo-highways forms the transportation lifeline into the city, allowing workers, suppliers, and consumers exceptional ease and accessibility to businesses and creating a positive environment is an attraction for new industries and startups.”

“We have been analyzing the success of Oxford internally for some time, however, when an objective third party such as the Walton Family Foundation goes on record validating our findings and beliefs, this clearly reconfirms that our Economic Development strategy is definitely working,” said Jon Maynard, CEO of the EDF.
Another highlight of the report showcased a graph of the five cities’ employment numbers for the years 2005-2016. Oxford clearly outpaced the other four communities by a considerable margin.
This positive economic news and projections should only encourage more (and higher wage) external investment and jobs arriving into the Lafayette County capital city.
For more information on The Walton Family Foundation study, read ‘Oxford Makes ‘Best List’ for Economic Growth above the National Average.’

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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.