Barry Touts Regional Mayors Network

Mayor Cheri Barry

In a special section of The Meridian Star entitled “Meridian and its Neighbors,” Meridian Mayor Cheri Barry touted the West Alabama – East Mississippi Mayors Network and challenged regional partners to come together and build a better future.

“The relationship and partnership between Meridian and her neighbors grow by the day,” she said. “Last year we talked about working with The Montgomery Institute and our quarterly regional mayors meetings. The fellowship between mayors of east Mississippi and west Alabama has built partnerships that will improve our region.

“It has been two years since we developed these meetings. It is hard to believe it has been that long since we started gathering to focus on the specific interests of our particular region, both its advantages and its challenges. Our quarterly meetings have made clear the advantages of regionalism. We realize that east Mississippi and West Alabama is the sum of its parts.

“Regionalism allows us to improve economic viability, diversity, and spirit of our trade region and increase our competitiveness in the state, national, and global marketplace. It is key that we work together to develop strategies that will maintain and expand essential basic infrastructure, health care, education, and telecommunications.

“When we think regionally, we can develop a clearer idea of our region’s resources and benefits. We understand the strengths of our region’s workforce and development potential for a population that is several times any one of our cities or towns.

“Possibly most importantly, regionalism provides east Mississippi and west Alabama with a platform to enhance our voice to both our state and federal capitols. Our efforts become a collaborative endeavor to enhance economic development and quality of life.

“We have spent the past two years building new relationships with our regional mayors. Now, it is time that we, Meridian and her neighbors, lead the way. We will not wait for an opportunity, we will build our own. Our future is what we make of it. Together, let’s make the most of it.”

The Montgomery Institute hosts the quarterly mayors meeting, which are made possible by funding from the Walmart Foundation.