Mississippi State Community Action Team (MSCAT)
Training Opportunities
First Impressions Do Make a Difference
November 17, 2009
Chamber of Commerce executives received an overview of the First Impressions program at a regional workshop planned by the Mississippi Economic Development Council. Communities sell themselves to prospective businesses, residents and visitors every day. It's important for communities to leave a good first impression and define what it is that makes them unique. Attendees were presented facts about the program and were shown examples of successful impacts that communities have enjoyed across the state by using First Impressions to jumpstart community improvement initiatives.
Education Forum
October 20, 2009
Members of the Starkville community were given an opportunity to learn about the new school accountability system for Mississippi schools. The Greater Starkville Development Partnership's education committee sponsored the public forum to enable better understanding of how local schools will be impacted by the new model. Participants were given an explanation of why it was necessary to change to the new system and what the components and implications are for the new system.
The Art of Effective Meetings
September 24, 2009
City clerks and deputy city clerks often find themselves needing to arrange and lead meetings with diverse groups of people such as the county election commission, poll workers, community event committees, and many other ad hoc groups as needs arise. Officers and committee members of the Mississippi Municipal Clerks Association received training on essential components of planning and facilitating productive meetings so desired results are achieved in an efficient manner.
From First Impressions to Lasting Impressions
March 3, 2009
Selected communities that have completed the First Impressions program were invited to attend this seminar at Mississippi State University. Attendees learned about basic principles of design, explored possibilities to consider in their communities, learned ways to increase volunteer participation in community projects and participated in activities designed to help bring ideas to reality.
Community and Economic Development
February 5, 12 and 26, 2009
Participants in the Municipal Clerks and Tax Collectors Certification Training Program were provided an overview of community and economic development principles and best practices. Also, attendees were briefed on the importance of asset-based development in rural communities while learning tips on how to maximize volunteer impact with community projects.
The Importance of First Impressions
November 6, 2008
Attendees at this session at the Mississippi Municipal League's Small Town Conference in Vicksburg learned tips on how to leverage local community groups to maximize volunteers to help spruce up their communities for not a lot of money. They also learned how implementing simple, low-cost design ideas can really improve the appearance of towns.
