A report from Shelbyville-Bedford County's new economic development director, Shane Hooper, was included on Shelbyville City Council's study session agenda Tuesday.

"My family and I have settled into Shelbyville comfortably and are excited to be in Shelbyville and Bedford County. We appreciate everyone's hospitality."

Hooper and his wife, Sarah, have two sons, Christopher and Channing; one daughter, Ellabess; and a beloved Springer Spaniel named Max.

Now that this former Mississippian has had a good survey of local land, so to speak, he's sharing his vision for building local economic development organization and infrastructure. Hooper said first and foremost, this community must be competitive in this region among peer counties.

He discussed some of his goals Thursday with the Times-Gazette. "Building a solid organization will allow us to compete for more and better jobs for the citizens of Shelbyville and Bedford County. This can be achieved by building strong relationships and shared visions with our elected officials, partners, and stakeholders locally, statewide, and nationally. Economic development is the ultimate team sport."

Hooper said downtown redevelopment is more than just the "Main Street Market" but also includes redevelopment on and near the historic public square. He advised how the redevelopment will benefit existing and future businesses throughout the downtown area.

"Shelbyville's downtown has a lot of history and is one of our greatest assets. Improving it not only benefits local residents and businesses, but increases our ability to attract some of the many tourists who pass through this area every day."

The first goal is to build a solid organization to make us competitive in southern Middle Tennessee, he said. The second goal is to look at ways to make local industrial property more competitive with peer counties. The third goal is to continue and expand the existing plans and projects to redevelop the downtown area and retail footprint.

"Economic and community development starts at home with our existing industry and business. We plan to put our arms around what we already have and extend a welcoming hand to new industrial opportunities and business growth."

The new economic development director was recently hired through a RFP (request for proposal) with Bedford County Government; he will be working jointly with the City and Bedford County. Hooper's r?sume is quite extensive, including military service and owning his own professional consulting company.

He is a graduate of Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton, Miss., and Lipscomb University in Nashville. After graduation, he served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Hooper served for five years as director of development services for the City of Tupelo, before stepping down this spring to go into private venture. He holds a master's degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Professionally, he had a career in the insurance and financial industry for 18 years. He's served as president of Professional Training Corporation, Inc., a training provider for the insurance and financial services industry.

Hooper served on the board for the Good Samaritan Free Clinic and Sanctuary Hospice House. He's been selected in the past as one of Tupelo's "Top 20 Young Professionals" and was recognized in 2018, as one of the most influential African Americans in Mississippi.

As well, he's active in the community, earning formerly the title of "Rotarian of the Year." He's also past president of the Gardner-Simmons Home for Girls and past president of the United Way of Northeast Mississippi.