Pike County Chamber of Commerce officials responded to comments McComb Mayor Quordiniah Lockley made Tuesday about the chamber’s support of the city.
The chamber’s board said in a news release Thursday that the organization is committed to “promoting economic development and growth in all of its communities,” including McComb.
In advocating for the city to revive a Main Street association, which McComb hasn’t had in about 15 years, the mayor said the organization would act similarly to a chamber in event planning and promoting the city.
Lockley said McComb lacks a chamber of commerce “that looks out for the best interests of the city.”
“Despite recent comments made by Mayor Quordiniah Lockley regarding the absence of a Main Street association in McComb and the Chamber’s role in serving the city, the Chamber is dedicated to serving the entire county and has a diverse membership that includes businesses and organizations from all over the county,” the news release said. “The Chamber provides a range of services and support to its members, including those located in McComb.
“It is incorrect to say that the Pike County Chamber of Commerce does not look out for the interests of the City of McComb. In fact, many of our members are located in the city, and we have been actively working to support businesses and organizations in McComb for many years.”
Chamber officials also called the mayor’s description of the role of a Main Street association inaccurate, saying such an organization should be more focused on business development and downtown revitalization, not event planning.
“While both organizations can play a role in promoting economic development, they have different structures, goals and approaches,” chamber officials said. “The Chamber is a membership-based organization that provides a range of services and support to its members, while a Main Street association focuses specifically on promoting the development of a downtown area.”
Chamber officials said the organization is “committed to supporting businesses and organizations in McComb and the entire county and looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote economic growth and development in the region.”
