From a reader–
April 17th, 2008
Starkville, MS-For Immediate Release: For more info: Call 323-3322
Thornell Resigns as CEO of Partnership
The Greater Starkville Development Partnership Board of Directors accepted today the resignation of David Thornell, who has served as President and CEO of the organization since its inception in April, 2001. The Partnership consists of three member agencies, which are the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority. As such, the organization receives both public and private funding from almost 400 members.
During Thornell’s tenure, Starkville and Oktibbeha County have experienced significant growth on a variety of fronts, including a 161% increase in the value of construction permits issued in the City, led by a 250% increase in the number of residential units built, comparing 2007 to 2002 levels. The Ad Valorem tax collections in the City have risen by 41% since 2002, and the 2% Food and Beverage Tax collections have increased by over 26% over the past 5 years. Sales Taxes collected in Starkville have grown by 30% due to many new retail and service businesses that have opened in the community in recent years. As for manufacturing jobs and governmental establishment growth (not including MSU), the Mississippi Development Authority credits the County with 58 new or expanded businesses since 2001. These businesses created 1,840 new jobs and invested over $321 million in their local facilities.
Thornell informed the Board that he will be entering the field of commercial real estate back in his home state of Alabama, where he purchased a home last December. In the near-term, he will also be acting as a paid consultant for Castle Properties, a Columbus-based development company with active projects in Starkville, Columbus and Tupelo. Thornell stated that, “I feel that this new direction will offer the best option for my family as we look forward to opening another chapter of our lives. I am very proud of the accomplishments we can claim in the past, but I am also certain that Starkville-Oktibbeha County will continue to grow under someone new who can bring a fresh perspective. I thank everyone who has supported me and this Partnership in our success. I will count it as a wonderful experience for the rest of my life.”
Partnership Board Chairman Terry Kemp said that, “on behalf of the Board, we are glad to have had the opportunity to work with David in creating and implementing this new team approach to community and economic development for our County. We could not have done it without his knowledge, his dedication and hard work to bring us to where we are today. We wish him and his family the very best in the future.”
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