SFP is taking the initial steps towards expanding the Delta Bridge Project into Sunflower County, Mississippi, where one of Southern’s community bank subsidiaries, Delta Southern Bank, is headquartered. Although still in very early stages, the Delta Bridge Project in Mississippi has already resulted in a strategic community plan for the town of Drew, and projects arising from this plan have leveraged over $422,000 in grant support from outside entities. Highlights of the early stages of the Delta Bridge Project in Sunflower County include:

• Southern has provided over $200,000 to help renovate Main Street buildings in Drew.
• Southern committed to provide $200,000 to the BB King Museum in Indianola. Southern views the museum as an economic anchor that will bring tourism monies into the Indianola economy.
• In 2006, the Mississippi Delta Community College opened a branch in the renovated Carpenter building in downtown Drew. This opening will not only make educational opportunities more available for local residents, but it is has also brought over 50 students to Drew’s Main Street per weekday.

A local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Drew Enterprises carried out a number of initiatives identified in Drew’s strategic community plan. Click here to view a letter from Drew Enterprises that explains the importance of Southern’s role in their community’s revitalization.