Data center provides business responses

For prospective or existing businesses in the Mississippi Delta, a nearly instantaneous source of free information is readily available at a research center near Greenville.

Established in 1993 with support from Mississippi State, the Delta Data Center provides detailed site maps, market and statistical information and related data about facilities and infrastructure in an 18-county region stretching from Warren to DeSoto counties.

Created by MSU's Social Science Research Center, the data center is operated in partnership with the Delta Council. Offices are located seven miles east of Greenville at council headquarters on the grounds of the Stoneville-based Delta Research and Extension Center.

In addition to business and industries, Delta Data Center services are provided at no charge to chambers of commerce and other economic development organizations. SSRC research scientist Larry Doolittle said the information can be tailored to a specific business or industry, providing "real-time data quickly and reliably."

The technology allows the translation of land elevation, census tracts and other data into maps, explained data analyst Beverly Fratesi. She works closely with communities and industries to develop maps, brochures, tables, and other reports that provide detailed market information.

"The center has given us a success rate we didn't have before," said Mike Manning, the council's director of development.