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Joe Max Higgins, Jr. is currently the Chief Executive Officer at the Golden Triangle Development Link. Joe is responsible for consolidated efforts of The Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development for Columbus-Lowndes County and directs the Economic Development Efforts for Oktibbeha and Clay Counties in Mississippi. Joe’s main responsibilities include organization of public/private partnerships that strategically position the community to take advantage of growth opportunities, financial management of an annual budget of 2.3 million dollars and the management of a staff of ten. During Joe’s tenure in Lowndes County, his efforts have resulted in the commitment and or creation of over 5,600 direct manufacturing jobs and over $4.4 billion in capital investment.
Prior to assuming this role, Joe was the Owner of the Higgins Group, where he operated a consulting company specializing in environmental, planning, community and economic development services. He also served as the Director of Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer of the Paragould Greene County Chamber of Commerce.
Joe was awarded the 40 Under 40 Arkansas Business, the National Rural Economic Developer Association Leadership Award (Economic Developer of the Year) and is very involved with professional organizations in his field.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography/urban and regional planning from Arkansas State University. Joe also attended the Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas and the Institute for Organizational Management at the University of Notre Dame.