NATCHEZ — Chandler Russ brings his competitive spirit with him no matter where he goes.

Russ, executive director of Natchez, Inc., said that competitiveness is one thing he will use to grow the economic footprint of Natchez and Adams County.

“I don’t even like to loose a game of pick-up sticks,” Russ said. “When it comes to economic development, I’m incredibly competitive and will do what I can to win. If I invest our time and resources in a project, I’m not going to be happy losing.”

Russ started work at Natchez Inc. Monday. He was introduced as the organization’s director Oct. 5.

Fueling his competitiveness is knowledge of the economic development arena, knowledge which he said is strengthened through continual research and education about economic development patterns and tactics.

“I’m constantly reading and learning about what neighboring states and areas are doing, how it’s working and what has been successful in those places,” he said. “When I see a tactic that has worked elsewhere, I try to implement it where I am.”

Russ has a master’s degree in economic and community development from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a bachelor’s degree in regional and community planning, also from Southern Miss.

His professional experience in economic development includes stints as the economic development project manager for the Mississippi region with the Tennessee Valley Authority, executive director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Development Foundation and, most recently, director of existing industry and business division of the Mississippi Development Authority in Jackson.

Russ said in that position he learned the importance of focusing time and resources to strengthen the current industries.

He said making sure those businesses are supported and operating in the most efficient manner is beneficial to the community and also a recruiting benefit for future projects.

“I want the existing industries making the most money in the most efficient way possible,” Russ said. “It’s good for those businesses and it is good for the community, so there will be a focused effort to strengthen those areas through available means.

“We have to show a commitment to what we already have and help them grow.”

In Natchez that means a split focus on the health care industry, tourism industry and manufacturing projects.

Russ said all projects that were in development with the previous economic development office have been transferred to Natchez, Inc.

“Natchez and Adams County is different in that there is a split focus in economic development,” Russ said. “Anything that can be done to strengthen and grow any of the different segments, will be done. If something isn’t going to be beneficial, we aren’t going to waste our resources.”

Russ is the first director of Natchez, Inc., which was formed June 1 to replace the former Natchez-Adams County Economic Development Authority. The new organization is funded through a combinations of contributions from private businesses and allocations from the City of Natchez and Adams County.

Private businesses, through Natchez Now, contribute $115,000 annually and the city and county will add $100,00 and $165,000, respectively.

Russ said the cooperation of governmental boards and the local business community sets Natchez, Inc. up for success. He said it demonstrates a shift in mindset as to the importance of economic development, which makes the area more appealing.

“This economic development effort isn’t your daddy’s Oldsmobile,” he said.

“The involvement of the private sector demonstrates a sense of urgency in the matter of economic development,” Russ said. “Everyone is focused on the same goal and that is a very powerful tool to have.”