Jonesboro Unlimited hires vice president of economic development

Mike Philpot has been selected as the new vice president of economic development for Jonesboro Unlimited.

Philpot comes to the business development organization from Leland, Miss., where he served as the director of economic development for Delta Strong & Delta Council. That organization serves 19 counties in the Mississippi Delta. Before that, Philpot was the director of the West Tennessee Industrial Association in Jackson, Tenn.

“I am very excited to be moving to Jonesboro and joining Jonesboro Unlimited,” Philpot said in a statement. “Across the south, Jonesboro has a great reputation for business and is a wonderful place to live. I’m thrilled to join a talented team that is committed to pushing forward with its ambitious goals of working to bring in good, high-paying jobs for this city and its people.”

JU President and CEO Mark Young said he is pleased Philpot has decided to work for the organization. He said his experience and contacts will be valuable assets.

“Mike brings a tremendous amount of experience to Jonesboro Unlimited,” Young said. “The contacts and relationships he has built in his 30 years in the world of economic development mean he will be able to make an immediate impact at Jonesboro Unlimited. Mike will use that experience to recruit new business and work with our existing businesses to continue to grow and hire more people.”

Philpot replaces Mike Downing, who was earlier this summer as the city of Jonesboro’s new chief of staff.

“Mike will make an excellent addition to the Jonesboro Unlimited team,” JU Chairman Chris Barber said. “His experience in economic development combined with his enthusiasm will serve Jonesboro well. Throughout his career, he has shown a dedication to the advancement of economic prosperity in every community he has served. We know he will bring the same energy and drive to Jonesboro.”

Philpot is no stranger to Arkansas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Harding University and a master’s degree in science, community and economic development at the University of Central Arkansas.

Jonesboro Unlimited was formed in 1986 to advance economic development in Jonesboro and NEA. About 100 local businesses joined to create the organization, and it came at a time when food processing was identified as a good fit for the region. It’s part of the Jonesboro Economic Development Corp. (JEDC), a nonprofit organization.