Tippah County is proud to be an active partner in the Communities of Excellence (COE) initiative, a flagship program of the CREATE Foundation. This place-based community engagement effort brings together local leaders to identify regional strengths, set shared goals, and build long-term strategies for success. By committing to a culture of continuous improvement, Tippah County ensures it remains a vibrant, competitive, and forward-thinking place to live and work.
What Defines a Community of Excellence?
The COE initiative is built on six foundational principles that guide our development strategy. A Community of Excellence:
Knows where it is: Conducts an honest assessment of current resources and challenges.
Knows where it is going: Establishes a clear, collective vision for the future.
Has a plan for getting there: Develops a structured roadmap to achieve specific goals.
Identifies strategic partnerships: Leverages regional, state, and federal resources.
Empowers people to act: Encourages grassroots leadership and civic participation.
Focuses on continuous improvement: Commits to long-term growth and regular evaluation.
A Unified Network of Stakeholders
Success is achieved through the collaboration of every sector of our community. Our COE efforts integrate the expertise of:
Community
Churches, Nonprofits, Clubs and Local Foundations.
Governance
Tippah County and Local City Governments.
Commerce
Businesses, Industry Leaders, and Associations.
Education
K-12 Schools and Higher Education partners.
Infrastructure
Local Utility providers and Development Organizations.
Our Strategic Partners
Through the COE program, Tippah County has a direct connection to an elite network of institutional partners providing technical expertise and resources:
CREATE Foundation
Northeast Mississippi’s community foundation and lead COE organizer.
Appalachian Regional Commission
Providing federal-state partnership support for regional growth.
Tennessee Valley Authority
Assisting with economic development and quality-of-life initiatives.
Mississippi State University
Offering planning and design solutions for small-town success.
University of Mississippi
Engaging students and faculty to address community-identified needs.
Be a Part of Our Success Story
Tippah County’s commitment to excellence is fueled by the engagement of our residents and business leaders. We invite you to join our task forces and contribute your unique expertise to the strategic planning that defines our future. Together, we can build a community where innovation thrives and every resident has the opportunity to succeed.