WIGGINS — Stone County is looking to jump–start its economic future with the appointment of Layla Essary as the new director of its Economic Development Partnership. 

 With the community facing persistent challenges, Essary’s mission is to reinvigorate growth, support local entrepreneurs and help the county’s economy thrive.  

Before stepping into her new position, Essary worked in a marketing and public relations role for the economic development organization. She previously worked for the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg and also spent more than a decade working at the Mississippi Department of Transportation. She brings substantial experience in economic development, marketing and public service to the county growth group. 

“We want to create an environment where local businesses can thrive and outside companies see Stone County as a place of opportunity,” Essary said. 

A community in need of momentum 

Stone County, with an estimated population of 18,986, has grown slightly in recent years. 

 Wiggins, the county seat, has about 4,250 residents — but its population has declined slightly since the last census. 

The economic need is visible as many businesses struggle to stay open, despite the local unemployment rate falling from 9.6% in 2020 to 5.3% in 2024, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. 

“We used to have a bowling alley, but it was replaced with a church — which is not a bad thing — but we have plenty of churches,” said Wiggins resident Kyerra Sledge. “We need more activities. People don’t like driving as far as Hattiesburg or the coast.” 

Many entrepreneurs have opened shops in Wiggins, but Sledge said most don’t last long. 

“I’ve seen so many people lose their businesses because they end up investing more money in the business than they receive in return,” she said. 

Signs of revitalization 

Still, signs of growth are emerging, particularly in the Pine Hill area of Wiggins. That area is now home to a group of new businesses, including a steakhouse, a coffee shop, an Irish pub known for live music and comedy, and an ice cream shop that draws crowds with its unique attraction — a resident sloth. 

Brandi Murry, a paralegal with Pine Belt Land Title, said her company opened a Stone County office after noticing a growing need. 

“I actually live less than a mile away, so this was just a perfect fit for me and my company,” Murry said. “It’s a great place to be.” 

The momentum isn’t limited to small businesses. Essary said at least two large companies are preparing to open in currently vacant commercial spaces in Wiggins over the next 10 months. 

“At least one of them will be hiring between 50 and 75 people in their good-paying jobs,” she said. “They’re not ready to announce their businesses, but that’s exciting for us.” 

Past efforts, future goals to fill the gaps 

With only one municipality in the county — Wiggins — rural communities often lack the housing options and infrastructure seen in more suburban areas. 

That’s why, beyond business growth, Essary said the Economic Development Partnership is focusing on several pressing needs: quality housing, workforce development, infrastructure improvements and strengthening downtown Wiggins. 

She said the county must focus on attracting quality housing, calling it “a big need.”  

Essary said residents often take to social media saying, “I’m looking for a house …. I’m looking for a neighborhood,” which she said reflects the growing demand.  

“That is just a challenge for us — to have places to live,  — good neighborhoods to live in,” she said. 

Spurring housing development is critical to building the workforce for the county’s strongest industries, like timber, which Essary called a key part of the area’s long-term economic growth. 

“We are already a thriving timber industry,” she said. “That’s been sort of our benchmark in the past, and it’s something that’s going to take us into the future.” 

Investing in small businesses and infrastructure 

In 2024, Stone County officials partnered with Mississippi Power Co. to launch the Facade Grant Program, offering up to $5,000 for exterior improvements to local businesses. Since its launch in 2022, 10 businesses have received funding — including Post on Pine Irish Pub and Straigle’s Steakhouse. 

Essary said these investments help bring people into the area and create jobs. According to WLOX, the opening of Straigle’s Steakhouse created around 17 positions. 

The EDP also plans to update welcome signs across the county by the end of July and is developing resources through the county’s workforce initiative to support small business owners and help them access capital, mentorship and marketing support. 

“They’re really the backbone of our community,” she said. 

A 2% local sales tax — derived from restaurants and the rental of hotel and motel rooms in the county — helps fund these efforts. 

“We want to be able to pour that back into the community,  and we do,” said Essary. “We pour that back into industrial development, small business development and promoting our tourism assets.” 

Though challenges remain — particularly around housing and workforce gaps — Essary said she is optimistic about the county’s direction. 

“I want to be able to tell the story of those men and women who are putting their personal investments on the line to open businesses and believe in this community,” she said. “That takes a lot.”