WIGGINS — Stone County leaders are building on momentum from a 2025 Destination Marketing Organization of the Year award, using tourism marketing to drive foot traffic, highlight local stories and support small businesses.  The Mississippi Tourism Association presented the award in October 2025, recognizing Explore Stone County’s coordinated approach to promoting the county as a place to visit, shop, eat, and invest. Local leaders said the recognition validated ongoing work and strengthened efforts moving forward. 

Those efforts included the ARPA-funded “Hidden Gems Await” campaign, which highlighted local experiences and community stories while encouraging visitors to explore beyond traditional stops. Leaders continued using that brand to reinforce Stone County’s identity and support local businesses. 

Much of that momentum centered on improvements in downtown Wiggins. Layla Essary, executive director of the Stone County Development Partnership, said programs that support exterior upgrades and increased foot traffic helped build community pride.  

“People remember coming here with their families as children,” she said. “We’re really grateful for the opportunity to promote places to get outside but also to eat and to shop.”  

The “Hidden Gems” campaign took inspiration from the county’s name, but Essary said the focus extended beyond geography to the people who give Stone County its character. 

“The gems of Stone County have been something we’ve been able to profile … and that’s our people,” she said.

Leaders focused on marketing, partnerships and visible improvements to benefit residents and businesses. Essary said creating a welcoming environment helped sustain momentum.

“When you feel welcomed, you feel like you matter,” she said. “This is a community that feels that way about you coming in and visiting.”  

Tourism efforts also promoted outdoor attractions, including Flint Creek, and displayed the “Explore Stone County” brand along routes into downtown Pine Hill.