EDF CEO Outlines Economic Development Strategies at Inaugural Coffee & Conversations Chamber Event

EDF CEO Ryan Miller Addresses the First Coffee & Conversations Chamber Event

Oxford – Ryan Miller, Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Foundation (EDF), attended the inaugural Coffee & Conversation event, hosted by the Oxford and Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. Speaking to a gathering of approximately 30 people, Miller shared his future economic development plans for the region and the potential pathways to ensure Oxford continues to be a place “we get to live”.

A Call to Action

Miller, who was appointed as the EDF’s CEO in February, emphasized his desire to preserve what makes Oxford unique. He cited the phrase frequently heard around Oxford – “We get to live here” – and explained the responsibilities it entails.

“So when my dad would say, ‘We get to live here,’ we have a responsibility. We’ve got to be intentional. We’ve got to be understanding that if we want to maintain and protect what makes this place special and unique, while at the same time allowing it to grow, things don’t stay the same. It’s just the reality of things that today is wonderful and that tomorrow is going to be different… And I think we can balance being able to protect what we love.”

Four Cs for Success

Miller proposed overwhelming importance on the “Four Cs” – communication, cooperation, coordination, and consistency – pillars of focus he learned during his tenure as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Office of Workforce Development, known as AccelerateMS at the time.

Future Job Creation Plans

The EDF CEO expressed intentions of bringing in more industry to accelerate jobs in Lafayette County. He clarified, however, that the plan doesn’t mean attracting a 2,000-employee factory, citing lack of population density and suitable space as limiting factors. Instead, the focus would be on attracting small-scale service providers tied to larger industries.

“We don’t have the population density, and we honestly don’t have the space prepared for something like that,” he said. “So I’m not going to go after Toyota or PACCAR… But we can go after the companies that are service providers to them… that can build on the proximity to Marshall County mega sites like that, to provide folks out in the county opportunities for increased wages, better jobs and that might help with some infrastructure needs.”

The Way Forward

The speech offered an insightful look into the strategic direction Miller intends to pursue. With a clear focus on supporting local businesses, smaller industries, and maintaining the distinctive character of Oxford, his words signaled possible innovation and growth, while preserving the city’s unique charm and appeal.

The Coffee & Conversation event is expected to be a recurring forum for influencers, business leaders, and community members to discuss Oxford and Lafayette County’s future, with the active participation of key individuals like Miller seen as pivotal to the region’s success. The future sessions will host other speakers who are instrumental in shaping the economic landscape of the region.