City of Greenville, Mississippi

Errick D. Simmons

Mayor

February 22, 2023

Mayor Errick D. Simmons Announces $2.5 Million Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Grant for Greenville Mid-Delta Airport

Mayor Errick D. Simmons announced another key milestone in the transformation of the Greenville Mid-Delta Airport with the receipt of a $2.5 Million Dollar Grant by Delta Regional Authority (DRA).


Last year, the City of Greenville entered a partnership with Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance, Inc., to develop aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities and provide related services. Included in the Project scope is the improvement, construction, and/or installation of Hangar 450 to support future maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations at the Greenville Mid-Delta Airport to create jobs and workforce development opportunities for the Delta region.


The Hangar Improvement Project is one of several improvement projects underway or about to begin at the Mid-Delta Airport. Improvements to Hangar 450 will help to make the airport a more viable economic asset for the city and foster future job creation and growth for the airport and the community.


Mayor Errick D. Simmons’ statement


“This multi-million dollar DRA grant is a testament of how local and federal partnerships matter in creating economic opportunities in rural communities. This administration’s prioritization of the airport will permanently improve our economic competitiveness in aviation and aerospace in a way that our community has never seen before. Further, under the leadership of Dr. Corey Wiggins, Greenville and small communities in the DRA footprint have seen a new level of commitment when it comes to economic development, community development, and infrastructure. Thanks to the Airport Director Sam Washington, Greenville City Council, South Delta Planning and Development District, and other local, state, and federal stakeholders for this project.”


Statement from DRA Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins 


“Delta Regional Authority is excited to announce a $2.5 million investment into the Greenville Mid-Delta Airport to bring its facilities up to Department of Defense code standards. As one of the first jet training facilities in the United States, the airport has made many contributions to aviation and the national defense of our country. With this investment, in conjunction with local funding, the renovated airport will help bring economic prosperity to Greenville and the Mississippi Delta region. It will open the door for hundreds of good paying jobs and be a catalyst for the new industry moving in and making this region their home.

Click here to view Press Release

Mayor Errick D. Simmons Announces Viking to Begin Stops in Greenville Bringing Thousands of Tourists

Mayor Errick D. Simmons announces Viking will commence stops in Greenville this Friday, February 24, 2023, bringing thousands of tourists over a period of time.

 

As Greenville mayor and Co-Chair of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), Mayor Simmons approached Viking last year about adding Greenville as a stop for Viking to experience the Delta culture, warm hospitality, great food, great people, and great places in Greenville. MRCTI is an organization of 103 Mayors along the mainstem Mississippi River. Tourism on the Mississippi River supports over 300,000 jobs, and those visiting the river spend 20 billion dollars annually. Viking launched operations on the Mississippi River just last year and other cruise lines are expanding operations. Greenville is now poised to become a greater part of this industry, which many cities along the river have benefited from.

 

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being the first cruise line to ever be named both the #1 Ocean Line and the #1 River Line in a single year in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 “World’s Best” Awards. Viking has also been rated the #1 River Line and #1 Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2022 and 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards.


Statement of Mayor Errick D. Simmons

“The river cruising industry is expanding rapidly along the United States' most important and iconic river. Greenville’s history and heritage are an important part of the Mississippi River’s heritage. Tourists can now gain a deeper understanding of the Mississippi Delta and the resilient nature of its people surviving incredible natural disasters. We can also thank the region for giving us blues music, which later inspired rock and roll and R&B music. Thanks for coming to Greenville. This partnership produces a wealth of opportunities for Greenville, our businesses, and our residents.”

Click here to view Press Release

Community Health Fair

Mayor Errick D. Simmons thanks Dr. Fakorede, the Mayor's Health Council, staff at the Mayor’s Office, along with various other organizations that hosted a Community Health Fair on Saturday, February 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. During this event, citizens gained valuable health information with the opportunity to receive free BP and PAD Screenings, health information, and other various health services. Dr. Fakorede and The Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi Team were in attendance to present the community with beneficial health information as well.



Statement from Mayor Errick D. Simmons:

"This event is yet another event to create a healthier City population and Mississippi Delta region. It is imperative that we know our numbers. Knowing is caring. Know your numbers for you, your family, and your community.”

Mayor Simmons Meets with Viking Representatives

Mayor Errick D. Simmons speaks about the Greenville’s warm hospitality, great people, great food, and great entertainment to representatives of Viking.

Mayor Errick D. Simmons Attends the White House Screening of the Movie, "Till"

By special invitation of President Joe Biden, Mayor Errick D. Simmons was excited to join leaders around the nation as well as actors and producers, of the The White House Screening of the movie, “Till”.

The City of Greenville was Awarded $2M to Assist with the Healthcare Needs of Our Community

Mayor Errick D. Simmons attended the press conference of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson after passage of the 2023 appropriations government funding package. Greenville was awarded $2,000,000 (two million dollars) to assist with the healthcare needs of our community.



At the press conference, Mayor Simmons thanked Congressman Thompson as “America’s Congressman” and highlighted the failure of the state to expand Medicaid, the negative ripple effects that the Delta’s only neonatal clinic closing down, one pedestrian for 4,000 children in the Delta,” among other things; and we see those state failures and problems, we (local governments) look to the federal solution in Congressman Thompson to help the healthcare crisis we face.

Click Here to Watch Press Conference

Feds Give Greenville Grant for Primary Care Clinic as Delta Faces Loss of Health Care Services


Click here to view Mississippi Today Article

Mayor Simmons Presented the Ladies of City Hall with Valentine's Day Gifts

Mayor Errick D. Simmons wishes City employees and all citizens of Greenville a Happy Valentine’s Day. Each woman in City Hall received a balloon and a candy box as a token of appreciation for everything they do for the City on a daily basis.

Mayor Errick D. Simmons Salutes Greenville Police Department for its Annual Support Program, "Police and Senior's Day"

The Greenville Police Department and Walmart Store #182 held their annual “Police & Senior’s Day.” This event has been set aside around the time of Valentine’s Day to show their appreciation to seniors in our community. The police department and Walmart come together to give 11 Seniors a small shopping spree that they may purchase assorted items that they need.


Police Chief Marcus Turner says, “Walmart has partnered with us for the past two years to make this event possible so that we can be a blessing to our seniors in our community. At this time, we only host 11 Seniors, but we’re hoping this event will become much larger. It’s our way of spreading love in our community, one heart at a time.”

Ward 6 Councilman James Wilson, City of Greenville Representatives, FoodCorps representatives, and Greenville Public School District Representatives Assisted the Greenville Tree Board with Planting Trees Around the City

Ward 6 Councilman James Wilson, City of Greenville Representatives, FoodCorps representatives, and Greenville Public School District representatives came out to assist the Greenville Tree Board with planting 80+ trees around the city. Everyone put their hands to the plow as every tree was placed in the ground with care. The morning was cold, but the hearts of everyone who came out to lend a helping hand were warm!


Statement from Mayor Errick D. Simmons:

“Beautifying our community is effective when community members from all over the city join in on a collaborative effort to continue to keep Greenville beautiful. I thank Councilman James Wilson and everyone who came out yesterday to help put the GREEN in GREENville.”

Pathways to Possibilities

With an annual purpose to “Engage. Educate. Empower”, the Mississippi Delta's two-day career expo, Pathways to Possibilities (P2P), served over 2,000 8th graders from thirteen (13) counties in and around the Mississippi Delta. Wednesday, February 8th and Thursday, February 9th in Greenville (host city) presented a great return of the 6th Annual Mississippi Delta Pathways 2 Possibilities event.


Statement of Mayor Errick D. Simmons

“I would like to give thanks to organizers, sponsors, supporters, businesses, and all who made it a huge success! Delta P2P continues to create career pathways for our youth. Our youth hold the future of their community in their hands. Events such as these motivate them to become the best they can be while exposing them to the possibilities of the future."

View P2P Footage Here

Mississippi River Marathon:

A Huge Run

"Running is an individual sport, but hosting a marathon takes a true team effort,"

states Mayor Errick D. Simmons.


Mayor Simmons would like to thank the team effort of Mississippi River Marathon organizers, sponsors, vendors, participants, civic and social organizations, businesses, Greenville Police Department-GPD, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Greenville, Mississippi Public Works Department, Mayor’s Youth Council, and all who made this year’s marathon a huge success.


Rethink Your Drink!

Kids are already sweet, so why give them more sugar?

On Friday, February 3rd, the City of Greenville FoodCorps Program visited McBride Elementary School to teach them about the hidden sugars in popular beverages. The students (and adults) were shocked at how much sugar is in their favorite drinks! After teaching students about hidden sugars, the students were given an opportunity to try a Green Spinach Smoothie. They were also given Spinach Smoothie recipe cards to help them make their own smoothie at home!


Statement from Mayor Errick D. Simmons

“Children are a major influence for adults in the community . Educating our children about the importance of nutritional awareness will increase the chances of adults adopting a healthier lifestyle. Thus, promoting a happier and healthier community. Our children are the future, so we must do everything we can to equip them for a healthy life!”

Click Here to See Footage

Where You At BBQ's Grand Opening

Mayor Errick D. Simmons would like to congratulate Mr. & Mrs. Eric Johnson on opening their brick and mortar, Where You At BBQ, located at 152 Harvey street. You may remember Mr. Johnson with his food truck parked in front of Wards Recreation Center on weekends.


Due to their hard work, dedication and faithfulness they have now been awarded their own location. There have been more businesses opening in Greenville in the last four years than you have seen in the past twenty years. If you’re looking to start a business or even growing a business, Greenville is the place that welcomes you.

Watch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Here

Health is Wealth

The Mayor’s Health Council hosted a Health is Wealth Health Fair. This event took place at Ward's Recreation Center. Dozens of citizens came out to take advantage of all of the resources that were available! During this event, citizens had access to medical resources and suicide prevention materials, HIV tests and resources, various medical screenings, and more!


Mayor Errick D. Simmons thanks the Mayor’s Health Council, participating organizations, and all participating citizens for making this event a success!


Statement from Mayor Errick D. Simmons

“We continue our “Health is Wealth” series because we know knowing your numbers is caring for yourself, your family, and your community. Know your numbers.”

Sound the Alarm About Fire Safety

Mayor Errick D. Simmons, Betty Allison of American Red Cross of Mississippi, Ashley Beale with Congressman Bennie G. Thompson Office, Commissioner Willie Simmons, Senator Derrick T. Simmons, Representative John Hines, Councilman Luranne Thomas Kingdom, Fire Chief Ruben Brown of Greenville Fire Department, Representatives of Entergy, Greenville Chapter President Carol White-Richard for Circuit Court Judge and other members of Delta Sigma Theta, and other Greek members of Divine 9 joined American Red Cross and first responders to kick-off outreach efforts to install smoke alarms in homes in Greenville and Washington County.

Community Soup Kitchen

MRCTI Mayors and Great Lakes Mayors Meet to Discuss the Mississippi River and its Significance to America and the World

Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative Co-Chair Mayor Errick D. Simmons and other River mayors were honored to host with the Great Lakes Mayors a dinner in Washington, DC and White House meeting to talk President and members of the cabinet along with other high-level federal officials about the Mississippi River and its significance to America and the world.

Mayor Simmons Salutes 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta for its 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program

Mayor Errick D. Simmons Salutes 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta for their Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade