Ignite 2026 Tickets on Sale Now | | |
IGNITE THE LEADER IN YOU!
The Community Development Foundation believes at our community’s core, the ultimate catalyst for growth is the ability to identify, engage, and ignite the right people. Ignite is a leadership conference featuring world-class speakers, incredible peer-to-peer interaction, and an energizing atmosphere. Ignite will get you what you need to grow your leadership skills or those of your entire team.
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🎉 Celebrating 25 Years
of Leadership! 🎉
This month, CDF proudly celebrates our President & CEO, David Rumbarger, on his 25th anniversary!
Over the past quarter-century, David’s leadership has shaped not only CDF but also the entire Lee County community through countless accomplishments. Most importantly, he has inspired and guided all of us here at CDF with vision, passion, and dedication.
Thank you, David, for 25 years of unwavering commitment to the CDF team and our community. You have made a lasting impact on all of us.
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▶️ From laid-back Business After Hours mixers🍷, to member-focused Roundtables🔊, Lunch & Learns🍴, early morning WakeUp!☀️ and more, every CDF event is engineered to help you connect, lead, and grow.
Whether you need fresh insights, strategic partnerships, or a burst of professional inspiration, our calendar is packed with dynamic touchpoints that move your business forward. Join us and experience how the Community Development Foundation turns networking into relationships, knowledge into action, and momentum into measurable results. (VIEW ALL CURRENT CDF EVENTS HERE!)🗓️
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Thursday, August 21
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
1317 N Gloster St., Tupelo
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Friday, September 5
7:00 - 8:30 a.m.
Elvis Presley Birthplace Event Center
306 Elvis Presley Dr., Tupelo
Event Sponsor: HoneyBaked Ham
Venue Sponsor: Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation
Breakfast Sponsor: BNA Bank
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Wednesday, September 24
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
CDF JESCO, Inc. Boardroom
398 E Main St., Tupelo
Snack Sponsor: Pizza Doctor
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Crossroads of Saltillo is your trusted destination for quality used vehicles and a car-buying experience that’s fast, easy, and transparent.
As the dedicated used vehicle branch of Crossroads Automotive of Corinth, we uphold the same values of integrity, service, and customer satisfaction that have defined our name for years. With over 120 years of combined automotive experience, our team is here to help you find the right vehicle at the right price — without hassle, pressure, or surprises. We’re proud to offer a Free Lifetime Powertrain Warranty on most of our vehicles, giving you added peace of mind long after you drive off the lot.
Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or buying your first car, we’re here to make the entire process simple and stress-free. Stop by and ask about our Crossroads Confidence program! At Crossroads of Saltillo, it's not just about cars — it’s about people, trust, and a better way to buy.
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DID YOU KNOW?
During the 2024-2025 CDF year, the Chamber of Commerce held 79 events!
These events included networking opportunities, chances to meet people, make connections, and more! Each year marketing opportunities are available for each event. If you're interested in sponsoring an event, consider getting involved with the REACH Campaign, held each year from March through April. For more information, call 662-842-4521.
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✂️A ribbon cutting is the ultimate “ta-da!” moment—perfect for grand openings, milestone anniversaries, or new ownership—and it instantly spotlights your story to the whole community. 📸🤝
With CDF rallying local leaders and excited customers, that single snip turns into priceless publicity and fresh connections. 🚀✨ From the first cut, these celebrations spark buzz, drive foot traffic, and launch your business toward long-term success!
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🤝 CDF Ambassadors are a prestigious group of individuals 👥 from the Community Development Foundation member investors who volunteer to enhance communication between CDF and its membership. 🌟
These dedicated representatives serve as a vital link in helping CDF understand and support the needs of its members. 💬
If you are interested in becoming a CDF Ambassador, contact Judd Wilson at 662-842-4521 or jwilson@cdfms.org.
| | Colby Chapin with BankFirst has been named Ambassador of the Month. A second-year ambassador, Colby is always present at ribbon cuttings, readily volunteers when needed, and actively encourages local businesses to become part of CDF. CDF congratulates Colby Chapin as Ambassador of the Month. | | 📢 Get the latest news from CDF by visiting our Press Release/Information page on our website for press releases, updates, and announcements straight from the heart of the Tupelo/Lee County business community! 📰 | | |
"Startup Company Gulf Spore Wins Big at ‘The Pitch 2025’ in Tupelo"
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"On July 16th, area Mississippi founders took the stage in Tupelo to compete in the 2025 edition of The Pitch, an annual business competition hosted by the Community Development Foundation. Each finalist delivered their best pitch to a panel of judges, but Brandi Brown and her company, Gulf Spore, rose to the top."
Read More
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David Rumbarger, President/CEO of CDF, with Steve Doocy of Fox and Friends. | |
On August 12th, Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy featured Downtown Tupelo in their Main Street, USA series. Our city truly came together and showed out at Fairpark Grill and several other downtown businesses. What a proud day for Tupelo!
SEE PHOTOS
| | | | "Construction underway for Chickasaw Heritage Center in Tupelo" | |
"Construction is underway on the Chickasaw Heritage Center in Tupelo.
The $60 million project is being built along Gun Club Road — which is near the Tupelo Regional Airport — and will cover 162 acres.
The Chickasaw Inkana Foundation broke ground on the project in the summer of 2024. Right now, the construction is in its infancy but is slated for completion in 2026."
READ MORE
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CDF Membership is a vibrant community of passionate and driven business owners—from small startups to large enterprises.
Being a part of CDF opens the door to powerful connections, meaningful networking opportunities, and real growth for your business in the Tupelo/Lee County, Mississippi area. 📈 Come be a part of something exciting at CDF! Interested in joining? Reach out to Amy Speck at 662-842-4521 or aspeck@cdfms.org.
🎉 Help us give a warm welcome to our newest members! 🎉
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| | Auburn Technical Assistance Center
570 Devall Dr., Ste. 305
Auburn, AL | Peoplelink Staffing
1738 Cliff Gookin Blvd.
Tupelo, MS | | Enterprise Rent-A-Car- Barnes Crossing
890 Barnes Crossing Rd., Ste. 1
Tupelo, MS | Rhumbline AI
1412 Pinecrest Dr.
Tupelo, MS | | Enterprise Rent-A-Car- Daybrite Drive
551 Daybrite Dr.
Tupelo, MS | S E Fleming CPA, LLC
419 Magazine St.
Tupelo, MS | | Lamp & Ladder Counseling
111 E Troy St., Ste. G
Tupelo, MS | Senses Wellness, Spa and Salon
1703 W Main St.
Tupelo, MS | | Mitchell, Cunningham, & Bowling
112 N Broadway St.
Tupelo, M | Vance & Company, P.A.
330 W Jefferson St., Ste. A
Tupelo, MS | | | |
🔎 View special deals and more from CDF Members! 💼🎉
📣 If you’re a CDF member and want to take advantage of your membership benefits by advertising in CDF's Members Corner, please submit your ad to ENEWSLETTER@CDFMS.ORG. 📅 Ads must be resubmitted each month.❗ Be sure to read the FAQ section on our website before submitting your ad for important guidelines. ✅
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SAVE MONEY ON PURCHASES FROM CDF MEMBERS! |
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Many of our amazing CDF Members offer exclusive discounts on purchases!
Deals are available in a variety of industries, including 🚗 Automotive, 🛠️ Contractors, 😁 Dentistry, 💰 Financial, 🏨 Hotels & Motels, 💎 Jewelers, 🍷 Liquor & Wine, 🐜 Pest Control, 🍽️ Restaurants & Catering, 🛍️ Retail & Specialty Shops, 🪧 Signage, 🐶 Veterinary, 🏋️♂️ Fitness, and more!
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| Thanks to our presenting sponsor and sponsor of the next three seasons of IgniteCast, iHeartMedia! | | |
Season Kickoff: A Look Back & A Look Ahead
We’re kicking off a brand-new season of IgniteCast with a conversation that blends the best of the past with the excitement of what’s ahead for the Ignite Leadership Conference 2026.
Join hosts Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor as they reflect on past Ignite highlights, share behind-the-scenes insights on how speakers are chosen, and revisit powerful moments from keynote voices like Kwame Christian on navigating difficult conversations, Dr. Henry Cloud on the power of connection, and Aaron Davis on knowing your “why".
Plus, get a sneak peek into what makes Ignite such a transformative experience for leaders and why January 29, 2026 is already circled on our calendars.
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🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader, right where you are.
Visit 👉 www.TheIgniteCast.com to listen or anywhere you listen to podcasts!
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The Renasant Center for IDEAs💡is a regional business incubator in Tupelo/Lee County, Mississippi, operated by the Community Development Foundation, that helps create and support the entrepreneurial💼spirit of our community.
Find resources to start, grow, or relocate a business to Lee County. Discover unique programs and support services for women-owned and minority-owned businesses. Entrepreneurs looking to build and grow business will find strength in Northeast Mississippi’s diversity and a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
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Get help for your small business!
The Small Business Development Center provides a variety of FREE services to more than 10,000 start-up and ongoing small businesses. The services include individual counseling, workshops, and information exchange.
The SBDC assists in the development of business plans, marketing, management, innovation development, and financial planning. A business counselor is available in the Renasant Center for IDEAs to assist those considering becoming tenants and to assist the tenants as they develop and grow.
Small Business Development Center
Tupelo Office:
Renasant Center for IDEAs
398 E Main St., Room 102
662-816-5230
| | | We could not do what we do without our many members! CDF is poised to succeed and collectively make Tupelo/Lee County, Mississippi a better place to live and to work. | |
CDF Chamber Connection is one of the ways your CDF membership works for your business. This monthly newsletter, presented by Office Furniture Warehouse, keeps members updated on CDF events and news. Our aim is to be a concise, yet valuable information resource.
This newsletter is published the third Tuesday of each month.
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If you have any questions, please let me know!
Hi! I'm Taylor Tutor, Director of Marketing for CDF. Every month, we put together a newsletter designed to keep you informed, engaged, and encouraged as a CDF member.
If you would like to place an ad in our Members Corner, or have any questions about the CDF Newsletter, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to helping you make the most of your CDF membership.
Thanks!
Taylor Tutor
Director of Marketing
ttutor@cdfms.org
662-842-4521
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