Brittany Mayfield is the new director of economic development for the city of Madison. The city has merged its chamber of commerce with its economic development efforts and created Madison Community Partners.
Before accepting her new role, Mayfield was the city’s general manager of events for four years.
Mayfield grew up in Benton and earned a bachelor’s in business administration with a minor in fashion merchandising and art from Delta State University in 2010. Her career has included stints as an assistant buyer for a fashion business, a wedding and event coordinator and an account manager at an insurance company.
Mayfield and her husband, Grant, live in Madison and are the parents of two daughters.
What is the focus of Madison Community Partners?
“The main purpose is to help promote our city and the businesses in the city as well as bring new business to our city. We are more or less merging the great things the Madison the City Chamber of Commerce did along with the city to make one good force.
“Handling special events, which is what I did previously, will fall under this department along with managing the Mayor’s Youth Council and the Madison Farmers Market.”
What role did the coronavirus pandemic play in the city of Madison re-thinking its economic development efforts?
“It made us look and view our businesses in a different light. We want to be able to help them succeed. COVID opened our eyes to new ways of doing this.”
How will you promote existing businesses in Madison?
“We will promote them via social media campaigns, ribbon cuttings and networking events for business owners and employees as well as through special events.”
Is there any fee or membership that a business must pay for promotion?
“We will promote them at no cost. There’s no membership or dues.”
What kind of businesses would you like to see more of in Madison?
“Businesses that would benefit families, everything from restaurants to fun play activities.”
How many businesses are there in Madison?
“Around 700.”
What kinds of businesses are in Madison?
“It’s everything from real estate to restaurants and small shops to big box stores.”
Can you help someone starting a business find a location?
“We will help businesses that want to come to Madison to find the best place for them to locate.”
Will Madison rely on consultants for help with its economic development efforts?
“Yes. Steven Vassallo, a former economic advisor for Madison, will research those businesses that will be the best fit for our community.”
Do you expect to hire additional employees to help with economic development efforts?
“That’s still in the works. We’ve yet to determine how many people we will hire.”
What makes Madison an attractive location for businesses?
“Madison is a young, growing community with families. We have the best school system around. The medical community is strong here and we want to continue to support it.”
What strengths do you bring to the job?
“By living and working in Madison for the last four years, I’ve gotten to know the community and I can relate to the businesses in Madison. I’ve worked in retail, insurance and event planning and know how they all interact and interweave I can relate to the struggles and successes of a business.”
What attributes have you found useful in event planning that will be helpful in your new role?
“To be an event planner, you have to be a multi-tasker. Multi-tasking, organization, and people are strengths of mine.”
What was your first job?
“I worked for an insurance agency and for an event planner when I was in high school.”
Where will the office of Madison Community Partners be located?
“In the building next to Half Shell Oyster House, where the Madison the Chamber of Commerce was located. The building used to be Pilgrim’s Rest Mississippi Baptist Church. The Rev. Matthew Canada, the original pastor at the church, cut the ribbon on July 2 for when it became home to Madison Community Partners.”
