NATCHEZ — Natchez Inc. Board Chairwoman Sue Stedman was honored with an award Thursday for her contribution to the recent boost in local economic development.

Entergy Mississippi Inc. CEO Haley Fisackerly presented Stedman with the company’s Teamwork Mississippi Community Leadership Award at a luncheon at Roux 61.

Fisackerly said Stedman was the catalyst bringing key stakeholders together and developing structure in the public and private partnership between Natchez Now and Natchez Inc. that has led to an increase in economic development.

Partnerships between local officials, organizations and businesses are important, Fisackerly said, because it shows prospective developers that a community is working together.

now, and when you bring people in and they can see the community already working together, it says something to them,” he said.

Fisackerly said Natchez and Adams County are a good representation of how a community can come together in public and private partnership and make a difference.

“And, Sue, you are making a difference here,” he said.

Stedman thanked her husband, Joe, and other community officials and members for their help in her achievement.

“You don’t get things like this by yourself,” Stedman said. “You get them with the help and support of the people who work with you. I feel like this award is for everyone in Natchez and Adams County.”

Stedman said Entergy has been a perfect partner in economic development projects. Fisackerly said working together with communities not only helps the communities grow but Entergy as well.

The award was created in 1992 and is given to outstanding volunteers or retired professionals in economic development, downtown revitalization, leadership programs or other areas of community development within the Entergy Mississippi service area.

City and county officials, as well as members of Natchez Inc., Natchez Now and other organizations joined Entergy officials at the luncheon.

Mayor Jake Middleton said he knows how hard Stedman has worked to help build local economic development.

“What’s going on right now is good for all of us,” he said. “These are exciting times in our community, and we have good people in place.”