Economic development officials in Newton say they are enthusiastic about a community growth study that will be conducted in coming weeks.

Newton residents who will be participating in it say they are enthusiastic about their hometown, and so was their guest Thursday. Jan Miller with Mississippi Main Street met with the community to get feedback before a study funded by a wired initiative grant is conducted.

The free study will look at ways to market and brand the community, among other issues, and according to Miller, the residents know exactly what needs to be done.

"They need people to get off the highway and come to their great downtown because you don't even know it's here," Miller said.

The actual study will take place June 9-11 when a seven-person group made up of community development experts from across the country will travel to Newton for an intense planning session. But what separates this study from others is extremely valuable.

Implementation is probably the one item that is left off," said Miller. "They will give a great plan, they leave and they are gone. Mississippi Main Street is long term."

Those in attendance were asked to discuss the plans and projects they believe are most important to the future growth of Newton. Many of those projects discussed were brand new ideas.

"A lot of ideas came to the table today, that we get so busy doing the everyday to day work that we don't think about.," said Angie Burks of the Newton Chamber of Commerce.

And Newton resident Leigh Anne Whittle said she believes the strong showing for the meeting proves that Newton is a city on the move.

"I know when these people come together, we are going to build businesses," said Newton resident Leigh Anne Whittle. "We are going to support each other and make it bigger and better."

Also in attendance at the Thursday meeting were chamber of commerce officials from Hickory and Decatur. Newton leaders plan to share what they learn with those communities to create a stronger region.