NAVIGATING THE CURRENTS 

OF OPPORTUNITY

2023 DELTA SUMMIT

DRA.GOV

ALABAMA | ARKANSAS | ILLINOIS | KENTUCKY | LOUISIANA | MISSISSIPPI | MISSOURI | TENNESSEE
TABLE OF CONTENTS

About the Delta Regional Authority (DRA)

What We Do 

DRA Leadership and Board Members

Welcome from DRA Leadership

2023 Delta Summit Program

Hotel Floor Plan

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ABOUT THE DELTA 

REGIONAL AUTHORITY

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) 

was established in 2000 as a federal 

framework for joint federal-state 

collaboration to promote and encourage 

the economic development of the lower 

Mississippi River and Alabama Black 

Belt regions. To fulfill this purpose, 

DRA invests in projects supporting 

transportation infrastructure, basic 

public infrastructure, workforce training, 

and business development. DRA works 

to create jobs, build communities, and 

improve the lives of those that reside in 

the region. DRA’s region encompasses 

252 counties and parishes in parts of 

Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, 

Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and 

Tennessee.

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WHAT WE DO

DRA supports and promotes economic 

development within the lower Mississippi 

Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions 

through its programming opportunities. 

Designed to make strategic investments 

in critical and human infrastructure and 

capacity building, DRA’s programming aims 

to impact economic growth and opportunity 

in economically distressed communities.

States’ Economic Development Assistance 

(SEDAP) Program

SEDAP is DRA’s main investment tool used to 

fund basic public infrastructure, transportation 

infrastructure, business development with an 

emphasis on entrepreneurship, and workforce 

development.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF) Programs

CIF complements SEDAP with investments in 

public infrastructure such as water and sewer and 

flood mitigation.

Public Works & Economic Adjustment Assistance 

(PWEAA) 

PWEAA helps distressed communities revitalize, 

expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure.

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Health Programs

Through partnerships with the U.S. Department 

of Defense, U.S. Department of State, and U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, DRA 

supports the following programs, Delta Doctors, 

Innovative Readiness Training, Delta Region 

Community Health Systems Development Program, 

and Delta Region Rural Hospital Workforce Training 

Program.

HUMAN INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMS

Workforce Programs

DRA’s Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) 

invests in workforce training programs that meet 

local industry needs to build talent pipelines, which 

support industry clusters and helps accelerate local, 

state, and regional economic development. DRA 

also works in partnership with the U.S. Department 

of Labor to support its Workforce Opportunity for 

Rural Communities (WORC) program.

Delta Leadership Institute

The Delta Leadership Institute is a 10-month 

leadership development program for regional 

leaders that prepares them to collaborate and 

address the most pressing issues of the Delta 

region.

LDD Community Support Pilot Program

The LDD Community Support Pilot Program is a 

non-competitive grant program open to the 45 

Local Development Districts (LDDs) in DRA’s service 

area. This program targets capacity-building and 

community support resources to LDDs.

CAPACITY-BUILDING PROGRAMS

Strategic Planning Program 

The Strategic Planning Program gives public 

entities access to strategic planning funds to 

address long-standing issues and develop a 

roadmap for economic growth and opportunity.

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DRA LEADERSHIP

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY LEADERSHIP

Dr. Corey Wiggins

Federal Co-Chair

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS

Governor Kay Ivey

Alabama Governor

Governor Sarah Huckabee 

Sanders

Arkansas Governor

Governor JB Pritzker

Illinois Governor, States’ Co-Chair

Governor Andy Beshear

Kentucky Governor

Governor John Bel Edwards

Louisiana Governor

Governor Tate Reeves

Mississippi Governor

Governor Michael L. Parson

Missouri Governor

Governor Bill Lee

Tennessee Governor

Crystal Talley

Alabama Alternate

Amy Williams

Arkansas Alternate

JB Pritzker

States’ Co-Chair

Kenneth Boswell

Alabama Designee 

Clint O’Neal

Arkansas Designee 

Brandi Bradley

Illinois Designee

Dennis Keene

Kentucky Designee 

Roderick Scott

Louisiana Designee

Sam Andrews

Mississippi Designee

Robert J. Knodell

Missouri Alternate

Brooxie Carlton

Tennessee Designee

Lynne Chambers

Illinois Alternate

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WELCOME FROM DRA LEADERSHIP

On behalf of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), 

States’ Co-Chair, and our Board of Governors, we 

welcome you to New Orleans, Louisiana, and the 

2023 Delta Summit.

We are thrilled to return to New Orleans for our 

second annual Delta Summit, themed Navigating 

Currents of Opportunity, around DRA’s Regional 

Development Plan IV. It only seems fitting to be 

back in New Orleans, a city defined by its historical, 

cultural, and economic opportunities, as well as its 

resiliency. 

DRA’s Regional Development Plan IV is not just 

a statement of our priorities but a driver of the 

actions that we will embark on for the next four 

years to capitalize on tremendous opportunities, 

focus on rural and distressed communities, and 

strengthen regional economic development. 

The plan establishes ambitious new goals, 

strategies, action steps, and guiding principles to 

achieve our vision for the future. However, we know 

we cannot do it alone, which is why this gathering 

of change-makers and visionaries from across our 

eight-state region will play a pivotal role as we 

navigate shifting currents together.

Over the next few days, we hope you take the 

opportunity to immerse yourself in all this Summit 

offers: inspiring keynote speakers, engaging 

sessions and workshops, enhanced technical 

assistance, networking opportunities, and perhaps 

a chance to laissez les bon temps rouler. Like 

the City of New Orleans and its rich tapestry of 

residents, only together can we navigate the 

currents of opportunity and strengthen our 

dynamic, culturally diverse, and economically 

significant region.

The DRA team is here for you throughout the 

Summit, ready to help with any questions or 

concerns. Please do not hesitate to reach out 

or stop by to say hello. We sincerely appreciate 

your participation and support for the 2023 

Delta Summit and look forward to continued 

engagement.

Sincerely,

Dr. Corey Wiggins

Federal Co-Chair
SUMMIT AGENDA

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2023 

12:00 – 2:00 p.m. 

Delta Summit Registration | Ballroom pre-function

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. 

Welcome | Ballroom 

Dr. Corey Wiggins, Federal Co-Chair, Delta Regional Authority;

Governor JB Pritzker, State of Illinois, Delta Regional Authority 

States’ Co Chair

2:15 – 3:15 p.m. 

Plenary | Cultivating Growth: Addressing Challenges and 

Nurturing Opportunities | Ballroom

Moderator: Deidre Deculus Robert, State Director, Louisiana 

USDA Rural Development

Governor John Bel Edwards, State of Louisiana, tentative 

Tom Vilsack, United States Secretary of Agriculture, tentative Dr. 

Corey Wiggins, Federal Co-Chair, Delta Regional Authority

The opening plenary of the 2023 Delta Summit will welcome 

attendees and initiate discussions around addressing socioeconomic challenges in distressed and rural communities while 

emphasizing the opportunities for regional investment and 

economic prosperity.

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. 

Break

3:30 – 4:45 p.m. 

Plenary | Building Bridges to Progress: Empowering 

Communities Through Infrastructure, Workforce, 

Entrepreneurship, and Creative Placemaking | Ballroom

Moderator: Shad Burner, Principal, KBS Group

Dwight Norton, Senior Director of Strategic Planning, New 

Orleans Regional Transportation Authority; Dr. Cindy Kelley, 

President, Madisonville Community College, Madisonville, 

Kentucky; Ernest Strickland, President, Black Business 

Association of Memphis; Felecia Lucky, Executive Director, Black 

Belt Community Foundation

This year’s Summit theme highlights DRA’s commitment to 

infrastructure, job creation, business expansion, and local 

economies. In this plenary, community and institutional 

voices from the region will share insights on creating vibrant, 

sustainable, and resilient communities with increased access to 

economic opportunities.

4:45 – 6:00 p.m.

Opening Reception | Ballroom pre-function 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023 

7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Delta Summit Registration | Ballroom pre-function

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Networking Breakfast | Ballroom pre-function

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Plenary | Beyond Limits: Unleashing Community Power and 

Prosperity | Ballroom 

Moderator: Brooxie Carlton, Assistant Commissioner of 

Community and Rural Development, Tennessee Department of 

Economic and Community Development 

Brandi Bradley, Laborers’ International Union, Local 773, Marion, 

Illinois; Michael Stubblefield, Vice Chancellor, Research & 

Strategic Initiatives, Southern University at New Orleans; 

Marshall Pierite, Chairman, Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Rhea 

Williams-Bishop, Director of Mississippi and New Orleans 

Programming, Kellogg Foundation

This thought-provoking plenary will bring together leaders from 

different sectors to share and discuss big ideas for unleashing 

community power and economic resilience. 

10:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Break

10:15 – 11:15 a.m. 

Concurrent Sessions

Navigating Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Human 

Infrastructure Programs: Workforce Programs & Delta 

Leadership Institute | St. Jerome

In this workshop, participants will learn about DRA’s two 

workforce grant programs, the Delta Workforce Grant Program 

and Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities, along with 

the Delta Leadership Institute. There will be a Q&A session for 

in-depth program information, including eligibility and the 

application process.

Cheyton Pendley, Workforce Programs Analyst, Delta Regional 

Authority; L. Nicole Stringfellow, Leadership Development 

Program Manager, Delta Regional Authority

Community Planning: Beyond Today’s Potholes and Pitfalls | St. 

Claude/Rosalie

Communities, regardless of size, grapple with local challenges 

essential for success and sustainability. Discover successful 

revitalization and economic growth strategies through two case 

studies on bringing downtowns back to life.

Thomas Gregory, Executive Director, Mississippi Main Street 

Association; Alex Lawson, Commissioner/Chairman, Jackson 

Redevelopment Authority

Philanthropy: Their Role in Economic Resilience and 

Revitalization | Maurepas

The Southern United States is rich in history, culture, and 

opportunities, but philanthropic and investment in the South, 

particularly the Delta region, has been historically overlooked. 

In this session, discover how foundations are sowing new seeds 

of growth in the region by promoting economic resilience and 

rejuvenation in the South.

Sanci Richardson, Consultant, The BRIDGE Consulting Group

Abe Hudson, Program Officer, Home Region Program, Walton 

Family Foundation ; Sherra Bennett, Equity Officer, Winthrop 

Rockefeller Foundation; Jamie Schmill, VP of Programs, 

Foundation for Louisiana

Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Paving the Path Forward | 

Frontenac

Examine current stats of how the DRA region compares 

to the national average in unemployment, labor force 

participation, and population growth. Identify partners, goals, 

and collaboration strategies for future business growth and a 

stronger workforce. Join the conversation to explore solutions 

for workforce challenges!

Vickey Bonney, Community Development Lead Specialist, 

Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce 

Development; Tamika Green, Community Development Senior 

Specialist, Missouri Department of Higher Education and 

Workforce Development

Office Hours: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 

and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | Orleans

Participants can engage in one-on-one discussions with FEMA 

and EPA representatives about resources and opportunities. No 

formal presentations are scheduled during these office hours. 
This time aims to connect organizations unfamiliar with FEMA 

and EPA to their valuable resources.

Alison Lorence, Federal Disaster Recovery Officer, Federal 

Emergency Management Agency; Karen Stafford, Deputy 

Federal Disaster Recovery Officer, Federal Emergency 

Management Agency; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

tentative

11:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Navigating Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Health Programs: 

Delta Doctors Program | St. Jerome

In this workshop, participants will learn about the Delta 

Doctors Program, which enhances healthcare access in DRA 

communities by allowing foreign physicians trained in the 

United States to work in underserved areas through J-1 visa 

waivers. A Q&A session will provide program-specific details, 

including eligibility and the application process.

Christina Wooden, Health Programs Manager, Delta Regional 

Authority; Barry Walker, Principal, Walker Immigration Law Firm

Breathing New Life into Neighborhoods through Community 

Revitalization | St. Claude/Rosalie

Architects Belinda Stewart and Ryan Biles discuss strategies for 

rural communities leveraging thoughtful design and research 

to highlight forgotten narratives and places that make up the 

fabric of our towns. Attendees will learn about projects, funding 

mechanisms, and organizational structures that have been 

used throughout the Delta to spark economic impact and 

community revitalization.

Ryan Biles, Director of Development, Thrive

Belinda Stewart, Principal, Belinda Stewart Architects 

Brownfields: Economic Gems in the Making | Maurepas

Explore the Brownfields program and discover how the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency Grants and Technical 

Assistance Program contributes to community revitalization. 

Gain insight into the role of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 

EPA’s funding opportunities. 

Adam Tatar, Brownfield Program Coordinator, New Orleans 

Regional Planning Commission; Michael Kennedy, Brownfields 

Project Officer & Regional Smart Growth Coordinator, U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency

Navigating Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Critical 

Infrastructure Programs: Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), 

and Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance 

(PWEAA) | Frontenac

In this workshop, participants will learn about DRA’s CIF, SEDAP, 

and PWEAA programs. There will be a Q&A session for in-depth 

program information, including eligibility and the application 

process.

Darci Malam, States’ Economic Development Assistance 

Programs Manager, Delta Regional Authority; Daniel Musgrave, 

States’ Economic Development Assistance Programs Analyst, 

Delta Regional Authority

Office Hours: Communities Unlimited and Louisiana 

Infrastructure Technical Assistance Corporation (LITA Corp) | 

Orleans

Participants can engage in one-on-one discussions with 

Communities Unlimited and LITA Corp representatives about 

resources and opportunities. No formal presentations are

scheduled during these office hours. This time aims to connect 

organizations unfamiliar with Communities Unlimited and LITA 

Corp to their valuable resources.

Russ Garner, Community Facilitator, Communities Unlimited 

Courtney Paige, Louisiana Infrastructure Technical Assistance 

Corporation (LITA Corp) 

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch | Ballroom pre-function

1:45 – 2:45 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

This Little Light of Ours: Producing the Mississippi Delta Civil 

Rights Heritage Tourism Summit | St. Jerome

In this session, learn how to boost regional capacity through 

a case study on cultural heritage tourism with effective 

strategies and valuable insights. Gain a behind-the-scenes look 

at event production, including capacity-building approaches, 

community needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, and 

social capital network development.

Rolando Herts, Ph.D., Director, Delta Center for Culture and 

Learning, Delta State University; Keena Graham, Superintendent, 

Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument; Malika 

Polk-Lee, Executive Director, BB King Museum and Delta 

Interpretive Center; John Spann, Program & Outreach Officer, 

Mississippi Humanities Council

Energizing Communities through the Power of Clean Energy | 

St. Claude/Rosalie

Clean energy is vital for the environment, public health, and 

long-term economic sustainability. Explore initiatives and 

opportunities for transformational investments that support 

clean energy and resilience while creating good-paying jobs in 

communities across the region.

Katrina Pielli, Director, Engagement Office, Office of Clean 

Energy Demonstrations, U.S. Department of Energy; Alex Jones, 

Director, Build Back Better Regional Challenge, U.S. Economic 

Development Administration, tentative; Lacy McManus, 

Executive Director of Future Energy, GNO, Inc.

Navigating Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Capacity-Building 

Programs: Strategic Planning Program and Local Development 

District (LDD) Community Support Pilot Program | Maurepas

In this workshop, participants will learn about DRA’s Strategic 

Planning Program and LDD Community Support Pilot Program. 

There will be a Q&A session for in-depth program information, 

including eligibility and the application process.

Matthew Campbell, Strategic Partnerships Program Manager, 

Delta Regional Authority

Small Business Synergy: Igniting Entrepreneurial Growth | 

Frontenac

Fostering a resilient small business community that can 

thrive in changing economies requires creating a supportive 

ecosystem. Learn how to empower local entrepreneurs and 

small business owners with the resources, knowledge, and 

networks they need to drive long-term regional economic 

growth and prosperity.

Michael Ricks, District Director, Louisiana Small Business 

Association; Veranesha Thompson, Executive Director, Capital 

Access, Funds 17; Bryan Greenwood, State Director, Louisiana 

Small Business Development Center 9
Alison Lorence, Federal Disaster Recovery Officer, Federal 

Emergency Management Agency; Karen Stafford, Federal 

Emergency Management Agency; Warren Miller, Senior 

Advisor, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, Small Business 

Administration 

Office Hours: State Economic Development (EDA) Offices | 

(Louisiana, Mississippi) | Orleans

Participants can engage in one-on-one discussions with their 

respective state EDA offices. No formal presentations are 

scheduled during these office hours. This time aims to connect 

organizations unfamiliar with their EDA offices to their valuable 

resources.

Tim Climer, Manager of Programs & Services, Mississippi 

Development Authority; Stacey Duvic, Senior Director, 

Community Competitiveness, Louisiana Economic Development

8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast | Ballroom pre-function

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Plenary | Economic Development in the Delta Region | 

Ballroom

Moderator: Lee Jones, Executive Director, Rural Partners 

Network 

Bill Bynum, Founder & CEO, HOPE Enterprise Corporation/

HOPE Credit Union; Ileana Ledet, Economic Development 

Representative, Austin Regional Office, Economic Development 

Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

In this plenary, join experts dedicated to transforming the Delta 

region into a vibrant economic hub as we delve into the critical 

theme of economic growth and revitalization in this historically 

rich yet economically challenged region of the United States.

10:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Break

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Innovative Readiness Training: Hosting a Successful Mission | 

Frontenac

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense and military 

reserves, DRA’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program 

provides medical, dental, and optical care to residents in need. 

In this session, gain insights on successful application and 

mission execution from a community partner and military 

professional.

Joel Evans, President & CEO, Delta Area Economic Opportunity 

Corporation; Andrew Adamich, Lt. Col, USAF, BSC, United States 

Air National Guard Innovative Readiness Training Program 

Manager 

USDA Rural Director panel: (Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky) | St. 

Claude/Rosalie

Participants will have the opportunity to receive firsthand 

information from their state’s Rural Directors regarding 

available grant opportunities and strategies for positioning 

themselves for successful applications.

Jill Floyd, State Director, Arkansas USDA Rural Development; 

Thomas Carew, State Director, Kentucky USDA Rural 

Development; Betsey Dirksen Londrigan, State Director, Illinois 

USDA Rural Development

Office Hours: State Economic Development (EDA) Offices | 

Alabama | Arkansas | Orleans

Participants can engage in one-on-one discussions with their 

respective state EDA offices. No formal presentations are 

scheduled during these office hours. This time aims to connect 

organizations unfamiliar with their state EDA offices to their 

valuable resources.

Crystal Talley, Alabama Department of Economic and 

Community Affairs; Amy Williams, Arkansas Economic 

Development Commission

2:45 – 3:15 p.m.

Networking Break

3:15 – 4:15 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

Navigating Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Health Programs: 

Delta Region Rural Hospital Workforce Training Program 

and Delta Region Community Health Systems Development 

Program | St. Jerome

In this workshop, participants will learn about the Delta 

Region Rural Hospital Workforce Training Program and Delta 

Region Community Health Systems Development Program. A 

Q&A session with provide in-depth program details, including 

eligibility and the application process.

Christina Wooden, Health Programs Manager, Delta Regional 

Authority; Alyssa Meller, Chief Operating Officer, National 

Rural Health Resource Center, Health Resources & Services 

Administration; Suzanne Snyder, Public Health Analyst, Hospital 

State Division, Health Resources and Services Administration, 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Accelerating Community Potential through Transportation 

Transformation | St. Claude/Rosalie

Transportation infrastructure is vital for economic growth, 

accessibility, safety, and sustainability. Explore the U.S. 

Department of Transportation’s initiatives and opportunities 

that aim to connect communities with the technical tools and 

resources to advance transformative infrastructure projects. 

Alex Clegg, Transportation Specialist, Office of the Under 

Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of 

Transportation; Ray Fulmer, Osceola Port Authority Chairman, 

Thriving Communities Program; 2023 RAISE Award Recipient, 

Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, tentative

Applying for Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Grants: The How, 

What, and When | Maurepas

DRA is committed to equitable access, transparency, and 

accountability of federal resources. To fulfill this commitment, 

DRA has launched a NEW comprehensive grants management 

system. In this workshop, get an introduction and overview of 

the system, and explore its user-friendly modules firsthand.

Moderator: Staresha Hoskins, Monitoring and Compliance 

Coordinator, Delta Regional Authority; Jasmine Bell, ENNCloud

Glen Johnson, Founder, ENNCloud 

Disaster Recovery: Beyond the Storm | Frontenac

The Federal Emergency Management Agency declared 

233 disasters in the eight DRA states in the last five years. 

This session delves into the crucial and often overlooked 

phase of post-disaster recovery, highlighting the challenges 

and opportunities for long-term resilience, rebuilding, and 

community renewal once the immediate storm has passed.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 
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USDA Rural Director panel: (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, 

Tennessee) | Maurepas

Participants will have the opportunity to receive firsthand 

information from their state’s Rural Directors regarding 

available grant opportunities and strategies for positioning 

themselves for successful applications.

Nivory Gordon, Jr., State Director, Alabama USDA Rural 

Development; Deidre Deculus Robert, State Director, Louisiana 

USDA Rural Development; Dr. Trina N. George, State Director, 

Mississippi USDA Rural Development; Arlisa Armstrong, State 

Director, Tennessee USDA Rural Development

11:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m

Closing Plenary | Impact of Equitable Infrastructure 

Investments | Ballroom 

Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to U.S. President, tentative

After two idea-packed days as a community, the closing 

plenary will bring the Summit’s key messages together, 

inspiring and mobilizing us as we persist in working toward 

fulfilling our shared vision of the region – one characterized by 

vibrant, sustainable, and resilient communities with boundless 

economic opportunities.

12:15 – 12:30 p.m.

Closing & Adjournment

ORLEANS 

ST. JEROME 

FRONTENAC 

MAUREPAS 

ST. CLAUDE/ROSALIE 

BALLROOM 

3RD Floor - JW Marriott New Orleans

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ALABAMA | ARKANSAS | ILLINOIS | KENTUCKY | LOUISIANA | MISSISSIPPI | MISSOURI | TENNESSEE