Brownsville, Haywood County benefits from a diversified economy of hundreds of small businesses, many industries, tourism and a lucrative agricultural economy.

For more information about locating your business or industry in West Tennessee and Haywood County, go to the West Tennessee Industrial Association site www.wtia.org.

The largest industry in Haywood County is agriculture. We grow more cotton that any other county in Tennessee and produced 108,091 bales in 2009 on 57,250 acres. With its rich, fertile soil, the county's heritage began on the farm and several generations later, it remains on the farm. Soybeans and corn are the county’s other major crops.

Then we must not forget about the abundant flower and vegetable gardens in the area that provide everyone with fresh vegetables for their summertime pleasure and for canning or freezing. We also have fruit farms in the county, and growers are more than happy to share their products with residents and visitors alike. Just look for the convenient fruit and vegetable stands on the streets or along the roadside or listen to your neighbors to find out where to get your fill of the fruits and vegetables of Haywood County's fertile ground.

Agriculture and agri-related businesses contributed more than $150,000 million to our economy in 2009.
 

Brownsville-Haywood County businesses offer a wide array of products and services to its shoppers. In addition to meeting your everyday shopping needs, the retail community is quickly developing a reputation for its "niche" shopping. With a retail base of hundreds of businesses, (more than 20 have opened up in the last several years) more and more are featuring a unique variety of products for browsers and shoppers. One can shop for collectibles, "vintage" clothing, jewelry, dried and silk flowers and other home décor items, pottery, stained glass, artwork, children's clothing, gifts and toys, china, silver, furniture, outdoor and recreational supplies, apparel and hunting and fishing equipment.

And while you're here, stop for a bite to eat in one of our many restaurants that offers a wide array of cuisines. You might especially want to try some of our Southern "home-cooked" meals in area restaurants. If you decide to make it an overnight shopping spree, book a room in Brownsville's historical bed and breakfast, Lilies, which also offers meals and a place for parties, dinners and receptions.

To become a member of the Brownsville Business Association, call the chamber at 731-772-2193 or go to the website at www.allaboutbrownsville.net/bba/

Brownsville, Haywood County is situated near the Hatchie River, now protected in our county as part of the Hatchie Wildlife Refuge that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The community is also the site of many historical homes and churches, the Haywood County Museum, the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center and other points of interest to residents and many visitors alike. Its location on Exit 56 of Interstate 40 between Memphis and Jackson, traveled by more than 100,000 daily additionally contributes to the number of visitors to the community.

Brownsville-Haywood County is proud of its industrial base, which is quite large for a community of this size. Why? Because it's an attractive place to locate, both aesthetically and economically, and because of the low cost of living and no state taxes. The local governments, the chamber of commerce, and the Brownsville-Haywood County Industrial Development Board welcome prospects with open arms, Southern hospitality and great incentives. Among these incentives is the PILOT program or Payment in Lieu of Taxes, which enables companies to reduce the tax burden during the early phases of operation. Other local incentives include pre-employment selection/training and testing; start-up skills training/assessment; relocation incentives for staff moves; incentives on utilities, including water, wastewater, gas and electricity; financing alternatives, such as using industrial revenue bonds or the lease-back alternative; design/build and lease alternatives; and local tax concessions.

The following is a list of industries in Brownsville and Haywood County: