The Union County Development Association (UCDA) was organized in 1946 to help provide adequate employment opportunities, especially to those veterans returning from World War II, and to promote the general welfare and well-being of New Albany and Union County.

UCDA’s first major accomplishment was the opening of Morris Futorian’s Stratford Furniture Company in 1948. This plant led to the transformation of Union County’s economy from agricultural to industrial. Northeast Mississippi is today the world’s number one center for the manufacture of upholstered furniture; the industry having grown from the 1948 Stratford plant.

UCDA has recruited numerous other industries and businesses since that time. New Albany and Union County today enjoy a healthy economy based on a wide diversity of industrial operations. Furniture remains a major part of the local manufacturing scene, but other products now play a major role in Union County’s economy. These include metal impact extrusions, coolers and freezers, automotive pistons, and customized robotic machinery.

Although its primary mission is business and industrial development, UCDA has not been one dimensional. Over the years, UCDA has taken the lead in tourism, infrastructure development, promotion of the community, long-range planning, leadership development, enhancement of the medical community, support of education, and various other community improvement efforts.