Mississippi Economic Development News Week of January 11, 2010
The MEDC Winter Conference “REINVENTING, RENEWING, REFOCUSING DURING CHALLENGING TIMES” is February 3-5. Registration information is at www.medc.ms.
On the first day of the 2010 session, House and Senate lawmakers breezed through the bill, which will provide $15 million in bonds to help Wilh. Schulz GMBH build a plant in Tunica County. Officials say the factory will bring 500 jobs to the region within five years.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100105/NEWS010504/100105013/Miss.+lawmakers+approve+Delta+plant+incentives
Barbour envisions South Mississippi as a major hub. Palmer’s Crossing rail yard could take shipments from several ports.
http://www.sunherald.com/news/transportation/story/1855702.html
With the state’s business community struggling through a lengthy recession, legislative leaders are crafting potential relief. When talking of pulling out of the recession, business leaders and lawmakers have repeatedly pointed to job creation, something both say will help replenish lost tax revenue.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100110/BIZ/1100344/-1/nletter01/Relief-may-be-on-way-for-Miss.-businesses?source=nletter-news
The Southeast U.S. has a number of critical site location factors that make it a highly attractive region for expansion and relocation projects.
http://www.worldtrademag.com/Articles/Feature_Article/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000726280
Economic development officials on Wednesday announced the first project to use funds from a $50 million education endowment pledged by Toyota Motor Corp.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wirestory?id=9492634&page=1
AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), today resumed scheduled service from Gulfport/Biloxi, Miss., to the carrier’s hub in Atlanta and added new service from Gulfport/Biloxi to Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/airtran-airways-brings-back-scheduled-service-to-gulfportbiloxi-miss-81001282.html
Separate, independent audits presented to the Public Service Commission found no problems with how Entergy Mississippi and Mississippi Power Co. purchase fuel and will not recommend any changes to their policies.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/01/psc-finds-utilities-policies-okay/
State of the States – A Fresh Look. The following pages highlight recent corporate facility projects, new laws and incentives policies, updated FDI figures, wages, employment, demographics and Recovery Act funds facts in one easy-to-digest compendium.
http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2010/jan/cover/
Jackson, Mississippi, ranks 36th on the Best Cities for Business in the Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch.
http://www.marketwatch.com/Graphic-Features/Best-Cities-for-Biz
Mississippi can’t afford not to provide these incentives to provide 500 quality jobs over the next five years in the state’s most economically challenged region.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100106/OPINION01/1060328/1008/OPINION
The company (Nissan) is completing a $118 million expansion to accommodate the additions.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100106/BIZ/1060353/-1/nletter01/Nissan–Toyota-paths-to-diverge-in-2010?source=nletter-news
The goals for the Clinton Chamber draw on what I consider to be the “foundational strengths” of our community – our effective city leadership, the excellence of our school system and Mississippi College, which is our anchor.
http://www.clintonnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100107/NEWS/1070320/Leaders-take-a-look-ahead-
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance has named the 100 best values in public colleges, and Mississippi State University is the only state institution of higher learning to make the ranking.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/01/mississippi-state-makes-national-ranking/
The city of Moss Point has a new economic development director.
http://www.wlox.com/global/story.asp?s=11767328
The Mississippi Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved Entergy Mississippi Inc.’s quarterly fuel adjustment, meaning customers ring in the New Year with the lowest electric bills in six years, according to the utility.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/01/commission-approves-fuel-adjustment/
Throughout this year, the Port of Gulfport Restoration Program has progressed from a conceptual plan to the design and engineering phase.
http://www.portofthefuture.com/eblast/portofthefuturenews3.html
Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS 39207
www.medc.ms
MEDC 2010 Winter Conference . February 3-5 . Hilton . Jackson
MEDC 2010 Summer Conference . July 21-23 . Beau Rivage . Biloxi
MEDC is Mississippi’s professional association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals.
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Mississippi Economic Development News Week of January 4, 2010
The MEDC Winter Conference “REINVENTING, RENEWING, REFOCUSING DURING CHALLENGING TIMES” is February 3-5. Registration information is at www.medc.ms.
With the recession showing signs of ebbing, Gulf of Mexico ports hope hundreds of millions of dollars in expansion projects proposed before the downturn will help them capture more trade as the world economy recovers.
http://tinyurl.com/yzggcwb
Alan Bates, Choctaw County Economic Development director, said Raven Biofuels is considering the EcoPlex as a prime candidate for a facility.
http://tinyurl.com/ylpj8wx
Mississippi gained an estimated 11,784 new citizens in 2009, according to a newly released Census Bureau report that sets the state population at 2,951,996 for the fiscal year ending June 30,
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20091223/NEWS/91223006/-1/Nletter03/Miss.-loses-and-gains-in-population-?source=nletter-news
Gagliano’s little restaurant is one of five new businesses opened in Wesson throughout 2009, one of the most successful years for economic development the town has experienced in quite some time.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20398952&BRD=1377&PAG=461&dept_id=172922&rfi=6
Grenada County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Phillip Heard is to be commended for his devotion to his job and his community, even in the timing of his planned retirement.
http://www.grenadastar.com/v2/content.aspx?module=ContentItem&ID=160725&MemberID=1218
South Mississippi will see major developments and milestones in 2010. http://www.sunherald.com/pageone/story/1838913.html
The past few months have offered some signs of life, according to Jay Moon, president and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association.
http://tinyurl.com/y8merjv
The Brookhaven Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce is a center for changes in the city and the county, and now it’s starting to change a little itself.
http://tinyurl.com/yeqxpk4
Mississippi Main Street confident heading into a new year
http://tinyurl.com/ydbbls5
(Natchez-Adams Chamber President Debbie) Hudson said specifically the restructuring of the economic development authority, the recreation movement and promoting regionalism will be key focuses in the coming year.
http://tinyurl.com/yddo99l
Outgoing Clinton Chamber of Commerce President Nolan Aikens – One of the chamber’s main goals for 2009 was to help Clinton become more visible so that when the economy turns, we will be on the radar screen for businesses and others.
http://tinyurl.com/yerduu7
My administration, while focused on this critical legislative session, will continue to pursue job creation and economic development as top priority.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100103/OPINION03/1030302/1046/OPINION
(Ocean Springs) Mayor Connie Moran told board members earlier this month that a new Economic Development Council would work as an ad-hoc committee on behalf of the city to attract new business and enhance the local economy.
http://www.sunherald.com/local/story/1838921.html
The 99th Mississippi Blues Trail marker will be dedicated Wednesday at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia.
http://tinyurl.com/ybxas8x
The MDA has received $9.6 million to administer the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and will distribute $175,000 to counties and $100,000 to municipalities.
http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/content/view/189571/60/
Tax on soda. The representative (John Mayo) would like to see the money go to the Department of Health, Department of Education and the Mississippi Development Authority.
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=11760268
Golfweek’s 40 Best Casino Courses includes six in Mississippi
http://tinyurl.com/y8ce9we
Southaven Dining Tax Could Feed Tourism
http://tinyurl.com/y9dpbzd
Here in Mississippi, experts predict that the state will begin a turnaround as well in 2010. Again, it is expected to be a slow and shaky one.
http://tinyurl.com/yedpnwe
Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS 39207
www.medc.ms
MEDC 2010 Winter Conference . February 3-5 . Hilton . Jackson
MEDC 2010 Summer Conference . July 21-23 . Beau Rivage . Biloxi
MEDC is Mississippi’s professional association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals.
Economic Development News Week of December 21, 2010
GE Aviation is expanding its operation in Batesville, which produces composite components for the GEnx jet engine that will power Boeing’s new 787 and 747-8 aircraft. With the expansion, GE Aviation will add an additional 350 jobs over the next few years. The facility currently employs more than 100 employees.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/ge-aviation-adding-jobs/
HomeStretch LLC, an upholstered furniture manufacturing company, is setting up operations in Nettleton. The new company is an investment by owners William “Skipper” Holliman and Gentry Long that will create 140 new jobs over the next four years.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/new-furniture-manufacturer-to-begin-operations/
Alan Bates, Executive Director of the Choctaw Economic Development Foundation commented, “We are happy to be able to support Raven in its efforts to build a biorefinery in our county. We look forward to the potential job creation and several other direct and indirect economic benefits to the region.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0568352.htm
Harrison County supervisors on Monday gave the go-ahead to buy land in Saucier for the North Harrison County Industrial Park. “It will take between two and three years to get the infrastructure in,” Barnett said. He estimates the park will be ready for tenants in 2013.
http://www.sunherald.com/biloxi/story/1807994.html
Two Entergy projects were honored in a group of three finalists for Power Engineering Magazine’s 2009 Nuclear Project of the Year.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/16286/
During the third quarter, Jackson ranked first among the 100 metropolitan areas in one-year percentage point change in unemployment. The city ranked second in one-year change in housing prices. Jackson’s goods produced, gross metropolitan product, grew by 1.5 percent when compared to the previous quarter.
http://tinyurl.com/yj3rk39
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. called The King Edward a phoenix risen from the ashes as he and others gathered to mark the opening of the King Edward Hotel.
http://tinyurl.com/yflt8w8
Rentech, based in Los Angeles, owns the 450-acre former International Paper Company site on the Mississippi River in Adams County near Natchez. It has blueprints for a synthetic jet fuel plant and now it has something else. Last week, 13 airlines signed a memorandum of understanding with Rentech to buy all the synthetic fuel it can make, perhaps about 250 million gallons per year.
http://www.vicksburgpost.com/articles/2009/12/20/opinion/doc4b2bedc473684264533488.txt
“If you’re an entrepreneur with intellectual property in smart materials – high performance materials – and you want to start and grow a company, we think we have a unique facility for you to do that,” said Cecil Burge, vice president for Economic Research and Development at the University of Southern Mississippi.
http://tinyurl.com/yk7ds85
Despite giving a litany of dismal double-digit figures for spending cuts, Keenum ended his speech to the DeSoto County Economic Development Council on a high note at the DeSoto Civic Center.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/dec/19/msu-chief-optimistic-amid-cuts/
The Mississippi Technology Alliance is offering a series of free webinars focused on preparing companies for private investment. Based upon the Goldsmith Commercialization Model, each of the eight webinars will address one aspect of the venture development process.
http://www.technologyalliance.ms/ILED/venture-coaching-academy/
AirTran Airways has made public plans to resume scheduled service from Gulfport/Biloxi to the carrier’s hub in Atlanta and add new service from Gulfport/Biloxi to Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/airtran-to-resume-coast-service/
These partners developed Balance Recruiting With Entrepreneurship (BRWE) guidelines for the state and presented them to Momentum Mississippi and Gov. Haley Barbour. http://gwcommonwealth.com/articles/2009/12/17/opinion/columns/12172009column01.txt
According to Reason Foundation’s “18th Annual Highway Report,” Mississippi’s highway system ranks 27th in the nation in overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness. And, the Magnolia State was one of only three states to post double-digit gains.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/states-highway-system-ranks-higher/
The three-year, 38-state study that will include Mississippi will verify if high tunnels are effective in reducing pesticide use, keeping nutrients in the soil, extending the growing season, increasing yields and providing other benefits to growers.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/study-to-look-at-high-tunnels/
MEDC 2010 Winter Conference . February 3-5 . Hilton . Jackson
“Reinventing Renewing Refocusing During Challenging Times”
Registration is now open. Go to www.medc.ms for registration information.
A block of rooms at the Hilton is being held until January 3, 2010.
Sponsors – sign up now to have your weblink on the MEDC Conference registration info page.
Economic Development News Week of December 28, 2010
The MEDC Winter Conference “REINVENTING, RENEWING, REFOCUSING DURING CHALLENGING TIMES” is February 3-5. Registration information is at www.medc.ms. Book your hotel reservation before January 3 and mention MEDC10 to receive the special rate of $109 per night.
Anderson Technologies has opened a contract manufacturing and precision injection molding plant in Batesville. Current plans call for the plant to be operational in Feb. 2010.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/anderson-preparing-new-plant/
“Education is tied to every important quality of life issue from income levels to health to economic development. In order to move Mississippi forward, we must graduate more students from our schools and institutions at every level,” said Senator Doug Davis, co-chair of the Task Force.
http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/content/view/189293/60/
Co-Chair Travis Childers of Mississippi said, “Basic broadband service is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for strengthening our rural communities and fueling economic development. We look forward to continuing to work with the FCC in creating a broadband strategy that works for rural America.”
http://deltafarmpress.com/legislative/brandon-column-1221/
Four months after opening, Kidz World Furniture is growing like the kids for whom its furniture is made. The company, which started with 18 employees in August, now has 50 workers cranking out 3,000 pieces of furniture a week.
http://nems360.com/bookmark/5192050
DeSoto County is becoming the destination for more and more third party logistics companies relocating from across the nation.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2009/12/21/news/local/doc4b302d03186fa167982340.txt
“Jim Henson’s Fantastic World,” has begun its run at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The exhibit brings many of the late creator’s popular characters — like Kermit the Frog and Bert and Ernie from “Sesame Street” — back to the place where he was born.
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory?id=9434679
Gulfport has hired Kim Compton as the city’s new economic development director.
http://www.sunherald.com/local/story/1824383.html
Phillip Heard, executive director of the Grenada Chamber of Commerce, resigned from his position this week, effective January 31. “I made the decision to step down based on duties being cut, funding, and that I want to pursue other interests at this time,” he said.
http://www.grenadastar.com/v2/content.aspx?module=ContentItem&ID=160473&MemberID=1218
University of Mississippi Health Care announced the start of a new nonprofit high-tech intensive critical care program designed to connect top-notch doctors and nurses with critically ill patients in rural Mississippi.
http://tinyurl.com/y9cshpe
State Economic Recovery Projected for 2013
http://tinyurl.com/y9tpqrl
Out of 384 metro areas in the nation, 118 were in recovery, or 31 percent, according to the October Adversity Index. Three are in Mississippi.
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/business/Big_cities_are_still_waiting_for_recovery-80228292.html
How to Remake a Neighborhood.
http://tinyurl.com/y8vx7z9
The Delta Economic Development Center and some local industries have asked Washington County supervisors for a break on inventory taxes.
http://tinyurl.com/y8qranb
At the entrance to Crawford, Mississippi, a large billboard welcomes visitors to the home of NFL Star Jerry Rice. Rice went on to fame and fortune, the greatest receiver in football history. But Rice’s childhood home is no tourist destination. . . Just up the road, however, hope has arrived bearing a Russian flag.
http://www.theworld.org/2009/12/28/pros-and-cons-to-foreign-investment/g
The renovated historic (Philadelphia, MS) train depot was dedicated last week with Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall linking the facility to economic development.
http://www.neshobademocrat.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=297&ArticleID=20067
Southaven is a city on the move, despite the slowing down of the nation’s economic engine.
http://desototimes.com/articles/2009/12/28/news/doc4b39585880b98115730624.txt
The U.S. Department of Energy has approved the Mississippi’s plan for a residential rebate program for the purchase of Energy Star-rated appliances.
http://tinyurl.com/yfb6qfw
The Link and GT Extended partner’s newest intuitive the GTR Global Industrial Aerospace Park has just been named one of the six Southern Business & Development 2010 Innovation South award winners for 2009. Also named as a winner was the launch of the four-state coalition called The Aerospace Alliance, which includes Mississippi.
http://www.sb-d.com/
One of those plants went to Texas, the other to Mississippi, although (former Delta Regional Authority co-Chairman Rex) Nelson said Toyota executives reported that the Marion site was probably the best because of its infrastructure.
http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2009/12/23/news/news3.txt
Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS 39207
www.medc.ms
MEDC 2010 Winter Conference . February 3-5 . Hilton . Jackson
MEDC 2010 Summer Conference . July 21-23 . Beau Rivage . Biloxi
MEDC is Mississippi’s professional association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals.
Economic Development News Week of December 7, 2009
General Atomics’ Electromagnetic Systems Division (GA-EMS), manufacturer of advanced linear motors for electromagnetic aircraft launching systems (EMALS), has broken ground on its phase IV, 50,000-square-foot expansion at its 72,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Shannon. The project will create at least 20 new jobs.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/another-expansion-underway-at-ga-ems/
Forbes.com has rated Jackson the third best “bang-for-the-buck” city out of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country.
http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/static/jfpdaily120209.php and
http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/30/cities-affordable-cheap-lifestyle-real-estate-housing-foreclosures.html?partner=forbeslife_newsletter
Forbes.com has rated Jackson the 42nd America’s Fastest-Recovering Cities
http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/cities-recovery-unemployment-lifestyle-real-estate-top-ten-chart.html
Five ports on the Tenn-Tom in Northeast Mississippi have launched the joint initiative to boost awareness and traffic on the waterway. Called “GROWPORTS…
http://www.allbusiness.com/transportation/transportation-infrastructure-harbors-ports/13457191-1.html
To help meet Mississippi’s growing energy needs and stabilize rising electricity costs, Entergy Mississippi, Inc. has announced that the Mississippi Public Service Commission approved plans for a major upgrade to the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Mississippi.
http://nuclearstreet.com/blogs/nuclear_power_news/archive/2009/12/03/entergy-mississippi-announces-grand-gulf-nuclear-plant-upgrade-plans-12031.aspx
John Hendrix, director of economic development for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, has been installed as the 2010 Mississippi World Trade Center president.
The 2009 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting was presented at the Mississippi World Trade Center’s Annual Meeting and International Business Awards Luncheon. The company was nominated by Larry Barnett, Executive Director, Harrison County Development Commission.
http://www.sunherald.com/business/story/1789162.html
Lyn Arnold, president and CEO of the Tunica County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation, said Friday that she hopes the company can work out its private financing.
http://tinyurl.com/y9ehyae
Advantage Capital Partners and its small business lending division BizCapital provided Mississippi New Markets Development program financing to Capturion Network, LLC, an innovative company which sells, installs and services digital scoreboards for sports and entertainment venues nationwide.
http://www.yachtchartersmagazine.com/node/1210909
The City of Horn Lake has secured all of the funds needed for a multi-million-dollar project benefiting a local business. …The city would be taking advantage of a $520,000 interest-free loan through the Mississippi Development Authority’s Freight Rail Program.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2009/12/02/news/local/doc4b1716adb9812991890447.txt
The EDA would be known as either Natchez Economic Development Corporation or Natchez Inc., a $380,000 per year marketing enterprise funded by Adams County, the City of Natchez and private investors.
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2009/dec/05/new-eda-plan-unveiled/
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the State of Mississippi’s plan for a residential rebate program for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will administer the rebate program, which is expected to launch in Spring 2010.
www.mississippi.org/appliance
Toyota is now denying the Nikkei report. Spokeswoman Barbara McDaniel tells the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal that “nothing is decided” but that the company remains committed to opening the Blue Springs facility.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/toyota-denies-blue-springs-reports/
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has awarded 25 grants in the first round of the Mississippi Job Protection through Energy Economic Development Program.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/12/stimulus-funded-grants-awarded-by-mda/
Residents in Kemper County were able, for the last time, to gather and voice their concerns or issues over the proposed $2.2 billion lignite coal plant Mississippi Power is planning to build.
http://www.meridianstar.com/local/local_story_336005408.html
Chad Newell, the Meridian native will return to Hattiesburg to serve as the new president of Area Development Partnership.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20091124/NEWS01/91124011/USM-alum-chosen-as-new-ADP-president and
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20091125/NEWS01/911250332
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20091202/BIZ/91202017/-1/Nletter03/Madison-County-chamber-has-new-chief?source=nletter-news
Jackson County residents give input on plans for old IP plant. The company presentation also touched on economic development, including a $2 billion local investment, 1,000 construction jobs for up to four years, 177 full-time jobs and about $70 million per year spent locally on salaries and purchasing.
http://www.sunherald.com/local/story/1781858.html
While the economic problems of the Mississippi River Delta region are long-standing and complex, there is hope for the region and it lies directly under our feet. Simply put, the bioeconomy is an economic engine based around the utilization of plant-based materials in a wide variety of bio-based products, including chemicals, plastics and biofuels.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/nov/29/guest-column-ailing-delta-can-take-lead-in-ag-to/
Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS 39207
www.medc.ms
MEDC 2010 Winter Conference . February 3-5 . Hilton . Jackson
MEDC 2010 Summer Conference . July 21-23 . Beau Rivage . Biloxi
MEDC is Mississippi’s professional association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals.
Economic Development News Week of November 23, 2009
The company will produce the composite components at its composite manufacturing center of excellence in Iuka, Mississippi. At peak production, ATK could produce up to 25 miles of A350 XWB composite components per month.
Five businesses held grand openings here (in Petal) Friday. Deborah Reynolds, president of the Petal Area Chamber of Commerce, said the solid financial news comes in part due to small businesses. “These openings are a tremendous impact,” she said. “Our small business community is what keeps us going, and the work they’re doing is why we see the same steady sales tax figures.”
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20091116/NEWS01/911160313
Stark Aerospace held the grand opening celebration of its new facility in Columbus yesterday. Stark Aerospace is a subsidiary of IAI North America, the U.S. subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (IAI).
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/11/stark-aerospace-cuts-ribbon/
Pepsi bottlers, elected officials and economic development leaders yesterday celebrated the opening of a state-of-the-art Pepsi South bottling facility here that will produce 350,000 cases of Pepsi and Dr Pepper products per week. The 236,000 square foot plant is located in the Forrest County Industrial Park, and is the only soft drink production facility in the area.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/11/pepsi-plant-officially-in-operation/
Advance Mississippi has released its latest issue brief, which provides an in-depth look at nuclear energy.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/11/advance-mississippi-releases-report/
The head of the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District is confident U.S. 80 – one of Jackson’s most troubled commercial areas – can be saved. “This is a gigantic sector plan to try to take a part of the city of Jackson that is depressed and bring it back,” said Clarke Holmes, CEO of the development district. “This is city planning 101.”
http://tinyurl.com/yg7sowx
Brookhaven — Lincoln County business leaders are accelerating plans to develop a 400-acre business park acquired last year solely with local funds.
http://tinyurl.com/yzx6chm
Tim Mood, vice president of economic development for the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, said Brookhaven and Lincoln County have always managed to have strong local leadership, period. “Look at some of the individuals in the past that have contributed to the local economic development process: Charleigh Ford, Doug Sullivan, Tillmon Bishop, Bill Sones, Chandler Russ and many others,” he said. “That excellence continues today with Mayor Massengill and Cliff Brumfield, a pro-business board of supervisors and IDF board carrying the torch.”
http://tinyurl.com/yhrss7x
In a time when some major automakers are transitioning, business as usual is more than welcome at the Nissan manufacturing plant.
http://tinyurl.com/yky4nj8
“I have a positive feeling about the outlook for our economy,” said Barron, who was in Jackson recently to speak at a forum sponsored by the Mississippi Council on Economic Education. “We’re seeing economic growth and spending but consumers will still be challenged because of unemployment rates.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/11/barron-sees-positives-in-economy/
Facing growing budget constraints, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour wants to save money by cutting the state’s public universities from eight to five.
http://tinyurl.com/yzbj9xz
Federal regulators Thursday authorized Entergy Corp.’s utilities in Mississippi and Arkansas to leave a multistate agreement, a move expected to eventually save money for electric customers in Arkansas.
http://tinyurl.com/yfjv9ej
The Jones County Economic Development Authority Board of Director’s unanimously voted to provide a letter of support for Mississippi Power Company’s Kemper County Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Project and passed a resolution of support for the State Port in Gulfport
http://www.leadercall.com/local/local_story_324105830.html
Join the MEDC group on LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=2323556 (members only)
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MEDC Scholarship Application Period Open through Nov. 30
MEDC is now taking applications for scholarships for 2010 courses – Attend national professional development courses (EDI, CDI, IOM and New South) in 2010 and let MEDC pay your tuition. Apply now for your scholarship – go to www.medc.ms and click on Professional Development for an application – funded by MEDC, MDA, Mississippi Power Company and Tennessee Valley Authority. Application deadline is November 30.
Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS 39207
www.medc.ms
MEDC 2010 Winter Conference . February 3-5 . Hilton . Jackson
MEDC 2010 Summer Conference . July 21-23 . Beau Rivage . Biloxi
MEDC is Mississippi’s professional association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals.
Economic Development News Week of November 16, 2009
Mississippi lawmakers Senator Thad Cochran and Senator Roger Wicker are seeking a two-year extension of the Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) bonus depreciation tax incentive.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/11/lawmakers-look-to-extend-go-zone/
John C. Stennis Space Center now has a technology park that the federal city hopes will attract new companies.
http://www.picayuneitem.com/local/local_story_317110007.html
Mississippi Power Co. has received the first level of regulatory approval in its effort to build a new coal-powered generating plant in the east-central part of the state.
http://tinyurl.com/ydj2fpy
Should Mobile regain an aircraft assembly contract, about 7,000 jobs would be created within 100 miles of the city, representing a major business opportunity Jackson County has long said it hopes to tap into.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/news.ssf?/base/news/1258110912211100.xml&coll=5
The Jackson County Economic Development Foundation used last week’s annual investors’ meeting to update progress of two major projects and rally support for another that could greatly affect our area. In the middle of a national recession, the reports were particularly encouraging.
http://tinyurl.com/yza3s79
Mississippi was spared the full wrath of Tropical Storm Ida, but the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reports there were damages.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/11/weakened-ida-still-caused-damage/
Jay Moon has been elected secretary/treasurer of the International Economic Development Council board of directors, serving a one-year term. He is president and CEO of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. He previously served as deputy director and director for international development with MDA.
Officials in north Mississippi’s DeSoto County say they’re optimistic about growth because of a recent increase in the number of building permits.
http://tinyurl.com/yh75bkf
The effect on customers wasn’t clear, but Entergy Mississippi executives testified Thursday that increasing the output capacity at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station — making it the nation’s largest single reactor — is the least expensive way to meet regional electricity demand.
http://www.vicksburgpost.com/articles/2009/10/30/news/doc4aeb2137d473a981667897.txt
The Mississippi Minority Business Alliance (MMBA) honored Entergy Mississippi Inc. with the Flame Award at the organization’s ninth-annual Awards Gala. The Flame Award is given in recognition of and appreciation for exceptional support of minority business efforts in Mississippi.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/11/entergy-takes-home-blue-flame/
Glenn McCullough of Tupelo, who chairs the organization, says if the state wants more jobs, Mississippi must first expand its energy infrastructure.
http://www.mpbonline.org/news/story/fossil-fuels-and-renewable-energy-mississippi-grid-expansion
During Friday’s meeting of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, Board President and District 1 Supervisor Harry Sanders presented a plan to fund ongoing and proposed projects in the county, without increasing taxes.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=3748
A development in the works along I-20 aims to bring something besides the usual retail to the growing area. Dirt work has begun on Vantage Pointe at Riverwind, to be built on 25 acres along I-20 near Pearson Road.
http://tinyurl.com/yz7qrfe
Each year, Southern Growth Policies Board starts a conversation in the South on a particular issue related to economic development. This year, Southern Growth would like your help in discussing how communities can respond to current economic challenges — ranging from job losses to home foreclosures to government cutbacks — while at the same time positioning themselves for success in the future.
http://www.southern.org/forums/forums.html
MEDC Member-to-Member Seminar Series
Registration deadline Dec. 3
On December 8, MEDC continues its Member-to-Member Seminar Series in Jackson with “EXISTING INDUSTRY & BUSINESS – A FRESH APPROACH” with Chandler Russ, Director of the Existing Industry & Business Division at the Mississippi Development Authority. Russ will talk about the EIB Division’s programs and new items they have or may be proposing. 11:30 to 1:00 (lunch included) . $30 registration (advance registration required) . www.medc.ms – Bring a friend or business associate!
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MEDC Scholarship Application Period Open
MEDC is now taking applications for scholarships for 2010 courses – Attend national professional development courses (EDI, CDI, IOM and New South) in 2010 and let MEDC pay your tuition. Apply now for your scholarship – go to www.medc.ms and click on Professional Development for an application – funded by MEDC, MDA, Mississippi Power Company and Tennessee Valley Authority. Application deadline is November 30.
Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS 39207
www.medc.ms
MEDC 2010 Winter Conference . February 3-5 . Hilton . Jackson
MEDC 2010 Summer Conference . July 21-23 . Beau Rivage . Biloxi
MEDC is Mississippi’s professional association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals.
