Grammy Museum: There is a Mississippi Blues Marker right in downtown L.A. in the middle of L.A.Live near the Grammy Museum, in front of the Staples Center. It is there because of all the awards musicians from Mississippi have won.

USA Today: Also, when I picked up my USA Today on Friday, August 5, the byline on the front page of the Life Section was Greenwood, MS, and the headline was “Mississippi Bonds Actresses of ‘The Help’,” which is a story about the filming of that movie. You can read it online and see a trailer of the movie at http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-08-04-the-help-mississippi_n.htm

If only I could have brought back to Mississippi the great L.A. weather!

Carol Hardwick

Nearly 1,000 people — including the current governor and a pair of former governors — turned out March 24 at the Marriott in Jackson to celebrate a 75-year-old success story — the Mississippi Development Authority.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/04/mda-backers-devise-a-diamond-soiree/

Study finds state’s doctors generate $5B for economy.
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/12629242/article-Study-finds-state-s-doctors-generate–5B-for-economy?instance=secondary_stories_left_column

New law boosts state’s film-making incentives
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/04/new-law-boost-states-film-making-incentives/

Toyota statement regarding status of North American production.  Contrary to recent headlines, nothing has changed … regarding our North American operations.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota-statement-regarding-status-north-american-production.htm

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Inc. March 31 letter to MEDC regarding status of TMMMS.
http://www.medc.ms/TMMMS%20letter.jpg

Warren County Port Commission Economic Development Foundation is an Expansion Solutions Magazine 2010 Top Five Awards of Excellence winner in the Logistics industry category.
http://www.expansionsolutionsmagazine.com/010awards_logistics

Columbus-Lowndes Development LINK is an Expansion Solutions Magazine 2010 Top Five Awards of Excellence winner in the Defense industry category.
http://www.expansionsolutionsmagazine.com/010awards_defense

Roy Anderson Corp. acquired by California firm.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/04/roy-anderson-corp-acquired-by-california-firm/

The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship presents “Impact Southern Miss: Turning Knowledge into Innovation with Advance Materials” on April 14.
http://www.usm.edu/profdev_edoutreach/IMPACT%20Southern%20Miss%20post%20card.pdf

Sponsorships now being taken for the 2011 MEDC Summer Conference “FULL SPEED AHEAD.”  The sponsor form is now online.  Event sponsorships can be listed in the advance brochure if signed up by April 15! 
www.medc.ms

MEDC Calendar:
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference “FULL SPEED AHEAD,” Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms

MEDC thanks all who helped make the MDA 75^th Anniversary reception such a wonderful event!  Photos are now on the MEDC website, along with a link to the video that was shown at the reception.  While you are on the website, scroll down to see all the organizations and companies who showed their appreciation to MDA by sponsoring this great event!
www.medc.ms

A computer firm (ACS) recently acquired by Xerox Corp. plans to expand its Ridgeland operation by adding 50 jobs and up to 200 jobs over the next two years.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110322/BIZ/110322010/-1/Nletter03/Computer-firm-to-expand-Ridgeland-operation?source=nletter-news

Officials from D.M.I. Pipe Fabrication, a full-service industrial contractor and pipe fabricator, have announced the company is locating operations in Woodville, Miss., in Wilkinson County.  The project represents a $100,000 investment by D.M.I. and will create 20 new jobs.
http://tradeandindustrydev.com/region/mississippi/news/ms-dmi-pipe-fabrication-locating-operations-woodvi-4960

Severstaal accelerating Columbus plant expansion
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/04/severstal-accelerating-columbus-plant-expansion/

The Wide Bandgap (WBG) Materials division of II-VI Inc’s compound semiconductor business — which is based in Pine Brook, NJ, USA — says that it is expanding its operations, in two phases, at Mississippi State University’s (MSU’s) Research Park in Starkville, MS.
http://www.semiconductor-today.com/news_items/2011/MAR/IIVI_220311.html

UMMC can help pull state from historic economic woes
http://msbusiness.com/editorsnotebook/2011/03/25/ummc-can-help-pull-state-from-historic-economic-woes/

Military impact ‘phenomenal’ – Camp Shelby adds to local economy
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110402/NEWS01/104020321/Military-impact-phenomenal-?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE

Sustainable Communities Mini Grants: Deadline is April 8.  The Mississippi Development Authority’s Energy Division is offering mini-grants for energy and transportation related projects. The program is being administered by the Mississippi Main Street Association.
http://www.mmlonline.com/news.aspx

The Mississippi Senate approved a $422.9 million bond bill to help fund economic development projects and infrastructure upgrades for state agencies and colleges and universities.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2011/03/29/news/doc4d91202c450ba609147869.txt

State’s March revenue collections exceed estimate
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/04/states-march-revenue-collections-exceed-estimate/

HORNE makes national top 100 ranking
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/horne-makes-national-top-100-ranking/

Tea Leaf by Jeff Threadgold. Semi-annual update of “Happy Talk.”
http://www.thredgold.com/tea-leaf/

MEDC Calendar:
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference “FULL SPEED AHEAD,” Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms

Governor Barbour proclaims March 25, 2011 as Economic Development Day in Mississippi.
http://www.mississippi.org/index.php?id=946

ADP official (Chad Newell): Hattiesburg area doing well economically
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110324/NEWS01/103240314/1002/ADP-official-Hattiesburg-area-doing-well-economically

Harrison County industrial park gets boost.  Harrison County economic development director, Larry Barnett, said the county is marketing the site as a location for ‘general manufacturing.’
http://www.wlox.com/global/story.asp?s=14309420

Franklin County supervisors have voted to join the Southwest Mississippi Regional Railroad Authority — a group working to save the 66-mile railroad from Natchez to Brookhaven if it is abandoned by its owner.
http://picayuneitem.com/statenews/x915418219/Franklin-Co-joins-railroad-authority
Panola Partnership Executive Officer Sonny Simmons was elated over recent results stating, “I don’t think many communities go to Washington in this political climate and come back with a check in hand,” he said adding, “It was well worth a trip to Washington.”
http://www.panolacounty.com/news/dc-delegation-lands-grant-funds-industrial-park

The Miss-Lou’s reach toward regionalism took another step Wednesday afternoon as the economic development subcommittee of the Miss-Lou regional steering committee hosted the first luncheon of the year.
http://wp.natchezdemocrat.com/2011/03/24/regionalism-luncheon-promotes-%E2%80%98coopertition%E2%80%99/

Study highlights positives, negatives of downtown.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110318/NEWS01/103180315/Study-highlights-positives-negatives-downtown

The Area Development Partnership has exceeded its $2 million fundraising goal.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110326/NEWS01/103260330

Jackson County Industrial Trade Show seen as networking opportunity for local businesses.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2011/03/jackson_county_industrial_trad.html

MEDC Calendar:
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference “FULL SPEED AHEAD,” Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms

Speed picked to lead MDA.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110317/BIZ/103170327/Speed-picked-lead-MDA?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cp

State’s top econ developer is paid…
http://nems360.com/bookmark/12371502

Gray Swoope and MDA’s Guiding Principles
http://philhardwickblog.wordpress.com/2011/03/14/gray-swoope-and-mdas-guiding-principles/

Keesler, South Mississippi share close bond.
http://www.sunherald.com/2011/03/16/2949385/keesler-south-mississippi-share.html

Obama taps Miss. man for TVA panel; Oxford business owner would serve through 2015 if OK’d
http://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/4979975/obama-taps-miss-man-for-tva-panel-oxford-business-owner-would-serve-through-2015-if-ok-d

Main Street Association wants to raise $1.8 million for downtown communities.
http://www.sunherald.com/2011/03/16/2949119/main-street-association-wants.html

MEDC Salary Survey just in! Results of the 2010 Salary Survey of Economic Development Professionals in Mississippi, provided by the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is now on the MEDC website.
http://www.medc.ms/Salary_Survey_MS_2010.pdf

A full house in Tunica.  County hits the jackpot in several industries.
http://www.deltabusinessjournal.com/vol2no8/

Main Street testing phase begins in Tupelo.  So when motorists are traveling through on Main Street, in addition to noticing it has gone from four lanes to three lanes, one of the big changes is bike paths being put in, one on each side.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Main-Street-testing-phase-begins/si46eV8QdEWydmjRr1URAw.cspx

Will the Japan disaster affect Toyota’s Blue Springs plant?
http://msbusiness.com/magnoliamarketplace/2011/03/14/will-the-japan-disaster-affect-toyotas-blue-springs-plant-lets-find-out/

The Center of Family Enterprise Research at MSU along with MSU’s Technology Resource Institute and the Mississippi Technology Alliance are sponsoring a family business workshop May 6 and 7 in Starkville, for family owned and operated businesses. Topics include succession, professionalization, ethics and human resources.  The $130 registration fee covers everything including lodging!  Email jeffrey.rupp@msstate.edu or visit:
http://business.msstate.edu/tri/familybusinessseminar.php

MEDC Calendar:
March 24 – MEDC reception honoring MDA’s Diamond Anniversary
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference, Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms

Officials from WPG Americas, a worldwide electronics distributor, announced the company is locating distribution operations at the Airways Distribution Center in Southaven.  The project represents a $1.5-million investment by the company and will create 60 jobs over the next three years.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/wpg-americas-bringing-operations-to-desoto-county/

Washington Furniture expanding upholstery plant.  Washington Furniture has about 100 workers in Pontotoc. Washington said plans are to grow to 400 workers in the next two years, depending on business.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/washington-furniture-expanding-upholstery-plant/

A statement on the company’s website said Universal Asset Management will transfer its warehouses in Pocahontas and Walnut Ridge to a 453,600-square-foot facility in Tupelo. The company is expected to recycle large Boeing jets in Mississippi.
http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/2011/03/jet-recycling-company-comes-miss#ixzz1GaJWXuio.

KiOR signs offtake agreement with Hunt Refining Company for renewable fuels.
http://www.environmental-expert.com/resultEachPressRelease.aspx?cid=28518&codi=227990

Gov. Haley Barbour and Gray Swoope, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), presented 13 Governor’s Community Projects of Excellence Awards during a recent ceremony at the Mississippi Department of Education building in downtown Jackson.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/communities-honored-for-projects-of-excellence/

MDA in transition. But economic developers around the state say they are not overly concerned that this leadership transition at the MDA will impede their work. And they give Swoope the credit.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/mda-in-transition/

Who should lead the MDA? Speculation is rampant.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/who-should-lead-the-mda/

Japanese official sees growth in Mississippi investment.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110308/NEWS/110308020/-1/Nletter03/Japanese-official-sees-growth-in-Mississippi-investment?source=nletter-news

The US Green Building Council Mississippi Chapter is planning a week-long Green Tour of Italy on May 21, 2011 as part of their newly established collaboration with the Roman Chapter of the Green Building Council of Italy.  For an itinerary and other details go to: www.sustainabitalytour.com

ABC News – Made in America: Viking Range Corp. Helps Revitalize Greenwood, Mississppi
http://abcnews.go.com/US/MadeInAmerica/made-america-viking-range-corp-helps-revitalize-greenwood/story?id=13027553
U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) are co-sponsoring legislation to extend the life of leases for offshore oil and gas exploration that the lawmakers say “have been left in limbo since the Obama administration issued a moratorium on offshore energy activities last spring.”
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/senators-pushing-for-extension-of-offshore-leases/

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi is hosting a Northwest Mississippi Forum focused on technology-driven economic development in light of the recent investments by high-tech companies.
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2011/03/08/news/local/doc4d759725c6e45075485971.txt

A free web seminar, “Quality of Life is Everyone’s Business,” will be presented by Mississippi Technology Alliance and Mississippi Development Authority.
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs028/1102654215313/archive/1104752146119.html

MEDC Calendar:
March 24 – MEDC reception honoring MDA’s Diamond Anniversary
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference, Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms

The mills being sold are located in Warren, Ohio; Wheeling, W. Va.; and Sparrows Point, Md. … Severstal is doubling its capacity at the Mississippi plant to 3.4 million tons, from current capacity of 1.7 million tons.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703559604576176500838366690.html

MDA’s Swoope accepts economic post in Florida.  Toyota plant, expansions among credits.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110301/BIZ/103010340/-1/nletter01/MDA-s-Swoope-accepts-economic-post-in-Fla.?source=nletter-news

Toyota suppliers build their work forces
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/12157452/article-Toyota-suppliers-build-their-work-forces?instance=secondary_stories_left_column

Barbour files legal brief concerning damage caps
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/barbour-files-legal-brief-concerning-damage-caps/

Legislation seeking to give tax incentives to businesses that use state universities and community colleges for research awaits action in the Senate.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110303/BIZ/103030334/Tax-credits-research-advocated?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CHome%7Cs

The proposed House Redistricting Map is now on The Standing Joint Congressional Redistricting Committee and The Standing Joint Legislative Committee on Reapportionment Redistricting website.
http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/

MIKE ARMOUR: Let’s move forward with union-free global automakers
http://www.nems360.com/view/full_story/11667774/article-MIKE-ARMOUR–Let-s-move-forward-with-union-free-global-automakers?#ixzz1FH1iqQbX

Special delivery: DeSoto delegation takes wish list to Washington.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/mar/01/special-delivery/

Pointing to a new approach to economic development in the area, (Blake) Wilson said Natchez appears to finally be on the right track.
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2011/mar/04/encouraging-words-can-fuel-fire/

Utilizing river is smart move for us all.  Few would argue that our area is blessed with an asset that not every community in the country has — access to the country’s mightiest river.
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2011/mar/06/utilizing-river-smart-move-us-all/

College tuition guarantee studied in Tupelo.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/College-Tuition-Guarantee-studied-in-Tupelo/l0zskhvvYECgnNRPzl7BBA.cspx

TVA releases 20-year strategic plan
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/03/tva-releases-20-year-strategic-plan/

2011 Official Mississippi Tour Guide is now available.
http://www.visitmississippi.org/literature/index.asp

Gary K. Reed has been promoted to branch manager for the U. S. Small Business Administration’s Gulfport office.  … he will be responsible for the distribution and promotion of the agency’s economic development programs and counseling services to Mississippi’s 12 most Southern counties.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110306/BUSINESS/103060316

The OU Economic Development Institute is offering a spring session in Dallas. As a one-week special, from now through Wednesday, OU EDI is offering $100 discount off of tuition costs. More information can be found at www.ouedi.org or by contacting the OU/EDI office directly at (405) 325-3891.

Cool website: World Sunlight Map
http://www.opentopia.com/sunlightmaprect.html

MEDC Calendar:
March 7 – Marriott room block expires for lodging on March 24 www.medc.ms
March 24 – MEDC reception honoring MDA’s Diamond Anniversary
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference, Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms

Miracle-Gro Plant opens in Pearl.  The company’s move to Pearl represents a $17 million company investment and will eventually create up to 95 full-time jobs,
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41785698/ns/local_news-jackson_ms/

Soon, Mississippi may be known as a biomass energy hub, as its wide availability of low-cost resources is being highly recognized and developing projects are plentiful.
http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/5312/mighty-mississippi/

Mississippi Senate OKs some $420M in bond projects.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-24/miss-senate-oks-some-420m-in-bond-projects.html

Two CDEs awarded New Market Tax Credits
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/02/two-cdes-award-new-market-tax-credits/

Business, community leaders working as one
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2011/feb/27/business-community-leadesr-working-one/

Mississippi honors artistic talent.  The arts were lauded as much for the pride and pleasure they bring citizens as for their assets in economic development, education and cultural connection.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110225/FEAT05/102250350/Mississippi-honors-artistic-talent?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CHome

Mississippi lawmakers kill bill on school land deals
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110224/NEWS010504/110224019/-1/nletter01/Miss.-lawmakers-kill-16th-Section-land-bill?source=nletter-news

“Soladigm is very excited to be a part of Mississippi, Desoto County and Olive Branch,” Parker said. “We’re committed to helping with the economic development of Mississippi and bringing manufacturing jobs to this area. …
http://www.desototimes.com/articles/2011/02/25/news/doc4d6750919769c584078168.txt

Leaders of Blueprint Mississippi issued a challenge for others to get involved in creating more economic development in our state.
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=14137394

A new interactive tool available through Mississippi State University’s Economy Watch is giving students, business owners, economic developers, and others easy access to a variety of economic analyses.
http://www.msstate.edu/web/media/detail.php?id=5159

USM plans to continue to make positive economic impact
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110227/OUTLOOK/102270322

Lamar County continues slow, steady growth
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110227/OUTLOOK/102270315

Student enrollment to double at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110227/OUTLOOK/102270309

The State Executive Development Institute (SEDI) is an annual educational workshop offered by the John C. Stennis Institute of Government. The SEDI is designed to prepare mid- to upper-level state and local government executives to be more effective leaders. A broad range of topics are presented by government officials, researchers, and instructors in order to provide participants a well-rounded and applicable curriculum.
http://sig.msstate.edu/sedi.php

MEDC Calendar:
March 24 – MEDC reception honoring MDA’s Diamond Anniversary
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference, Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms

The power of the small business – along with its importance in job creation – is clearly visible in the Pine Belt.  Entrepreneur Robert St. John, president of New South Restaurant Group, is set to add 60 to 75 more jobs to the Hattiesburg job market soon…
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20110213/NEWS01/102130321/1002/Small-business-driving-job-creation

Governor Barbour says state can lead nation in energy policy.
http://www.wlbt.com/global/story.asp?s=14037618

Natchez, Inc. hires new project manager.  (Chris) Hinton will be a resource to existing companies and industries by making sure their needs are met on a local level, (Chandler) Russ said.
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2011/feb/16/natchez-inc-hires-new-project-manager/

Entergy Mississippi, Inc. has announced that Mississippi native John Arledge has been named vice president of state public affairs for the electric utility.
http://www.vadvert.co.uk/business/9227-entergy-mississippi-names-arledge-vice-president-of-state-public-affairs.html

“The port means economic development, and that’s what its all about: jobs, jobs, jobs,” said (Senator Tom) King, R-Petal.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2011/02/port_still_on_minds_of_legisla.html

Despite recession, Mississippi’s trust fund still solvent.
http://www.sunherald.com/2011/02/19/2878625/despite-recession-mississippis.html

Northeast Mississippi’s work force will face new demands over the next decade.
http://m2m.tmcnet.com/news/2011/02/20/5325522.htm

Manufacturing takes on a new dimension.
http://nems360.com/view/full_story/11527512/article-Manufacturing-takes-on-a-new-dimension?instance=lead_story_left_column

The easiest way to attract outsiders is to reach out to those who already have a connection to Northeast Mississippi, said David Rumbarger, president and CEO of the Community Development Foundation in Tupelo.
NEMS360.com – Recruiters play to former Northeast Mississippians

Bill may alter rules for 16^th Section land.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110221/NEWS/102210311/Bill-may-alter-rules-16th-Section-land?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CHome

If you want to run or public office, see the requirements at the Secretary of State’s Candidate Qualifying Guide for 2011 Elections in Mississippi.
http://www.sos.ms.gov/links/elections/candidates_lobbyist_center/tab1/FINAL%202011%20Candidate%20Qualifying%20Guide.pdf

Registration opens for 2011 Mississippi Market Wholesale Show
http://www.mississippimarket.org/index.php

Does state have timber available for KiOR?
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/02/does-state-have-timber-available-for-kior/

The Southern Growth Policies Board has compiled a compendium of public and private organizations and resources that are focused on capitalizing on energy and economic development in the South.
http://saferalliance1.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/se-energy-ed-resource-guide-for_web_jan20111.pdf

VT Halter to build $144M ship for Pasha Hawaii
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/02/vt-halter-to-build-144m-ship-for-pasha-hawaii/

Moran ‘excited about’ downtown of Ocean Springs
http://www.sunherald.com/2011/02/16/2870072/moran-excited-about-downtown-of.html

Mississippi economic head:  No politics in site selection
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/02/miss-economic-head-no-politics-in-site-selection/

Job opening: The Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC) has an opening for a Manager, Member Services and Administration.  This person manages and provides administrative support for MEDC programs, meetings, conferences and activities; includes responsibilities in membership services, communications, financial management, and general administration; performs duties with general direction from the Executive Director.

This is a part-time hourly position of 24-30 hours per week; more before and during winter and summer conferences. For consideration, send resume to carol@medc.ms by 5:00 p.m. February 28, 2011. For a complete job description, go to: http://www.medc.ms/MEDC%20Manager%20Member%20Services%20Job%20(2011).pdf

MEDC Calendar:
March 24 – MEDC reception honoring MDA’s Diamond Anniversary
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference, Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms

LNG terminal expected to get first ship this summer.  The terminal is slated to become one of the Port of Pascagoula’s biggest clients, generating $3 million to $4 million in rent in addition to cargo fees.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2011/02/lng-terminal-top-get-first-ship-this-summer/

Port of Pascagoula is nation’s 16^th busiest, according to U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2011/02/port_of_pascagoula_nations_16t.html

Residents invited to help update multi-year transportation plan.
http://msbusiness.com/businessblog/2011/02/08/residents-invited-to-help-update-multi-year-transportation-plan/

Serverstal Partners Hiring
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=10062

Top employers in South Mississippi
http://www.sunherald.com/2011/02/12/2857079/coasts-biggest-bosses.html

(New Albany is) also a town that is striving to be more progressive, according to Josh West, regional economic developer.
http://tinyurl.com/46ayf2z

“This is really about economic development and jobs. Mississippi oil fields have seen a resurgence in the last few years…”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41431132

Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann has proposed an amendment to strengthen the state’s Entertainment District Act.
http://tinyurl.com/47z6k3u

PACCAR announces improved fourth quarter revenues and net profit – production of the PACCAR MX engine for Kenworth and Peterbilt vehicles commenced at the Columbus, Mississippi factory with 10,000 orders already received.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/PACCAR-Announces-Improved-bw-1934395214.html?x=0

Patrick McGaughey, international business speaker and “America’s Favorite Enter-trainer,” gave some of West Point’s business leaders the tools they need to carry on a great business in today’s difficult economy during Wednesday’s seminar hosted by the West Point/Clay County Growth Alliance.
http://tinyurl.com/4awph8o

Mississippi plant named to Industry Week’s Top Plants of 2010
http://tinyurl.com/4ejf7r2 

Soso continues growth – “… and the Economic Development Authority of Jones County are expected to host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark… “
http://leadercall.com/local/x62527772/Soso-continues-growth

The Mississippi Main Street is having a symposium on planning for festivals and special events.  Fundraisers and event planners throughout the Southeast will share their experiences and ideas.
http://www.msmainstreet.com/index.php/events_news/event/955/

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Center for Real Estate Analytics and Tulane University’s new Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development Program invite researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers to participate in a conference March 10 – 11 in New Orleans to advance the understanding and improve the practice of green development and finance.
http://www.frbatlanta.org/news/conferences/10green_foundation.cfm

Correction:  On Feb. 6, 2011, The Clarion-Ledger stated that Mississippi is receiving additional stimulus funds which would be administered by the Mississippi Development Authority.  This is not the case.  MDA responded to this erroneous information, “MDA has not been awarded stimulus funding from the federal government in over a year.  The agency has obligated all of the funds it received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and the stimulus programs it is overseeing are well underway, and, in many cases, are nearing completion.”

Show your support for MDA!
In March, 2011 the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will celebrate 75 years of service to the citizens and businesses in the state of Mississippi.  As the leaders in economic development, MEDC is planning to host a gala reception at the Marriott in Jackson on March 24 to honor the agency.  You have the opportunity to be a part of honoring the work that MDA has done to bring prosperity and jobs to Mississippi’s communities and citizens by sponsoring this event.

Sponsor opportunities are on the MEDC website at www.medc.ms.

MEDC Calendar:
March 24 – MEDC reception honoring MDA’s Diamond Anniversary
July 13 – 15 – MEDC Summer Conference, Biloxi

The Economic Development News is a weekly service provided to members of the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), Mississippi’s state association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals – www.medc.ms

Carol Hardwick, CAE, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
www.medc.ms . 601.352.1909 . fax: 601.352.2061
carol@medc.ms