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Mississippi Economic Development News – Week of March 22, 2010
Mississippi Economic Development News – Week of March 22, 2010
MEDC Chamber Workshop – March 23 – “ALL SHOOK UP ON TUPELO – How to Shake Up Your Chamber to Better Serve Your Members” – call 601-352-1909
MEDC Member-to-Member Seminar – April 13 – “Nuclear Energy and Mississippi” – with Kenneth Hughey, Vice President of Business Development of Entergy Nuclear. Information and registration form at www.medc.ms
Siemens, a leading supplier of manufacturing, transportation, building and lighting systems, is locating one of its distribution operations in a 619,000-square-foot building at the Airways Distribution Center in Southaven. It is expected to bring approximately 150 jobs to Mississippi.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/03/siemens-bringing-150-jobs/
Chevron to keep, possibly expand Coast refinery
http://www.sunherald.com/2010/03/09/2013739/chevron-to-keep-possibly-expand.html#ixzz0iHCYsXuj
Jackson, MS, was named by Business Insider as one of the Top 20 Cities That Are Having an Awesome Recovery – based on information from the Brookins Institute.
-Business Insider – http://www.businessinsider.com/20-cities-that-are-having-an-awesome-recovery-2010-3#20-jackson-ms-1
-Brookins Institute Report – http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/Programs/Metro/metro_monitor/2010_03_metro_monitor/2010_03_metro_monitor.pdf
The opportunity to increase South Mississippi’s share of cargo to and from Central and South America was bolstered by Hurricane Katrina and should get another surge from the expansion of the Panama Canal.
http://www.sunherald.com/2010/03/08/2010513/port-poised.html#ixzz0iHDHtvLk
L-3 Vertex Aerospace at Gluckstadt has received a $20 million contract from NASA.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100315/NEWS/100315004/-1/Nletter03/Madison-aerospace-firm-gets-NASA-contract?source=nletter-news
A new film studio in Canton is set to be ready for movie production in late spring.
http://www.mcherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100316/NEWS/3160302/Canton-film-studio-open-in-late-spring
Farm Bureau launches eminent domain petition drive in Mississippi.
http://yallpolitics.com/index.php/yp/post/22130/
And like a healthy heart, Bob Wilson says, a vibrant downtown spreads life throughout the city.
http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Main-Street-growth/3oFhmD2kPkuxLlJPmKDGyA.cspx
Governor Cup Awards accepting nominations.
http://www.mcherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100318/BUSINESS/3180303/Movers-and-Shakers
Entergy Corp. boosted the Grand Gulf reactor in Mississippi to 51 percent of capacity from 10 percent March 12, according to a report from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2010/03/entergy_boosts_capacity_at_gra.html
The U.S. Department of Transportation has released more than $2.3 million in grant funding for airports across the state of Mississippi, according to Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/03/airports-land-federal-assistance/
The steady roll of the Mississippi River, inspiration for so many great American songs and stories, also could light homes and power businesses, say developers who aim to turn that idea into reality.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/03/100322/river-current-electricity/
Join the MEDC group for members only on LinkedIn.
http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=2323556
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, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS 39207
www.medc.ms
MEDC Regional Chamber Workshop . March 23 . Tupelo
MEDC Member-to-Member Seminar . April 13 . Jackson
MEDC 2010 Summer Conference . July 21-23 . Beau Rivage . Biloxi
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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Economic Development News Week of November 2, 2009
Jackson, Mississippi ranks eleventh in Business Week’s Forty Strongest U. S. Metro Economies.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/10/1022_40_strongest_us_metro_economies/12.htm
Officials with CE-Bio, LLC, have unveiled plans to locate a nutritional supplements manufacturing facility in a 57,000-square-foot plant at the Metro Industrial Park in Olive Branch.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/10/ce-bio-moving-to-larger-facility/
Start-up company Meridian Furniture held a ribbon cutting ceremony at recently renovated facilities in Iuka. The company will initially employ 75 people, with as many as 150 jobs expected to be created as they expand.
http://tinyurl.com/ycl3glq
G&G Steel recently completed a $950,000 expansion that is expected to increase employment at the company from its current 30 to about 140 employees.
http://tinyurl.com/y8p5qx3
A financial hitch has delayed legislative action for a company that plans to build a $300 million factory in the Mississippi Delta, but lawmakers say they still expect the project to come through.
http://tinyurl.com/y8dmxh7
Leaders of the largely rural Appalachian rural belt that runs from southern New York to northern Mississippi are seeking ways to use alternative energy initiatives to spark the 13-state region’s long-sluggish economy.
http://tinyurl.com/y9v9fcn
Foreign firms flock to south Mississippi. At least 18 companies have ties to foreign shores. They include some of the most recognizable names in the world, such as the United Kingdom’s Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems and Italy’s Finmecanica.
http://tinyurl.com/y98xnk7
After sitting gutted and empty for years, an historic, pioneering department store is getting new life as a luxury corporate apartment building in Vicksburg.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/11/the-valley-gets-new-life/
Whit Hughes, deputy director of the Mississippi Development Authority, said a regional mindset for economic growth makes sense, especially when wooing foreign investors. “When the economy does improve, they’ll be looking for low-cost, high quality options such as our states,” he said.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2009/oct/30/auto-execs-warm-hands-around-vw/?business
The Alliance, made up of business leaders, economic development officials and government officials, hopes the aerospace industry’s already significant presence in the Gulf South region will persuade the Department of Defense to award Northrop Grumman the task of replenishing the Air Force’s fleet of refueling planes.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/10/states-join-forces-to-land-kc-45/
Lyn Arnold, executive director of the Tunica County Chamber of Commerce, says Tunica’s efforts to attract more manufacturers are continuing to move forward.
http://tinyurl.com/yaypbnt
Sandy Holifield, who handles commercial development for the Jones County Economic Development Authority, said Wednesday that officials are “real excited” about the openings.
http://www.leadercall.com/local/local_story_302111101.html
The Stone County Economic Development Partnership (SCEDP) has helped Stone County become among the first counties in the state to take part in the Mississippi Development Authority’s (MDA’s) asset mapping project. Asset mapping identifies, categorizes and quantifies a community’s assets.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/10/county-puts-assets-on-the-map/
Community Development Foundation President David Rumbarger of Tupelo Miss., shows off one of the Apple Macbooks, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, that will be given to every student from 6-12 grades starting next year. The program is part of a partnership between the Tupelo Public Schools District and Apple.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20091027/NEWS/91027035/1263/rss
Three multimillion-dollar projects planned for the Northside (Jackson) have been temporarily put on hiatus as developers weather the economic storm and wait for contracts to be finalized.
http://tinyurl.com/yajb8vk
Several Web sites serve up a wealth of information about home-based businesses, from different types of businesses to tax considerations and avoiding work-at-home schemes.
http://www.sunherald.com/383/story/1699004.html
We agree with assessments that suggest the deepest part of the recession may be past, but as Community Development Foundation President David Rumbarger said last week, “We don’t know how steep the climb is on this side of the valley.”
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3596405#
Congress has provided $25 million for engineering and other preparations for storing some the nation’s petroleum reserves in the Richton Salt Domes.
http://tinyurl.com/y9s85gy
The Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, featuring some of the top golfers on the Champions Tour, will be played at Fallen Oak Golf Course on April 28-May 2, 2010.
http://www.sunherald.com/sports/story/1715893.html
An Arkansas company expects to complete by mid-December its acquisition of Greenwood’s PYCO oil mill.
http://tinyurl.com/y9fep9r
The Mississippi Manufacturers Association and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Mississippi present “Profit 101” and “Sales Development” Wednesday, Nov. 11, to help manufacturers improve their businesses.
http://www.mma-web.org/UserFiles/File/Seminars/MEP%20Sales-Profit.pdf
Join the MEDC group on LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=2323556 (members only)
Register now for the Nov. 17 MEDC Regional Chamber Workshop Series — in Newton featuring Shane Moody of the Destin Area Chamber (back by popular demand).
Attend national professional development courses (EDI, CDI, IOM and New South) in 2010 and let MEDC pay your tuition. Apply now for your scholarship – www.medc.ms – Professional Development – funded by MEDC, MDA, Mississippi Power Company and Tennessee Valley Authority.
Register now for the Dec. 8 Member-to-Member Seminar in Jackson featuring Chandler Russ, Director of the Existing Industry and Business Division at MDA.
Go to www.medc.ms for registration and scholarship information.
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.
Mississippi Economic Development News – August 10, 2009
Biomass conversion facilities can now begin enrollment in the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), aimed at helping increase production of renewable energy.
http://www.msbusiness.com/article.cfm?ID=8758
Restoring passenger rail service from New Orleans along the Gulf Coast to Orlando will cost tens of millions of dollars and take a minimum of almost two years to accomplish, according to a new Amtrak study that also predicts the revived route would continue to be a money-loser.
http://tinyurl.com/nzj386
“The Mississippi Development Authority is pleased that HK Automotive Corporation is considering locating its manufacturing and corporate headquarters operation in Mississippi. . . “
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/aug/09/courts-settle-auto-naming-rights/
Area hotel owners are expecting to reap the benefits of the more than 5,000 out-of-town visitors expected for the 2009 Dixie Youth World Series that opens today. Donna Williams, director of the Jones Co. Chamber of Commerce, said restaurants are also excited about the economic boost.
http://www.leadercall.com/local/local_story_219105110.html
MEP has multiple receipt and delivery points along the pipeline system, which originates in Southeast Oklahoma, crosses Northeast Texas, North Louisiana and Central Mississippi and ends in Alabama.
http://www.msbusiness.com/article.cfm?ID=8789
Spirit Magazine, the monthly periodical of Southwest Airlines, profiles the “city with soul” (Jackson) in its August issue. With a circulation of over 3.1 million readers, the magazine is in every seatback of every Southwest Airlines Flight.
http://www.spiritmag.com/city_profiles/article/meet_jackson/
Ocean Springs is one of the cities that shows tremendous potential for the mixed use lifestyle which puts a premium on downtown living.
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=10860777
Mississippi Export Railroad will add a 40,000-square-foot bulk storage warehouse and about 30 jobs to its Moss Point facility, leaders said this week.
http://tinyurl.com/mp2aw2
Mississippi’s largest employer believes in hiring well-trained workers from the state. That is why Northrop Grumman actively recruits Jones County Junior College to hire graduates of its welding program.
http://tinyurl.com/ljjvbo
Ron Hudson, Chamber of Commerce, comments “I think it is important that a community have a railroad. Rail is absolutely essential to be able to compete for prospects. It keeps us from being eliminated.” With the cost of fuel steady going up, rail is the answer for some businesses.
http://tinyurl.com/mbkjrq
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Division of Tourism today announces five casino courses cited for distinction from Southern Gaming Destinations Magazine as “Top 10 Casino Courses” are located in the Magnolia State – the nation’s top golf-and-gaming destination.
http://tinyurl.com/mksz23
Paul Latture resigned his Jackson position Friday to become president of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. He starts his job as head of the state’s third largest Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
http://tinyurl.com/klrh53
“Generating Business During Tough Economic Times” will be held Thursday at 8 a.m. in the State Bank State Room. The event, sponsored by the Mississippi Development Authority, the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and The DAILY LEADER, will be hosted by John Lindsey.
http://tinyurl.com/l964z3
More than 500 showed up for the Area Development Partnership event.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20090808/NEWS01/908080312/1002
In economic development, the Trent Lott International Airport is expanding; Singing River Island is getting improvements; the county is working with Signal International on dredging the channel; and VT Halter Marine has a building under construction.
http://www.sunherald.com/local/story/1525725.html
International Economic Development Council Grant Station Insider
http://tinyurl.com/nybuo4
If you missed the Mississippi Development Authority’s webinar on “Tapping Into the Programs of the Economic Development Administration” with Tonia Williams, CEcD, Economic Development Representative, U. S. EDA, Atlanta, you are in luck. It was recorded and can be accessed at
http://www.mississippi.org/index.php?id=589
The results of the 2008 Mississippi Salary Survey of Mississippi Economic Development Professionals is now on the MEDC website.
http://www.medc.ms/Salary_Surveys.html
The SEDC 2009 Annual Conference is August 15-18 at the Grant Hotel Marriott Resort and Spa in Point Clear, Alabama.
http://www.sedc.org/displayconvention.cfm?conventionnbr=7031
The New South Economic Development Course will be held in Biloxi September 20-25. This fast-paced, intensive training course incorporates business, developer and public perspectives. Using a case study, the course brings a real-world experience into the classroom and turns the theories examined into a practical experience. The Heidel Leadership Award will be given to an MEDC member attending.
Course information:
http://www.usm.edu/profdev_edoutreach/NEWSOUTH.html
Heidel Leadership Award information:
http://www.medc.ms/Scholarship.html
Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc. (MEDC)
601-352-1909 . carol@medc.ms . www.medc.ms
MEDC is Mississippi’s professional association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals.
Mississippi Economic Development News – August 3, 2009
A startup car company says it’s moving forward with plans to build a multibillion dollar plant in Mississippi that could produce a million fuel efficient vehicles a year.
http://www.newsday.com/company-says-it-s-still-planning-new-car-plant-in-miss-1.1331545
The economic development team at Entergy Mississippi Inc. has launched a new web site that connects business leaders around the world to Mississippi communities. The URL is MississippiSiteSelection.com.
http://www.msbusiness.com/article.cfm?ID=8740
“We are delighted to have these new members to contribute to the ongoing discussion toward advocating energy solutions that will benefit Mississippians and fuel economic growth,” said Advance Mississippi chairman Glenn McCullough Jr.
http://www.msbusiness.com/article.cfm?ID=8745
A firm has been chosen to provide a feasibility study on building an arena in downtown Jackson.
http://tinyurl.com/nq8jo9
AARP’s July publication highlights Oxford, MS as one of their Top 10 picks for Places To Live The Simple Life.
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/simple_life_more_cities.html
Christy Knapp assumes expanded role with Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation.
http://www.medc.ms/C.Knapp’s_Promotion.pdf
MDA-ED officials say some $10 million in grants will be available through the Mississippi Job Protection through Energy Economic Development project.
http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/content/view/161949/60/
Grenada County MS Selects Pablo Diaz as First Executive Director for Economic Development
http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20090729/bs_prweb/prweb2656194_1
During the week-long workshop that began July 20, the Mississippi Main Street Association and the Laurel community rallied together to develop a master plan for the development of historic downtown.
http://www.leadercall.com/local/local_story_214125723.html
Sen. Thad Cochran’s office released a list of projects, including seven in Northeast Mississippi, due to be funded if H.R. 3288 is passed by the full Senate as expected.
http://tinyurl.com/n9h5pu
The Kosciusko Mayor and Board of Aldermen agreed to look into selling a portion of the Mid-Mississippi Eco-Plex (industrial park) on Highway 19 during the July 21 meeting. Mayor Jimmy Cockroft said an adjoining land owner is interested in a section of the land.
http://www.starherald.net/local/local_story_212100546.html
Southwest Mississippi Resource Conservation and Development, a nonprofit based in Brookhaven, will receive almost $100,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to start or expand businesses in rural communities.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090728/BIZ/90728028/1263/RSS
The city of Waveland received the green light to build a business incubator on Coleman Avenue to entice commerce in hopes of revitalizing the downtown district that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. http://www.sunherald.com/business/story/1509981.html
Cooper’s Expansion – The Community Development Foundation’s David Rumbarger said in February the expansion would bring 50 to 150 new jobs to Tupelo. Cooper operates with direct employee and contract workers in its Tupelo operations.
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3381510
The 72,000 square foot glass building, designed by ESI Design of New York, will provide a showcase for the world-class level of exploration and discovery that has been a part of NASA, Stennis Space Center and Mississippi for over 40 years.
http://tinyurl.com/ndh4g4
The New South Economic Development Course will be held at the Courtyard Marriott in Gulfport September 20 – 25. This IEDC basic course, the only one offered in Mississippi, is one of the first requirements to gaining your Certified Economic Developer designation from IEDC. http://www.usm.edu/profdev_edoutreach/NEWSOUTH.html
The Mississippi District Export Council presents EXPORT UNIVERSITY Export 101 – An Introduction to Exporting Wednesday, August 5, 2009
https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q9L
The United States Commercial Service in conjunction with the U.S. Census Bureau is sponsoring an Automated Export System (AES) Compliance Seminar and Workshop in Jackson, MS on August 13-14, 2009.
http://www.buyusa.gov/jackson/
Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc. (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS 39207
601-352-1909 . carol@medc.ms
2009 Summer Conference photos at www.medc.ms
Carol's Weblog 