Economic Development News Week of October 12 2009

Jackson County economic development officials must sense that the stars are aligned for a $2 billion energy project in Moss Point.
http://tinyurl.com/yh9x526

Of Mississippians unemployed in July, 16,600 gained jobs in August, putting the state’s jobless rate below the national average of 9.6 percent.
http://tinyurl.com/yb5nzsq

ProVia’s ownership since has sold the operation; Exterior Profiles Corp. is assuming outdoor fence, deck and home products production at the site, creating 34 jobs, said Wilson, who reports company officials hope to employ more than 100 people, “as the market recovers.”
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=3192

GreenTech Automotive, Inc. unveiled plans Tuesday to develop and manufacture hybrid, fuel-efficient automobiles on 1,500 acres in Tunica County’s Metro-Mega-site, with an option to purchase more land as needed.  The initial phase of the project is estimated to cost $1 billion and provide 1,500 jobs locally, according to company officials.
http://tinyurl.com/yau2fxm and http://tinyurl.com/y9ozwza

Swoope and his team were ready for downturn and have reacted with more business for state.  Mississippi has made significant gains in economic development despite facing the effects of a national recession, Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) officials said.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/10/mississippi-making-significant-strides/

Pearl native founded company that designs wireless sensor systems that drive down power consumption.  Following his education, he worked in Washington, D.C., but Butler said he always had a desire to return to Mississippi, and in 2006, he founded Camgian in Starkville.
http://msbusiness.com/blog/2009/10/camgian-seizes-on-opportunity/

Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) played a key role in the successful launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for The Boeing Company today from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., carrying DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-2 commercial satellite…  The 10-foot diameter composite payload fairing, encapsulating the payload, was fabricated by ATK’s Iuka, Mississippi facility.
http://tinyurl.com/yhp3rn8

Entergy Corporation is the only energy company included in BusinessWeek magazine’s 2009 “Best Places to Launch Your Career” ranking.
http://tinyurl.com/yj34cyw

The City of Tupelo and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality will be recognized nationally next month at the National Brownfields Conference for turning an environmentally contaminated area into the popular downtown Fairpark District.  
http://tinyurl.com/ydahdxq

A public hearing is set for Oct. 29 before the Mississippi Public Service Commission to increase the Claiborne County plant’s capacity to 1,443 megawatts, which would make it the nation’s largest single reactor.
http://www.vicksburgpost.com/articles/2009/10/08/news/doc4ace0c6e5708d778634565.txt

Biloxi-Gulfport, Pascagoula and Mobile, Ala. are all attracting new companies and business investment. http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2009/10/economic_outlook_for_new_orlea.html

The Link plans to unveil a master plan for the aerospace megasite Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at East Mississippi Community College, Higgins said. There, citizens can see just what engineers, the Tennessee Valley Authority and others involved with the project have in mind.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=3187

After more than two decades of states racing each other for one economic prize after another, the Tennessee Valley Authority launched a program in 2004 that streamlined the giant industrial site-selection process — for communities looking for new jobs and for companies looking for sites to build on. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/oct/11/mega-impact/

Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says he should decide soon whether State Farm can boost homeowners’ rates in three coastal counties.
http://tinyurl.com/ycweuj4

John Turner, director of economic development for Entergy Mississippi, said there’s still “hurt and pain” in the state’s economy.  He said businesses that shelved projects are showing interest and beginning to call again.
http://tinyurl.com/ylc8m7y

MDA will be hosting a renewable energy workshop this month in Vicksburg.  A webinar focusing on the energy-related stimulus opportunities available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) will be held on Tuesday, October 13, at 10 a.m.  The full Energy Awareness Calendar is on the website:
http://www.mississippi.org/index.php?id=732

The Mississippi Economic Development Council presents its MEDC Regional Chamber Workshop Series on Tuesday, November 17 in Newton.  Speakers include Shane Moody, CEO of the Destin Area Chamber, Beth Stevens, Executive Director or the Greenwood-Leflore Chamber, Chance McDavid, of the MSU MSCAT team.  Topics include membership retention, membership sales, non-dues revenue, benefits of membership, boosting your membership using social media, and the First Impressions Program.  www.medc.ms

The Mississippi District Export Council presents Export University – Export 101 – An Introduction to Exporting, Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at the Franklin Furniture Institute at MSU.
http://tinyurl.com/yjmbos7

The Mississippi Technology Alliance (MTA) will offer the Venture Coaching Academy in online and in-person classes beginning November 10, 2009.  MTA President and CEO Dr. Randy Goldsmith will lead workshops, webinars and independent study focused on preparing companies for private investment. The one-of-a-kind curriculum addresses the business development needs of high performance entrepreneurs, university-based incubator and tech park directors and experienced managers at general purpose incubators serving innovation-based companies.  Call 601-960-3610 or email sgaines@mta.ms.

MEDC Calendar:
November 17 – MEDC Regional Chamber Workshop, Newton, MS “Connecting With Your Members”- www.medc.ms
December 8 – MEDC Member-to-Member Seminar, Jackson, MS “Existing Industry & Business – A Fresh Approach” with Chandler Russ, Director, EIB Division, MDA

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 – June 22, 2009

U.S. personal income continued to decline in the first quarter of 2009, falling 0.5 percent and encompassing 37 states, according to estimates released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. However, Mississippi and most of the Southeast saw a rise.
http://www.msbusiness.com/article.cfm?ID=8499 

Alabama has joined forces with Mississippi and Florida in Paris to promote the growing aerospace cluster in the South, one that threatens to grab new business such as the U.S. Air Force tanker contract, and is not above trying to tempt away aviation business already in Washington.
http://tinyurl.com/ox4yaj 

A Starkville-based technology firm developing “next-generation” electronic systems celebrated a grand opening of its headquarters Friday with an eye on the future.
http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/content/view/152827/60/

Progress is the name of the game this summer for the metalworking programs at Jones County Junior College. The college now houses one of only three Advanced Manufacturing Centers for Excellence in the state. New equipment has been delivered to the college, and nationally certified instructors at JCJC will use it to deliver advanced skills training in metalworking.
http://www.leadercall.com/local/local_story_171102331.html

 SUNDAY MORNING WITH — Jon Mabry, COO, Miss. Development Authority’s Disaster Recovery Division
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090621/OPINION/906210308/1046

Officials anticipate the start of work on a new building next month in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park as plans to expand the park take shape.
http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/content/view/152894/60/

Singing River Electric announced the approval of a $1.1 million zero-interest loan by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Service and Singing River Electric to fund an economic development project in Greene County, says Singing River Electric assistant manager Mike Smith.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20090617/NEWS01/906170316/1002

The last decade of the 1990s was a good one for Mississippi employment with total non-farm employment in the state growing by 14.3 percent over that period.  Different sectors drive in 2000s.
http://tinyurl.com/lpv7mg

Turning right onto Charleigh Ford Drive, the motorist passes by more rows of trimmed trees planted in freshly cut grass surrounding a large, oval-shaped sign welcoming him to the Golden Triangle Global Aerospace Park.  While only a plan now, this scene soon may be a reality in the area surrounding the GTRA, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link Chief Executive Officer Joe Higgins explained Wednesday during the Link’s quarterly luncheon at the Columbus Country Club.
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=1843

The Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) will hold a free Homebuyer Fair on June 30th, 2009 … in Marks, MS. The fair will be hosted by MHC, Quitman County Community Development Organization, and USDA/Rural Development.  Representatives of the host organizations will answer questions and provide valuable information about affordable homebuying programs, credit scores, and the homebuying process in general.
http://tinyurl.com/lzftmh

Horn Lake is seeking a community development block grant to build a railroad spur line to service a “significant expansion” of a local plant.
http://tinyurl.com/lrrpmx

“We look at this as an economic development project, not just a nursing school project,” (Joe Max) Higgins said. “They have a targeted (construction) starting date of next spring. The building will probably be complete within about a year of that date.”
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=1806

U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) joined the Mississippi Poultry Association to announce that Mississippi’s Third Congressional District leads the nation in poultry production, according to recently released data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2007 Census of Agriculture.
http://www.msbusiness.com/article.cfm?ID=8495

Last call – To reserve your room at the Beau Rivage for the MEDC 2009 Summer Conference July 22-24.  The block of rooms has been extended through this week, however, there are ony a few left at the reduced rate!  FYI- The Beau has a 72-hour cancellation policy.

Are you registered for the MEDC Summer Conference?  Please confirm at http://www.medc.ms/S’09RegistrationsReceived.html. Check to be sure the Thursday afternoon networking activity you chose is noted in the far right column.

Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc. (MEDC)
P. O. Box 3721, Jackson, MS  39207
601-352-1909 . carol@medc.ms . www.medc.ms
2009 Summer Conference . July 22-24 . Beau Rivage . Biloxi

Mississippi Economic Development News – March 16, 2009

 

Gov. Haley Barbour also is critical of highway progress, saying the state’s economic developer, the Mississippi Development Authority, isn’t consulted by MDOT and gets involved only as projects need transportation help.
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=287137&pub=1&div=News

Seizing private property: A bill barring the use of eminent domain for private purposes could hurt economic development efforts.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/mar/13/editorial-miss-eminent-domain-doubts

A portion of U.S. 11 (in Picayune) to soon be widened to five lanes.
http://www.picayuneitem.com/local/local_story_073204307.html

Hope Community Credit Union (HOPE), a community development credit union, and its sponsor, Enterprise Corporation of the Delta (ECD), are celebrating the grand opening of a new Gulf Coast branch located at 188 Porter Avenue in Biloxi .
http://sev.prnewswire.com/banking-financial-services/20090313/CL8321113032009-1.html

As Cynthia Wilson walks along a stretch of Columbus and Greenville Railway line, she points ahead to a section of track not far from the main drag in downtown Eupora … “A lot of these small towns, like Eupora and Maben, they grew up around the railroad and they know how important it is for their economic development.”
http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=674

The five-state Gulf of Mexico Alliance is seeking public comments on a five-year plan to enhance the Gulf’s ecological and economic health. The alliance’s first action plan, which spanned three years, ends this month.  The draft plan is available for public comment. To view it, go to www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org. To comment on the plan go to http://tinyurl.com/gulfplan or visit the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Web site at www.dmr.ms.gov.

Beefing up infrastructure and legalizing liquor – among other actions – are key for future development around Jackson-Evers International Airport , a recent study says.  Growth is predicted to occur near airports. … East Metro Road would run on the eastern side of the airport, connecting Old Fannin Road to Crossgates Boulevard . Rankin First Economic Development Authority Executive Director Tom Troxler said the road will be valuable for commercial development.
http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090310/NEWS/903100309/1001

No change from Prius, Toyota officials say.
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=287051&pub=1&div=News

The state’s top tourism official said Thursday night that tourism in Mississippi this year is lagging behind 2008, but numbers should pick up during the traditionally busy spring and summer months.  In an address to members of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, Craig Ray, director of the tourism development division of the Mississippi Development Authority, tempered his negative statistics with positive news of festivals and other events that have brought visitors to the state this year.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/news.ssf?/base/news/1236939312289550.xml&coll=5

Legislature mulls end of inventory tax, a burning issue among business community.
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20090301/OUTLOOK/902220316

Mississippi also is building educational capacity in this sector by developing unique research and development partnerships between automakers and the state’s universities.
http://www.businessfacilities.com/bf_09_02_special1.php

Gov. Haley Barbour today announced the second Mississippi Blues Trail Marker to commemorate U.S. Highway 61, the Blues Highway .
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20090311/NEWS01/90310028

Jackson County Port Authority commissioners this week gave Signal International the go-ahead for a federally funded deep-hole dry dock on the west side of Bayou Casotte.
http://www.gulflive.com/news/mississippipress/news.ssf?/base/news/1237025717187750.xml&coll=5

Dr. Gary Butler is the president of Camgian Microsystems, headquartered in the former local operations of Cypress Semiconductor Corp. in the Multi-Tenant Building in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park .  The two-year old company is a spin-out from Mississippi State University as an advanced research and development firm focused in the area of microelectronics.  Camgian is a MURA  — or Mississippi University Research Act — company, Butler said. The act helps commercialize intellectual property created at MSU.
http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/content/view/130768/60

Carol Hardwick, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc. (MEDC)
601-352-1909 . carol@medc.ms . www.medc.ms
Member-to-Member Seminar . April 14 . Hattiesburg
MEDC Chamber Workshop . April 16 . Oxford
2009 Summer Conference . July 22-24 . Beau Rivage .