State Lands Economic Honor

JACKSON—For the fifth consecutive year, Area Development magazine has awarded Mississippi a Silver Shovel Award for its economic development effectiveness. Area Development is a leading economic development publication covering site selection and facility planning.

The Shovel Awards are presented to states that prove economic development success based on the number of high-value added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities and industry diversity represented by projects.

“Mississippi has proven that our business-friendly environment and economic development efforts are as strong as ever, and it is an honor to be selected again by Area Development for our commitment to providing both local and global companies an atmosphere where they can not only do business but thrive,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “We appreciate the companies that choose Mississippi, and we will continue working with our economic development partners to demonstrate why this state is a great place to call home. We have announced more than 18,000 new jobs and more than $2.7 billion in private sector investment since 2012, and our workforce proves each day why ‘Made in America, perfected in Mississippi’ is true. Mississippi is on the right trajectory when it comes to economic development.”

Each year, Area Development invites all 50 states to submit information about their top 10 economic development projects. The Mississippi Development Authority submitted a list of the state’s top 10 state-assisted projects for 2014 based upon the number of jobs created and investment committed.

Submissions included the new GRAMMER Inc. automotive seating and interior manufacturing facility in Shannon, expansion of the Williams-Sonoma home products distribution center in Olive Branch, expansion of the Nissan automotive manufacturing plant in Canton, expansion of the Cooper Tire manufacturing facility in Tupelo, expansion of the FNC mortgage technology headquarters in Oxford, the new Green Bay Converting sanitary towel and tissue manufacturing facility in Hattiesburg, the new Calbee gourmet snack food manufacturing facility in Senatobia, the new Mississippi Silicon metal manufacturing facility in Burnsville, the expansion of the Borg Warner powertrain components manufacturing operations in Water Valley and the new McDermott International pipeline finishing center in Gulfport. 

“This Silver Shovel Award is a testament to the rich collaborative spirit companies find in Mississippi. Thanks to the hard work and success of our local, regional and state economic development professionals, Mississippi continues to attract new business investment while supporting our existing industries to help them expand in the state,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough. “The state’s highly ranked business climate provides companies with the competitive advantage they need to excel in a dynamic global marketplace, build stronger communities and create new job opportunities for Mississippians.”