Eurocopter Named Industry of the Year

COLUMBUS, Miss. – The Golden Triangle Development LINK has selected American Eurocopter as its inaugural regional Industry of the Year.

Annually, the LINK plans to recognize an existing industry in the Golden Triangle for its outstanding economic impact on the community and continued development of the region. American Eurocopter will be honored at a celebration to be held on Thursday, May 30. The award coincides with both the LINK and American Eurocopter 10th anniversary.

“American Eurocopter was one of the first major industries we landed when the LINK was formed,” said Joe Max Higgins, Jr., CEO of the LINK. “They’ve been an outstanding partner over the past decade, and we’re honored to support them as they fight to keep jobs in our community.”

The event will also serve as a rally to show support for American Eurocopter’s Lakota helicopter program. Currently under threat of discontinuation due to pending president budget approval, this program provides more than 320 jobs to the Golden Triangle, with U.S. military veterans filling about half of those positions.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as Industry of the Year in the Golden Triangle,” said Marc Paganini, President and CEO of American Eurocopter. “Being a part of this community for the past 10 years has been rewarding, and our employees are most deserving of this tribute. Now we need our Mississippi community to support us in communicating to lawmakers how important our work is, both for the state’s economy and for the nation’s defense.”

The community is urged to show their support by writing their congressmen and senators, urging them to keep these jobs and supporting this great industry. Constituents wishing to express their support can visit www.eurocopterusa.com or www.gtrlink.org to directly email their messages via a special Take Action button.

American Eurocopter manufactures, markets, sells, assembles, supports and provides training solutions for Eurocopter rotary-wing aircraft in the United States. Since beginning operations in 1969, it has become a leading provider of helicopters for U.S. civilian, law enforcement, military, homeland defense and other markets.

The Golden Triangle Development LINK is the regional economic development organization for Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties. Located in northeast Mississippi, the LINK’s current record of investment totals $4.2 billion and 5,600 jobs over 10 years.

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