Top Stories

Bank sets $500 million loan fund for Miss. firms

BancorpSouth is setting aside a $500 million loan fund aimed at Mississippi businesses, saying it will work with state officials to find qualified borrowers.

Gov. Phil Bryant appeared with BancorpSouth executives to laud the move on March 28. The officials spoke at the headquarters of C Spire Wireless, citing the eight-story office building as an example of a project made possible by cooperation between BancorpSouth and a state program.

“Ensuring that businesses have access to capital is a critical element in positioning Mississippi as the top spot for economic development,” Bryant said. “I applaud BancorpSouth for taking a leadership role in this new effort.” […]

Statewide News

Hancock County man admits to Katrina fraud

A Hancock County man could be facing up to five years in jail for fraudulently applying for Hurricane Katrina relief funds.

Anthony L. Bryan, 50, plead guilty to making false statements to the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for grant money associated with the after-effects of Hurricane Katrina. […]

Business

Helen of Troy to bring 300 new jobs to Olive Branch

Officials from Helen of Troy said they would be constructing a 1.3 million-square-foot distribution facility in Olive Branch in DeSoto County. The project represents a company investment of $37 million and will create more than 300 new jobs.

Helen of Troy is a designer, developer and worldwide marketer of brand-name household, personal care and healthcare/home environment consumer products. A leader in global consumer products, the company offers creative solutions for its customers through a strong portfolio of well-recognized and widely-trusted brands. […]

Statewide News

Von Drehle Corp. locating to Adams County

Officials from von Drehle Corporation said the company is locating manufacturing operations to Natchez. The company, which provides paper products to commercial and industrial consumers nationwide, will create at least 100 new jobs; make investments in additional converting equipment and subsequently install a paper machine.

Von Drehle has acquired the former Mississippi River Pulp facility, which closed its doors in November 2012. From its new Natchez location, von Drehle will manufacture paper products formerly produced by Mississippi River Pulp, as well as its own product lines. […]

Education

Discover the history and heritage of the true South this February

Whether you are a visitor or a resident of the state, Mississippi invites you to immerse yourself in the history of the True South during the month of February.

“The past truly comes alive in Mississippi,” said Malcolm White, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “From the state’s Civil War and Civil Rights legacy to our Native American culture, Mississippi features historical sites and attractions all across the state.  Whether you want an authentic experience featuring a battle reenactment or prefer to rock away the hours listening to stories of days gone by on a porch swing, it’s all here as Mississippians share our rich heritage with visitors.” […]

Business

Ashley Furniture to add 60 jobs at Verona plant

Ashley Furniture Industries will hire 60 people at a new plant in Verona.

Gov. Phil Bryant made the announcement Tuesday during his State of the State speech, with Ashley CEO Todd Wanek attending.

Based in Arcadia, Wis., Ashley employs more than 3,000 people in the northeast Mississippi towns of Ecru and Ripley. […]

Business

MDA names Malcolm White as tourism director

Malcolm White has been named director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s (MDA) Tourism Division. White, who brings to MDA more than 40 years of experience in the economic development and tourism industries, began his new position on Jan.14.

Previously, White served for seven years as the executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). There, he was responsible for overseeing the agency’s staff and operations and driving its mission of supporting and celebrating the arts in Mississippi and the state’s creative culture. […]

Business

Drax Biomass to build new plant in Gloster

Governor Phil Bryant and officials from Drax Biomass International Inc. have announced the company is planning to construct a 450,000-metric–ton-per-year wood pellet production facility in Gloster, in Amite County.

The facility, to be known as Amite BioEnergy, represents a substantial multi-million dollar investment by the company and will create 45 direct jobs, as well as additional indirect jobs during construction and in the transportation and forestry sectors once the plant is operational.

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) worked with company and local officials to provide assistance for road and infrastructure needs related to the project. […]

Education

Mississippi Blues Trail gets over 500k hits on Google Maps

This month, the Mississippi Blues Trail’s Google Maps web page reached over 500,000 visits. The map can be accessed from the home page of the Blues Trail as well as from each individual marker page.

“Mississippi’s musical heritage continues to be a major attraction for visitors around the world,” said Brent Christensen, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. “Using interactive technologies like Google Maps makes the Mississippi Blues Trail both an entertaining and informative tool for those planning a visit to our state. We are pleased that so many web users are taking advantage of this valuable resource to learning about Mississippi’s heritage.”
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Business

MDA launches Mississippi Minority Business Registry

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has announced the launching of the new Mississippi Minority Business Registry. The registry, which can be accessed online at www.mmbr.org, serves as an easy-to-use and reliable resource for public and private entities seeking the services of qualified minority- and women-owned businesses in Mississippi.

A part of MDA’s Diversity in Contracting initiative focused on increasing minority- and women-owned business participation in private and public contracting opportunities, the registry provides businesses and government agencies with greater access to minority- and women-owned companies that can meet their procurement needs.
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