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LETTER FROM BILL CORK: Our Pledge: We’ll Help You Succeed

The famous Biloxi lighthouse welcomes all to the shores of Mississippi.
Photo: Getty Images

Economic development is a practical business. Companies invest where they can move quickly, operate efficiently and trust that commitments will be honored.

That is the standard we work to meet every day at the Mississippi Development Authority.

This year’s Mississippi Development Guide provides a closer look at how Mississippi supports companies from the earliest planning stages through full operation. Inside, you will find information on our industrial sites, infrastructure, workforce programs and the industries driving growth across the state.

Our role is straightforward — remove obstacles and keep projects moving.

That means helping companies identify the right location, confirming utility capacity early and working with local and state partners to resolve issues so schedules stay on track. Delays cost money, and in Mississippi, that is not an option. We focus on rapid execution, so companies go from decision to revenue fast.

That approach is delivering results. As Elon Musk said when xAI announced its $20 billion investment in North Mississippi, “This is insane execution speed by xAI and the state of Mississippi.”

Since Governor Tate Reeves took office, Mississippi has secured billions in new investment, in addition to xAI, and generated tens of thousands of jobs. Those wins span forestry, advanced manufacturing, energy, logistics and advanced technology. While every project is different, they all serve the same purpose of creating life-changing opportunities for the people of our state. That is the primary mission of MDA.

And that mission guides how we evaluate opportunities and how we structure support for companies making long-term commitments in Mississippi.

The companies, organizations and individuals featured in this guide represent a wide range of industries, but they reached the same conclusion: Mississippi is a place where business gets done.

We appreciate your interest in our state and welcome the opportunity to help you succeed here.

Bill Cork
Executive Director
Mississippi Development Authority