2 MI S S I S S I P P I D E V E L O P M E N T G UI D E 8 | Statistical Profile A look at Mississippi through facts and figures. 11 | Business Climate Overview The Magnolia State has all the right systems in place to fuel growth and success across the state. 14 | Interview with the Governor No stranger to hard work, Gov. Phil Bryant is working overtime to make Mississippi businesses successful. 17 | Glenn McCullough Jr. Interview The director of the Mississippi Development Authority shares his thoughts on why the state is set to be the preferred location for global markets. 20 | Workforce Mississippians are highly skilled, and businesses are reaping the benefits.ContentsM I S SI S S I P P Is i t e s e l e c t ion . c om / c c / m i s s i s s i p piD E V ELO P M EN T GU I D E 2 01 9 • V O L . 4 22 | Higher Education Institutions of higher learning across the state are taking students higher, and there is no limit to what Mississippians can do. 26 | Research & Development From driverless vehicles to rocket science, innovation lives in Mississippi. 30 | City Profiles Leaders from Tupelo, Greenwood, Vicksburg and Ocean Springs share insights into their communities. 38 | Delta Region Often called “The Most Southern Place on Earth,” the Delta region is a hub for manufacturing excellence. 40 | East Mississippi Logistics is driving growth and opportunity in East Mississippi.4 MI S S I S S I P P I D E V E L O P M E N T G UI D E 42 | Advanced Manufacturing There’s a wealth of opportunity within Mississippi’s Golden Triangle. 45 | Ports & Waterways Three ports, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the Mighty Mississippi make up the state’s pivotal waterborne commerce system. 48 | Clean Energy From solar power to wind energy, there’s a new day dawning in the Magnolia State. 50 | Aerospace Mississippi’s world-class aerospace industry is reaching new heights. 52 | Shipbuilding More than 30 companies take advantage of Mississippi’s water-savvy workforce to build personal watercrafts, yachts, warships and more. 56 | Automotive Two major OEMs are expanding their operations in the state, and their suppliers are taking the cue. 58 | Distribution & Warehousing Getting goods to market is quick and easy in the Magnolia State. 60 | Plastics From world-renowned research centers to innovative companies, plastics are continually improving thanks to Mississippi. 62 | Agribusiness Forestry, poultry and farming are the backbone of the state’s economic wellbeing. 66 | Firearms Whether it’s defending the homefront or simply protecting the home, firearms built in Mississippi are making the world a safer place. 68 | Healthcare A new medical city near Biloxi is creating jobs and a healthier community. 72 | Museums Steeped in history and culture, the Magnolia State embraces its past with two new museums. 76 | Quality of Life Mississippi’s Southern charm and hospitality will make you feel like family. 78 | Photo Gallery From trees draped in Spanish moss to steamboats drifting down the river, Mississippi is the kind of place you have to see to believe. 80 | Index to Advertisers6 MI S S I S S I P P I D E V E L O P M E N T G UI D EO N L I N E ED IT IO NTAKE THIS GUIDE WITH YOUENJOYRead the digital edition on your tablet and phone. Click on links for even more information.SHAREShare the magazine on social media with your friends and community.LINKFeature the magazine on your blog, website or newsletters with a link or one of our easy-to-use tools.siteselection.com/cc/mississippiPresident & Publisher ADAM JONES-KELLEYExecutive Vice President RONALD J. STARNERVP of Publications & Editor in Chief MARK AREND Managing Editor of Custom Content SAVANNAH KINGManaging Editor ADAM BRUNSSenior Editor GARY DAUGHTERSArt Director SCOTT LARSENProduction Manager BOB GRAVLEELead Designers SEAN SCANTLANDRICHARD NENOFF NEGIN MOMTAZGraphic Designer WHITNEY ONIVice President of Sales CHARLES FITZGIBBONVice President of Corporate Development PAUL TARRANTSMarketing Manager STEPHANY GASPARDCustomer Support Manager BRIAN WATSONCirculation Manager JULIE CLARKEStaff Photographer SHAY LA’VEEDIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TE AMWebmaster BEN YAWNDirector of Programming & Analytics DANIEL BOYERIT Coordinator MARK BERTRAMThe publishers believe that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the in formation is not war ranted, and neither Conway, nor Mississippi Development Authority, assumes any liability or responsibility for actual, consequential or incidental damages re sulting from inaccurate or erroneous information. PHONE: (770) 446-6996 • FAX: (770) 263-8825TOLL FREE: (800) 554-5686email: editor@conway.com web: siteselection.com/cc/mississippiThis publication is published annually by Conway, 6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 USA. PRINTED IN USA. ©2019 ConwayCover design by Sean ScantlandNext >