MDA leader says the proof is in the projects and the good-paying jobs.
When your state lands a $10 billion data center investment in any year, it is considered a milestone achievement in economic development. When you land a deal that size in two consecutive years, it is considered monumental.
That is exactly what happened in Mississippi, as the Amazon Web Services announcement of a $10 billion data center project in Madison County in 2024 was followed up early this year with a $10 billion data center investment announced by Compass Datacenters in Lauderdale County.
The leader at the helm of this economic development work is Bill Cork, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. We recently caught up with Cork and asked him about these record-setting project wins and other endeavors underway at MDA.
Under your leadership, Mississippi has improved its ranking in a number of key economic measures. Which of these performances do you believe tell the best story about your state’s economic progress in recent years?
BILL CORK: Mississippi’s economic momentum is real, and our impressive numbers in recent years tell a compelling story. Under Gov. Tate Reeves’ leadership and in partnership with our local and private-sector stakeholders, we’ve made tremendous progress in creating a very pro-business environment where businesses want to invest and grow. One of the most compelling indicators of our success is the record-shattering level of new capital investment we’ve seen in recent years. In January 2024, we announced nearly $12 billion in new investments, and we kicked off 2025 much the same way as Compass Datacenters announced a $10 billion data center complex in East Mississippi. Since 2020, we’ve welcomed nearly $34 billion in new capital investments and more than 23,000 new jobs. These types of numbers, along with the thousands of jobs that go with them, draw the attention of global leaders potentially seeking a new location. They’re looking at Mississippi now, and they’re liking what they see. We have many more projects in the pipeline that drive home that point.
We’ve also moved up significantly in economic development rankings. We were recently ranked the second-fastest growing economy in the U.S. We’re seeing a major shift in perception as companies take note of our success and want to be part of it. That speaks volumes about where we’re headed.
What were your big takeaways from the recent Mississippi Power Play conference?
BILL CORK: The inaugural Power Play summit brought many key players in the energy sector together. One thing that we knew going in is that Mississippi is well-positioned to become an energy leader. We have the utilities. We have the expertise, and we have what companies with significant energy needs seek. With billions of dollars in new investments and tens of thousands of jobs in the pipeline, largely from energy-intensive projects, there’s an urgent need to expand energy production. This is crucial to meet rapidly growing demand and avoid risking future business opportunities.
The summit prompted the understanding that Mississippi can meet this need by focusing on a diversified energy portfolio to grow capacity on the grid. This includes advancing technologies like small modular reactors and decarbonized power generation with carbon capture utilization and storage. It also involves working with the federal government to streamline regulations to fast-track projects — evidenced by the U.S. Department of Energy’s participation in the summit — and, critically, developing a workforce ready and able to support these advancements and secure Mississippi’s future.
Where does the massive AWS project in Madison County stand? How does that project validate the work of MDA?
BILL CORK: The AWS project in Madison County is moving full steam ahead. Thousands are employed in construction jobs for the project, and we’re seeing steady progress toward this initial $10 billion investment coming full circle. Buildings are ready to be “plugged in,” and we are incredibly excited to see this come together so quickly. AWS isn’t just a win for Madison County. This is a project everyone in the state should be proud of. Its progress sends a clear message to the world that Mississippi is open for business, and we can make sure companies go from investing money to making money in record time.
Securing a hyperscale cloud data center of this magnitude validates the strategic work of MDA to position our state as a highly competitive destination for investment. This project positioned Mississippi as a hub for AI and machine learning, and now other similar companies are showing up to learn more about the “Mississippi Momentum” and what we can offer them. Compass Datacenters is building a massive hyperscale data center complex to support its future tenants’ cloud and AI/ML workloads. So not only does securing the AWS project validate our work on this one project, but it also validates the fact that our investments in infrastructure, workforce development and pro-business policies are paying off. AWS choosing Mississippi affirms that we’re not just in the game, but we’re in it to win it — and we’re knocking it out of the park. We have a talented team of economic developers and partners who work countless hours to bring these types of wins to our communities, and seeing them go from a concept to something tangible always validates the work we do day in and day out.
Which state policy changes in recent years have had the biggest impact on your state’s economic development success?
BILL CORK: Several key policy changes have made a real difference in Mississippi’s economic development success, but one of the most impactful is still the creation of our universal MFLEX tax rebate program. MFLEX is now our marquis incentive and what most companies locating here prefer. It gives us the flexibility to compete for major projects by allowing them to tailor the program to meet their specific needs. That’s a big reason we’ve landed some of the largest investments in state history over the past two years.
Additionally, AccelerateMS, our state’s workforce development office, has been a game-changer since it was formed. By aligning training programs with the needs of high-demand industries, we’re not only preparing Mississippians for better-paying jobs, but companies can confidently invest here knowing that they’ll find the talent they need.
The state’s also made smart investments in infrastructure and has prioritized reducing red tape that can hinder economic growth. Our Site Development Grant Program helps locals in preparing shovel-ready sites at industrial parks throughout the state. Companies prioritize speed to market, and being able to turn dirt as soon as they choose their ideal location in Mississippi is just one way we can help them start making money even faster.
These proactive steps taken by our Legislature — combined with policy changes designed to make doing business here as seamless as possible — have helped Mississippi become a more competitive, business-ready state, and the results speak for themselves.
“Through AccelerateMS and initiatives like the Mississippi Partnership, the state is aligning workforce training with industry needs, and programs like Mississippi Reconnect offer short-term, paid training pathways for adults entering high-demand fields.”
— Bill Cork, Executive Director, Mississippi Development Authority
You recently rolled out MDA’s new branding campaign: “Let’s Break New Ground.” What are the principal aims of this new campaign?
BILL CORK: “Let’s Break New Ground” captures both the literal and figurative momentum we’re seeing across Mississippi. On one hand, we’re breaking ground on transformative projects — from high-tech data centers to advanced, high-tech manufacturing facilities — in communities all across the state. These are major investments that are creating jobs, revitalizing regions and reshaping Mississippi’s economic landscape.
But it’s also about “breaking new ground” in how we think, how we compete and how we tell Mississippi’s story. It’s aspirational. We’re challenging outdated perceptions and redefining what it means to do business here. With a renewed focus on innovation, workforce and partnership, Mississippi is stepping into a new era, and this campaign is our invitation to the world to be part of it. We’ve received great feedback since we launched the campaign at the beginning of this year, and we are just getting started.
The Delta Blues Advanced Power Station in Greenville is the largest private sector investment ever in the history of the Delta region. What does this say about that region and its future economic potential?
BILL CORK: Entergy Mississippi’s Delta Blues Advanced Power Station is going to be a game-changer for the Mississippi Delta. While this is certainly a historical investment for the entire region, it also is another step toward making all of Mississippi power-ready so we can continue attracting energy-intensive projects that are bringing amazing opportunities to the state. Companies often don’t consider the Mississippi Delta for new projects, but the region is full of untapped potential. Entergy Mississippi and our economic development partners have known this for decades. This new power station positions the region as a future leader in energy and economic development. It will be a foundation to building a bold future for the economic development of the region. We are excited about what’s to come for the Mississippi Delta.
Do you foresee any major changes happening in Mississippi on the workforce development front this year or next?
BILL CORK: Dr. Courtney Taylor and the team at AccelerateMS, the state’s workforce development organization, are doing amazing work every day. Yes, we anticipate significant advancements in Mississippi’s workforce development landscape over the coming year. Our focus remains on expanding access to high-quality training and employment opportunities for all Mississippians, with particular attention to those who have been traditionally underserved.
Bill Cork, second from right, listens intently as Gov. Tate Reeves outlines his vision for energy infrastructure for the State of Mississippi.
Photo courtesy of MDA
One of the state’s key initiatives is the Mississippi Reconnect program, which was introduced by Gov. Reeves and our partners at AccelerateMS to reengage unemployed and underemployed Mississippians. The program offers short-term training — typically up to eight weeks — in high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology and construction. Participants receive tuition coverage and earn an hourly wage during training. Upon completion of the program, they are much more equipped to secure good-paying jobs.
Additionally, lawmakers are exploring the implementation of a One Door policy after seeing its success in other states. The goal is to integrate workforce development and social services so that individuals have a single point of access to the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency. A task force has been established to study this policy and develop recommendations for its adoption in Mississippi.
The state also is investing in career and technical education at the high school level through programs like EquipMS. By modernizing and enhancing CTE programs across the state, Mississippi is better preparing students for success in high-demand industries and post-secondary education pathways.
Mississippi has always been committed to providing companies with an available pipeline of skilled workers, and on the flip side, providing Mississippians with good jobs. Gov. Reeves and the team at AccelerateMS are integral to the economic development success we are experiencing across the state, and policies like these keep companies investing here and bringing opportunities to our communities.
How is your state faring these days in talent attraction, retention and development?
BILL CORK: Mississippi is making meaningful strides in talent attraction, retention and development. Through AccelerateMS and initiatives like the Mississippi Partnership, the state is aligning workforce training with industry needs, and programs like Mississippi Reconnect offer short-term, paid training pathways for adults entering high-demand fields.
The jobs people want are coming to Mississippi by the thousands, and we are optimistic our existing and future workforce will want to stay here to make good money and have families.
Overall, Mississippi is proactively working to build a more resilient workforce, and it is a goal that truly does require all-hands-on-deck. But we are well on the way to making Mississippi the top destination for investment and for talent.
