Miss. Receives Fourth Consecutive Silver Shovel Award

JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) — For the fourth consecutive year, Area Development magazine awards Mississippi a Silver Shovel Award for its successful economic development efforts. The state received the honor in the magazine’s “States with Populations Less than 3 Million” category.

The awards are presented to the states with the highest weighted scores based on a number of high-value added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of facilities added and industry diversity represented by projects.

Area Development is a leading economic development publication covering site selection and facility planning. The magazine’s annual Silver Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new business and investments in new and expanded facilities.

“Mississippi is committed to providing our new and existing businesses with a strong, supportive business environment that fosters growth and success, and we are honored to once again be recognized by Area Development for our collaborative economic development efforts,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “Economic development requires teamwork from professionals at all levels. We will remain committed to building a stronger, more resilient Mississippi that attracts new businesses and encourages our existing businesses to grow, in turn providing Mississippians with new jobs and new opportunities.”

Each year, Area Development invites each state to submit information about its top 10 economic development projects. The Mississippi Development Authority submitted a list of the state’s top 10 state-assisted projects for 2013 based upon the number of jobs created and investment committed.

Submissions included the new Yokohama Tire manufacturing facility in West Point, Aurora Flight Sciences’ expansion in Columbus, Helen of Troy’s new distribution facility in Olive Branch, the location of Natron Wood Products’ specialty plywood products manufacturing operations in Louisville, General Dynamics Information Technology’s new data/customer support operations in Hattiesburg, Green Circle Bio Energy’s new wood pellet manufacturing operations in George County, Nissan’s new supplier park in Canton, Feuer Powertrain’s new crankshaft manufacturing operations in Tunica, Toyota Boshoku’s expansion in Mantachie, and Raytheon’s expansion in Forest.

“MDA appreciates Area Development for once again recognizing and honoring the hard work we – along with our economic development partners throughout the state – put into recruiting new businesses and helping our existing businesses pursue growth opportunities,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “Successful economic development requires teamwork, and we will continue working in collaboration with our partners at all levels to generate new investment for our state and create job opportunities for Mississippi’s residents.”

To view this year’s Silver Shovel Award submissions and winners, please visit www.areadevelopment.com/awards.