Mississippi:
Thinking Like a Business

If your firm needs to fast-track a new facility in the South, don't overlook Mississippi. State officials will act quickly to get your operation up
and running ahead of the competition.

by TIM VENABLE

Everybody says government needs to think more like a business. But in Mississippi, they've actually done something about it.

"Most states have a board of economic development that meets every so often," explains Jimmy Heidel, executive director of the Mississippi Dept. of Economic and Community Development. "The agency director takes projects to the board for approval. But here in Mississippi, I am the board. I can make the decision today."

Companies striving to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-moving environment can't waste time waiting for boards and agencies to grant approvals and make decisions. And in the Magnolia State, they don't have to.

"I have the authority from the legislature to give a company a commitment on the spot," Heidel says. "Corporate America really likes it. I can sit down and tell someone, 'I'll give you a loan at 1 percent interest,' and that makes a lot of difference. I don't have to say, 'Well, I'll meet with my board on the 30th of this month, and then we'll see what they say.' "

The Facts on Mississippi Location: Mississippi is a coastal, southeastern state strategically located with the Mississippi River to the west, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the South. Area: The state covers 47,233 sq. miles (122,333 sq. km.) with diverse terrain, including rich farmland, rolling wooded hills and subtropical coastline. Population: Mississippi has a population of 2.7 million, with a labor force of more than 1 million. Natural Resources: The state's 747,000 acres (302,000 hectares) of surface water and acquifers provide navigational waterways and an almost unlimited supply of fresh water. Other resources include oil and gas, sand and gravel, clay, limestone and well-managed hardwood and softwood forests. Major Industries: Mississippi's leading industries include furniture and wood products, food processing, chemicals, plastics, electronics, metal fabrication, telecommunications and auto parts manufacturing and distribution.