Mississippi has once again been recognized as a Silver Shovel Award winner by Area Development magazine due to recent business enterprises.
The magazine’s shovel awards are given to state economic development agencies that utilize innovative policies to create jobs, entice employers to open businesses, and improve infrastructure. The Magnolia State was awarded in the “fewer than 3 million population” category.
“Mississippi’s historic economic development run has earned our state a Silver Shovel Award,” Governor Tate Reeves said in a social media post. “Congratulations to everyone across our state who helped secure this through their many hours of work!”
The following economic development initiatives taking place in Mississippi caught the publication’s eye:
- Hush Aerospace (Tupelo) — A company that specializes in creating unmanned aerial systems plans on building drones in northeast Mississippi.
- Skydweller Aero (Hancock County) — The nation’s only large unmanned solar-powered aircraft capable of perpetual flight is undergoing testing operations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
- Raytheon (Forest) — The advanced technology business is constructing a manufacturing center in Scott County to create airborne radar programs and produce an advanced electronic attack system that disrupts enemy technology.
- PACCAR (Columbus) — The global automotive technology company is expanding operations and creating 100 new jobs in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle with a nearly $210 million investment.
- APEX Ammunition (Columbus) — The Mississippi-based company is expanding in the Golden Triangle to produce more shotgun shells and hire an additional 60 workers.
Other projects noted by Area Development include fishing boat manufacturing, tire and steel wheel assemblies, and wood panel production taking place in the Magnolia State.
