The Area Development magazine has awarded Mississippi with the 2017 Gold Shovel Award.
The Gold Shovel award is all about substantial economic development achievement in the state. The award was announced on Thursday by Gov. Phil Bryant at the Neshoba County Fair.
“Area Development magazine’s Gold Shovel Award shines the spotlight on Mississippi’s supportive business climate and skilled workforce, while demonstrating to the world we are committed to the economic development of communities throughout the state,” Gov. Bryant said.
The Shovel Awards are presented to state economic development agencies that demonstrate significant economic development success. Criteria include the number of high-value added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities and industry diversity.
“Governor Bryant’s economic development leadership with the Legislature and teammates across Mississippi promotes innovation and creates advantages for the state’s business climate and workforce. This enables companies which call Mississippi home to win in today’s global economy,” said MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough, Jr.
All 50 states were invited to submit their top 10 job creation investment projects for 2016. Mississippi submitted Continental Tire’s manufacturing plant in Hinds county, Southern Motion’s expansion in Baldwyn, Niagara Bottling’s new plant in Marshall County, Premium Waters’ new plant in Hinds County, BPI’s new location in Olive Branch BMSI’s new location in Burnsville and Delta Furniture’s expansion into Houlka.
