Mississippi manufacturing is getting national media attention and Forbes magazine was correct in noting Mississippi has a future as “a new American manufacturing center,” agreed Columbus-Lowndes Development Link CEO Joe Higgins.
As part of a newly launched series, Reinventing America, Forbes writers this week focused on the state’s “drive to reinvent itself,” detailing a Nissan expansion in Canton, new General Electric developments in Batesville and jobs and investments gained in the Golden Triangle, especially through Severstal and American Eurocopter (an EADS North America company).
“I think Forbes has properly identified what we are doing here in Mississippi,” said Higgins. “We have made it a goal to recruit high-end advanced manufacturing, as part of our overall plan for economic development for the region. We are extremely lucky to have the land, infrastructure, educational support and funding support from our partners to do what we do.”
Noting a “recent economic boom” of a $4 billion investment in the area — including 8,000 jobs paying more than $50,000 annually — and Columbus Air Force Base’s $250 million annual economic impact, American Express, in June, included Columbus in a list of best small towns for business in America.
“Given the fact that American Express named three Mississippi towns in the top 10 for business and this recent Forbes article, I think we may be on our way to getting the state where we need to be going,” said Higgins.
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