Despite “what a year” it’s been for the Golden Triangle Development LINK, Chief Operating Officer Meryl Fisackerly said the region’s industrial development arm has continued pushing forward with major projects.
“It’s been a year for the LINK, but there’s still been a lot that we’ve accomplished and a lot that we’ve achieved, and then looking forward, we’ve got so much potential of what we’re going to do in the years to come,” Fisackerly said during the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon.
Fisackerly’s “it’s been a year” remark was an oblique reference to the August firing of ex-CEO Joe Max Higgins. The LINK Executive Committee issued a statement saying it was “compelled to remove” Higgins from the position after learning of workplace behavior and speech over an extended period that “do not reflect the values of this organization and the communities we serve.”
Despite the transition, Fisackerly, who has headed up day-to-day operations since Higgins’ firing, said the LINK has still seen growth throughout the year, specifically noting industry expansions, ongoing efforts to complete the CINCO Megasite and the completion of the organization’s new office at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport.
“That was a long time effort coming to really build out infrastructure personally, being that hub for all three of our communities and our entire region,” Fisackerly said of the new office. “We’ve really … solidified that by building our new office out by the airport.”
Fisackerly said the LINK has seen “just right at about $100 million in investment” this year. She noted the groundbreaking for the construction of Kloeckner Metals’ $90 million aluminum processing facility, the first facility to be housed on Aluminum Dynamics’ customer campus, along with several expansions among industry and local businesses like Burford Electric, which underwent a $2.5 million expansion.
“What’s really important about somebody like (Burford Electric) expanding is that just shows you the trickle-down effect,” she said. “All these big industries get so much credit for what they do, but when you see a company like that expanding, it really shows you how important they are as well to the overall big picture to make this huge industrial climate that we have work.”
The newest addition, the CINCO Megasite, will soon see new infrastructure installed as the LINK prepares to market it to industry. The site will be the fifth Tennessee Valley Authority-certified Megasite in the region.
“Be looking for all of that infrastructure to start taking space, a lot of construction out there,” she said. “We’re going to even do some clearing and grubbing here in the next month or so to really expand that new corridor because we’re so proud of that Megasite and really can’t wait to land a tenant on it.”
In order to land a tenant, Fisackerly said the LINK is employing “creative marking strategies” to advertise the Megasite to investors, including sending CINCO-themed gift boxes sent to top site selectors in the country.
Fisackerly said the site has already seen a lot of interest and is currently trending as the No. 1 hit on the Mississippi Development Authority’s website.
“We’ve had (artificial intelligence) and data centers looking. Automotive (original equipment manufacturers) have looked at that site. We’ve had a metals industry look at that site,” she said. “So it’s already gotten a lot of traction. So I really think it’s prime for an investment.”
Noting the 10-year effort to market the Infinity Megasite, which now houses Aluminum Dynamics, Fisackerly encouraged community members to be patient.
“Let’s don’t forget to be patient because we want the right industry to be there and locate there,” she said. “… It’s going to come. I’m very confident in that.”
However, Fisackerly said community members can expect to see announcements coming in the next six weeks.
Chamber award winners
During the annual luncheon, the Chamber celebrated its more than 500 members.
“This growth shows the strength of the organization,” Director Carrie Martin told those in attendance. “When people hear what the chamber is doing to grow and enhance the community they want to be part of it.”
The Chamber also presented nine awards to members who showed outstanding service in volunteer work, business and Chamber ambassador work.
The Volunteer of the Year awards went to Lt. Rhonda Sanders with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Community Benefit Committee and John Musa, owner of United Deli.
The Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year award was given to Chuck Akujobi Sr.
Rita Felton was awarded the Charleigh Ford Legacy Award. Felton is a retired U.S. Air Force command chief master sergeant, transformational speaker, certified coach, and CEO of Accentuate Life Ministries and Rita Felton Consulting LLC.
Wayne Pest Control was awarded the New Member of the Year, while The Rowdy Foundation scored the Nonprofit of the Year award.
Catfish Alley Studios was named Community Business of the Year. The Commercial Dispatch was named Small Business of the Year. Aurora Flight Sciences was awarded the Medium Business of the Year award, and Mississippi University for Women was named Large Business of the Year.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
