MDA won’t disclose plans for Silicor site
Two weeks after backing out of a $600 million that promised 971 jobs for Lowndes County, state officials are staying silent regarding the latest developments with California-based Silicor and its plans to continue to locate in Mississippi.
Silicor officials evasive on plans for facility
In a “thanks but no thanks” statement released by Silicor Materials on Monday, CEO Terry Jester said the company plans to build a silicon metals production plant and silicon purification plant elsewhere in the state.
Jilted!: Collapse of Silicor project is latest of Correnti’s empty promises
On the surface, Lowndes County, Amory, Ontario, Ohio, and Stanly County, N.C., don’t seem to have much in common.
That they all have a desire for economic development and job creation certainly doesn’t make them unique. What they do have in common, however, are their frustrating experiences with venture capitalist John Correnti.
Higgins: Silicor project off the table
After more than two years of wheeling and dealing, an economic development deal once known as “Project Apollo” came to a whimpering halt Monday, bringing the promise of 971 new jobs to the area down with it. But officials connected to the project say it started to burn out almost from the start.
Silicor project in jeopardy after missed deadline
Silicor Materials has missed a Dec. 31 deadline to put up $150,000 in earnest money, jeopardizing the two-phase, $600-million project, according to a source close to the project.
All quiet as Silicor deadline approaches
As the eleventh hour approaches, Lowndes County officials are still in the dark when it comes to Mississippi Silicon (Silicor Materials) and the company’s intentions to build a facility in the area.
Talks stall with Mississippi Silicon
With a Dec. 31 deadline drawing near, talks between the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and a silicon company have stalled.
Mississippi Silicon was given until 12 a.m. New Year’s Eve to place $150,000 in escrow or lose a prime industrial site in Lowndes County, along with millions of dollars in incentive money.
Tri-county alliance: First step proving more difficult than anticipated
A month or so ago, hundreds of people packed into the Lyceum at East Mississippi Community College’s Mayhew campus for the unveiling of what we now know as the Golden Triangle Regional Development Authority.
Oktibbeha County delays may put new Link behind schedule
The Golden Triangle Regional Development Authority is still in its early stages, but the proposed tri-county coalition may already be behind schedule, even if just by a day or two.
Higgins hits the stump to promote ‘New’ Link
By the time the presidential election is over, the Golden Triangle will be immersed in a new campaign as Columbus-Lowndes Development Link CEO Joe Higgins hits the trail, touting his message of regional cooperation as a fast track to economic growth.
Financing delays Silicor as deadlines approach
The beginning of September will mark one year since a California-based solar silicon manufacturer chose Lowndes County for its sprawling new facilities. But after pushing the start date back several times, the company may soon be faced with having to request an extension or risk losing the hefty incentive package that state and local officials worked so hard to craft.
Higgins: County emerging from economic ‘dip’
Columbus and Lowndes County are poised for their best year since 2008 in terms of economic development, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link CEO Joe Higgins said Wednesday.
Hotels attract interest of restaurant chains
As one new hotel approaches its grand opening and Castle Properties prepares to break ground on another, local developer Mark Castleberry predicts more hotel projects on the horizon. And hotel projects are attracting the interest of chain restaurants potentially locating in Columbus.
Higgins: County well positioned if eminent domain law passes
Lowndes County may have narrowly avoided a major roadblock to industrial proliferation, according to economic development boss Joe Higgins.
Link preparing for war over expected tourism fund cuts
Joe Higgins is not happy with the Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau, and he’s making no secret of it.
Link working 19 retail deals
Retail corporations and store owners eyeing cities share a lot in common with the people strolling through the businesses they own. Sometimes they’re just looking. Sometimes they say they’re just looking when they have something specific in mind. And sometimes they come right out and say what they want.
Link renews contract of Joe Higgins for five years
To ensure ongoing community and economic development success and completion of the Golden Triangle Industrial Aerospace Park, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link officials extended the term of Link CEO Joe Higgins’ contract.
MDOT’s reach goes beyond roads
In thanking the Mississippi Department of Transportation during a Wednesday press conference for recent road funding, Columbus Lowndes Development Link executive director Joe Higgins pointed out that rural Mississippi’s road needs were once “farm-to-market” roads — something good enough for farmers to take their goods to town to sell.
Link works to land 15 companies
Last year was slow for economic development, but this year’s a different story, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link CEO Joe Higgins said Monday.
New bridges to aid Lowndes steel industry expansion
In troubled economic times, what Lowndes County needs is a bridge over busy waters. Or better yet, two bridges. At no cost locally. And for a Columbus contractor to win the job just as a Lowndes County industry expands.