Livability Meridian, MS 2013

7/29/2019 Livability Meridian, MS 2013

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2013-14 | sponsored by east Mississippi business developMent Corporation

mississippi

bt.co/en

In GoodTneVrty nd vnssprng r dps rts

No Placelike HomeGroup aims to retain

young professionals

Game oNState Games benefit

economy & community

Meridian
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Meridian2013-14 edition voluMe 4

mississippi

cntnt Drtr| Lisa Battlescntrbtng Wrtrs| Barbara Biehler,Nancy Mann Jackson, John McBryde,Melissa McDonald, Joe Morriscntnt crdntr| Jessica Walker Boehm

St Wrtr| Kevin Litwin

Prrdng mngr| Raven Pettyld Dsgnr| Matt WestSnr Grph Dsgnrs| Stacey Allis,Lara Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores

Grph Dsgnrs| Jackie Cilla, Kacey Passmore

crtv Thngy anyst| Becca Ary

ld Phtgrphr| Michael ContiSnr Phtgrphrs| Jef Adkins, Brian McCordSt Phtgrphrs| Wendy Jo OBarr, Frank Ordonez

cr igng Thnn | Alison Hnter

intgrtd md mngr| Zach WhiteSs Spprt Prjt mngr| Sara QintSs Spprt crdntr| Christina Morgan

Ss Grph Dsgnr| Rachel Lorance

ad Prdtn mngr| Katie MiddendorSnr Grph Dsgnr| Vikki Williams

ad Trf assstnts| Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan

Wb Prjt mngr| David Day

Dgt Prjt mngr| Jill RidenorDgt Prdts Dsgnr| Erica Lampley

Wb Dvpri| Nels Noseworthy

Wb Dsgnr ii| Richard Stevens

Wb Prdt mngr| John Hood

chrn| Greg Thrman

Prsdnt/Pbshr| Bob Schwartzmanetv V Prsdnt| Ray Langen

Snr V.P./Ss| Todd Potter, Jarek Swekosky

Snr V.P./cnt Dvpnt| Jef Heener

Snr V.P./oprtns| Casey Hester

V.P./cntnt oprtns| Natasha Lorensadn Dvpnt Drtr| Deanna Nelson

crtv Srvs Drtr| Christina Carden

Dstrbtn Drtr| Gary SmithPhtgrphy Drtr| Jefrey S. Otto

Wb Srvs Drtr| Allison Davis

cntrr| Chris Ddley

Snr antnt| Lisa Owensants Pyb crdntr| Maria McFarland

ants Rvb crdntr| Diana Iarate

iT Drtr| Daniel Cantrell

etv Srtry| Kristy Giles

Hn Rsrs mngr| Peggy Blake

Livability Meridian, Mississippi is pblished annallyby Jornal Commnications Inc. and is distribtedthrogh the est msssspp Bsnss Dvpntcrprtn and its member bsinesses.

For advertising inormation or to direct qestionsor comments abot the magazine, contact

Jornal Commnications Inc. at (615) 771-0080or by email at [email protected].

For more inormation, contact:

est msssspp Bsnss Dvpnt crprtn1901 Frnt Strt, St a mrdn, mS 39301

Phn: (601) 6931306 F: (601) 6935638www.bd.rg

v Livability Meridian, Mississippi .cm/m

Copyright 2013 Jornal Commnications Inc.,725 Cool Springs Blvd., Site 400, Franklin, TN 37067,(615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion o thismagazine may be reprodced in whole or in partwithot written consent.

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Member Cstom Content Concil

Member East Mississippi BsinessDevelopment Corporation

Militar

Wrr

Get more information about

Naval Air Station Meridian at

lng r rsn tgt tdrs? lrn bt

rrtn ptns r gst .cm/m/m/c

loVe meRiDiaN?Share the digital version of this

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and post it on your site or blog.

Recreation

moRe oN meRiDiaNGo to the links below for more

articles and photos aboutMeridians business climate,

recreation, food, schools,

health care, culture and more.

ToP emPloYeRS

DemoGRaPHicS

ScHoolS

HealTH caRe

NeiGHBoRHooDS

aTTRacTioNS

FooD

Index

Ntr BtySee Dunns Falls Water Park and

more great images from around

Meridian.

Photos

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CONTENTS

Things to Do8 Lie Msic

i G tVariety and venes springrom deep msical roots

12 Arts & Cltre

Gcg h sg

14 Local Flaor

p f G t

15 Sports & RecreationGm o

Liing16 Edcation

tck f scc

18 Health

i F Hh

21 Cmm pf

Bsiness22 Bsiness Oeriew

i r

24 Working Here

n pc lk HmGrop aims to retain

yong proessionals

28 Entreprenership

rgh pc, rgh tm

Meridian economy spellssccess or determined

bsiness owner

32 Chamber Letter

b bwg

33 ecmc pf

o th CKaaking at Bonita Lakes ParkPhoto by Michael Conti

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PlEaSE rECyClEThiS magaziNE

4 Welcome to Meridianan ntrdtn t th nty

8

24

28

2013 edition voluMe 4

Meridianmississippi

liVaBiliTY.com/meRiDiaN/mS 3
http://www.livability.com/meridianhttp://www.livability.com/meridianhttp://www.livability.com/meridianhttp://www.livability.com/meridian


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ALABAMA

LAUDERDALE

Meridian

59

20

59

11

45

20

80

45

3919

19

The Meridian areas location and

proximity to major transportationroutes earn it the name StrategicCenter of the South, importantfor business logistics but alsoapplicable to its concentration ofarts attractions, historic propertiesand health-care providers.

ENTErTaiNiNg aNd hiSTOriC

Meridian arts institutions, suchas the MSU Riley Center and theTemple Theater, draw visitors for

music, theater and other specialevents, as do well-supportedcommunity events such as theThreefoot Festival.

The state also made its firstentertainment district designationin Meridian, a status thatincentivizes opening new andrenovating existing entertainmentbusiness facilities.

History gets its due in Meridian,too. The hometown of The SingingBrakeman Jimmie Rodgers

welcomes his fans with a museumand annual festival, whilearchitectural history lessonsmanifest in the preserved homesand buildings that are part ofMeridians nine historic districts.

BuSiNESS advaNTagES

The East Mississippi areaallows easy access to two majorinterstates, three U.S. highwaysand four state highways, making

it a magnet for employers and jobsdrawing from a 65-mile radius inMississippi and West Alabama.

Besides Meridian Naval AirStation, the citys largest employer,other strong sectors includemanufacturing, distribution, retailand health care. Four hospitalsemploy thousands of residents,and a major mall, shopping centers,and a thriving downtown ensurea diverse economy.

Read on to learn more aboutwhy Meridian is a great place tolive and do business.

aT a glaNCE

Meridian, Mississippia quick, comPReHeNSiVe oVeRVieW oF WHaTS GReaT aBouT THe commuNiTY

FOr mOrE iNFOrmaTiON

e MbdmC1901 Front Street, Suite AMeridian, MS 39301Pone: (601) 693-1306F: (601) 693-5638

.ebc.o

lOCaTiON

Lauderdale County is located in the North Central Hillsregion o Mississippi, on the Alabama border. Meridian is the

county seat and principal city. Interstates 20 and 59 connect

and pass through the county.

POPulaTiONLauderdale County

80,261

aNNual raiNFall

59

diSTaNCES TO ThrEEmajOr CiTiES NEarBy

Birmingham, Ala., 154 milesMemphis, Tenn., 231 miles

New Orleans, La., 202 miles

TimEzONE

Central

National Average: 30

Meridian is known as

Te Sttec Cente

of te Sot.

aCColade

East Mississippi

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Msem

CONNECTwiTh hiSTOry

Learn about Meridians

manuacturing history atthe msssspp insthete mse insidethe Soul Steam Feed

Works site. The museumincludes the last George

W. Soul built steam

engine and hosts aestival every November.

Msic

BrakE FOr ThESiNgiNg BrakEmaN

Explore the jeroes meomse to learn aboutthis Meridian nativeknown as The Father

o Country Music. Themuseum includes

memorabilia, musical

instruments, trains andrailroad equipment.

Local Celebrities

walk ThE walk

See stars honoring

msssspp w of Feinductees along the areain ront o the Mississippi

State University RileyCenter. The walk includes

celebrities with Mississippiroots such as Morgan

Freeman, Marty Stuart

and B.B. King.

Nostalgia

STEP BaCk iN TimE

Pick up moviememorabilia, roasted

peanuts, bottled Coca-Cola and old-ashioned

hoop cheese at the

Csee gene Stoe,or visit Te Sonswt Copn, ageneral store circa 1884,

or groceries, armsupplies and antiques.

tHinGs to doMeridians mst-do attractions, actiitiesand dining

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Restarant

graB a BiTE

Pull into Te depot deor a sandwich, pastry

or daily special, such aschicken pasta salad or

taco soup. Locateddowntown in Meridians

Union Station, therestaurant serves

breakast and lunch

Monday through Friday.

ThiNgS TO dO

Cemeter

Pay yOur rESPECTS

Visit rose h Ceeteto see the inal resting

places o such historicallysigniicant people as

Meridian ounders LewisA. Ragsdale and John T.

Ball. Other popular gravesites belong to Emil and

Kelly Mitchell, the irst

American Gypsy Kingand Queen.

Attractions

gO FOr a whirl

Take a spin at HighlandPark on the denteCose, an 1896carousel that is a National

Landmark. Throughoutthe city, youll see painted

horses that are part oAround Town Carousels

Abound, a public art

project beneiting HopeVillage or Children.

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rs pb trs nd vnt sp.

Food Festial

Buy, EaT lOCal

Head to Ets BontFest in downtownMeridians SingingBrakeman Park or arm-

resh produce, bakedgoods, jams, jellies and

other items. The eventtakes place on the irst

Saturday o the month

rom June to November.



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ThiNgS TO dO

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vARIETy AND vENuES SPRING FROMDEEP MuSICAL ROOTS

These images all reflect Meridians deep musical roots.Music lovers still celebrate local legends such as JimmieRodgers, The Father of Country Music, and proudlyclaim markers for the Mississippi Blues Trail and CountryMusic Trail.

maiN STrEET SuPPOrTS CrEaTiviTyThe sounds of the past blend harmoniously with those

of the present, and the citys downtown revitalizationgroup capitalizes on that to promote and foster a creativeeconomy, according to former Meridian Main StreetExecutive Director John McClure, who recently acceptedthe post of community development director for the city.

Meridian Main Street presents Downtown After 5 Alive,a free five-week concert series. McClure says he is excitedabout the 2013 series, after such a strong, overwhelmingresponse of more than 500 people at each show last year.

McClure says the series was something the community

simply needed.It was an idea whose time had come, says McClure,

The people of Meridian are accustomedto tapping toes, clapping hands andmusic in the air all year long, thanks

to many outdoor music festivals, downtownconcerts and bands playing nearly everynight at several local venues.

goo

TuneIn



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who established Meridian MainStreet in 1985. People enjoygetting out and experiencing asense of unity.

And in its second year, McCluresays the series will not disappoint,with bigger names to expandthe market.

The concert series is family-

friendly, McClure says. The first2013 concert, which fell on MaundyThursday during the Christianobservance of Holy Week, wasalcohol-free and featured GypsyCarns and the Cross MountainPraise Band.

As Meridian has such astrong tradition of performers andsongwriters, we provide a venue foremerging artists as well as peoplewho want to get on stage and

perform for their hometown,McClure says. Live music andsupporting the arts is an importantpart of our mission therevitalization of downtown. We tryto incorporate music in everythingwe do.

In addition to the spring concertseries, Meridian Main Street alsosponsors a childrens art crawl,which features many young artists;Earths Bounty, offering fresh, local

produce as a fun family event; anda Charlie Brown-themed jazz eventnear the Christmas season, to

introduce young people to the jazzmusic genre.

People have heard jazz; theyjust dont know they like it ,McClure says.

aFTEr-hOurSENTErTaiNmENT

While sunny afternoons often

bring music to downtown, itcontinues long into the nightat several bars and clubs, too.

For its size, Meridian has asurprising number of spots for livemusic most days of the week,including Faces Jazz and BluesLounge, Rhythm and Brews, localbarbecue joint Squealers, and EchoLounge, which has nightly shows.

Echo owner Randy Harrison, a15-year Meridian resident, books all

genres of music, from country toblues and jazz to heavy metal.Harrison knows his customers

expect variety, so he books bandsto suit, and the atmosphere changesoften. Thats what enriches thelives and nightlife for localresidents, he says.

Theres a different crowd everynight, Harrison says. Musicjust makes everybody have agood time.

by Melissa McDonaldby staff photographerMichael Conti

Ladies and gentlemen:Goodhope Goulash. No, thatsnot one o the menu itemseatured at Squealers HickorySmoked Bar-B-Que, but one oseveral local bands that haveplayed beore large Thursdaynight crowds at the restaurantlocated on Great River Drive.

Weve been welcoming music

crowds on Thursday nightssince early 2012, and word hasspread so much that not only dolocal bands want to play here,but were also getting inquiriesrom groups based in citieslike Atlanta, Birmingham andJackson, says Teresa Cranmore,who co-owns Squealers withher husband, Terrance.

Cranmore says that besidesGoodhope Goulash, otherlocal bands who have graced

the Squealers stage includeThe Al Brown All Starsand Blues Messengers.

Bands on Thursdays playrom 6:30-9:30 p.m., and asthe weather gets better in thespring and summer, we blocko our parking lot to put tablesand chairs outdoors to seateven more people, she says.Were thinking o maybe addinganother band night in the uture,but or now, area music ans

know that Squealers is the placeto be on Thursday nights.

ChiCkEN aNd ChariTiESAs or its menu, the restaurant

serves dishes such as pulledpork and chicken, brisket, steaksand hal-pound burgers, plus anumber o crat beers are on tap.

The sta also gets involved innumerous charity eorts and hasraised more than $1 million orworthy causes since openingin 1998.

By Kevin Litwin

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Gracing the StagePeRFoRmiNG aRTS aND VeNueS GaiN iN PoPulaRiTY

ThiNgS TO dO: ARTS & CULTURE

For patrons of and participants

in the performing arts, Meridianoffers a treasure trove of venues,shows and acting opportunities,with a long tradition of artsappreciation. On any givenweekend, a resident or visitormight take in a performance at theTemple Theater for the PerformingArts, MSU Riley Center or theMeridian Little Theatre, acommunity theater with thelargest membership of any inthe Southeast.

a riCh hiSTOry

Meridian has a legacy ofperformers that can be seen inher rich heritage of artists who,through the years, have graced the

stages in Meridian, says Sidney

Covington, a long-time actor andvolunteer at the Meridian LittleTheatre. One needs only to visitour MSU Riley Center, formerly theGrand Opera House, where thelikes of George Gershwin andHelen Hayes performed, to knowthat weve been at it a long time.Weve handed this legacy downthrough the years, and it continuesto grow.

While some larger cities havelost their symphony orchestras,Meridian continues to supportits own Meridian SymphonyOrchestra, evidence of thecommunitys commitment tothe arts. In addition to offeringyear-round performances for adults,

Meridian also incorporates the arts

into its school systems. MeridianLittle Theatre, for instance, has avibrant and active youth theater,CenterStage, which hosts asummer workshop for children,stages an elaborate annualproduction, and produces22 performances per play for theschools in and around Meridian.

As a city, we value the richcontributions the arts play towardour community and economicdevelopment, Covington says.

a lEadErS lEgaCy

While Meridian residents fromall walks of life contribute to thecitys performance legacy, no onehas played a larger role than the

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late Jimmy Pigford, full-timedirector at the Meridian LittleTheatre from 1965 until his deathin February 2013.

A Meridian native, Pigford wentto Hollywood after college andembarked on a notable stage andscreen career during the 1950s. Hereturned home to Meridian in 1960,bringing with him a passion anddetermination to give back tohis hometown, Covington says.Jimmy threw himself into creatingthe Meridian Little Theatre and setthe standard for what communitytheater should be. His charm andcharisma drew people to him, andhis enthusiasm was contagious.The education he gave on the stage

served us well. Always teaching,always coaching, alwaysencouraging, Jimmy did asmuch to shape the lives of eachindividual as he did to shape thetheatrical profile of Meridian.

As the citys theatricalcommunity mourns the loss ofa favorite son, it is determinedto keep the legacy alive. Just asMeridian has always celebrated lifeon the stage, it will continue. Being

involved in community has helpedgenerations of Meridian residentsgrow and stretch their talents andtheir worldviews, and we want thatto continue, Covington says.

by Nancy Mann Jackson

Meridian has a legacy

of performers that can be

seen in her rich heritage

of artists who, through

the years, have gracedthe stages of Meridian.

SidNEy COviNgTON,RESIDENT

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Preors of Great TastemeRiDiaN ReSTauRaNTS aND maRkeTS FeaTuRe FlaVoRFul FooDS

Local flavor blends with Southern hospitality to create great food, inviting atmospheresand signature dishes in Meridian restaurants and markets.

ThiNgS TO dO: LOCAL FLAVOR

Local Faorites

POPular EaTS

wenns, a Meridian avorite since 1870, specializes in traditionalSouthern cuisine and new classics. Diners can sample a variety oSouthern avorites, such as gumbo, shrimp and grits, and blackened

catish poboys or lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.Meanwhile, a rotating selection o salads, sandwiches and pasta have

made de on 5t a downtown weekday lunch avorite. Foodies alsoknow to stop by Ctes met or specialty items, organic products

and a selection o gourmet-to-go casseroles and classic lasagna.

Fresh Prodce

mEridiaN arEa FarmErS markET

When summer rolls around, locals can ind resh ruit and veggiesrom local arms on Front Street near Union Station at the men aeFes met, which is part o the Mississippi Certiied Farmers MarketProgram. The market opens June through September, Monday throughSaturday rom 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Trying a new recipe? To help plan beore you go, check the markets

Facebook page or updates on what types o produce are available asthe season progresses.

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Steak and Seafood

OFF ThE grill

Looking or a great steak?

rste Ste hose n loneserves high-quality steak and

seaood dishes in an upscaleatmosphere. Oe F Beef hoseoers an assortment o charcoal-

grilled steaks, seaood, chickenand other amily avorites.Ater a round o gol, relax

in Notoo Cont Cbsmembers-only dining room and

order the six-ounce tenderloin obee or another o their ine dining

specialties, such as crab cakes.

By Barbara Biehler

Comfort Food

COuNTry FavOriTES

Now located in a single,expanded location, Sqeeshco Soe BBQe isMeridians go-to restaurant ortasty barbecue. Have the pulled

pork, pulled chicken or brisketsandwich, or try the redneck

nachos with your choice osmoked meat and other decadent

toppings while you listen to livemusic on Thursday nights.

Notoo Cont Cbmembers and their guests

can enjoy the clubs Sundaybrunch, which usually includes

many choices o down-homeSouthern cooking, such as

squash casserole, deviledeggs, slow-cooked country

vegetables and more.

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Game OnaNNual STaTe GameS oF miSSiSSiPPi BeNeFiT meRiDiaN aRea ecoNomY

ThiNgS TO dO: SPORTS & RECREATION

In 1992, the city of Meridianbegan hosting the annual StateGames of Mississippi. Now, morethan 40 sports competitions areheld annually throughout themonth of June, with nearly30 of the events staged inMeridian and Lauderdale County.

The State Games are anexcellent way to get moving ina fun, competitive environment,

says Leslie Lee, director ofmarketing and developmentfor State Games of Mississippi.All rules and events aregoverned by the NationalCongress of State Games, whichis affiliated with the prestigiousU.S. Olympic Committee.

The opening ceremony indowntown Meridian at CityHall usually draws thousands -including 8,000 to 10,00 0

athletes, and features a paradeof athletes, lighting of the Gamestorch and a fireworks show.

SEvEral CiTiES hOST

Events take place primarilyon weekends (Thursday throughSunday) to encourage the mostinvolvement from athletes, andcompetitions are for all ages.

Lee says that one year, theGames welcomed a five-year-old,and another year, a 96-year-old.

Other cities that host eventsinclude Bay St. Louis, Clinton,

Hattiesburg, Jackson, Laureland Philadelphia.

wOrTh $6.5 milliON

Lee adds that the State Gamesremain a big economic engine forthe East Mississippi region.

Every five years, we compile aneconomic impact survey, with thelast one occurring in 2010, and itshowed that the Games generate$6.5 million annually for East

Mississippi, she says. Localathletes participate in events suchas 5K runs, baseball and softball

games, tennis, golf, canoeing andtrack. Plus, East Mississippiwelcomes hundreds of out-of-townathletes to our venues. The surveyshows that each visiting athletebrings an average of three familymembers with them.

Since the State Games ofMississippi is a nonprofit, theevents local sponsors and 500-plusvolunteers are vital to its success.

As long as we continue toproduce the solid financial andvolunteer backing, the Gamesshould be here for many years tocome, Lee says.

To learn more about the StateGames of Mississippi, visit theorganizations website atwww.stategamesofms.org.

by Kevin Litwin

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ch t r n

thngs t d n mrdn tbt.co/en/s.

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18/38

Track of SccessRoSS colliNS cTc HelPS STuDeNTS PaVe caReeR PaTHS

liviNg: EDUCATION

Since opening during WorldWar II, the Ross Collins Career andTechnical Center continues itstradition as a training groundfor students throughout theMeridian area.

When it opened in November1942, Ross Collins trained workersfor local factories. Students todaygain skills for careers in a far widervariety of areas, from culinary artsto welding. The center enrolls morethan 400 area high school juniorsand seniors annually as they

prepare for vocational andtechnical careers.

Its a good place, and we have

very good teachers, saysTerry Moore, director of RossCollins CTC. We look at itas another avenue for kids tobe successful.

hEad STarT

Ross Collins, Mississippisoldest and largest vocationalcenter, currently offers 12 two-yearprograms to students fromMeridian Public School District,Lauderdale County School District,the Home Schoolers Association

and private schools.If you just go by numbers,

the favorite programs seem to be

culinary arts, auto mechanics andhealth science, Moore says.Those are probably the topthree, but all of our programs arewell-represented by enrollment.

Though students typically dontreceive all the certifications theywould need to go directly into theirfocused industry, the curriculum atRoss Collins gives them a headstart. Plus, it allows them to havean opportunity to interact withlocal business and industry leaderswho often work with the center.

dual PurPOSE

Students can also earn dualenrollment for some collegeprograms, such as those at MeridianCommunity College, Moore says.

For instance, he says, if youretaking drafting at Ross Collins,you will also be enrolled in CAD(computer automated drawings).So youll get credits at MCC whileyoure at Ross Collins. Basically,

youll start earning college creditswhile youre in high school.As an example of a successful

alumnus of Ross Collins CTC,Moore points out Hartley Peavey,founder of Peavey Electronics inMeridian in 1964. Peavey continuesto serve as an ambassador forthe center.

He toots our horn a lot,Moore says.

by Kevin Litwin

Get Ahead with Hands-on TrainingStdnts gn vb ss nd ndstry prn t

th r C C tchc C n mrdn.

We look at [career and

technical training] as

another avenue for kids

to be successful.TErry mOOrE,

DIRECTOR OF ROSS COLLINS CTC

Rd r btmrdns dtn

ptns t bt.co/en/s/scoos.

16 meRiDiaN
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19/38

Stdnts y hsr s prgrs

t Rss cns, shs drtng, tht

w r rnng drdt t MCmm Cg.
http://www.eastms.edu/


20/38

In Fine HealthmeRiDiaNS HealTH-caRe iNDuSTRY BeNeFiTS ReSiDeNTS, ecoNomY

liviNg: HEALTH

Medicine creates a healthy

industry in East Mississippi, andthat includes hospital employmentfigures. Meanwhile, residentsbenefit from both the economicfactor and options for care.

Rush Health Systems, whichcomprises seven hospitals and30 physician practice sites employsmore than 3,000 workers, whileAnderson Regional Medical Centerhas 1,600 employees, and EastMississippi State Hospital has1,500. Alliance Health Centeremploys 385.

Also contributing to the medicalbetterment and overall economy ofMeridian and Lauderdale Countyare facilities such as Pine GroveOutreach Center, The SpecialtyHospital of Meridian and WeemsCommunity Mental Health Center.

All of these top facilitiesprovide quality treatment and

services not only to residents of

Meridian and Lauderdale County,but also to people throughout eastcentral Mississippi and westcentral Alabama, says WadeJones, president of the EastMississippi Business DevelopmentCorporation. The health-careindustry remains vital to thisregion, with 1,000 physicians anda total of 6,000 medical-basedemployees.

CaNCEr, hEarT,

PSyChiaTriC SErviCESWith a history dating to 1928,

Anderson Regional remains thelargest area hospital, with 400 beds.It features two campuses, plushouses the regions solecomprehensive cancer center,and also offers services such as apain management center, woundhealing center, Level III ER and a

medically based fitness center.

The 215-bed Rush FoundationHospital traces its roots to 1915,and today, has five affiliated 25-bedcritical access hospitals in itsnetwork, Rush Health Systems.Rush Foundation services includeRush Heart Institute, the FamilyBirth Center at Rush, Rush PainTreatment, Rush GI Lab, WoundCare and Hyperbaric Center, RushSports Medicine and The VeinCenter at Rush, as well as otherspecialty services.

East Mississippi State Hospitalis the second-largest mental healthhospital in the state, while AllianceHealth also serves patients withmental health or substanceabuse issues.

Anderson Regional and RushFoundation are our acute-carehospitals in Meridian, and bothhave greatly extended their

mr thn 1,000 physns nd 6,000 dbsd pys wr t mrdn r hthr ts.

18 meRiDiaN


21/38

The hospitals provide a number of on-site health education

opportunities, as well as a variety of classes in convenient

settings. Plus their staff members volunteer in many

programs and activities throughout the community.

wadE jONES,EMBDC PRESIDENT

services throughout the regionwith the acquisition andestablishment of several medicalclinics, Jones says. Those clinicshelp address immediate primarycare needs in many small ruralcommunities within about a65-mile radius of Meridian,including nine counties in

Mississippi and three in Alabama.

advaNCEd aNd EFFECTivEJones adds that the areas

medical facilities also championwellness for residents, especiallyimportant given increasing CDCstatistics on obesity and reportsabout the associated quality of life

and economic impact.The hospitals provide a number

of on-site health educationopportunities, as well as a varietyof classes in convenient settings.Plus, their staff members volunteerin many programs and activitiesthroughout the community, Jones

says. The health-care facilities aregood neighbors and communitysupporters within East Mississippi,and the industry means so much toour overall economy. We are luckyto have an advanced, impactfulhealth-care industry in Meridianand Lauderdale County.

by Kevin Litwin

rh F Hn mrdns prt th RshHth Systs ntwr.

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22/38

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HILLYARD PRODUCTS

FLOOR MATTING

RUBBERMAID

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DIVERSEY

ROLL FOAM

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PALLET WRAP

POLY BAGS

DART CUP

GOJO SOAPS

RETAIL PACKAGING

SWIMMING POOL SUPPLIESCOPY PAPER

GEORGIA PACIFIC

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SAFETY SUPPLIES

HOTEL/MOTEL SUPPLIES

WEED KILLERS

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W H O L E S A L E M E R C H A N T S

20 meRiDiaN
http://www.meridiancc.edu/webbcenter


23/38

ThiS SECTiON iS SPONSOrEd By

CoMMunity proFileCOST OF liviNg

$35,420Median Household Income

$85,200Median Home Price

$568Median Rent or aTwo-Bedroom Apartment

TraNSPOrTaTiON

Median Travel Time to Work

agE

TEmPEraTurE

January Average Low July Average High

EThNiCiTy

17 and Under

18-6465 and Over

White

Black

Hispanic

Other

18 m

Closest Airportmen reon apot

4 mJanuary Low National Low July High National High

9335

31 76

(percentages based on the total = 80,261)(percentages based on the total = 80,261)

43%

2%1%

54%

60%

15%

25%
http://www.atmosenergy.com/


24/38

Inest and RestmeRiDiaN BuSiNeSSeS PRoVe STReNGTH aND PRoFiTaBiliTY

Meridian, the Strategic Center of the South is a regional draw for jobs, retail, culture and

health care for a 65-mile radius that covers not only Mississippi but also West Alabama.

BuSiNESS: OVERVIEW

Retail

mEridiaN ShOPPiNg

Bont les m, which houses

more than 100 stores and ourdepartment stores, providesconsumers with lots o shopping

choices. Specialty shops, restaurants,eateries and a theater are located on

site. men Cossos, sits on375,000 acres o space where

approximately 30 businesses reside.

By Raven Petty

Leading Indstries

diSTriBuTiON aNdmaNuFaCTuriNg COmPaNiES

mtce dstbtn, a amily-owned distributor and wholesaler

o Anheuser-Busch products, isheadquartered in Meridian.

Soten Ppe n Spp

Copn also makes its home basehere. The company is one o thenations largest private-independent

wholesalers o plumbing, heatingand air-conditioning materials.

vn zeen inc. ships hundredso millions o bulbs to all states in the

U.S. and Canada, making it one othe worlds largest wholesale lower

bulb distributors.Product manuacturing, a large

contributor to the areas business

climate, includes manuacturers suchas Pee Eectoncs, aedennson, Stct Stee Secesinc., mno Stee, loceemtn, ats roofn and SotenCst Pocts. Products range romadhesive products to steel.

Location, Transportation, Militarmrdns tn gvs rsdnts nd bsnsss sy ss tintrstts 20 nd 59; uS Hghwys 11, 45 nd 80; nd Stt Hghwys

19, 39, 145 nd 493; nd th ty hs ts wn r trnsprttn.

M rg a rs dy ghts t atnt, G., ndbrds pprty 2,000 trvrs nth. Th rprt s h t

K F, th ngst pbs rnwy n th stt. ky Fd hssmsssspp ar Ntn Grd 186th ar Rng Wng nd aryNtn Grd 185th ary avtn Spprt Fty. Th tys rgst

pyr s M n a s, wth 3,300 wrrs.

lrn r btmrdns bsnsst nd wrr t

bt.co/en/s/bsness.

22 meRiDiaN
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25/38

aTlaS rOOFiNgCOrPOraTiON

Based in Meridian, wherethe company began in 1982,

Atlas Rooing Corporationmanuactures shingles, roo

underlayments and insulation,and other materials or

homeowners, contractors,builders and distributors.

.tsoofn.co

dEaN airCraFT SErviCE

This aircrat maintenance

and repair company has a33,000-square-oot acility at theMeridian Regional Airport. Dean

Aircrats mechanics have servicedCessna 421, Cessna Citation 500

and Beechcrat King Air aircrat.

.encftsece.co

PiONEEr auTOmOTivEiNduSTriES llCHeadquartered in Meridian,

Pioneer Automotive IndustriesLLC supplies customers

with engine parts, ilter kits,lywheels and lexplates, and

other materials or vehicles oall makes and models.

ttp://173.12.245.227/eb

ThE SErviCE COmPaNy

Providing heating, air conditioning,electrical and plumbing assistance

or residential and commercialcustomers, The Service Company

is based in Meridian. Preventive

maintenance programs arealso available to keep systemsrunning smoothly.

.tesececopn.co

idEal SOFTwarESOluTiONS iNC.

Meridian-based Ideal SotwareSolutions Inc. supplies integrated

hardware and sotware systems tothe amily entertainment industry,

as well as to the check-cashing,payday advance, rent-to-own

and title loan industries.

.ess.co

BsinessSpotlight
http://www.atlasroofing.com/http://www.deanaircraftservice.com/http://173.12.245.227/webhttp://www.the-service-company.com/http://www.idealss.com/http://www.alliancehealthcenter.com/http://www.idealss.com/http://www.the-service-company.com/http://173.12.245.227/webhttp://www.deanaircraftservice.com/http://www.atlasroofing.com/


26/38

BuSiNESS

A Place to Create & Thriemrdn rs yng ntrprnrs grt p t rt nd grw r strt bsnss. crtny Tyr,wnr ag C Jw, vd b t th r tr vng n Nw Yr r 10 yrs.

24 meRiDiaN


27/38

M

any people may be surprised to learn that CourtneyTaylor began her career in fashion not by moving to

New York from her hometown of Meridian, Miss., butby doing just the opposite.

MISSISSIPPI yOuNG PROFESSIONALS GROuPAIMS TO RETAIN yOuNG TALENT

hOmENo Place Like



28/38

After 10 years working for DeltaAirlines in New York City, Taylor

was ready to return to Meridian,and from there, her jewelry-designing hobby has become athriving business. Jewelry fromAngel Court Jewels is sold instores across the country and wornby celebrities and rock stars.

One of the best educations aperson can have is to move awayfrom your roots for a period oftime, Taylor says. Its after thattime away that you see how you

connect with the place you arefrom and learn to appreciate it.

grEaT yOuNg TalENT

That connection is somethingthat Fredie Carmichael of theMississippi Development Authoritywould like to see more of fromyoung professionals such as Taylor.He heads up the Mississippi YoungProfessionals organization, whichkicked off its first year with asummit at the MSU Riley Centerin late April. More than 250 youngprofessionals attended the 2013

event to learn about their homestates career opportunities and

to network.Our slogan for this summitwas Rethink Mississippi, saysCarmichael, regional developmentmanager for MDA. Weve got alot of great young talent here, andtoo many times they leave thestate because they dont see theopportunities that are right here infront of them. We wanted to at leastaddress the perception issue.

We feel like Mississippi has a

lot to offer. For whatever reason, wehave a lot of people from our statewho want to look outside our borderfor careers, and were trying tochange that so theyll see all theinnovation and creation that comesout of this state and why itsimportant to stay here.

imPaCT ON COmmuNiTy

Or in Taylors case, why it wasimportant to return here. She andlongtime friend Angela Burgessare business partners in AngelCourt Jewels. Taylor designs the

jewelry in a downtown studio inMeridian and Burgess handles

marketing from her home inLittle Rock, Ark.Not only does Taylor choose

to live in Meridian because of thesupportive network she enjoys withher family and friends nearby, shesays the city also has been a goodplace from which to create.

Living away from the fashionmecca keeps my creativity freshand shields me from the influenceof other designers, says Taylor, a

member of MSYP.Keyes Kennard can attest to thebenefits of MSYP and of stayingin-state to launch a business. Hewas in his mid-20s when heborrowed money from the bankto purchase a mobile phoneaccessories kiosk in Bonita LakesMall, and just a few years later thatbusiness venture has led to theopening of five AT&T MobileSolutions stores across the state.

Kennard, who is president of thecompany, believes the MSYP canhelp other young entrepreneurs.

Inspiring yong Leadersmr thn 250 yng prssns ttndd th

2013 M yg pf st nmrdn t hp Rthn msssspp.

26 meRiDiaN


29/38

Services include:

New Construction

Rehabilitation

HDD

Compressor andMeter Stations

Inland Water Marineand Marsh

With more than 300 years of combined pipeline construction experience,

we are committed to providing our customers safe, quality serviceswith the highest level of Integrity.

Corporate Office Phone(601) 693-8777

Corporate Office Fax(601) 693-8778

Corporate Office Location12340 Quitman Meridian Hwy.

Meridian, MS 39301

Its been a good organizationfor me, says Kennard, an MSYP

board member who was one of thefeatured speakers at the kick-offsummit. Its something where yougive your time, and the return maybe hard to measure, but its a prettybig deal in my opinion. Youre ableto see the impact you have onthe community.

by John McBryde andNancy Mann Jacksonby staff photographer

Michael Conti

Its something where

you give your time, and

the return may be hard

to measure, but its a

pretty big deal in my

opinion. Youre able tosee the impact you have

on the community.kEyES kENNard,

aT&T moBile SoluTioNS

Read it online or on yor tablet, and

qickly share articles with riends

digiTal magaziNE

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30/38

BuSiNESS

l entrprss H iM s n th rsnwst hts. Th hsptty nd rstrnt grps wnr

abd l rdts hs pnys grwth nd sss rgyt th mrdn rs spprtv bsnss nvrnnt.

28 meRiDiaN


31/38

Lala had studied engineering atTexas A&M University, earned two

masters degrees in chemical andpetrochemical engineering, andmade his way to Chicago, where heworked as a chemist.

The company I worked for soldcosmetic and hair-care products forlarge cosmetics companies, Lalarecalls. I met Charles Young, Sr.,the owner of Young Manufacturingin Meridian, and he was havingsome problems with his products.His orders werent big enough tobe processed right away, and hefinally decided to find someone tohelp him make his own products in

his Mississippi facility. He offeredme a position as a consultant, I

came to Mississippi and we solvedhis problems. I had been looking atsome other opportunities, butdecided to give Meridian a try.

hOSPiTaliTy iNduSTrywOrTh aN iNvESTmENT

Lala was doing fine in his newjob, but his wife Farida was bored,because shed been working inChicago, but hadnt found anythinghere, he says.

As entrepreneurial as herhusband, Farida soon changedthat situation.

A friend offered her a part-timeposition in a small motel, and one

evening when I returned fromwork, she began to tell me what agood business that was and how weshould invest, he says. I told her Ireally didnt think it was my kind ofwork, but she said it was too late,because shed made a $5,000 depositand signed an agreement.

That was in 1981. And from aproperty that was in pretty badshape, the Lalas have builta franchise business, LalaEnterprises, which now has hotelproperties in Mississippi andsurrounding states. The company

When Abdul Lala immigrated to the United States in 1971from his native India, he quickly settled into a career path.But then he met a Meridian businessman who offered an

opportunity, and soon everything was different.

riGHt tiMe

Right Place,

MERIDIAN ECONOMy SPELLS SuCCESSFOR DETERMINED BuSINESS OWNER



32/38

Kick Off yor Shoesmdrn nts nd rts nrggsts t r nd nwnd t l entrprss

H i M, th nwst svrr hts wnd by ntrprnr nd

mrdn dvt abd l.

30 meRiDiaN


33/38

Glover, YounG,

Walton & SimmonS, pllcAttorneysAt LAw

H. Wingfield Glover, Jr.

Ralph E. Young, Jr.

Ronnie L. Walton

H. Wingfield Glover, III

William W. Simmons

Stephen B. Jackson

Reed C. Darsey

Post Office Drawer 5514

1724A 23rd Ave.

Meridian, MS 39302-5514

(601) 693-1301

(601) 693-1363 Fax

www.gloveryoung.com

Foodservice Equipment Supplies Furniture

OPEN TO THE PUBLICFive Locations to Serve You:

Meridian, MS Jackson, MS Gulfport, MSMemphis, TN Nashville, TN

(800) 782-6651 www.hnrsupply.com

Suppliers/Designers to the Food Service Industry

Since 1953

Full-Line Electicl Supply Distibuto

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

12 Loctions:

MErIDIaN

912 13th St.Meidin, MS 39301

601-484-5760 tel

601-484-6577 fxwww.sequelelecticlsupply.com

MSCleveland, MSGreenville, MSGreenwood, MSMeridian, MS (x2)Oxford, MS

LaAlexandria, LA

aLAnniston, ALDothan, ALMobile, ALTuscaloosa, AL

FLPensacola, FL

HOURSMon.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat.: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

8000 Hwy. 45 N.Meridian, MS 39305

(601) 483-5858www.meridianoutboard.com

DealeR:

Ymh Outbords

Tohtsu Outbords

S ark Bots

Qwst Pontoons

GnrcGnrtors

The BoatRepair Shop

DonniCroy

MtthwCroy

recently branched out into otherareas, such as restaurants. AndLala says its all thanks to abusiness climate that not onlysupports, but also encourages,entrepreneurship.

mEridiaN EmBraCESSTarTuP BuSiNESSES

This community, the city andcounty governments, have beenextremely supportive of us, Lalasays. We had to work hard in thebeginning to get established,but as we started growing, wedeveloped good relationships withthe banks and other vendors. Wegot our first loan approved in 1988,and ever since then weve keptgrowing. After a while, we stoppedbuying properties and began tobuild our own, which we could nothave done without the businesssupport that weve found here.

Next up for Lala, who won theEMBDCs 2012 Harvey D. PeavyAward for Entrepreneurial

Excellence, is more growth in therestaurant aspect of his business.

We have three restaurants inour hotels, and almost two yearsago, we opened a Buffalo WildWings that has done very well, hesays. Now we are looking at an

IHOP franchise, and of course,well continue to build hotels.

And as for Meridian, Lala says,We wouldnt take anything to leavethis city. We have been able to builda business here, then diversify thatbusiness. This is home.

by Joe Morrisby staff photographer

Michael Conti

lrn r bt whtts t d bsnss nmrdn t bt.co/en/s/bsness.

We wouldnt take

anything to leave this

city. We have been able

to build a business here,

then diversify thatbusiness. This is home.

aBdul lala,RESIDENT & ENTREPRENEuR

snapsHot

kems restaurantinsideLalasHolidayInnservesAmericanfavoritestovisitorsandguests.

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34/38

Ad Index

23 AlliAnceHeAltHcenter

c2 AndersonregionAl

MedicAlcenter

21 AtMosenergy

19 dr.dAnH.singleydMd

17 eAstMississippi

coMMunitycollege

32 eAstMississippielectric

powerAssociAtion

31 glover,young,wAlton

&siMMonspllc

10 HolidAyinnMeridiAneAst

31 Hotel&restAurAntsupply

1 lAuderdAlecountytourisM

20 MeridiAncoMMunitycollege

31 MeridiAnoutboArd

10 Mississippipower

20 newellpAper

27 progressivepipeline

c4 rusHFoundAtionHospitAl

31 sequelelectricAlsupply

10 tHecitizensbAnk

19 woMAnsgroup

oFMeridiAnpllc


35/38


36/38

The East Mississippi Business

Development Corporation brewslots of coffee once a month to helpits member businesses.

A 30-minute Morning CoffeeBreak takes place from 9-9:30 a.m.on the second Tuesday of eachmonth, so chamber members canmeet the business communitywhile enjoying a cup of coffee.

A different business hosts the

event each month, and it doesntcost anything for that business toserve as host. The EMBDC backsthe program, says Meredith Rea,public relations coordinator withthe EMBDC. About 90 percent ofour 600 chamber members eitherown or are affiliated with smallbusinesses that have 25 employees

or fewer, and the Morning Coffee

Break allows the EMBDC to furtherhelp that chamber demographicwith networking.

Rea says all chamber membersare invited to the monthly events.

Its an easy way for people fromsmaller businesses to network, andanyone new to the group gets a fewminutes to introduce themselvesto the crowd, she says . Youreprobably going to have a morningcup of coffee or juice anyway

might as well network and perhapsattract some business during those30 minutes once a month.

mEmBErS-ONly diSCOuNTS

EMBDC members also haveaccess to exclusive discountsthrough deals from otherchamber members.

In this program, a memberbusiness must make their discountexclusive to other members the

discount cant be available to thegeneral public, Rea says. Allour chamber members receivediscount availability cards theycan give to their employees,plus members can post alltheir discount deals throughour EMBDC website.

rEdESigNEd wEBSiTE

The EMBDC has redesignedwww.embdc.org to make it easier

for users. Members can now addavailable discounts to their accountand register for chamber events.

I know there are some peoplewhose only quiet time during theday might be 9 oclock at night, sothey can sit down then and accessthe website to check everythingthat is worthy of their interest, Reasays. Leading Edges in Meridianperformed our website upgrade,and the EMBDC was very detailedin what we wanted. Its a really nice,user-friendly site.

by Kevin Litwin

Bsiness BrewingcHamBeR exPaNDS memBeR BeNeFiTS, FRom NeTWoRkiNG eVeNTS To WeBSiTe

BuSiNESS: CHAMBER REPORT

32 meRiDiaN
http://www.embdc.org/http://www.embdc.org/


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Documents

Livability Meridian, MS 2013