10 Letter from the Editor Mississippi is mastering the art of partnering.

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p.16 Contents p.28 10 Letter from the Editor Mississippi is mastering the art of partnering. 12 Letter from the Governor Governor Phil Bryant welcomes business to Mississippi.

20 Interview with Governor Bryant Governor Phil Bryant strives to create jobs and improve the quality of life for citizens of the state.

environment. 28 Advanced Manufacturing R&D Manufacturers in Mississippi stay and grow because of the state s unfaltering support.

34 Innovation and Entrepreneurs If your company has a passion for innovation and creativity, then Mississippi is for you.

2 p.16 Contents p Letter from the Editor Mississippi is mastering the art of partnering. 12 Letter from the Governor Governor Phil Bryant welcomes business to Mississippi. 16 Business Climate Overview Forecasts predict that Mississippi s low taxes and world-class infrastructure will create a perfect storm for business. 20 Interview with Governor Bryant Governor Phil Bryant strives to create jobs and improve the quality of life for citizens of the state. 24 Interview with Brent Christensen Brent Christensen of the Mississippi Development Authority on why more companies should take advantage of the state s business-friendly environment. 28 Advanced Manufacturing R&D Manufacturers in Mississippi stay and grow because of the state s unfaltering support. 32 Workforce Development Business partnerships with colleges and universities are strengthening the workforce. 34 Innovation and Entrepreneurs If your company has a passion for innovation and creativity, then Mississippi is for you. 38 Energy & Resources Mississippi capitalizes on its abundance of natural resources. p.32 On the Cover: Brian Cuccias, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, runs a company that is part of a huge industry in Pascagoula, Miss. 42 City Slickers The mayors of Tupelo, Gulfport, Hattiesburg and Pascagoula discuss efforts to attract new business and improve infrastructure in their cities. more >>> 6 MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

p.50 46 Plastics The plastics manufactured in the state are saving lives. p.62 p.

53 Agribusiness The agricultural sector obviously booms in Mississippi, but its diversity may shock you.

64 Ports & Exports The Port of Gulfport expansion will increase container capabilities and diversify sectors.

3 p Plastics The plastics manufactured in the state are saving lives. p.62 p Aerospace The most powerful rocket engines are tested at the Stennis Space Center, a place that often lends its capabilities to private businesses. 53 Agribusiness The agricultural sector obviously booms in Mississippi, but its diversity may shock you. 58 Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Mississippi emerges as a major player in the US automotive industry. 62 Shipbuilding Find out how Mississippi earned its world-class shipbuilding reputation. 64 Ports & Exports The Port of Gulfport expansion will increase container capabilities and diversify sectors. 68 Rural Development With a low cost of doing business, several ports and one of the best road systems in the country, it s not surprising that businesses are choosing Mississippi. 70 Telemedicine A one-of-a-kind initiative brings health care to patient s homes. 74 Tourism and Resorts Historic trails, blues landmarks and pristine beaches enrich Mississippi s diverse economy. 77 Quality of Life Mississippi affords its residents culture, community and all the riches the state has to offer p.74 Online Edition... Index to Advertisers 80 Photo Gallery From rural towns to main street cities and onward toward the Gulf, this state and its scenery are one of a kind. 84 Top 10 Reasons/Top 25 Projects A tax-friendly state and a low cost of living are just two of the reasons to locate in Mississippi. Also, check out the state s 25 biggest recent investments. 86 Statistical Profile Mississippi s story told by the numbers. 8 MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

O N L I N E E D I T I O N Mississippi: Online BUSINESS CLIMATE OVERVIEW In Mississippi, the opportunities for business are abundant.

TOURISM & RESORTS Mississippi is more than just a place to relax. Tour the state for the trip of a lifetime.

TELEMEDICINE Mississippi is offering diabetes patients more consistent and timely access to clinicians through the use of telehealth technology in their homes.

4 O N L I N E E D I T I O N Mississippi: Online BUSINESS CLIMATE OVERVIEW In Mississippi, the opportunities for business are abundant. TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING Since opening plants for Toyota and Nissan, the automotive industry in Mississippi is steadily building traction. TOURISM & RESORTS Mississippi is more than just a place to relax. Tour the state for the trip of a lifetime. PLASTICS With the single largest R&D program in polymer coatings in the US, the state is saving lives and advancing polymer science throughout the world. TELEMEDICINE Mississippi is offering diabetes patients more consistent and timely access to clinicians through the use of telehealth technology in their homes. AEROSPACE The Stennis Space Center sports the title of the largest rocketengine evaluation facility in the US, and is home to several private businesses. MOBILE EDITION Take the Mississippi Development Guide with you with our new Digital Edition. CEO President Executive Vice President Editor in Chief Managing Editor Senior Writer Deputy Editor/Custom Content: Contributing Writers: Art Director Production Coordinator/Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Director of Custom Publishing Associate Director of Custom Publishing Corporate Projects Manager Marketing Coordinator Custom Content Circulation Manager Project Photographer LAURA LYNE ADAM JONES-KELLEY RONALD J. STARNER MARK AREND ADAM BRUNS PATTY RASMUSSEN CRYSTAL MEDLER BETH BRODY, CAROL CARTER, SHALA HAINER, JAN JABEN-EILON, MICHAEL P. KASSNER, ANN MOLINE, MARY WELCH SCOTT LARSEN BOB GRAVLEE SEAN SCANTLAND RICHARD NENOFF TYLER DAWSON CHARLES FITZGIBBON PAUL TARRANTS MICHELLE ROY LAUREN EUBANK JULIE CLARKE HEATHER OVERMAN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TEAM Director of IT DAVID SODEN Information Manager MIKE O CONNOR Webmaster BEN YAWN Webmaster Assistant MAREA GILES Database Administration Manager DANIEL BOYER The publishers believe that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the in formation is not war ranted, and neither Conway Data, Inc., nor Mississippi Development Authority, assumes any liability or responsibility for actual, consequential or incidental damages re sulting from inaccurate or erroneous information. PHONE: (770) FAX: (770) TOLL FREE: (800) editor@conway.com web: siteselection.com/cc/mississippi Mississippi Development Guide is published annually by Conway Data, Inc., 6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners, GA USA. PRINTED IN USA Conway Data, Inc. 14 MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

Every rocket engine carrying American astronauts into space first passes muster at Stennis Space Center.

6 A E R O S P A C E The Great The Space Race Mississippi supports public and private aerospace ventures at Stennis Space Center. by MICHAEL P. KASSNER Stennis Space Center in Mississippi does not get the same attention shown to the Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral, but it should. Every rocket engine carrying American astronauts into space first passes muster at Stennis Space Center. Located near the Pearl River, Stennis Space Center is a confluence of government agencies, businesses, and 5,000 people in what Paul Foerman, NASA Office of Communications at Stennis Space Center, calls a federal city with all the amenities of a small town. For security and safety, the space-center grounds comprise 13,800 acres in southern Mississippi surrounded by another 125,000 acres of acoustical buffer zone. Stennis Space Center is not the only rocketengine evaluation facility in the US, but it is the largest, meaning the most powerful rocket engines are tested at Stennis. Not a simple task, when rocket engines by design move things. Kennedy Space Center has it easier, they light the engines and let em go, jokes Foerman. We have to hold the engines down. 50 MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

7 Facing Page Top: The J-2X Engine Goes the Distance at Stennis. Image courtesy NASA/SSC Facing Page Bottom: A Lockheed Martin commercial satellite at Stennis Space Center Image courtesy Lockheed Martin Left: MS&TC entrance at Stennis Space Center Image courtesy Lockheed Martin Below: Gov. Phil Bryant and leaders from NASA and SpaceX cut the ribbon at the E-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center on April 21, 2014, to mark the beginning of a new testing partnership. Image courtesy NASA/SSC Private Companies Test at Stennis The capabilities at Stennis are not lost on private-sector companies. For example SpaceX, a rocket and spacecraft manufacturer founded in 2002, along with NASA, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the retrofitted Stennis E-2 test stand, where SpaceX now tests components of its methanefueled Raptor rocket engine. SpaceX is proud to bring the Raptor testing program to NASA s Stennis Space Center and the great state of Mississippi, said Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO of SpaceX. In partnership with NASA, SpaceX has helped create one of the most advanced engine-testing facilities in the world, and we look forward to putting the stand to good use. Stennis is home to several other civilian companies, including Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce. Lockheed Martin along with NASA, Hancock County, and the state of Mississippi, formed the Mississippi Space & Technology Center (MS&TC). The group s building encompasses 220,000 square feet with 50,000 square feet of clean-room space for building satellite spacecraft and their maneuvering propulsion systems. Incentives from Mississippi and the state s competitive labor rates enabled the partnership, says David Hartley, director, Propulsion Manufacturing Center at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. The MS&TC created many high-tech jobs, and produced over 53 propulsion subsystems for Lockheed Martin satellites. In 2007, Rolls-Royce North America was looking for a site to build a new test facility. The jet-engine manufacturer needed outdoor test stands to qualify their jet engines for noise-limit and crosswind capability certifications. MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 51

Stennis Space Center, with its acoustical buffer zone, turned out to be ideal for Rolls-Royce. So much so, the company added another test stand in 2013.

8 Stennis Space Center, with its acoustical buffer zone, turned out to be ideal for Rolls-Royce. So much so, the company added another test stand in Mississippi created a positive partnership with Rolls-Royce, says Anthony Woodard, general manager for Rolls-Royce Stennis Test Facility. Add to that the perfect location for testing jet engines and access to a skilled aerospace workforce, made expanding our facility at Stennis the right choice. (MSU) Raspet Flight Research Laboratory. The world-class flight-research facility focuses on meeting the needs of students, government agencies and commercial customers. Raspet also acts as an incubator for various aerospace start-ups Tax Credit Research and Development Skills Tax Credits One incentive program that directly applies to companies like SpaceX, Rolls-Royce and Lockheed Martin is the Mississippi Aerospace Initiative Incentives Program, which SpaceX is proud to bring the Raptor testing program to NASA s Stennis Space Center and the great state of Mississippi. Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO, SpaceX Trained Workforce For companies looking for trained aerospace workers, Mississippi is the place to go. The state s university system is geared towards aerospace. Mississippi has the fastest growing aerospace industry in the country, says Brent Christensen, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. Colleges work with tech companies to design and implement the specialized training programs aerospace employers need to be productive. One example would be Mississippi State University s in Mississippi by providing work areas, technical training and access to other MSU assets such as the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems. State and Local Incentives Both Rolls-Royce and Lockheed Martin have used of the valuable incentives Mississippi offers. Those incentives include: Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Construction or Expansion Skills Training Income provides corporate tax incentives to companies that make or assemble components for the aerospace industry; provide research, development or training services for the sector; and are looking to locate or expand in the state. The Stennis Space Center is located in Hancock County, along with a helpful group of people comprising the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission. As the Economic Development Authority for Hancock County, the commission works with companies to find applicable state and local incentives. 52 MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

S H I P B U I L D I N G A Proud Tradition ON From military vessels to superyachts, Mississippi shipbuilders have a global impact. Mississippi s Gulf Coast by MICHAEL P. KASSNER Left: A U.S.

9 S H I P B U I L D I N G A Proud Tradition ON From military vessels to superyachts, Mississippi shipbuilders have a global impact. Mississippi s Gulf Coast by MICHAEL P. KASSNER Left: A U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter 98 percent completed Image courtesy Lance Davis/HII Facing: The Gulfport shipyard Image courtesy Gulf Coast Shipyard Group 62 MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

When it comes to shipbuilding, Mississippi has bragging rights. Some of the largest yachts and naval vessels are built on Mississippi s Gulf Coast.

10 When it comes to shipbuilding, Mississippi has bragging rights. Some of the largest yachts and naval vessels are built on Mississippi s Gulf Coast. Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is one reason for Mississippi to brag. Beside building modern naval vessels, Ingalls Shipbuilding is the largest employer in Mississippi, with over 11,500 employees. Ingalls builds amphibious transports and assault ships, destroyers, and U.S. Coast Guard ships. Tougher than Steel, an Ingalls slogan, is a testament to the shipbuilder s employees, and how raw material ends up looking like the recently-launched USCG National Security Cutter, Hamilton (WMSL 753). In the spirit of partnership, last year the state of Mississippi, Jackson County, Gulf Coast Community College and Ingalls Shipbuilding, dedicated a new 70,000-sq.-ft. campus for the Maritime Training Academy. The school offers a two-or four-year curriculum for those interested in a shipbuilding career. Congratulations to the Ingalls Shipbuilding family on the dedication of the Haley Reeves Barbour Maritime Training Academy, said Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant. This training academy will ensure that the next generation of shipbuilders in Mississippi maintains the worldclass shipbuilding reputation built right here at Ingalls. Mississippi is also home to the largest yacht manufacturer in the country. Trinity Yachts, a division of Gulf Coast Shipyard Group (GCSG), builds yachts of This training academy will ensure that the next generation of shipbuilders in Mississippi maintains the world-class shipbuilding reputation built right here at Ingalls. Phil Bryant, Mississippi Governor any design, and up to 400 feet in length. Besides yachts, GCSG with a 300,000-sq.-ft. facility in Gulfport, assembles offshore supply vessels and military patrol boats. How GCSG ended up in Gulfport attests to the company s perseverance. Before Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was the company s home. After Katrina, the problem was no power, says William Smith III, vice president of sales and marketing. With a backlog of yachts, and 80 percent of our workforce with no place to live, we had decisions to make. The company relocated to their current facility, spent $4 million on mobile homes for employees, and provided employees a $1,500 bonus. Katrina cost the company $30 million. To get past Katrina, we did what we had to, says Smith. Our employees are important, so buying trailers and the bonuses made sense. Smith mentions there was a lot of local and state help. Zoning laws, for example, were relaxed, allowing the company to make building improvements, and locate house trailers near the shipyard. Smith adds, The decision was good for the company and employees. MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 63

THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST TWO YEARS AFTER KATRINA

THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST TWO YEARS AFTER KATRINA August 21, 2007 Please direct questions to Brian Sanderson: bsanderson@msgcbc.org Income growth rates double and triple of national averages. Unemployment