Images East Mississippi: 2010

2010 | IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI.COM ®

What’s s e Online Meet the Father of Country Music at the Jimmie Rodgers Museum

EAST MISSISSIPPI

PROGRESSIVE AND PERSONABLE Art, recreation, philanthropy thrive here

IT’S ONLY NATURAL Area lakes and parks lure outdoor enthusiasts

Amazing Space Riley Center’s grand opera house still thrills

SPONSORED BY THE EAST MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

City of Meridian “A BETTER LONGITUDE ON LIFE”

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2010 EDITION | VOLUME 1 ®

EAST MISSISSIPPI

CO NTE NT S

EAST MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS

F E AT U R E S

30 Progress Is in the Proximity

10 PROGRESSIVE, PERSONABLE, PERFECT Art, recreation, philanthropy and volunteerism combine in a region that is focused on growth and quality of life.

14 IT’S ONLY NATURAL Area lakes and parks lure outdoor enthusiasts.

East Mississippi is in the right spot for growth.

34 Biz Briefs 36 Chamber Report 37 Economic Profile

D E PA R TM E NT S 6 Almanac: a colorful sampling

18 AMAZING SPACE MSU Riley Center is home to art, education, history and more.

42 ART APPRECIATION Performing and visual arts find public and private support.

45 CLASS IS IN SESSION MSU-Meridian adds courses and expands its downtown presence.

of East Mississippi culture

22 Local Flavor 24 Image Gallery 26 Portfolio: people, places and events that define East Mississippi

39 Health & Wellness 41 Sports & Recreation 47 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

ON THE COVER MSU Riley Center Photo by Jeff Adkins

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LOCAL FLAVOR From the simple to the sublime, the delicious offerings here are guaranteed to satisfy every appetite.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes East Mississippi tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

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VIDEOS

“Find the good – and praise it.”

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

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History Is Stored Here Fresh From the Garden Each spring, the Meridian/Lauderdale County Farmers Market gets into full swing near Union Station. Local farmers have a variety of fresh fruits and healthy vegetables ready for purchase.

Open May through September, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. until noon, customers can call the market in the mornings at (601) 484-3988 to see what is available. Interested shoppers need to rise and shine. Regulars say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to go early for the freshest selections.

A visit to the Causeyville General Store is a step back in time.

This general store and gristmill, opened in 1895, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stone-ground cornmeal is produced on the premises, with the gristmill operating for the public on Saturdays. For more than 90 years, hoop cheese has been sliced for customers on site.

The store also features a musical museum. Causeyville General Store is open year-round, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Ca Carousel Cre Creations Around Town T Carousels Abound is colorful outdoor public art a fun and c More than 50 brightly project. Mo horses were decorated carousel c created by the talented hands of regional artists, each with local and re and stories. different themes th horses are sponsored by The hors businesses and individuals busine and placed in prominent locations around the city. loc All Al proceeds from the project benefit Hope Village pr for fo Children. The location and an description of each horse is available at the ho Meridian-Lauderdale County Me Tourism Bureau.

Touri

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Almanac

Fast Facts Festival of Art Art, dance, learning and fun fill the streets of Meridian during the annual Threefoot Festival.

A dazzling array of visual artists compete in the juried art show, while craft vendors offer a variety of items for sale. The event also includes a talent competition, a walk that benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation and plenty of food, including a popular chili cook-off.

The festival also offers activities for children including storytelling and opportunities to create their own works of art.

The event is sponsored by the Meridian Council for the Arts, the City of Meridian, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mississippi Arts Commission and private enterprise.

Volunteering Fun Castle tops rise from the ground at Planet Playground, feeding the imagination of active boys and girls as they pretend to be beautiful princesses or handsome princes. This 10,000-square-foot playground, built totally by volunteers, is a testament to the commitment Meridian has to its youth.

Planet Playground is located about two miles from North Hills Street, just off Highway 39 North. Open 24 hours a day, it is free. The adjacent Planet Playground Pavilion, with a capacity of 75, can be rented for half- and full-day fees of $30 and $60.

Q The historic Dentzel Carousel at Highland Park was manufactured around 1895 and has been in operation in Meridian since 1909.

It features 28 handcarved animals and two chariots.

Q Meridian elected its first female mayor in 2009 when voters chose Cheri Barry to lead the city.

Q Weidmannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant has been a downtown landmark since 1870.

Q Meridian has several significant historic structures including Merrehope, an Antebellum home, and the F.W. Williams Home, a Victorian structure. Both are open to the public.

Q A portion of 49th Avenue is named for Meridian native and slain Civil Rights organizer James Chaney.

Q The Threefoot Building is named after the Threefoot family, who were Jewish-German immigrants. Abraham Threefoot and his sons constructed the building just prior to the Great Depression in 1929.

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Almanac

East Mississippi At A Glance POPULATION (2008 ESTIMATE) Meridian: 39,968 Lauderdale County: 78,161

established in 1860 at the intersection of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and Southern Railway of Mississippi. The city suffered heavy damage during the Civil War, but rebuilt itself into the largest city in the state by 1890. The city’s nickname is Queen City.

LOCATION Lauderdale County is located in the North Central Hills region of Mississippi on the border of Alabama. Meridian is the county seat and principal city. Interstates 20 and 59 join together to pass through the county.

FOR MORE INFORMATION East Mississippi Business Development Corporation 1901 Front Street, Suite A Meridian, MS 39301 Phone: (601) 693-1306 Fax: (601) 693-5638 www.embdc.org

BEGINNINGS Meridian’s history is tied to the railroad industry. The city was

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What’s Online e Take a virtual tour of East Mississippi, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageseastmississippi.com.

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Hollywood isn’t the only place with a star-studded Walk of Fame.

The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center’s Walk of Fame is located in the heart of downtown Meridian. On February 15, 2009, the first star, honoring The Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers, was unveiled. Other stars introduced in 2009 celebrate The King of the Blues, B.B. King, actress Sela Ward, and writers Eudora Welty, William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams.

Plans are for all of Mississippi’s great artists to be honored, each with a bronze star on a path that leads throughout downtown Meridian. To find out more, go to www.msarts.org.

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Celebrating Talent

Home for the Holidays Meridian is serious about holiday fun.

Each year, the Downtown Association hosts Merry Meridian, a multi-day holiday celebration featuring a tree-lighting, musical performances, a 5K run, the Merry Meridian Market and the annual Christmas Parade.

The celebration includes the e annual Trees of Christmas Candlelight ight Tour, a tradition in Meridian since 1971. Held by the Meridian Restorations Foundation att Merrehope and F.W. Williams Home, the tour highlights a series of trees decorated in various themes.

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Progressive&

Personable MERIDIAN OFFERS CULTURE, GRACIOUS LIVING IN EXCITING URBAN SETTING

STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

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here is an excitement about the future of Meridian. Just ask Mayor Cheri Barry.

“We’re a good, down home Southern town,” she says. “Look at our region. We’re strategically placed. We’ve got great recreation, opportunities for higher education – really just about everything you could want from your hometown.”

While Meridian’s first female mayor doesn’t profess to be objective about her hometown, the East Mississippi region does indeed boast significant assets. Amtrak connects Meridian to New York and New Orleans. The airport has the longest runway in the state. The Naval Air Station remains an important economic engine. The MSU Riley Center is renowned as both a convention center and a

performance hall, and MSU-Meridian and Meridian Community College make earning a higher degree at home both practical and desirable. In addition, Lauderdale County is home to five health-care institutions.

Barry says community pride is contagious. “So many people ask me what they can do to help,” she says. “People here want to be involved in helping our community grow and prosper.”

Philanthropy is part of Meridian’s personality. The Riley Foundation has made significant contributions to the progress of the region through funding of the arts, education, service organizations and recreation. Described as “Meridian’s guardian angel,” the foundation was instrumental in the development of the Riley Center for the

The Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts, left, and the Threefoot Building

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Top left: Artwork on the exterior of the Threefoot Building Left: Children enjoy the playground at Highland Park. Bottom: Historic buildings have been renovated into condominiums and apartments.

Performing Arts and is now providing financial support to renovate the Newberry Building into a business school for MSU-Meridian.

The Phil Hardin Foundation is focused on improving education in Mississippi. It, too, has contributed to the operation of the Riley Center. The Hardin Foundation focuses on supporting early education and communitybased initiatives. Grants have been awarded to the public schools, the symphony and initiatives throughout the state.

Meridian traces its roots back to 1831, but it was during the Civil War that the city first started making news. The railroad lines through town made it a major military hub and led to an attack on the city in 1864 by Union forces. In fact, Gen. William T. Sherman even said, “Meridian no longer exists” on his way out of town.

Meridian has proven Sherman wrong.

From the late 1860s to the present, Meridian has built a reputation as a center for commerce and culture, lively entertainment and gracious living. As the seat of Lauderdale County, Meridian’s downtown is a center of government activity, and it continues to be a focal point of transportation and commerce for both eastern Mississippi and the entire southeast.

The 3,300-acre city-owned Bonita Lakes recreational area is an example of a commitment to establishing and protecting public spaces. The largest urban forest in the United States, Bonita Lakes is perfect for family outings.

“It’s just beautiful there,” Mayor Barry says. “It has excellent trails for walking, hiking, jogging and biking.

It’s surrounded by rolling hills, and the lakes have great fishing spots.”

Downtown Meridian has an impressive number of historic buildings, and city planners continue to blend old and new here to create a 24-hour city with shopping, entertainment, fine dining, residential living and more.

A new nightspot, Rhythm & Brews, opened in the historic McLemore building on Front Street and is already attracting young professionals and college students.

Right around the corner from the General Supply Store, which opened its doors in 1913, is the Rosenbaum Building, a historic structure now home to 14 luxury condominiums.

What’s Online e For more stories on the people, places and events that define East Mississippi, visit imageseastmississippi.com.

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IT’S ONLY

NATURAL AREA LAKES AND PARKS LURE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS

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STORY BY JOE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

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inding something to do outside in Lauderdale County isn’t a problem. Finding enough hours in the day to tackle everything available … well, that’s another story.

From lakes and wild areas perfect for hunting and fishing to hiking and biking trails, sports complexes that offer tennis courts, softball, baseball and soccer fields and more, this is an outdoor paradise.

Lakes are a big draw here, both for fishing and water sports. Bonita Lakes, owned by the city, is ideal for fishing.

Only small motors are permitted on these quiet waters. Three lakes and 3,300 acres of land make up this massive city-owned recreation area, which includes nature trails, horseback riding, paddle boats, fishing and the Lakeview Golf Course.

Bonita Lakes serves as the location for July 4 events, a spectacular line-up of holiday lights, fundraising races and fishing tournaments.

For the adventurous, Bonita Trails welcomes off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Mountain bike enthusiasts rank the single- and double-track trails, with their rolling hills and steep climbs that circle the entire

Trees show off fall colors along the shores of Bonita Lakes Park.

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An old grist mill is situated next to the falls at Dunn’s Falls Water Park near Meridian. Right: Water cascades down the rocks at Dunn’s Falls Water Park.

lake, among the best in Mississippi.

Nearby Okatibbee Lake is the largest public lake in the region. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it offers 4,100 acres of boating, fishing and skiing fun. With a full-service marina, a motel, swimming beaches, water slide and other attractions, this public lake is a summer haven for residents of East Mississippi.

“This is a beautiful place to come out and enjoy,” says Jack Huntley, operations manager. “We’ve got sailboats out here in the summer along with jet skis, ski boats and pontoon boats. There’s a full service marina, a campground and a water park.”

Okatibbee is known for its white perch, or crappie, as it’s known locally, Huntley says. Old creek channels attract 16

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anglers to catch largemouth and striped bass. Catfish, crappie and bream can be caught from the fishing platform just below the dam. Both forage and game fish are stocked annually with the cooperative management of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

In fall and winter, hunters flock to Okatibbee Lake’s 6,000 acres of public hunting areas, where they enjoy the abundance of deer, rabbit, squirrel, ducks, geese, quail, dove and woodcock.

A free hunting permit can be obtained at the Okatibbee Wildlife Management Office. As part of the wildlife management program, the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks plant food plots, place nesting boxes, clear brush

selectively and plant mud flats with grain during low water.

The bottomland forest surrounding Okatibbee Lake serves as a viewing area for game animals and the occasional sighting of bald eagles or the endangered American alligator.

Lake visitors have the choice of two campgrounds, both with electric hookups, water and restrooms.

East Mississippi residents also enjoy the beauty of Dunn’s Falls, a 65-foot waterfall in nearby Enterprise, with its picnic, hiking, swimming and primitive camping areas. Once used as the power source for manufacturing Stetson hats, its Carrol Richardson Gristmill is open for tours. Nature trails winding through woods are home to wild turkey, deer and other wildlife.

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STORY BY KIM MADLOM PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAME

Amazing

Space

RILEY CENTER IS HOME TO ART, EDUCATION, HISTORY

STORY BY BETSY WILLIAMS

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performing arts center, a conference center, an educational center, a catalyst for downtown revitalization – these are all accurate ways to describe the MSU Riley Center.

Since opening its doors in 2006, the Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts has attracted more than 60,000 visitors to downtown Meridian each year for meetings, educational activities and performances.

Some of that success is tied to the setting.

The centerpiece of the MSU Riley Center is a fully restored, fully functioning 1889 Grand Opera House theater. The theater’s exquisite

Victorian décor combined with its remarkable intimacy and quality acoustics are impossible to mimic in modern day venues. Half brothers I. Marks and Levi Rothenberg built the Grand Opera House and a five-story department store side by side to complement each other.

More than 100 years later, the historic buildings have come full circle to once again complement each other as a vibrant hub for arts, education and conference events. A public-private partnership resulted in the $25 million renovation that led to much more than just a stunning facility. The MSU Riley Center provides locals and tourists alike a special place to enjoy the arts, experience lifelong learning and

The beautiful 1889 Grand Opera House theater within the MSU Riley Center

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engage in social interaction, all while contributing to the community’s overall quality of life and economic development.

A wide variety of artists, including B.B. King, Trisha Yearwood, Lyle Lovett and Keb’ Mo’, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Newman and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, have performed in the theater.

“It’s staggering the quality entertainment the center has brought to Meridian,” says longtime resident Wink Glover. “We are fortunate to experience this here without having to travel to larger markets. Instead, we benefit from tourists coming to us.”

Students also benefit from the center’s quality performing arts and educational offerings. Some 15,000

students in grades K-12 attend daytime shows in the theater. As a partner in the John F. Kennedy Center’s arts education program, the center provides teacher training on how to use the arts as an effective tool to teach core subject matter such as literature, history, math, science and basic language skills.

In addition to the performing arts and educational component, the center’s use as a meeting facility has earned widespread praise. ConventionSouth magazine presented the MSU Riley Center with their annual Readers’ Choice Award for demonstrating excellence, professionalism and creativity in 2009.

While a beautiful setting with historic roots, the conference space provides the

latest in audio-visual and technical capabilities. Plus, conference attendees experience general sessions, awards ceremonies and keynote speakers in the theater’s dramatic setting instead of the familiar bland conference space.

Part of the MSU-Meridian campus, the center serves as a source of pride for Mississippi State University, Meridian and the state as a whole, says Dennis Sankovich, executive director of the MSU Riley Center. “Our space has been used for everything from traditional convention and meeting space to black tie gala events, a campaign stop for presumed Republican presidential nominee John McCain, and even a backdrop for the filming of Oprah.”

“We are fortunate to experience this here without having to travel to larger markets. Instead, we benefit from tourists coming to us.”

B.B. King is among the stars who have performed at the MSU Riley Center for Education and the Performing Arts.

The facility also serves as a popular conference center and distinctive banquet space.

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What’s Online e Hungry for more? Sink your teeth into other stories about East Mississippi’s local flavor in the food section at imageseastmississippi.com.

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Fresh from the

GULF

PROXIMITY TO THE SEA INFLUENCES RESTAURANT MENUS IN THIS REGION

STORY BY BETSY WILLIAMS

JEFF ADKINS

JEFF ADKINS

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enus and maps go together in East Mississippi.

“Meridian is in an interesting geographic location for cuisine,” says chef Robert St. John.

“Being located just a few hours from the Gulf of Mexico allows us access to a steady supply of fresh seafood. The Gulf offers, in my opinion, the best seafood in the country.”

St. John, a native of Hattiesburg, is a 28-year veteran of the restaurant industry. For the last 22 years he has served as executive chef, president, and CEO of the Purple Parrot Café, the Crescent City Grill and the Mahogany Bar in Hattiesburg and Meridian.

He says the seafood served in restaurants here earns high marks.

“Unlike the fish that come from the cooler waters of the Atlantic and Pacific, The Gulf of Mexico – the Third Coast – has an abundance of yearround, warm water species: Speckled trout, flounder, red fish, grouper, pompano and red snapper are among my favorites. We Mississippians love crab meat, and our blue crab are

superior to any other crab species on the planet. Our oysters are clean and salty – absolutely delicious.”

St. John specializes in what he describes as Piney Woods Cuisine.

“It’s a mix of the fresh seafood from the Gulf, Creole flavors from New Orleans and foods fresh from the south Mississippi garden.”

St. John’s Crescent City Grill serves crab meat wrapped in wontons, in crab cakes, stuffed in mushrooms and in bowls of bisque and gumbo. Oysters are served on the half shell, fried and in the classic po’boy sandwich. Crescent City also serves bayou favorites such as étouffée when crawfish is in season.

St. John has appeared on The Food Network, The Travel Channel and the Turner South network. A self-taught cook, St. John has been named the state’s top chef, by Mississippi Magazine in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Additionally, the former Mississippi Restaurateur of the Year’s restaurant – The Purple Parrot Café – has been named the best fine dining restaurant in Mississippi and just received a Four-Diamond rating from the AAA Travel Guide.

Left: Chef and restaurant owner Robert St. John serves a mix of fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, Creole flavors and foods from Mississippi gardens.

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Image Gallery

Merrehope, a stately 20-room Victorian mansion, has been beautifully restored and is open to the public.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Online e Visit imageseastmississippi.com to see more award-winning photography highlighting the places and people in East Mississippi.

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Portfolio

Live Music Sets a Cool Tone MERIDIAN’S MUSIC VIBE HITS ALL THE RIGHT CHORDS

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ive music is always in the air in Meridian.

A visit to the Meridian Underground Music Exchange – MUM for short – in downtown offers customers the chance to purchase CDs and musical instruments and perhaps catch some musicians playing original acoustic works inside the store.

“We don’t limit any genre,” says Adam Wade, MUM manager for eight years and a local musician. “We accept any kind of music. It’s an art form and it’s other people’s interpretation. We’ve had country, rock, hip-hop.”

Spring and summer provide the perfect weather for sidewalk concerts in front of the store. Wrapping up the season is the Halloween show, which draws upward of 200 people.

“We have bands from New York and California, and, of course, local musicians,” Wade says. “Meridian has a really diverse music scene.”

Meridian also has diverse venues, ranging from places like

MUM and SAGE – a laid-back downtown coffeehouse featuring indie folk music and poetry readings – to the Temple Theater, a 1,550-seat, 1920s-era movie and performance house that has seen the likes of Tony Bennett and Garth Brooks on its stage.

The Sucarnochee Review, held at the Temple on the first Friday of each month, features local, regional and national talent for a live taping of a radio program broadcast on 59 stations. The Temple Songwriter Nights, held the third Saturday of each month, draw a variety of musicians, while gospel and country nights are proving popular.

Rhythm and Brews, a downtown pub that features acoustic music during the day and a more raucous music vibe at night, has opened in the old McLemore building on Front Street. The club is booking top-notch local and celebrity acts.

Each May, the sounds of country music waft through the air during the Jimmie Rodgers Festival, held to celebrate the prolific songwriting life of the proclaimed Father of Country Music.

Logan Comby, lead singer for the Dark Sundays, practices at the Meridian Underground Music Exchange. PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

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EAST MISSISSIPPI

History Takes Flight

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n average of 2,000 boardings each month occur at the East Mississippi Meridian Regional Airport, thanks to daily flights to Atlanta and a schedule that’s convenient for area residents, visitors and business travelers.

Free parking during the day and a $2 fee for overnight parking in a secure lot make Meridian Regional attractive to those who might consider drives to Birmingham or Montgomery, Ala. Like so many landmarks in Meridian, the airport has a rich history.

On June 4, 1935, a monoplane named Ole Miss took off from Meridian’s airport with 100 onlookers heralding the event. When the Ole Miss touched down at Meridian 27 days later, 30,000 people cheered. Pilots Fred and Al Key had accomplished a nonstop endurance flight that totaled 653 hours and 34 minutes. During the 52,320-mile flight, the plane used 6,000 gallons of gasoline and made 435 midair refueling contacts.

Twenty years later, Fred Key restored Ole Miss and flew it to Washington, D.C., where it is on permanent display in the National Air and Space Museum.

The record set by the Key brothers still stands today.

Meanwhile, Key Field in Meridian has its own record. At 10,004 feet, it is the longest public use runway in Mississippi. Home to the Air National Guard’s 186th Air Refueling Wing, it stays true to its history. The KC-135R midair refueler kept at Key Field can carry as much as 30,000 gallons of fuel to all parts of the world. The Army National Guard’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters are also housed at Key Field.

Air rescue and firefighting capabilities are provided by the Air National Guard. Due to the Guard’s mission as a refueling wing, it provides Meridian Regional Airport with firefighting capabilities that rivals any airport in the southeastern U.S. EAST MISSISSIPPI

WATERS INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS INC. Meridian, Hattiesburg & Natchez, Mississippi

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Portfolio

A Porch-Sitter’s Paradise W

hat was once a cattle trail running along the outskirts of Meridian is now a residential area of charming older homes on large lots encompassing mature trees and gardens.

The Poplar Springs Historic District, now officially designated with a new marker, is prized for its elaborate Victorian-era homes. Shingled Queen Anns, Arts-and-Crafts-style bungalows and Mission-style homes make this

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area a porch-sitter’s paradise.

With its wraparound porches and original beveled-glass windows and doors, this neighborhood – named in 2009 as one of the Best Old House Neighborhoods of the South by This Old House magazine – is home to a diverse community of young parents and retirees.

Dr. Sonny Rush, a Poplar Springs resident and primary force behind the historic district’s designation, calls the area the “St. Charles of Meridian,”

comparing it to the famous New Orleans neighborhood.

Cattle made a winding trail on their way to the springs located north of Meridian, and that winding trail became the path for the neighborhood’s main street, Poplar Springs Drive.

Homes sprang up in the early part of the 20th century, and many of them still stand today.

The area was developed by M.R. Grant, who named it Marion Park, after his daughter.

A streetcar once connected the historic neighborhood to Meridian.

That connection will strengthen as Meridian continues to emerge as a city of arts and culture.

Poplar Springs, which runs north to south from Meridian High School to 22nd Street, is one of several historic districts in the city. Others include Highlands, which includes Highland Park; Merrehope, with the famous Merrehope and F.W. Williams homes; West End, just south of the Merrehope district; East End, which is east of downtown; Mid-town, just south of the Poplar Springs district and north of downtown; and the Meridian Downtown historic district, which is in the southern part of downtown, from Fifth Street to Front Street.

EAST MISSISSIPPI

Park Mixes Past and Present he city of Meridian has long understood the importance of providing quality outdoor spaces for its citizens.

Renovated in 1908 as a premier streetcar park, Highland Park is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history dates back to 1889, when it was home to the Meridian Fair and Livestock Exposition. When plans for the park were under development in 1906, there was a national trend to create streetcar parks, and the Meridian Railway Co. worked with the city to build the facility and include an amphitheater.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s park features a vintage locomotive representing Meridianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong ties to its railroading history and is home to the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building, a National Historic Landmark manufactured around 1896 by Gustav Dentzel. The historic carousel is the only two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie in existence.

The park is also home to the Jimmie Rodgers Museum. The Meridian-born country legend was known most widely for his ability to yodel and was among the first country music superstars in the early 20th century. Rodgers was also known as The Father of Country Music.

In 1927, two recordings by Rodgers sold nearly half a million copies, which was impressive enough at the time to rocket him into stardom. He made a movie short, The Singing Brakeman, toured with humorist Will Rogers in a Red Cross show, and recorded a hit song, Blue Yodel #9, with a young jazz trumpeter named Louis Armstrong.

The park also includes memorials such as Lest We Forget, which honors veterans.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to Highland Park than history. Amenities include an amphitheater, gazebo, greenhouse, lagoon, swimming pools, picnic shelters, tennis courts, a playground and fields for soccer and baseball. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stories by Betsy Williams

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PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

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Business

Progress

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Is in the

Proximity AREA’S MANY PLUSES SHOWCASED IN COMPREHENSIVE BRANDING CAMPAIGN

STORY BY JOE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

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ocation, location, location may be a real estate agent’s mantra, but it’s just as powerful a driver when it comes to economic development. And by creating a whole community-branding campaign around its spot on the map, East Mississippi’s business leaders are capitalizing on one of the region’s greatest assets.

The East Mississippi Business Development Corp. is leading the 88 Degrees effort, but it was designed with strong input from all sectors of the community. The goal was to create a single, unified message that could be used by economic development staffers, government officials and other community leaders as they point out the region’s many assets to new and existing businesses. In addition to a logo and other art, there’s the “A better longitude on life” slogan, which is featured in printed and online materials.

The success of the campaign, however, is its

core truth: East Mississippi is a great place to do business. Just ask Darnell Montgomery, plant manager at Tower Automotive.

“The location here puts me within a fivehour drive of just about every major automobile manufacturer in the South,” Montgomery says.

East Mississippi is also the right location to find a quality workforce and support from the business community.

“The East Mississippi Business Development Corp. makes sure that doing business is a pleasure in this region. They are very supportive, as is the community,” he says.

Regarding the workforce, Montgomery, who came to the South from the auto industry in the Northeast, says the work ethic demonstrated by East Mississippi employees is unmatched.

The effort to highlight the assets of the region is proving successful.

The Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau has

More Insight Tower Automotive is one of the largest independent global suppliers of automotive metal structural components and assemblies. The company serves most major automotive vehicle manufacturers.

Darnell Montgomery is plant manager at Tower Automotive.

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signed on, and the EMBDC Image Committee and Meridian Community College host customer service seminars for businesses. The EMBDC also presents a Better Attitude on Service award monthly to individuals who achieve the highest standards in client assistance and service while promoting the city and county.

The scope of the campaign is ambitious, but a large-scale effort is needed to set the area apart as it looks to bring in new industry sectors.

“It is an attempt to establish a community brand that everyone can adopt,” says Skip Scaggs, manager of business development for the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. “It plays on our city name as a geographical term, ‘Prime

Meridian,’ and the actual longitude of the community.”

In addition to getting behind the new brand as a recruitment tool, Scaggs and others also are working to promote Meridian and Lauderdale County’s many industrial-development sites, both existing and planned, as a way to continue to shore up an alreadystrong distribution sector. That, in turn, allows for focus on new

industries that would be a good fit for the area, and then subsequent successful recruitment efforts.

“In prioritizing for recruitment, we look at those industries we believe have the best chance for success here,” Scaggs says. “We consider our competitive advantages like location and proximity to customers, raw materials and current workforce as we go after new investment and jobs.”

“In prioritizing for recruitment, we look at those industries we believe have the best chance for success here.”

Transportation assets such as rail, air and roads are key to East Mississippi’s economic development efforts.

Left: Tower Automotive’s Meridian plant puts the company in excellent proximity to its customers.

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Business

Biz Briefs BUSINESSES – BOTH LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE EAST MISSISSIPPI’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE

Scorecard BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

$1,200,121 Retail sales ($1,000)

$13,241 Retail sales per capita

$106,239 Accommodations and food service sales ($1,000)

5,269 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census Quickfacts

VAN ZYVERDEN INC. Biz: wholesale bulb distributor Buzz: At Van Zyverden Inc., business is blooming. What started as a small family business in the Netherlands has evolved into one of the world’s largest wholesale flower bulb distributors. This Meridian-based, familyowned company, with employment approaching 500, supplies colorful racks of products to Walmart, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s and Fred’s.

8079 Van Zyverden Road 34

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SOUTHERN PIPE & SUPPLY CO. Biz: wholesale plumbing, heating and air Buzz: Southern Pipe & Supply Co. is one of the nation’s largest privately held, independent wholesalers of plumbing and heating and air-conditioning materials. A family-owned business headquartered in Meridian, Southern Pipe operates more than 90 locations across seven Southern states. Owner Marty Davidson was recently inducted into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame. www.southernpipe.com PEAVEY ELECTRONICS Biz: sound equipment Buzz: In its 44th year since founder Hartley Peavey conceived of a better amplifier in his father’s Meridian basement, Peavey Electronics is breaking new ground. Now one of the world’s largest makers of musical and sound equipment, Peavey is still looking ahead and dreaming up his company’s next big innovations. http://mediamatrix.peavey.com

2900 HWY. 39 N. MERIDIAN, MS 39302 (601) 485-1620 WWW.JOHNSONTOYOTA.COM

A&B ELECTRIC CO. Biz: electrical contractor Buzz: A&B Electric Co. has established itself over the last 32 years as a leading electrical contractor in the Southeast, serving a diverse list of industrial, municipal and health-care projects, and gaming clients including Biloxi’s Beau Rivage. With its motto, “Quality Work at a Competitive Price,” this family owned business engages in projects ranging from $20,000 to $11 million. www.abelectric.net VITAL CARE HOME INFUSION SERVICES Biz: pharmacy, clinical services Buzz: With almost 100 locations, Vital Care Home Infusion Services is a system of individually owned and operated infusion pharmacies serving rural and urban areas. The company’s Coordination Center, located in Meridian, houses the clinical services department, training center and libraries, franchise development department, case management referral center and revenue cycle management operations. www.vitalcareinc.com EAST MISSISSIPPI

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Business | Chamber Report

United They Stand EMBDC SUCCESSFULLY COMBINES CHAMBER, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNCTIONS

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and its more than 1,400 members work together to bring new businesses and industries to the area.

“I think we have a system in place that keys in on the ability to manage all aspects of what’s going on in our community,” says M.L. Waters, owner of Waters International Trucks and chair of the EMBDC’s board of directors. “From a chamber standpoint, and also from an economicdevelopment perspective, we have

JEFF ADKINS

hen Meridian’s economicdevelopment officials want to get input and assistance from local business leaders, they don’t have far to go: usually just down the hall.

Since 1996, the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. has combined the functions of the chamber of commerce and economic-development organizations with outstanding results.

It serves the cities of Meridian and Marion, as well as Lauderdale County,

Union Station houses the East Mississippi Business Development Corp.

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something to offer when a business looks at our community. They see a strong chamber with a lot of activities going on, a lot of support for our businesses, and they get a lot of help and information when they are looking at our available sites, workforce and other amenities.”

The EMBDC’s chamber-oriented functions include networking events both before and after business hours, as well as the annual Main Event Business and Industry Expo held every April.

There are also tie-ins with city and county public and private school systems to offer training and mentoring programs for young people, as well as an extremely active young professionals organization, government-leader forums and more.

“We try to have a lot of events where we can get people in the same room for a while to talk about what’s going on overall in the community, as well as talk about specific issues and how we can help improve things,” Waters says. “We think it’s important to work with our schools, and to work with our young professionals, so that we have people ready to step into leadership positions within our organization as well as within the community in general.”

The EMBDC also is heavily involved in the activities of the Meridian Area Navy League, a community organization supporting the efforts of Naval Air Station Meridian. The military’s presence is vital to the local economy, Waters says, so this is another way that the EMBDC can stay ahead of the curve in terms of economic development and business retention.

“Everything we do ties into our economic-development efforts,” he says. “Because of our strong organization, no matter what kind of expertise a company is looking for, we’ve got a member somewhere in the EMBDC that has that knowledge, that experience. Our members share that with us when we’re working with our existing businesses or soliciting new businesses into our area.”

– Joe Morris EAST MISSISSIPPI

Business | Economic Profile

EAST MISSISSIPPI ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Meridian’s economy is boosted by diverse industries, including manufacturing, retail, professional and technical services, and health care, to name a few.

Meridian City Hall 601 24th Ave. Meridian, MS 39302 (601) 485-1927 www.meridianms.org

TRANSPORTATION

Mississippi Economic Development Council P.O. Box 3721 Jackson, MS 39207 (601) 352-1909 www.medc.ms

INDUSTRIAL SITES

Greyhound Bus 1901 Front St. Meridian, MS 39301

Visit the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation’s Location One Web site to search all available industrial, commercial, office, or retail space.

Meridian Airport Authority 2811 Airport Boulevard S. Meridian, MS 39307 (601) 482-0364 www.meridianairport.com

www.locationone.com

Meridian Amtrak Station 1901 Front St. Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 693-1663 www.amtrak.com

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

MORE ONLINE O ON imageseast mississippi.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

East Mississippi Business Development Corp.

P.O. Box 790 Meridian, MS 39302-0790 (601) 693-1306 www.embdc.org

GOVERNMENT OFFICES Lauderdale County Government 410 Constitution Ave., 11th Floor Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 482-9746 www.lauderdalecounty.org

East Mississippi Chamber of Commerce 1901 Front St. Meridian, MS 39302-0790 (601) 693-1306 www.embdc.org/chamber

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Health & Wellness

Healthy Choices EAST MISSISSIPPI’S HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS OFFER QUALITY, SPECIALIZED CARE TO THE REGION

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program, Level II newborn intensivecare unit, plus a health and fitness center. Anderson recently purchased $3.6 million in magnetic resonance imaging equipment. Advanced MRI systems are vital in diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.

In East Mississippi, Rush Health Systems includes a hospital equipped with cutting-edge technology that provides quality care to patients, and The Specialty Hospital of Meridian offers long-term choices for nonpermanent patients who require more recovery time within a hospital setting. Rush also has specialized facilities for newborns and heart patients and has launched a sportsmedicine team that hits the road to care for area athletes.

Riley Hospital’s services include

PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

inding quality health care in East Mississippi is easy, thanks to wellequipped facilities and outstanding medical services professionals.

Three hospitals, as well as a network of long-term care facilities, behavioral health hospitals, clinics and other centers, serve this growing community.

Each of the area’s medical providers also offers workshops, seminars and other activities to get the community involved in preventative health care.

Anderson Regional Medical Center, Rush Foundation Hospital and Riley Hospital all provide a full range of diagnostics and treatment services.

All three consistently upgrade facilities and add services to meet the needs of residents throughout the region.

Anderson’s roster of services includes a full cardiovascular surgery

breast imaging, wound healing, surgery and outpatient therapy.

Two key centers established by Riley provide stroke treatment and rehabilitation services.

The Stroke Treatment Center includes a trained team of physicians, nurses and therapists to treat stroke patients. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke is vital to the outcome for the patient.

Riley Hospital’s Tom C. Maynor Rehab Center works with those who are recuperating from surgery, strokes and other serious illnesses, while its breast-imaging and maternity services are just two aspects of its strong women’s health program.

East Mississippi medical facilities also serve the needs of those suffering from addiction and mental-health issues. Solace and treatment are provided at Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in nearby Hattiesburg, as well as the Alliance Health Center and East Mississippi State Hospital, which has been in operation since 1882.

– Joe Morris

Primary Care Facilities

260 beds Anderson Regional Medical Center

120 beds Riley Hospital

182 beds Rush Foundation Hospital

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EAST MISSISSIPPI

Sports & Recreation

What’s Online e

JEFF ADKINS

Go to imageseastmississippi.com and click on “recreation” to read more about East Mississippi’s sports and recreational activities.

History Course GOLF COURSE DATES TO 1930s

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pened in 1930, the golf course at Northwood Country Club is virtually the same today as it was seven decades ago – fun to play.

“This course was laid out originally as a shot making course,” says Jimmy Gamblin, head PGA Golf Professional at Northwood. “It’s playable. Young people learn to hit straight and older people don’t have to hit it very far to make the shots. It’s not easy, but it’s also not set up for the course to win. It’s set up for people to enjoy themselves and to want to continue to enjoy the game.”

Like the course, the Junior Golf Program at Northwood has a prestigious history. It was started by Bill Davis, who started the junior program in the state. The Northwood program has produced the likes of Eddie Merrins, who served as the head

EAST MISSISSIPPI

professional at the Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles and also as the head coach of the successful golf program at UCLA. Merrins started playing golf at age 11 at Northwood. Other players who came up through the youth program include amateur champions Virginia Grimes and Lou Hart. Currently, three players from the program are members of college golf teams.

“It’s nice to have just one player on a college team, and we’ve often had kids who came from this course playing in college, but three at one time is something special,” Gamblin says.

Kids as young as ages 3 and 4 can join the junior program as long as their parents are present to supervise. But Northwood isn’t just for the young; it’s also for the young at heart.

“We’ve got a member who is 92, and

he still enjoys playing the course,” Gamblin says. “We’ve got several who are 80-plus who play weekly.”

The signature hole at Northwood is No. 8. Golfers have to hit the second shot across the lake and aerator fountain to reach the green. Meanwhile, No. 17 is one of the most rewarding. The shortest hole on the course at 130 yards, it gives every golfer an opportunity to do well.

“It’s just an enjoyable adventure to come here to play,” Gamblin says.

“People bring their own golf carts and get to experience a laid back game of golf at a full-service club.”

Other courses in the region include Lakeview, which sits on the shores of Bonita Lakes. This 18-hole regulation length public course rewards good shots and provides a fun outing for players of all skill levels. Briarwood is a private, member-owned 18-hole course with a large outdoor pool, a restaurant and a roster of activities. Ponta Creek course at the Naval Air Station also offers 18 holes.

– Betsy Williams I M AG E S E A S T M I S S I S S I P P I . C O M

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Arts & Culture

Art Appreciation PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS FIND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SUPPORT

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heater and music, museums and festivals, indoors and out, Meridian is an arts-loving community, and it shows.

By mixing traditional outlets with more novel presentations, the arts scene here is vibrant and constantly changing.

Longtime anchors include the Meridian Little Theatre, which dates back to 1932 and is one of the oldest subscriptionbased community theaters in the Southeast. At 400 seats, it is also the state’s largest community theater.

Four major productions are performed annually. In keeping with East Mississippi’s spirit of giving, more than 1,000 volunteers are utilized to mount the 36 performances of the productions.

Meridian Little Theatre also shares

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the community’s commitment to young people. As the only theater in the state to have a youth division, MLT provides entertainment and educational outreach to area children, introducing them to the thrills and discipline of live theater.

MLT’s summer theater workshop develops young talent not only in acting, but also backstage work as well.

The Temple Theater, completed in 1924, is another impressive venue in East Mississippi. Built by the membership of the Hamasa Shrine, a deal was struck with the Saenger Theater chain in 1927 to utilize the facility to its fullest potential. During the following 40-plus years, thousands of movies and hundreds of entertainers graced the stage, including the Benny

EAST MISSISSIPPI

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Goodman Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney and Elvis Presley.

Plans are in place now to bring the Temple Theatre back to its former splendor and offer a full calendar of events and entertainment.

Other cultural venues include the Meridian Museum of Art, the flagship public museum in the region. The museum supports and promotes art, artists and art programs through education, exhibitions, collections, collaborations with other organizations, special events and community involvement.

The Company of Angels, a not-forprofit professional theater group, was founded in 2006. The goal is to develop and present unique contributions to American and Southern culture in various fields of the performing arts.

Also part of the organization are the Meridian Cambiata Singers, which features young singers ages 9-16.

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 50th season in 2010. The orchestra combines the classics, such as Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, with new compositions written by the MSO’s composer-in-residence, Carey Smith.

Then there’s the Meridian Children’s Chorus, which has supplemented its local performances with a couple of star turns at New York’s Carnegie Hall, as well as being showcased at England’s Canterbury Cathedral.

All the arts come together when Meridian Community College produces the annual Arts & Letters Series, a yearlong series of shows that has included everything from a giant puppet theater to historical jazz and art presentations, even a fiddle fest.

– Betsy Williams

Top left: Meridian Symphony Orchestra Left: The Meridian Museum of Art

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Education

Class Is in Session MSU-MERIDIAN BEEFS UP DOWNTOWN PRESENCE, INCREASES DEGREE CHOICES

he powerful presence of Mississippi State University in Meridian positively influences the culture, economic and educational climate of East Mississippi.

Meridian became a “University Town” in 1972 when Mississippi State University established a regional, upperdivision, degree-granting campus so adult learners could attain educational goals while maintaining important roles in their families, jobs and communities throughout East Mississippi and West Alabama. Over the years, Mississippi State-Meridian’s excellent reputation for quality, convenience, affordability, friendly atmosphere and flexible course delivery has resulted in expansion of its student population to include a blend of traditional community/junior college transfer students and adult learners who flavor the educational experience with diversity in age and life experiences. A commuter campus, MSU-Meridian offers day, night, and weekend classes through on-campus and online delivery for the convenience of adult students with busy lifestyles.

Individuals and the region benefit from a strong campus and community relationship. MSU assists existing and potential businesses through research, seminars and consulting, and student interns gain on-the-job experience while providing valuable services to community partners.

After completing required course work at a community college or other institution of higher learning, MSUMeridian’s junior, senior and graduate-level courses enable students to complete requirements for bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees, or to enroll in specific classes for career advancement or personal growth.

Currently, the Arts and Sciences Division includes undergraduate programs in broadcast communication, general liberal arts, history, interdisciplinary studies, psychology and social work. The Business Division offers a business administration degree at the bachelor’s level in accounting, business administration, health-care administration, information systems, management, marketing, resort and convention, and technology management. At the graduate level, options include the prestigious master of business administration and master of business administration in accounting. The MSU-Meridian Division of Education enables individuals to attain their dream of becoming a teacher through bachelors’ degrees in elementary education and secondary education.

Advancement in the education profession is also made possible through graduate degrees in elementary, secondary, and counselor education, as well as school administration.

EAST MISSISSIPPI

MCC Supports Higher Education The best things in life are free, but that usually doesn’t include higher education. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Meridian Community College Foundation underwrites the cost of four semesters of study at MCC, putting an associate’s degree within the grasp of every graduate (who qualifies) of a Meridian or Lauderdale County high school, as well as those who live in the area and are home-schooled.

MCC offers 36 programs, including university transfer and a wide array of technical programs ranging from hotel and restaurant management to electronics, graphic design to truck driver training, and studies in the fast-growing areas of nursing, medical lab technician and other health-related fields of study, to name a few.

– Joe Morris

JEFF ADKINS

T

Mississippi State University-Meridian

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Newell Paper www.newellpaper.com Rush Foundation Hospital www.rushhealthsystems.org St. Patrick School www.stpatrickcatholicschool.org Structural Steel Services

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EAST MISSISSIPPI

Community Profile

EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY OVERVIEW The East Mississippi region offers residents an outstanding quality of life, with access to affordable housing and state-of-the-art health care, abundant cultural and recreational opportunities, and excellent education opportunities.

CLIMATE OVERVIEW EDUCATION OVERVIEW From pre-school to graduate school, Meridian offers quality education, including four nationally recognized Schools of Excellence and one of Mississippi’s most highly acclaimed public school systems. Institutions of higher learning include Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University – Meridian Campus.

ARTS AND CULTURE Jimmie Rodgers Museum 1725 Jimmie Rogers Drive Meridian, MS 39307 (601) 485-1808 www.jimmierodgers.com Meridian Little Theatre 4334 Hwy. 39 N. Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 482-6371 www.meridianlittletheatre.com

The east Mississippi region has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

35 F January Low Temperature

57 F January High Temperature

71 F July Low Temperature

93 F July High Temperature

MEDICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW From state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment to the use of “play therapy” for children facing surgery, East Mississippi’s three general acute care hospitals offer quality medical services to the region. The primary healthcare facilities are Anderson Regional Medical Center, Riley Hospital, Rush Foundation Hospital. Other facilities offer addiction and behavioral health services.

MORE ON O ONLINE imageseast mississippi.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

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Ad Index 4 6 A & B CO M M U N I C ATI O N S

2 8 E A S T M I S S I S S I P P I E L EC T R I C P OW E R A S S O C I ATI O N

3 5 A & B E L EC T R I C 44 GLASS INC. 3 8 A L LI A N C E H E A LT H C E N T E R

3 7 G LOV E R , YO U N G , WA LTO N & S I M M O N S P L LC

47 AT M OS E N E R GY 4 3 C E N T U RY H O U S E B E D & B R E A K FA S T 3 7 C ITIZE N S BA N K C 3 C ITIZEN S N ATI O N A L BA N K C 2 C IT Y O F M E R I D I A N

4 6 H A M M AC K , BA R RY, T H AG G A R D & M AY L L P 1 J E FF A N D E R S O N R EG I O N A L M E D I C A L C E N T E R 3 5 J O H N S O N TOYOTA 29 LAMAR SCHOOL 8 LO C K H EED M A RTI N

3 8 DA N H . S I N G L E Y D M D 4 3 D U N N ROA D B U I L D E R S I N C .

4 M I S S I S S I P P I S TAT E U N I V E R S IT Y – R I L E Y C E N T E R

Ad Index (cont.)

4 4 M I S S I S S I P P I S TAT E U N I V E R S IT Y M E R I D I A N 4 0 N E W E L L PA P E R C4 RUSH FO U N DATI O N H OS P ITA L 2 S T. PAT R I C K S C H O O L 40 STRUCTUR AL S T E E L S E RV I C E S 27 WAT E R S I N T E R N ATI O N A L TRUCKS INC .

4 8 WG B C-T V L LC 3 8 WO M A N ’ S G RO U P M E R I D I A N