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Prentiss County Development Association |
NEWSEconomic development and business news in Prentiss County, MississippiSouthern Motion, Inc. Announces Expansion of Operations into Baldwyn, MS, in Prentiss CountyDecember 5, 2011 Officials from Southern Motion, a reclining furniture manufacturer, announced today that the company is expanding into Baldwyn, Miss., in Prentiss County where it will manufacture a new line of upholstered recliners. The company is locating into the 192,500-square-foot building formerly occupied by ForeFront Golf. The expansion represents a company investment of $3 million and will create 150 new jobs over the next three years. Southern Motion also has manufacturing operations in Pontotoc, Miss., where the company employs approximately 915 workers. “I appreciate Southern Motion’s commitment to Mississippi by expanding operations into Baldwyn,” Governor Barbour said. “The investment and jobs created by Southern Motion will greatly benefit the area.” “On behalf of Guy Lipscomb, CEO, myself and the entire Southern Motion family, we are very excited about the opportunity to expand our business in Baldwyn. We are very appreciative of the State of Mississippi and the officials from Baldwyn and Prentiss County who worked diligently to establish this partnership,” said Southern Motion President Roger Bland. “We are truly proud to be able to continue to add American workers to our payroll while others are moving jobs to China.” The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) provided assistance for the project through the Momentum Mississippi Incentives program for modifications to the building in which Southern Motion will be located. Also, the Appalachian Regional Commission and Prentiss County provided assistance for infrastructure improvements at the site, and the City of Baldwyn donated land to be used for truck access. “I’m grateful to Southern Motion for continuing to invest in Mississippi and place its confidence in our Founded in 1996 in Pontotoc, Southern Motion manufactures motion furniture including recliners, sofas and loveseats, sectionals and home theater furniture. To learn more, please visit
PCDA Seeks Increased MembershipOctober 1, 2011 As the new fiscal year starts for PCDA, the topic of membership arises once again. Over the past several years it has become evident that the current membership body is a loyal bunch. Composed of individuals from all walks of life and of the smallest of businesses to the largest of industries in Prentiss County, this group has the faith and determination that the efforts of this organization are helping to make our area a better place to live, work, and raise a family. A list of PCDA's current members can be found on this site. Though PCDA has a dedicated membership, it is in the best interest of the organization to seek growth, new ideas, and added energy to its composition. PCDA, a nonprofit organization, is seeking individuals and/or businesses to join our membership that have a shared desire to better the lives of the residents of Prentiss County. Economic development opportunities have a ripple effect throughout our community which has positive effects on the lives of everyone in our area. If you or your business has an interest in being a part of these efforts, please contact us at (662) 728-3505 or fill out our online membership form and mail it to PCDA at P.O. Box 672, Booneville, MS 38829. Individual memberships are $50 and business memberships begin at $175. SDI Hosts Prentiss County COGAugust 1, 2011 Recently, members of the Prentiss County Council of Governments (COG) held their monthly meeting at Southern Diversified Industries (SDI) in Baldwyn. This meeting is one of a series of meetings that is geared at improving the relationships between existing industries and the local governments within Prentiss County. By maintaining an open dialog with local companies the council hopes to better understand the needs of these companies, which should lead to Prentiss County being better positioned for industrial growth in the future. TAP Alliance Supports Mississippi BEST Robotics CompetitionJuly 27, 2011 The TAP Alliance is prepared to give a boost to get the best. Caterpillar Reman Plant Manager John Mocny is on board with the idea. “There is not enough people in our area that are pursuing a technical degree,” said Mocny via conference call. “We struggle to find that kind of talent.” Mocny told school educators and administrators that Caterpillar believes the program is a solid one.
“The program allows them to be creative and we at Caterpillar support the Mississippi Best program,” he said.  Read more: Daily Corinthian - TAP Alliance supports Mississippi Best program
TOYOTA SUPPLIER HOLDS JOB FAIRJune 1, 2011 Toyota Boshoku wants to fill the rest of the 250 positions at its facility in Dorsey with the help of an upcoming job fair. The fair will be at the WIN Job Center in Belden from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 9 and June 10, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on June 11. Applicants are incouraged to bring a copy of their resume' to the job fair. Boshoku, a Tier 1 automotive supplier, will make seats, door panels and sun visors at its 404,000-square-foot plant for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi in Blue Springs. TMMMS is scheduled to begin assembling the popular Corolla sedan this fall. As of March, Toyota Boshoku had more than 60 workers. The supplier announced in December it plans to open this fall with 250 workers. The $46 million facility, off the Fawn Grove exit on U.S. Highway 78 in Itawamba County, is officially named Toyota Boshoku Mississippi, or TBMS.
PLUMROSE USA, INC. Named as PCDA 2011 Industry of the Year.April 27, 2011 On Wednesday, April 27th the Prentiss County Development Association held its yearly Industrial Appreciation Luncheon at the Prentiss County Agri-Center. PCDA Board of Directors, members, and partners & friends of PCDA were on hand to show their support for local industries that call Prentiss County their home. The purpose for this event is to thank local industries for their commitment to doing business in Prentiss County and the employment opportunities that they provide to our area. These factors have a direct, positive impact on our local economy. Last year PCDA began recognizing one industry, each year, for its contributions to the area. PCDA’s 2011 Industry of the Year was awarded to Plumrose USA, Inc. Plumrose is one of the largest employers of Prentiss County, employing upwards of 550 people. The plant has been in operation since 1961, which speaks to its commitment to Prentiss County. As a producer of luncheon canned meats, Plumrose has been thriving during these challenging economic times, maintaining high production levels. The award was accepted by Mr. Michael Hall, the plant manager of Plumrose’s Booneville facility. Mr. Hall was appreciative of the recognition and cited that the employees are the main cause for the success of Plumrose in Prentiss County.
TOYOTA Supplier Taking ApplicationsMarch 24, 2011 A Baldwyn-based Toyota supplier kicks off its job fair today, with hopes of filling more than 200 openings. TAP Alliance UpdateMarch 1, 2011 The TAP Alliance is hosting a presentation of the findings of it's regional economic development study. The study, conducted by Boyette Strategic Advisors, is intended to give the partnership a strategic plan that would best situate it for success. The rollout event will be held on Tuesday, March 8 at 3:00 p.m. in Booneville, MS on the campus of Northeast Mississippi Community College in the auditorium inside Holliday Hall. Boyette Strategic Advisors will present their findings from the study to regional and state economic development partners. TAP looks forward to moving the alliance in a positive direction and appreciates the continued support of local governments.
December 17th Deadline Approaching for Pilot Entrepreneur Training ProgramDecember 8, 2010 Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses in 19 Qualifying Mississippi Counties Encouraged to Apply
PCDA Membership DriveNovember 1, 2010 On behalf of the Prentiss County Development Association, we would like to take this opportunity to invite you to become a member of our organization. These are trying times in our economy, and PCDA is committed to not only recruiting new businesses and industries, but also to working in any way possible to assist and promote our existing industries. Our focus is to increase the standard of living in Prentiss County through the growth and retention of jobs. Working together is the best approach to improving our local economy. Our services include:
Individual memberships are $50. Our dues remain $175 for a small business membership and for larger businesses / manufacturers there is a sliding scale based on number of employees. All dues will be used to help us build and expand our economic development efforts within Prentiss County. For more information please call (662)-728-3505.
ACCO Brands Corporate Board of Directors Meets at Booneville FacilityOctober 19, 2010 ACCO Brands' Booneville facility recently hosted their corporate Board of Directors for a meeting. This was the first visit that the full board has made to this facility. They were given the chance to see the drastic improvements and additions that were added during the 2008 expansion of the facility. The facility managers were also able to discuss the recent improvements to their production lines, which recently won a new contract for the plant in direct competition to manufacturers from China. This additional contract was captured due to total cost of production in Booneville, MS was lower than total cost of production from China. ACCO management touted that a main factor in their low cost of production is the skilled and dedicated workforce of the Prentiss County area. Due to the workers taking pride in their work the quality of the product is increased. This increased quality lowers cost of managing defects, minimizes returns, and makes customer support less costly. There was a brief meeting in which several representatives from the surrounding communities were able to talk with the board. A highlight of the past expansion was given to the board noting the willingness of Prentiss County to work hard towards the development of jobs. Also, Congressman Travis Childers and Speaker Billy McCoy spoke directly to the ACCO Board of Directors. They conveyed a message of appreciation to the company for ACCO's desire to stay and expand in Booneville, MS while having many other options at the time. They also pledged their continued support for the company and expressed their hopes that similar expansions may be possible in the future. FY 2011 PCDA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NAMEDOctober 5, 2010 The Prentiss County Development Association recently held its first meeting for its fiscal year 2011. The meeting was called to order by the new President of the Board of Directors for PCDA, Mayor Joe Eaton. Mayor Eaton thanked past President Mike Kelley for his service and the entire Board for their devotion of time and efforts to PCDA and the residents of Prentiss County. MANSELL AWARD WINNERSeptember 3, 2010 The winner of the 6th Annual "Moose" Mansell Award is Mr. Ronny Rowland. The award was given to Mr. Rowland at PCDA's annual banquet. Mr. Rowland has been a longtime member of PCDA, an active Board member, and served as a member of the Executive Committee. He has served two terms as President of PCDA. Ronny has also served on the Executive Director Search Committee twice. As General Manager of Prentiss County Electric Power Association, he has been involved in most economic development projects by meeting with prospects to discuss electrical usage and possibilities. Mr. Rowland represents Prentiss County on CREATE and MEGAPOP Boards of Directors and is a Board Member of North MS Industrial Development Association. Thank you, Mr. Rowland, for your service to the communities of Prentiss County. PCDA BANQUETThe 34th Annual PCDA Banquet will be held Thursday, September, 2 at 7:00 P.M. in the Frank Haney Union on the campus of NEMCC. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Dan Jones, Chancellor of the University of Mississippi. The winner of the sixth annual "Moose" Mansell Award will be named during the program. This award is presented to an individual who exhibits a long-term commitment to the economic development of Prentiss County. Tickets to the event may be purchased through August 26th by calling (662) 728-3505. TOYOTA HIRINGAugust 23, 2010 Today the announcement was made that the Toyota Manufacturing facility has started the application process of hiring about 1,350 hourly and maintenance workers. The number of those employed at the plant will reach 2,000 once all management and support staffs are hired. Those interested are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted by visiting your local WIN Job Center or by visiting the MS Department of Employment Security's website at www.mdes.ms.gov. TAP ALLIANCE BOARD MEETINGAugust 6, 2010 The TAP Alliance held a full Board meeting at Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District in Booneville, MS. The purpose of the meeting was to complete the bidding process on the proposed economic study for the region. Once the winning bid has been announced, the study is planned to begin within weeks. This economic study will be funded by a grant recieved from ARC and by local governments involved. GRANT FOR TAP ALLIANCEJuly 15, 2010 The Appalachian Regional Commission has approved a $37,300 grant to help fund and economic study for the TAP Alliance. The grant will aid in the development of a Regional Economic Development Strategy that will identify goals for future growth in Tishomingo, Alcorn, and Prentiss counties. The study elements will include project scoping and planning, regional assessment, identification of target business sectors and an action plan. NEW DIRECTORJuly 1, 2010 The PCDA Board of Directors hired Leon N. Hays to assume the duties of Executive Director. The Board chose Hays through an interviewing process used to fill the position due to the announced retirement of acting Executive Director, Gerald Williams. Williams has agreed to stay involved in a consulting compacity to help ease the transition of duties over to Hays. July 1, 2010 marks the first day of Leon Hays being acting Executive Director. TUITION GUARANTEE PROGRAMOctober 22, 2009 A large number of Prentiss County high school seniors were on hand today on the campus of Northeast Mississippi Community College to hear a formal announcement and details of the newly created Prentiss County Tuition Guarantee Program. Under the program, all Prentiss County residents graduating from high school in May 2010 from the Prentiss County, Baldwyn, or Booneville school districts will be guaranteed four semesters of tuition-paid attendance at Northeast Mississippi Community College. TAP ALLIANCEOctober 21, 2009 The Prentiss County Board of Supervisors and the mayor and board of aldermen for the City of Booneville have voted to formalize their support and participation in the recently organized TAP Alliance. The Alliance has been in the works for several months, and representatives state that it is committed to uniting the counties of Tishomingo, Alcorn and Prentiss for economic development efforts. The overall purpose of the alliance is to undertake any and all projects that will provide economic development benefits to the three areas and could range from joint marketing campaigns to the development of specific industrial recruitment projects. The TAP board will consist of two representatives from the Board of Supervisors from each county and one representative from the largest municipality in each county. |
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