Advantage Mississippi Initiative Moves State to Leading Position in Economic Development, Public/Private Partnership Approach Seen as Key.

Business Editors & Government Writers

JACKSON, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2000

Leaders of Mississippi's private sector are heralding the overwhelming adoption, last week, of the Advantage Mississippi Initiative for economic development by the state legislature as a significant turning point for the Magnolia State.

"Not only does the package provide a comprehensive array of attractive incentives and credits for business and industry, but it also focuses a whole new approach to building our base of 'new economy' companies," says Dwight H. Evans, President & CEO of Mississippi Power, who also serves as co-chair of the Mississippi Partnership for Economic Development with Mississippi Governor Ronnie Musgrove.

The plan focuses on building economic opportunities using a "cluster" approach, as outlined by noted 'new economy' development consultant Dr. Michael Porter of the Harvard Business School -- and follows a strategic approach toward targeting incentives in response to a comprehensive competitive analysis conducted by KPMG Group of Atlanta, GA.

Leaders of the private sector in Mississippi worked closely to provide background research as Governor Musgrove and development Director J.C. Burns developed the Advantage Mississippi Initiative. The plan was developed through a fact-based, research-based approach, spanning six months.

"The initiative is not based on emotion or political expediency," said Blake A. Wilson, President of the Mississippi Economic Council, the State Chamber of Commerce. "It is the result of a careful strategic focus to position Mississippi at the lead for business location. This plan does it...and does it well."

Wilson also pointed out that Mississippi political leaders are in "lock step" with the private sector in pursuing the strategy.

"The legislature met in special session to deal with this plan -- and acted in response to the enthusiastic support of its leadership," Wilson said. "It's one thing to have the Governor and head of economic development pushing a plan, but in this case they were joined by Lt. Governor Amy Tuck, Speaker of the House Tim Ford and Senate President Pro Tem Travis Little. They stand united in working to make Mississippi the best location for business expansion...and they sent that message loudly and clearly with their actions last week."

"We have a public and private sector that is working together for our state's future," said The Partnership's Evans. "Not every state can say that -- and not every state can promise the kind of cooperative spirit that a company will enjoy from its state government, regulators and leadership when they choose to locate in Mississippi."

While a cooperative spirit is an intangible that is difficult to measure, Evans said, "the impact becomes much more quantifiable because it is backed up with the incentives that put Mississippi at the top."

To review the plan, legislation and some of the research that went into it, go to: www.msmec.com or www.chamber.ms. To find out more about making Mississippi your business location, go to: www.mississippi.org.