
By Betsy Young
•
June 12, 2025
The Golden Triangle Development LINK is pleased to announce that Meryl Fisackerly, COO of Golden Triangle Developmental Link, has been chosen by Mississippi Business Journal as a “Top 40 under 40” recipient. On June 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., a luncheon will be held at the Old Capitol Inn in Jackson to honor these 40 young leaders across the state. Mississippi Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann will give the keynote address at the event. “The event itself recognizes emerging leaders from across Mississippi who are under the age of 40 and make significant contributions in their communities and industries,” said J. Scott Coopwood, Publisher and Owner of the Mississippi Business Journal. Of the many leaders, Fisackerly was nominated and selected by a business panel and her own community members to win the award. The award highlights Fisackerly’s contributions and talents inside of her industry. In her current role, Meryl oversees the organization of day-to-day operations, industrial recruitment and retention, and conducts private sector fundraising at the Golden Triangle Developmental Link. She serves as an administrator of the Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA) as well, where she manages a budget of $2.5 million and oversees wide varieties of land development and management of contract providers. Fisackerly has been recognized for her many different roles, but also her ability to do them well. Joe Max Higgins, Jr., CEO of the GTR LINK, mentioned that Fisackerly has emerged as “one of the industry’s strongest generational talents and learns quickly in her position.” He recognized her skills to “compartmentalize, analyze, and organize” and was not surprised that she had won such an award like the “40 under 40.” The Golden Triangle Developmental Link is excited to recognize Meryl. She has worked hard and long for such an award and stepped up to the challenges that economic development often presents.

By Betsy Young
•
May 16, 2025
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISS. — Local and state leaders gathered yesterday to celebrate the certification of the Golden Triangle’s fifth TVA-certified megasite, the CINCO Megasite, a 1,440-acre site in Lowndes County now positioned for large-scale industrial development. The event was held at 4-County Electric Power Association, located directly across from the CINCO site, and brought together public officials, utility partners, and economic development leaders for the milestone announcement. During the celebration, representatives from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Quest Site Solutions formally presented the site certification to Lowndes County. TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley, Senior Program Manager Bill Adams, and Lindsey Cannon of Quest Site Solutions commended the regional partnership that brought the site to certified status. “Congratulations to the Golden Triangle Development LINK on the announcement of its newest Certified Megasite, CINCO Megasite,” said John Bradley. “The proactive and strategic commitment to economic growth opportunities will impact this community for generations to come. TVA is proud to partner with 4-County Electric Power Association, Appalachian Regional Council, the Golden Triangle Development LINK, Mississippi Development Authority, and State of Mississippi to support job creation and investment in the region and to further our shared commitment to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve.” Governor Tate Reeves joined the event and announced a $5.5 million site development grant to support infrastructure improvements on the CINCO property. “It’s another great day in the Golden Triangle,” Reeves said. “I have no doubt that the region’s fifth megasite will ultimately be home to a major employer, create a bunch of good jobs, and attract millions in new private sector investment. I’m proud the state could help support the project through a $5.5 million site development grant.” The CINCO Megasite is the result of collaboration among the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Mississippi Development Authority, Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority, TVA, and Lowndes County. During the ceremony, renderings of three potential development concepts were unveiled, including one featuring a full-scale automotive facility. Brian Clark, CEO of 4-County Electric Power Association, underscored the shared benefit of the project for the entire region. “The old quote ‘rising waters raise all boats’ is true for us here because we all benefit when The LINK grows a new megasite and facilitates new business partners in the area,” Clark said. “No other area in the TVA footprint has what we have here. The CINCO Megasite is essential to us not only for the growth of our community, but also because whatever and whoever we land here is right across the street from our office.” Joe Max Higgins, Jr., CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK, praised the certification as a sign of the region’s continued momentum. “We don’t build megasites for the headlines—we build them to win,” said Higgins. “CINCO is shovel-ready, strategically located, and engineered to handle the biggest projects in the world. This certification tells global employers that The Golden Triangle is open for business and ready to deliver.” The Golden Triangle now holds more TVA-certified megasites than any other region in the TVA footprint, reinforcing its reputation as a national leader in industrial readiness and economic growth.

By Betsy Young
•
March 4, 2025
Metal fabricator creating 15 jobs Project represents corporate investment of more than $2.675 million Jackson, Miss. (March 3, 2025) – Fabricators Supply, a custom machining and metal fabrication company, is expanding its operations in West Point. The project is a $2.675 million corporate investment and will create 15 jobs. Fabricators Supply offers a range of metal fabrication capabilities, including drilling, pressing, milling, plasma cutting and design. The expansion adds enhanced laser fabrication to the company’s current operations. Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. The Clay County Board of Supervisors and city of West Point also are assisting with the project. Fabricators Supply was founded in West Point in 2001. For more information on Fabricators Supply, visit: https://www.fab-supply.com/ QUOTES “Mississippi is a strong manufacturing state because we never gave up on manufacturing. Fabricators Supply’s expansion is a testament to the fact that ‘Made in Mississippi’ is a stamp of excellence. It’s something that our manufacturers can be proud of every single day. I thank the Fabricators Supply team for its commitment to our state and for creating more than a dozen new employment opportunities for the people of Clay County.” – Gov. Tate Reeves “MDA is eager to support our local businesses as they invest right here at home, showing other companies that Mississippi is an optimal place to do business. Our pro-business government, easy access to domestic and international markets and top-notch workforce combine so companies like Fabricators Supply don’t need to look beyond our state lines to find lasting success. I appreciate the Fabricators Supply team for once again choosing Mississippi.” – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork "Fabricators Supply’s expansion is another strong indicator of the continued growth of advanced manufacturing in the Golden Triangle. By adding enhanced laser fabrication capabilities, they’re strengthening their position in the market while creating new job opportunities for the skilled workforce in West Point and Clay County. We’re proud to support their growth and look forward to their continued success in the region." – Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins

By Betsy Young
•
February 25, 2025
· Software company creating 15 jobs · Project represents corporate investment of $2.5 million Jackson, Miss. (Feb. 25, 2025) – Camgian Corporation, a software developer specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, is expanding its operations in Starkville. The project is a $2.5 million investment that will create 15 jobs. Founded in 2006, Camgian develops AI and machine learning solutions for government and commercial clients worldwide. For the expansion, the company will enhance its infrastructure, specifically upgrading its high-performance computing capacity to support large-scale AI model training and testing. Camgian also will broaden its software development and testing capabilities to keep pace with the increasing market opportunities for its products and services. Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. The city of Starkville and Oktibbeha County are assisting with the project, as well. Camgian Corporation plans to complete the project and fill the new jobs within three years. For more information on Camgian, visit www.camgian.com . QUOTES "AI and machine learning provide groundbreaking solutions for business, military and logistical challenges. Mississippi is investing in innovation and remains committed to fostering the safe and secure advancement of this technology. Mississippi is rapidly becoming recognized worldwide as a leader in AI and machine learning, and Camgian’s latest investment further strengthens our foothold in this high-tech field." – Gov. Tate Reeves “MDA is excited to support Camgian as the company advances its innovative AI solutions. Mississippi is harnessing the technologies of the future, and this exciting announcement serves as another reminder to the world that our state is a competitive place to build and grow a high-tech business. We thank the Camgian team for once again leveraging the many competitive advantages offered by a Mississippi location and for bringing more than a dozen exciting job opportunities to Oktibbeha County.” – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork “Camgian continues to experience strong growth in Mississippi! With the expansion of our Starkville headquarters, we are excited to drive innovation and create new opportunities for the future." – Camgian Corporation CEO Gary Butler "Camgian’s expansion is a big win for Starkville and the Golden Triangle, bringing more high-tech jobs and reinforcing our region’s role in AI innovation. Their investment in advanced computing shows the strength of our local tech sector, and we’re excited to support their continued growth." – Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins

By Betsy Young
•
January 21, 2025
AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHTS COMING TO GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGIONAL AIRPORT New Westbound Service Operated by SkyWest Airlines to Begin in May Columbus, Miss.–The Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) is excited to announce that new American Airlines flights, operated by SkyWest Airlines, to Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) will begin on May 5, 2025. “We are thrilled to have these American Airlines flights here at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport,” states airport Executive Director Matt Dowell. “American Airlines has an excellent reputation across the country. Offering both eastbound and westbound service will significantly enhance our ability to serve our community.” “Adding westbound service from the Golden Triangle provides a tremendous boost to our economic development efforts,” states Joe Max Higgins, Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. “We are a very attractive location for major industry, but the one question that I haven’t been able to answer affirmatively about our community until now, is whether we have westbound air service. Today, we can say yes! With this announcement, we now have the missing piece. We couldn’t be more thrilled." DFW is the second largest single airline hub in the world with nonstop connections to more than 230 destinations worldwide. Air service to and from GTR will begin with one flight a day onboard a CRJ-700 aircraft. Flights will be timed to connect well with key markets in Texas, the West Coast, Mexico and beyond. “We are excited to bring additional options to travelers at GTR,” says Cody Thomas, SkyWest Airlines’ Managing Director of Market Development. “The increased access and connections available from American’s DFW hub will make it better than ever to fly from the Golden Triangle Regional Airport.” GTR Airport has always offered passengers the ease of flying locally instead of making a long drive to another airport, and flights have now become even more convenient. Flights to DFW and beyond are available for purchase now at aa.com or through American’s mobile app.

By Betsy Young
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December 16, 2024
· Defense manufacturer creating at least 96 jobs · Project represents a corporate investment of at least $21.6 million Jackson, Miss. (Dec. 16, 2024) – Global aerospace and defense company Stark Aerospace is expanding in Lowndes County to support a new contract with the U.S. Navy. The project will create at least 96 new jobs. Stark Aerospace recently was awarded a $61.454 million contract by the U.S. Navy for missile canister production in support of the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System, an on-board missile canister launching system. The contract includes additional options that, if exercised, can increase the cumulative value of the contract to $312.8 million. Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements. The agency also is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Construction is slated to be complete within the next year with new jobs being filled immediately. QUOTES “Stark Aerospace’s latest contract with the U.S. Navy is yet another major investment in our defense sector and another impressive economic development success for Lowndes County. The creation of 96 new jobs speaks volumes about the quality of the workforce found in Mississippi, which manufactures some of the most technologically sophisticated defense systems in the world. I congratulate the Stark Aerospace team on this remarkable win and look forward to the company’s ongoing success in Columbus.” – Gov. Tate Reeves "For nearly two decades, Stark Aerospace has been a cornerstone of Mississippi’s aerospace and defense industry, renowned globally for its innovative contributions to national security and the security of our allies. The Mississippi Development Authority is proud to support Stark Aerospace as it embarks on this significant contract with the U.S. Navy, creating nearly 100 new jobs for the talented workforce of the Golden Triangle." – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork “We are honored and excited to have been selected for this important project. This contract not only reflects our team's hard work and dedication but also underscores our capability to deliver high-quality products that meet the rigorous standards of our U.S. Military and the Warfighters. We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Navy and contributing to the success of this vital initiative.” – Stark Aerospace, Inc. President and CEO David Alabed "This contract is a huge win for Stark Aerospace and the Golden Triangle. It brings quality jobs, strengthens our economy and highlights the world-class manufacturing happening right here in Mississippi. We’re proud to support Stark as they contribute to our national defense and regional growth." – Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins
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