State, local business leaders share same goals

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
May 26, 2004
The president of East Mississippi's chief economic development agency says state leaders' priorities mirror his: Create and retain jobs from new and existing industry.
The EMBDC hosted its second annual Existing Industry Summit at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus on Tuesday. The summit attracted more than 150 local business leaders.
The highlight of the day was a luncheon speech by Gov. Haley Barbour inside MSU-Meridian Campus' Kahlmus Auditorium.
Other summit speakers included Steve Browning, of Mississippians for Economic Progress; Bob Mullins, director of training at Nissan; George Dale, insurance commissioner; and Andrew Covington, of Eco-Systems.
Barbour told the crowd that civil justice reform, no tax increases, workforce development and protecting the state's military bases are essentials to fostering job creation and job retention in the state.
Tommy Dulaney, president of Structural Steel Services Inc., said the summit was informative and helpful for his company. Dulaney said he brought his human resources manager and safety manager to the half-day conference.