Salute to Industry

May 26, 2013

East meets West Point

Yokohama Rubber Co. brings jobs, hope to Clay County ...10

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SALUTE TO INDUSTRY

ADVERTISER INDEX 4-County Electric Power Association..................................................................... 13 AbilityWorks........................................................................................................... 2 American Eurocopter............................................................................................... 3 Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle......................................................... 2 Brunini Law Firm................................................................................................... 13 Burns Dirt Construction........................................................................................... 6 C & P Printing........................................................................................................ 14 Cash & Carry Building Supply............................................................................... 14 The Clinic at Elm Lake........................................................................................... 14 Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority.............................................................. 15 East Mississippi Community College........................................................................ 9 Ecolab..................................................................................................................... 7 Evans Plumbing & Air Conditioning......................................................................... 7 Industrial Fire Protection.......................................................................................... 6 Galloway-Chandler-McKinney Insurance............................................................... 14 Golden Triangle Regional Airport............................................................................. 2 Greater Starkville Development Partnership............................................................. 5 The Columbus Lowndes Development LINK............................................................ 5 Magnolia Business Systems...................................................................................... 8 Metso Paper........................................................................................................... 16 Mid-South Signs.................................................................................................... 15 Mississippi Industrial Waste................................................................................... 12 Neel-Shaffer.......................................................................................................... 15 Newell Paper Company........................................................................................... 8 Quality Inn............................................................................................................ 12 River Chase Inn....................................................................................................... 4 Southern Ionics...................................................................................................... 15 West Point Community Growth Alliance............................................................... 12 Wheeler Roofing................................................................................................... 12

t e J l Al ice Serv

I y GTR.
Global Connections. Local Convenience.
Columbus Starkville West Point www.gtra.com

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SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

We are proud Mississippians.

Lance Lehr Hometown: Columbus, MS Lead Aircraft Technician, New Helicopter Completions 7 years at AE

Fran Pitts Hometown: Columbus, MS Quality Documentation Analyst 3 years at AE

Dwight Robinson Hometown: Starkville, MS Aircraft Technician, LUH 5 years at AE

We work for the leading helicopter manufacturer in the country American Eurocopter. Our company has the largest share of the commercial market, and is the sole provider of the U.S. Armys UH-72A Lakota aircraft. Right here in Mississippi we build the Lakota as well as the AS350 used by law enforcement, medical emergency services and private industry.

We are Mississippians, and we are American Eurocopter.

1782 Airport Rd. Columbus, MS 662.327.6226 www.eurocopterusa.com

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East Mississippi Community Colleges 24th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon Award Winners
Photos Micah Green | Dispatch Staff

Special Recognition Award: Tri-County Regional Development Steering Committee (left to right) Marvel Howard, EMCC president Rick Young, Jack Wallace, Jim McAlexander, West Point mayor Robbie Robinson, Jackie Edwards, Gordon Flowers, Starkville mayor Parker Wiseman and EMCC Workforce Services Director Raj Shaunak

 SALUTE TO INDUSTRY

partners in Lowndes and Clay Counties.

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SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

The ColumbusLowndes Development LINK would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to our industrial partners in Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Clay Counties.

D n T k a t ck T a X nk ias i kk da rac j e x Be G ku an ie zi kr M D u er Sh c i
1102 Main Street, Columbus, MS 39703 t 662.328.8369 | cldlink.org

ou kY an

Serving a Full Breakfast

Managers Reception
5pm - 7pm Monday - Thursday

Great Extended-Stay Rates

RiverChase Inn, Your Home Away From Home
2015 Military Road, Columbus MS 662-328-6720 RiverChaseInn.net

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Best Practices Award: Weavexx (left to right) Rick Young, Robert Nedwards, Russ Johnstone, Hoyt Otts, Adrian Krug, Jennifer Lanier, Ronnie Ellison and Raj Shaunak

ARE YOU OK WITH PROBABLY SAFE?

SPP Fire Pump Dealer

Its not a mere concern, a passing interest or even a corporate pursuit. Industrial Fire Protection puts a focus on re protection that borders on obsession.

Proud to work with area industry

Demolition | Site Work | Storm Damage | Grading

Monthly/Annual Inspection Service | Maintenance on Fire Protection Equipment Annual Fire Pump Testing | Fire Suppression Systems FM 200, CO2, Dry Chemical, Foam On-Site Extinguisher Service | Sprinkler Installation, Sales & Service | Marine Applications Fire Hose Sales & Service | Eye Wash/Safety Shower Inspection & Maintenance

24 Hour Emergency Service

Amerex Distributor

Wayne Doyle 662-251-6300 | Kevin Doyle 662-251-6016

www.indfireprotection.com | 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday 511 Gardner Blvd., Columbus, MS

57 Burns Drive | Columbus, MS 39702 | (662) 329-3703

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Industrial Fire Protection

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SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Directors Award: PACCAR (left to right) Pat Thompson, Lex Lemmers, Lance Walters, George Kerekes, Cliff Kjelgaard and Raj Shaunak

Select an Energy Star System Now to Save on Energy Bill for the Hot Summer.
Financing available

Proud Supporters of All Area Industries

The World Of Healthcare Trusts Ecolab. Everywhere It Matters.

Evans Plumbing & Air Conditioning, Inc.

www.evansplumbingandac.com
Weve been serving Monroe, Lowndes, Clay, Chickasaw, Lee and Lamar Counties for over 30 years.
TVA Residential & Commercial Air Conditioning
RELIABLE, ENERGY EFFICIENT, CLEAN AIR FOR THE HOME
The Dispatch

662-343-5391

Were helping improve outcomes in the world of healthcare while also providing jobs and strengthening the local economy throughout the Golden Triangle today. Everywhere it matters.
512 Lehmberg Road Columbus, Mississippi 39702 662.327.1863

Microtek Medical, Inc.

2010 Ecolab USA Inc All rights reserved

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SALUTE TO INDUSTRY

(above left) Best Practices Award: Nammo Talley (left to right) Willie Richardson, Jim Mullins and George Lowery (above right) Best Practices Award: Royal Trucking (left to right) Rick Young and Shannon Swope

Magnolia Business Systems

Local People Serving Local Business
Sales Service Supplies Purchase Rent Lease

S B M

TENNANT

662-244-8894 Columbus 662-844-8894 Tupelo

HILLYARD PRODUCTS MATS OF ALL KINDS RUBBERMAID LYSOL

Scrubbers & Sweepers

CARTON SEALING TAPES PALLET WRAP POLY BAGS DEB SOAPS

BUBBLE WRAP

BAY-WEST PAPER PRODUCTS KIMBERLY CLARK BAKERY SUPPLIES SAFETY SUPPLIES HOTEL/MOTEL SUPPLIES WEED KILLERS LINERS OF ALL SIZES MEMPHIS GLOVES

GYM FLOOR FINISHES JOHNSON DIVERSY ROLL FOAM

RETAIL PACKAGING SUPPLIES SWIMMING POOL SUPPLIES COPY PAPER

GOJO SOAPS

1616 7th Avenue South Columbus, MS 662-327-1467 1-800-844-1467 www.newellpaper.com

 SALUTE TO INDUSTRY
EMCC, Dispatch Industry Tab Full Page Ad:Layout 1

5/17/2013

10:36 AM

Page 1

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SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

Summer classes begin 29.Fall Fall classes begin Aug. Summer classes begin May May 28. classes begin Aug. 19. 20. For information about Workforce classes, call (662) 243-2686. For information about Workforce classes, call (662) 243-2686.
Golden Triangle campus: (662) 243-1900 Columbus Air Force Base: (662) 434-2660 Website address: eastms.edu
EMCC does not onal origin, vies. EMCC does notdiscriminate discriminate on on the the basis basis of of race, race, color, color, na national origin, sex, disability disability, or age in its programs and ac activities. Contact Dr. Andrea Mayfield with inquiries regarding this policy, 662-476-5000 or ascott@eastms.edu. Contact Dr. JackieScott Stennis with inquiries regarding this policy, (662)476-5000 or jstennis@eastms.edu

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ON THE COVER: Governor Phil Bryant shakes hands with Yokohama Rubber Company President Hikomitsu Noji after signing the paper work finalizing a deal that will see Yokohama Tire Company open a plant in Clay County.

Governor Phil Bryant, Hikomitsu Noji, president of Yokohama Rubber Company, and others ride through the empty field in Clay County that will soon be home to a branch of the Yokohama tire plant. Photo Micah Green

Yokohama tire plant a boon for the Golden Triangle

By NATHAN GREGORY | ngregory@cdispatch.com

EAST MEETS WEST POINT

Point and Clay County, Mississippi, Higgins said. For city and county leaders, weve got roads to build, sewers to install, a whole host of infrastructure. (Tennessee Valley Authority) and 4-County (Electric Power Association), get the trucks ready. Its time to start. Since then, Higgins said great strides have been made. The process of selecting a contractor to build the plant is expected to be complete at the end of this month. The states portion of the bond is expected to close around July 15, with West Point and Clay Countys portion expected to close about a month later, Higgins said. Another major component of the process of bringing the global tire manufacturing plant to West Point: the design of what will be Yokohama Boulevard and how it will connect U.S. Hwy. 45 to the plant itself. Higgins said recently that the engineer in charge of that portion of the project and the Mississippi Department of Transportation were in agreement on that design. That drives everything because once you know all the points where the road enters the highway and goes onto the site, all

fter the ink was dry on the contract, officials from Mississippi and Yokohama Rubber Company signed April 29, Golden Triangle Regional Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins wasted no time letting a packed house at the Ritz Theater and Conference Center know what needed to happen during construction of the tire manufacturers newest plant. Our job is just starting. Weve given (Yokohama) our word, our bond, and weve shaken their hand. Weve told them were going to make sure theyre successful in West

youre doing is connecting dots, Higgins said. He said much more work is in progress behind the scenes, including the location of a water tank and sewer collection lines. Were still thinking September for the start of construction of the plant (and) were looking at 18 months to build it, maybe a little longer, he said. (Yokohama officials indicated) they want to be in test mode by the third quarter of 2014 or the start of the fourth quarter. A lot of work is going to happen real quick.

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WELCOME TO CLAY COUNTY For the April 29 announcement, a host of local and state officials rallied the audience in celebration of what Mayor Scott Ross called a red letter day in the history of West Point, perhaps unequaled in our history. The Mississippi House and Senate approved a $130 million incentive package April 26 during a special session that drew the global tire manufacturer to the Magnolia State. Once the first portion of the plant is built in 2015 at the Prairie Belt Powersite, the company plans to create at least 500 jobs for bus and truck tire manufacturing. In all, the four-phase project is expected to have created at least 2,000 jobs once construction on the entire plant is complete in 2023. Mississippi leaders who appeared at the April 29 ceremony included Gov. Phil Bryant, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, U.S. Reps. Alan Nunnelee and Gregg Harper, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Phillip Gunn. Also present were Yokohama President Hikomitsu Noji, CEO Yashushi Tanaka and Director of Product Planning Andrew Briggs among several other company representatives. Noji said the occasion was historic for Yokohama. As the U.S. economy continues to recover, the commercial tire industry is forecasted to be on the upswing. We cannot be any prouder to have chosen the great state of Mississippi to join us, Noji said. Today affirms our commitment to the North American market and to our customers that have given us their confidence over the decades. We are very excited at the prospect at having an even stronger relationship and even deeper community involvement, which can only result in the highest degree of success. I ALWAYS KNEW WE COULD DO THIS Bryant noted Yokohamas history and reputation while commending the work of the Mississippi Development Authority, the LINK, state legislators and congressmen among other entities for their collaboration to lure the manufacturer to Mississippi. I always knew we could do this. There were some challenging times because there was a lot of tough competition out

there. There were many states that fought hard for this and wanted this great factory, Bryant said. This is a wonderful worldwide company thats 90 years old (with) 17,000 employees, (and makes) about $4.5 billion a year. Even at that, this commitment was (a) tremendous challenge for Yokohama, so it was up to us to give them the opportunity, the information, the resources they needed to be able to make this tough and difficult decision for their company. Theres one thing I promised (Yokohama representatives): Mississippi will not let you down. A SILVER LINING Alongside Higgins representing the LINK at the event was board chairman Gordon Flowers, a West Point native and Columbus attorney. Flowers gave a nod to his Clay County roots and said the areas resiliency was demonstrated after the closure of the Sara Lee and Bryan Foods plants and was a tribute to its people. Two thousand jobs were lost in a very short period of time. It was a dark economic cloud, like a pall over this area in Clay

Ross echoed Flowers, adding the agreement the city and county signed with the LINK last year was the driving force behind this development. Shortly after the Bryan plant closed, Ross said, a community meeting was held for residents to come together and collectively grieve over the loss of the industries and determine what to do next. That day, we brought together all of our regional partners: Mississippi State University, East Mississippi Community College, 4-County. All the folks we knew could make a difference came together that day. Our community did not put its head down. We took a gut punch, but we fought back, Ross said. BENEFITS FOR COLUMBUS, STARKVILLE Economic developers in Oktibbeha and Lowndes counties say Starkvilles and Columbus high quality of life should position those towns to compete for the expected influx of people moving to the area for employment. Local economic developers say the

Students from Church Hill Elementary School exit The Ritz in West Point during Yokohama officials visit. Photo Micah Green

County, Flowers said. What I think weve received here with Yokohama is the silver lining of that dark cloud. This wonderful company has made its commitment to this area, and were so thankful that they are here.

LINKs success will not only help improve unemployment numbers in the area but also attract more workers to the area. Those workers have to live somewhere, and officials believe all three Golden Triangle cities stand to gain due to the high quality of

life they each offer. Out of all the employees at the Golden Triangle Industrial Park in Lowndes County, 50 percent lived in that county while 25 percent lived in Oktibbeha County, a 2012 LINK study states. The remaining percentage was divided up between Clay County (11 percent) and outside of the Golden Triangle. Obviously this is a huge win for West Point, but its also a huge opportunity for Starkville to really showcase the quality of life that we have to offer here, as well as the quality of our public school system, the restaurant and entertainment amenities we have and the fact were only one of two (Southeastern Conference) towns in the state, Greater Starkville Development Partnership CEO Jennifer Gregory said. An increase of residents will boost ad valorem sales tax returns, the primary way each city collects money for services. Not only will there be a competition for residents, but area businesses will also be vying for service contracts associated with the plants construction. The plant is expected to provide relief to the areas unemployment numbers. Lowndes and Clay counties remain above the state (8.7 percent) and national (7.6 percent) unemployment rates. Clay Countys 18.2 percent unemployment rate for March represents the highest figure out of Mississippis 82 counties, while Oktibbehas number is the lowest reported in the tri-county area. NEWFOUND FRIENDS Clay County supervisor Shelton Deanes noted the April 29 ceremony as the first shovel in the dirt. To our new partners and friends: We thank you all for looking our way, Deanes said. This was a very important move, not just to Clay County, but this was important to the whole state of Mississippi being able to stand together as one and make a vote for something that is going to help not just this region, but all the regions that are close around. Starkville bureau reporter Carl Smith contributed to this report.

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SALUTE TO INDUSTRY

Welcome to Yokohama Tire Corporation, the newest member of our community.

A special thank you to all the members of our business community:

Ace Decoy Anchors B&M Pole Company Babcock and Wilcox Duke Company Duke Pecan Company Ellis Steel Fabricators Supply General Machine Works Graham Roo ng Graphic Arts Production Harcos Chemicals Limeco, Inc. Long Branch Company Long Leaf Camo, LLC Magnolia Seasoning Mar-Lyn Ceramic Supply Metal Cra Manufacturing Mossy Oak/Haas Outdoors Navistar Defense Ormans Welding & Fabrication Prestage Farms Remplet Roto-Cast Royal Trucking SIMS Metal Management MS Southern Ionics Southern Outdoor Technologies

Waste Disposal

+ Recycling

Thank You To All Of Our Customers

Please give us a call for all of your waste disposal and recycling needs.
SERVICING:
Columbus Starkville Ackerman West Point Monroe County Noxubee County Webster County Pickens County, Alabama

Wishing you all much success in the future!

510 E. Broad St. West Point, MS 662.494.5121 www.westpointms.org
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1600 12th Avenue South, Columbus, MS 662-328-5528

www.wasteprousa.com

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A Family Business Since 1946

Were proud to serve local industry!

Adjacent to Leigh Mall, let us be your choice in hotel accommodations. Free Deluxe Breakfast Bar - featuring homemade wafes! Free USA Today Microwave/Refrigerators in all rooms Free High-speed Wireless Internet in all rooms Military Discount

Wheeler Roofing, Inc.

Shingles Single Ply Roof Systems Roof Repairs of All Types Licensed, Bonded & Insured Proudly Serving the Golden Triangle for 67 Years

Doug Wheeler & Jason Wheeler

Choice Privileges
Rewards Program

662-329-2422 1-800-4CHOICE Fax: 662-327-0311 1210 Hwy. 45 N., Columbus, MS 39705 Visit our Website: www.qualityinn.com/hotel/ms406

Commercial & Residential

1218 Military Rd. Columbus, MS 328-3625 or 328-7612

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 SALUTE TO INDUSTRY

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SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

13

BRUNINI
A T T O R N E Y S A T L AW

Brunini Proudly Salutes Our Local Businesses and Industries

Powering progress

410 Main Street Columbus, MS 39701 662-240-9744

BILOXI COLUMBUS JACKSON

WWW.BRUNINI.COM
FREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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SALUTE TO INDUSTRY

Golden Triangle Area With Fine Printing

30 Years, Providing The

+

C & P PRINTING
104 Gardner Blvd. Columbus, MS 39702

The

Personalized Medical Care for a Healthy, Happy, Strong YOU!

Clinic at Elm Lake

Stephanie M. Gale CFNP

We are proud supporters of local industry and workers.

662-327-9742
Business Cards | Forms | Invitations | Programs | Color Copies

CALL FOR A SAME DAY APPOINTMENT WORK CARE & PRIMARY CARE 662.240.9999 3700 North Frontage Road Columbus, MS www.elmlakeclinic.com

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Uncharted Territory
For business owners the new

are an uncharted course.

The experienced professionals at Galloway-Chandler-McKinney Insurance can assist you in steering your business forward. Let us consult with you and your team of legal and nancial advisors to develop a plan that will navigate this murky and evolving environment. Please feel free to contact us at any of our locations. Were here to serve you.
Aberdeen 662-369-8681 Amory 662-256-1100 Columbus 662-328-0492 West Point 662-494-4781 Starkville 662-323-3332

HEALTHCARE REFORMS

Were Proud to be a part of the growing economy of Lowndes County for the past 49 years, and we welcome new industry and salute the already successful!!

www.gcminsurance.com
1-866-508-3537 328-5776 1120 Gardner Blvd. Columbus

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SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2013

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C Building leaders L for tomorrows R industrial teams! A

www.clra.net
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327-4935

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SOUTHERN IONICS is proud to have its Corporate Headquarters in West Point.

We salute the employees who work in manufacturing, sales, transportation, research, and in our corporate headquarters in West Point. These individuals and the loyal SOUTHERN IONICS INCORPORATED customers to whom we supply products have made SII successful for over thirtythree years. SII is proud to be part of President Milton Sundbeck; Vice President Randy Weimer and Vice President Steve Mitchener West Point and the Golden Triangle.

Honor AWARD

ACEC
MS

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www.neel-schaffer.com www.neel-schaffer.com

SOUTHERN IONICS INCORPORATED

Creative Solutions Today

201 Commerce Street | West Point, MS 39773 | 662-494-3055 www.southernionics.com The Dispatch

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SALUTE TO INDUSTRY

Columbus Metso facility is the largest Paper Machine Roll Service Center in the world. Our employees are the reason!

FIRST SHIFT, Left to Right, First Row Larry Richardson, Jerome Williams, John Harrison, Travis Leonard, Terisa McQueen, Doris Beasley, Debbie Coleman, Larry Parker, Scott McGregor, Ray Wright, Shane Oglesby, Casey Bush, Sid Wright, William Jenkins, Melvin Kemp; Second Row Joel Wright, Steven Welch, Tyler Howard, Stan Boney, Doug Blanton, Scott Whitehead, Mike Cranford, Matt Eaves, Larry Porter, Lisa Pate, Summer Owens, C.D. Walker, Jimmie Taylor, Kit Pennington, Mike Wright, Shawn Miller, Kevin Clark, Joel Thomas; Third Row Wade Stapp, Shane Tilley, Jeffrey Worrell, Josh Gilmore, Larry Brashier, Nick Simon, Cade Simon, Les Wozniak, Billy OMary, Sandra Ashcraft, Ricky Harcrow, Terry Atkins, Mike Murphy, Chris Robison; Fourth Row Kevin Cockerham, Matt Pennington, Jet Hill, Jeff Kyles, Matt Gallop, Ferman Washington, Keith Burcheld, Billy Samuels, Ken Hopper, Chris Cliett and Mark Horton.

SECOND SHIFT, Left to Right: Brad Durrett, Elroy Davis, Justin Leonard, Jeffery Sullivan, Nathan Hall, James Harris, Jammie Duck, Joe McMahon, Todd Clarke, Calvin Smith,Blake Jernagin and Daniel Caruthers.

THIRD SHIFT, Left to Right: Ryan Price, Ricky Bush, Harold Coleman, Leroy Jackson, Adam Brock, Dillon Hopper and Mike Reynolds.

Not Pictured: Steve Abrams , David Boswell , George Boykin , Gary Carter , Scott Clemmons , Joe Cook , Devin Downey , Kevin Gallop , Robert Hodges , Eddie Howard , Byron Johnson , John Jones , Andrew Long , Shane Maness , Ben Murphy , Jimmy Oglesby , Jerry Pierce , Jonathon Putnam , Jerry White , Billy Wright , Bud Yeatman , Kelley Perrigin

617 Yorkville Park | Columbus, MS 39702 | www.metso.com