Images East Mississippi: 2010

Meet the Father of Country Music at the

Jimmie Rodgers Museum

What’s Online e

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Amazing SpaceRiley Center’s grand opera house still thrills

PROGRESSIVE AND PERSONABLE

Art, recreation, philanthropy thrive here

IT’S ONLY NATURALArea lakes and parks lure outdoor enthusiasts

SPONSORED BY THE EAST MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

2010 | IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI.COM

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EAST MISSISSIPPI

fax

“A BETTER LONGITUDE ON LIFE”

City of Meridian

EAST MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS 30 Progress Is in the Proximity

East Mississippi is in the right spot for growth.

34 Biz Briefs

36 Chamber Report

37 Economic Profi le

2010 EDITION | VOLUME 1

EAST MISSISSIPPI

DEPARTMENTS

6 Almanac: a colorful sampling of East Mississippi culture

22 Local Flavor

24 Image Gallery

26 Portfolio: people, places and events that defi ne East Mississippi

39 Health & Wellness

41 Sports & Recreation

47 Community Profi le: facts, stats and important numbers to know

®

CONTENTS

FEATURES

10 PROGRESSIVE, PERSONABLE, PERFECTArt, recreation, philanthropy and volunteerism combine in a region that is focused on growth and quality of life.

14 IT’S ONLY NATURALArea lakes and parks lure outdoor enthusiasts.

18 AMAZING SPACEMSU Riley Center is home to art, education, history and more.

42 ART APPRECIATIONPerforming and visual arts fi nd public and private support.

45 CLASS IS IN SESSIONMSU-Meridian adds courses and expands its downtown presence.

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINEON THE COVER MSU Riley CenterPhoto by Jeff Adkins

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C U S TO M M A G A Z I N E M E D I A

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FACTS & STATS

RELOCATION

In our Interactive section, watch quick videos by our editors and photographers featuring people, places and events.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINEImages gives readers a taste of what makes East Mississippi tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

LOCAL FLAVOR

Go online to learn

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Parks•

Taxes•

We’ve added even more of our prize-winning photography to the online gallery. To see these photos, click on Photo Gallery.

Considering a move to this

community? We can help. Use our

Relocation Tools to discover tips,

including how to make your move

green, advice about moving pets

and help with booking movers.

From the simple to the sublime, the delicious offerings here are guaranteed to satisfy every appetite.

“Find the good – and praise it.” – Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder


Fresh From the GardenEach spring, the Meridian/Lauderdale County Farmers

Market gets into full swing near Union Station. Local farmers

have a variety of fresh fruits and healthy vegetables ready

for purchase.

Open May through September, Monday through Saturday,

from 7 a.m. until noon, customers can call the market in the

mornings at (601) 484-3988 to see what is available. Interested

shoppers need to rise and shine. Regulars say it’s best to go

early for the freshest selections.

Carousel Creations

Around Town Carousels Abound is

a fun and colorful outdoor public art

project. More than 50 brightly

decorated carousel horses were

created by the talented hands of

local and regional artists, each with

different themes and stories.

The horses are sponsored by

businesses and individuals

and placed in prominent

locations around the city.

All proceeds from the

project benefit Hope Village

for Children. The location

and description of each

horse is available at the

Meridian-Lauderdale County

Tourism Bureau.

History Is Stored Here

A visit to the Causeyville General Store

is a step back in time.

This general store and gristmill, opened

in 1895, is listed on the National Register

of Historic Places. Stone-ground

cornmeal is produced on the premises,

with the gristmill operating for the public

on Saturdays. For more than 90 years,

hoop cheese has been sliced for

customers on site.

The store also features a musical

museum. Causeyville General Store is

open year-round, Monday through

Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and

Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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Fast Facts The historic

Dentzel Carousel at Highland Park was manufactured around 1895 and has been in operation in Meridian since 1909. It features 28 hand-carved animals and two chariots.

Meridian elected its first female mayor in 2009 when voters chose Cheri Barry to lead the city.

Weidmann’s Restaurant has been a downtown landmark since 1870.

Meridian has several significant historic structures including Merrehope, an Antebellum home, and the F.W. Williams Home, a Victorian structure. Both are open to the public.

A portion of 49th Avenue is named for Meridian native and slain Civil Rights organizer James Chaney.

The Threefoot Building is named after the Threefoot family, who were Jewish-German immigrants. Abraham Threefoot and his sons constructed the building just prior to the Great Depression in 1929.

Volunteering FunCastle tops rise from the ground at Planet Playground, feeding the imagination

of active boys and girls as they pretend to be beautiful princesses or handsome princes. This 10,000-square-foot playground, built totally by volunteers, is a testament to the commitment Meridian has to its youth.

Planet Playground is located about two miles from North Hills Street, just off Highway 39 North. Open 24 hours a day, it is free. The adjacent Planet Playground Pavilion, with a capacity of 75, can be rented for half- and full-day fees of $30 and $60.

Festival of ArtArt, dance, learning and fun fill the

streets of Meridian during the annual

Threefoot Festival.

A dazzling array of visual artists

compete in the juried art show, while

craft vendors offer a variety of items

for sale. The event also includes a

talent competition, a walk that benefits

the Make-A-Wish Foundation and

plenty of food, including a popular

chili cook-off.

The festival also offers activities for

children including storytelling and

opportunities to create their own

works of art.

The event is sponsored by the

Meridian Council for the Arts, the City

of Meridian, the National Endowment

for the Arts, the Mississippi Arts

Commission and private enterprise.

Almanac


POPULATION

(2008 ESTIMATE)

Meridian: 39,968

Lauderdale County: 78,161

LOCATION

Lauderdale County is located

in the North Central Hills

region of Mississippi on the

border of Alabama. Meridian is

the county seat and principal

city. Interstates 20 and 59

join together to pass through

the county.

BEGINNINGS

Meridian’s history is tied to the

railroad industry. The city was

established in 1860 at the

intersection of the Mobile and

Ohio Railroad and Southern

Railway of Mississippi. The city

suffered heavy damage during

the Civil War, but rebuilt itself

into the largest city in the state

by 1890. The city’s nickname is

Queen City.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONEast Mississippi Business

Development Corporation

1901 Front Street, Suite A

Meridian, MS 39301

Phone: (601) 693-1306

Fax: (601) 693-5638

www.embdc.org

East Mississippi At A Glance

What’s Online eTake a virtual tour of East Mississippi, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageseastmississippi.com.

Home for the Holidays

Meridian is serious about holiday fun.

Each year, the Downtown Association

hosts Merry Meridian, a multi-day holiday

celebration featuring a tree-lighting,

musical performances, a 5K run, the

Merry Meridian Market and the annual

Christmas Parade.

The celebration includes the annual

Trees of Christmas Candlelight

Tour, a tradition in Meridian since

1971. Held by the Meridian

Restorations Foundation at

Merrehope and F.W.

Williams Home, the tour

highlights a series of

trees decorated in

various themes.

LAUDERDALE

Meridian

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East Mississippi

Celebrating TalentHollywood isn’t the only place with

a star-studded Walk of Fame.

The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment

Center’s Walk of Fame is located in the

heart of downtown Meridian. On

February 15, 2009, the first star,

honoring The Father of Country Music,

Jimmie Rodgers, was unveiled. Other

stars introduced in 2009 celebrate The

King of the Blues, B.B. King, actress Sela

Ward, and writers Eudora Welty, William

Faulkner and Tennessee Williams.

Plans are for all of Mississippi’s great

artists to be honored, each with a

bronze star on a path that leads

throughout downtown Meridian. To find

out more, go to www.msarts.org.

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Almanac



&

T here is an excitement about the future of Meridian. Just ask Mayor Cheri Barry.

“We’re a good, down home Southern town,” she says. “Look at our region. We’re strategically

placed. We’ve got great recreation, opportunities for higher education – really just about everything you could want from your hometown.”

While Meridian’s first female mayor doesn’t profess to be objective about her hometown, the East Mississippi region does indeed boast significant assets. Amtrak connects Meridian to New York and New Orleans. The airport has the longest runway in the state. The Naval Air Station remains an important economic engine. The MSU Riley Center is renowned as both a convention center and a

performance hall, and MSU-Meridian and Meridian Community College make earning a higher degree at home both practical and desirable. In addition, Lauderdale County is home to five health-care institutions.

Barry says community pride is contagious. “So many people ask me what they can do to help,” she says. “People here want to be involved in helping our community grow and prosper.”

Philanthropy is part of Meridian’s personality. The Riley Foundation has made significant contributions to the progress of the region through funding of the arts, education, service organizations and recreation. Described as “Meridian’s guardian angel,” the foundation was instrumental in the development of the Riley Center for the

MERIDIAN OFFERS CULTURE, GRACIOUS LIVING IN EXCITING URBAN SETTING

Progressive

STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

The Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts, left, and the Threefoot Building

Personable



Performing Arts and is now providing financial support to renovate the Newberry Building into a business school for MSU-Meridian.

The Phil Hardin Foundation is focused on improving education in Mississippi. It, too, has contributed to the operation of the Riley Center. The Hardin Foundation focuses on supporting early education and community-based initiatives. Grants have been awarded to the public schools, the symphony and initiatives throughout the state.

Meridian traces its roots back to 1831, but it was during the Civil War that the city first started making news. The railroad lines through town made it a major military hub and led to an attack on the city in 1864 by Union forces. In fact, Gen. William T. Sherman even said, “Meridian no longer exists” on his way out of town.

Meridian has proven Sherman wrong.From the late 1860s to the present, Meridian has built

a reputation as a center for commerce and culture, lively entertainment and gracious living. As the seat of Lauderdale County, Meridian’s downtown is a center of government activity, and it continues to be a focal point of transportation and commerce for both eastern Mississippi and the entire southeast.

The 3,300-acre city-owned Bonita Lakes recreational area is an example of a commitment to establishing and protecting public spaces. The largest urban forest in the United States, Bonita Lakes is perfect for family outings.

“It’s just beautiful there,” Mayor Barry says. “It has excellent trails for walking, hiking, jogging and biking. It’s surrounded by rolling hills, and the lakes have great fishing spots.”

Downtown Meridian has an impressive number of historic buildings, and city planners continue to blend old and new here to create a 24-hour city with shopping, entertainment, fine dining, residential living and more. A new nightspot, Rhythm & Brews, opened in the historic McLemore building on Front Street and is already attracting young professionals and college students. Right around the corner from the General Supply Store, which opened its doors in 1913, is the Rosenbaum Building, a historic structure now home to 14 luxury condominiums.

What’s Online ee For more stories on the people, places and events that defi ne East Mississippi, visit imageseastmississippi.com.

Top left: Artwork on the exterior of the Threefoot Building Left: Children enjoy the playground at Highland Park. Bottom: Historic buildings have been renovated into condominiums and apartments.


NATURALIT’S ONLY

AREA LAKES AND PARKS LURE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS


F inding something to do outside in Lauderdale County isn’t a problem. Finding enough hours in the day to

tackle everything available … well, that’s another story.

From lakes and wild areas perfect for hunting and fishing to hiking and biking trails, sports complexes that offer tennis courts, softball, baseball and soccer fields and more, this is an outdoor paradise.

Lakes are a big draw here, both for fishing and water sports. Bonita Lakes, owned by the city, is ideal for fishing. Only small motors are permitted on these quiet waters. Three lakes and 3,300 acres of land make up this massive city-owned recreation area, which includes nature trails, horseback riding, paddle boats, fishing and the Lakeview Golf Course.

Bonita Lakes serves as the location for July 4 events, a spectacular line-up of holiday lights, fundraising races and fishing tournaments.

For the adventurous, Bonita Trails welcomes off-road motorcycles and ATVs. Mountain bike enthusiasts rank the single- and double-track trails, with their rolling hills and steep climbs that circle the entire

STORY BY JOE MORRISPHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

Trees show off fall colors along the shores of Bonita Lakes Park.


lake, among the best in Mississippi.Nearby Okatibbee Lake is the largest

public lake in the region. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it offers 4,100 acres of boating, fishing and skiing fun. With a full-service marina, a motel, swimming beaches, water slide and other attractions, this public lake is a summer haven for residents of East Mississippi.

“This is a beautiful place to come out and enjoy,” says Jack Huntley, operations manager. “We’ve got sailboats out here in the summer along with jet skis, ski boats and pontoon boats. There’s a full service marina, a campground and a water park.”

Okatibbee is known for its white perch, or crappie, as it’s known locally, Huntley says. Old creek channels attract

anglers to catch largemouth and striped bass. Catfish, crappie and bream can be caught from the fishing platform just below the dam. Both forage and game fish are stocked annually with the cooperative management of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

In fall and winter, hunters f lock to Okatibbee Lake’s 6,000 acres of public hunting areas, where they enjoy the abundance of deer, rabbit, squirrel, ducks, geese, quail, dove and woodcock. A free hunting permit can be obtained at the Okatibbee Wildlife Management Office. As part of the wildlife management program, the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks plant food plots, place nesting boxes, clear brush

selectively and plant mud flats with grain during low water.

The bottomland forest surrounding Okatibbee Lake serves as a viewing area for game animals and the occasional sighting of bald eagles or the endangered American alligator.

Lake visitors have the choice of two campgrounds, both with electric hookups, water and restrooms.

East Mississippi residents also enjoy the beauty of Dunn’s Falls, a 65-foot waterfall in nearby Enterprise, with its picnic, hiking, swimming and primitive camping areas. Once used as the power source for manufacturing Stetson hats, its Carrol Richardson Gristmill is open for tours. Nature trails winding through woods are home to wild turkey, deer and other wildlife.

An old grist mill is situated next to the falls at Dunn’s Falls Water Park near Meridian. Right: Water cascades down the rocks at Dunn’s Falls Water Park.




A performing arts center, a conference center, an educational center, a catalyst for downtown

revitalization – these are all accurate ways to describe the MSU Riley Center. Since opening its doors in 2006, the Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts has attracted more than 60,000 visitors to downtown Meridian each year for meetings, educational activities and performances.

Some of that success is tied to the setting.

The centerpiece of the MSU Riley Center is a fully restored, fully functioning 1889 Grand Opera House theater. The theater’s exquisite

Victorian décor combined with its remarkable intimacy and quality acoustics are impossible to mimic in modern day venues. Half brothers I. Marks and Levi Rothenberg built the Grand Opera House and a five-story department store side by side to complement each other.

More than 100 years later, the historic buildings have come full circle to once again complement each other as a vibrant hub for arts, education and conference events. A public-private partnership resulted in the $25 million renovation that led to much more than just a stunning facility. The MSU Riley Center provides locals and tourists alike a special place to enjoy the arts, experience lifelong learning and

RILEY CENTER IS HOME TO ART, EDUCATION, HISTORY

STORY BY KIM MADLOMPHOTOGRAPHY BY NAME

STORY BY BETSY WILLIAMS

Amazing Space

The beautiful 1889 Grand Opera House theater within the MSU Riley Center



engage in social interaction, all while contributing to the community’s overall quality of life and economic development.

A wide variety of artists, including B.B. King, Trisha Yearwood, Lyle Lovett and Keb’ Mo’, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Newman and the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, have performed in the theater.

“It’s staggering the quality entertainment the center has brought to Meridian,” says longtime resident Wink Glover. “We are fortunate to experience this here without having to travel to larger markets. Instead, we benefit from tourists coming to us.”

Students also benefit from the center’s quality performing arts and educational offerings. Some 15,000

students in grades K-12 attend daytime shows in the theater. As a partner in the John F. Kennedy Center’s arts education program, the center provides teacher training on how to use the arts as an effective tool to teach core subject matter such as literature, history, math, science and basic language skills.

In addition to the performing arts and educational component, the center’s use as a meeting facility has earned widespread praise. ConventionSouth magazine presented the MSU Riley Center with their annual Readers’ Choice Award for demonstrating excellence, professionalism and creativity in 2009. While a beautiful setting with historic roots, the conference space provides the

latest in audio-visual and technical capabilities. Plus, conference attendees experience general sessions, awards ceremonies and keynote speakers in the theater’s dramatic setting instead of the familiar bland conference space.

Part of the MSU-Meridian campus, the center serves as a source of pride for Mississippi State University, Meridian and the state as a whole, says Dennis Sankovich, executive director of the MSU Riley Center. “Our space has been used for everything from traditional convention and meeting space to black tie gala events, a campaign stop for presumed Republican presidential nominee John McCain, and even a backdrop for the filming of Oprah.”

“We are fortunate to experience this here without having to travel

to larger markets. Instead, we benefi t from tourists coming to us.”

B.B. King is among the stars who have performed at the MSU Riley Center for Education and the Performing Arts. The facility also serves as a popular conference center and distinctive banquet space.


What’s Online eHungry for more? Sink your teeth into other stories about East Mississippi’s local fl avor in the food section at imageseastmississippi.com.


M enus and maps go together in East Mississippi.

“Meridian is in an interesting geographic location for cuisine,” says chef Robert St. John. “Being located just a few hours from the Gulf of Mexico allows us access to a steady supply of fresh seafood. The Gulf offers, in my opinion, the best seafood in the country.”

St. John, a native of Hattiesburg, is a 28-year veteran of the restaurant industry. For the last 22 years he has served as executive chef, president, and CEO of the Purple Parrot Café, the Crescent City Grill and the Mahogany Bar in Hattiesburg and Meridian.

He says the seafood served in restaurants here earns high marks.

“Unlike the fish that come from the cooler waters of the Atlantic and Pacific, The Gulf of Mexico – the Third Coast – has an abundance of year-round, warm water species: Speckled trout, f lounder, red fish, grouper, pompano and red snapper are among my favorites. We Mississippians love crab meat, and our blue crab are

superior to any other crab species on the planet. Our oysters are clean and salty – absolutely delicious.”

St. John specializes in what he describes as Piney Woods Cuisine. “It’s a mix of the fresh seafood from the Gulf, Creole f lavors from New Orleans and foods fresh from the south Mississippi garden.”

St. John’s Crescent City Grill serves crab meat wrapped in wontons, in crab cakes, stuffed in mushrooms and in bowls of bisque and gumbo. Oysters are served on the half shell, fried and in the classic po’boy sandwich. Crescent City also serves bayou favorites such as étouffée when crawfish is in season.

St. John has appeared on The Food Network, The Travel Channel and the Turner South network. A self-taught cook, St. John has been named the state’s top chef, by Mississippi Magazine in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Additionally, the former Mississippi Restaurateur of the Year’s restaurant – The Purple Parrot Café – has been named the best fine dining restaurant in Mississippi and just received a Four-Diamond rating from the AAA Travel Guide.

PROXIMITY TO THE SEA INFLUENCES RESTAURANT MENUS IN THIS REGION

Fresh from the

STORY BY BETSY WILLIAMS

GULF

Left: Chef and restaurant owner Robert St. John serves a mix of fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, Creole flavors and foods from Mississippi gardens.J

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Merrehope, a stately 20-room Victorian mansion, has been beautifully restored and is open to the public.

Image Gallery


What’s Online eVisit imageseastmississippi.com to see more award-winning photography highlighting the places and people in East Mississippi.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS


Live Music Sets a Cool ToneMERIDIAN’S MUSIC VIBE HITS ALL THE RIGHT CHORDS

Live music is always in the air in Meridian.A visit to the Meridian Underground Music

Exchange – MUM for short – in downtown offers customers the chance to purchase CDs and musical instruments and perhaps catch some musicians playing original acoustic works inside the store.

“We don’t limit any genre,” says Adam Wade, MUM manager for eight years and a local musician. “We accept any kind of music. It’s an art form and it’s other people’s interpretation. We’ve had country, rock, hip-hop.”

Spring and summer provide the perfect weather for sidewalk concerts in front of the store. Wrapping up the season is the Halloween show, which draws upward of 200 people.

“We have bands from New York and California, and, of course, local musicians,” Wade says. “Meridian has a really diverse music scene.”

Meridian also has diverse venues, ranging from places like

MUM and SAGE – a laid-back downtown coffeehouse featuring indie folk music and poetry readings – to the Temple Theater, a 1,550-seat, 1920s-era movie and performance house that has seen the likes of Tony Bennett and Garth Brooks on its stage.

The Sucarnochee Review, held at the Temple on the first Friday of each month, features local, regional and national talent for a live taping of a radio program broadcast on 59 stations. The Temple Songwriter Nights, held the third Saturday of each month, draw a variety of musicians, while gospel and country nights are proving popular.

Rhythm and Brews, a downtown pub that features acoustic music during the day and a more raucous music vibe at night, has opened in the old McLemore building on Front Street. The club is booking top-notch local and celebrity acts.

Each May, the sounds of country music waft through the air during the Jimmie Rodgers Festival, held to celebrate the prolific songwriting life of the proclaimed Father of Country Music.

Logan Comby, lead singer for the Dark Sundays, practices at the Meridian Underground Music Exchange. PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

Portfolio


An average of 2,000 boardings each month occur at the East

Mississippi Meridian Regional Airport, thanks to daily f lights to Atlanta and a schedule that’s convenient for area residents, visitors and business travelers.

Free parking during the day and a $2 fee for overnight parking in a secure lot make Meridian Regional attractive to those who might consider drives to Birmingham or Montgomery, Ala.

Like so many landmarks in Meridian, the airport has a rich history. On June 4, 1935, a monoplane named Ole Miss took off from Meridian’s airport with 100 onlookers heralding the event. When the Ole Miss touched down at Meridian 27 days later, 30,000 people cheered. Pilots Fred and Al Key had accomplished a nonstop endurance flight that totaled 653 hours and 34 minutes. During the 52,320-mile f light, the plane used 6,000 gallons of gasoline and made 435 midair refueling contacts.

Twenty years later, Fred Key restored Ole Miss and f lew it to Washington, D.C., where it is on permanent display in the National Air and Space Museum. The record set by the Key brothers still stands today.

Meanwhile, Key Field in Meridian has its own record. At 10,004 feet, it is the longest public use runway in Mississippi. Home to the Air National Guard’s 186th Air Refueling Wing, it stays true to its history. The KC-135R midair refueler kept at Key Field can carry as much as 30,000 gallons of fuel to all parts of the world. The Army National Guard’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters are also housed at Key Field.

Air rescue and firefighting capabilities are provided by the Air National Guard. Due to the Guard’s mission as a refueling wing, it provides Meridian Regional Airport with firefighting capabilities that rivals any airport in the southeastern U.S.

History Takes Flight

WATERSINTERNATIONAL TRUCKS INC.Meridian, Hattiesburg & Natchez, Mississippi

THE TEAM YOU CAN TRUST


What was once a cattle trail running along the outskirts

of Meridian is now a residential area of charming older homes on large lots encompassing mature trees and gardens.

The Poplar Springs Historic District, now officially designated with a new marker, is prized for its elaborate Victorian-era homes. Shingled Queen Anns, Arts-and-Crafts-style bungalows and Mission-style homes make this

area a porch-sitter’s paradise.With its wraparound porches and

original beveled-glass windows and doors, this neighborhood – named in 2009 as one of the Best Old House Neighborhoods of the South by This Old House magazine – is home to a diverse community of young parents and retirees.

Dr. Sonny Rush, a Poplar Springs resident and primary force behind the historic district’s designation, calls the area the “St. Charles of Meridian,”

comparing it to the famous New Orleans neighborhood.

Cattle made a winding trail on their way to the springs located north of Meridian, and that winding trail became the path for the neighborhood’s main street, Poplar Springs Drive. Homes sprang up in the early part of the 20th century, and many of them still stand today.

The area was developed by M.R. Grant, who named it Marion Park, after his daughter.

A streetcar once connected the historic neighborhood to Meridian. That connection will strengthen as Meridian continues to emerge as a city of arts and culture.

Poplar Springs, which runs north to south from Meridian High School to 22nd Street, is one of several historic districts in the city. Others include Highlands, which includes Highland Park; Merrehope, with the famous Merrehope and F.W. Williams homes; West End, just south of the Merrehope district; East End, which is east of downtown; Mid-town, just south of the Poplar Springs district and north of downtown; and the Meridian Downtown historic district, which is in the southern part of downtown, from Fifth Street to Front Street.

A Porch-Sitter’s Paradise

Portfolio


The city of Meridian has long understood the importance of

providing quality outdoor spaces for its citizens.

Renovated in 1908 as a premier streetcar park, Highland Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park’s history dates back to 1889, when it was home to the Meridian Fair and Livestock Exposition. When plans for the park were under development in 1906, there was a national trend to create streetcar parks, and the Meridian Railway Co. worked with the city to build the facility and include an amphitheater.

Today’s park features a vintage locomotive representing Meridian’s strong ties to its railroading history and is home to the Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building, a National Historic Landmark manufactured around 1896 by Gustav Dentzel. The historic carousel is the only two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie in existence.

The park is also home to the Jimmie Rodgers Museum. The Meridian-born country legend was known most widely for his ability to yodel and was among the first country music superstars in the early 20th century. Rodgers was also known as The Father of Country Music.

In 1927, two recordings by Rodgers sold nearly half a million copies, which was impressive enough at the time to rocket him into stardom. He made a movie short, The Singing Brakeman, toured with humorist Will Rogers in a Red Cross show, and recorded a hit song, Blue Yodel #9, with a young jazz trumpeter named Louis Armstrong.

The park also includes memorials such as Lest We Forget, which honors veterans.

There’s more to Highland Park than history. Amenities include an amphitheater, gazebo, greenhouse, lagoon, swimming pools, picnic shelters, tennis courts, a playground and fields for soccer and baseball.

– Stories by Betsy Williams

Park Mixes Past and Present

A College Preparatory School

PreK- 12th Grade

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Business

Progress


L ocation, location, location may be a real estate agent’s mantra, but it’s just as powerful a driver when it comes to economic development. And by

creating a whole community-branding campaign around its spot on the map, East Mississippi’s business leaders are capitalizing on one of the region’s greatest assets.

The East Mississippi Business Development Corp. is leading the 88 Degrees effort, but it was designed with strong input from all sectors of the community. The goal was to create a single, unified message that could be used by economic development staffers, government officials and other community leaders as they point out the region’s many assets to new and existing businesses. In addition to a logo and other art, there’s the “A better longitude on life” slogan, which is featured in printed and online materials.

The success of the campaign, however, is its

core truth: East Mississippi is a great place to do business. Just ask Darnell Montgomery, plant manager at Tower Automotive.

“The location here puts me within a five-hour drive of just about every major automobile manufacturer in the South,” Montgomery says.

East Mississippi is also the right location to find a quality workforce and support from the business community.

“The East Mississippi Business Development Corp. makes sure that doing business is a pleasure in this region. They are very supportive, as is the community,” he says. Regarding the workforce, Montgomery, who came to the South from the auto industry in the Northeast, says the work ethic demonstrated by East Mississippi employees is unmatched.

The effort to highlight the assets of the region is proving successful.

The Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau has

STORY BY JOE MORRISPHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

Tower Automotive is one of the largest independent global suppliers of automotive metal structural components and assemblies. The company serves most major automotive vehicle manufacturers.

More Insight

ProximityIs in the

AREA’S MANY PLUSES SHOWCASED IN COMPREHENSIVE BRANDING CAMPAIGN

Darnell Montgomery is plant manager at Tower Automotive.


Business


signed on, and the EMBDC Image Committee and Meridian Community College host customer service seminars for businesses. The EMBDC also presents a Better Attitude on Service award monthly to individuals who achieve the highest standards in client assistance and service while promoting the city and county.

The scope of the campaign is ambitious, but a large-scale effort is needed to set the area apart as it looks to bring in new industry sectors.

“It is an attempt to establish a community brand that everyone can adopt,” says Skip Scaggs, manager of business development for the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. “It plays on our city name as a geographical term, ‘Prime

Meridian,’ and the actual longitude of the community.”

In addition to getting behind the new brand as a recruitment tool, Scaggs and others also are working to promote Meridian and Lauderdale County’s many industrial-development sites, both existing and planned, as a way to continue to shore up an already-strong distribution sector. That, in turn, allows for focus on new

industries that would be a good fit for the area, and then subsequent successful recruitment efforts.

“In prioritizing for recruitment, we look at those industries we believe have the best chance for success here,” Scaggs says. “We consider our competitive advantages like location and proximity to customers, raw materials and current workforce as we go after new investment and jobs.”

“In prioritizing for recruitment, we look

at those industries we believe have the

best chance for success here.”

Transportation assets such as rail, air and roads are key to East Mississippi’s economic development efforts.Left: Tower Automotive’s Meridian plant puts the company in excellent proximity to its customers.


Biz BriefsBUSINESSES – BOTH LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE

EAST MISSISSIPPI’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE

VAN ZYVERDEN INC.Biz: wholesale bulb distributorBuzz: At Van Zyverden Inc., business is blooming. What started as a small family business in the Netherlands has evolved into one of the world’s largest wholesale f lower bulb distributors. This Meridian-based, family-owned company, with employment approaching 500, supplies colorful racks of products to Walmart, Sam’s Club, Lowe’s and Fred’s.8079 Van Zyverden Road

Scorecard

BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

$1,200,121Retail sales ($1,000)

$13,241Retail sales

per capita

$106,239Accommodations

and food service

sales ($1,000)

5,269Total number

of firms

Source: U.S. Census Quickfacts

Business


SOUTHERN PIPE & SUPPLY CO.Biz: wholesale plumbing, heating and airBuzz: Southern Pipe & Supply Co. is one of the nation’s largest privately held, independent wholesalers of plumbing and heating and air-conditioning materials. A family-owned business headquartered in Meridian, Southern Pipe operates more than 90 locations across seven Southern states. Owner Marty Davidson was recently inducted into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame.www.southernpipe.com

PEAVEY ELECTRONICSBiz: sound equipmentBuzz: In its 44th year since founder Hartley Peavey conceived of a better amplifier in his father’s Meridian basement, Peavey Electronics is breaking new ground. Now one of the world’s largest makers of musical and sound equipment, Peavey is still looking ahead and dreaming up his company’s next big innovations.http://mediamatrix.peavey.com

A&B ELECTRIC CO.Biz: electrical contractorBuzz: A&B Electric Co. has established itself over the last 32 years as a leading electrical contractor in the Southeast, serving a diverse list of industrial, municipal and health-care projects, and gaming clients including Biloxi’s Beau Rivage. With its motto, “Quality Work at a Competitive Price,” this family owned business engages in projects ranging from $20,000 to $11 million.www.abelectric.net

VITAL CARE HOME INFUSION SERVICESBiz: pharmacy, clinical servicesBuzz: With almost 100 locations, Vital Care Home Infusion Services is a system of individually owned and operated infusion pharmacies serving rural and urban areas. The company’s Coordination Center, located in Meridian, houses the clinical services department, training center and libraries, franchise development department, case management referral center and revenue cycle management operations.www.vitalcareinc.com

2900 HWY. 39 N. MERIDIAN, MS 39302 (601) 485-1620

WWW.JOHNSONTOYOTA.COM


United They StandEMBDC SUCCESSFULLY COMBINES CHAMBER, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNCTIONS

When Meridian’s economic-development officials want to

get input and assistance from local business leaders, they don’t have far to go: usually just down the hall.

Since 1996, the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. has combined the functions of the chamber of commerce and economic-development organizations with outstanding results. It serves the cities of Meridian and Marion, as well as Lauderdale County,

and its more than 1,400 members work together to bring new businesses and industries to the area.

“I think we have a system in place that keys in on the ability to manage all aspects of what’s going on in our community,” says M.L. Waters, owner of Waters International Trucks and chair of the EMBDC’s board of directors. “From a chamber standpoint, and also from an economic-development perspective, we have

something to offer when a business looks at our community. They see a strong chamber with a lot of activities going on, a lot of support for our businesses, and they get a lot of help and information when they are looking at our available sites, workforce and other amenities.”

The EMBDC’s chamber-oriented functions include networking events both before and after business hours, as well as the annual Main Event Business and Industry Expo held every April. There are also tie-ins with city and county public and private school systems to offer training and mentoring programs for young people, as well as an extremely active young professionals organization, government-leader forums and more.

“We try to have a lot of events where we can get people in the same room for a while to talk about what’s going on overall in the community, as well as talk about specific issues and how we can help improve things,” Waters says. “We think it’s important to work with our schools, and to work with our young professionals, so that we have people ready to step into leadership positions within our organization as well as within the community in general.”

The EMBDC also is heavily involved in the activities of the Meridian Area Navy League, a community organization supporting the efforts of Naval Air Station Meridian. The military’s presence is vital to the local economy, Waters says, so this is another way that the EMBDC can stay ahead of the curve in terms of economic development and business retention.

“Everything we do ties into our economic-development efforts,” he says. “Because of our strong organization, no matter what kind of expertise a company is looking for, we’ve got a member somewhere in the EMBDC that has that knowledge, that experience. Our members share that with us when we’re working with our existing businesses or soliciting new businesses into our area.”

– Joe Morris

Business | Chamber Report

Union Station houses the East Mississippi Business Development Corp.

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Business | Economic Profile

MORE ONLINE


More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

ECONOMIC OVERVIEWMeridian’s economy is boosted by diverse industries, including

manufacturing, retail, professional and technical services,

and health care, to name a few.

EAST MISSISSIPPI

GLOVER, YOUNG, WALTON & SIMMONS, PLLC

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

H. Wingfield Glover, Jr.Ralph E. Young, Jr.

Ronnie L. WaltonH. Wingfield Glover, III

William W. SimmonsStephen B. Jackson

Reed C. Darsey

Post Office Drawer 55141724A 23rd Ave.Meridian, MS 39302-5514(601) 693-1301 (601) 693-1363 Faxwww.gloveryoung.com

TRANSPORTATION

Greyhound Bus1901 Front St.

Meridian, MS 39301

Meridian Airport Authority2811 Airport Boulevard S.

Meridian, MS 39307

(601) 482-0364

www.meridianairport.com

Meridian Amtrak Station1901 Front St.

Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 693-1663

www.amtrak.com

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Lauderdale County Government410 Constitution Ave.,

11th Floor

Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 482-9746

www.lauderdalecounty.org

ONOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Meridian City Hall

601 24th Ave.

Meridian, MS 39302

(601) 485-1927

www.meridianms.org

INDUSTRIAL SITES

Visit the East Mississippi

Business Development

Corporation’s Location One

Web site to search all available

industrial, commercial, office,

or retail space.

www.locationone.com

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

East Mississippi Business

Development Corp.

P.O. Box 790

Meridian, MS 39302-0790

(601) 693-1306

www.embdc.org

East Mississippi

Chamber of Commerce

1901 Front St.

Meridian, MS 39302-0790

(601) 693-1306

www.embdc.org/chamber

Mississippi Economic Development CouncilP.O. Box 3721

Jackson, MS 39207

(601) 352-1909

www.medc.ms


Obstetrics & Gynecology

Riley Hospital & Rush Hospital

www.WomansGroup.net

Complete Care for Women

John S. Harris, MD Steven George, MD William Hamilton, DO Nicole Powe, Certified Nurse Midwife


Health & Wellness

Finding quality health care in East Mississippi is easy, thanks to well-

equipped facilities and outstanding medical services professionals.

Three hospitals, as well as a network of long-term care facilities, behavioral health hospitals, clinics and other centers, serve this growing community. Each of the area’s medical providers also offers workshops, seminars and other activities to get the community involved in preventative health care.

Anderson Regional Medical Center, Rush Foundation Hospital and Riley Hospital all provide a full range of diagnostics and treatment services. All three consistently upgrade facilities and add services to meet the needs of residents throughout the region.

Anderson’s roster of services includes a full cardiovascular surgery

program, Level II newborn intensive-care unit, plus a health and fitness center. Anderson recently purchased $3.6 million in magnetic resonance imaging equipment. Advanced MRI systems are vital in diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.

In East Mississippi, Rush Health Systems includes a hospital equipped with cutting-edge technology that provides quality care to patients, and The Specialty Hospital of Meridian offers long-term choices for nonpermanent patients who require more recovery time within a hospital setting. Rush also has specialized facilities for newborns and heart patients and has launched a sports-medicine team that hits the road to care for area athletes.

Riley Hospital’s services include

breast imaging, wound healing, surgery and outpatient therapy. Two key centers established by Riley provide stroke treatment and rehabilitation services.

The Stroke Treatment Center includes a trained team of physicians, nurses and therapists to treat stroke patients. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke is vital to the outcome for the patient.

Riley Hospital’s Tom C. Maynor Rehab Center works with those who are recuperating from surgery, strokes and other serious illnesses, while its breast-imaging and maternity services are just two aspects of its strong women’s health program.

East Mississippi medical facilities also serve the needs of those suffering from addiction and mental-health issues. Solace and treatment are provided at Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in nearby Hattiesburg, as well as the Alliance Health Center and East Mississippi State Hospital, which has been in operation since 1882.

– Joe Morris

Healthy ChoicesEAST MISSISSIPPI’S HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS OFFER QUALITY, SPECIALIZED CARE TO THE REGION

Primary Care Facilities

260 bedsAnderson Regional Medical Center

120 bedsRiley Hospital

182 bedsRush Foundation Hospital

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Helping Build a Stronger America

(601) 483-5381 6215 St. Louis St. • Meridian, MS 39307 Custom Fabrication of Structural Steel Worldwide.

TENNANT Floor Maintenance Equipment

HILLYARD PRODUCTS

MATS OF ALL KINDS

RUBBERMAID

GYM FLOOR FINISHES

LYSOL

NEW JAX PRODUCTS

JOHNSONDIVERSEY

ROLL FOAM

BUBBLE WRAP

CARTON SEALING TAPES

PALLET WRAP

POLY BAGS

DART CUP

GOJO SOAPS

RETAIL PACKAGING SUPPLIES

SWIMMING POOL SUPPLIES

COPY PAPER

GEORGIA PACIFIC

KIMBERLY CLARK

BAKERY SUPPLIES

SAFETY SUPPLIES

HOTEL/MOTEL SUPPLIES

WEED KILLERS

LINERS OF ALL SIZES

MEMPHIS GLOVES

ATTENDS


Sports & Recreation

Opened in 1930, the golf course at Northwood Country Club is

virtually the same today as it was seven decades ago – fun to play.

“This course was laid out originally as a shot making course,” says Jimmy Gamblin, head PGA Golf Professional at Northwood. “It’s playable. Young people learn to hit straight and older people don’t have to hit it very far to make the shots. It’s not easy, but it’s also not set up for the course to win. It’s set up for people to enjoy themselves and to want to continue to enjoy the game.”

Like the course, the Junior Golf Program at Northwood has a prestigious history. It was started by Bill Davis, who started the junior program in the state. The Northwood program has produced the likes of Eddie Merrins, who served as the head

professional at the Bel-Air Country Club in Los Angeles and also as the head coach of the successful golf program at UCLA. Merrins started playing golf at age 11 at Northwood. Other players who came up through the youth program include amateur champions Virginia Grimes and Lou Hart. Currently, three players from the program are members of college golf teams.

“It’s nice to have just one player on a college team, and we’ve often had kids who came from this course playing in college, but three at one time is something special,” Gamblin says.

Kids as young as ages 3 and 4 can join the junior program as long as their parents are present to supervise. But Northwood isn’t just for the young; it’s also for the young at heart.

“We’ve got a member who is 92, and

he still enjoys playing the course,” Gamblin says. “We’ve got several who are 80-plus who play weekly.”

The signature hole at Northwood is No. 8. Golfers have to hit the second shot across the lake and aerator fountain to reach the green. Meanwhile, No. 17 is one of the most rewarding. The shortest hole on the course at 130 yards, it gives every golfer an opportunity to do well.

“It’s just an enjoyable adventure to come here to play,” Gamblin says. “People bring their own golf carts and get to experience a laid back game of golf at a full-service club.”

Other courses in the region include Lakeview, which sits on the shores of Bonita Lakes. This 18-hole regulation length public course rewards good shots and provides a fun outing for players of all skill levels. Briarwood is a private, member-owned 18-hole course with a large outdoor pool, a restaurant and a roster of activities. Ponta Creek course at the Naval Air Station also offers 18 holes.

– Betsy Williams

History CourseGOLF COURSE DATES TO 1930s

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What’s Online eGo to imageseastmississippi.com and click on “recreation” to read more about East Mississippi’s sports and recreational activities.


Theater and music, museums and festivals, indoors and out,

Meridian is an arts-loving community, and it shows.

By mixing traditional outlets with more novel presentations, the arts scene here is vibrant and constantly changing. Longtime anchors include the Meridian Little Theatre, which dates back to 1932 and is one of the oldest subscription-based community theaters in the Southeast. At 400 seats, it is also the state’s largest community theater.

Four major productions are performed annually. In keeping with East Mississippi’s spirit of giving, more than 1,000 volunteers are utilized to mount the 36 performances of the productions.

Meridian Little Theatre also shares

the community’s commitment to young people. As the only theater in the state to have a youth division, MLT provides entertainment and educational outreach to area children, introducing them to the thrills and discipline of live theater. MLT’s summer theater workshop develops young talent not only in acting, but also backstage work as well.

The Temple Theater, completed in 1924, is another impressive venue in East Mississippi. Built by the membership of the Hamasa Shrine, a deal was struck with the Saenger Theater chain in 1927 to utilize the facility to its fullest potential. During the following 40-plus years, thousands of movies and hundreds of entertainers graced the stage, including the Benny

Art AppreciationPERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS FIND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SUPPORT

Arts & Culture

42 IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI .COM EAST MISSISSIPPI 42 IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI .COM EAST MISSISSIPPI

SPONSORED AND PAID BY

“Honesty, Excellence & Continuous Improvement”

411 W. Oak St. • Laurel, MS 39440 Phone: (601) 649-4111 • Fax: (601) 425-4644 www.dunnroadbuilders.com

Excellence in Education at Lauderdale County Schools, MS

Century House

and

In the heart of historic downtown Meridian near

MSU Riley Center, Temple Theater, Meridian Museum of Art

2412 Ninth St. Meridian, MS (601) 482-2345 www.centuryhousebnb.com

Six Guest Rooms Including Two Luxury Suites

~ Holiday Parties

~ Reunions

~ Executive Retreats

~ Announcements Parties

~ Luncheons

~ Teas

~ Rehearsal Dinners

~ Weddings and Receptions

~ Wedding and Honeymoon Accommodations

Goodman Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney and Elvis Presley.

Plans are in place now to bring the Temple Theatre back to its former splendor and offer a full calendar of events and entertainment.

Other cultural venues include the Meridian Museum of Art, the f lagship public museum in the region. The museum supports and promotes art, artists and art programs through education, exhibitions, collections, collaborations with other organizations, special events and community involvement.

The Company of Angels, a not-for-profit professional theater group, was founded in 2006. The goal is to develop and present unique contributions to American and Southern culture in various fields of the performing arts. Also part of the organization are the Meridian Cambiata Singers, which features young singers ages 9-16.

The Meridian Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 50th season in 2010. The orchestra combines the classics, such as Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, with new compositions written by the MSO’s composer-in-residence, Carey Smith.

Then there’s the Meridian Children’s Chorus, which has supplemented its local performances with a couple of star turns at New York’s Carnegie Hall, as well as being showcased at England’s Canterbury Cathedral.

All the arts come together when Meridian Community College produces the annual Arts & Letters Series, a year-long series of shows that has included everything from a giant puppet theater to historical jazz and art presentations, even a fiddle fest. – Betsy Williams

Top left: Meridian Symphony Orchestra Left: The Meridian Museum of Art PHOTO BY JEFF ADKINS

EAST MISSISSIPPI IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI .COM 43EAST MISSISSIPPI IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI .COM 43


The powerful presence of Mississippi State University in Meridian positively influences the culture, economic

and educational climate of East Mississippi.Meridian became a “University Town” in 1972 when

Mississippi State University established a regional, upper-division, degree-granting campus so adult learners could attain educational goals while maintaining important roles in their families, jobs and communities throughout East Mississippi and West Alabama. Over the years, Mississippi State-Meridian’s excellent reputation for quality, convenience, affordability, friendly atmosphere and flexible course delivery has resulted in expansion of its student population to include a blend of traditional community/junior college transfer students and adult learners who f lavor the educational experience with diversity in age and life experiences. A commuter campus, MSU-Meridian offers day, night, and weekend classes through on-campus and online delivery for the convenience of adult students with busy lifestyles.

Individuals and the region benefit from a strong campus and community relationship. MSU assists existing and potential businesses through research, seminars and consulting, and student interns gain on-the-job experience while providing valuable services to community partners.

After completing required course work at a community college or other institution of higher learning, MSU-Meridian’s junior, senior and graduate-level courses enable students to complete requirements for bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees, or to enroll in specific classes for career advancement or personal growth.

Currently, the Arts and Sciences Division includes undergraduate programs in broadcast communication, general liberal arts, history, interdisciplinary studies, psychology and social work. The Business Division offers a business administration degree at the bachelor’s level in accounting, business administration, health-care administration, information systems, management, marketing, resort and convention, and technology management. At the graduate level, options include the prestigious master of business administration and master of business administration in accounting. The MSU-Meridian Division of Education enables individuals to attain their dream of becoming a teacher through bachelors’ degrees in elementary education and secondary education. Advancement in the education profession is also made possible through graduate degrees in elementary, secondary, and counselor education, as well as school administration.

MCC Supports Higher EducationThe best things in life are free, but that usually doesn’t

include higher education. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Meridian Community College Foundation underwrites the cost of four semesters of study at MCC, putting an associate’s degree within the grasp of every graduate (who qualifies) of a Meridian or Lauderdale County high school, as well as those who live in the area and are home-schooled.

MCC offers 36 programs, including university transfer and a wide array of technical programs ranging from hotel and restaurant management to electronics, graphic design to truck driver training, and studies in the fast-growing areas of nursing, medical lab technician and other health-related fields of study, to name a few. – Joe Morris

Class Is in SessionMSU-MERIDIAN BEEFS UP DOWNTOWN PRESENCE, INCREASES DEGREE CHOICES

Education

Mississippi State University-Meridian

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LAW OFFICES OF

HAMMACK, BARRY, THAGGARD & MAY, LLP

WWW.HBTMLAW.COM

visit ouradvertisersA&B Communications

A&B Electric www.abelectric.net

Alliance Health Center www.alliancehealthcenter.com

Atmos Energy www.atmosenergy.com

Century House Bed & Breakfast www.centuryhousebnb.com

Citizens Bank www.thecitizensbankphila.com

Citizens National Bank www.yourcnb.com

City of Meridian www.meridianms.org

Dan H. Singley DMD

Dunn Road Builders Inc. www.dunnroadbuilders.com

East Mississippi Electric Power Association www.emepa.com

Glass Inc. www.glassincorporated.net

Glover, Young, Walton & Simmons PLLC www.gloveryoung.com

Hammack, Barry, Thaggard & May LLP www.hbtmlaw.com

Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center www.jarmc.org

Johnson Toyota www.johnsontoyota.com

Lamar School www.lamarschool.com

Lockheed Martin www.lmco.com

Mississippi State University – Riley Center www.msrileycenter.com

Mississippi State University Meridian www.meridian.misstate.edu

Newell Paper www.newellpaper.com

Rush Foundation Hospital www.rushhealthsystems.org

St. Patrick School www.stpatrickcatholicschool.org

Structural Steel Services

Waters International Trucks Inc. www.waterstruck.com

WGBC-TV LLC www.wgbctv.com

Woman’s Group Meridian www.womansgroup.net


CLIMATE OVERVIEW

The east Mississippi region has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

35 FJanuary Low Temperature

57 FJanuary High Temperature

71 FJuly Low Temperature

93 FJuly High Temperature

MEDICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

From state-of-the-art

diagnostics and treatment to

the use of “play therapy” for

children facing surgery, East

Mississippi’s three general

acute care hospitals offer

quality medical services to the

region. The primary health-

care facilities are Anderson

Regional Medical Center, Riley

Hospital, Rush Foundation

Hospital. Other facilities offer

addiction and behavioral

health services.

Community Profile

MORE ONLINE


More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEWThe East Mississippi region offers residents an outstanding quality

of life, with access to affordable housing and state-of-the-art

health care, abundant cultural and recreational opportunities, and

excellent education opportunities.

EAST MISSISSIPPI

THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

EDUCATION OVERVIEW

From pre-school to graduate

school, Meridian offers quality

education, including four

nationally recognized Schools

of Excellence and one of

Mississippi’s most highly

acclaimed public school

systems. Institutions of higher

learning include Meridian

Community College and

Mississippi State University –

Meridian Campus.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Jimmie Rodgers Museum

1725 Jimmie Rogers Drive

Meridian, MS 39307

(601) 485-1808

www.jimmierodgers.com

Meridian Little Theatre

4334 Hwy. 39 N.

Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 482-6371

www.meridianlittletheatre.com

ONOOOOOOOOOOOO


Ad Index 46 A&B COMMUNICATIONS

35 A&B ELECTRIC

38 ALLIANCE HEALTH CENTER

47 ATMOS ENERGY

43 CENTURY HOUSE

BED & BREAKFAST

37 CITIZENS BANK

C3 CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK

C2 CITY OF MERIDIAN

38 DAN H. SINGLEY DMD

43 DUNN ROAD BUILDERS INC .

28 EAST MISSISSIPPI ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

44 GLASS INC .

37 GLOVER, YOUNG, WALTON & SIMMONS PLLC

46 HAMMACK, BARRY, THAGGARD & MAY LLP

1 JEFF ANDERSON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

35 JOHNSON TOYOTA

29 LAMAR SCHOOL

8 LOCKHEED MARTIN

4 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY – RILEY CENTER

Ad Index (cont.) 44 MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY MERIDIAN

40 NEWELL PAPER

C4 RUSH FOUNDATION HOSPITAL

2 ST. PATRICK SCHOOL

40 STRUCTURAL STEEL SERVICES

27 WATERS INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS INC .

48 WGBC-TV LLC

38 WOMAN’S GROUP MERIDIAN

Documents

Images East Mississippi: 2010