Local Business Builds on Silver Anniversary Success with Plans to Expand Thanks to the MDA

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

Husband and wife team George (an engineer) and Judy East (accountant) founded East Systems, Inc., a local electronic components company just over a quarter-century ago, quickly moving from their own garage to a facility out on Hwy 69. Now, thanks to the LINK and The Mississippi Development Authority, they have been expanding their facilities in order to accommodate bigger and better projects in order to keep up with the demand for their goods. The LINK was instrumental in helping them to obtain an $89,800 grant which allowed them to start construction. The company produces items such as control panels and wiring for large mining operations, and the expansion will make it possible for them to handle larger jobs, and more of them, for bigger clients.

As with many entrepreneurs, the couple has had to work hard in order to get this far: “I’m an accountant and I’m very conservative,” Judy said. “(George) has been saying for the past two or three years that we really need to add on and I’ve been putting it off. Every time, I talked him out of it because it hasn’t always been a glorious ride. We’ve had to use up a lot of our savings just to keep our doors open and our employees paid over the years…He kept telling me, ‘If we are going to move forward and get this other work, we’re going to have to add on.'”

The company currently has ten employees, but they are looking to hire more as the expansion progresses. The grant has already begun paying off, as they have now landed a contract with a client company that they would not have been able to properly accommodate as little as a year ago: George remarked that, “You grow as the jobs grow. But this really gives us a chance to get those jobs…We’re looking for workers right now.” Their workers typically earn from about $39~$62 thousand a year.

“These are local people with good-paying jobs,” Joe Max Higgins of the LINK said. “That’s something we want to promote. It’s not always about these big industries. Folks like the Easts are very important, too.”

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Shops Big and Small are Here to Take Care of You

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION – Courtesy of the Dispatch
Local boutiques Little Magnolia Co. and Cobalt’s Boutique recently moved to their new digs in adjoining suites located at 124 Fifth St. S. in Columbus. Magnolia deals in children’s clothing, while Cobalt’s sells women’s attire. Both shops open up at 11am Tuesday through Saturday.

Financial service company Benjamin F. Edwards has officially opened their new office at 2400 Military Road in Columbus. “We take enormous pride in welcoming these new advisors to our ever-growing Edwards family,” CEO Tad Edwards said in a press release. “We are equally as thrilled in adding yet another branch to the state of Mississippi in the wonderful community of Columbus.”

In other news, the Belk corporation is preparing to undergo a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization process. They have stated that they have no plans to close any stores nor to lay off any employees. The process is anticipated to take until the end of this February: “As the ongoing effects of the pandemic have continued, we’ve been assessing potential options to protect our future,” CEO Lisa Harper said. “We’re confident that this agreement puts us on the right long-term path toward significantly reducing our debt and providing us with greater financial flexibility to meet our obligations and to continue investing in our business, including further enhancements and additions to Belk’s omnichannel capabilities.” The plan is for the Columbus location to remain in business as usual.

In Starkville, Humble Taco has opened their doors at the former City Bagel location, 511 University Drive. For now, they will be open for dinner at 5PM Tuesdays through Saturdays. “This is not your average Mexican restaurant; we are a blend of modern Mexican and the American South,” Chef Ty Thames stated. “We can’t wait for you to try our signature sweet potato flour tortillas, Mexican cornbread, smoked meats, sauces and more.”

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Half a Dozen Big Industrial Companies Considering Lowndes County

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

In a recent address to the Columbus Rotary Club, LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins Talked about a number of companies that are prepared to invest a combined total of $2.3 billion into Lowndes County: “With the exception of one, maybe two, they’re deep, deep into the process,” Higgins told The Dispatch. “In other words, if they pick us, they’re going to start building this year.” Five of the prospective investors are looking at the Industrial Park near GTRA, while the sixth is looking at the Lowndes County Port. The two largest investments would make up the bulk of the proposed $2.3 billion investment.

The BOS has indicated that they are in favor of these projects: “My standard mode of operations when (Higgins) comes to us with projects and explains them to us is that I tend to be very supportive,” District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks said.

“We’re open for business, and it’s nice to see that people are interested in looking at what we have to offer,” Board President Trip Hairston added. “We have a lot to offer, really good infrastructure, and we’re poised to really grow.”

Most of the projects are currently at the “due diligence” stage; while none of them are 100% confirmed, the chances of these working out seems to be high: “It’s not like they’re looking at 500 towns and we might get picked,” Higgins said. “They hand-selected a few towns and we’re one of them.”

New major investment in the county means more jobs and greater prosperity for our region, and THAT’S Good for Business!

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GTR LINK’s Role in Business Becoming Bigger and Bigger

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins recently spoke to the Columbus Rotary Club about bringing more big business to the Golden Triangle area. He noted that the TVA and MDA’s roles in this process have been waning in recent years, with the LINK picking up much of their slack: “In the last several years, if we weren’t making (a deal), it wasn’t getting made,” he said. However, things are looking up, as the TVA has shown renewed interest in the area.

Everything from power to heavy industry to food to distribution – something which has become more and more important due to the pandemic – are things that the LINJK has been working hard to try and bring to our area. Distribution (e.g. coordination of packages sent by Amazon and the like), in particular, is an industry which does not really have much of a presence in the area at all” “Everybody’s ordering everything on Amazon right now, more than they did before,” Higgins said.

On the edible side of things, Peco Foods recently announced that it will be pulling up stakes at its Brooksville plant and incorporating those operations into their West Point facility. The plan is to expand it and to move as many as 400 jobs to the WP location. “We’ve kind of got a reputation and people know who we are,” Higgins went on to say. “On any given deal, we work it ourselves. These two distribution centers I’m talking about — TVA didn’t bring them and MDA didn’t bring them. They came to see us.”

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The GTR Just Keeps on Truckin’!

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

COLUMBUS, MS

Kyle McConnell, owner of local transit company McConnell Brothers Transfer and Storage, has retired and sold his business to his daughter, Suzy McConnell Robertson, and son-in-law, Chad Thomas. The Mayflower agency will continue its services uninterrupted, offering moving services and storage for residents, future residents, and businesses of all sizes. Thomas remarked that they “look forward to continuing to provide excellent service in North Mississippi, West Alabama, our local communities and our military members worldwide.” They’re currently looking into expanding their warehousing and freight capacities.

New Hope’s Double S Diesel Service opened for business in October. They offer on-site services for diesel semis, farm equipment, forklifts, and the like. They are available 247, and the shop is owned by Owners Spence Wallingford and Blake Moore.

STARKVILLE, MS

Lee’s Creative Studio is planning to open up shop at a physical location in February; Owner Lee Allen reports that he is doing business remotely for clients in need of quality commercials. While the business is just getting off the ground, he’s already started working on a job for the local Mom & Pop food truck.

Cyber-security provider HORNE Cyber has taken over the former GLO building on East Lampkin St. Office Partner Mike Skinner says that they’re been around for five years and moved to the new digs in order to accommodate their growing business. Their office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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New Places to Shop & Eat in the GTR

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

COLUMBUS

Recently-retired teacher Stephanie Studdard will soon be opening a women’s boutique, Bella Blu, at 427 Wilkins Wise Road: “I decided teachers never retire,” Studdard said. “I decided that I wanted to do something that I enjoyed–that just came to mind.” The shop will carry items such as clothing, jewelry, and so on for high school girls and women. Bella Blu will be open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Brandy Granderson, who has worked in physical therapy and as an in-home healthcare professional, recently opened Essential Safety Consultants in Columbus. Her service’s goal is to help seniors to help improve their homes in order to minimize the risk of potentially dangerous falls: “Our target is to prevent falls with seniors,” Granderson said. “What we do is go out and perform a 125-point safety check. It’s a survey where we go into great detail of things they can do to eliminate risk factors in the home. We go out and consult with them about modifications they can make to try and prevent falls.” She can be reached at 662-346-1253; please call for a quote.

STARKVILLE

AJ’s Get it & Go BBQ at 28 Box End Road W. opened up to feed plenty of hungry people earlier this year. The family-owned restaurant offers carry-out and delivery service as well as outdoor dining. Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Good Eatin’ and More!

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

STARKVILLE

Boardtown Pizza and Pints has officially opened its doors at 705 University Drive, Suite C this past Monday. They serve a variety of items such as pizza, hummus, falafel, pita moz, dog bowl nachos (yes, in a dog bowl), and over thirty beers on tap. “It feels great,” owner Tyler Klaas said. “The nerves are still up there because we don’t know what’s going to happen. … We’re really hoping that the people that live here will come out and support us.” They will be holding a Grand Opening on Friday, Nov 13. The venue is open from 11AM ~ 11PM daily.

Two restaurants are in the planning stages. Captain D’s on Hwy 12, which burned down a few months ago, will be moving to the old Payless Shoes building at 812 Hwy 12. Sonic, which is next door to the old D’s, plans to use their combined lots to build a new facility.

COLUMBUS

Cobalt’s Boutique and Little Magnolia Co. will be moving into the former Steel Forest Furniture location on 5th Street S.

Meanwhile, Prestige Event Rentals moved from Second Street to 530 Hwy. 45 S. around a month ago or so. The new location is over triple the size of their prior store, and was made possible due to an uptick in business.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=84323

Local Businesses Expanding, Opening, and More!

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

COLUMBUS

Local family-owned company Union Climate Control Storage, 106 Yorkville Road E., has announced that they will soon be expanding their storage options, with units being made available for RVs, boats, and trailers. They plan to have them ready in about a month or so. “All of this was in the plan,” owner Andrew Benton said. “We have plans to purchase more properties but have nothing official yet. We have other residential rental places, but this is a pretty solid business. We like it a lot.”

Southern Kneads, 1920 Hwy. 45 N., Suite 5, has opened their doors. Licensed massage therapist Markey Wright-Dillard runs the operation, and is currently taking appointments (no walk-ins for now) for 30- and 90- minute therapeutic massages. The company also offers ear candling and exfoliating body scrubs. “As a licensed massage therapist I always wanted to eventually own my own little place and offer products and services to my clients,” Wright-Dillard said. “My clients’ well-being is my No. 1 priority and I look forward to seeing what’s in store for Southern Kneads LLC.”

Malco on 45 is offering private screenings of both classic and contemporary movies. For $100, you can bring a reasonable crowd to see “Star Wars: ESB”, Raiders of the Lost Ark”, and others. $150 gets you the same deal for a group to see more recent flicks such as “Tenet” or “The Kid Detective.” Please check their Malco website to view the full list of films available via this program.

WEST POINT

Kimberly Chase and Kathy Williams are taking over the Just for Ladies consignment shop over the next few weeks following the original owner’s retirement: “Of course we jumped at the chance to move from customers to owners,” Chase said. “Kathy and I have been best friends for over 30 years and have always dreamed of opening a consignment store. Raising families, we both understand the need a consignment store can fill in our community. Anita passing the torch to us is Heaven sent. We get to fulfill our dream while continuing hers.”

They plan to keep the place mostly as-is, including the embroidery services the shop offers. One notable change will be the name: Point City Consignment will be at 5761 Hwy. 45 Alt. S starting in early November. Their grand opening will be on Nov. 6 from 4-7 p.m. Their regular store hours will be Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=84062

New Life Soon to Be Breathed into Old Buildings

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

COLUMBUS

Realtor Caroline Bromley reports that the former downtown Fred’s building is under contract. While the potential buyer has not yet been announced, it is hoped that a deal can be reached by the end of the year. The prospective buyer says that they want to renovate the Fred’s building in hopes of restoring it to how it looked a century ago, when it hosted Harden’s Bakery: “They have great plans for it,” Bromley said. “It’s going to be a plus for the community. . .The downtown area is a historic area and the new buyer is looking to keep it historically correct.”

Meanwhile, Listing Agent Royce Hudspeth reports that the old Ryan’s restaurant building on Hwy 45 is in a similar situation, and that it is “under contract and in due diligence.”

STARKVILLE

MUW alumnus Hannah Baird has formally opened up her food trailer, Nutrigroove, in the Little Dooey parking lot at the corner of Fellowship and Lampkin streets. They offer items such as acai fruit bowls, smoothies, herbal teas and bagels: “When I was there sitting on the beach I just knew I wanted to do this,” Baird said. “… I wanted to bring acai to Starkville so everyone else can enjoy it the same way I did. I just love it and so far everyone else does too.” Mon~Thurs from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fri~Sat from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Please click here for the original article: https://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=83666

TVA Awards GTR an Industry Certification

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION – Courtesy of the Dispatch

Per the GTR LINK, the Golden Triangle region was recently recognized as a “Rural Certified Community” by the TVA. This is an award granted in honor of the area’s long-term advances in favor of industrial development and investment.

“Programs like these from TVA help us gather important critiques for our community, make improvements and market successfully to potential investment from employers,” LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins said in the press release.

LINK COO Whitaker remarked that the GTR is exceeding expectations, and that a number of potential new industries are eyeing sites in the area.

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Courtesy photo: GTR LINK COO Macaulay Whitaker