Category Archives: Starkville

Starkville School Shuffle Could Impact Real Estate

By Education, Real Estate, Starkville, Starkville/Oktibbeha CCSD

Starkville School Shuffle Could Impact Real Estate

 

stk-ok schoolFor the second time in just two short years, parents of students in the recently-consolidated Starkville Oktibbeha County Consolidated School District may find their children in a new school. I’m not here to opine about the causes of the issues that the schools and government leadership in Oktibbeha have on their hands, but the effect it could have on home prices.

Starkville is keeping pace with major market trends nationwide, with many homes selling at peak prices, and in a very short time. The recent school moves in 2014-15 saw many homeowners selling their properties to move up or over in order to insure that their child was in what they consider a top school district. As price trends continue to rise in the area,  fueled by the continued growth of the university, many parents with children in public schools find themselves unable to afford homes in the realigned districts – or even unable to find a home for sale. Now, the changes to the school districts appear to be forcing a few families to switch around again.

Oktibbeha County and Starkville are in a difficult spot, especially with the Justice Department’s involvement. Let’s hope they can keep the changes to a minimum.

 

 

(Courtesy of WCBI) –

Some students and schools would be realigned in order to comply with federal guidelines on racial balance within the new district … The proposal would move all K – 5 students at East Elementary School into existing elementary schools of the district. The plan moves rising fifth graders to Overstreet and rising second graders to Ward Stewart. The plan, which would go into effect in August, does not include changes at West Elementary School.

The board will have a special called meeting on February 23rd. There are also several sessions for employees, parents and stakeholders. The first is Thursday night at East Elementary at 5:30pm.

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Mississippian Appointed Chairman of UPS

By Business, Columbus, Delivery Services, Golden Triangle, Starkville

Mississippian Appointed Chairman of UPS

UPS CEO David Abney. Photo credit: UPS/courtesy image

UPS CEO David Abney.Photo credit: UPS/courtesy image

Mississippi’s own David Abney, who was born in Greenwood, worked his way to the top of international shipping giant UPS over the course of a long career, starting in 1974 in his hometown of Greenwood. Abney was recently elected as Chairman of the company by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. He also served as COO since 2007, CEO since 2014, and former President of UPS International. He is also a Trustee of The UPS Foundation, and Chairman of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta.

How does it help to have a local in that position? Abney will have first-hand knowledge of the ample warehouse facilities and inter-modal options in our great state (many of which are located in the Starkville-Columbus area). It’s not that he can necessarily influence business our way, but he will be a powerful voice in the company who can help get Mississippi to the table to compete. Any person of influence from the state helps – even in the smallest of ways. It might only be a small chance that he remembers a friend of a friend who told him about an affordable building for lease in rural Lowndes County…but, his small decisions at UPS have a lot of zeros behind them.

It is ALWAYS good for business to have friends in high places!

Some info courtesy of UPS Pressroom. Please click here for more information.

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Oby’s In Starkville Finishes “Best in State” for Sandwiches, Columbus’ United Deli Near Top

By Columbus, Foodservice, Golden Triangle, Starkville

Oby’s In Starkville Finishes “Best in State” for Sandwiches, Columbus’ United Deli Near Top

Oby's Mufellata. Pic credit: Joe R. Bumgardner of eatjackson.com

Oby’s Mufellata. Pic credit: Joe R. Bumgardner of eatjackson.com

Best of the best??? The writers at the quirky site “only-in-your-state.com” picked Oby’s as the best sammich shop in Mississippi this past week. As a New Orleans native, I’ve been a big (in the waist) fan of the Cajun eatery for years now. Their hot roast beef, oyster po-boys and gumbo are hard to beat! Another favorite place to chow-down, United Deli in East Columbus, also topped the list. I’m so happy for my main man Mr. John. His Gyros and French Dips are second to none, and I think his french bread is the best you’re gonna find outside of Louisiana.

So proud for both of our local spots – any attention is good attention…and definitely good for business!!

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American Futures: Manufacturing Returns to Columbus, Mississippi

By Business, Columbus, Education, EMCC, Golden Triangle, GTR LINK, Manufacturing, PACCAR, Starkville, Steel Dynamics, West Point, Yokohama

American Futures: Manufacturing Returns to Columbus, Mississippi

 

The Golden Triangle Development LINK is such a vital organization to our area. The premier economic development agency in the South, the LINK has brought nearly 5 billion dollars in business to the Golden Triangle in just over ten years. When big business does good, so does small business. Columbus, Starkville and West Point are lucky to have the best team in Mississippi working for us. Companies such as Steel Dynamics credit the GTR LINK with facilitating the complex process of incorporating in the area and running a business here. Locals who have found work at these newly-arrived major companies thank area schools such as EMCC for providing them with the skills needed to succeed and thrive there.

American Futures brings us a documentary about the rebirth of Colu,bus

American Futures brings us a documentary about the rebirth of Columbus

Here’s a piece the Atlantic did on the LINK recently, including a mini-documentary about the amazing revitalization of Columbus as a manufacturing nexus in the South:

 

http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/460452/american-futures/

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Parks Key To Quality Of Life In Golden Triangle

By Columbus, Golden Triangle, Parks, Recreation, Starkville

Parks Key To Quality Of Life In Golden Triangle

probst park

Beautiful Probst Park in Columbus, MS gives us all room for play, sports, athletics, parties, and even just hanging around and enjoying the breeze. (click for full size)

In my travels as a real estate agent, I have seen the enormous impact that playgrounds and parks play in the market. Often overlooked by taxpayers, a strong parks and recreation system is a top item on checklists of potential buyers when moving into a market. In our region (and quite possibly the entire state of Mississippi), Columbus currently boasts the premier soccer complex, which has hosted several state-wide events. It has an ideal setting, nestled between historic downtown Columbus and the Riverwalk.

Starkville has a top-notch sportsplex in the center of town, but has recently began a movement to build a best-in-class facility, in order to attract more attention and tourists to the town. Mississippi State University already lends a hand hosting major events, and an additional complex outside of the school should prove to be valuable as the area continues to grow.

Nice, clean parks and facilities help potential buyers open their minds’ eye to imagine living in a community – playing, riding and enjoying a picnic. Parks also often provide a buffer between urban and rural areas of Columbus and Starkville, and provide a great public service to our residents – as well as to potential citizens. They help to make a brand-new city feel more like “home.”

WCBI has more on our growing park system :

“Our citizens, citizens everywhere pretty much have an expectation of having quality play spaces, parks that are accessible and facilities that offer not only enjoyment but opportunities to help themselves to personal health and wellness,” Starkville mayor Parker Wiseman said.

http://www.wcbi.com/local-news/video-sustaining-a-successful-parks-and-recreational-service/

 

CK

 

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Bulldog Burger Makes Its Mark On Starkville

By Business, Foodservice, GSTP, Retail, Starkville

Bulldog Burger Makes Its Mark On Starkville

Let’s all welcome Bulldog Burger to the great city of Starkville!! Starkville’s economy continues to expand with another locally-owned eatery. Go get yourself a burger today, and, if you think you can handle it, ask about their special eating challenge!

Bulldog Burger Company is located at 702 University Drive in the historic Cotton District.

The Grand Opening

The Grand Opening. Photo courtesy the GSDP

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When Big Business is Small Business

By Business, Columbus, Foodservice, Golden Triangle, Retail, Starkville

When Big Business is Small Business

The Superbowl has not always been my favorite time of year. You see, I spent a good bit of my formative years in the pizza business, and Superbowl Sunday is traditionally the busiest day of the year, sometimes painfully busy – as the linked story from WCBI will attest, below. The funny part about it then, and about it now, is hearing friend and coworkers laud, ” Papa John must be printing money today – and he ain’t doin’ nuttin!! ”

John Schnatter (AKA Papa John) does indeed make some money off of the local stores. He earned that right 30 years ago when he built the company. However, the lion’s share of the reward is earned by local owners who worked for their money and took a risk on a franchise. Like most towns in Mississippi, Starkville and Columbus have the majority of restaurant chains owned by local folks. A local businessman or manager took the chance to buy into a chain to see if he could defy the odds and make a living.

The Papa John's team celebrates the launch of its Quality Guarantee at Super Bowl 50. (Graphic courtesy of Business Wire)

Schnatter, far right, and his team enjoying the sweet taste of victory. (Graphic courtesy of Business Wire)

Most franchises fail within a few years, often leaving the proprietor in very poor shape for his gamble. There are hundreds of locals who have lost their life savings taking a shot on a cafe, sandwich shop, or fast food joint. Buffalo Wild Wings, The Grill, McDonald’s, Subway, Papa John’s, and others all have local franchisees as their roots. The tax money stays in the state. They participate in the community by sponsoring soccer teams and school functions. The owners, quite often, live in your neighborhood; they might even go to church with you. Many of the chains that we routinely view as giants are, in reality, just as local as our favorite watering hole or dry cleaner.

Ask around, and keep a sharp eye out for locally owned “big businesses.” When you find one, thanks them for investing in our community. Their big, small business is good for our tax base, good for our community and great for business.

CK

http://www.wcbi.com/local-news/pizza-companies-gear-up-for-super-bowl-rush/

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Starkville Mayor, Aldermen Vote Against Sonic’s Request

By Business, Starkville

SoniccolorAs with many requested improvements, it often comes down to residents vs businesses. In this situation, the growing Hwy 12 corridor seems to be getting too close for comfort for some homeowners (It’s worth noting that the Zoning Commission had approved the variance-CK)

Issues like this will continue to come up as both Starkville and Mississippi State continue to grow. The question will be asked, “Will the BOA continue to favor protecting residential space at the risk of feeding the notion that Starkville is not pro-business?

The Starkville Daily News has more…

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2015 Crystal Pineapple Tourism Awarded to The Mill at MSU

By Business, Golden Triangle, Starkville

Mark Castleberry got some well-deserved praise last week when the Starkville Development Partnership honored Castle Properties for the completion on the Mill Project. It was a Herculean effort by Castleberry and his team, as the concept of a reclamation project for the Mill had been tossed around for nearly 20 years. Castle Properties has been at the forefront of commercial development in Columbus and Starkville for the last 10 years, and their team is definitely good for business!

(via the Starkville Development Partnership)
“The Partnership was proud to present the 2015 Crystal Pineapple Tourism Award to The Mill at MSU! This stunning historic preservation project has recreated the Russell Street corridor and serves as a wonderful example of “partnership” between MSU and the community of Starkville. Congratulations, Castle Properties!”

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The GSDP is excited to welcome State Urgent Care to Starkville

By Business, Golden Triangle, Starkville
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12605552_1100381076660810_495536641310206603_oStarkville welcomes a new clinic and all of its wonderful staff to the city!

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is excited to welcome State Urgent Care to Starkville and as a member of the Chamber with a ribbon cutting. Courtney, Misty and staff at State Urgent Care can be found at 521 South Montgomery Street in Starkville.

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state urgent carePosted by Good for Business With Colin Krieger on Friday, January 22, 2016

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