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AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHTS COMING TO GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGIONAL AIRPORT New Westbound Service Operated by SkyWest Airlines to Begin in May Columbus, Miss.–The Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) is excited to announce that new American Airlines flights, operated by SkyWest Airlines, to Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) will begin on May 5, 2025. “We are thrilled to have these American Airlines flights here at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport,” states airport Executive Director Matt Dowell. “American Airlines has an excellent reputation across the country. Offering both eastbound and westbound service will significantly enhance our ability to serve our community.” “Adding westbound service from the Golden Triangle provides a tremendous boost to our economic development efforts,” states Joe Max Higgins, Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. “We are a very attractive location for major industry, but the one question that I haven’t been able to answer affirmatively about our community until now, is whether we have westbound air service. Today, we can say yes! With this announcement, we now have the missing piece. We couldn’t be more thrilled." DFW is the second largest single airline hub in the world with nonstop connections to more than 230 destinations worldwide. Air service to and from GTR will begin with one flight a day onboard a CRJ-700 aircraft. Flights will be timed to connect well with key markets in Texas, the West Coast, Mexico and beyond. “We are excited to bring additional options to travelers at GTR,” says Cody Thomas, SkyWest Airlines’ Managing Director of Market Development. “The increased access and connections available from American’s DFW hub will make it better than ever to fly from the Golden Triangle Regional Airport.” GTR Airport has always offered passengers the ease of flying locally instead of making a long drive to another airport, and flights have now become even more convenient. Flights to DFW and beyond are available for purchase now at aa.com or through American’s mobile app.
· Defense manufacturer creating at least 96 jobs · Project represents a corporate investment of at least $21.6 million Jackson, Miss. (Dec. 16, 2024) – Global aerospace and defense company Stark Aerospace is expanding in Lowndes County to support a new contract with the U.S. Navy. The project will create at least 96 new jobs. Stark Aerospace recently was awarded a $61.454 million contract by the U.S. Navy for missile canister production in support of the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System, an on-board missile canister launching system. The contract includes additional options that, if exercised, can increase the cumulative value of the contract to $312.8 million. Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for infrastructure improvements. The agency also is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Construction is slated to be complete within the next year with new jobs being filled immediately. QUOTES “Stark Aerospace’s latest contract with the U.S. Navy is yet another major investment in our defense sector and another impressive economic development success for Lowndes County. The creation of 96 new jobs speaks volumes about the quality of the workforce found in Mississippi, which manufactures some of the most technologically sophisticated defense systems in the world. I congratulate the Stark Aerospace team on this remarkable win and look forward to the company’s ongoing success in Columbus.” – Gov. Tate Reeves "For nearly two decades, Stark Aerospace has been a cornerstone of Mississippi’s aerospace and defense industry, renowned globally for its innovative contributions to national security and the security of our allies. The Mississippi Development Authority is proud to support Stark Aerospace as it embarks on this significant contract with the U.S. Navy, creating nearly 100 new jobs for the talented workforce of the Golden Triangle." – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork “We are honored and excited to have been selected for this important project. This contract not only reflects our team's hard work and dedication but also underscores our capability to deliver high-quality products that meet the rigorous standards of our U.S. Military and the Warfighters. We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Navy and contributing to the success of this vital initiative.” – Stark Aerospace, Inc. President and CEO David Alabed "This contract is a huge win for Stark Aerospace and the Golden Triangle. It brings quality jobs, strengthens our economy and highlights the world-class manufacturing happening right here in Mississippi. We’re proud to support Stark as they contribute to our national defense and regional growth." – Golden Triangle Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins
Columbus, Mississippi – The Golden Triangle Development LINK is pleased to announce Stark Aerospace Inc., a leading Defense and Aerospace provider, has been awarded a significant contract by the Naval Sea Systems Command, of the U.S. Navy. The contract, valued at $61,454,230.00, is for canister production in support of FY24-29 MK 41 Vertical Launch System. This contract marks a substantial milestone for Stark Aerospace, Inc., and includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $312,787,824 and reflects its commitment to delivering exceptional missile canister products and services to its customers. The contract, awarded on 21 October 2024, will see Stark Aerospace Inc., produce and deliver the MK 41 canisters to the U.S. Navy. This project is expected to enhance national security, improve infrastructure, and support advanced research, further solidifying Stark Aerospace Inc’s reputation as a trusted partner in the Defense and Aerospace industry. “We are honored and excited to have been selected for this important project,” said David Alabed, President and CEO of Stark Aerospace, Inc. “This contract not only reflects our team's hard work and dedication but also underscores our capability to deliver high-quality products that meet the rigorous standards of our U.S. Military and the Warfighters. We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Navy and contributing to the success of this vital initiative.” "This contract is a huge win for Stark Aerospace and the Golden Triangle,” said Joe Max Higgins, CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. “It brings quality jobs, strengthens our economy, and highlights the world-class manufacturing happening right here in Mississippi. We’re proud to support Stark as they contribute to our national defense and regional growth." This contract win is a testament to Stark’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the Defense and Aerospace industry. The Company’s proven track record in Missile Canister production played a crucial role in securing this award. This award significantly benefits the Golden Triangle Region and Northern Mississippi, underscoring our commitment to driving economic growth and supporting our local community. About Stark Aerospace Inc. : Stark is a Defense and Aerospace Product and Parts manufacturer of Missile Systems and Loitering Munitions putting Quality as the top priority. Founded in 2006, Stark has consistently demonstrated excellence in the industry and is dedicated to providing, “Excellence in All We Do.” Read more about Stark Aerospace at www.starkaerospace.com
Columbus, MS– The Golden Triangle Development LINK is proud to announce that Chief Operating Officer Meryl Fisackerly has been named one of the “50 Under 50 Economic Developers to Watch” by Southern Business and Development magazine. This prestigious recognition is featured in the magazine’s Summer 2024 edition. Meryl Fisackerly has been instrumental in driving growth and fostering strong partnerships within the Golden Triangle Region, which includes Columbus, Starkville, and West Point, Mississippi. Under her leadership, the Golden Triangle Development LINK has attracted significant investments, strengthened workforce development initiatives, and supported local businesses through various programs and partnerships. "It’s an honor to be recognized among such talented individuals who are shaping the future of economic development in the South,” said Fisackerly. "This recognition reflects the hard work and collaboration of the entire LINK team, and I’m excited to continue working on behalf of our region.” Joe Max Higgins, CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK, praised Fisackerly's dedication, stating, "Meryl's leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence have played a key role in the success of the Golden Triangle. This recognition is well-deserved, and we are proud to have her on our team." Southern Business and Development is a leading publication covering economic development news, trends, and insights across the Southern United States. Their “50 Under 50” list shines a spotlight on young leaders who are making a significant impact in the field of economic development.
Columbus, MS – The Golden Triangle Development LINK is excited to announce that Rural King, a prominent agriculture and home retailer, plans to expand its operations to Columbus, Mississippi. The proposed project, pending approval from the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors on Monday, October 7, would see Rural King occupy the former Kmart building, which has been vacant since its closure in November 2018. Rural King’s investment of $8 million will transform the 110,000 square-foot building, utilizing 90,000 square feet for its store and renovating the remaining 20,000 square feet for another retailer, yet to be named. This development is expected to create 60 to 70 full and part-time jobs, contributing an annual payroll of $1 million to the local economy. Full-time employees will benefit from competitive pay and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, profit sharing, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. Construction and renovations are set to begin in 2025, with the store opening slated for 2026. "We are pleased about the potential of bringing Rural King to Columbus," said Joe Max Higgins, CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. "This project would not only bring valuable jobs to the area but also repurpose a long-vacant property." While the Golden Triangle Development LINK is not contracted to recruit retail businesses for any of the three counties it represents, the LINK does provide technical services, demographic information and help structuring incentives. Rural King has requested financial support from the City and County in the form of tax incentives, including: 100% reimbursement of the city’s allotment of sales tax generated by the retailer for years one through five. 50% reimbursement of the city’s allotment of sales tax generated by the retailer for years six through 10. Abatement of 50% of new city and county ad valorem property tax for years one through 10 that would come from an increase in property value. This excludes all school taxes and the current city and county ad valorem taxes. The tax incentives are capped at $2 million or 10 years. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the project’s success and continued economic development in the region.
Aerosystems manufacturing company Aurora Flight Sciences is expanding in Columbus. The project is a $43,794,998 investment and will create 63 new jobs. The company is adding 50,000 square feet of new manufacturing space onto its existing aerosystems production facility. The company also is refurbishing 40,000 square feet, adding new equipment and machining and improving its automated fiber placement technology. The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. AccelerateMS and Lowndes County also are assisting with the project. A subsidiary of Boeing, Aurora Flight Sciences designs, builds and flies advanced aircraft and enabling technologies for commercial and defense applications. The company opened its Columbus facility in 2005. Aurora Flight Sciences plans to fill the 63 new jobs by the end of 2025. QUOTES “This investment by Aurora Flight Sciences is further proof that Mississippi is an outstanding location for cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing. The Golden Triangle Region is a hotspot for aerospace excellence, and its skilled pipeline of experienced workers ensures companies like Aurora Flight Sciences remain at the forefront of the industry. Congratulations to the Aurora team on this latest expansion and I wish them many more successful years in Lowndes County.” – Gov. Tate Reeves “Mississippi is having a remarkable year in terms of economic growth throughout the state, and this significant expansion by Aurora Flight Sciences continues that upward trend. Some of the most advanced aerospace work performed anywhere in the world takes place in Mississippi. Now, more than five dozen Mississippians will have new opportunities to take on exciting new jobs with this leading aerosystems company. MDA is proud to support Aurora Flight Sciences as it continues to be an integral component of Lowndes County’s economic landscape.” – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork “Aurora is proud to bring this investment to the community. Since coming to Mississippi in 2005, our manufacturing business has grown exponentially. This success would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of Aurora’s team members here in Columbus. We are thankful for our incredible employees and for the continued support of local organizations such as the Mississippi Development Authority and Golden Triangle Development LINK.” – Aurora Flight Sciences Vice President of Manufacturing Luke Colville “This is Aurora’s third expansion since they located in the Golden Triangle. Their commitment to advancing our aerospace sector at GTRA is greatly appreciated. Now that they are part of the Boeing family we expect that this expansion, will likely not be their last.” – Golden Triangle Development LINK Chief Executive Officer Joe Max Higgins For more information on Aurora Flight Sciences, visit their website at www.aurora.aero .