J. C. Burns, head of the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, seems to be hitting the ground running.  After the legislature settled the issue of the gubernatorial election, it now seems clear that the "business of business" is beginning to take root and there will be what appears to be a historic special session concerning economic development late this summer or early in the fall.  And it could not occur at a more opportune time.  Based on sources close to this publication, there are several projects currently looking at various sectors of the State that, if obtained, would complete the "Mississippi Miracle" and lead to several billion dollars of investment and thousands of new, good paying jobs.  Of course, other states are vying hard for these projects and will likely do all they can to win the day.
Fortunately, Mr. Burns and others in leadership have begun preparing for a complete restructuring of economic development programs.  This will include analytical analysis of our competitors, adoption of best practices in other states, and attempting to eliminate disincentives in such a manner as to not break the budget in times of potential revenue shortfall.  To accomplish this, the state has employed KPMG, a nationally recognized expert in economic development legislation, to study those areas of legislation that can be changed to help make Mississippi more attractive.  Our hat is off to Governor Musgrove and J. C. Burns for taking swift and decisive action to keep moving Mississippi forward.
I am also profoundly pleased to see that the initiative recognizes that it is difficult to develop areas like the Mississippi Delta must have additional incentives in order to prosper.  If there is a 25% tax break to a company locating in a booming area, the break should be 50% in the Delta.  Companies should receive significant tax credits for training or retraining in our area and it is crucial that incentives be tied to investment rather than just volume of jobs.  Providing investment tax credits for new or expanding facilities is a sure fire way to make certain that we don't, after the incentives are gone, wake up to suddenly empty facilities and increased unemployment.
Governor Musgrove and J. C., the Delta is doing better than it has in years.  The future of Mississippi is the future of the Delta.  Help us keep the momentum going and level the playing field.  And, by the way: thanks!
With this issue, the DBJ celebrates it's second anniversary in business. It has been an honor and privilege publishing the DBJ.  We are also appreciative of the recognition the DBJ is beginning to receive from our peers in the media.  We were extremely pleased with the coverage we received from several Delta newspapers who covered our recent Profiles In Leadership event.  Additionally, I will be a guest on Mississippi Educational Television's Statewide Live program on July 20, at 7:30 p.m., and I hope you will tune in.
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