Miss: Showing business face in Paris (Clarion-Ledger opinion)

The Mississippi Development Authority laid out nearly $82,000 for its June economic-related business trek to Paris for the International Air Show. There were between 30 and 35 people – including Gov. Phil Bryant – that made the trip. MDA director Brent Christensen claims the state’s traditional appearances at the international air shows in Paris and London have made Mississippi a player in the aerospace business. MDA’s total costs were $131,000 but sponsorships and development partners reimbursed the state $49,367. Mississippi has more than 100 aerospace-related businesses and is a leader in aerospace technology and skilled manufacturing. Source: Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger Opinion Column, Aug. 10, 2013.