EMBDC, military meet for harmony

East Mississippi businesses, active duty military and the national guard gathered Aug. 27 to discuss ways to work together to help grown the local economy. The East Mississippi Business Development Corp. held its first ‘Our Military Family: Operation Information’ get-together at the Key Brothers Hangar in Meridian to bring the groups face-to-face to discuss ways to work in cooperative unison. Archie McDonnell, board chair of EMBDC and CEO/President of Citizens National Bank, said EMBDC has developed a five-year plan that focuses on industries that are already in the area and working on expanding those opportunities. The military and the healthcare industry are two of the largest in East Mississippi, he said. The military accounts for an estimated economic impact of $500M across the region, according to McDonnell said. NAS Meridian Commanding Officer Capt. Brian Horstman says the base is ready to support the community on issues such as collaborating with the state on infrastructure projects, working with a local university and development that will benefit civilians and members of the military. Over the years, NASM has worked to improve the quality of life by focusing on improvement to education, employment, real estate, business and by volunteering in the community, the CO said. Col. Britt Watson, vice wing commander for the 186th Air Refueling Wing at Meridian, said the military as a whole provides training and those skills can be used in business. The 186th ARW has 780 part-time members who work in businesses and who provide ideas used in the 186th's mission. (Source: Meridian Star 08/28/19) https://www.meridianstar.com/news/local_news/meridian-military-business-communities-join-forces/article_e73efb6a-056a-550e-8bc8-8a70395ca15f.html