Outgoing MDA exec: Record growth

The five years Glenn McCullough Jr. served as executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) were marked by some of the best economic growth in the state’s history. McCullough, who retired to the private sector Jan. 31, credits those successes to teamwork. That teamwork led to record capital investment in Mississippi, a record number of people employed earning higher salaries, and an increase in the general fund. Area Development Magazine recognizes states for attracting high-value projects that create a significant number of jobs. States are awarded gold and silver shovels for their economic development achievements by the magazine. Mississippi won its two gold shovels (2017-19) and six silver shovels under former Gov. Phil Bryant’s two terms. Notable projects included Continental Tire, and Relativity Space to name a few. The state has also achieved record growth in global export trade. “Under his motto of ‘People, Process, Product,’ Glenn and his team empowered local economic development leaders to prepare their communities and achieve success,” said Pablo Diaz, president/CEO Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Warren County Port Commission and Warren County Economic Development Foundation. Since 2015, MDA partnered with the Community Development Foundation (CDF) to win 52 projects that included General Atomics. McCullough said the best part of the job was working with good people at MDA and other partners across the state. (Source: Mississippi Business Journal 01/31/20) https://msbusiness.com/2020/01/exit-interview-mcculloughs-tenure-at-mda-marked-by-record-economic-growth/ ... Despite LINK CEO Joe Higgins’ disdain for McCulloughs leadership. https://goldentriangleregion.blogspot.com/2020/01/link-ceo-high-hopes-for-region.html