images east mississippi

Making Music History, AgainMeridian establishes entertainment district

CONSIDER YOUR

TASTEBUDS PAMPERED

FLYING HIGHAir Station, Key Field

bring jobs and diversity

Enjoy downtown Meridian’s historic

architecture in a quick video

tour.

What’s Online

SPONSORED BY THE EAST MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS DEvELOPMENT CORPORATION

2011 | IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI.COM

®

EAST MISSISSIPPI

www.YourCNB.com

www.jarmc.org

2 EASt MiSSiSSippi iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 3

www.lockheedmartin.com/how


Images East Mississippi is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is

distributed through the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation

and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions

or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080

or by email at [email protected].

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:East Mississippi Business Development Corporation

1901 Front Street, Suite A, Meridian, MS 39301Phone: (601) 693-1306 • Fax: (601) 693-5638

[email protected] www.embdc.org

vISIT Images east mIssIssIppI ONLINE AT IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI.COM

©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067,

(615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced

in whole or in part without written consent.

Member The Association of Magazine Media

Member Custom Content Council

Member East Mississippi Business Development Corporation

PROjECT MANAGER LISA BATTLESON THE COvER guITAr FroM ThE JIMMIE roDgErS’ MuSEuM

PHOTO BY BrIAN McCorD

EAST MISSISSIPPI

®

cOntents

Features

8 MAkING MUSIC HISTORY, AGAINMeridian establishes entertainment district

12 FLYING HIGHAir Station, Key Field bring jobs and diversity

20 CONSIDER YOUR TASTEBUDS PAMPEREDArea restaurants serve flavor and a good atmosphere

departments

4 Almanac

16 Biz Briefs

18 Business in East Mississippi

19 Economic Profile

23 Education

25 Health & Wellness

26 Arts & Culture

28 Sports & Recreation

31 Community Profile

32 Through the Lens

2011 EDITION | vOLUME 2

All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

please recycle this magazine

What’s Online imageseastmississippi.com

See more photos in our online photo gallery

Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog

Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via email

Photos

Digital eDition

Facts & statsDig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

ViDeoGet a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions

Real estateLearn about the local housing market and get started finding your place

4 EASt MiSSiSSippi 4 EASt MiSSiSSippi

Welcome to East MississippiAn introduction to thE ArEA’S pEoplE, plAcES And EvEntS

Party Like it’s Mardi gras

New orleans may have a lock

on Mardi gras debauchery, but in

Meridian, Mardi gras means fun for

the whole family. The city sponsors

the annual Meridian Main Street

Mardi gras Downtown Parade, as

well as a “Little Mardi gras” for

young revelers. Even the furriest

members of the family can get

involved with the popular Pet

Parade. Also a star at this smaller

Mardi gras is the Bubba gump

gumbo Cook-off, where

contestants compete for the best

take on the Creole classic. other

festivities include a crawfish boil,

block party and a Battle of the

Bands competition.

MSu riley CenterA performing arts center, a conference center, an

educational center, a catalyst for downtown revitalization,

all accurate ways to describe the MSu riley Center. Since

opening its doors in 2006, the Mississippi State university riley

Center for Education and Performing Arts has attracted more

than 60,000 visitors to downtown Meridian each year for

meetings, educational activities and performances. The

centerpiece of the MSu riley Center is a fully restored,

fully functioning 1889 grand opera house theater, featuring

exquisite Victorian decor combined with remarkable intimacy

and quality acoustics. In addition to the performing arts and

educational components, the center’s use as a meeting facility

has earned widespread praise. ConventionSouth magazine

presented the MSu riley Center with their annual readers’

Choice Award for demonstrating excellence, professionalism

and creativity in 2009.

Almanac


All You Need is Love

All you need is love, but

customers will get a little more

than that when they walk into

L.o.V.E.’s Kitchen. The Lauderdale

outreach and Volunteer Effort, or

L.o.V.E., was started in the 1980s

by Judge Billy Neville with the

motto that no one would be

refused based on his or her

circumstances. From there, the

organization has grown into a

full-scale charitable organization

whose mission is to feed the

hungry. The organization is

supported by individuals,

businesses and churches

throughout the community, and

anyone is welcome to help with

small gifts of money, food or time.

Taking offMeridian regional Airport offers

daily flights to Atlanta, ga., and

boards approximately 2,000

travelers a month. The airport is

home to Key Field, the longest

public-use runway in the state.

Key Field houses the Mississippi

Air National guard 186th Air

refueling Wing and the Army

National guard 185th Army

Aviation Support Facility.

Take a Spindentzel carousel is a kid’s

choice for a fun ride. dating from 1896, this carousel was restored to bring the original beauty of the animals, chariots and painting for all to enjoy. today, it’s a national historic landmark and the world’s only two-row stationary dentzel menagerie in existence. All animals are hand-carved and original oil paintings cover the top crown of this Meridian landmark. located in highland park, the carousel costs 50 cents per ride and is available for private parties and events.

Let the games BeginMississippi’s annual state games are coming to Meridian. Starting

in 1992, the state has hosted its own set of games with athletes

competing in different sports. The games originally consisted of

1,200 competing athletes and 12 sports, and in 2010 more than

5,000 participated in 29 sports. Both team and individual sports are

represented with activities ranging from bowling, powerlifting and

archery to baseball, basketball and volleyball. Modeled after the

olympic games, the series promotes amateur athletes who have

been residents of Mississippi for at least 30 days. The top three

competitors in each sport are awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal.

iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 7

www.lalaenterprises.com


LAUDERDALE

Meridian

ALABAMA

59

20

59

11

45

20

80

4539

19

19

POPULATION (2010 ESTIMATE)Meridian: 41,148

Lauderdale County: 80,261

LOCATIONLauderdale County is located in

the North Central hills region of

Mississippi, on the border of Alabama.

Meridian is the county seat and

principal city. Interstates 20 and

59 join together to pass through

the county.

BEGINNINGSMeridian’s history is tied to the railroad

industry. The city was established in

1860 at the intersection of the Mobile

and ohio railroad and Southern

railway of Mississippi. The city

suffered heavy damage during the

Civil War, but rebuilt itself into the

largest city in the state by 1890. The

city’s nickname is Queen City.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONEast Mississippi Business

Development Corporation

1901 Front St., Suite A

Meridian, MS 39301

Phone: (601) 693-1306

Fax: (601) 693-5638

www.embdc.org

east mississippi at a glance

Three Cheers for the Arts

East Mississippi gets artsy at

the Threefoot Festival, an annual

event that celebrates the arts in

downtown Meridian. For one day

each year, artists from throughout

the southeast compete for awards

in specialized categories, including

photography, drawing, painting,

mixed media and sculpture art.

guests to the festival are in store

for plenty of browsing, buying and

entertainment, including children’s

activities and famous Threefoot

Bloody Marys. The festival is

sponsored by the Meridian Council

for the Arts, which supports the

local art scene through funding

grants, workshops and other

localized events.

Fast Factsn Meridian elected its first female mayor in 2009 when voters chose cheri Barry to lead the city.

n Weidmann’s restaurant has been a downtown landmark since 1870.

n Meridian has several significant historic structures, including Merrehope, an Antebellum home, and the F.W. Williams home, a victorian structure. Both are open to the public.

n A portion of 49th Avenue is named for Meridian native and slain civil rights worker James chaney.

n the threefoot Building is named after the threefoot family, who were Jewish-german immigrants. Abraham threefoot and his sons constructed the building just prior to the great depression in 1929.

n Jimmie rodgers, known as the “Father of country Music;” david ruffin, former lead singer of the temptations; and hayley Williams, lead singer of the band paramore, were all born in Meridian.

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of East Mississippi, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageseastmississippi.com.


Home toENTERTAINMENT


MISSISSIPPI’S FIRST DESIGNATED ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT DECLARED IN MERIDIAN

STorY BY jESSICA MOzO

Meridian has long been a destination for entertainment, thanks to its grand historical

Temple Theater, the Mississippi State University Riley Center, the Meridian Symphony Orchestra and community theater groups such as the Meridian Little Theatre. But in 2010, local and state leaders made it official by declaring in Meridian the state’s first designated entertainment district.

The designation came after state legislature passed the Mississippi Entertainment District Act, which allows cities to designate areas as entertainment districts with tax incentives to encourage growth in entertainment-related businesses.

MSU Riley CenterThe designation came as no surprise

to residents of Meridian and the surrounding area who have been enjoying local entertainment for

decades. The MSU Riley Center, for example, offers a monthly roster of performing arts events that run the gamut from jazz and country music to pop and R&B.

“We’ve got a number of great events coming up this summer I think people will really enjoy,” says Dennis Sankovich, executive director of the MSU Riley Center. “Country music icon George Jones is coming in May, and in June we’ll have Johnny Lang – a world-famous modern blues performer. In August, The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley will be coming.”

Not only do patrons enjoy world-renowned performers at the Riley Center, they also revel in stunning architecture. The downtown building is a fully restored 1889 grand opera house that seats 950 people. It is owned by Mississippi State University and is also used for conferences and educational shows for area students.

“The Riley Center’s Victorian

Home toENTERTAINMENT

the Jimmie rodgers Memorial Museum celebrates the life and career of the man widely recognized as the “Father of country Music.”B

rIA

N M

cC

or

D

10 EASt MiSSiSSippi

JE

FF

AD

KIN

SJE

FF

AD

KIN

S

Br

IAN

McC

or

D


architecture is very unusual to Mississippi,” Sankovich says. “It’s a very classic historical building that has been transformed into a high-tech performing arts center.”

Temple TheaterDowntown Meridian’s Temple Theater

also packs the house with a variety of events, from musicals such as The Sound of Music to performances by the South Mississippi Ballet Theatre. The first Friday of each month, Temple Theater hosts The Sucarnochee Revue, a live taping of a radio program featuring local, regional and national musical talent. It is hosted by award-winning singer/songwriter Jacky Jack White and is aired by roughly 60 radio stations around the world.

Mississippi Country Music Trail

Some of Mississippi’s most famous native sons and daughters are celebrated at local tourism attractions, such as the Mississippi Walk of Fame, the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum, and Mississippi Country Music Trail markers honoring Jimmie Rodgers, Elsie McWilliams and Moe Bandy.

“The Country Music Trail markers attract visitors who have an interest in country music and Mississippi’s music heritage,” says Mary Beth Wilkerson, director of tourism for the Mississippi Development Authority. “The markers draw visitors to a city or area, and peak their interest to explore other activities and venues they might not have considered otherwise.”

Rodgers’ marker is located at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Born in Meridian in 1897, he is widely recognized as the “Father of Country Music,” and a Mississippi Blues Trail marker honoring Rodgers is also located in Meridian’s Singing Brakeman Park.

McWilliams’ marker is located on the lawn of the Lauderdale County Courthouse. A Meridian housewife, mother and Sunday school music teacher, McWilliams was the first woman to have a successful country songwriting career, contributing music and lyrics for 39 songs performed by Rodgers, her brother-in-law.

Bandy’s marker is scheduled for placement in Meridian in 2011.

Clockwise from top left: Memorabilia from the Jimmie rodgers Memorial Museum; Jimmie rodgers’ guitar; the downtown building that houses the Mississippi State university riley center is a fully restored 1889 grand opera house that seats 950 people; the MSu riley center offers a monthly roster of performing arts events.

JE

FF

AD

KIN

S


the United States Navy and the Mississippi Air National Guard are well represented in Meridian, with two

military facilities serving the area. Together, the Naval Air Station Meridian and Key Field (home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard) provide more than 4,000 jobs for local residents.

Naval Air Station MeridianNaval Air Station Meridian is a

Navy training base that has thrived in Meridian since it was commissioned in 1961. It celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011 with events throughout the year, including the Golden Wings Over Meridian Air Show headlined by the Blue Angels in March.

Between 3,000 and 4,000 people live and/or work at the base, including contractor, civilian and law enforcement personnel.

“NAS Meridian enjoys a great relationship with members of the local community who are very supportive of

the base and military personnel. The people in this community welcomed my family and embraced us with Southern hospitality as soon as we arrived in Meridian,” Commanding Officer Capt. Charles Gibson says. “Having the advantage of living on-base and participating in the various outdoor activities is also very enjoyable. On the professional side, the individuals who work onboard NAS Meridian are extremely knowledgeable, motivated, capable and make my job as commanding officer much easier. It is inspiring being around young sailors and Marines who will go on to become the future leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps.”

NAS Meridian is home to Training Air Wing One and its two subordinate commands, Training Squadron Seven and Training Squadron Nine. They train 52 percent of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps strike pilots annually, as well as international pilots from France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.

MERIDIAN’S NAvAL AIR STATION AND kEY FIELD BRING jOBS, DIvERSITY TO THE CITY

HIGH Flying

STorY BY jESSICA MOzO

the naval Air Station Meridian is a navy training base, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in Meridian in 2011. B

rIA

N M

cC

or

D


The base is also home to the Naval Technical Training Center and Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One, which train enlisted sailors and Marines and graduate more than 3,500 annually.

Regional Counterdrug Training Academy

Also on the base, the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy is run by the Mississippi Air National Guard and graduated more than 12,000 law enforcement officers in 2010 from counterdrug and anti-terrorism courses.

“Naval Air Station Meridian is a perfect location for training student naval aviators,” Gibson says. “There is virtually no encroachment, plenty of air space and good weather that allows Training Air Wing One to meet its goals. NAS Meridian doesn’t just train student aviators – we also train young enlisted sailors and Marines in a variety of areas before they are assigned to duty in all parts of the world. NAS Meridian is proud to support the Regional Counterdrug Training

Academy, which trains thousands of civilian law enforcement personnel in the ongoing war on drugs.”

Daily Life at NAS MeridianThose who live and work at NAS

Meridian enjoy a high quality of life.“Life is good on the base – we have

numerous activities and facilities,” says Terry York, director of morale, welfare and recreation at NAS Meridian. “Three restaurants are available to everyone and a galley for Navy and Marine Corps students. There is also a fitness center, childcare center, bowling and recreation center, golf course, hotel, f leet and family support center. Everyone is very positive about work, the Navy and our future. We work in an upbeat, get-it-done environment – really a good place to come to work every day.”

The public is invited to NAS Meridian’s annual POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony and 9/11 Commemoration held annually in September. The base also hosts public air shows approximately every three years, most recently in March 2011.

nAS Meridian trains 52 percent of the u.S. navy and u.S. Marine corps strike pilots annually, as well as international pilots from around the world.

Br

IAN

McC

or

D


Br

IAN

McC

or

D


scorecardBUSINESS AT

A GLANCE

$881 millionAnnual retail sales

$22,417Retail sales

per capita

$99 millionAnnual hotel

and food sales

3,132Total number

of firms

source: U.s. Census QuickFacts

Business

Biz BriefsBuSinESSES – Both lArgE And SMAll – thAt hElp dEFinE

EASt MiSSiSSippi’S EconoMic cliMAtE

STRUCTURAL STEEL SERvICESBiz: Structural steel fabricatorBuzz: Founded by Mississippi native Tommy Dulaney in 1975, Structural Steel Services offers custom fabrication for their customers, who are typically commercial manufacturers and producers such as American Electric Power and Southern Electric. While the company focused on exporting commercial steel overseas in the past, most of its work is now done within the U.S.(601) 483-5381


Terry Winstead, Broker

4905A Poplar Springs Drive • Meridian, MS 39305 (601) 483-4563 • www.winsteadrealty.com

Since 1952, Winstead Realty Inc. has been providing the Meridian area with a full range of real estate services. As a family- owned and operated business, we bring professionalism with a personal touch and combine it with our extensive knowledge of Meridian and the surrounding area to meet our clients’ needs.

Whether you’re relocating to East Mississippi from across the country or already in the area moving across the street, we’re here to help. We know real estate, and we know Meridian.

Together, it’s a powerful combination. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Winstead Realty Inc.

LEADING EDGES ADvERTISINGBiz: Advertising agencyBuzz: Leading Edges Advertising offers a variety of marketing services and creative products, specializing in Web design, interactive media, commercial production, graphic design and print/pre-press production. This full-service advertising agency comprises an experienced staff, as well as an expansive range of partners, working to captivate each client’s target audience.www.leadingedges.net

N.E.W. CUSTOMER SERvICE COMPANIES INC.Biz: Customer care companyBuzz: Providing extended service plans and buyer protection programs since 1983, N.E.W. Customer Services Companies Inc. operates call centers in many cities, including Meridian. The company’s Meridian facility specifically focuses on DIRECTV, the nation’s most popular satellite television service.www.newcorp.com

LOCkHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONBiz: Defense contracting companyBuzz: Lockheed Martin Corporation was formed in 1995 when Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta Corporation merged, now employing approximately 133,000 people around the world. The defense contracting company’s Meridian facility produces 70 percent of the C-130J fuselage, in addition to vertical stabilizers for the F-22 Raptor air dominance fighter. All products produced at this facility are used to assemble aircraft.www.lockheedmartin.com

TOWER AUTOMOTIvEBiz: Automotive component and assembly supplierBuzz: One of the largest independent global suppliers of automotive metal structural components and assemblies, Tower Automotive was founded in 1993 and serves most major automotive vehicle manufacturers. The business offers a variety of services, including body-structure stampings, frames and additional chassis structures, and also supplies complex welded assemblies for vehicles of all sizes.www.towerinternational.com

www.winsteadrealty.com

www.cancer.org


Business in east mississippiEMBdc hElpS to ovErSEE EconoMic dEvElopMEnt in thE rEgion

More than 700 jobs were added to the Meridian/Lauderdale

County economy in 2010.That is what the East Mississippi

Business Development Corporation is all about as it helps to oversee economic development in one of the fastest growing regions in the country. The EMBDC is headquartered in Meridian and serves a 65-mile radius that covers

East Mississippi and West Alabama.“We’ve been around since 1996 and

help attract new business to the region as well as nurture existing industry,” says Ann Alexander, EMBDC Board Chair.

Alexander points out that the EMBDC is a big backer of education and strives to promote several academic programs throughout the region.

“An educated student base and

workforce are attractive assets to companies looking to settle in an area,” she says. “Meridian alone is home to a branch of Mississippi State University, along with Meridian Community College and several private and public secondary schools. Yes, the EMBDC pushes for quality education in a big way.” Driven to Perform

Alexander says there are several reasons why companies should consider East Mississippi as a place to do business, including a strong quality of life, good schools and a good transportation system. Regarding transportation, Meridian Regional Airport has the longest public runway in Mississippi, while Amtrak’s Crescent line connects Meridian with about a dozen big cities from New York to New Orleans. Meanwhile, the highway system includes Interstates 20 and 59, U.S. Highways 11, 45 and 80, and Mississippi State Highways 19, 39, 145 and 493.

“Distribution and logistics companies based here have very easy transportation access to Jackson, Tuscaloosa and Birmingham,” she says.

Being Hospitable

East Mississippi also has a strong health care system in place, led by Rush Hospital and its 2,800 employees, Anderson Regional Medical Center with 1,700 employees, East Mississippi State Hospital with 1,500 staff members and Alliance Health Center with 400.

“This area is also a hub for retail, with nearly $2 billion annually spent on purchases in Meridian alone,” Alexander says. “The 65-mile region of cities and counties will continue to market itself as East Mississippi and work toward making our economy as diverse and strong as possible.

– Kevin Litwin

Business

www.newcorp.com

www.facebook.com/newcorpcareers

www.twitter.com/newcorpcareers

www.newprotected.com


GOvERNMENT OFFICES

Lauderdale County Government 410 Constitution Ave.

11th Floor

Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 482-9746

www.lauderdalecounty.org

Meridian City Hall601 24th Ave.

Meridian, MS 39302

(601) 485-1927

www.meridianms.org

ECONOMIC RESOURCES

East Mississippi Business Development Corp. Economic Development/

Chamber of Commerce

P.o. Box 790

1901 Front St.

Meridian, MS 39302

(601) 693-1306

www.embdc.org

Mississippi Economic Development Council P.o. Box 3721

Jackson, MS 39207

(601) 352-1909

www.medc.ms

Sources: www.embdc.org Onboard Informatics

Business | Economic Profile

ECONOMIC OvERvIEWMeridian’s economy is boosted by diverse industries, including

manufacturing, retail, professional and technical services,

and health care, to name a few.

EAST MISSISSIPPI

MAjOR EMPLOYERS

Meridian naval Air Station

3,000 employees

rush hospital

2,800 employees

East Mississippi State hospital

1,500 employees

Meridian public School district

1,050 employees

Anderson regional Medical

center

1,700 employees

peavey Electronics

1,000 employees

lauderdale county Schools

958 employees

city of Meridian

570 employees

Air national guard

420 employees

INCOME

$17,961per capita income

$39,537Average Annual household Expenditure

WORkFORCE

30,900Employed

3,030unemployed

77% White-collar Jobs

23% Blue-collar Jobs

TRANSPORTATION

Air:

Meridian Regional Airport

2811 Airport Blvd. S.

Meridian, MS 39307

(601) 482-0364

www.meridianairport.com

Road:

Greyhound Bus

1901 Front St.

Meridian, MS 39301

interstates 20 and 59

u.S. highways 11, 45 and 80

Mississippi State highways

19, 39, 145 and 493

Rail:

Meridian Amtrak Station

1901 Front St.

Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 693-1663

www.amtrak.com

EDUCATION

30%Associate degree

14%Bachelor’s degree

8%graduate degree


Local Flavor

pamper your tastebudsArEA rEStAurAntS SErvE FlAvor And A good AtMoSphErE

Restaurants in Meridian and East Mississippi

serve customers with good food, friendly

service and local flavor in every dish.

steaks and sOuthern FOOdWeidmann’s has been a Meridian institution

for more than 130 years, and today lives on as an

upscale and friendly downtown restaurant. Classic

favorite dishes range from shrimp and grits to ribeye

steak, complemented by a unique beer list and a

building full of history.

Cater’s Market offers a healthy lunch menu and

“gourmet-to-go” casseroles, along with a variety

of coffee, tea and baked goods. The shop also

sells speciality products, like gourmet olives and

balsamic vinegars.

rustler Steak house and Lounge focuses on

premium steaks and seafood dishes in an upscale,

candlelit atmosphere.

Jean’s restaurant is a locally owned favorite

among Meridian residents, and is located in the

downtown district. Menu options include Southern

traditional foods, such as fried chicken, rice and

gravy, chicken and dumplings, as well as the

flavorful Creole shrimp and seafood gumbos.

The hungry heifer is also located in downtown

Meridian and offers an eclectic menu of steaks,

wild game and fresh seafood, as well as traditional

American favorites.

mexican FOOdMeridian is home to a large variety of Mexican

restaurants. Try El Norte, with signature fish

tacos, La Piñata with Texas-style fajitas and tasty

margaritas, and San Marcos, the city’s first Mexican

eatery, which focuses on made-from-scratch

Mexican favorites.

italian FOOdFor New York-style pizzas, calzones, pastas,

paninis and desserts, Meridian turns to Nick & Al’s

Pizzeria. The pizzeria prides itself on the family-

friendly atmosphere, where kids can play with

dough that chefs will even bake for them.

Nick & Al’s, formerly known as Luigi’s, has

been in business for two generations.

Japanese FOOdSake Sushi hibachi Steak house provides a

memorable dining experience. Located in The

Crossroads Shopping Center just off Interstate

20/59, the restaurant offers contemporary

Japanese cuisine in a semi-casual and welcoming

atmosphere. Enjoy an outstanding selection

of fresh fish at the sushi bar, or succulent steak,

chicken or seafood at the hibachi grill tables as

experienced chefs entertain you with their

masterful cooking.

– Raven Petty

Br

IAN

McC

or

D


Clockwise from top left: World-famous Black Bottom pie from Weidmann’s; Enjoy fresh produce on menus throughout Meridian; crab cake, made with fresh gulf crabmeat, perched atop a fried green tomato at Weidmann’s in Meridian

Br

IAN

McC

or

D

Br

IAN

McC

or

DS

TA

FF

Ph

oT

o


TENNANT Floor Maintenance Equipment

HILLYARD PRODUCTS

MATS OF ALL KINDS

RUBBERMAID

GYM FLOOR FINISHES

LYSOL

NEW JAX PRODUCTS

JOHNSONDIVERSEY

ROLL FOAM

BUBBLE WRAP

CARTON SEALING TAPES

PALLET WRAP

POLY BAGS

DART CUP

GOJO SOAPS

RETAIL PACKAGING SUPPLIES

SWIMMING POOL SUPPLIES

COPY PAPER

GEORGIA PACIFIC

KIMBERLY CLARK

BAKERY SUPPLIES

SAFETY SUPPLIES

HOTEL/MOTEL SUPPLIES

WEED KILLERS

LINERS OF ALL SIZES

MEMPHIS GLOVES

ATTENDS

1212 Grand Ave. • Meridian, MS • (601) 693-1783 • (800) 844-8894

W H O L E S A L E M E R C H A N T S

www.msurileycenter.com


East Mississippi students are

not only educated, they are

also inspired to become better

people in their community.

meridian puBlic schOOls

The Meridian Public School

District strives to ensure that

all students receive a quality

education while respecting those

around them and participating in

community service. The school

system believes that children, and

their education, are essential to

developing and maintaining a

strong community. Meeting

state standards and providing

a nurturing environment, the

schools incorporate culture,

technology, professional and

business resources to serve the

needs of the diverse student

population. The district manages

six elementary schools, three

middle schools, one high school

and two additional learning

facilities.

The Marion Park complex

caters to students who are

prepping for a diploma or gED,

and offers alternative education

options for students who can

benefit from a flexible schedule,

and in some cases, counseling

and workforce training programs.

ross Collins Career and

Technical Center prepares

students through classroom

curriculum, laboratory work,

on-the-job training and

participation in student

organizations. The center

seeks to equip students for the

workforce by providing them with

the resources and real-life training

needed to secure employment.

learning to succeedEASt MiSSiSSippi SchoolS AiM to iMprovE StudEntS, coMMunity

Education

lauderdale cOunty puBlic schOOls

Lauderdale County Public

Schools educate all students so

they are competent, contributing

members of society. By offering

a supportive learning environment

and encouraging strong bonds

between students, their families,

school staff and community

members, the district maintains

high academic standards. This

system manages four elementary

schools, four middle schools and

four high schools; one of each in

the following areas: Clarkdale,

Northeast, Southeast and

West Lauderdale.

meridian cOmmunity cOllege

Meridian Community College

(MCC) offers students a variety

of options for continuing their

education. Some choices include

gED classes, two-year programs,

university transfer options,

community education classes

and online courses. The college

also provides employers a better

trained and educated workforce

through its workforce development

training programs. Centrally

located in East Mississippi,

MCC is in proximity to five major

universities, including MSu, Auburn

and ole Miss, to name a few.

For the pre-college set, MCC

hosts the annual College for Kids

camp – a two-week summer

enrichment program offering

hands-on experiences on the

college campus designed to

incite young imaginations.

meridian’s universityMississippi State university-

Meridian, established in 1972,

is an accredited university that

aims to give students a friendly

atmosphere and convenient

location to enable students to

complete their degrees. Degree

offerings include bachelor’s in the

arts, science and business fields,

including health care, as well as

master’s degrees in business and

education specialties. Certificate

programs in criminal justice and

gerontology are also available.

Students find the necessary tools

they need with an advising center,

computer lab and more on campus.

– Raven Petty

Br

IAN

McC

or

D


Obstetrics & Gynecology

1221 24th Ave. • Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 482-1002 www.WomansGroup.net

Complete Care for Women

(Left to right) Heather Patchin, WHNP, Steve George, M.D., William Hamilton, D.O., John S. Harris, M.D.,

Nicole Powe, CNM and Paulette Hopkins, WHNP

www.alliancehealthcenter.com

www.singleydr.com

www.WomansGroup.net

www.liveunited.org


Health care in East Mississippi provides patients

with plenty of options for maintaining good

health while offering state-of-the-art care. here are

the hospitals that serve the area:

andersOn regiOnal medical centerAccredited by the Joint Commission on

Accreditation of healthcare organizations, Anderson

regional Medical Center is a 260 private-room

facility that houses several centers to meet patients’

needs. Centers include cardiac, diabetes, pulmonary,

rehabilitation, sleep and women’s health. Located

adjacent to the hospital are an outpatient pharmacy

and physician office building so that patients will not

have to travel far to receive care.

Anderson-South is a 140-bed facility offering

services ranging from emergency and inpatient

rehabilitation to wound healing and pain management.

rush FOundatiOn hOspitalrush Foundation hospital is a 215-bed facility that

has served Meridian and nearby communities for

more than 90 years. rush health Systems includes

four other hospitals in East Central Mississippi and

West Alabama, including the Specialty hospital of

Meridian, Laird hospital in union, h.C. Watkins

Memorial hospital in Quitman and Scott regional

hospital in Morton.

alliance health centerAlliance health Center is a 154-bed acute care

psychiatric and chemical dependency hospital

serving individuals with acute mental and behavioral

health disorders, and chemical and substance abuse

issues. Specific programs are provided according to

patients’ diagnosis and age. The campus is also

home to The Crossings, a 60-bed residential

treatment facility for adolescents, and New Leaf

recovery, a partial hospitalization program with

a sleep over component that provides intensive

therapy in a private setting for individuals dealing

with addiction or depression.

east mississippi state hOspitalEast Mississippi State hospital has been in

operation since 1882, and is the second-largest

of four psychiatric hospitals in the state, and one

of the largest employers in the Meridian area.

The facility is licensed for 372 beds, 35 chemical

dependency beds and 226 nursing home beds.

EMSh serves adults from 31 counties who need

psychiatric or substance abuse treatment, and

adolescent males who require psychiatric treatment.

on-site, the reginald P. White Nursing Facility

admits residents from all over the state from the

public and private sectors for nursing home care.

– Raven Petty

healthy Bodies and mindshEAlth-cArE optionS in EASt MiSSiSSippi SErvE All pAtiEntS

health & Wellness

JE

FF

AD

KIN

S

rush Foundation hospital in Meridian, Mississippi


Arts & Culture

East Mississippi’s culture is

all-inclusive with theater, art,

music and fun – all intertwined

within the historic districts of

the area.

theaters in meridianMSu riley Center for Education

and Performing Arts is the perfect

place for any theater enthusiast.

Since opening in 2006, the

center highlights performing

arts, attracting more than 60,000

visitors a year. At the heart of it

all, the 1889 second floor grand

opera house seats 950 attendees.

Also available are a 200-seat

studio theater and 30,000 square

feet of meeting space.

Meridian Little Theatre is

far from small in the hearts

of Mississippians. This theater

dates from 1932 and seats 400

attendees. The venue has grown

to be the largest community

theater in the state. With the

help of nearly 1,000 volunteers,

MLT is able to produce more than

50 performances a year.

Temple Theater was built by

the hamasa Shrine organization

in the mid 1920s as a meeting hall

and venue for traveling shows. It

wasn’t until the theater was leased

by the Saenger organization in

1927 that it gained popularity as

a silent movie house complete

with a robert Morgan pipe organ.

Today it remains a time capsule to

the era’s architecture and design

while serving as a performing arts

and movie venue.

art in meridianThe Meridian Museum of

Art is located in the city’s only

remaining Carnegie Library. Built

in 1912-1913, the museum houses

all that is art in the area. Along

with supporting regional artists

with exhibits and groups, the

museum offers art education

and outreach to the community.

Meridian Council for the Arts

helps support the art scene

through funding in grants,

workshops and other events,

allowing local organizations to

receive the funding they need.

The Threefoot Festival, sponsored

enticing treasuresArtS And EntErtAinMEnt cAtEr to culturE EnthuSiAStS

Br

IAN

McC

or

D


by the council, celebrates arts

in downtown Meridian where

festival-goers can browse or

purchase from the diverse

collection of art.

music and Family Fun in mississippi

Meridian Symphony orchestra

in Meridian is dedicated to

bringing musical art to the area.

Not only does the venue perform

classic and new compositions,

but also the popular seasonal

Peppermint Pops Concert.

The Jimmie rodgers Museum

pays tribute to the life and career

of “The Father of Country Music.”

The building, located in highland

Park, features musical instruments

and steam engine railroad

memorabilia.

Dentzel Carousel is a kid’s

choice for a fun ride. Dating from

1896, this carousel was restored

to bring the original beauty of the

animals, chariots and painting for

all to enjoy.

Mississippi Arts and

Entertainment Center, which

will be located at the corner of

22nd Avenue and Front Street,

is dedicated to celebrating and

honoring the lives and works of

talented Mississippians. Two

facets of the center that have

been implemented are the

Mississippi hall of Fame and Walk

of Fame. Mississippi’s Walk of

Fame was unveiled in 2009 with

its first honoree, Jimmie rodgers.

Since then stars honoring B.B.

King, Eudora Welty, Tennessee

Williams, William Faulkner, Sela

Ward, Marty Stuart and Morgan

Freeman have been placed in the

walk in front of the MSu riley

Center. Each star added will

create a path that travels through

downtown Meridian. Inductions

into the hall of Fame begin in

2011. To stay updated on the

“stars,” visit the center’s website,

www.msarts.org.

– Raven Petty

From left: MSu riley center in Meridian; threefoot Arts Festival

www.emepa.com

www.togetherwesave.com

iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 29 28 EASt MiSSiSSippi

Sports & recreation

live, play, love lifeoutdoor ActivitiES, rEcrEAtion givE rESidEntS plEnty to do

Outdoor activities in East

Mississippi are a great cure

for boredom. No matter what

your recreation interest is, you’ll

find something fun to do, or a

place to relax.

places tO playhighland Park is home to the

Jimmie rodgers Museum, the

Dentzel Carousel, Frank Cochran

Center and the Kendallwood Craft

Center. This park has everything a

visitor needs: a swimming pool,

duck pond, tennis courts and

sports fields, playground and

restrooms. Four shelters are

available for rentals.

Velma Young Park, measuring

15 acres, includes a playground,

baseball fields, basketball courts,

swimming pool and more. A

community center and picnic

shelters are positioned on the

grounds to serve visitors.

Northeast Park serves the

sports enthusiast with its lighted

softball and soccer fields, 10

lighted tennis courts, and a walking

and running track. Some other

amenities are a clubhouse with

showers, buildings for concessions

and facilities, and more.

Planet Playground is

also located at the Northeast

Park. This volunteer-built,

10,000-square-foot park is

open 24 hours a day and is free.

Clarko State Park – with white

sands and tall oaks – is located

just south of Meridian. A rest area

has been developed on an island

formed by a fast-moving creek.

sOFtBall, sOccer and BaseBall parks

Sammie Davidson Softball

Complex is the place to be if

softball is your game. Positioned

near Meridian Community College,


Ph

oT

oS

BY

JE

FF

AD

KIN

S

From left: the sun sets at Bonita lakes park in Meridian; there are five golf courses of varying difficulty in East Mississippi.

this complex is complete with

four lighted fields and locker

rooms, and hosts national softball

tournaments. Sykes Park, home to

the Meridian Wildcats baseball

team, is one of the newer parks

in the area. Three fields, batting

cages and other amenities make

this field one of the most play-

friendly areas for baseball. Phil

hardin Park offers baseball players

four lighted fenced-in fields and is

used for boys’ major and minor

league play for adolescents. The

park is complete with facilities and

measures 13 acres. The Meridian

Jaycee Soccer Complex has 10

fields and offers leagues for

children 4-19 years of age.

sWimming, BOating, Fishing

okatibbee Lake features a

4,100-acre lake and seven parks

for visitors. Areas for camping

and fishing, a marina, water slide

and swimming beaches are

included. Splashdown Country

Waterpark is located on 350 acres

of the land, complete with inner-

tube river rides, water slides and

even a motel on-site. Bonita Lakes

is a 3,300-acre park situated on

three lakes. Activities offered are

horseback riding, nature trails, a

walking track, mountain bike

trails, fishing and boating.

gOlFgolf in East Mississippi is easy

to come by. There are five courses

in the area for everyone from

experts looking for a challenge to

amateurs just wanting to have fun.

Private courses are: Briarwood

Country Club, Northwood

Country Club and Ponta Creek

golf Course, all 18 holes. Lakeview

golf Course, nine or 18 holes, and

okatibbee Creek golf Center, nine

holes, both include driving ranges

and are open to the public.

– Raven Petty

6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

www.travelocity.com


visit ouradvertisersAlliance Health Centerwww.alliancehealthcenter.com

Anderson Regional Medical Centerwww.jarmc.org

Citizens National Bankwww.yourcnb.com

Dan H. Singley DMDwww.singleydr.com

East Mississippi Electric Power Associationwww.emepa.com

Glover, Young, Walton & Simmons PLLCwww.gloveryoung.com

Hammack, Barry, Thaggard & May LLPwww.hbtmlaw.com

Holiday Inn Meridian Eastwww.lalaenterprises.com

Hotel & Restaurant Supplywww.hnrsupply.com

Lockheed Martinwww.lmco.com

Mississippi State University – Riley Centerwww.msurileycenter.com

NEW Customer Service Companies Inc.www.newcorp.com

Newell Paperwww.newellpaper.com

Rush Foundation Hospitalwww.rushhealthsystems.org

The Citizens Bankwww.thecitizensbankphila.com

WGBC-TV LLCwww.wgbctv.com

Winstead Realtywww.winsteadrealty.com

Woman’s Group of Meridianwww.womansgroup.net

LAW OFFICES OF

HAMMACK, BARRY, THAGGARD & MAY, LLP

Alternative Dispute Resolution • Appellate Practice • Banking and Consumer FinanceCommercial and Business Litigation • Construction Law • Corporate Law • General Litigation

Governmental Law • Health Care Law • Insurance Law • Labor and Employment LawMedical Malpractice Defense • Personal Injury • Product Liability Litigation

Real Estate • Wills, Trusts and Estates

505 CONSTITUTION AVE. (21ST AVE.) • MERIDIAN, MS 39301 • (601) 693-2393WWW.HBTMLAW.COM

William C. Hammack • J. Richard Barry • Lee Thaggard • William T. May

Kacey Guy Bailey • Robert T. Bailey • Andrew W. Impastato

www.hbtmlaw.com

www.alliancehealthcenter.com

www.jarmc.org

www.yourcnb.com

www.singleydr.com

www.emepa.com

www.gloveryoung.com

www.hbtmlaw.com

www.lalaenterprises.com

www.hnrsupply.com

www.lmco.com

www.msurileycenter.com

www.newcorp.com

www.newellpaper.com

www.rushhealthsystems.org

www.thecitizensbankphila.com

www.thecitizensbankphila.com

www.wgbctv.com

www.winsteadrealty.com

www.womansgroup.net


Glover, YounG, Walton & SimmonS, pllc

Attorneys At LAw

H. Wingfield Glover, Jr.Ralph E. Young, Jr.

Ronnie L. WaltonH. Wingfield Glover, III

William W. SimmonsStephen B. Jackson

Reed C. Darsey

Post Office Drawer 55141724A 23rd Ave.Meridian, MS 39302-5514(601) 693-1301 (601) 693-1363 Faxwww.gloveryoung.com

Foodservice Equipment • Supplies • Furniture

OPEN TO THE PUBLICFive Locations to Serve You:

Meridian, MS • Jackson, MS • Gulfport, MS Memphis, TN • Nashville, TN

(800) 782-6651 • www.hnrsupply.com

Suppliers/Designers to the Food Service Industry

Since 1953

HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION

32Median resident Age

45% Married

55% Single

33% Age 19 and under

46% Age 20-54

21% Age 55 and over

54% White

41% Black

3% hispanic

TRANSPORTATION

15 minutesMedian travel time to Work

NUMBERS TO kNOW

central Fire Station

2500 14th St.

Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 485-1822

www.meridianms.org/

firehome.htm

Meridian police department

2415 Sixth St.

Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 485-1843

www.meridianms.org/

depart_police.html

lauderdale county Sheriff’s

department

Courthouse Annex

410 Constitution Ave.

Meridian, MS 39301

(601) 482-9700

Sources:

www.meridianms.org

Onboard Informatics

COMMUNITY OvERvIEWThe East Mississippi region offers residents an outstanding quality

of life, with access to affordable housing and state-of-the-art

health care, abundant cultural and recreational opportunities,

and excellent educational facilities.

EAST MISSISSIPPI

CLIMATE OvERvIEW

92° FJuly Average high

35° FJanuary Average low

58”Annual rain Fall (vs. national

Average Annual rain Fall of 37”)

COST OF LIvING

$40,317Median household income

$578Median rent for a

two-Bedroom Apartment

TIME zONE

Central

www.gloveryoung.com

www.hnrsupply.com

32 EASt MiSSiSSippi

www.wmdntv.com

www.wgbctv.com

Ad Index 24 AlliAnceHeAltHcenter

1 AndersonregionAl MedicAlcenter

c2 citizensnAtionAlBAnk

24 dAnH.singleydMd

27 eAstMississippi electricpowerAssociAtion

31 glover,young,wAlton &siMMonspllc

30 HAMMAck,BArry, tHAggArd&MAyllp

6 HolidAyinn MeridiAneAst

31 Hotel&restAurAntsupply

2 lockHeedMArtin

22 MississippistAteuniversity–

rileycenter

18 newcustoMerservice

coMpAniesinc.

22 newellpAper

c4 rusHFoundAtionHospitAl

30 tHecitizensBAnk

32 wgBc-tvllc

17 winsteAdreAlty

24 woMAn’sgroupoFMeridiAn

Through the Lens

Do you believe in ghosts? After

taking a tour of Merrehope in

Meridian, there’s a good chance

you will.

This historic 26-room home

was built in 1858 and was one of

only six homes remaining after

gen. Sherman invaded Meridian

during the Civil War. Before the

attack, the home was used as

a headquarters for Confederate

gen. Leonidas Polk.

A number of ghost sightings

have occurred inside the home.

one of the spirits is believed to

be Eugenia gary, the daughter

of Merrehope’s second owner.

A second and more aggressive

ghost has been rumored to haunt

the Periwinkle room, making

loud banging noises and

shattering glass.

FrOm Our phOtO BlOg: east mississippi

PoSTED BY BrIAN MCCorD

more Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at imageseastmississippi.com.

Meridian Underground Music

jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum

now that you’ve experienced east mississippi through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit imageseastmississippi.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

get the story Behind the photo

www.rushhealthsystems.org/quality

www.rushhealthsystems.org

images east mississippi

Documents

east mississippi welcome

images east mississippi

comeast mississippi

smaller mardi gras

little mardi gras

mardi gras debauchery

journal communications

mardi grasnew orleans