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SenSe of hiStoryPreservation lends charm to Meridian living
rooted in SuccessBusinesses achieve positive results
SponSored by the eaSt MiSSiSSippi buSineSS developMent Corporation
2012 | livability.CoM/Meridian/MS
®
eaSt MiSSiSSippi
All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
Please recycle this magazine
on the Cover A 1906 home in Meridian’s Poplar Springs historic district Photo by Jeff Adkins
dePartments
4 almanac
18 biz briefs
20 Chamber report
21 economic profile
22 local flavor
25 health & Wellness
26 arts & Culture
28 Sports & recreation
30 education
33 Community profile
2012 edition | voluMe 3
eaSt MiSSiSSippi
®
contents
Features
8 SenSe of hiStoryPreservation lends charm to living in Meridian
12 feStivalS With benefitSFun annual events help fund local causes
16 rooted in SuCCeSSLocation helps businesses achieve positive results
26
8
livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 1
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SenSe ofhiStoryPreservation lends charm to Meridian living
rooted in SuccessBusinesses achieve positive results
SponSored by the eaSt MiSSiSSippi buSineSS developMent Corporation
2012 | livability.CoM/Meridian/MS
®
eaSt MiSSiSSippi
Facts Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more.
living hereLearn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health-care providers.
viDeoWatch quick videos of local attractions.
What’s online livability.com/meridian/ms
livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 3
eaSt MiSSiSSippi
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Content direCtor LiSA bAttLeS
proofreading Manager RAven Petty
Content CoordinatorS kARen SchwARtzMAn,
JeSSicA wALkeR
Staff Writer kevin Litwin
Contributing WriterS bARbARA biehLeR,
Joe MoRRiS, JeSSicA Mozo
Senior graphiC deSignerS LAuRA GALLAGheR,
JAnine MARyLAnd, kRiS Sexton,
JAke ShoReS, vikki wiLLiAMS
graphiC deSignerS RAchAeL GeRRinGeR, eRicA LAMPLey,
tAyLoR nunLey, kAcey PASSMoRe
Senior photographerS JeFF AdkinS, bRiAn MccoRd
Staff photographer todd bennett
Color iMaging teChniCian ALiSon hunteR
integrated Media Manager JARed LAne
ad produCtion Manager kAtie MiddendoRF
ad traffiC aSSiStantS kRyStin LeMMon, PAtRiciA MoiSAn
ChairMan GReG thuRMAn
preSident/publiSher bob SchwARtzMAn
exeCutive viCe preSident RAy LAnGen
Senior v.p./SaleS todd PotteR
Senior v.p./operationS cASey heSteR
Senior v.p./Client developMent JeFF heeFneR
Senior v.p./buSineSS developMent Scott teMPLeton
Senior v.p./agribuSineSS publiShing kiM hoLMbeRG
v.p./buSineSS developMent cLAy PeRRy
v.p./external CoMMuniCationS teRee cARutheRS
v.p./viSual Content MARk FoReSteR
v.p./Content operationS nAtAShA LoRenS
v.p./travel publiShing SuSAn chAPPeLL
v.p./SaleS RhondA GRAhAM, heRb hARPeR,
JARek SwekoSky
Controller chRiS dudLey
Senior aCCountant LiSA owenS
aCCountS payable Coordinator MARiA McFARLAnd
aCCountS reCeivable Coordinator diAnA GuzMAn
SaleS Support Coordinator ALex MARkS
SaleS Support projeCt Manager SARA quint
SySteM adMiniStrator dAnieL cAntReLL
Web Creative direCtor ALLiSon dAviS
Web Content Manager John hood
Web projeCt Manager noy FonGnALy
Web deSigner ii RichARd StevenS
Web developMent lead yAMeL hALL
Web developer i neLS noSewoRthy
photography direCtor JeFFRey S. otto
Creative ServiCeS direCtor chRiStinA cARden
Creative teChnology analySt beccA ARy
audienCe developMent direCtor deAnnA neLSon
neW Media aSSiStant ALySSA dicicco
diStribution direCtor GARy SMith
exeCutive SeCretary kRiSty duncAn
huMan reSourCeS Manager PeGGy bLAke
reCeptioniSt LindA biShoP
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 info@jnlcom.com.
for More inforMation, ContaCt:east Mississippi business development corporation
1901 Front Street, Suite A, Meridian, MS 39301Phone: (601) 693-1306 • Fax: (601) 693-5638
www.embdc.org
viSit Images east mIssIssIppI online at livability.CoM/Meridian/MS
©copyright 2012 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
livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 3
Welcome to East MississippiAn introduction to the AreA’s PeoPle, PlAces And events
Military MightMeridian is home to naval Air Station Meridian
and the key Field Air national Guard base. nAS
Meridan includes training Air wing one, training
Squadrons 7 and 9, the naval technical training
center, Marine Aviation training Support Squadron
one and the Regional counterdrug training
Academy. nAS Meridian employs about 3,000
people and prepares soldiers for military combat
and drug interdiction operations. key Field, located
at the Meridian Regional Airport, houses the 186th
Air Refueling wing, a command that refuels aircraft
in mid-flight, and the 185th Army Aviation Support
Facility, which operates ch-47 chinook helicopters.
Merry-Go-RareMeridian’s dentzel carousel, the only two-row stationary menagerie
in existence, is enclosed within the only remaining carousel house built
from a Gustav dentzel blueprint. dentzel was a German immigrant
to America who came from a family of carousel makers. in 1896,
he built this carousel for the 1904 St. Louis exposition. eventually
sold and moved to Meridian in 1909, the carousel features bright
oil paintings and hand-carved animals and chariots. it’s a national
historic Landmark and the only dentzel carousel in the South on
the national Register of historic Places. worth more than $1 million,
the attraction was restored between 1984 and 1995.
Almanac
timeless theater, Modern Productions
today an event space for special
events, movie screenings, live
shows and the Sucarnochee Revue
music radio program, the temple
theater has roots dating to the
1920s. that’s when the Meridian
chapter of the hamasa Shrine had
the theater’s building constructed
after outgrowing a previous space.
construction on the theater
finished in 1928, with a stage that
was the second-largest in the
nation behind the Roxy theater
in new york. Although the theater
has added some features, like
a Robert Morton theater Pipe
organ, it remains mostly in its
original condition down to
authentic Moorish Revival exterior
styling and byzantine interior.
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A Shower of StarsJimmie Rodgers. david Ruffin. hayley williams.
Steve Forbert. Sela ward. diane Ladd. All stars
in music and film, and all from Meridian. Rodgers,
the Father of country Music, is recognized with
the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum, the
Jimmie Rodgers Festival and a Mississippi blues
trail Marker. Ruffin, a singer and musician,
is best known as one of the lead singers of the
temptations, while singer/songwriter williams
gained fame as a singer for the band Paramore.
Singer/songwriter Forbert is known for his song
Romeo’s tune. Ladd has performed in movies
such as Ghosts of Mississippi, while ward, who
has appeared in tv shows and movies including
The Day After Tomorrow and House, co-founded
hope village, which serves local foster children.
Spreading education Around the State
besides its main Starkville location, Mississippi State
university has operated a 26-acre satellite campus
in Meridian since 1972 and now serves more than 700
students enrolled in its part-time and full-time class
schedules. the curriculum for undergraduate and
graduate programs includes courses in the fields
of education, business, social services, the humanities
and health care. this campus features the Riley center
for education and Performing Arts, and business
students enjoy new accommodations in downtown
Meridian at the newberry building, which underwent
a $6 million renovation. nursing students will soon
receive new accommodations as well, following
a $5.5 million renovation at the kress building.
tracks to ProsperityMeridian has a long history with railroads,
starting in 1860 with its establishment at the
intersection of the Mobile & ohio Railroad
and the Southern Railway of Mississippi.
during the civil war, General Sherman
and his troops burned the town during
the battle of Meridian, but residents rebuilt.
the original union Station was built in 1907,
and while parts of it were demolished, the
east wing was developed to house Meridian’s
economic development agency. the rest
of the station now includes the Meridian
Multi-Modal transportation center, and
a former Railway express Agency building
features the Meridian Railroad Museum.
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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
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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.
Meridian’s nickname is the 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
LAUDERDALE
Meridian
ALABAMA
59
20
59
11
45
20
80
4539
19
19
east mississippi at a glance
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 Bonita lakes, with its two large lakes and 3,300 acres of land, is the largest urban forest in the u.s.
n country singer Moe Bandy is a Meridian native recognized in 2012 with a marker here along the Mississippi country Music trail.
What’s online Take a virtual tour of East Mississippi, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at livability.com/meridian/ms.
historic Airport, new Look
Meridian Regional Airport’s recent
renovations have given the historic
airport a modern look. updates to the
airport include a new canopy for the
façade, glass walls, a higher ceiling
for the back, new carpeting, tiles and
columns for the entrance, and larger
seating space. the airport operates
as a joint civilian and military facility
and incorporates key Field, named for
natives and brothers Fred and Al key.
in 1935, the key brothers teamed with
local inventor A. d. hunter to break
the existing flight endurance record.
hunter’s device that enabled them
to refuel in mid-air is still used today,
with minor modifications. Meridian
Regional Airport also is attractive
to businesses looking to relocate,
as it is listed as a Project Ready certified
Site by Mccallum Sweeney consulting.
East Mississippi
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8 eAst MississiPPi
Karen and Sonny rush’s home was built in 1906 in Meridian’s poplar Springs historic district.
HistorySense of
hiStoriC doWntoWn, neighborhoodS lend CharM to Meridian living
livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 9
Most cities are proud of their historic district. In Meridian, that’s true as well – times nine.
The city has nine historic districts which encompass beautiful residential areas as well as a thriving downtown, making it a paradise for architecture buffs and Southern history lovers. No matter which way you turn, it’s easy to see how Meridian has seamlessly integrated its storied past with its bustling present.
“There has been a huge surge of support in the past 10 years or so, driven by the turnover of many of the historic homes and properties to a new generation of mostly younger families and lovers of historic properties. We also note an increase in retirees who move here expressly for the historic homes and the neighborhoods,” says James Harwell, a commercial real estate broker.
Those efforts have spilled over into the downtown area, where preservation has been demonstrably good for business, adds John McClure, executive director of Meridian Main Street.
StoRy by joe MorriS
PhotoGRAPhy by jeff adKinS
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“The advantage of the historic district is multifaceted,” McClure says. “We’ve got plenty to work with. We can bring in new businesses that will restore these properties in order to receive federal and state historic investment tax credits. We also have a downtown tax abatement program for city and county taxes, and that helps businesses that come here.
“On the tourism side, we hope to continue to connect the downtown to the older neighborhoods and bring in people specifically to see what we have done.”
All of these efforts have paid off. Meridian has earned many state and regional honors for its preservation work including the first Mississippi Scenic Destination designation from the Mississippi Urban Forest Council. The city also has been tapped by This Old House magazine as one of the nation’s 10 best spots to buy a historic home. And, in addition to the Downtown district, five neighborhoods have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Meridian’s historic districtsThe city’s East End neighborhood
displays Meridian’s “Golden Age” with Queen Anne and Colonial Revival cottages, which date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while the West End area showcases the progress the city made as it rebuilt from the Civil War.
The districts of Urban Center and Union Station have been combined to form the more comprehensive Downtown district, which features urban architecture ranging from Italianate row buildings to an art-deco skyscraper. It also contains Union Station as well as the Terminal Hotel, General Supply Co. and the Soule’ Steam Feed complex.
Located north of downtown, Poplar Springs is an area that grew between 1900 and the 1920s, and is known for its hundreds of shade trees.
The Mid-Town district was built by the wealthy and professional class, and it boomed along with Meridian’s railroad economy, while the Merrehope area began before the Civil War and grew for almost a century as the city
expanded northward.Spanning four blocks, the
Depot district showcases Meridian’s railroad history through both residential and commercial architecture.
The Highlands district, known as Missouri Ridge during the Civil War, owes its growth to the city’s streetcar system, and Highland Park came about in 1889 at the Meridian Fair and Livestock Exposition.
All these and more deserve the attention they’re getting for many reasons, notes Harwell.
“It is incumbent upon us to preserve, not only individual homes, but also the neighborhoods where those homes are clustered and kept as a collection,” Harwell says. “As we act in ways to promote historic preservation today, we’ll be glad we did tomorrow.”
What’s online For more stories on the people, places and events that define East Mississippi, visit livability.com/meridian/ms.
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top left: A historical downtown home now houses law offices. bottom left: Poplar springs historic districtabove: the Balcony Bar at Weidmann’s restaurant in downtown Meridian
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in Meridian, there’s always cause for celebration, and there’s usually a good cause that benefits from the
celebration, too.One key mission for the Young
Professionals of Meridian is to become more involved in charitable efforts that give back to the community, and in this city with a rich musical heritage, what came next should be no surprise.
In 2011, YPM decided to organize a 59Twenty Music Festival at Singing Brakeman Park, with proceeds going to Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter, scheduling the event for October to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“The Young Professionals ended up donating more than $3,000 to
us from that concert, which is vital because the state mandates that 25 percent of our total annual budget must come from financial support in the community we serve,” says Leslie Payne, executive director of Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter. “For those young people to specifically choose Care Lodge was so important to us, and much appreciated.”
lightnin’ MalcolmThe 59Twenty concert is one
of several annual festivals that occur in Meridian and Lauderdale County to raise money for good causes. The inaugural 2011 concert, named for Interstates 59 and 20 that pass through Meridian, was staged for 13 hours and featured musical acts such as Lightnin’
Malcolm, Wes Lee, North Mississippi Allstars and Cheryl LuQuire.
“Care Lodge has been part of this community since 1981, serving a nine-county area and helping 400-500 clients a year,” Payne says. “Our services include a safe shelter, case management, counseling, court advocacy, children’s programs, transitional housing, and information on domestic abuse protective orders. We always need money, and will remember Young Professionals of Meridian for what they did for us.”
jimmie rodgers and threefoot
A longer established festival in Meridian, the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival, features 10 days of music each May with proceeds
fun annual eventS help fund loCal CauSeS
StoRy by Kevin litWin
festivals withbenefits
left: cheryl luQuire performs at the 59twenty Music Festival at singing Brakeman Park in Meridian.
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going to the Jimmie Rodgers Foundation, which is devoted to preserving the heritage of country music. Artists who have performed during the 50 years of the festival include Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker and Charley Pride. The musical extravaganza pays tribute to Rodgers, a Meridian native who was born in 1897 and is considered The Father of Country Music.
Also happening in Meridian on an annual basis each April is the Threefoot Festival, with its proceeds going to programs backed by the Meridian Council of the Arts. Threefoot is a one-day juried arts event named after the historic Threefoot Building, a 16-story art-deco skyscraper in downtown Meridian.
“Proceeds from this festival are used by the Council to provide grants in support of several artistic endeavors in the area including school programs, Meridian Little Theatre, Meridian Museum of Art and more,” says Casey Null, Meridian Council of the Arts executive director. “The festival takes place in downtown Meridian on the lawn of city hall, with art booths, vendors, entertainment and children’s crafts activities.”
Null says nearly $170,000 in matching grants has been contributed by the Council to arts-related organizations since 1992.
“We are all about keeping the arts alive in Meridian, Lauderdale County and East Mississippi, by helping organizations bring more events into the community,” she says. “The Council is always looking to extend the reach of arts into even more segments of our population.”
all photos: the 59twenty Music Festival is packed with family-friendly activities and live music.
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business
With proximity to most major Southern cities, a skilled workforce,
ease of transportation and a family-friendly atmosphere, business people agree Meridian is the total package for operating a successful business.
handy hardware WholesaleHouston-based Handy Hardware
Wholesale truly is a Meridian success story. The member-owned hardware buying group opened a 468,000-square-foot distribution facility in Meridian in December 2010 with 40 employees shipping to 300 member-dealers. Today, the Meridian warehouse employs nearly 100 people and ships to 400 member-dealers.
“Over the past several years, Handy Hardware’s business has grown significantly in the South and Southeast, and it became apparent the company needed
another distribution center east of the Mississippi River,” says Ed Frey, manager of Handy Hardware’s Meridian warehouse.
“From a logistics standpoint, Meridian is strategically located to provide Handy Hardware and its member-dealers efficient transportation and service. The highway structure out of Meridian allows service throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. That allows the Handy member-dealers to be served in a more timely manner and also provides the opportunity for the company to decrease transportation costs and grow into new areas.”
Frey and his family relocated to Meridian in 2004 from Columbus, Miss.
“East Mississippi is a very attractive area, and the people are friendly and hospitable,” he says. “This is a great area with opportunity for growth in distribution and
buSineSS SuCCeSS StorieS are prevalent in eaSt MiSSiSSippi
StoRy by jeSSiCa Mozo | PhotoGRAPhy by jeff adKinS
Successrooted in
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location is everything
Meridian’s brand “A Better Longitude on Life” was adopted by the City of Meridian, Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, Lauderdale County Tourism Commission, and the EMBDC to communicate the strategic advantages of being located at 88 degrees longitude. Lauderdale County’s location at the interchange of Interstates 20 and 59 and the crossroads of the Norfolk Southern and Kansas City Southern Railroads has placed Meridian in a competitive position as companies consider their logistical requirements for serving the Southeast.
left: handy hardware Wholesale’s distribution facility in Meridian covers 468,000 square feet. above: employees stock inventory using automated tracking systems and forklifts at handy hardware Wholesale’s distribution facility.
manufacturing. Handy Hardware would like to see its operations in Meridian nearly double in the next five years.”
van zyverden inc.Van Zyverden Inc. is another Meridian
business that is blooming, and in more ways than one. It began as a family flower bulb business in 1919 in the Netherlands, and the Van Zyverden family opened a U.S. warehouse in Meridian in 1961 after noticing a great demand for flower bulbs in the Southeastern U.S. Today, the company’s 475,000-square-foot headquarters are located here, and Van Zyverden ships more than 400 million bulbs annually to all 50 states and Canada.
Van Zyverden employs more than 480 people and has an economic impact on the East Mississippi region in the millions of dollars. Yet it remains a family business with strong values run by brother and sister Robert Van Zyverden and Jaqueline Van Zyverden Hogan, great-grandchildren of the company’s founder.
“Van Zyverden is known to be a great company to work for and one that has great benefits,” says Michael Knost, chief
financial officer at Van Zyverden Inc. “It has a very family-friendly culture, and the owners are very supportive of local community projects including the Riley Center, Art in the Park and Mississippi State.”
Knost says he enjoys living and working in Meridian for its “community atmosphere, great road system and no traffic.”
“In comparison to other large cities in the South, Meridian has a low crime rate,” he says. “The availability of family activities is also a plus.”
In addition to Van Zyverden’s convenient location and quality workforce, Knost cites easy access to specialized equipment as a factor in the company’s success.
“The nature of our product requires a lot of it to be shipped on refrigerated trucks,” he says. “Since we share the same type of trucking as the poultry industry in our area, we benefit from the easy availability of this specialized equipment.”
It all adds up to a great atmosphere for growth.
“In the last year alone, we have added additional office space and a 55,000- square-foot warehouse,” Knost says.
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scorecardbuSineSS at
a glanCe
$1 billionannual retail Sales
$27,791retail Sales
per Capita
$132 millionannual hotel
and food Sales
3,316total number
of firms
source: U.s. Census QuickFacts
business
Biz BriefsBusinesses – Both lArge And sMAll – thAt helP deFine
eAst MississiPPi’s econoMic cliMAte
Southern CaSt produCtS inC.Biz: Steel casting producerBuzz: Southern Cast Products Inc. has been serving the East Mississippi area since 1979, offering a variety of castings including wear-resistant parts that can be used in mining, crushing and earth moving, and castings for the valve, structural, conveying and railroad industries. Castings range from 5 pounds to 4,000 pounds and can be as many as 7 feet in length or diameter.www.southerncastproducts.com
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Services include:
• New Construction
• Rehabilitation
• HDD
• Compressor and Meter Stations
• Inland Water Marine and Marsh
With more than 300 years of combined pipeline construction experience, we are committed to providing our customers safe, quality services
with the highest level of Integrity.
Corporate Office Phone (601) 693-8777
Corporate Office Fax (601) 693-8778
Corporate Office Location 12340 Quitman Meridian Hwy.
Meridian, MS 39301
MitChell CoMpanieSBiz: Business managementBuzz: Mitchell Companies serves as the owner of five businesses, all of which are based in Meridian, including Mitchell Distributing, Mitchell Signs, M-Prints, National Scrubwear and Southern LED Solutions. The company supports the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi through the Mitchell Boys and Girls Club Endowment, which has been in place for more than 10 years.www.mitchellcompanies.com
Southern pipe & Supply Co.Biz: Pipe supplierBuzz: Headquartered in Meridian, Southern Pipe & Supply Co. provides plumbing, heating, air conditioning and other supplies to trade professionals and homeowners. This family-owned company operates more than 90 locations in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida and Tennessee, and works with vendors such as Kohler, Delta, Aqua Glass and Lennox.www.southernpipe.com
neWell paper Co.Biz: Office/cleaning supply distributorBuzz: With its corporate office in Meridian, Newell Paper Co. supplies customers with office-related items including computer paper and furniture, and also offers products such as swimming pool chemicals, janitorial supplies and environmentally-friendly cleaning materials. The company works with suppliers such as Kimberly Clark, Georgia Pacific, Wasau Paper, International Paper Co. and Clorox.www.newellpaper.com
hotel & reStaurant SupplyBiz: Food service equipmentBuzz: Hotel & Restaurant Supply has been serving restaurants, hotels, casinos, nursing homes, schools, churches and other businesses since 1953, providing items such as cooking equipment, kitchen supplies, catering materials, furniture and more. The company’s corporate office in Meridian comprises 100,000 square feet and includes a showroom, test kitchen, warehouse and office space.www.hnrsupply.com
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business
chamber reportMeMBer-to-MeMBer discounts ProgrAM introduced
the east Mississippi business
development corporation
is urging residents to shop locally
and has added a shopping
incentive for its members.
in summer 2012, the eMbdc
established a Member-to-Member
discounts program, whereby
its 700 chamber members offer
discounts for other members.
“our chamber is all about
allowing members to get the most
out of their membership, which
very much includes growing their
individual businesses,” says
Meredith Rea, eMbdc public
relations coordinator. “the more
a member utilizes what we have
to offer, the more they get from
the chamber advantages.”
For members onlyRea says interested businesses
submit their discount plan to
the chamber, with the discounts
being as large or small as the
business wishes.
“we have a basic set of
guidelines, but the main point
is that the discount must only
be for other chamber members –
it can’t be a promotion for the
general public,” she says. “weekly
emails are sent out to chamber
businesses, with a list of all
members who are running a
discount special, and explanations
about those specials.”
my chamber aPPthe discounts are also posted
on the eMbdc’s website.
“in addition, we have a free
My chamber app for smartphones,
where you can access all our
eMbdc chamber members, their
addresses, phone numbers, and
also see a list of events occurring
in and around Meridian,” Rea says.
“Plus there is a hot deals button
with all the discounts available.”
beFore hours, aFter hours
the Member-to-Member
discounts initiative is an extension
of marketing programs already
in place within the chamber.
“business before hours occurs
on the second tuesday every
other month, and brings the
eMbdc membership together
to hear speakers share ideas
about workforce development
to promote our community
and the state,” she says. “business
After hours is held every other
month on the second thursday,
and offers members an opportunity
to tour local businesses and learn
about their products and services.”
– Kevin Litwin
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governMent offiCeS
lauderdale County
government
410 constitution Ave.
11th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 482-9746
www.lauderdalecounty.org
Meridian City hall
601 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
eConoMiC overvieWMeridian’s economy is boosted by diverse industries including
manufacturing, retail, professional and technical services,
and health care, to name a few.
eConoMiC profile
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
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Local Flavor
great food, inviting
atmospheres and unique
local flavors can be found in the
restaurants and markets of
Meridian and east Mississippi.
local Favoritesweidmann’s, a Meridian
favorite for more than 140 years,
specializes in serving traditional
Southern cuisine and new classics
in a historic downtown setting.
A wide variety of Southern
favorites such as chicken and
sausage gumbo, shrimp and grits,
and blackened catfish poboys,
as well as other tasty dishes are
available for lunch, dinner and
Sunday brunch here.
cater’s Market features
specialty foods, organic products
and a selection of “gourmet-to-go”
casseroles like chicken divan,
classic meat lasagna and
shrimp étouffée.
steaksLooking for a great steak?
Rustler Steak house and Lounge
serves high-quality steak and
seafood dishes in an upscale
atmosphere. ole beef Farm house
offers an assortment of charcoal-
grilled steaks, seafood, chicken
and other family favorites. After
a round of golf, relax in
northwood country club’s
members-only dining room and
order the six-ounce tenderloin
of beef or another of their fine
dining specialties.
country Favorites now located in a single,
expanded location, Squealer’s
bar-b-que is Meridian’s go-to
restaurant for tasty barbecue.
have the pulled pork, pulled
chicken or brisket sandwich,
or try the “redneck nachos” with
your choice of smoked meat and
other decadent toppings while
you listen to live music on
thursday night.
circle S Ranch Fish house’s
family-friendly menu includes
a variety of seafood, meat and
chicken selections, as well
as sandwiches and homemade
desserts. Available to members
and their guests, briarwood
country club serves a tasty
Sunday brunch with favorites like
fried green tomatoes, slow-cooked
country vegetables and more.
international Foodnick & Al’s new york Style
Pizzeria offers a large selection
of hand-tossed pizzas, italian
pastas, calzones and paninis.
Featuring traditional Japanese
cuisine in a casual setting,
Sake Sushi provides its guests
with a full sushi bar and
experienced chefs who can
prepare delicious steak, chicken
or shrimp dishes and other
hibachi-grilled fare.
if you crave Mexican food,
La Pinata serves classic Mexican
favorites and tasty margaritas.
el norte also serves traditional
Mexican food including a wide
variety of combination dinners,
Mexican beers and even vegetarian
specialties at each of its
three locations.
Farmers marketwhen spring rolls around each
year, shoppers will find fresh fruit
and veggies from local farms on
Front Street near union Station,
where the Meridian Area Farmers
Market opens up beginning in May
and running through September.
during these months, the market
is open Monday through Saturday
from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
to help plan before you go,
check the market’s Facebook
page for updates on what types
of produce are available as the
season progresses.
– Barbara Biehler
tasty temptationseAst MississiPPi restAurAnts And MArkets FeAture A vAriety oF FlAvorFul Foods
What’s online Read more about East Mississippi’s food scene at livability.com/meridian/ms. Click “Things To Do,” then “Food.”
22 eAst MississiPPi livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 23
above: customers will find “gourmet-to-go” meals and other treats like dessert squares at cater’s Market. below: Weidmann’s, located in downtown Meridian, offers traditional southern cuisine and new classics.
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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
visit ouradvertisersA&B Electricwww.abelectric.net
Alliance Health Centerwww.alliancehealthcenter.com
Atmos Energywww.atmosenergy.com
Community Bankwww.communitybank.net
Dr. Dan H. Singley DMDwww.singleydr.com
East Mississippi Community Collegewww.eastms.edu
East Mississippi Electric Power Associationwww.emepa.com
Glover, Young, Walton & Simmons PLLCwww.gloveryoung.com
Holiday Inn Meridian Eastwww.lalaenterprises.com
Hotel & Restaurant Supplywww.hnrsupply.com
John O’Neil Johnson Toyotawww.johnsontoyota.com
Mac Hodges Allstatewww.allstateagencies.com/machodges/welcome
Mitchell Companieswww.mitchellcompanies.com
Newell Paperwww.newellpaper.com
Orkin Pest Controlwww.orkin.com
Progressive Pipelinewww.progpl.com
Regions Bankwww.regions.com
Rush Foundation Hospitalwww.rushhealth.com
Sequel Electrical Supplywww.sequelelectricalsupply.com
Squealers Hickory Smoked Barbequewww.squealersbbque.com
The Citizens Bankwww.thecitizensbankphila.com
The University of West Alabamawww.uwa.edu
Waste Prowww.wasteprousa.com
Woman’s Group of Meridianwww.womansgroup.net
24 eAst MississiPPi livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 25
health & wellness
east Mississippi offers excellent options for residents looking
for progressive health-care treatment, with top-rated medical facilities around the region.
anderson regional medical center
Ranked in the top 5 percent for patient safety and in the top 10 percent in patient experience among all u.S. hospitals by healthGrades, Anderson Regional Medical center features cardiac, oncology, sleep disorder, women’s health and wellness services, and houses the region’s sole comprehensive cancer center.
Since acquiring the assets of Riley hospital in January 2011, Anderson Regional has expanded to a 400-bed multi-campus facility, making the medical center one of the largest in the region.
rush Foundation hosPital
Rush Foundation hospital is a 215-bed facility with first-rate patient care and cutting-edge health-care services. Five regional hospitals are part of the Rush Foundation system: the Specialty hospital of Meridian, Laird hospital in union, h. c. watkins Memorial hospital in quitman, John c. Stennis Memorial hospital in dekalb and Scott Regional hospital in Morton.
alliance health center
Serving patients with mental health or substance abuse issues, Alliance health center in Meridian is a 154-bed in-patient psychiatric and chemical dependency hospital offering care to people of all ages. the crossings, another Alliance campus, features a
60-bed residential treatment facility focused on the needs of adolescents.
east mississiPPi state hosPital
east Mississippi State hospital, an agency of the Mississippi department of health, is the second-largest psychiatric hospital in the state, offering more than 600 beds. this contemporary mental health facility treats adult and adolescent male patients with psychiatric and substance abuse issues from 16 counties throughout the state.
eMSh also includes the Reginald P. white nursing Facility, voted the no. 1 nursing home in the state by U.S. News & World Report. this 226-bed facility admits residents from across Mississippi.
– Barbara Biehler
Quality, convenient carelocAl hosPitAls oFFer residents outstAnding services
Photo by JeFF AdkinS
24 eAst MississiPPi livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 25
Arts & culture
east Mississippi’s culture is
all-inclusive with theater, art,
music and fun – all intertwined
within the historic districts of
the area.
PerForming artsMSu Riley center for education
and Performing Arts is the perfect
place for any theater enthusiast.
Since opening in 2006, the center
attracts approximately 60,000
visitors a year. At the heart of it
all, the second floor 1889 grand
opera house seats 950 attendees.
the center also has a 200-seat
studio theater and 30,000 square
feet of meeting space.
Meridian Little theatre is far
from small in the hearts of
Meridianites. this theater dates to
1932 and seats 400 people. this
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.
visual artthe Meridian Museum of Art
is located in a former carnegie
Library, which was built in 1912-
1913. Artist groups meet at the
museum monthly, and residents
can visit to see the facility’s
permanent collection and
temporary exhibits, take classes
and attend special events,
including some expressly for
museum members. Meridian
council for the Arts helps support
enticing treasuresArts And entertAinMent cAter to culture enthusiAsts
above: kate cherry, executive director of the Meridian Museum of Art, gives a museum tour. right: the Msu riley center for education and Performing Arts welcomes more than 60,000 guests annually.
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the arts scene through grants,
workshops and other events. the
threefoot Festival, sponsored by
the council, celebrates arts in
downtown Meridian where festival-
goers can browse or purchase
from a diverse collection of art.
music & Family Fun
Meridian Symphony orchestra
is dedicated to bringing musical
art to residents, performing both
classical and new compositions,
as well as the seasonal
Peppermint Pops concert.
the Jimmie Rodgers Museum
pays tribute to the life and career
of “the Singing brakeman.” 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 to
1896, this carousel was restored
to bring the original beauty of the
animals, chariots and painting for
all to enjoy.
FestivalsMeridian hosts a handful of
other fun festivals besides its
long-running threefoot Festival
celebrating the arts.
the Meridian Main Street
organization presents seasonal
art crawl events, luring people
to galleries and other businesses
downtown to view the works
of local artists and enjoy live
entertainment.
the Juneteenth heritage
Festival in downtown Meridian
celebrates the emancipation
Proclamation – the end of
slavery in America – with food,
vendors and music.
the young Professionals
of Meridian bring in bands from all
over the country for the 59twenty
Music Festival as a benefit event
for care Lodge domestic violence
Shelter. this day-long event is
located at in he intersections of
i-59 and i-20 in downtown.
– Raven Petty
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Sports & Recreation
loving life outdoorsActivities & FAcilities give residents Plenty to do
east Mississippi is beautiful on
the outside and has plenty
of recreation options to enjoy it.
great Parksclarkco State Park – with white
sands and tall oaks – is just south
of Meridian. dunn’s Falls , a water
park nestled along the chunky
River, is popular for swimming.
A highlight? its 65-foot waterfall
that powers a nearby grist mill.
People head to highland Park
to visit the Jimmie Rodgers
Museum, the dentzel Antique
carousel, Frank cochran center
and the kendallwood craft center.
the park also has a swimming
pool, duck pond, tennis courts,
sports fields and a playground.
velma young Park has a
playground, baseball fields,
basketball courts, swimming pool,
a community center and picnic
shelters, while northeast Park
serves the sports enthusiast with
its lighted softball and soccer
fields, lighted tennis courts, and
a walking and running track. Planet
Playground is also at northeast
Park, spanning 10,000 square feet.
have a ballSammie davidson Softball
complex near Meridian community
college often hosts tournaments
on its four lighted fields and also
has tennis courts, a walking/jogging
track and playground. Sykes Park,
home to the Meridian wildcats
baseball team, has three fields and
batting cages, while Phil hardin
Park has four lighted baseball fields.
Meanwhile, Meridian Jaycee Soccer
complex has 10 fields and leagues
for children ages 4 to 19.
shooting sPortsbinachi Shooting Sports
opened in spring 2011 as one part
of the choctaw Area council-boy
Scouts of America camp binachi
long range plan. the facility is
available for public and corporate
use and features a 12-stand sporting
clays course with shooting
opportunities for all skill levels.
just add Waterokatibbee Lake, measuring
4,100 acres, includes seven parks
for visitors along with areas for
camping and fishing, a marina,
water slide and swimming
beaches. Splashdown country
water park is on 350 acres of that
land, complete with inner-tube
river rides and a water slide.
bonita Lake, a 3,300-acre park
situated on three lakes, welcomes
guests for activities such as
horseback riding, hiking nature
trails, walking its track, mountain
biking, fishing and boating. dalewood Shores Lake is
a 3,300-acre subdivision with an 1,800-acre main lake and 10 smaller lakes ranging from two to 75 acres.
the club sceneGolfers will enjoy the area’s
four courses. Private courses
are briarwood country club
and northwood country club,
while Lakeview Golf course and
Ponta creek Golf club are open
to the public.
tennis, everyone?tennis enthusiasts have several
spots to serve and volley
throughout east Mississippi.
they include Meridian community
college, northeast Park,
northwood country club and
Sammie davidson complex.
– Raven Petty
Clockwise from top left: Bonita lakes is a 3,300-acre park with three lakes. Players on the MFc elite soccer team practice at northeast Park in Meridian, which features lighted softball and soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, and a walking and running track. A golfer practices his swing at northwood country club.
What’s online Read more about getting out and active in East Mississippi by visiting livability.com/meridian/ms. Click “Things To Do,” then “Outdoors.”
28 eAst MississiPPi livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 29
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education
east Mississippi schools
provide quality across
the full range of learning,
from pre-kindergarten through
select master’s degrees.
lauderdale county school district
Lauderdale county School
district maintains high academic
standards, managing four
elementary schools, four middle
schools and four high schools.
one high school is in each of
the following areas: clarkdale,
northeast, Southeast and
west Lauderdale.
meridian Public school district
Meridian Public School district
has six elementary schools, three
middle schools, a high school,
a regional career and technical
center and a unique Pre-k
program that serves over 200
students in 11 classrooms. the
schools incorporate culture,
technology, professional and
business resources to serve
the needs of the diverse
student population.
Private schoolsParents and students have
several great options for private
schools. St. Patrick catholic
School is the only non-public
school in the region that is
accredited by the Mississippi
department of education,
and students consistently score
significantly higher than the
national average on the Stanford
Achievement test.
smart approacheAst MississiPPi residents select FroM MultiPle QuAlity choices
left: Mississippi state university-Meridian’s campus; right: students in the construction trades program at Meridian community college build a clubhouse on the school’s campus. P
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dk
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A trained workforce is key to economic development in East Mississippi. EMCC delivers customized workforce training, meeting industry and business needs with education – whether it’s analyzing workflow
systems or providing job applicants with the skills they need to succeed. We salute our workforce partners in East Mississippi, including E.M. “Hoot” Gipson and his team at Gipson Steel.
Bruce Hanson of EMCC’s Workforce Services Division, E.M. “Hoot” Gipson, founder of Gipson Steel,
and EMCC President Dr. Rick Young
EMCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Contact Dr. Jackie Stennis with inquiries regarding this policy, 662-476-5000 or jstennis@eastms.edu
Scooba Campus: (662) 476-5000 ■ Workforce Services: (662) 476-5104 ■ Website: www.eastms.edu
30 eAst MississiPPi
the 500 students at Lamar
School, which is accredited by
the SAcS cASi and the Mississippi
Association of independent
Schools, enjoy a well appointed
campus and historically score well
above average on the Act and
in the top quartile on nationally
normed tests. Russell christian
Academy has 275 students,
is affiliated with Russell baptist
church and is accredited by
the Mississippi Association
of independent Schools.
east mississiPPi community college
east Mississippi community
college serves Lauderdale, clay,
kemper, Lowndes, noxubee and
oktibbeha counties. the system
has two principal campuses and
offers courses at three other
locations, providing a range of
programs. eMcc is one of 15
community colleges in Mississippi.
meridian community college
Meridian community college
provides Ged classes, two-year
programs, university transfer
options, community education
classes and online courses. the
college also offers workforce
development training programs.
mississiPPi state university-meridian
Mississippi State university-
Meridian has degree offerings that
include bachelor’s in the arts,
science and business fields, and
master’s degrees in business and
education specialties.
university oF West alabama
university of west Alabama in
Livingston, Ala., offers programs
for associate, bachelor’s, master’s,
and educational specialist degrees.
– Raven Petty
A trained workforce is key to economic development in East Mississippi. EMCC delivers customized workforce training, meeting industry and business needs with education – whether it’s analyzing workflow
systems or providing job applicants with the skills they need to succeed. We salute our workforce partners in East Mississippi, including E.M. “Hoot” Gipson and his team at Gipson Steel.
Bruce Hanson of EMCC’s Workforce Services Division, E.M. “Hoot” Gipson, founder of Gipson Steel,
and EMCC President Dr. Rick Young
EMCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Contact Dr. Jackie Stennis with inquiries regarding this policy, 662-476-5000 or jstennis@eastms.edu
Scooba Campus: (662) 476-5000 ■ Workforce Services: (662) 476-5104 ■ Website: www.eastms.edu
30 eAst MississiPPi
Ad Index 6 A&BElEctric
24 AlliAncEHEAltHcEntEr
c3 AtmosEnErgy
3 communityBAnk
24 Dr.DAnH.singlEyDmD
31 EAstmississippi communitycollEgE
20 EAstmississippiElEctric powErAssociAtion
32 glovEr,young, wAlton&simmonspllc
c2 HoliDAyinnmEriDiAnEAst
32 HotEl&rEstAurAntsupply
32 JoHno’nEilJoHnsontoyotA
32 mAcHoDgEsAllstAt
15 mitcHEllcompAniEs
6 nEwEllpApEr
32 orkinpEstcontrol
19 progrEssivEpipElinE
19 rEgionsBAnk
c4 rusHFounDAtionHospitAl
32 sEquElElEctricAlsupply
32 squEAlErsHickory smokEDBArBEquE
15 tHEcitizEnsBAnk
27 tHEunivErsity oFwEstAlABAmA
32 wAstEpro
24 womAn’sgroup oFmEriDiAn
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
A name you can trust, a product you can
depend on.
John O’Neil Johnson Hyundai 2001 Hwy. 39 N.
Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 621-5100
www.johnoneilhyundai.com
John O’Neil Johnson Toyota 2900 Hwy. 39 N. Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 485-1620 www.johnsontoyota.com
PEST CONTROL
1218 11th Ave. • Meridian, MS 39301
Meridian 483-8211
Newton 683-7182
Decatur 635-4220
Philadelphia 656-2033
Bay Springs 764-2005
Quitman 776-5133
Supporting East Mississippi
200 Braxton Ave. • Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 483-9777 • (601) 483-9787 fax
www.wasteprousa.com
Mac HodgesAgency Principal
24-Hour Customer Service
Mac Hodges Allstate2425 Old North Hills St. • Meridian, MS 39305
(601) 482-3332 • (601) 482-4843 Fax machodges@allstate.com
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
Full-Line Electrical Supply Distributor
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC10 Locations:
MErIDIaN
912 13th St. Meridian, MS 39301
601-484-5760 tel 601-484-6577 fax
www.sequelelectricalsupply.com
MSMeridian, MS Greenwood, MS Greenville, MS Cleveland, MS Oxford, MS
LaAlexandria, LA
aLDothan, AL Mobile, AL Tuscaloosa, AL
FLPensacola, FL
LIVE MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY & SATURDAY
4805 29th Ave. • Meridian, MS 39305 (601) 693-0910 • www.squealersbbque.com
SQUEALER’S BAR-B-QUE
DINE-IN • TAKE-OUT • CATERING
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livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 33
this section is sPonsored By
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.
CoMMunity profile
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