Gov. Tate Reeves is looking to build from $32 billion in private sector investment seen during his first five years. To help bring more companies and expansion projects to Mississippi, the Republican announced a new branding strategy called “Let’s Break New Ground” on Wednesday.
“Let’s Break New Ground” is an initiative by Reeves and the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), the state agency tasked with attracting and retaining businesses. Created in partnership with The Ramey Agency, a Ridgeland-based marketing company, the new campaign will be used to further promote the “state’s commitment to bringing new investments and good-paying job opportunities to Mississippians through its pro-business policies and favorable business environment,” according to a press release.
“When it comes to economic development, Mississippi is breaking new ground for business and its people. This brand campaign highlights our state’s pioneering spirit, the strength of our partnerships, and our willingness to think creatively to help businesses succeed,” Reeves said. “We’ve experienced record-breaking economic development successes over the last few years. As the economic landscape evolves across sectors, we are excited to ‘break new ground’ and further expand both our diverse portfolio of industries and opportunities for Mississippians.”
Over the past year alone, Mississippi has seen multi-billion-dollar commitments from Amazon and Compass Datacenters. Amplify Cell Technologies, Liebherr, and PCC Gulf Chem are other companies that decided to locate in the Magnolia State. Since taking office in January 2020, Reeves has already exceeded the highest capital investment number for any governor in state history.
The “Let’s Break New Ground” initiative hopes to bring in additional projects in 2025 and beyond. The release added that the initiative will include a commitment to explore new suitors, possibly in industries Mississippi has not been home to in the past, and focus on an increased speed to market.
It also plans to emphasize key attributes that make Mississippi attractive to inquiring businesses such as a streamlined process with tax and other incentives; collaboration with local leaders, utilities, and educational institutions to reduce risk; and flexibility to tailor solutions that benefit both businesses and local communities.
“Mississippi has a proven track record of delivering results for businesses,” MDA executive director Bill Cork said. “With ‘Let’s Break New Ground,’ we’re sending a clear message that Mississippi is the place where innovation meets opportunity. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and work alongside companies so they can go from investing money to making money in record time. The ‘Mississippi Momentum’ is strong, and we have no intention of slowing down any time soon.”
Reeves and MDA released the following video showcasing the campaign.
