images east mississippi: 2012

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

www.lalaenterprises.com

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

See more great photos of East Mississippi in our online photo galleries.

Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.

Photos

Digital magazine

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


eaSt MiSSiSSippi

®

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 [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

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


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.embdc.org

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.

4 eAst MississiPPi livABilit y.coM/MeridiAn/Ms 5

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.


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.abelectric.net

[email protected]

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



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


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


“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.


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

Ph

ot

o c

ou

Rt

eS

y o

F J

eS

Sic

A w

eiM

eR


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.


Ph

ot

oS

co

uR

te

Sy

oF

Je

SS

icA

we

iMe

R


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.


www.thecitizensbankphilia.com

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


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.


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


http://www.southerncastproducts.com

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


http://www.mitchellcompanies.com

http://www.southernpipe.com

http://www.newellpaper.com

http://www.hnrsupply.com

regions.com

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


emepa.com

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


http://www.lauderdalecounty.org

http://www.meridianms.org


http://www.medc.ms


http://www.meridianairport.com

http://www.amtrak.com

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.”


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.

Ph

ot

oS

by

Je

FF

Ad

kin

S


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


http://www.WomansGroup.net

http://www.abelectric.net

http://www.alliancehealthcenter.com

http://www.atmosenergy.com

http://www.communitybank.net

http://www.singleydr.com

http://www.eastms.edu

http://www.emepa.com

http://www.gloveryoung.com

http://www.lalaenterprises.com


http://www.johnsontoyota.com

http://www.allstateagencies.com/

http://www.mitchellcompanies.com

http://www.newellpaper.com

http://www.orkin.com

http://www.progpl.com

http://www.regions.com

http://www.rushhealth.com

http://www.sequelelectricalsupply.com

http://www.squealersbbque.com

http://www.thecitizensbankphila.com

http://www.uwa.edu

http://www.wasteprousa.com

http://www.womansgroup.net

www.singleydr.com

www.alliancehealthcenter.com

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


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.

Ph

ot

oS

by

Je

FF

Ad

kin

S


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


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.”


Ph

ot

oS

by

Je

FF

Ad

kin

S


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

ho

to

S b

y J

eF

F A

dk

inS

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

Scooba Campus: (662) 476-5000 ■ Workforce Services: (662) 476-5104 ■ Website: www.eastms.edu

30 eAst MississiPPi

http://www.eastms.edu


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 [email protected]

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

32 eAst MississiPPi


http://www.johnoneilhyundai.com

http://www.johnsontoyota.com

http://www.wasteprousa.com


http://www.gloveryoung.com

http://www.sequelelectricalsupply.com

http://www.squealersbbque.com


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

http://www.meridianms.org/

http://www.meridianms.org/

http://www.meridianms.org

rushhealthsystem.org

images east mississippi: 2012

Documents