Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/610980
44 Choosing the right place to do business can be quite a challenge. The ideal location must possess convenient transportation networks, a motivated workforce, and most importantly, a progressive business climate. These attributes and much more are what you'll find in Corinth and Alcorn County. Aggressive industrial development has resulted in a core of quality companies unsurpassed in a small town environment. Caterpillar Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corpora- tion, Avectus Healthcare Solutions, Kingsford Manufacturing, Timber Products, KeyTronicEMS, Mississippi Polymers, and Corinthian, Inc., represent some of our larger industrial employers. Smaller manufacturers abound using the most sophisticated production processes found anywhere in the world. High-tech companies are involved in software devel- opment and producing products used in computer industries. Our regional business incubator has graduated a number of outstanding companies. Persons employed in local manufac- turing are almost double the rate for the United States. The Alliance is the economic and community develop- ment agency, which serves Corinth and Alcorn County. This organization provides staff and volunteers whom address economic and community development issues. Elected officials at the local, state, and federal level work closely together to make our community vibrant and successful. The doors to our community are open to welcome everyone. When it comes to serving your needs, Alcorn County is clearly a great place to do business. The Northeast Mississippi Business Incubation System The Northeast Mississippi Business Incubation System (NEMBIS) is an economic development program designed to provide assistance to new and grow- ing businesses and thus create jobs for our local area. NEMBIS strives to improve the success ratio of new start up businesses and attempts to attract, as well as retain, existing companies both within and outside its boundaries. This is achieved through professional and business counseling, recruitment, the provisions of a sheltered environment with affordable rental rates, shared services and equipment. Northeast MS Business Incubation System has facilities in Iuka, Ripley, and Corinth which enables the Incubator to have a greater economic impact and positive influence over a larger area with minimal cost. NEMBIS was developed in July 1993 with a partnership of sponsors including TVA, the State of Mississippi, the Appalachian Regional Commission, the City of Corinth and Alcorn County. Three of the Incubator's success stories include Innovative Circuits, Inc., Masterpiece Engineering and Servpro of Corinth/Iuka. They are some of the major high-tech employers who have been integrated into our local industrial base. Additionally, NEMBIS currently houses a full-size Technology Center (Tech-Connect) which affords our tenants, as well as the general public, an opportunity to enhance their computer literacy skills. Small Business Development Center The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a partner- ship between the Small Business Administration, the State of Mississippi, the University of Mississippi and Northeast Mississippi Community College. The SBDC provides business assistance and entrepreneur training through one-on-one counseling sessions and work- shops. Assistance from the SBDC is available at no charge to individuals interested in going into business or improving or expanding existing businesses. For more information, call 662-680-6988 or 1-800-725-7232, email umsbdc3@olemiss.edu, or visit their website at www.mssbdc.org. The Tupelo office is located at the Renasant Center for IDEAs.