AGP Executive Report

Consumer Costs: Mississippi joined the FTC and 19 other states in suing Dollar General, alleging the retailer routinely charged customers more at checkout than advertised prices and failed to fix the problem. AI & Entrepreneurship: Madison business owner Jordan Maruszak launched Pixel Narratives to help companies adopt AI and technology, and published a book on how AI can lower the cost of pursuing business ideas. Manufacturing: Fairbanks Morse Defense plans to double production capacity at its Pascagoula facility, while Rite-Hite is expanding its Mississippi manufacturing operation. Energy: Azure Energy is preparing a 1,500-megawatt Mississippi power project for the market. Infrastructure & Banking: A $35.4 million federal grant will support Mississippi export rail improvements, and Southern Bancorp has officially changed its name to Uplift Bank.

Consumer Protection: Mississippi has joined the FTC and 19 other states in suing Dollar General, alleging the chain repeatedly charged customers more at checkout than advertised and failed to fix known pricing problems. Banking: Southern Bancorp has begun rebranding as Uplift Bank, with the transition continuing into 2027; the lender says its mission and services will remain unchanged. Transportation: Mississippi will receive a $35.4 million federal grant for export railroad improvements, aimed at strengthening freight links. Agriculture: Mississippi had 7,363 H-2A agricultural worker positions certified in fiscal 2025, with about 500 companies filing paperwork to hire temporary workers. Energy: Azure Energy is preparing a 1,500-megawatt Mississippi power project for the market, a major proposed addition to the state’s energy supply.

Regional Priorities: The Gulf Coast Business Council unveiled Coast Forward, a plan to align infrastructure, education, workforce development and legislative priorities across Hancock, Jackson and Harrison counties. Industrial Investment: The U.S. and Australia broke ground on a $60 million Mississippi facility to make submarine components, including propellers and rotors; Australia is contributing $22 million. Tourism: Visit Jackson earned three statewide honors. The organization highlighted a tourism-funding bill awaiting voter approval and reported hotel occupancy up 12%, with demand topping 408,000 room nights. Transportation: Mississippi will receive a $35.4 million federal grant for export railway improvements, while Meridian Community College opened a transportation technology training center. Energy: Azure Energy is preparing a 1,500-megawatt Mississippi power project for the market. Public Finance: Mississippi received a credit-rating upgrade on bonds backed by gaming revenue taxes.

Export Infrastructure: Mississippi is set to receive a $35.4 million federal grant for railway improvements to support export freight. Food and Tourism: Thirteen Mississippi restaurants and culinary professionals earned 14 Michelin Guide American South honors, adding visibility for the state’s dining scene. Data-Center Oversight: SpaceXAI faces a proposed $6.1 million fine over data-center construction without proper permits, as the projects draw scrutiny over their local impacts. Industrial Investment: A $60 million naval propulsion center is underway in Mississippi, while Barge Forest Products is expanding its Macon sawmill. Major Projects: UMMC has broken ground on a $250 million cancer center, and Azure Energy is preparing a 1,500-megawatt Mississippi power project for market.

Data Centers and Energy: SpaceXAI faces a potential $6.1 million penalty for building data centers in Mississippi without the required permits. Separately, a federal court blocked DOJ intervention in a challenge to the company’s Southaven project. Azure Energy is also preparing a 1,500-megawatt Mississippi power project for the market. Infrastructure: Mississippi secured a $35.4 million federal grant for export railroad improvements, while Gulfport is moving ahead with a $54 million road project. Manufacturing: Barge Forest Products is expanding its Macon sawmill, adding to investment in the state’s timber industry. Rural Health: Gov. Tate Reeves announced 60 awards totaling more than $32 million through the state’s rural health transformation program.

Data Center Scrutiny: SpaceXAI faces a reported $6.1 million fine in Mississippi over data center construction without required permits, underscoring the regulatory hurdles facing large technology projects. Small Business: Bay Springs’ Harris Hankins Motors, billed as Mississippi’s oldest dealership, marked 100 years in business under its founder’s grandson. Infrastructure and Energy: A $35.4 million federal grant will improve Mississippi export rail service, while Azure Energy is preparing a 1,500-megawatt power project for the market. Fairbanks Morse is also expanding naval propeller manufacturing in Pascagoula. Health and Housing: Gov. Tate Reeves announced a second round of rural health funding, with 60 awards totaling more than $32 million; separately, Mississippi Home Corporation committed $3.1 million to Jackson housing nonprofit Homeward JXN. Workforce: William Carey University broke ground on student housing at its Tradition campus, aiming to support recruitment and help build the Gulf Coast workforce.

Data Center Oversight: Mississippi regulators are seeking up to $6.1 million in penalties from a SpaceXAI subsidiary, alleging construction began at three data center sites before required stormwater permits were in place. Transportation Investment: Rep. Mike Ezell announced a $35.4 million federal grant for Mississippi export railroad improvements. Power Development: Azure Energy is preparing a 1,500-megawatt power project in Mississippi for the market. Manufacturing: Fairbanks Morse Defense is investing $60 million to expand its Pascagoula naval propulsion facility and double manufacturing capacity. Rural Childcare: A new MSU Extension initiative will help rural providers secure licenses and build sustainable businesses, with training and possible facility-improvement support. Distribution: ALO plans to invest more than $176 million in a national distribution center in Southaven.

Freight Investment: Mississippi Export Railroad won up to $35.5 million in federal funding to upgrade track and improve flood resilience in Moss Point and Helena, strengthening links between Gulf Coast industries, ports and national markets. Workforce Training: Meridian Community College opened a transportation technology center built with public grants and employer partnerships. Officials expect it to support 159 jobs and leverage $32.9 million in regional investment. Energy Development: A proposed 1,500-megawatt power and water project in north-central Mississippi is nearing the end of engineering and is being marketed to data center and advanced-manufacturing tenants. Manufacturing Growth: Barge Forest Products is investing $8.3 million to expand its Macon sawmill, while Fairbanks Morse Defense is growing its Pascagoula operations. Gulfport Infrastructure: The city plans a $54 million road project to improve traffic flow and emergency access, though advocates warn of potential wetland and flooding impacts.

Energy Investment: Azure Energy says a planned 1,500-megawatt power campus in north-central Mississippi is being marketed to data centers and advanced manufacturers. The proposed project combines natural gas, biomass and renewable natural gas generation. Pascagoula Manufacturing: Fairbanks Morse Defense is expanding its Pascagoula operations and has broken ground on a $60 million propeller facility to support submarine production. New Manufacturing: TP-Link has signed a deal to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi, bringing domestic production to the state. State Finances: Fitch upgraded Mississippi gaming-revenue bonds to AA- with a stable outlook, citing confidence in the tax revenue backing them. Rural Health: Gov. Tate Reeves announced $32.6 million in grants for workforce training and emergency mental-health services, with another application round focused on modernizing health-record systems.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA announced more than $60 million for 40 Mississippi projects, including debris removal and repairs to electric systems and public utilities. Advanced Manufacturing: Fairbanks Morse Defense broke ground on a $60 million naval propulsion center in Pascagoula, adding capacity to make components for U.S. submarines. Health Investment: UMMC began construction of its $250 million Cancer Center and Research Institute. Timber Industry: Barge Forest Products is expanding its Macon sawmill in a multimillion-dollar investment. Workforce Development: Mississippi Power named Jamie Miller senior director of economic, workforce and community development, and partnered with Mississippi State to expand degree options for eligible employees.

Manufacturing: Barge Forest Products is investing more than $8.3 million in a new Macon facility to improve lumber recovery. The project is expected to retain existing jobs, with completion planned for 2027. Defense Industry: Fairbanks Morse Defense has broken ground on a $60 million Pascagoula expansion that will double its naval propulsion manufacturing capacity. Investment: ALO plans to spend more than $176 million on a national distribution center in Southaven. SpaceX is also offering employees 20% extra pay to relocate to Memphis or Southaven as it brings supercomputers online. Technology: TP-Link has signed a deal to assemble Wi-Fi routers in Mississippi, bringing domestic production amid a looming federal ban. Industrial Development: Westwin Elements plans nickel refinery operations in Natchez, while the Mississippi Choctaw secured $12.6 million for an industrial park and workforce training.

Industrial Investment: Fairbanks Morse Defense broke ground on a $60 million Pascagoula expansion expected to double naval-propulsion capacity. TP-Link plans to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi, and ALO is investing more than $176 million in a Southaven distribution center. Workforce & Infrastructure: Meridian Community College opened a transportation technology training center, while Black Belt Rail secured $27 million for upgrades. Entergy Mississippi will receive a $4.2 million federal grant for transmission improvements. Rural Growth: Koinonia announced a $7.7 million investment in Drew, and Barge Forest Products plans an $8.3 million Macon manufacturing investment. Data Center Dispute: A federal judge blocked an effort to end the lawsuit over SpaceXAI’s Southaven facility and its gas turbines; the Clean Air Act case can proceed. Tourism: The Mississippi State Fair drew 514,000 visitors during its 2026 run.

Defense Manufacturing: Fairbanks Morse has broken ground on a $60 million Pascagoula expansion that aims to double naval propulsion capacity by 2028. The project adds 38,000 square feet and is backed by a $27 million Navy contribution. New Investment: ALO plans to invest more than $176 million in a Southaven distribution center. TP-Link has also signed a deal to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Mississippi, while Barge Forest Products plans an $8.3 million investment in Macon. Rail Infrastructure: A $27 million boost will fund Black Belt Rail upgrades, strengthening freight links. Rural Growth: Koinonia is bringing a $7.7 million investment to Drew.

Delta Investment: Koinonia plans to invest $7.7 million in a Drew plastics operation, creating 18 jobs over five years and adding manufacturing work in an area with limited opportunities. Manufacturing: TP-Link signed a letter of intent with Key Tronic to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Corinth, potentially starting next year pending regulatory approval. Barge Forest Products also plans an $8.3 million investment in Macon, while Fairbanks Morse Defense is doubling manufacturing capacity at its Pascagoula facility. Southaven Jobs: Fashion brand ALO is investing nearly $176 million in a distribution center and expects to create more than 400 jobs. Tourism and Gaming: Mississippi casinos’ September gaming revenue rose 4% from a year earlier, and the State Fair drew about 514,000 visitors, up from just under 500,000 last year.

Manufacturing: TP-Link plans to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Corinth with Key Tronic, potentially starting in 2027 if regulators approve. The letter of intent could bring new production to Mississippi, though many components will still come from overseas. Engineering: 4CE Engineering Group is expanding into Mississippi through a deal with Benchmark Engineering & Surveying, a 50-person firm with three state offices. Infrastructure: Mississippi is set to receive $35 million for export railroad upgrades, while Entergy Mississippi will get $4.2 million in federal funding for transmission improvements. Workforce and Industry: The Mississippi Choctaw secured $12.6 million for an industrial park and workforce training. Meanwhile, childcare voucher funding shortfalls are forcing closures and waitlists, a strain on working families and employers. Tourism and Hospitality: Mississippi casinos’ September gaming revenue rose 4%, while Gulf Coast restaurants are seeking ways to weather the fall slowdown as tourism dips and costs weigh on diners.

Child Care: A state funding shortfall is leaving Mississippi families on voucher waitlists and forcing providers to cut staff, close classrooms and, in some cases, shut down—adding pressure on parents trying to work. Manufacturing: TP-Link has signed a letter of intent with Key Tronic to assemble routers at a Mississippi production line, potentially starting in 2027, pending regulatory approval. Freight Infrastructure: The Mississippi Export Railroad is set to receive more than $35 million in federal funding to modernize track and facilities in Moss Point and Helena, strengthening freight connections for South Mississippi businesses. Power Grid: Entergy Mississippi will receive $4.2 million in federal funds for upgrades along 375 miles of transmission lines, with work expected to take four years. Investment: Mississippi Choctaw secured $12.6 million for an industrial park and workforce training, while state casinos reported a 4% increase in September gaming revenue.