East Mississippi Business Development Corporation

09/03/2026

Registration is nearly full for the annual EMBDC Golf Tournament!

When: Monday, October 19th

Where: Northwood Country Club

Don’t miss one of our biggest networking and community days of the year out on the green.

Register today to claim one of the final 12 spots: https://app.seemylegacy.com/community/2592/campaign/10147

09/01/2026

Meet Candice Rush, Mortgage Processor Manager at Commercial Bank and a champion for both the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation and Downtown Meridian!

Whether she’s supporting local business growth across the region or helping bring energy to events in our downtown district, Candice is always ready to serve, connect, and make a meaningful impact.

Favorite Local “Hidden Gem”: “One of my favorite hidden gems in the Meridian area is the community itself. What makes Meridian special is the people—the small businesses, local organizations, churches, community leaders, and everyday residents who continue to pour into our city.”

Community & Regional Impact: Through her work at Commercial Bank ...Candice helps expand access to capital, champion small businesses, and open doors to homeownership across East Mississippi.

Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and constant support in keeping our entire community thriving!

08/28/2026

Great opportunity!

We’re hiring! ✨ The MSU Riley Center is looking for a full-time Events Coordinator to join our team.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love event logistics, and enjoy bringing memorable experiences to life—from room setups to seamless vendor coordination—we’d love to hear from you!

🔗 Apply Online: https://www.msurileycenter.com/about/employment
📲 Tag someone who needs to see this! 👇

08/26/2026

We were proud to celebrate the opening of PHI Air Medical’s brand-new hangar facility right here Meridian Regional Airport - MEI .

We were honored to have U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith join us for this event. Senator Hyde-Smith toured the new facility and took the time to hear directly from PHI Air Medical leadership and flight crews—listening to both the successes and the vital frontline challenges of critical-care air transport in Mississippi.

PHI Air Medical of Mississippi and Alabama

08/14/2026

✨ What a wonderful event celebrating women who lead, serve and make a difference in our community! ✨

Today, the Women’s Alliance of Meridian had the privilege of honoring three incredible women leaders — Carolyn Smith, Farida Lala, and Judge Veldore Young Graham. Thank you for the example you set through your leadership, service and dedication to our community. We are so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate you! 💜

A special thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration possible:

Sponsors:
EMBDC
Meridian Airport Authority
Southern Pipe
Lala Enterprises

Venue: The MAX
Food: Weidmann’s
Flowers: Threefoot Blooms
Emcee: Kacey Bailey

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped us celebrate these remarkable women. What a special day! 💜✨

08/06/2026

Great networking opportunity for young professionals!! Follow their page for upcoming events.

08/05/2026

Check out this aerial progress: building #3 is officially underway in Meridian!

To the entire team: THANK YOU!

08/05/2026

Aie’s Taste of Thai is one of our newest members as well!!

08/05/2026

Welcome Charlie Ballou

It's with great pleasure that I announce to you today, the hiring of our new Director, Economic Development ... Charlie Ballou. Charlie will be starting in our new position on September 1, 2026. Please join me in congratulating Charlie to EMBDC!

Charlie Ballou joins the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation as Director of Economic Development after serving as a district staffer for U.S. Representative Michael Guest. In that role, he worked with business leaders, military installations, community organizations, state agencies, and local officials across East Mississippi, helping connect communities with federal resources and navigate issues important to the region.

A Meridian native, Charlie is passionate about supporting the continued growth of East Mississippi and building on the relationships he has developed throughout the region. He and his wife, Caroline, are proud to call Meridian home, and he looks forward to serving the businesses and communities of East Mississippi in his new role.

Respectfully,
Bill Hannah

08/04/2026

Preserving History, Revitalizing Downtown.

Mark your calendars! The EMBDC and Downtown Meridian are proud to host the official unveiling of the historic E.F. Young Hotel Sign at its new home at the Holbrook Building.

-Thursday, August 20th at 5:30PM

-Holbrook Building | 2508 5th Street, Meridian, MS

-Refreshments

Help us mark this exciting moment for historic preservation in our community!