Golden Triangle Development LINK

Building the workforce of tomorrow starts with inspiring students today! 👷‍♂️🏗️

Last week, more than 2,000 eighth-grade students from across the region participated in the FORGE Your Path Career Expo at EMCC's Communiversity. The two-day event gave students hands-on exposure to careers in construction and the skilled trades, with opportunities to explore equipment, technology, and career pathways they may not have considered before.

Our Director of Business Retention & Expansion, Brent Lochala, was proud to serve as a group leader on the second day of the expo, helping students navigate the experience and discover the many opportunities available in these industries.

At the Golden Triangle Development LINK, we know that developing a strong workforce begins long before students enter the job market. Events like FORGE play an important role in connecting education and industry while inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals.

Thank you to FORGE, the participating businesses, educators, and volunteers who made this event possible!

📣 Hiring Event Alert! | Join Us at EMCC
The Communiversity Win Job Center is excited to partner with Southwire for an upcoming Machine Operator Hiring Event in Columbus!
📅 Date: November 3

⏰ Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

📍 Location: Communiversity, 7003 S. Frontage Rd., Columbus, MS.

Southwire is seeking motivated individuals to join their team, with competitive starting pay ranging from $20.50–$25.18/hr.

Whether you’re looking to start a new career path or advance your skills, this is a great opportunity to meet with hiring managers and learn more about available roles.

🔗 To learn more, visit https://careers.southwire.com/!

Congratulations to our President & CEO, Meryl Fisackerly, on being recognized as one of the Mississippi Business Journal’s Leading 25 Women in Business! We are proud to see her leadership, dedication, and commitment to economic development recognized on a statewide level. Well deserved, Meryl! 👏

This week, we’re proud to spotlight Engineering Design Services LLC, a valued member of the GTR LINK TRUST!

With an office right here in Starkville, EDS provides multidisciplinary engineering expertise in mechanical and piping, process and safety, civil and structural, electrical and instrumentation, project management and more. Their team of licensed professional engineers serves clients across industries including manufacturing, petrochemicals, renewable energy, pulp and paper, aerospace and themed entertainment.

We appreciate EDS’s investment in the GTR LINK TRUST and their commitment to supporting continued growth and innovation in the Golden Triangle and beyond!

This week, we’re proud to spotlight Brian McCaskill - State Farm Agent, a valued member of the GTR LINK TRUST!

Located in Starkville, Brian and his team bring more than 30 years of combined experience and offer a wide range of coverage, including auto, home, renters, life, business and health insurance. Brian is a Mississippi State University graduate and is actively involved in the Starkville community, supporting local schools and organizations throughout the area.

We appreciate Brian’s investment in the GTR LINK TRUST and his continued commitment to the Golden Triangle!

Thank you, Hometown Starkville Magazine for spotlighting our CEO, Meryl Fisackerly!

✨ Women in Business Spotlight: Meryl Fisackerly

Strong women build strong communities, and Meryl Fisackerly is helping shape the future of the Golden Triangle!

As President and CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK, Meryl has played a key role in bringing more than $3.5 billion in capital investment and over 1,500 jobs to our region since joining the organization in 2017.

Through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to economic growth, Meryl continues to make a lasting impact on the communities we call home.

❤️ We’re proud to recognize Meryl and grateful to have the Golden Triangle Development LINK as a valued Hometown Starkville advertising partner!

This week, we’re proud to spotlight LAVENDER, INC., a valued member of the GTR LINK TRUST!

For more than 40 years, Lavender has provided industrial services throughout the Southeast, offering expertise in plant maintenance, fabrication, civil and site work, turn-key industrial construction, crane rentals and more.

With a local office in Columbus, Lavender serves a wide range of industries and brings decades of experience, skilled craftsmanship and a strong commitment to safety to every project.

We appreciate Lavender, Inc.’s investment in the GTR LINK TRUST and their continued commitment to the Golden Triangle!

Another exciting day for economic development in the Golden Triangle!

The Golden Triangle Development LINK team was proud to join Southwire and our community and state partners yesterday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the company’s major expansion in Starkville.

The project represents more than $256 million in investment, 128 new jobs and approximately 380,000 square feet of additional space at Southwire’s Starkville operation.

We’re excited to see this investment moving forward and grateful for Southwire’s continued commitment to Starkville, Oktibbeha County and the Golden Triangle. Congratulations to the entire Southwire team!

Existing Industry meetings are always a great opportunity to connect, but our visit to Apex Am******on turned into a fun, hands-on learning experience! We enjoyed getting a firsthand look at their process and even trying our hand at a few steps along the way.

Thanks to the Apex team for welcoming us and showing us what goes into making their products right here in the Golden Triangle!

This week, we’re proud to spotlight CED - Starkville, a valued member of the GTR LINK TRUST!

Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Inc. (CED) is one of the nation’s largest electrical distribution networks, with more than 750 locations across 48 states. Since 1957, the company has built its business around service, integrity and reliability while empowering its local teams to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve.

Right here in the Golden Triangle, CED Starkville provides electrical products and solutions to support customers throughout our region.

We are proud to have CED Starkville as part of the GTR LINK TRUST and appreciate their investment in the continued growth and success of the Golden Triangle!