Entergy Mississippi names 2026 economic development grant winners

Nine communities in Entergy Mississippi's service area will receive the company's annual economic development grant to help boost business growth in their communities. The grants mark the 10th year of awards from the company's Excellerator Competitive Communities program. The program helps communities within Entergy's service area expand and attract new businesses and jobs.

This year, the program is granting $82,500 to recipients from Natchez. Inc, Cleveland-Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation, Hinds County Economic Development Authority, Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District, Pike County Economic Development District, Rankin First Economic Development Authority, and Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce. Entergy recognized the winners at a recent event in Greenwood.

"At a time when large companies are continuing to look at Mississippi for possible expansion of their businesses, these grants can help our communities highlight the things that make them a business-friendly option," said Ed Gardner, Entergy Mississippi vice president of business and economic development. "This year's recipients represent forward-thinking organizations that are strategically investing in their communities for future economic impacts. Entergy Mississippi is proud to partner with these communities to prepare for growth opportunities with quality jobs and tax revenues."

Over the past decade, the Excellerator program has awarded $752,500 to eligible Mississippi communities. The funds have assisted with strategic planning, site readiness and marketing materials.

The selected communities have the option to leverage the grant when applying for state or federal site development assistance programs. In addition to the grants, Entergy Mississippi's economic development team works with communities year-round in the 45 counties we serve to help prepare them for growth.

Learn more about Entergy Mississippi's economic development efforts at www.goentergy.com/our-region/mississippi/ .

Photo: Participants in the recent Excited event - Excellence in Team Economic Development - in Greenwood included, from left, Ed Gardner, Entergy Mississippi, vice president of business and economic development; Garrett Wright, executive director, Rankin First Economic Development Authority; Hannah Aguzzi, executive director, Cleveland-Bolivar Chamber of Commerce; Regina Todd, associate director, Rankin First Economic Development Authority; Thomas Gregory, executive director, Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation; Pablo Diaz, president & CEO, Vicksburg Warren Co. Chamber of Commerce; and Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. Natchez. Inc., Pike County Economic Development District, Washington County Economic Authority, Hinds County Economic Development Authority and Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District also received grants.

About Entergy Mississippi

Entergy Mississippi provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Mississippi is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy generates, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for more than 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're focused on keeping costs for our customers as low as possible while providing reliable energy that our communities count on. We're also investing in growth for the future with a more resilient, cleaner energy system that includes modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy generation. As a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at EntergyMississippi.com and connect with @EntergyMS on social media.

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