The  Golden Triangle Development Link  hosted members of the Student Economic Development Association (SEDA) for a roundtable discussion with their senior staff, including CEO Joe Max Higgins. They learned how the region was able recruit almost 6,000 high-end manufacturing jobs and nearly 

$6 billion in investment. During their visit to the Golden Triangle, SEDA was able to participate in plant tours of PACCAR Engine, Steel Dynamics Inc, and Columbus Brick Company. Students were also able to tour the ESPN Broadcast Hub on the campus of Mississippi State University. 

The Student Economic Development Association is a student-led organization sponsored by the College of Business and Economic Development. SEDA gives graduate and undergraduate students pursuing careers in economic development opportunities to see first-hand the effects of economic development at the local, regional and national level. 

The Master of Science in Economic Development program received a Graduate Recruitment Assistance Grant from the USM Graduate School to explore academic partnerships with other universities without economic development programs. This proposal is for travel funding to visit potential feeder programs in Texas and discuss the establishment of joint programs. While at the Texas universities, there will be presentations to undergraduate classes and discussions with administrators.  MSED alumni from Texas will be invited to join the visit to the Texas universities. USM has already established a non- academic advanced economic development leadership program with The University of Alabama, Clemson University, and Texas Christian University.

By Jennifer Hooper, Graduate Assistant

Space

Grenada County commissioned The University of Southern Mississippi's College of Business and Economic Development and the Trent Lott National Center to conduct a  feasibility study . The data showed positive benefits of a new multi-sport complex for the region. This complex will provide an improved quality of life for citizens, increased tourism flow, and an enhanced tax base. The project was led by Dr. Sungsoo Kim, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Drs. Brandon Allen and Chris Croft, Sports Management. Economic Development Graduate Assistants Jennifer Hooper and Eric Wiggins aided by Dr. Shannon Campbell, Heather Brown, and Tasha May provided data for the lead researchers. The report was presented to local leaders and the data enabled them to make an informed decision to build a new multi-sport complex.