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Economic developers report positive signs of improving economy.

Article Excerpt
While significant job losses continue to be seen in manufacturing, there is a growing light at the end of the tunnel, say some economic developers in the state. Industrial recruitment activity is on the upswing, and some plants are calling back people who have been laid off.

"Yes, we are seeing promising signs the economy is improving," said Jimmy Heidel, executive director of the Vicksburg-Warren County Economic Development Foundation and a member of Governor-elect Haley Barbour's transition team. "In the past 10 days we have been working with three expansions and shortly we will announce another new industry in Vicksburg/Warren County. We have had a net gain of about 1,500 new jobs over the past year and a half."

Some companies are planning expansions and others are bringing back workers or shelving plans to close. Heidel said they have opportunities to get Vicksburg Chemical back on line. And Hebeler Corp., which had announced in September that it was going to close, has now indicated profits are up, and they are going to continue to operate.

"We're working nine industrial prospects right now," Heidel said. "So things have picked up pretty good over here. Yorozu Automotive Mississippi, one of Nissan's suppliers, originally planned to employ 140 people. But they are at 250 and growing because of additional contracts they have been able to secure. All those are positive, positive signs."

Heidel said it is too early to say what Barbour's focus will be in economic development. But according to his campaign, he plans to focus on workforce training and a more business friendly atmosphere in Mississippi.

"I think there are some things that can be done to improve the business climate." Heidel said. "I believe we will see...

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