Area Advantages
Advantages of a Columbia/Marion County Location
- A proven pro-business record in a low-cost operating area
- Ready-to-work workforce, drawn from 11 countries, with a proven work ethic since the 1930s
- Strategically located halfway between I-59 and I-55 to the east and west and I-20 and I-10 to the north and south with access to five seaports in a two-hour drive
- 40-minute drive to four universities and community colleges and within one hour of Stennis Space Center and Mississippi Polymer Institute
- Exceptional local cultural assets with close proximity to Metropolitan Statistical Areas
These advantages are just a glimpse of what makes Columbia and Marion County a smart choice for business. At the Marion County Development Partnership, we know this community—its people, its potential, and the power of partnership. Let us show you how we can work alongside you to help your industry grow and succeed here. For more information contact Lori Watts, lwatts@mcdp.info or call 601-736-6385.
Utilities
Infrastructure
Marion County Top 10 Business & Industry Employers
| COMPANY | NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES |
| T. L. Wallace Construction | 313 |
| Crown Health Care Laundry Services | 290 |
| Southern Tire Mart | 275 |
| Looks Great Services | 265 |
| Marion General Hospital | 131 |
| Deepwell Energy Services | 109 |
| MDR Construction | 101 |
| St. James Lighting | 85 |
| United Rentals | 80 |
| Helanbak | 35 |
Foundation Of Success
Columbia has a history of creative innovation when it comes to supporting businesses. This is why today, some of Mississippi's most successful companies call Columbia/Marion County home!
In 1931, Mayor Hugh White and the Chamber of Commerce developed the Columbia Plan to attract industry.
Success resulted in Columbia’s sales tax increasing by 26% while the state’s were decreasing by 32%.
White became Governor of Mississippi and based his economic growth plan, “Balance Agriculture With Industry (BAWI) on The Columbia Plan.
White and Chamber leaders became consultants to other communities.
The Columbia Plan and BAWI later became the basis for today’s Industrial Revenue Bonds and Mississippi created an image as “America’s No. 1 Economic Opportunity.”
Today, Columbia’s business community offers the same spirit of opportunity. Columbia, with a population of just over 7,500 is home to 5 of the Mississippi Business Journal’s top 100 companies and boasts a high ratio of companies grown by local entrepreneurs among its industrial base.