Tyler Provides Update On Multiple Projects

Tyler Provides Update On Multiple Projects

By David Howell

Editor

COFFEEVILLE – Yalobusha County Economic Develop-ment and Tourism District (EDTD) director Bob Tyler updated supervisors on multiple topics during the “first Monday” supervisor meeting last week in Coffeeville. Tyler first reported that Caterpillar Inc. factory in Oxford will close next year, putting 240 employees out of work. Tyler added that the county will reach out to the Yalobushians employed at the Oxford factory to help them find new employment.  

“We would like to establish an email and phone number to help those people get re-employed,” Tyler told supervisors, “We want them to know that this board cares about them.” 

The Oxford plant is one of five factories the equipment maker will close as the worldwide demand for mining and construction equipment continues to slow down. 

Other information shared by the economic development director included:

• A $300,000 appropriation to expand the Oak-land/Yalobusha Natural Gas District that is included in a bond bill is currently sitting on the governor’s desk awaiting his approval.  Tyler explained that Representative Tommy Reynolds (D-Water Valley) added the appropriation to the bond bill to extend natural gas service from the Oakland area south to Tillatoba. 

Governor Phil Bryant has until May 17 to sign the bond bill. If it is approved, Tyler said the funding will ultimately increase the number of customers on the gas line. He also said the expansion could give the district an opportunity to negotiate a lower rate based on increased volume in the future. 

• Reminded supervisors Ajinomoto Windsor is in the process of adding 57 jobs, with six of the positions high-level jobs, as part of the latest expansion.

• Reported work is underway to update the EDTD website.

• Reported that Blauer Inc. in Coffeeville now employees 20-plus workers at the Coffeeville factory. In a contract signed in 2015, supervisors required the plant to employee a minimum of 20 people as part of a 20-year lease-purchase agreement for the county-owned building that spans 86,600 square feet.

Blauer produces uniforms for law enforcement, fire/EMS and military communities in the U.S. It also offers a wide variety of shirts, pants, mid-layers, base-layers, safety vests, caps, jackets, accessories and footwear. Tyler said the company still plans to open a retail store at the Coffee-ville plant to sell seconds.

• Reported that discussion continues with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) to utilize the county-owned Multi-purpose Building in Coffeeville to host the North State Qualifier for the Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) in April, 2017. The facility has been used for two consecutive years to host students in north Mississippi in the archery tournament. Last month, more than 2,000 students along with coaches and parents traveled to Coffeeville for the tournament.

“Every year other cities, or counties try to get it,” Tyler explained about hosting the tournament.

•  Introduced Cathy Dickey as his new assistant.  

“She has been with us about five weeks now and she is excellent in office work and with the computer,” Tyler told supervisors.