2008 Governor's Cup Statewide Winners Announced
Contact: Jennifer Spann, Public Relations Manager 601.359.3449
jspann@mississippi.org
Jackson, Mississippi (July 24, 2009) – Metal Tech, Inc. of Gulfport and Entergy Mississippi, Inc. of Jackson are the 2008 statewide winners of the Governor's Cup Award. The winners were announced at this year's Mississippi Economic Development Council's awards banquet held July 23, 2009, in Biloxi, Miss.
"I am pleased to recognize the hard work and dedication of the 2008 statewide Governor's Cup Award recipients," Governor Haley Barbour said. "Metal Tech, Inc. and Entergy Mississippi, Inc. represent the finest in corporate citizenship and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens across the state."
The awards, sponsored by Mississippi Development Authority and Mississippi Economic Development Council, are one of the highest honors presented by the Governor. They recognize private sector businesses that have made a significant impact within their communities. This year, three small and three large businesses were honored. From these district winners, one small business and one large business are selected as statewide winners. Winners are judged in three areas: community involvement, economic impact and human resources. The statewide winner in each category was recognized and presented a Governor's Cup trophy along with a $5,000 match grant for the local nominating entity.
Metal Tech, Inc. of Gulfport, the statewide winner in the Small Business category (50 or fewer employees), specializes in custom welding, fabrication and machining of small batch jobs. Its custom steel parts are sold and shipped all over the nation in addition to the company's strong base of Mississippi customers and vendors. Metal Tech was nominated by the Harrison County Development Commission.
Metal Tech believes its greatest strength is its people. From the core group that started with the company in 1999, most are still employed there. The company strives to offer competitive wages, working conditions and benefits, as well as the opportunity for all employees to advance. Full medical and dental plans are available, and Metal Tech matches retirement contributions up to three percent per year.
Community involvement is inherent at Metal Tech. The company contributes both money and time to charitable organizations and schools across the Gulf Coast region. Metal Tech also participates in YouthBuild, a program that teaches at-risk high school students a valuable trade, while helping them obtain their GED certificate. Through the program, long-time employees of Metal Tech mentor young men with supervised workdays at the plant.
Entergy Mississippi, Inc., the statewide winner in the Big Business category (51 or more employees), has an impressive 86-year history in the state. Through the decades, the company has had a strong positive impact on the state's economy and its communities. Entergy Mississippi was nominated by the Hinds County Economic Development District.
The company spearheaded the development of Teamwork Mississippi, a program designed to spur economic growth by enhancing educational opportunities and improving the quality of life in the state. Over the last five years, Entergy Mississippi's economic development team has been instrumental in landing over 100 projects and creating over 16,000 new jobs in Mississippi.
Entergy Mississippi also gives back to the community via volunteerism and granting programs. Total charitable dollars donated to local causes routinely exceed $1 million annually, and employees volunteer for everything from Habitat for Humanity projects to serving as docents at the state's museums.
Lastly, the company takes an active interest in the welfare of its neediest customers. Entergy employees, shareholders, and customers fund Power to Care, which helps the elderly and disabled with their electricity bills during times of emergency. Employees, customers, and the company donated more than $350,000 to this fund in 2008.
For more information about the Governor's Cup Awards or other programs for businesses through the Mississippi Development Authority, visit www.mississippi.org.
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency. Nearly 300 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA's website at www.mississippi.org.
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