City of Greenville, Mississippi | |
Mayor Errick D. Simmons Announces Partnership with the City of Greenville and Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance, Inc. | |
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The City of Greenville, with a majority vote from the Greenville City Council, has entered into a 20-year lease with Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance, Inc. (GKAM) for the use of Hangar 450 at Greenville Mid-Delta Airport. GKAM is a subsidiary of the Kearns Group, an international aerospace company. GKAM’s services will include maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for both military and commercial customers. Ronnie Kearns brings decades of experience to Greenville Mid-Delta Airport.
“This $15 million investment and partnership with Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance (GKAM) at Greenville Mid-Delta Airport will be a major economic driver for the entire Delta region,” said Errick Simmons, Mayor of Greenville. “This administration’s prioritization of the airport will permanently improve our economic competitiveness in aviation and aerospace in a way that our community has never seen before. Special thanks to the Greenville City Council, Airport Director Sam Washington, South Delta Planning and Development District, and the Washington County Economic Alliance for their collective efforts in getting this deal done.”
“I thank Mayor Errick D. Simmons and the Greenville City Council for their vote to approve a lease agreement with Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance to bring a high-quality MRO to the Greenville Mid-Delta Airport,” said Airport Director Sam Washington. “This venture will be the springboard for other similar business ventures and will begin the path towards self-sufficiency for the Greenville Mid-Delta Airport. Thanks also to the entire team who has worked tirelessly on this project for the past three years.”
In support of this project, Greenville City Council also voted to approve a $15M industrial revenue bond to renovate Hangar 450. This bond will be used to bring Hangar 450 back up to Department of Defense specifications, which will allow GKAM to operate inside the hangar. The Greenville City Council entered an order approving Raymond James & Associates for underwriting services and Tray Hairston of Butler Snow for bond counsel services in relation to a $15 million Airport bond for this project.
“This is a great day for not just Greenville, but the entire MS Delta. As Executive Director of the planning and development district for six counties and thirty-five municipalities; the investment that the City of Greenville and Kearns Group is making will be a catalyst for employment and development. This is what economic development is about: changing livelihoods for generations,” says Tommy Goodwin.
"The Kearns Group, LLC and its partners would like to thank the City of Greenville for the opportunity to bring Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance, Inc. to Greenville Mid-Delta Airport,” said Ronnie Kearns, CEO of GKAM. “We are very grateful to be able to partner with this city and this community to form a strong working relationship that will help us grow together. We look forward to being a part of the future of this community."
“To bring life back to the hangars at Greenville Mid-Delta Airport is an amazing moment for our community,” said Will Coppage, Executive Director of the Washington County Economic Alliance. “This announcement is the result of years of work by numerous stakeholders and our client Ronnie Kearns of GKAM. GKAM is the ideal tenant, who we can now leverage to attract further tenants that will strengthen our growing aerospace cluster. I thank the City of Greenville for their investment in this project and faith in the WCEA.”
Greenville’s investment in Hangar 450, and partnership with GKAM, will give Greenville Mid-Delta Airport a competitive edge in attracting more aerospace companies to the region.
In support of GKAM, Mississippi Delta Community College is hosting Aviation Sheet Metal and Repair courses at the Capps Center and Greenville Mid-Delta Airport. To register for this free course, contact The Capps Center at (662) 887-2876. For additional information, please contact Nikki Landrum in the Mayor’s Office at 662-378-1501.
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Colorado Expansion Project Moves Forward |  | |
At a regularly scheduled City Council meeting held on May 17, 2022, Mayor Simmons broke the tie in favor of the Colorado Street Medical Expansion Project to move forward at a total estimated cost of $7 million dollars. The project is a collaboration of the city, county, state, and local hospital. The City agreed to fund the project with a five year bank qualified tax exempt loan of $2.5 million, with the county paying $2 million, leveraging $2.5 million in state funds, for a total of $7 million. Mayor Simmons has signed the Notice to Award with Hemphill Construction.
Mayor Errick Simmons Statement:
"This multi-million dollar project has an infrastructure component as well as a healthcare and economic development component that will transform the provision of healthcare and other medical services for Greenville and the Mississippi Delta. A special thanks to Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Speaker Philip Gunn, State Senator Derrick Simmons, State Representatives John Hines and Willie Bailey for the state funds. Thanks are also in order to the Greenville City Council and the Washington County Board of Supervisors for the local funds to make this project a reality."
Scott Christensen, Chief Executive Officer, Delta Health System Statement:
"On behalf of Delta Health System, I would like to thank the Washington County Supervisors, Greenville City Council, Representative Hines, Representative Bailey and Senator Simmons for the concerted effort to secure funding for Colorado Street extension. As our health system continues to grow, it is refreshing to work with local leaders who can come together, see healthcare as an economic engine, a catalyst for our community, and do everything they can to support our hospital. I would put our healthcare providers and team up against anyone in the state and I thank our local leaders for having our backs in a challenging industry - building something to last beyond ourselves for generations, doing their part to support local businesses and the largest employer with existing and new infrastructure."
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Mayor Simmons Attends the Grand Opening of the Mississippi Delta Small Business Development Center | |
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Mayor Errick D. Simmons joined Gene Finley of CompuRecycling, Sharon Nichols of Ole Miss, Carl McGee of Washington County Board Of Supervisors, State Senator Derrick Simmons, and other Delta-area mayors, city, county, and state elected officials and community leaders at the grand opening of the Mississippi Delta Small Business Development Center in Greenville. The Delta’s Small Business Development Center will serve 10 counties and various cities and towns in the Mississippi Delta.
Mayor Simmons states, “Supporting our small businesses is critical to building sustainable communities. Thanks to Biden-Harris Administration and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson for the support of small businesses in the Delta and this country. We salute our local champion, Gene Finley, for all of his work on this project.”
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The Sportsman Association of Bass Angler's 3-Day Bass Fishing Tournament | |
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Angler’s Paradise is what they call the many lakes around Greenville, Mississippi.
Anglers from around the country finished a 3-Day Bass Fishing Tournament over Memorial Day Weekend 2022 in Greenville.
Mayor Errick D. Simmons thanks the City of Greenville, Washington County, corporate, and other sponsors and supporters of this great recreation fishing event.
This tournament brought anglers from California, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, Florida, Missouri, Colorado, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Louisiana.
SABBA donated $5,000 back to the community.
Mayor Simmons states, “There is an abundance of water in and around Greenville filled with championship caliber fishing and fun. Folks from around the world come here to catch the best fish and have the most fun. We welcome these anglers.”
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Mayor’s Health Council’s “Health is Wealth 6” was huge success with several health care vendors.
Mayor Errick D. Simmons thanks Remelda Lewis, Mayor’s Health Council’s coordinator, Delta Health Center, Plan A, Morlina Health, MS Department of Human Services, and all health care vendors that served our folks from Greenville and surrounding cities and towns.
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The GSA Federal Courthouse Small Business Outreach Meeting | |
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Mayor Errick D. Simmons thanks Chief Federal Judge of the Northern District of Mississippi Judge Debra Brown, GSA representatives, staff at Mayor’s Office, and local small businesses and clergy for participating in Small Business Outreach Meeting for subcontracting opportunities for New Federal Courthouse Project.
Stay tuned for more small businesses outreach opportunities.
“This New Federal Courthouse Project is a legacy project that will change the face of Greenville for decades. It must have our local participation, especially from our small businesses, in the building of our future”, said Mayor Simmons.
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The Mighty Mississippi Stamp Dedication | |
Two Mayor's Youth Council Members Receive the FORDward Scholarship | |
Congratulations are in order for two members of the Mayor’s Youth Council, A’mariah McCray and Kiara Marsalis. They received the FORDward Scholarship during their class night. Congratulations ladies! | |
Mayors of MRCTI, The Soy Transportation Coalition, and The Port of South Louisiana Hold a Virtual Press Conference to Urge U.S. Policymakers Promote Food Security Issues to a Higher Priority | |
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Mayors of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, the Soy Transportation Coalition, and the Port of South Louisiana held a virtual press conference today to urge U.S. policymakers promote food security issues to a higher priority. Intersecting impacts from the Ukraine War, climate stress, geopolitical shifts in energy production, and global supply chain disruptions are colluding to amplify food security considerations. Joining the group to offer insight on these current issues and discuss U.S. food stability was Scott Gerlt, economist for the American Soybean Association.
MRCTI Co-Chair and Mayor Errick D. Simmons states:
“The global commodity supply chain and manufacturing economy is the largest economy on the Mississippi River influencing the competitiveness of most of our cities along the entire ten-state corridor and larger 31-state Mississippi River Basin. My city, in the heart of the Mississippi River Delta, faces food insecurity every day. We are here to move beyond the rhetoric and outline for our policymakers the facts on the ground and recommendations for addressing food security through 2022 and into 2023.”
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The City of Greenville Mayor's Youth Council Seniors Were Presented with Graduation Stoles | |
Mayor Errick D. Simmons would like to congratulate all graduating seniors for their hard work and dedication throughout the school year. A special shout out goes to the seniors of the Mayor’s Youth Council. The City of Greenville wishes each of you well and wants you to know that all your dreams can come true if only you have the courage to pursue them. The sky is the limit! | |
The Mayor’s office participated in Weddington Elementary School’s College and Career Fair. The students were very attentive and asked many questions. We hope that they received the information they needed to continue their education paths. We hope to have guided some to further their education by attending a college or trade school. The sky is the limit! | |
The Divine 9 Greek Picnic | |
The 2022 Divine 9 Greenville Greek Picnic was a great “community-unity” event filled with fun, fellowship, and community service. Mayor Errick D. Simmons thanks all event organizers and sponsors. | |
The Washington County Work Ready Association, The Washington County Economic Alliance, Simmons & Simmons Law Firm, and The City of Greenville Partner to Offer an Expungement Clinic | |
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The Washington County Work Ready Association (WCWRA), the Washington County Economic Alliance (WCEA), and the City of Greenville partnered to offer an Expungement Clinic in Washington County. The Clinic was held Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Washington County Convention Center. There was a turnout of nearly 100 individuals who participated in the clinic.
Mayor Errick D. Simmons statement:
“It is the “re-entry” position of this administration that it is about the skills to do the job not about the ills of one’s past. The City of Greenville strongly supports continuing to build on investments in reentry programs that prioritize employment, housing, training, and other services formerly incarcerated Mississippians need to have a real second chance. These types of long-term investments will yield considerable dividends for Mississippi’s cities and towns in increased public safety, stronger local businesses, and more resilient economies.”
“These records create barriers for deserving residents,” said Washington County Economic Alliance director, Will Coppage. “Career opportunities have been hindered for many individuals in our community who have been justice touched. This clinic provided a pathway for those looking to remove those barriers and find employment or workforce training opportunities.”
Angelica Motton states, "Yesterday was a great day for Washington County. Strong collaboration between the City of Greenville, Washington County WorkReady Association, and Washington County Economic Alliance allows amazing opportunities like this for citizens to have a second chance. It is indeed a great pleasure to serve my community.”
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Ward 6 Councilman James Wilson Honors Mothers in Ward 6 for Mother's Day | |
Mayor Errick D. Simmons salutes Ward 6 Councilman James Wilson for honoring mothers in Ward 6 with a special meal. | |
The Southern Municipal Conference | |
Mississippi Municipal League President Mayor Errick D. Simmons, 1st Vice President Greenwood Mayor Carolyn McAdams, 2nd Vice President Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker, and MML staff attended the Southern Municipal Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas. | |
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Mayor Errick D. Simmons salutes the Local Organizing Committee, Councilwoman Lois Hawkins, Sons and Daughters of the Elk’s Lodge, and the staff at the Mayor’s Office for a great Disaster Awareness and Preparation Town Hall.
Mayor Simmons states, “We as one must prepare for before natural disasters arrive at our front doors. Being prepared in creating CERT teams in the community is one of many things we can do to save ourselves.”
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The Way Church Hosts a Bible, Basketball, and Barbecue Park Event | |
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Mayor Errick D. Simmons thanks The Way Church for hosting a B,B,& B (Bible, Basketball, and Barbecue) Park event. All children and adults were invited to Thomas Park for free food, fun, and entertainment. The Greenville Fire Department gave the children a ride on Lil Red and brought out Sparky the Fire Dog. The Greenville Police Department also brought out their mascot, McGruff the Crime Dog. Everyone who participated enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to more fun community events!
Statement from Councilwoman Lois Hawkins:
It was nice to see everyone come out for some wholesome fun! The children (and adults) really enjoyed it. The event was good for the community. We thank The Way Church for putting on a wonderful event.
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The 18th Annual
YMCA Cotton Classic
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The 18th Annual YMCA Cotton Classic was so much fun. Mayor Errick D. Simmons thanks all participants, organizations and corporate sponsors for making this event a success. He also thanks the Mayor’s Youth Council for volunteering at the water stations. Next year, Mayor Simmons challenge more citizens, businesses, civic and social organizations to participate. | |
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Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative Co-Chair Mayor Errick D. Simmons join MRCTI staff for a meeting at White House and congressional meetings with key stakeholders regarding the SMRT Act, earmarks, and technical assistance for Jobs Act grants. There were also meetings with Sustainable Agriculture and WWF regarding continued partnership on the work.
Mayor Simmons attended the Ducks Unlimited Capital Dinner in Washington, DC as honored guest. The President of Ducks Unlimited acknowledged and honored him and Co-Chair Mayor Jim Strickland of Memphis as leaders in DU work with MRCTI in front on over 20 members of Congress and hundreds of special guests from across the nation.
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The Mayor's Youth Council Visits The University of Southern Mississippi | |
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The Mayor’s Youth Council juniors and seniors traveled to Hattiesburg to participate in a college tour at the The University of Southern Mississippi. College tours allow students to ask questions, meet other prospective students, and understand the college on a deeper level. Applying to college is a complex process and visits to campuses can serve students best if they use them as a research tool. A small investment in time now can save significant time, money, and hassles during the college application period.
Statement from Milly Florian, a senior at O’Bannon High School:
Thanks to Mayor Errick D. Simmons and Marketta Landrum for giving us this opportunity. The visit was very informative. I learned that there are a lot of perks tied into the tuition we pay to attend college. You get free admission to sporting events, access to workout facilities, etc. The campus was huge and I like USM a lot!
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