Many of the state’s top developers call Jones County “one of Mississippi’s best kept industrial secrets.” While this may be true, the phrase doesn’t tell the whole story. If industrial space factors into the equation, the county should be at the forefront of major U.S. industries’ minds during the remainder of 2009.

The total industrial base for Jones County is approximately 1,500 acres, with at least one-third of the space occupied by progressive businesses, said Mitch Stennett, executive director of Jones County Economic Development Authority. The space is distributed within several public and one private industrial parks spread throughout the county. These include the Howard Technology Industrial Park, Tech Park South, Laurel Airport Industrial Park, Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Business Park, Greater Laurel Industrial Park and Interstate Industrial Park.

Stennett said calls come in from across the nation from businesses and consultants asking about Jones County, with an eye on future relocation. Unlike some of the state’s counties with a scarcity of industrial parks or whose space is filled, Jones County is equipped to handle future growth.

Stennett said the biggest challenge Jones County faces is overcoming the fears of U.S. businesses that have put the brakes on investing in a new operation during the economic downturn. All that is needed is for the U.S. to recover from the current recession, a step he believes will enable industries to move ahead with expansion plans.

“The first part of 2009 was slow in terms of actual prospects who were seriously considering relocating or expanding their business operations,” said Stennett. “I believe the negative climate that’s been fostered by the national media has had a major impact on the mindset of many large businesses. As the economy improves and businesses re-energize, I believe our industrial parks will fill up and more businesses will locate in Jones County.”

Managing Jones County’s growth requires comprehensive planning that includes determining where businesses should locate, said Stennett. He understands that fostering the right type of growth and overseeing the appropriate use of land is crucial to the continued expansion of the county’s industrial sector.

“Despite the slow economy, we still get calls from those who, through their research of the top areas of the U.S., know what we have to offer and are interested in this part of the state,” said Stennett. “Our challenge is overcoming their reservations and marketing all of the positive aspects of doing business in Jones County.”

Factors that often appeal to prospects when considering Jones County include the area’s “small town” livability coupled with easy access to major cities, Stennett said. Jones County Community College’s presence in the county, along with the strong reputation of South Central Regional Medical Center, are two additional attractions that contribute to the county’s qualify of life.

Stennett said a key industrial feature is a project-ready site at the Howard-Tech Industrial Park in Ellisville. The first of its kind in the state when created, the site is equipped with fiber optic cables, water and sewer lines and other amenities that consume a great deal of start-up time.

“It’s a good situation to be in when your industrial parks are located throughout the county, space is available and the adjacent area is easy to market,” he said. “Jones County is poised and ready for additional growth. Our hope is the economy will improve and we can attract additional businesses that are interested in relocating.”

While Stennett plans for the expansion of large industries, Donna Williams has been busy helping smaller businesses fill the growing retail and service needs of the area. Williams, who oversees all Chamber of Commerce activities, said the growth of the county’s downtown and outlying retail areas has been strong in the first half of 2009.

“Our retail growth has been tremendous so far in 2009,” Williams said. “Both Laurel and Ellisville have obtained new service-oriented, food, clothing and accessory businesses at a steady pace.”

Williams said many businesses, when considering opening or expanding their business, ask the Chamber’s assistance in determining what type of business is needed in a particular city. A broad mix of specialty stores is rapidly filling voids, she said.

“We are growing to the point that area residents can find just about everything they need right here,” she said. “That is good news for any city and serves to attract even more businesses who want to be part of that growth.”

New businesses that have opened or expanded in Laurel since January include: Shammiz Design and Construction, Community Bank, Rue 21, Mimi’s Bridal, Subway, Precious Cuts and Design, Erin & Company, Jan’s Consignment Shop, Glamorous, Paulette’s, Dana Lee’s Restaurant and Catering, Angie’s Handbags and Accessories, City Home Center, Unlimited Dreams, Torrea’s Hair & Fashions, Fireflies and Fairy Tales and Children’s Shoppe, First Impressions, Elegant Nails and Spa, Zax’s Grill, Rumor Has It and Hot Spots. New businesses currently under construction include Murphy’s Oil and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Ellisville’s new or expanded businesses are Rocky Creek Outdoors, Bancorp South and O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. A new Dollar General store opened in March near Moselle, Williams said.