Top: Thomas McElroy, economic representative Cooperative Energy
Bottom left from left to right: Thomas McElroy, Economic Development Representative Cooperative Energy, Guy Johnson, Vice President Economic Development and Sustainability, Coast Electric, Obie McClure, Aerospace Development Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, Ron Barnes, President and CEO, Coast Electric and Coast Connect, Mitch Stringer, Director of Economic Development Cooperative Energy
Bottom right from left to right: Thomas McElroy, Economic Development Representative Cooperative Energy, Lori Watts, Executive Director Marion County Development Partnership, Matthew Ware, General Manager Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, Anthony Harris, Manager of Economic Development and Community Relations Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Cooperative Energy is proud to announce that two industrial properties have earned the prestigious SiteInvest Premier Property designation, highlighting their advanced readiness and strong potential for industrial development. This recognition positions these sites among the most competitive industrial properties in Mississippi and reflects Cooperative Energy’s ongoing commitment to driving economic growth across the state.
The 2025 honorees were selected following a rigorous evaluation led by third-party engineering firm Burns & McDonnell, as part of Cooperative Energy’s strategic initiative to enhance industrial property readiness.
2025 SiteInvest Premier Properties:
MS-98 Industry Plex North – Marion County
Port Bienville Industrial Park – Hancock County
These two newly designated properties join a select group of only six other sites recognized in 2024, further expanding Mississippi’s portfolio of top-tier industrial locations. Collectively, more than $50 million has been invested in SiteInvest Premier Properties to date, supported by Cooperative Energy’s Cooperative Competes grant program, the Mississippi Development Authority’s Site Development Program, state and federal site development support programs, and significant local contributions. These investments are advancing infrastructure, accelerating site readiness, and ensuring properties meet the standards required by today’s leading industries.
Launched in 2023, the SiteInvest program was created to elevate the competitiveness of industrial properties served by Cooperative Energy’s 11 Member electric cooperatives. The program complements broader economic development initiatives, including Cooperative Competes, which funds site improvements, workforce initiatives, and community development projects statewide.
“Achieving SiteInvest Premier Property status is an important milestone in positioning Mississippi as a destination for transformative industrial investment,” said Mitch Stringer, director of economic development at Cooperative Energy. “The significant financial resources committed to these sites demonstrate our partnership with state and local leaders to prepare communities for the next wave of economic opportunities.”
For additional information about the SiteInvest program and the SiteInvest Premier Properties, visit https://cooperativeenergy.com/economic-development/siteinvest/.
About Cooperative Energy
Cooperative Energy is the generation and transmission partner for 11 Member-owned electric distribution cooperatives. Known as the Power of 12, Cooperative Energy and its Member cooperatives work together to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power from the Mississippi Delta to the Coast. The 11 electric cooperatives own and maintain more than 58,000 miles of distribution lines and provide service to more than one million Mississippians throughout 55 counties.