Hattiesburg ranked #1 in MS for job growth

HATTIESBURG, MS. - The city of Hattiesburg is ranked number 1 in the state for job growth according to the Area Development Partnership (ADP). Hub-city continues to grow with multiple companies opening in the city.

ADP President Chad Newell says between May of 2016 to May 2017 greater Hattiesburg has netted 1,700 jobs in the market.

Newell says the ADP owes it all to Hub-city's diverse economy. “We are comprised of healthcare, military, we have a strong manufacturing base, a booming service sector, with over $300 billion a year with retail sales.”

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics Hattiesburg is ranked 68th in the nation for job growth.

"We are a job growth leader here in the Gulf South, and we have so many new projects under construction that will continue to lead to additional jobs" says Newell.

Projects that are growing in Hattiesburg include:

• $35 million Midtown District which entails a boutique hotel, lofts and retail

• $300 million worth of solar farms under construction

• $100 million manufacturing facility by Sofidel of America

• $23 million expansion of Regions Bank's Mortgage Operations Center

Newell says, "Companies are looking for areas that are growing in population and growing in jobs.” The 1,700 jobs is a 2.7% increase. The ADP hopes that percent continues to grow.

ADP Board Chair Evan Dillard says, "The Board of the ADP is a group of business people who volunteer their time and services to assist Chad and the ADP in marketing and re-energizing companies here in the Pine Belt area.”

"What is good for Perry, Lamar, and Forrest counties is really good for everyone in the region. We work very hard as a group from all backgrounds to make that happen for the ADP" Dillard says.