The Friendly City has been named one of the “Best Small Towns For Business In America” by American Express’ website, openforum.com. The article, written by Barry Moltz, lists Columbus third on the list, behind only Columbus, Ind., Ponca City, Okla. and Prescott, Ariz.
“With $4 billion of investment in the area, there has been a recent economic boom,” Moltz wrote. “There are 8,000 jobs in town that pay over $50,000 annually. The city is home to the Columbus Air Force Base which creates one-third of the nation’s pilots. With more than 3,000 military and civilian employees, the base has a local economic impact of $250 million per year.”
According to its annual report, the CAFB has a personnel roster of 2,997 and it pumped $140.2 million into the local economy through jobs and payroll. There are 1,520 military employees, 685 contract employees and 516 are civil service employees.
Annual expenditures contributed $83.2 million to the local economy through contracts, construction and other line item purchases. The three largest construction projects in 2011 were a $1.7 million design project supporting the upcoming MILICON project to rebuild the base’s center runway, a $1.1 million energy efficiency project and a $875,000 project to upgrade an electrical system.
“Looking at the construction generated by the base, this creates a huge slice of the pie mentioned in this article, “CAFB Public Information Officer Sonic Johnson said.
Columbus Main Street Manager Amber Murphree-Brislin praised the CAFB and other entities for their contributions in helping Columbus to receive the accolades.
“It’s always fantastic to be recognized, especially on a national level,” Murphree-Brislin said. “The article is a great acknowledgment not only for Downtown Columbus but for our entire community. We have an impressive mix of industry, community assets such as the CAFB, Mississippi University for Women, and retail here, and that really puts Columbus on the map when comparing us to other small towns. The fact that all of our businesses downtown are locally owned sets us apart also. This adds to the charm and quality that keeps people coming back, and in turn makes us one of the best small towns for business.”
The ranking comes just weeks after Columbus skyrocketed up The Micropolitan Statistical Areas Economic Strength Ranking by economic research firm Policom. It showed Columbus at number 46, up 10 ranking points from last year’s position at 57. Policom defines a micropolitan as containing an urbanized area with more than 10,000 people but less than 50,000.
Columbus is not the only city in the state receiving recognition from American Express. Oxford and Tupelo were also among those listed.
“I think it means great things for the economic development of the state,” Moltz said.
Jeff Clark was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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