Rankin County celebrated a significant milestone as the Mississippi Mud Monsters took the field for their inaugural game at Trustmark Park. As a new addition to the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league and an official MLB Partner League, the Mud Monsters are bringing a fresh wave of excitement and economic opportunity to the… Read more

Rankin First recently had the pleasure of celebrating a major milestone in regional transportation and economic development at the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s (JMAA) “Boots & Blues” event. The occasion marked the official launch of Southwest Airlines’ new daily nonstop flight from Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) to Nashville, Tennessee. Hosted by JMAA… Read more

Rankin County’s commitment to building a resilient, skilled workforce was on full display during the recent Work Ready Symposium, where workforce leaders from across Mississippi gathered to discuss the future of talent development. Held as part of the ACT Work Ready Communities initiative, the symposium focused on strategies for equipping emerging workers, upskilling current employees,… Read more

Big things are on the horizon for Rankin County as Sullivan’s Marketplace officially breaks ground in Brandon. The highly anticipated grocery store will bring fresh food options to the 39042 area and is set to make a lasting impact by spotlighting Mississippi-grown products and supporting local farmers and businesses. The new development reflects Rankin County’s… Read more

Rankin First proudly celebrates two outstanding leaders, Tom Troxler and Regina Todd, for their achievements at the 2025 Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC) Legislative Conference. Their recognition reflects not only personal excellence but the strength and dedication of the entire Rankin County economic development team. Tom Troxler Receives Honorary Lifetime Membership Tom Troxler, Executive Director… Read more

At the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership’s Annual Meeting, we had the privilege of celebrating a moment that was both deeply personal and profoundly significant for Rankin County. Tom Troxler, longtime Executive Director of the Rankin First Economic Development Authority, was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award a recognition that reflects decades of service, vision,… Read more

A major investment is taking shape in Rankin County as Ergon Inc. breaks ground on a nearly 95,000 square foot headquarters expansion that will bring more than 200 new jobs to the region. This milestone not only marks another chapter in Ergon’s remarkable legacy but also signals continued economic momentum for our community. Founded in… Read more

One of the biggest announcements of the 2025 economic development year in Mississippi could come in the first quarter. The project, which could be valued at more than $1 billion, is expected to take place in Rankin County, where 2025 is expected to have major developments throughout the year. “We obviously can’t talk about the… Read more

Governor Tate Reeves and AccelerateMS, in collaboration with the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program (MAP), the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District is excited to announce two transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening Mississippi’s workforce: the Mississippi Apprenticeship Accelerator (MAA) and Mississippi Reconnect. These programs will play a critical role in closing skills… Read more

The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) is thrilled to announce the addition of a new nonstop flight between Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) beginning on April 8th, 2025. “Since Southwest’s highly anticipated return to Jackson in 2021, Mississippians have enjoyed more nonstop flight options, including direct flights from Jackson to… Read more