Jackson Free Press

Gov. Phil Bryant announced at MEC Capital Day on Thursday that Mississippi won the http://businessfacilities.com/2017/01/mississippi-lands-business-facilities-2016-deal-of-the-year/">Business Facilities’ 2016 Economic Development Deal of the Year for sealing the deal with Continental Tire, which is set to open a tire plant outside of Clinton in Hinds County.

“To be chosen as the top recipient of Business Facilities’ 2016 Economic Development Deal of the Year national competition is a great honor for the state, the Mississippi Development Authority, Hinds County and the numerous individuals who worked tirelessly to bring Continental to Hinds County,” said Bryant said in an MDA press release. “This award confirms the state’s position as one of the top destinations for business and is something in which all Mississippians should take pride. I appreciate the team at Business Facilities for recognizing our efforts with this top honor.”

Bryant called a special legislative session last year to ram through the incentives package that brought Continental Tire to Mississippi in the first place. Continental invested $1.45 billion in the state, and eventually, the plant is supposed to create 2,500 jobs over the next decade. The state spent over $600 million in bonds and tax breaks to bring the German-based tire manufacturer to Hinds County, http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2016/feb/06/ap-analysis-continental-tire-deal-incentives-600-m/">an AP analysis shows.

Bryant is a fan of tax cuts to bring in economic development projects. At the Jackson Marriott on Thursday, he reiterated his dedication to tax incentives to bring development and jobs to the state.

"Without tax incentives we've offered companies, they would not be here," Bryant told business leaders on Thursday.

http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2016/jun/29/continental-tire-open-100-jobs-2018/">The Hinds County tire plant will open with 100 jobs in 2018, but currently, the company is issuing contracts for development of the almost 1,000-acre plot. http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2016/oct/12/continental-conservation-excavation-and-new-hires/">Mississippi companies are strongly encouraged to apply, but any company can bid on the contracts.