Why Mississippi’s 3.6% unemployment rate isn’t the full picture of what businesses are facing
Mississippi Today
Sara DiNatale | August 29, 2022
When Ingalls Shipbuilding announced plans this summer to hire more than 2,000 workers, they put perks up front: day-one benefits, 12 paid holidays, and competitive pay. And don’t forget the on-site Chick-Fil-A. The company says it has invested nearly $1 billion in its local facility. “Attracting skilled workers is a top priority for Ingalls,” said spokesperson Kimberly Aguillard. “We are committed to finding and training the talent we need to build quality ships for our customers.”
Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen approves ad valorem tax increase
WLOX
Leslie Rojas | August 30, 2022
The city of Ocean Springs increased its ad valorem tax, making taxes higher for property owners. The Board of Aldermen approved a tax increase for property owners. It was a close decision with three out of seven board members voting against it. “The majority of the board saw what we were trying to do and believed in what we were trying to do, and we accomplished that. It’s kind of discouraging but we got through it, and I think it will be good for the citizens of Ocean Springs in the long term,” Mayor Kenny Holloway said.
Ingalls master shipbuilders pass on their knowledge to the next generation
WLOX
Bill Snyder | September 1, 2022
At the Haley Barbour Maritime Training Academy, the next generation of shipbuilders are just starting off in their careers. With a little luck, and a lot of effort, they could one day call themselves master shipbuilders, a title that was given to those with 40 years of experience in the yard working on all types of vessels. Donna Gardner is one of 27 master shipbuilders at Ingalls. She started her career back in 1982. “When I started working at Ingalls I didn’t intend to stay that long. But I got here, I loved it, I met a lot of great friends that became part of an extended family for me,” said Gardner, who is a third-generation shipbuilder.
HII Wins $42M Award for Lyndon B. Johnson Combat System Activation
USNI News
Sam LaGrone | August 29, 2022
Ingalls Shipbuilding was awarded a $41.6 million contract modification to begin the combat system activation of Zumwalt-class guided-missile destroyer Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002) in Mississippi, according to a Monday Pentagon announcement. The shipyard will provide, “temporary dock services and maintenance to the ship … to accomplish the combat systems availability (CSA) for DDG 1002,” reads the announcement “Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and is expected to be completed by October 2023.”
Moss Point native hopes 2% restaurant tax would improve recreational center
WLOX
Ja’Colbi Rivers | August 31, 2022
“It’s been looking the same for 20 years now. It’s time for a change,” said Coach Jonathan Berryman. Coach Jonathan Berryman coaches in Moss Point’s youth football league. He says a 2% restaurant tax could benefit the kids of Moss Point through remodeling of the recreation center. “Not just me; the community wants to see newer facilities,” said Berryman. “Updated facilities for something they can send their kids to, know its a safe place and know there’s nothing to worry about.”
Ocean Springs welcomes back popular downtown breakfast spot
Gulf Live
Warren Kulo | August 30, 2022
After an absence of more than two years, Buzzy’s is back. The popular downtown breakfast spot closed in early 2020, prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Mississippi, and remained closed until about two weeks ago, when new owner Rebecca Borries O’Keefe opened the doors to the public after two months of preparation.