Meridian is known as the “Strategic Center of the South” and serves as a regional hub for employment, retail, culture and health care for a 65-mile radius that covers not only Mississippi but also West Alabama.

Location, Transportation, Military

Meridian's location gives it access to Interstates 20 and 59, US Highways 11, 45 and 80, and State Highways 19, 39, 145 and 493, and the city has its own air transportation.

Meridian Regional Airport offers daily flights to Atlanta, Ga. and boards approximately 2,000 travelers a month. The airport is home to Key Field, the longest public-use runway in the state. Key Field houses Mississippi Air National Guard 186th Air Refueling Wing and Army National Guard 185th Army Aviation Support Facility. The city's largest employer is Meridian Naval Air Station.

Distribution and Manufacturing Companies

Mitchell Distributing, with headquarters in Meridian, is a family-owned distributor and wholesaler of Anheuser-Busch products.

Southern Pipe and Supply Company was founded in 1938, and serves as one of the nation's largest private-independent wholesalers of plumbing, heating and air-conditioning materials. Southern Pipe has locations in six other states, but is headquartered in Meridian. 

Van Zyverden Inc. began as a small business in the Netherlands. Today it is known as one of the world's largest wholesale flower bulbs distributors that ships hundreds of millions of bulbs to all states in the US and Canada.

Product manufacturing is a large contributor to East Mississippi's business climate. Products range from adhesive products and musical equipment to aeronautics and steel. Major manufacturers include Peavey Electronics, Avery Dennison, Structural Steel Services Inc., Magnolia Steel, Lockheed Martin, Atlas Roofing and Southern Cast Products.

Health-Care Employment

The health-care industry is one of many major players in the area's economic prosperity due to the number of facilities in the area that not only serve the community, but also employ many residents. Rush Hospital employs more than 2,000, East Mississippi State Hospital, 1,500, Riley Hospital has 915 employees, Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center with more than 700, and Alliance Health Center with 385 employees. 

Downtown Meridian

The Alliance for Downtown Meridian is dedicated to improvement and economic growth. Through plans, projects and programs, the association will support businesses, attract and sustain investments, and all the while encouraging tourism.

Loeb's department store is located in the downtown area. The store opened in 1887 and prides itself on providing quality merchandise in men's and ladies' apparel, formal rental options and tailoring services.

Malls in Meridian

Bonita Lakes Mall, which houses more than 100 stores and five major department stores, provides consumers with lots of shopping options. Specialty shops, restaurants, eateries and a theater are located on site. Meridian Crossroads, a recent development, sits on 375,000 acres of space where approximately 30 businesses reside.