“This is a great day for DeSoto County and north Mississippi as Five Below opens its distribution facility and creates new job opportunities for the area’s workers,” Governor Bryant said. “North Mississippi is a prime location for companies that need easy distribution access to markets around the country, and I am pleased to officially welcome Five Below to our state.”

Five Below CEO and co-founder Tom Vellios believes Olive Branch serves as an excellent location for the distribution center and plans to increase hires by the end of 2013.

“DeSoto County has already proven to be a great place to do business, and we’d like to thank Governor Bryant and all state and local officials for their support in preparing our new distribution center to open for business,” said Tom Vellios, CEO and co-founder of Five Below.

“This location will be crucial to the growth of our company as we expand our presence to new western markets. We’re happy to report that we’re fully staffed and have everyone in place to make this distribution center a success, though we will likely look to add additional associates in the fourth quarter of this year,” said Vellios.

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project for recruiting, training, equipment freight and installation, relocation expenses or other activities related to the company locating in Olive Branch.

“We are happy to have been able to assist Five Below with its location to Mississippi, and we are grateful to the company for its investment in Mississippi and in our workforce,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “MDA congratulates Five Below and our partners in DeSoto County on this exciting occasion.”

Five Below is a leading retailer of extreme-value merchandise – priced between $1 and $5 – for the teen and pre-teen markets. The company’s dynamic assortment of merchandise ranges from sporting goods, fashion accessories and jewelry, bath and body products, room décor and storage to stationery and school supplies, video game accessories, books and seasonal items. For more information, visit www.fivebelow.com.

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Gov. Bryant has made expanding Mississippi’s energy economy a top priority for his administration, and the bills are part of his comprehensive energy development strategy, Energy Works: Mississippi’s Energy Roadmap. His Energy Works initiatives include increasing energy efficiency in state government, reducing barriers to energy production and developing opportunities in the energy supply chain.

“These measures will empower state agencies to implement energy management plans that can lower energy usage and lead to cost savings,” Gov. Bryant said. “We are also adopting statewide commercial energy building codes and providing a mechanism for municipalities and school districts to utilize alternative fuel vehicles in their fleets.

“These new energy policies have the potential to save significant taxpayer dollars and increase Mississippi’s competitiveness. As we work to attract new industries, these measures will further position our state as leader in the energy sector.”

Legislation signed into law includes:
HB 1296 Mississippi Energy Sustainability and Development Act
Restructures and provides direction for the state’s energy office, the Mississippi Development Authority’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (MDA ENR) and provides the office with the tools to promote the state’s energy resources and encourage greater energy efficiency within state agencies.
HB 1281 Energy Efficiency Standards for Commercial Buildings
Increases the energy code standard for commercial buildings to meet the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1-2010 standard. Mississippi is the first state in the Southeast, and the third state in the U.S., to adopt the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 code standard for commercial buildings.
HB 1266 Enhanced Building Codes for State-Owned Buildings
Requires all major facility projects overseen by the Department of Finance and Administration for State-owned buildings to be constructed to the ASHRAE 90.1-2010 standard.
HB 1685 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Revolving Loan Fund
Creates a $2.75 million zero-interest revolving loan fund, to be administered by MDA ENR, which will allow municipalities and school districts to borrow funds at no interest for the cost of purchasing or converting vehicles to natural gas or propane and for the cost of infrastructure required in the fueling process.

“Managing taxpayer dollars more effectively through efficient use of existing state buildings, higher design standards for new state facility projects, and alternative fuel vehicles will free up funding better spent on other state priorities,” said Karen Bishop, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Energy and Natural Resources Division.

“Adopting statewide commercial energy building codes for new construction and major renovations saves money, improves and standardizes building practices in commercial design and construction, and provides Mississippians more comfortable, energy-efficient buildings. Governor Bryant’s leadership is developing Mississippi’s energy sector, saving money, and using common-sense solutions to make our state more energy efficient,” said Bishop.

To learn more about energy initiatives in Mississippi, visit www.mississippi.org/energy-works.

To learn more about the benefits of a Mississippi location, visit www.mississippi.org/locate-in-mississippi/.

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“I appreciate Natron Wood Products for choosing to locate its new operations in Louisville and for creating a significant number of jobs for the area’s workers,” Governor Bryant said. “I know our dedicated workforce, coupled with Mississippi’s strong business climate, will help ensure the company’s success in Winston County.”

Natron Wood Products’ new Mississippi facility will produce specialty plywood products, such as plywood overlay panels, which are commonly referred to as Medium Density Overlay (MDO) and High Density Overlay (HDO). The panels are used primarily in large vertical and horizontal concrete structures and other residential and commercial construction applications. The facility will also produce high-grade marine plywood and sanded plywood products.

“We are really excited to be in a business-friendly state such as Mississippi, and we have enjoyed building a relationship with Mayor Will Hill and the citizenry of the city of Louisville,” said Natron Wood Products Owner Richard McDougal. “We look forward to the opportunity to expand our operations here, and we are committed to being a positive partner in the community for years to come.”

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) provided assistance in support of the project through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Appalachian Regional Commission for modifications and upgrades to the publicly-owned building.

“We are grateful to Natron Wood Products for recognizing Mississippi is a great place to do business and for revitalizing the former Georgia Pacific manufacturing facility,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “MDA thanks our partners in Winston County and the City of Louisville for their support of this project, and we wish the company years of success in Mississippi.”

Natron Wood Products operates as Jasper Wood Products in Jasper, Ore., where the company has been in business for more than 20 years. There, the company produces a number of timber products, including marine plywood, millworks, plyform for heavy concrete pours and interior and exterior fire retardant treating. For more information, please visit www.jasper-wood-products.com.

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“Mississippi has been ranked a top location for oil and gas investment internationally and this severance tax reduction builds upon our already strong positioning among the most competitive states in the nation when it comes to attracting companies that explore and develop shale plays,” Governor Bryant said. “It positions our state as a top contender for significant company investments and job creation in this market sector. Mississippi’s low tax rate structure and business friendly environment make the state an ideal location for companies investing in oil and gas exploration, as well as the service and supply companies that contribute to those plays.”

This bill will reduce the severance tax from 6 percent to 1.3 percent, a reduction of almost 80 percent, for oil and gas extracted from horizontally drilled wells for a period of 30 months or until the payout of the well. The legislation applies to all qualified horizontally drilled wells between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2018.

While there are several geologic formations in Mississippi with significant potential for oil and gas production using horizontal drilling, one in particular is quickly drawing attention and investment to the state. The emerging Tuscaloosa Marine Shale development in southwest Mississippi is projected to produce a very high-quality oil at substantial quantities. Experts anticipate that once full-scale production commences, the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale will be one of the most active shale plays in the United States. Several companies are currently undergoing preliminary drilling tests in the play, working to refine the extraction techniques appropriate for the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale.

Oil and gas developments using horizontal drilling technology, such as the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, can help reduce the country’s dependence on foreign sources, increase its domestic energy supply, lower costs and create thousands of high-paying jobs that will positively impact local communities.

“Recognizing the fierce competition for capital dollars in the U.S. onshore energy marketplace, Mississippi’s leaders have taken a bold step in better positioning the state to capture the benefits of the American energy renaissance relative to tight oil and shale gas,” said Lem Smith, director of U.S. Government and Regulatory Affairs for Encana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc.

“Technological advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have led the way in enabling the nation to be less dependent upon foreign oil sources, and formations like the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale in southwest Mississippi stand to benefit from this new, targeted and carefully-crafted tax policy,” said Smith.

Governor Bryant tasked the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) with executing his strategies for energy-related economic development. MDA promotes the state’s energy-related economy utilizing four targeted approaches: Responsible Resource Exploration and Extraction; Energy-Intensive Industry Recruitment; Energy Systems Component Manufacturing; and Biomass Development.

“The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale in southwest Mississippi has the potential to provide remarkable opportunities for the region’s residents and the state as a whole. The passage of the severance tax reduction bill will help attract corporate investment, support economic growth and spur job creation throughout the region,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “I thank Governor Bryant and the State Legislature for taking steps to improve our competitiveness and aggressively recruit new energy development and investment to this state.”

This severance tax reduction is one of several laws enacted under Governor Bryant’s landmark energy legislation in 2013. To learn more about energy initiatives in Mississippi, please visit http://www.mississippi.org/energy-works. To learn more about the benefits of a Mississippi location, please visit http://www.mississippi.org/locate-in-mississippi/.

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Roxul Inc. announced the new manufacturing operation in June 2012 and is locating its 600,000-squre foot production facility in the Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park in Byhalia. The facility is creating 150 jobs and represents a $160 million corporate investment.

“The state of Mississippi is proud that Roxul chose to locate in Marshall County, and we appreciate the company’s strong belief in our citizens and their work ethic,” Gov. Bryant said. “This will be a cutting-edge facility that will be environmentally friendly, result in high-paying jobs and produce a high-end product. We like to say that ‘Mississippi Works,’ and this outstanding manufacturing operation will illustrate that to the world on many levels.”

Roxul Inc. is a part of Denmark-based Rockwool International, the world’s leading producer of stone wool. Stone wool is a fiber-based insulation made from natural stone and recycled content.

“Rockwool and Roxul are delighted to be locating and constructing our first United States plant and believe this will enable us to meet the growing demand for our stone wool insulation product,” said Roxul Inc. President Trent Ogilvie. “We analyzed several possible sites in the southeastern United States, and the State of Mississippi and Marshall County provided us the optimal site. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance for the project through the Mississippi Industry Incentive Financing Revolving Fund for site preparation, as well as assistance for road improvements and workforce training. Additionally, Marshall County Commission provided assistance for infrastructure improvements.

“This is an exciting day for Mississippi as Roxul prepares to begin construction of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Byhalia,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “We are extremely grateful to the team at Roxul for investing in our state and in our workforce, and MDA is honored to have provided assistance to help this great company locate its very first U.S. stone wool insulation manufacturing plant in Marshall County. We congratulate Roxul and our partners in Marshall County and at the Appalachian Regional Commission on this milestone event.”

Roxul Inc. is the North American division of Rockwool International and has been operating in Canada for more than 20 years. The company is the leading North American manufacturer of stone wool insulation products for the North American market and has operations in Milton, Ontario, and Grand Forks, British Columbia. Both facilities employ world-class technology to produce residential products, as well as a wide array of industrial, commercial and marine stone wool insulation products. To learn more, please visit www.roxul.com.

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Yokohama will invest $300 million in the initial project phase, with future expansions potentially increasing the company’s investment to more than $1 billion. Yokohama expects to create 500 new jobs. Potential future expansions are expected to bring total employment at the plant up to 2,000 jobs.

The functionality of the new site accommodates users across multiple platforms and devices, from traditional PCs and laptops to tablets and smartphones. The redesigned site is touch-enabled for all mobile devices and automatically responds to fit the user’s screen.

“Technology shapes the way we interact with the world and use information,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “The user-friendly redesign of Mississippi’s official website helps ensure that government information and services are open and accessible, even from mobile devices.”

Highly usable search, directories and interface enable users to quickly find services and information about transparency, employment, tourism, education and government. The site’s new mobile-first design and updated mobile application continue to incorporate innovative enhancements including interactive GeoIP mapping, statewide social media aggregation and live help.

“eGovernment resurgence is rooted in mobile,” Dr. Craig Orgeron, Mississippi’s Chief Information Officer and Director of the Department of Information Technology Services, said. “Our research clearly shows more people are accessing ms.gov from their mobile devices every day. That was the catalyst that drove this new design.”

The site redesign, valued at more than $384,000, was completed at no cost to taxpayers utilizing a self-funded model with Mississippi’s eGovernment partner, Mississippi Interactive.

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About Mississippi Interactive Mississippi Interactive is the official eGovernment solutions provider for the state of Mississippi. The company builds and manages interactive government services on behalf of the state and is a wholly owned subsidiary of eGovernment firm NIC (NASDAQ: EGOV).

About NIC NIC Inc. (NASDAQ: EGOV) is the nation’s leading provider of official government portals, online services, and secure payment processing solutions. The company’s innovative eGovernment services help reduce costs and increase efficiencies for government agencies, citizens, and businesses across the country. NIC provides eGovernment solutions for more than 3,000 federal, state, and local agencies that serve 98 million people in the United States. Additional information is available at http://www.nicusa.com.

The projects are part of early restoration activities identified as “Phase III” of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and bring Mississippi’s early restoration total to $82.6 million.

“From day one after the spill, we have been dedicated to making Mississippi whole,” Governor Bryant said. “These four projects, which extend across the entirety of our Gulf Coast counties, are an important step in that journey. Each addresses a critical part of restoration of the natural resource and recreational losses caused by the spill. In whole, they will help to restore and enhance a wide array of habitat, from oyster and fish to marshes and the public’s opportunities to enjoy and better understand the intricate Gulf Coast environment.”

On April 20, 2011, BP agreed to provide up to $1 billion to fund early restoration projects in the Gulf of Mexico including the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas to begin addressing injuries to natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Mississippi’s project were proposed as a result a public comment process on the Gulf Coast and were negotiated with BP and Mississippi’s federal and state partners. In the coming months these projects will go through another phase of public review and comment before work begins. Further public review and comment will take place before work on the projects begins.

Trudy Fisher, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, said. “I am excited that we have achieved funding and look forward to providing the public with more detailed information in the months to come.”

According to Fisher, the four projects announced today will accomplish meaningful work in all three Gulf Coast counties. “These projects represent a diverse plan of actions. In Hancock County, in partnership with NOAA, we will construct a living shoreline to support habitat needs of a range of species. Environmental stewardship will be enhanced through construction of ecological and educational exhibits at the Infinity Center. Both Harrison and Jackson counties will see enhancement of recreational opportunities through construction of facilities and exhibits.”

The four projects approved for NRDA funding are further described below:

• Hancock County Marsh Living Shoreline (Hancock County, Mississippi): The project would provide for construction of up to six miles of living shoreline. Benefits would include reduction of erosion, re-establishment of oyster habitat, and enhanced fisheries resources and marsh habitat. Approximately 46 acres of marsh would be constructed to protect and enhance the existing shoreline near Heron Bay. In addition, 46 acres of sub-tidal oyster reef would be created in Heron Bay to protect the shallow bay and increase oyster production in the area. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $50 million of which NOAA is funding a portion.

• Restoration Initiatives at the INFINITY Science Center (Hancock County, Mississippi): INFINITY is a state-of-the-art interactive science research, education, and interpretive center located in Hancock County. Early restoration funds would be used to develop interactive exhibits at the INFINITY Science Center. These enhancements would replace lost recreational opportunities through enhanced visitors’ access to coastal natural resources. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $10.4 million.

• Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park (Harrison County, Mississippi): The project would provide for construction of an interpretive center, trails, boardwalks, and other recreational enhancements. This project would replace lost recreational opportunities by enhancing existing amenities allowing visitors to fish, crab and observe nature. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $4.7 million.

• Pascagoula Beachfront Promenade (Jackson County, Mississippi): Early restoration funds for this project would be used to help complete a two-mile, 10-foot wide lighted concrete pathway complete with amenities. The purpose would be to restore the loss of recreational opportunities by enhancing access to the Mississippi Sound and its natural resources. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $3.8 million.

Additional information is available at www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov.

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“Mississippi’s diversity of energy resources and infrastructure makes us a significant energy state and an ideal location for businesses,” Governor Phil Bryant said. “Energy-sector economic development is a primary focus of my administration, and the passage of these laws will increase Mississippi’s competitiveness when attracting and recruiting new industries.”

Mississippi’s energy production is one of largest economic engines in the state, providing more than 28,000 jobs. Mississippi produces approximately 23 million barrels of oil a year and ranks 13th in oil production. The state also ranks 21st in natural gas production.

Legislation signed into effect includes:

HB 844 Sales Tax Exemption on Energy for Manufacturing
Exempts sales tax on energy used in manufacturing. While Mississippi boasts energy costs around 20 percent below the national average, HB 844 further cuts the costs of one of the key drivers companies consider when choosing a location for new investment. Manufacturing comprises a large portion of Mississippi’s economy, and advanced manufacturing and onshoring are key target sectors for the state.

SB 2564 Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund
Gives Mississippi communities the ability to help finance energy infrastructure (for instance, gas lines and transmission lines) for companies that invest more than $50 million in an economic development project. This law provides the State a new low-interest financing tool to help companies locate or expand in Mississippi.

HB 841 Sales Tax Reduction on Electricity for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Decreases the sales tax paid on electricity to 1.5 percent for oil and gas produced in the state using carbon dioxide as a method of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Existing Mississippi EOR policy is considered by many to the best in the nation, and the passage of HB 841 will further improve our position and help to grow this industry in our state.

HB 826 Rebate on Research and Development Costs
Defrays the research and development costs of companies that operate in Mississippi and partner with a state institution of higher learning. Under this new law, a corporation that collaborates with a state university for research and development purposes, including energy-related research, is eligible for a 25 percent rebate of the total research costs. This law will assist companies looking to tap into the wealth of energy expertise and resources available in Mississippi’s research institutions.

Governor Bryant tasked the Mississippi Development Authority with executing his strategies for energy-related economic development. MDA promotes the state’s energy-related economy utilizing four targeted approaches: Responsible Resource Exploration and Extraction; Energy-Intensive Industry Recruitment; Energy Systems Component Manufacturing; and Biomass Development.

“Energy costs and availability of resources are often deciding factors for companies seeking a location for new investment, and these laws passed by the State Legislature will tremendously assist our economic development efforts moving forward,” said Brent Christensen, MDA executive director. “I commend Governor Bryant and our legislative partners for being so hands-on and dedicated to the economic development of Mississippi. The passage of these new laws will greatly benefit the state’s existing businesses while further positioning Mississippi as the optimal place for energy-related industries and manufacturing companies to locate.”

“Manufacturers use more than one-third of the energy consumed in the United States. In a globally competitive marketplace, these legislative actions support our existing manufacturers and increase our competitive position for domestic and international companies that are considering a U.S.-based location,” said Mississippi Manufacturers Association President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Moon.

To learn more about energy initiatives in Mississippi, please visit www.mississippi.org/energy-works. To learn more about the benefits of a Mississippi location, please visit www.mississippi.org/locate-in-mississippi/.

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“Today is an exciting day for Ellisville, Jones County and the entire state as GE Aviation opens the doors to its second Mississippi facility,” Governor Bryant said. “I appreciate the contributions this exemplary corporate citizen has made to our state, and I thank GE Aviation officials for continuing to invest in Mississippi.”

GE Aviation, global leader in jet engine and aircraft systems production, opened its first Mississippi composites manufacturing facility in Batesville in 2008. GE Aviation chose to create the Ellisville operation to meet an increase in global demand.

“GE Aviation’s growing partnership with the state of Mississippi is creating long-term economic growth,” said David Joyce, president and chief executive officer of GE Aviation. “We couldn’t be happier with our Batesville operation, and we look forward to the growth of our new Ellisville operation.”

Employees at the Ellisville facility will be engaged in the production of advanced composite components for aircraft engines and systems.

“I am confident GE Aviation will enjoy the same success in Ellisville that it has in Batesville,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Brent Christensen. “I am glad the Mississippi Development Authority was able to assist GE Aviation in expanding into Jones County, and we appreciate our partners in Ellisville and Jones County who have worked so hard to help make this new facility a reality.”

Individuals interested in applying for a position with GE Aviation in Ellisville may do so online at www.mdes.ms.gov or in person at the WIN Job Center, 2139 Highway 15 North, Suite D in Laurel, Miss. The company plans to employ 30 workers at the facility by the end of 2013.

GE develops and produces the world’s most advanced composite components for jet engines and systems. Composite components provide greater durability and engine weight savings, which translate into better aircraft fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance and replacement costs. GE introduced composite fan blades to jet travel in 1995 with its GE90 engine on the Boeing 777. Composite components are now being incorporated into both GE commercial and military engines, as well as aircraft systems, as they provide greater durability and engine weight savings, which translate into better aircraft fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance and replacement costs.

GE Aviation is a world-leading producer of commercial and military jet engines and components, as well as integrated digital, electric power and mechanical systems for aircraft. The company has approximately 38,000 employees and operates more than 80 manufacturing and service facilities around the world. To learn more about the company, please visit www.geaviation.com.

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