“This annual conference afforded me the opportunity to make contacts with experienced site selection consultants,” says Hendrix. “I was able to inform them about the many benefits and incentives to working with the Tribe, and describe the variety of industries we are currently serving.”
The conference featured expert guest speakers, breakout sessions, and panel discussions, all with the goal of fostering an interactive sharing of ideas with regard to site selection, as well as a networking opportunity for all attendees.
Hendrix received the Robert M. Ady Professional Scholarship, awarded to only five recipients who must be full-time employees of an economic development organization. These recipients are given a complimentary registration to the Annual Conference, including all activities throughout the event’s duration. This year’s conference was held in March in Atlanta, GA.
As one of the United States’ original first nations, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the only federally recognized American Indian tribe living within the State of Mississippi. With over 11,000 members, Choctaw lands cover over 35,000 acres in 10 counties. Providing permanent, full-time jobs for over 5,000 Tribal-member and non-Indian employees, the Tribe is a major contributor to the state’s economy.
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Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Begins Construction on Workforce Training Center
CHOCTAW, Miss. – The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has begun construction of a new Workforce Training Center that will include more than 37,000 square feet of space for vocational and technical job training. The Center is expected to open in December of 2026....
Fall 2025 Newsletter Is Now Available
Included in this issue: The Tribe’s Carbon Sales Help Fund New School Buildings Small Business Incubator Bringing New Tools for Tribal Entrepreneurs Fast Start Class Trains Tribal Entrepreneurs Tribe Begins Work On Workforce Training Center Economic Development...
MBCI Economic Development Director Wins National Award
CHOCTAW, Miss. – John Hendrix, Economic Development Director for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was recently awarded the 2025 Chris Thompson Economic Development Professional Excellence Award by the United South & Eastern Tribes, Inc. This prestigious...
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Receives Grant for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measures
CHOCTAW, Mississippi -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Region 4 Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle recently visited the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to join Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben for a press event to highlight the award of a $7.7 million Climate...
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Makes $1 Billion Annual Impact on State
A recently completed economic impact analysis shows the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) has an almost $1 billion annual impact on the state's economy. "This study demonstrates the significant role our Tribe plays in the economic health of Mississippi. We...
Advertisement for Bids for the Construction of the Tribe’s Workforce Training Center
SECTION 00 00 15 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Notice is hereby given that sealed hard copy bids or electronic bids will be received for the project named below until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 31. Bids may be submitted directly to the location listed below or...
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Brings New Life to Carthage Industrial Buildings
CARTHAGE, Miss. – Following extensive updates and repairs, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) are breathing new life into their 120,000 square feet of industrial space in Leake County. The three industrial buildings, each about 40,000 square feet, were...
Choctaw Employment Advantage Offers Discounts to Businesses Partnering with the MBCI
CHOCTAW, Miss. – Choctaw Employment Advantage, a new incentive program provided by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, offers rental discounts to commercial tenants leasing Tribal buildings. Businesses that lease space on Choctaw Tribal lands are eligible for...
John Hendrix
Director of Economic Development
601.650.1607
jhendrix@choctaw.org
Office of Economic Development
375 Industrial Road | STE 2
Choctaw, MS 39350





