CHOCTAW, Miss. — John Hendrix, Director of Economic Development for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was recently awarded one of five scholarships to attend the Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference. This conference brings together all 51 global members of the Site Selectors Guild as well as economic developers from around the world.

“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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Fall 2025 Newsletter Is Now Available

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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...

John Hendrix
Director of Economic Development

601.650.1607
jhendrix@choctaw.org

Office of Economic Development
375 Industrial Road | STE 2
Choctaw, MS 39350

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