Outstanding Economic Impact
This award is granted to an individual, business, or municipality that has undertaken a project within a downtown district that has had a significant and sustainable influence on the local economy.
- Presenting award: Brent Fairley
- Winner: MCITy: Growing the Community through Technology
- Nominated by: Vicksburg Main Street Program
- Director: Kim Hopkins
- Accepting: Tim Cantwell, Dr. Jeff Holland, Mayor George Flaggs, Jr., Linda Fondren, and Kimberly Smith
The Thad Cochran Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy) is a state-of-the-art facility located in Vicksburg dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. The building was originally a garment factory and later became Mississippi Hardware which closed in 2013. Developers involved with the building’s renovation unveiled plans in 2017 for a $19 million project to convert the building into MCITy.
MCity supports 111 jobs and has spurred increased economic development opportunities in downtown Vicksburg. By repurposing the building, MCITy has contributed to the revitalization of downtown, attracting professionals and residents, and stimulating retail and service sectors in the area. Moreover, it positions Vicksburg as a key player in the Mississippi River Valley’s tech ecosystem, enhancing the state’s reputation as a growing hub for innovation and technology. In turn, these efforts contribute to long-term economic sustainability for the region.
