By Leslie N. Dees
Bill Cullen spoke on behalf of Attala County’s newest employer – Malibu Lighting – during the 74th annual meeting of the Kosciusko-Attala Development Corporation Thursday, Oct. 22.
Cullen said the company is a division of Brinkmann and began its Kosciusko operation in the old Jack Post Building in August.
Currently, the distribution center employs 20 workers, who aid in the shipping of low-voltage outdoor lighting from coast to coast.
Cullen said there is a growing opportunity with a new product line in the future.
While Malibu Lighting was the economic high point of the night, the future is looking a little bit brighter for the area.
“We do have a strong community,” KADC President Steve Zea said. “I’m excited about what’s happening.”
MET building
Zea said even though our local economy was hit hard by the loss of Milwaukee Electric Tool, soon Attala County will have something to brag about.
He said the 75,000 square foot building will be a world class center.
Zea said the county has been awarded $1.6 million in grant funding and there is a possible federal appropriation of $1.5 million.
Possible tenants for the Kosciusko Attala Technology and Training Center are Merchants and Farmers Bank, WIN Job Center and Holmes Community College.
There will also be a section for a small business to set up shop.
Other ventures
Zea said the former TPS site in McAdams is being considered as a bio mass site that would use wood pellets as energy.
Bids will be opened on Friday for the KADC’s new home on Jefferson Street.
Only local contractors and local supplies will be used on the project, Zea said.
He said he was hopeful that they would be in their new home by early 2010.
