Opening Doors to the Future

The Mission of EMBDC: To empower a diverse leadership culture to achieve economic wealth through excellence in education, new investment and the nurturing of existing business and industry.

The East Mississippi Business Development Corporation is a not-for-profit organization that serves as the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development agency for Meridian and Lauderdale County. The mission of the EMBDC is to empower a diverse leadership culture to achieve economic wealth through excellence in education, new investment, and the nurturing of existing business and industry. Formed in late 1996 by a group of visionary business leaders, the EMBDC serves the City of Meridian, City of Marion, Lauderdale County, and over 1,400 dues-paying members.

The EMBDC is committed to improving the economic vitality for our citizens. It has generated a great collaboration among its stakeholders resulting in $263,000,000 in capital investments and 675 higher paying, higher skills jobs in past months. This economic growth came as a result of a greater focus on primary and secondary school performance, the creation of a new brand for Meridian and Lauderdale County, the nurturing of existing business and industry, and more aggressive efforts to recruit aerospace, warehouse/distribution, automotive, wood products, and call center companies.