Howard Technology Park

In the late 1990s, leaders from local and state governments, industry and education took note of what Jones County had accomplished over its century and a half existence. Looking past the stereotypes too easily taken as conventional wisdom for their region, they focused instead on the raw ingredients for undertaking something daring – to form out of proven economic growth, solid educational resources and an adaptive labor force a different kind of economic development. They believed it possible that in due time people would say “Mississippi” and “advanced technology” in the same sentence.

And, they already are. In less than a decade this important partnership has given rise to a different kind of industrial park – one that caters to researchers, developers and producers of advanced technology. The Howard Technology Park is now poised to spark a different kind of economic growth throughout the Gulf region.

Conceived and shaped by consulting firm Holman and Associates and then a taskforce that included Jones County Economic Development Authority, Howard Industries and Mississippi Power, the idea took tangible shape over a period of about four years. During this time legal obstacles were surmounted and the funding for the project emerged from various quarters. Construction began in earnest around 2003.

From the beginning the new park has emphasized a different approach to utility, communications and transportation infrastructure. All water, sewer and electrical power lines were installed in a looped array that would minimize the effect of a power failure. The park was fully wired with fiber optic cable – the industry gold standard – that would adequately support advanced telecommunications and high speed internet. And, with its location a stone’s throw from Interstate 59, proximity to other roadways and rail, and within just a few miles of Pine Belt Regional Airport, the park provided immediate access to vital transportation links.

Of course, all these physical attributes alone won’t accomplish what those who envisioned this park hoped it would do. Advanced technology industries perform best when clustered with other like researchers and developers – and this park would need that kind of catalyst.

Howard Technology Park has not one but two such catalysts. The first is the 150,000-square foot manufacturing plant for Howard Computers nearing completion. The second is the recently opened Southpoint Advanced Technology Center, administrated by Jones County Junior College. In their own way, these two anchors will support the park’s dynamic growth – Howard Computers with market strength and investment, employment opportunities and research capabilities; Southpoint with training and incubation resources for new and existing companies.

The bottom line: The Howard Technology Park is foundational to the rise of high technology in Jones County – and a key ingredient in our region’s rise to greater economic strength and growth.