Welcome to Meridian, Mississippi, strategically located in the heart of east central Mississippi. Meridian is at the crossroad for many modes of transportation, rail, air five highways' and two major interstates. The two major interstates are interstates 20 and 59 and the five highways are: Highway 80, Highway 45, Highway 39, Highway 11 and highway 19.

Meridian began as a railroad town and continues today to be serviced by four railroads. Three for freight, those being from Norfolk Southern, Meridian & Bigbee and Kansas City Southern. And Amtrak's Crescent Line for passenger service.

Meridian is home Mississippi's longest public use airport runway at 10,004 feet, and is also home of the famous Key Brothers whose World Flight Endurance record se in 1935 still stands today. Passenger air service is provided by Delta. Also housed at Meridian Regional Airport is Meridian Aviation which has over 40,000 square feet of enclosed hanger space and 23 open-air hangers with aircraft maintenance provided by an aircraft service company.

Now that we have shown you multiple ways to get to Meridian lets explore what there is to do once you get here. The newest attraction is the fully restored MSU Riley Center's Grand Opera House Theater. Originally built in 1889 and operated until 1927 it sat dormant until reopening in September 2006. Beginning its 77th season fall of 2009 is the Meridian Little Theater, Mississippi's oldest community theater. Another venue for entertainment is the historic Temple Theater, which opened in 1928 with a ballroom, meeting rooms and a seating capacity of 1,600. Other attractions are: Highland Park Denzel Carousel, the Jimmy Rodgers Museum honoring the Father of Country Music, Meridian Museum of Art, and the McCain Theater housed on the campus of Meridian Community College. For those seeking outdoor recreation you will find multiple sports complexes that support baseball l, soccer, softball, tennis and walking. There are several golf courses both public and those affiliated with the country clubs. And each June you will find the State Games of Mississippi, an Olympic style amateur athletic event. There is also Bonita Lakes Park and Lake Tom Baileys a state park as well as Okatibbee Reservoir, Dalwood Lakes, Dunn's falls Within s a short driving distance is the Tombigbee water way.

For those looking for educational opportunities Meridian and a 60 mile radius surrounding it offer two universities and five community colleges along with city, county and private schools systems.

With Meridian being at the crossroads of many modes of transportation, cultural & educational opportunists you will also find many business opportunities. According to information provided by the East MS Business Development Corporation the top 6 manufacturers based on the number of employees are: Peavey Electronics, Avery Dennison, Structural Steel, Atlas Roofing Co., Southern Cast Products and Magnolia steel. Other manufacturing and service type industries are: Lockeed-Martin, Handy Hardware & New Corporation.

Meridian was the first city in Mississippi to "go green," it is certifies as a retirement community and as a Tree City USA.”

Growth potential for industry is available in the four industrial parks. The newest beginning I-20/59 Industrial Park, and the other three existing industrial parks located at the South Industrial Park, Central Industrial Park on Hwy 11/80 east and the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Industrial Park off U.S. HWY 45.