History of MEDC:

Established in 1963 as the Mississippi Industrial Development Council, Inc. (MIDC), the Council was created to unite the efforts of its members in furthering the economic development of the State of Mississippi and to promote harmony, cooperation, and understanding among the members and the areas they represent.

On July 1, 1995, MIDC changed its name to the Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc. (MEDC) and reorganized its officer structure to reflect the current development environment in Mississippi and the broad interest of the Council membership of over 500 members.  In July 1998, the Mississippi Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) became a division of MEDC.

MEDC holds a summer and winter conference which provide opportunities for professional development and networking. In 2007 MEDC, in conjunction with the Southern Economic Development Council, started the Community Economic Development Awards (CEDA) to recognize outstanding communities for their efforts in advancing the economic viability of their community through economic and community development programs the past calendar year. Winners are recognized at the annual summer conference. This program replaced the annual Volunteer-of-the-Year Award Recognition Program which paid tribute to unpaid workers who had been instrumental in the location of new and expanded industries in their communities. 

MEDC, in partnership with the Office of the Governor and the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), recognizes private sector businesses that have made a significant impact within their local community through the Governor's Cup Awards Program. These awards are given to honor businesses for their contributions during the past calendar year, raise the general awareness about their successful efforts, and showcase their results.

The local nominating entity for each District Winner is awarded $1,000 for their local existing industry and business program and an additional planning grant if their nominee is chosen as the Statewide Winner. Winners are recognized and Statewide Winners are announced at the annual summer conference.

MEDC also encourages professionalism among its members through carefully planned meetings, and awards scholarships for both basic and advanced courses in economic development.  By combining individual efforts and sharing ideas and information, MEDC members have made substantial contributions to economic development in Mississippi.