MS SC644

Recognizes Gray Swoope's departure from his position as Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) after 4 years to become head of Economic Development in Florida.

Credits Swoope with securing major economic projects including Toyota's $1.3 billion manufacturing plant, Nissan's $118 million expansion, and multiple other industrial facilities that created 46,000 jobs and generated nearly $12 billion in investment.

Highlights that Swoope achieved these successes despite a 26% decrease in MDA budget and 15% workforce reduction through natural attrition, while managing over 300 employees.

Notes that Swoope holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business Administration from Mississippi State University and brought over 25 years of economic development experience from Mississippi and Arkansas.

Directs that the resolution be presented to Swoope, forwarded to Governor Haley Barbour, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.