About Us \ Overview

 

The Beginning - The Power of One

In 1994 four visionary entities and the MetroJackson Chamber of Commerce helped form the Greater Jackson Alliance (GJA), then the MetroJackson Economic Development Alliance (MEDA).  Over the past ten years GJA has taken strides to become "Proactive instead of Reactive" in promoting to and recruiting to the Greater Jackson Region.  Pooling the resources of all the GJA partners in Greater Jackson means more exposure and a broader reach for each.  GJA markets Greater Jackson locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally by producing and distributing marketing materials, advertising in trade publications, and participating in major trade shows and other recruiting events that attract site selection consultants and business leaders from abroad.  Another significant benefit of GJA is that it gives both existing businesses and prospective companies a single source to contact for information or assistance. 

 

GJA representatives work in tandem with the Economic Development Department of the MetroJackson Chamber that provides the group with professional and administrative support, as well as others involved in economic development locally and around the state in both the public and private sectors.  GJA has prided itself as being an organization that focuses on the company or client’s needs regardless of the political boundaries.  GJA is a strong coalition committed to promoting all of Greater Jackson and working together to bring high-quality companies and industries to Mississippi's largest metropolitan area.

 

Today

GJA has grown from the original five members including: the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, the Madison County Economic Development Authority, Hinds County Economic Development District, the Rankin First Economic Development Authority, and the MetroJackson Chamber of Commerce.  GJA added the City of Jackson in 2003.  And in 2004 with the expansion of the Jackson MSA-Copiah County Economic Development District, Simpson County Development Foundation and Entergy, MS joined to show their support in the regional concept. In 2005, GJA's added more members which include Attala County Development Authority and Leake County Industrial Development Association. In 2007, GJA added it’s newest member, The Warren County Economic Development Foundation. The ongoing success of the Greater Jackson Alliance underscores the concept of strength in teamwork and cooperation. The favorable location of counties lying within the Jackson MSA allows all the GJA partners to catch the wave of opportunity.