By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
April 24, 2002
Mississippi businessman Haley Barbour, considering a run for the Republican nomination for governor next year, said Tuesday the handling of the Hyundai recruitment project is one reason a change of leadership is needed in Mississippi.
The South Korean automotive company decided to build a new manufacturing plant in Alabama after Mississippi officials pressed the company to locate where it didn't want be, said Barbour, whose consulting company was involved in the process.
He said Hyundai officials told the state as early as November 2001 the company did not want to locate at a Pelahatchie site in Rankin County preferred by state officials.
He said the state does not utilize its federal officials like it should concerning economic development.
Barbour also said it is crucial for a governor to get the state business community and local communities involved with economic development.