Leaders move on' after losing Cooper

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Oct. 8, 2002
Local economic development leaders say Meridian will be fine despite suffering the loss of a planned $35 million retirement community.
City leaders announced Monday that Arkansas-based Cooper Communities Inc. had abandoned plans to build 3,000 new homes and two championship golf courses in Meridian.
Economic developers had hoped the community would lure thousands of new residents and help them better market Meridian.
But despite Monday's news, Wade Jones, president of the East Mississippi Development Corp., said Meridian is still a thriving place.
Jones said that Cooper enhanced the ability to market Meridian, but that there are other major projects to boast about.
Tommy Dulaney, EMBDC chairman, agreed.