The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1947-01-16
THROUGH
HAZEL
EYES
by Huzel Bronnon

mASSioSlRRi ldS iGQ lilG SOQll III
industrial development advancing its
bank deposits by 144 percent, its
cash from foreign sources "a percent,
per capita income by 203 percent,
increasing industrial wage earners
by 50 percent and increasing indus
trial wages paid by 80 percent and
retail sales by 176 percent.
These significant figures were
given by Mr.. Earl Guess, division
sales manager of the Mississippi
Power and Light Company, in a
speech before the Lexington Rotary
Club Friday.
During the first quarter of last
year Mississippi was second only to
Texas in the value Of industries
obtained in the state; second only to
Kentucky in the amount con-
struction, Mr.. Guess said,
This vast amount of industrial de-
velopment and construction didn't
just happen, he said, it is due to
far-sighted leadership and the re-
suit of a progressive plan carried out
by the citizens Of the state, their
leaders and government and private
companies.
The action of our legislature in
setting up the 81 million dollar fund
to retire road bonds did a great deal
to insure our future, he said, as did
the repeal of the manufacturers
sales tax which spurred industrial
development.
More local money now is being put
in to state industrial development
than ever before, Mr.. Guess said.
The 100000. approved by the
Legislature for the State Agricul-
tural and Industrial Board means a
lot to the state and will mean even
more in the future, he said.
Today we are manufacturing more
Of our own products which mean
increased retail and wholesale sales,
more people to have more money to
buy more things. This, in turn,
means more homes and commercial
buildings, more people to pay taxes,
support more churches and larger
and better market as for farm pro-
duce, Possibly greater than any of
these it mean more pleasant and
profitable employment for our
Young people, giving them some
thing, an incentive, to stay home
rather than seek greener pasture.
$50 Employees Mems
The employment of $50 workers
in an industry supports an estimated
60 Enn mn 4o~ valuation Mr. fN..>rr
said. This number Of workers will
support the sale of farm produce
from approximately 5000 acres of
land: support % school rooms, 80
retail stores, "a professional people,
he said.
Peck Reached Soon
The peak of industrial placement
will be reached in the next twelve
to eighteen months, Mr.. Guess esti-
mated, saying industry is aware that
Southern people, Mississippians, in
particular. are willing and anxious
to learn industrial skills.
The State Agricultural and Indus
trial Board is now getting around
300 letters per day regarding oppor-
tunities here in Mississippi.
Private industries such as the
MPL Co. and ICRR have also carr
led on an extensive program design
ed to bring industry and travel to
Mississippi, Mr.. Guess said, but it
is up to the local communities to do
the final selling job,
We should all as individuals and
as members of various clubs pro-
noting the development of our
several communities do everything
in our power to sell ourselves on Jul
great state and its opportunities and
then make IN intelligent effort to
sell it to others.
The question of industry in Miss
issippi brings to mind the proposed
industry for Lexington, the $150,000.
bond issue for such an industry
already having been voted by the
electors of Lexington.
The latest report on our local in
dustry is that the architects have
designed the building and negotiat-
ions are Being carried on now with
one of the leading manufacturers in
the nation, a New York concern,
manufacturing foundation garments
for women.
The architects have advised Lex
ington officials that building costs
are on the down-grade and they
feel by waiting until late spring or
early summer considerable money
may be saved by the city in constr