Laurel Wins Two MML Awards of Excellence

Posted on: June 26, 2014

Public Safety and Planning & Development Recognized

Laurel was among five Mississippi cities honored with Awards of Excellence by the Mississippi Municipal League during the MML’s 83rd annual awards banquet Wednesday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center. Laurel received the award for Planning and Economic Development, Population over 10,000 for “Laurel’s Wayne Farms Project.” Mayor Johnny Magee accepted the award on the city’s behalf along with Jones County EDA President Mitch Stennett and several city councilman. The expansion of Wayne Farms in Laurel created 200 new jobs and represented a three million dollar investment by the company but necessitated several substantial infrastructure upgrades by the city. Key components of the project to support the expansion were as follows: Improvements to a sharp, narrow turn off of an interstate exit ramp, addition of a sewer lift station and construction of much needed sidewalks.

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Laurel was also the recipient of the Public Safety, Population over 10,000 for the Healthy Heroes Initiative. The “Healthy Heroes’ Initiative” combats the unhealthy lifestyles so many of us struggle with on a daily basis. The City of Laurel Police Department has reached into their communities, schools and into their very own department to take a pro-active stance against unhealthy lifestyles. The“Healthy Heroes Initiative“ consists of a cardio/fitness room inside police headquarters, community walks and uniformed police officers exercising within the elementary schools with the children.

2014 Public Saftey- MML

Accepting the award: George Carmichael, Tyrone Stewart, Mayor Magee, David Wash, La’Juan Jones and Tony Thaxton

Beginning in 1993, the excellence awards program recognizes cities that utilize innovative problem solving, excellence in management, citizen participation and community partnerships to provide increased services and a better quality of life for its local citizenry. The competition is divided into two population categories: under 10,000 and over 10,000. Within each population category, cities can strive for awards in city spirit, planning and economic development, public safety and public works. Judges also select one application as the best overall.