Construction Begins on Vidalia Technology Center
May 25, 2016 (Press Release) – Construction has begun on the much-awaited Vidalia Technology Center. Delays due to weather and high Mississippi River levels delayed construction. Wil-mar construction began the dirt work in April 2016 and is currently starting construction on the building. This structure is scheduled to be completed by March 2017.
This building, located on the old Vidalia City Hall site at 200 North Spruce Street, will showcase Vidalia’s Broadband Initiative, and the city’s commitment to technology and entrepreneurship. The plans for this building were designed by Waycaster and Associates of Natchez, Mississippi and will highlight the city’s newly adopted building codes. This facility will showcase the new 6368 square foot Vidalia Technology Center and act as a “head-in” point and further distribution point for the fiber optic cable crossing the Mississippi River bridge. When completed, broadband capability in Vidalia will be up to 1 gb for residents and up to 10gb for businesses.
A new technology focused business incubator, located in the Vidalia Technology Center, will give area entrepreneurs a resource to grow their ideas into a thriving business. MissLou residents have always had a knack for entrepreneurship. We have found ways to create our own opportunities when available from big business. We rely on entrepreneurship as the foundation of our economy. The new technology center will add value to the entrepreneur that has a technology-based product.
A budding entrepreneur will be able to rent a space at the technology center, and will receive not only an office space, but also the necessary business equipment to operate a business (i.e. copier, fax, scanner, etc.) The entrepreneur will also be required to participate in a mentorship program where he will pair them with a mentor from our local community who will help guide the growing entrepreneur during the development of their business. The entrepreneur will also have the opportunity to attend workshops that will relate to various components of their business, such as, bookkeeping, sales and marketing, etc. Once the entrepreneur graduates from the incubator, we will ask that they assist other promising entrepreneurs in the future.
We are excited to be able to showcase this initiative with a visual structure.
Thank you to Chairman Chris Masingill of Delta Regional Authority, Guy Murray, project manager with Bryant Hammett and Associates Engineering, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, Heather Smoak Urena with Kisatchie Delta, Mayor Copeland and Board of Aldermen, Vidalia IT Director Bobby Paul, Concordia Economic Development Director Malone, Teresa Dennis Vidalia Grant Coordinator, Louisiana Department of Transportation, Mississippi Department of Transportation, and Pedro Garza of the U.S. Economic Development Administration.