Business, Media and Culture

Mississippi's Top 50 Most Influential

Joe Max Higgins is an intense guy that believes that economic development is a highly competitive, full-contact sport. Want proof? His license plate reads (2EQLAST) or “2^nd Equals Last” and his email tagline has read: “Live every second as if your ASS is on fire.”

As CEO of the Golden Triangle Development Link, Joe Max Higgins has been responsible for bringing game changing businesses such as Yokohama Tire and PACCAR Engine Company to the Golden Triangle Area. And in 2016, he spearheaded the effort to land the regions fourth “megasite”. He has overseen the enrichment of the local economy and creation of thousands of jobs in area, resulting in Higgins frequently being sought after for his insight on the current climate in the business world and economic development policy advice. He is unquestionably one of the most successful economic developers not only in Mississippi, but in the entire region.

Higgins is nationally certified as a planner, community, and economic developer and an environmental consultant. He has received numerous other noted economic development awards, including the Site Selectors Guild Excellence in Economic Development award and the Mega Developer Award presented by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Mississippi Top 50 is an annual list of the people who are judged to be the most influential leaders in the state. This bipartisan selection of leaders comes from the ranks of elected and appointed officials, economic development professionals, business, media and government affairs. The awards are sponsored by Y’all Politics and Supertalk Mississippi and awardees were nominated through an open process.

Follow MSTop50 on Twitter @MSTop50 or on Facebook to keep up with news and updates about MSTop50 winners and events.

The 8th Annual Mississippi Top 50 will be held March 12, 2025. Nominations are now open through January 20th.

Business, Media and Culture