Nearly 50,000 Mississippians are working today that did not have jobs in 2011, said Gov. Phil Bryant, who spoke Thursday to those who gathered at the groundbreaking of the new Cannon dealerships on North Frontage Road.

“When I came into office unemployment was 9.5 percent, today it’s below 6 (percent),” Bryant said. “I love now going to the National Governor’s Association. As we go around the table and talk about economic development, I am proud to be able to talk about what we’re doing in Mississippi. We may disagree on some things but economic development and job creation is not one of them.”

Bryant not only addressed the state’s employment rates and economic development but Vicksburg’s as well, highlighting how local officials, like Mayor George Flaggs Jr. and State Rep. Alex Monsour, R-Vicksburg, played roles in securing a Continental Tire to Clinton, Mississippi.

“I remember calling him (Flaggs) and saying, ‘Mayor, we have a pretty good sized company coming to the state of Mississippi perhaps, but we’re having to compete with North Carolina and Tennessee and Alabama. They’re all after this same company. Could I get you to come over and help?’” he said. “This mayor walked the halls of that legislature convincing those members that Continental Tire needed to be here. They (Flaggs and Monsour) are working hard for Warren County and for Vicksburg, and we are going to do all we can to help.

“This area is the gateway to Mississippi. As the entire southwestern portion of the United States comes to Mississippi, they’re going to pass through Vicksburg, so we want them to have that first look at what our state can become, whether it’s a new food industry…or Continental Tire that you heard the mayor talk about. It’s going to be closer to you than to the metro city, so Vicksburg is going to be a part of Continental Tire. Twenty-five hundred jobs (created). We’re hoping the port is going to be a big part of that.”

Flaggs also commended Bryant for his efforts in helping Vicksburg develop economically.

“When we went to the governor for some other things you will be seeing in the future as it relates to Continental and other things, the governor has never said no,” Flaggs said. “He has met with us and talked to us about his vision (and) we share the same vision for the future of Vicksburg.”

“I promised (Flaggs) that if there were ever an opportunity to come to Vicksburg to expand businesses and grow this wonderful community, I was going to be here,” he said. “This is a wonderful opportunity and time.”