FLOWOOD Taking Care of Business (Part II of a Two-Part City Focus) By Jack Criss Publisher
The campus of University of Phoenix which recently opened a branch in Flowod.
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t’s not hard getting a Flowood businessman or woman to make a positive comment about the city they work in. You just simply have to ask. “I have enjoyed watching Flowood grow over the years with all its new developments that makes everything so convenient,” says Ty Robinson, Branch Manager for the Trustmark Bank location at Dogwood. “Flowood has taken on the ’big’ city look, but still maintains that small town community feel. Seeing my customers at the local grocery stores, restaurants and community events has helped me build stronger business relationships. “In addition, most of the businesses in the area are active Chamber members and are always willing to show their support. I can remember when opening the branch just four short years ago, there was an overwhelming response of support from the local businesses in the area,” Robinson continues. Regarding the local Chamber, Robinson says, “The Flowood Chamber is a great organization that has grown tremendously over the years. It serves as an outstanding platform for various networking opportunities and allows you to promote your business through community service. I 16 - Greater Jackson Business
am an active Flowood Diplomat and currently serving as CoChair for the Promotions & Events committee.” Jim Sheble is the Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel, Jackson, which is located in Flowood. Sheble has been a visible and vocal supporter of the city since December of 2002 when the Nucor facility opened. “You have to start with Mayor Gary Rhoads,” Sheble says. “He’s really been a Godsend. When Nucor first came here he welcomed us with open arms and has been a pro-business and positive mayor in every aspect. Whenever we need help with an issue or have questions that need answering, Mayor Rhoads steps up to provide a solution.” Nucor Steel is a mini-mill that produces steel and is a world class producer of merchant bar and reinforcing bar products. The Nucor Jackson mill is also the largest scrap recycler in our area. The company employs some 254 workers with a majority that live in Rankin County, Sheble says. A Kansas City, Kansas native, Sheble started with Nucor in 1988 and worked his way up from sales and various other positions to General Manager in Flowood. While the sluggish economy has affected Nucor like every other business, Sheble says there has been some recovery so far