Business View Magazine - November 2016

Business View Magazine - November 2016 137 supports its primary economic drivers: government, education, healthcare, technology, and entertain- ment. The majority of small businesses in Jackson and the metro area are wholesale trade, retail trade, pro- fessional services, and accommodation and food ser- vices. Major educational institutions include Jackson State University, Belhaven University, Millsaps College, Mississippi College School of Law, Tougaloo College, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. As a result, Jackson has a student population of 40,000- plus students. Major hospitals and academic health science centers include Baptist Health Systems, St. Dominic Health Services, the University of Mississippi Medical Cen- ter, a VA Hospital, and the Jackson Medical Mall. Four banks have their headquarters in Jackson: Consumer National Bank, First American Bank, First Commercial Bank, and Trustmark National Bank. Agriculture com- modities represent a $180 million business in the tri- county area, with cattle as the primary commodity in Hinds County. Other commodities important to the re- gion are cotton, grains, poultry, and timber. AT A GLANCE WHO: Jackson, Mississippi WHAT: The state capital; a city of 175,000 WHERE: West-central Mississippi WEBSITE : www.jacksonms.gov