City secures partnership with Cisco, state investments to advance MCITy – The Vicksburg Post

Vicksburg Mayor Willis Thompson announced Tuesday that the City of Vicksburg has signed a “landmark” agreement with Cisco Systems, Inc., one of the world’s leading technology companies, to expand the Thad Cochran Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy). The announcement comes as Accelerate Mississippi has formally indicated its intent to award $282,540 to Vicksburg.

“This is a major win for Vicksburg,” Thompson said. “Cisco’s global leadership in technology — combined with nearly $300,000 in state investment — ensures MCITy has the infrastructure, expertise, and credibility to make Vicksburg the technology hub of Mississippi. This is about creating opportunity, building our workforce, and strengthening our economy for the people who live here.”

Under the agreement signed by Thompson, Cisco will provide advanced networking systems, technical support, and workforce training resources to help MCITy attract new industries and prepare Vicksburg residents for high-paying, technology-driven careers, his office said Tuesday, adding their involvement signals confidence in Vicksburg’s vision and elevates the city’s standing in statewide and national conversations on innovation.

“Cisco is a proven industry leader, and having them as a partner proves that Vicksburg is serious about competing at the highest level in technology and workforce training,” Thompson said.

Thompson said the $282,540 award from Accelerate Mississippi confirms Vicksburg’s growing influence in statewide economic development. He emphasized this funding reflects his commitment to securing resources that drive long-term growth.

“Cisco’s involvement gives us a competitive advantage,” Thompson said. “This partnership will accelerate economic development, support our workforce, and directly benefit the people of Vicksburg by making our city a magnet for technology and opportunity. I’d like to thank Dr. Jeff Holland of MCITy and Pablo Diaz of the Vicksburg-Warren Partnership for their efforts in making this agreement a reality.”

Thompson noted that this collaboration underscores his administration’s vision: positioning Vicksburg as Mississippi’s premier center for technology and innovation.

“Vicksburg has always been a city of resilience and leadership,” he said. “Now, with Cisco at our side and MCITy leading the charge, we are ready to write the next chapter as the place where Mississippi’s future in technology begins.”

Thompson said the agreement equips MCITy with the infrastructure, training, and strategic support needed to attract new businesses and create high-paying jobs. By leveraging Cisco’s proven track record in innovation and connectivity, Vicksburg is positioning itself as a destination where cutting-edge industries can invest, grow, and thrive—while benefiting the next generation of Vicksburg residents.

The announcement follows Gov. Tate Reeves’ recent visit to Vicksburg, where he signed a memorandum of understanding with ERDCWERX to strengthen collaboration with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

“As ERDC’s partnership intermediary, ERDCWERX is building technology transfer programs and partnerships with industry, academia, and government,” ERDCWERX Director Paul Sumrall said. “Based in Vicksburg, these programs increase visibility for ERDC and the state of Mississippi by offering easier access to innovation opportunities.”

Reeves emphasized that the partnership between Mississippi APEX Accelerator and ERDCWERX will create new opportunities for Mississippi small businesses.

“When we all work together, we all win,” he said. “This MOU marks a leap forward for our state’s small business community. By bringing together the Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi APEX Accelerator, defense works, and ERDCWERX into a thriving network of innovation, we’ve laid the groundwork for more economic growth, enhanced workforce development, and continued Mississippi momentum. This is another historic day for Vicksburg and another historic day for the state of Mississippi.”