Meridian and Lauderdale County residents celebrated the growth of a longtime local business Thursday with a ribbon cutting for Gentiva Hospice’s new location on 26th Avenue.
Helen Sims, membership director for the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, which organized the ribbon cutting, said Gentiva had outgrown its old location and needed to find additional space to continue to thrive.
“They have been a longstanding business here with the chamber of commerce for our community, but they did not even have enough room in their conference room for their staff to be able to get together,” she said. “And so they were looking for new space, and that’s why we’re celebrating growth today and the fact that they can be able to serve their patients and clients better.”
Sims said the highlight of her job is getting to work alongside businesses like Gentiva that are actively growing and investing in the local community. Entrepreneurship and innovation help drive the city forward.
Gentiva offers a variety of home health and individual care services for those with complex illnesses, long recoveries or other situations needing additional help. Jordan Farrell, area director for the company, said the staff at the Meridian clinic provide great care for local residents, and that is part of the reason a larger space was needed.
“This office, speaking of growth, you’re a five-star in quality. We’ve been able to grow the business. It’s such a nice building for us to be able to bring our folks in, have our meetings and still be a part of the community,” he said.
Meridian Fire Chief Michael Evans thanked Gentiva for its continued investment in the city and said the city, and the fire department, are there to help if needed.
“Thank you all for choosing Meridian. Thank you all for continuing to stay in Meridian. Like I said, call us anytime. We’ll help you in any way we can,” he said.
Gentiva Hospice’s new office space is located at 4709 26th Avenue in North Meridian.