Lauderdale County officials joined Toyota of Meridian and Gulf States Toyota in cutting the ribbon Wednesday on the new Toyota dealership on Highway 39. The brand-new facility was an investment in the business by Mississippi businessmen Jim and Tommy Duff.
Eric Williamson, president and general manager of Gulf States Toyota, said plans for a new dealership were first discussed about 15 years ago, but it was the Duff brothers who took those discussions and made them into reality. Without their involvement, a new facility would not have happened.
“Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for building us this beautiful new facility. Thank you for all you do for Toyota of Meridian,” he said.
Cole Cardwell, chair of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, said Toyota of Meridian is one of several businesses the two brothers own, and they are no strangers to the Queen City market.
“I’m sure most of you know this Toyota of Meridian isn’t all that Jim and Tommy are doing in our area, as we’re beginning to see multiple dealership signs change around town,” he said. “So, thank you both for your continued confidence and investment in our community.”
Cardwell said it’s the buy in from business owners like the Duff brothers that enables a community to grow, and with their support and the support of others, Meridian will continue to attract new businesses and new opportunities.
Meridian is a hidden jewel in Mississippi, Tommy Duff said, and it has the potential to become one of the hottest destinations in the state. From the elected official to everyday residents, people are doing wonderful things in the Queen City, he said.
“Meridian has great things happening. We’re going to be part of the community,” he said.
Edwin Vickery, of Duff Capital Investments, said Meridian has great places to eat and good places to stay, but it is the people that give the city its special appeal.
“The resource of this town is the people,” he said. “You’ve got awesome people in this community.”
Meridian Mayor Percy Bland said the Queen City has a history of coming in second, but that is changing. With new businesses and new energy in town, Meridian is moving to take first place.
“We don’t want to come in second place anymore. We feel like we’re number one. We feel like we’re the best thing in the state of Mississippi, and we’re going to continue to be that,” he said. “So, we want you to help us grow this city even more.”
With six businesses in Meridian, Duff said the success he and his brother have enjoyed is the product of a strong local team, and he appreciates the work that team does on a daily basis. A brand-new dealership is meaningless without the staff who show up every day, work hard and take pride in doing their jobs well.
“You can have the nicest place in the world, but it’s the people who count,” he said.