MADISON CO., Miss. (WLBT) – Small businesses are experiencing growth from Amazon Web Services’ construction projects in Madison County, with some companies expanding operations to meet demand from the job sites.
Michael Carr, owner of Barbeque Shine, has operated his business for eight years and initially expected AWS construction to bring more foot traffic.
Instead, he has become a regular at both Madison County AWS locations, setting up at least twice a week.
“When we first started with them, it was 200 to 500. Back here in May, they asked us to come out there and feed 3,000,” Carr said. “So, yeah, I had to employ some people. I didn’t, I don’t even have that many people. I had to hire people off the street to get that done.”
The catering contracts have allowed Carr to purchase a third grill for his operation.
Portable restroom and sanitation company expands fleet
Steven Rankin operates Mighty Fresh, a porta-john company he opened five years ago after selling his previous business: Rankin Rentals.
When AWS announced its Madison County project, Mighty Fresh operated one truck.
The company now staffs both Madison County AWS sites seven days a week, and it has expanded to an AWS site in Georgia.
Rankin said the company committed to purchasing three to four trucks to maintain the sites, plus a septic truck for holding tanks and a water truck.
“It’s been a blessing for our company just having to grow so quickly to keep up with the growth of AWS,” Rankin explained.
Rankin said the company wants to follow AWS to other locations and work on additional large-scale construction projects.
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