For the sixth consecutive year, the principle electricity utility provider for Brookhaven has been recognized as a national leader in economic development by Site Selection magazine.

Due in large part to Entergy’s efforts to help attract more than $26 billion in projects that could potentially create up to 10,000 jobs in its service region, the energy corporation was again ranked in the nation’s top 10 by the magazine.

Site Selection magazine covers corporate real estate strategy and area economic development according to their website.

“Entergy has been heavily involved with the economic development in the area,” said Kenny Goza, Entergy customer accounts manager for the Brookhaven area. “A number of businesses have had a strong relationship with Entergy in the past such as Rex Lumber, Specialty Minerals and Walmart Distribution to name a few,” Goza continued.

Entergy Mississippi Inc., now in its 90th year, is a subsidiary of Entergy Corp. In the state, Entergy provides electricity to more than 437,000 customers in 45 counties, according to a news release.

“Our partnerships with economic development agencies across the mid-South continue to produce tremendous economic benefits for our customers by attracting new businesses, retaining existing companies and helping them grow,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO.

Site Selection chose the top utility companies in part by using the following criteria: website tools and data, innovative programs and incentives for business, and the utility’s own job-creating infrastructure and facility investment trends.

Entergy’s Site Selection Center website saw a 20 percent increase in visitors in 2012, according to the magazine.

In addition, the publication credits Entergy’s work to qualify new sites for development, including the 2,000-acre Panther Creek Commerce Center in Madison, not far from Nissan’s plant near Canton.

Executive Director of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Development Foundation Garrick Combs credits Entergy with community developments and projects all across Brookhaven.

“Entergy has provided and continues to provide integral support for area businesses. This comes in the form of incentives for economic expansion and the recruitment and retainment of expanding companies in the area,” explained Combs.

The energy corporation also provides integral marketing strategy and support to the chamber, according to Combs.

Goza suggests a bright future for economic development in the area.

“While some projects are being discussed behind closed doors until all the facts are in, Entergy is continuing to invest in economic development and projects in Brookhaven and Lincoln County into the future,” said Goza.