The state is named after and bordered by one of the most iconic rivers in the world, the Mighty Mississippi. From fertile farmland in the Delta to sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi offers diverse landscapes. It is also considered the birthplace of the blues, especially in the Mississippi Delta region, from where legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters hail. The state’s economy is significantly driven by the government, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fishing. The Keesler Air Force Base is the largest employer on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with the NASA Stennis Space Center also making its home here. The state also has offshore oil and gas reserves referred to as the Mississippi Canyon area. Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is the state’s “lead economic and community development agency, with approximately 300 employees engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers throughout Mississippi.” MDA is “dedicated to ensuring companies have the information they need to keep them on the road to success.” MDA oversees tax incentive programs that are intended to build the business network in Mississippi.