MBJ March 20, 2020 E-Edition

MBJ FOCUS

Architects & Engineers {Section begins P16}

Insurance & Employee Benefits » Quitman planning village of homes {Section begins P18} made with cross-laminated timber

M S B U S I N E S S . C O M

| Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020 | Vo. 42 • No.6 • 28 pages

{The List P20-21}

» Molina Healthcare waiving member costs for Covid-19 testing » Lower claims have led to millions being returned to Workers’ Compensation Assigned Risk Pool members

IN MISSISSIPPI OVER 4 PAGES OF COVERAGE

INSIDE — At long last, Costco opens in Ridgeland , Page 11

THE QUIET CRISIS -Page 4

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Employers should come up with a consistent and effective plan for a possible epidemic

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com Confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have moved closer geographically to Mississippi with the recent announcement of cases in Tennessee and Georgia. Thirty states had reported cases of COVID-19 as of March 9 with a total of 500 cases.

While some health officials hope that the virus will die out with warmer weather, which usually happens with coronaviruses, employers need to be prepared to handle issues that are likely to come up.

“Most of what has been talked about in the press is how to keep yourself from getting it,” said William Manuel, a labor and employment partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Jackson. “News stories about the spread of an infectious disease can affect a workforce in many different ways. Employers should come up with a consistent and effective plan for a possible epidemic.”

Manuel expects employers will have to deal with the issue in a number of ways.

Hero employees may want to show up for work even if they are very ill. That behavior known as presenteeism can be a real problem because sick workers could end up infecting the entire workforce, as well as any customers the workers come in contact with.

“Tell sick employees to stay home and the keep rest of the workforce healthy,” Manuel said. “To do that, you may have to be more flexible with sick leave policies.

Obviously, be consistent. Don’t give one employee a break where you wouldn’t give another one the same break.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum are the “Chicken Little” workers who are healthy, but afraid to come to work. Or, they might just use it as an opportunity to take some time off. Manuel advises employers require proof that an employee is entitled to sick leave.

“Every employer has employees who might take advantage of it,” Manuel said.

“This is not a get-out-of-work free card for employees. If they are not sick or taking care of sick family members, they shouldn’t just be able to stay home. They can take paid time off, but they shouldn’t be able to shut down the business because they are afraid of getting sick.”

If illnesses become widespread, it could have a dramatic impact on staffing. Manuel suggests if that happens, employers consider whether or not to cut extra shifts and\or pay overtime.

“If 70 percent of employees can’t come for work, you will have to shut down certain parts of operation,” Manuel said.

“Communicate decisions to everyone. It is important all managers know how to handle it. It is vital to have a plan rather than dealing with a situation you didn’t think of on the front end. It causes confusion and angst among employees if they think you don’t care about their safety.”

There are some studies indicating an estimated 78 percent of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. So, workers without sick leave days might feel they can’t afford to stay home sick. Manuel said employers may be able to do things like sick leave banking where healthy employees donate sick leave to employees who are ill.

The Family Medical Leave Act has regulations about which employees can take off work to care for family members who are sick. If employees have had three consecutive days of treatment for flu, they qualify for leave under FMLA if they have been an employee for a full year.

WILL MANUEL California has declared a state of emergency advising citizens to avoid crowds of more than ten.

“For some people’s jobs, that is impossible,” Manuel said. “And the way this information is coming out is difficult to manage.

How are we going to know if this hits Mississippi? The symptoms so similar to regular flu that it is hard to distinguish from run-of-the mill flu.”

Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc., said that first and foremost, they’re encouraging their employees and customers alike to be calm and stay informed, and get information from trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Taking common sense approaches such as washing hands often, avoiding sick

» Darrin Williams, Gov. Hutchinson, and State Sen. Jonathan Dismang at the bill signing for legislation Southern Bancorp supported that adds a new direct deposit line to Arkansas’ state tax refund forms in an effort to increase savings opportunities. friends and families, and staying home when sick are key components of our approach,” Williams said. “For those who do find themselves in a situation where they are either sick or could be sick and have to miss work, communication is key. Informing supervisors and co-workers immediately so that schedules and workloads can be adjusted will be important to ensuring that operations are disrupted as little as possible. On the management side, it’s also important that policies and procedures are in place and ready to go in the case of major disruptions.”

Southern Bancorp Bank, which focuses on underserved communities, operates with 16 branches in 15 different cities in Mississippi.

Williams said for individuals who find themselves unable to work and facing questions about loan payments, they encourage communication. If you’re unable to make a payment on time because of illness, the bank wants customers to contact them because, in some instances, the bank can work with them and provide flexibility to help them through this period.

“For those who aren’t sick, we’d encourage them to plan ahead,” Williams said. “If you don’t have emergency savings set aside, now is the time to do so. According to a Federal Reserve survey, almost 40 percent of American adults would not be able to cover a $400 emergency with cash, sav-

ings or a credit card charge that they could quickly pay off. This is why we actively encourage our customers and employees to build an emergency savings fund. For many Americans, tax refunds are the largest lump sum payment they’ll receive all year, so this is a timely opportunity to put a little aside for an emergency, be it the coronavirus, the flu, or some other emergency.”

Both the business and healthcare communities are facing unprecedented challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that severe and mounting shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers is putting lives at risk. https://www.who. int/news-room/detail/03-03-2020-shortage-of-pe rsonal-protective-equipment-endangering-health-workers-worldwide There has been a shortage of test kits in the U.S. Rather than using the test kit approved by WHO, CDC devised its own test kits that proved to be faulty. The CDC applied to the FDA for emergency approval of the new test kits on Feb. 2. Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, speaking at a national press teleconference March 3, (https://www.cdc. gov/media/releases/2020/t0212-cdc-telebriefing-transcript.html), said the FDA is moving quickly to get those test kits out to commercial test manufacturers.

» Darrin Williams (right) helps moderate the Clinton Foundation Economic Inclusion and Growth: The Way Forward – Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock with Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

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PERS temporarily suspends guest visits In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) has temporarily suspended visitors to the PERS building and will conduct retirement counseling via telephone.

“PERS is working to ensure that our critical tasks of paying benefits and processing retirement applications continues,” said PERS Executive Director Ray Higgins. “We

are keenly aware of the more than 335,000 individuals relying on the work that we do.

We are conducting that work and handling operations while remembering that the health and well-being of our employees and members is of the utmost importance.”

Effective Monday, March 16, PERS temporarily suspended all walk-in appointments and guest visits, Focus Sessions, group seminars, and activities where large groups

are scheduled to meet with PERS representatives either at the office or off-site. All individual retirement counseling sessions are being conducted via telephone. Anyone with a previously scheduled retirement counseling session should not come to PERS. Representatives will contact individuals with appointments about their session. PERS employees are working to process existing retirement applications as expected but

ask that any member who is not waiting on paperwork from PERS or who is not retiring before July 1, 2020, to refrain from calling the office so that staff can focus on meeting critical deadlines of those who are.

“PERS is monitoring this very fluid situation closely and will make adjustments accordingly,” Higgins said.

— MBJ Newswires

MHSAA suspends all spring activities until at least March 29 The Mississippi High School Activities Association announced on Monday morning that it has suspended all spring sports and activities due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak until March 29 at the earliest.

The suspension of activities includes all sanctioned contests and practices, no matter if a school is open or closed during that time.

The announcement followed a teleconference of the MHSAA executive committee,

which consists of 15 school administrators from across the state.

“We urge our member schools and their

communities to take every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy,” MHSAA Executive Director Don Hinton said in a statement. “MHSAA leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through this unfortunate situation together.”

Contingency plans for continuing regular-season competition and return to play

are being formulated and will be announced by the MHSAA at the appropriate times.

Championship events and activities are being reviewed and with the possibility of new dates and venues.

The MHSAA said a future decision will be made as soon as possible in the best interests of student athletes, coaches, administrators and communities.

— MBJ Newswires

State's COVID-19 cases now at 12 According to a tweet from the Mississippi State Department of Health, the first presumptive positive case of the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus has been reported in Monroe County, as of Monday morning. Final verification will come from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

The Monroe County total brings the statewide count to 12.

Other cases reported have been in Forrest, Pearl River, Hinds, Copiah and Leflore counties.

On Sunday, the new cases includes another case in Copiah County, a second in Pearl River County and two in Hinds County.

One of the Hinds County cases is a student at Jackson State University with the other being a student at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

The website does not list information about the cases concerning gender, age or if the patients are hospitalized or in home isolation. The number of cases tested has not been updated as of March 13 and remains 90.

One of the cases reported is a student at Jackson State University. JSU Acting Pres-

ident Thomas Hudson said that the student is currently isolated at home and that the university is working with Mississippi State Department of Health officials.

"MSDH has notified individuals who have been in contact with the student.

These individuals have been advised of the proper protocol to monitor symptoms," Hudson said. "The health and safety of our students and campus community remain our top priority. We are following the protocols in our response plan to minimize the impact of this disease."

During a Friday press conference, MSDH officials said all future updates would be available via website rather than press releases and confirmed in real time.

On Friday, six cases were reported, three located in Forrest County, one case in Leflore County, one in Copiah County and one in Pearl River County.

Of these cases, one is a Forrest County female over the age of 65 who has been hospitalized. She recently traveled to North Carolina, according to the Health Department.

The other two Forrest County cases are males who are isolated at home. One of

them recently traveled to Florida, according to the Health Department. The Leflore County case is a woman who is isolated at home.

The remaining two cases are both women over

the age of 65 in Copiah County and Pearl River County, respectively. Both have been hospitalized.

— MBJ Newswires

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Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

The Quiet Crisis »

Opioid use and abuse have resulted in widespread deaths and costs

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

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ississippi has suffered the impact of the overprescribing and abuse of opioids for relief of pain – which has become a major health and fiscal crisis across the country. While the world is bracing itself for the possibility of an epidemic of the coronavirus, the opioid crisis has been established for years. It has done so in a relatively quiet, low-profile way in contrast with the fears and emerging reality of the virus that began in China and is spreading across the globe. States have banded together against the manufacture and distribution of the highly addictive pain relievers. Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch is one of many of her counterparts seeking a settlement with major drug distributors and manufacturers. Fitch, who took office in January, is “actively engaged on the opioid crisis on both a public education/community engagement level and a legal one,” Ray Coleman, director of communications for Fitch said in an email to the Mississippi Business Journal. “Mississippi is a party to the lawsuits against the distributors and manufacturers of opioids [McKesson Corp., AmerisourceBergen Corp. and Cardinal Health Inc.]. The preliminary settlement proposal of $18 billion with the three distributors continues to be negotiated even now and Mississippi is participating. “Similarly, negotiations continue with Johnson and Johnson, Purdue, and Mallinckrodt – for which Mississippi and other states recently reached a framework agreement for a $1.6 billion global settlement. The [Attorney] General's overarching goals remain a settlement that puts money into abatement activities, and does so quickly."

In 2017, more than 70,000 persons in the United States died from a drug over-

dose, and 67.8 percent of those deaths involved an opioid.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that opioid-related deaths has reached at least 400,000 in the past 20 years.

Mississippi had one of the highest rates of opioid prescriptions in 2017, standing at 92.9 per 100,000 persons, fourth highest in the nation, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The U.S. rate was 58.7 prescriptions. The death rate for Mississippi from drug overdose – from opioids and other drugs and 14 other states was not available from the institute.

However, the federal Center for Disease Control reports that 185 people died

in Mississippi in 2017 from opioid use, a rate of 6.4 per 100,000 people.

The relative good news for Mississippi is the cost.

The Magnolia State ranked ranked 46th at $703 for overall total costs per capita in 2015, according to a report by the American Enterprise Institute citing the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA).

Yet the cost for the nation hit a staggering half-trillion dollars that year, according to the CEA. Since then, the numbers have climbed, the CEA reports.

It estimates the cost at $696 billion in

Number of Opioid-Related Hospitalizations by county in Mississippi, Four-Year Averages, 2014-2017 Hattiesburg 1,874, 7.3%

Memphis (MS) 1,660, 6.4%

Gulfport-Biloxi 3,883, 15.0% Jackson 4,420, 17.1%

Non-Metro Counties 13,987, 54.2% Source: Mississippi Department of Health

2018 — or equal to 3.4 percent of nation's Gross Domestic Product, the value of all the goods and services produced and a key measure of the economic health of the United States — and more than $2.5 trillion for the four-year period from 2015 to 2018.

“These massive costs point to the nationwide economic destruction from America’s very human 'crisis next door,'” the CEA states.

In 2017, CEA published a report that measured what it considers the full cost of the opioid crisis by including the value of lost lives, as well as increases in healthcare and substance abuse treatment costs, increases in criminal justice costs, and reductions in productivity.

“To quantify the loss of life, CEA used a metric known as the valued of statistical life (VSL), which goes beyond lost productivity,” such as when a person misses work because of such an addiction.

The nation is grappling with the possibility of an epidemic of the coronavirus, which is spreading around the world.

But federal and state health officials have long since designated opioids as just that.

The Mississippi Department of Health reports that there were 8,022 opioid-related hospital stays in 2017, the latest year for which data are available. That was a 26.2 percent increase since 2014.

Total charges for opioid-related hospitalizations in Mississippi were $322,408,631, a 72.4 percent increase since 2014.

Most of the costs in 2017 – $208,432,752 – were paid by Medicare and Medicaid.

That was up 64.7 percent since 2014.

Caucasians accounted for 78 percent of such cases.

Emergency department visits were See OPOID, Page 3

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

Opioid-Related Hospitalizations in Mississippi, 2014-2017; County Rates per 100,000 Population

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Opioid-Related Emergency Dept.

Visits in Mississippi, 2014-2017; County Rates per 100,000 Population

s l a e o

m ”

t t e , -

OPIOID

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LEGEND

LEGEND

69.1 - 149.3 149.4 - 193.0 193.1 - 247.5 247.6 - 408.1

28.2 - 66.2 66.3 - 90.6 90.7 - 136.5 136.6 - 236.7

Rate Quartiles Number

Rate Quartiles Number The rates for the counties in white are not reported (<20 cases).

Source: Mississippi Department of Health

The rates for the counties in white are not reported (<20 cases).

Source: Mississippi Department of Health

Continued from, Page 2

sup 50.7 percent since 2014, and similarly charges were up 75.3 percent for a total of -$23,425,614. , Medicare and Medicaid paid 50.2 percent of all such charges. s And, again, Caucasians accounted for t72.9 percent of all opioid-related visits.

Mississippi has taken steps to address hopioid abuse.

- The Mississippi Board of Medical Licenrsure amended rules on opioid prescriptions 2to make it more difficult to justify them, according to Dr. Kenneth Cleveland, execu-tive director of the board. , “We knew that too many prescriptions were being written for too many dosage 2units of medicine,” Cleveland said in an in.terview.

So the board resulted in the amendment fof Part 2040 of Title 30 of the board's Administrative Code to rein in dispensing of econtrolled drugs such as opioids for chronic long-term pain as well as for tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax.

Alternative methods of pain management are encouraged – such as physiotherapy or exercise therapy, Cleveland said.

The new rules went into effect on Oct. 29, 2018, and data for the first six months of 2019 suggest that they are working, according to the Mississippi Department of Health.

Opioid prescriptions for the first quarter of 2018 totaled 698,737, compared with 644,649 in the corresponding 2019 period.

Units, or pills, dispensed in those periods reflect the downward trend. The number for the 2018 first quarter was 37,487,485, compared with 33,055,691.

Prescriptions and total units in 2018 totaled 700,136 and 36,325,735. Prescriptions and units in the 2019 period were 646,656 and 32,940,585, a reduction of 7.6 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively.

OPIOIDS are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and many others. Opioids can make people feel very relaxed and "high" – which is why they are sometimes used for non-medical reasons.

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A member of the Mississippi Press Association www.mspress.org

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Website: www.msbusiness.com Mar. 8- Mar. 21, 2020 Volume 42, Number 6

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Mar. 8- Mar. 21, 2020 • www.msbusiness.com • Page 6

» INSIDE MISSISSIPPI

Coronavirus pandemic spotlights inept preparedness

T

o repeat myself, politicians tend to be adept at reactive, tactical political thinking but inept at long-term strategic policy thinking. I wrote about this recently with regard to lack of well thought out, longterm strategies for flood control, transportation and water/sewage infrastructure, and trauma care.

So, here we go again with the coronavirus.

The President and other top politicians initially reacted with political tactics. The virus, of course, ignored this and continued its inevitable creep across the globe and into the United States.

Subsequent steps to combat the virus have also been reactive.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is ill prepared to deal with this pandemic.

At least our health care system was prepared, right?

For decades numerous books, movies, and scientific studies have spotlighted the potential deadly risks of highly contagious organisms, both natural and manmade. Yet, America’s inept preparedness may force doctors to choose which elderly patients get access to a respirator and which are left to die.

As reported in the New York Times, a federal government study in 2005 “estimated that a severe influenza pandemic would require mechanical ventilators for 740,000 critically ill people.”

A 2010 study found only about 62,000 full-featured ventilators available in hospitals with another 10,000 or so stored in the Strategic National Stockpile for emergency use.

Thousands of other respirato-

ry devices could be repurposed in an emergency, “but the shortfall could be stark, potentially forcing doctors to make excruciating life-ordeath decisions about who would get such BILL CRAWFORD help should hospitals become flooded with the desperately sick.”

Most of the resources to fight a pandemic are located in urban areas. Rural areas, think most of Mississippi, must do without.

Then there is this example of inept preparedness. Kits to test for the virus are in short supply.

Even worse, the CDC initially distributed flawed test kits, slowing early detection of the virus’s spread.

South Korea rapidly tested hundreds of thousands, aggressively tracked those with confirmed cases, and has significantly controlled the spread of the virus.

Neither the tests nor the tracking process are ready to go here.

Well, our economy can handle this right?

The stock market doesn’t think so. The long-term bull market crashed into the second quickest bear market. The virus’s looming economic disruption, think China and Italy, is scaring investors.

Already in the U.S., pro sports have cancelled/suspended events, the NCAA cancelled March Madness, Disney parks are closing, Broadway is shuttered, states are prohibiting large gatherings, See CRAWFORD, Page 7

Naming the people, businesses of the decade will be no small task

A

t the Mississippi Business Journal, we have been the leader in recognizing business professionals in the state for more than 25 years.

Our events recognize everyone from health professionals to lawyers to CEOs and the top businesswomen in the state.

We recognize the safest workplaces in Mississippi, the top nonprofits, the best places to work, the top 50 under 40 and the top entrepreneurs.

ROSS REILY In all, the Mississippi Business Journal has 13 events to recognize businesses and people throughout the state.

Now, we are going to take a look back at the last 10 years and award the Business People of the Decade.

We will recognize 20 individuals and 20 businesses that have gone above and beyond and have made Mississippi a better place to live, work and prosper.

We will consider traits like audacity, innovation, disruption, and social responsibility. 2020 marks a new decade. Let's see who rises to the top.

Anyone who has ever won an award from the MBJ as well as anyone that should have been recognized by our publication is eligible to be nominated.

The MBJ will begin accepting nominations immediately with an event scheduled for the Fall.

Once nominations have been secured, a selected panel of business professionals along with the staff of the MBJ will help select the final winners.

Please send all nominations to tami.jones@msbusiness.com.

Good luck to everyone and we look forward to seeing who will ultimately become the Business People of the Decade as well as the Businesses of the Decade. » ROSS REILY is the editor of the Mississippi Business Journal.

He can be reached at ross.reily@msbusiness.com.

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Perspective » RICKY NOBILE

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corporations are prohibiting travel and implementing work-from-home strategies, schools have closed, colleges have suspended on-campus classes and sports.

Restrictions on imports are hurting global supply chains. The virus may soon disrupt systems that supply food, medicine, and other necessities.

Washington State, the early hard hit state, expects layoffs/shutdowns in face-to-face service industries such as hotels, restaurants, sports venues, and charitable food and clothing banks.

Ironically, the military had a longterm strategic plan in place to respond to a pandemic. Orders to execute this plan were issued last week.

The rest of us must wait for the reactive, tactical political plan to be figured out and implemented.

“A wise man plans ahead; a fool doesn’t and even brags about it” – Proverbs 13:16 (TLB). » BILL CRAWFORD is a syndicated columnist from Jackson.

» FROM THE GROUND UP

The Coronavirus and business insurance coverage: Steps to take now M

ississippi business leaders will continue to hope that the new coronavirus, COVID-19, stays away from and out of our state. But even if we avoid direct exposure to this worldwide health crisis, Mississippi companies will face risk and resulting losses. From international shipping and travel to reliance on component parts manufactured on foreign shores, Mississippi businesses may not realize the full effect of the coronavirus for years. However, there are specific steps that companies can take now to maximize recovery under their insurance programs for any losses of income.

First, know what insurance products you have in place.

Identify and review all insurance policies applicable to your business and work with an insurance professional if needed to ensure you understand the coverages and exclusions. Examples of the types of insurance coverage that potentially apply include: Business Interruption Coverage. Commercial property policies typically provide coverage for business income losses due to an interruption in operations and extra expenses to keep the business running during the disruption. Most such policies require “direct physical loss or damage” to covered property, but this element might be satisfied, for example, if a factory or tour bus is contaminated. Coverage turns on fact-specific determinations unique to each claim and the specific policy wording.

Contingent Business Interruption Coverage. Contingent BI coverage is a common coverage extension in commercial property policies that responds to losses from supply

chain disruptions. Such disruptions could be caused by vendors, suppliers, business partners, or customers. For example, if your manufacturing plant relies on parts from a supplier’s overseas facility and that facility is closed because of contamination, coverage may be available.

Civil Authority or Ingress and Egress Coverage. A forced government shutdown of a covered facility may be covered and could apply based on the risk of contamination alone.

Event Cancelation or Travel Insurance. Specialized policies offer tailored coverage that may respond directly to losses from event and travel disruptions related to the coronavirus.

Liability Insurance such as CGL, D&O, and E&O policies.

In addition to the direct risks of loss discussed above, companies may face future liability from third parties al-

leging that some action or inaction of the company led to their own illness or some other type of loss. For example, D&O claims may arise from shareholder allegations that company leadership did not respond appropriately to the

coronavirus risk.

Second, companies should closely monitor potential impacts and track any potential losses.

A business loss caused by the coronavirus may not be immediately obvious. Brainstorming and investigating how your business could be affected ALEX PURVIS may be prudent. Likewise, accurate records of potential impacts will be needed to prove a loss. Proof of a business interruption loss may also require a detailed analysis by forensic accountants familiar with your industry.

Third, if you identify a claim or even a potential claim, providing notice to the insurer in compliance with the policy is absolutely critical. Some policies may require a notice of circumstances that could lead to a claim or loss even before the claim arises or loss occurs. Work with your insurance or risk management professional to timely submit the claim and diligently pursue the insurer’s response. The insurance industry may be overwhelmed with coronavirus claims in the coming months.

Finally, do not accept a denial letter without careful consideration. Unfortunately, covered claims are often denied in the first instance due to a misunderstanding of the underlying facts or an unduly rigid interpretation of the policy wording. Under Mississippi law, wording that is open to more than one reasonable interpretation is construed in favor of coverage and insurers bear the burden to prove that an exclusion from coverage applies.

» ALEX PURVIS is an insurance coverage lawyer who represents commercial policyholders in Mississippi and beyond. He is based in the Jackson office of Bradley (www.bradley.com), a national law firm with a full-service Mississippi office. Alex is a fellow in the American College of Coverage Counsel and co-editor of Bradley’s insurance blog: www.itpaystobecovered.com.

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» FROM THE GROUND UP

Perspective

Customers are judging every aspect of every transaction O nce upon a time, I did some research about customer transactions for a company that had an office where customers could come in, sign up for new accounts, make payments on existing accounts and otherwise transact business. My task was to learn more about why customers were coming to the facility to transact business when they could just as easily, actually even more easily, complete the transaction online. What I discovered from one certain customer caused me to rethink business transactions.

She was a senior citizen, not quite what one would call elderly. She waited patiently in line behind several others, then approached the counter and interacted with the clerk. It appeared that she made a payment of some kind. I approached her as she was leaving, identified myself and told her I was doing some research. She brightened up and told me she would be glad to participate.

She told me that she had internet service, lived some distance from the facility and always made her monthly payment in person.

When I probed about the reasons she did so instead of using her computer at home, she quickly responded, “Because Becky always asks me about my back.”

What I learned was that hers was as much a social interaction as a business transaction.

I also begin to wonder if some businesses were placing too much emphasis on the

mechanics of their customer transactions to the detriment of the emotional element of their transactions. Of course, I also learned that every customer is different and that not all customers value the same thing in a business transaction.

The key is to know what customers want.

And not just customers as a bundle, but each individual customer. That can be tricky and time-consuming. Algorithms and artificial intelligence may be getting better at personalizing transactions, but sometimes it can backfire. Overuse of technology can remove that personal touch and cause the loss of a customer.

Recently, an employee of a nonprofit organization told me about a fundraising effort that was about to begin. She told me about the specific program that the funds would be used for. She also told me to mention her name when I made the contribution. She also suggested a modest amount. Any amount was fine as long as I contributed something and mentioned her name. I suspected some competition among employees was going on.

The initiative was something that I wanted to support, so I went online and made a contribution several times the amount suggested. The online transaction was efficient.

It even provided a box to enter the name of a person who referred me if I wished to do so.

Less than 10 seconds after clicking “Submit”

...so instead of using her computer at home, she quickly responded, “Because Becky always asks me about my back.”

on my computer I had a new email in my inbox thanking me for my contribution. It was the most generic, simple “thank you” I believe I have ever seen. Two PHIL HARDWICK sentences, no personalization and no mention of the person I said referred me. That was a month ago. I haven’t seen the employee or received anything else since then.

Here are my seat-of-the-pants recommendations for creating successful transactions: Know your customer. Is your primary customer a male, female, young, old, new, etc.? Know the demographics of your customers. Who is it buying your product or service?

Learn what your customer really values.

One of the keys to amazon.com’s success is that it has shortened the time between desire and fulfillment. Online customers probably value things like convenience, speed and the ability to shop more than the customer who goes to the mall.

Determine how to satisfy the customer.

Once you know what the customer really values, then figure out how to fulfill that desire. I believe we have overused the term “exceed customer expectations.” I know it’s tough. Companies are trying hard. But some customers want more than just the basics of the transaction. Use technology, but don’t over-digitize. By the way, do you think most of the customers sitting in a Starbucks Cafe really are there because of the coffee?

Train employees — I recommend regularly checking the Gallup organization website to better understand what employees want.

Follow-up with customers. Maybe even make phone contact with them. Beware of online reviews. There are companies now that are paid to make phone good online reviews. When looking at online reviews though, pay attention to those from obvious real customers.

Monitor trends. What do customers want in the transaction, not just what they are buying. And keep up with society trends. I recommend faith popcorn.com as a good source for that kind of information.

Finally, let’s look to a couple of experts on this subject.

Peter Drucker said, “The purpose of a business is to create a customer.”

There are customers out there who are looking for you. Help them find you by being where they are looking. Places like Yelp, Angie’s List, Google Maps, Google Search, Social Media and their peers. Yes, their peers. One of the primary sources of information is other people.

Jeffrey Gitomer, sales trainer, author and speaker, has said, “Your customers are judging every aspect of every transaction and rating everything, from friendliness of people to ease of doing business to quality of product to service after the sale.” » PHIL HARDWICK is a regular Mississippi Business Journal columnist.

House Republicans Pass HCR 39 in an effort to Kill Medical Marijuana Ballot Initiative

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n March 10, House Republicans passed HCR 39, a concurrent resolution to Ballot Initiative No. 65 regarding the legalization of medicinal marijuana.

This “legislative alternative” is designed to confuse voters by placing a similar initiative on November’s ballot to dilute the vote to legalize medical marijuana.

Throughout the last 18 months, more

than 220,000 Mississippians have signed Ballot Initiative No. 65 in support of legalizing medical marijuana. Polls have also suggested that the majority of Mississippians support this issue. The sole intention of HRC 39 is to mislead and confuse voters and kill a measure for which the majority of Mississippians are in favor.

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

TAX HIKE IS ONE THING, BRIGHT OUTLOOK FOR GASOLINE IS ANOTHER

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Metro retail real estate on a roll New construction accompanied by 2nd and 3rd chances for older properties

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

»

A hike in Mississippi gasoline tax has been bandied about for years as a solution for much-needed improvements in the state’s roads and bridges.

But it continues to draw, at best, a luke-warm response from governmental leaders.

Whether the increase were to occur, the good news is that the historical price of gasoline in the state continues to be low.

The Mississippi gasoline tax stands at 18.4 cents per gallon, unchanged since 1987, when it was imposed by the Legislature. It is the lowest among its neighboring states and 48th in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation.

The tax established “1987 Highway Program,” a $1.6 billion long-range bill calling for the construction of over 1,000 miles of four-lane highways.

A gallon of regular in 1987 cost 69 cents in Mississippi. That is the inflation-adjusted equivalent of 99 cents in 2019 dollars, far below current prices.

Gasoline prices in Jackson going back 10 years is $2.56, compared with $2.69 nationally.

The relatively low price would seem to enhance the chances of raising the tax to pay for the miserable condition of so many roads and bridges in Mississippi.

There are other sources – Internet sales taxes, lottery revenue and sports gambling revenue.

A report from the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review, or PEER, stated that the current gasoline tax yields about $300 million annually.

The Mississippi Economic Council, the state chamber of commerce, holds to its position of several years that the minimum needed for maintenance of the state’s roads and bridges is $375 million.

MEC Executive Director Scott Waller said in a recent interview that a one-cent hike in the gasoline tax, for example, would raise $20 million per year.

First-term Gov. Tate Reeves is dead set against increasing the tax.

Returning Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn has in the past proposed a swap of a break in income tax for a hike in the gas tax, though he subsequently seemed to back off of that position.

Delbert Hosemann, the former secretary of state who was just installed as lieutenant governor, which puts him in charge of the Senate, has suggested allowing local governments to add a tax onto the state levy, with a “sunset” provision that would allow repealing the add-on.

Committing to a tax increase on something whose basis could change substantially in the future is something that gives pause.

The revolution in oil and natural gas production in the United States through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has encountered opposition on environmental concerns, but production has continued to grow, though at a slower rate, according to the federal Energy Information Administration.

In fact, the United States stands to be a net oil exporter in 2020, meaning that it has more control over the price of crude oil – and thus gasoline prices, the EIA states.

By TED CARTER mbj@msbusiness.com Metro Jackson’s retail development market is in a recovery year created by vacant space filling up and lease rates staying in place.

So concludes a close look at the metro retail market by Integra Realty Resources Inc. and detailed in its annual “Viewpoint” report for 2020.

County Line.

“We’ve had some vacancy rates along the corridor decline, but you are getting that same class of retail tenant space, secondand-third generation retail use,” Turner noted.

Pre-used on County Line is fine with commercial broker Scott Overby, principal of The Overby Company in Jackson. Shifts in trade areas where County Line fixtures such as home décor retailers Pier 1 and

feet vacated by Applebee’s, which departed over lease issues and not slack customer traffic. Overby noted long-time tenant and customer-traffic generator Party City recently renewed its lease.

Overby said he has also signed up four new tenants for space vacated at nearby Centre Park, just off County Line Road in Ridgeland.

Another positive for County Line came with the signing of two tenants for the

It appears that enduring a mostly stagnant development market the past decade could now bring rewards for developers and the investors who back them. They are in a market in which empty space is getting scarcer and rent rates could begin to reflect this, says Integra Realty Resources, a national commercial real estate valuation and consulting firm with an office in Ridgeland.

The recovery, Integra says, is in a third and final phase aided by the limited amount of new retail construction since 2010. This should create faster absorption of existing retail space, the 2020 report says, forecasting expansion with new development within the next 12 to 18 months.

James “Jim” O. Turner II, an Integra managing director, expects the expansion to be accompanied by continued infill of some large vacant spaces as seen in recent years along the County Line Road corridor.

“The second-generation space is, at least, backfilling,” Turner said in an interview, citing moves like retailer At Home’s infill of the former Sam’s Wholesale Club space on

Kirkland’s shut down while keeping open stores in Flowood and Madison reflect an eco-chain of sorts, according to Overby.

“Relocating corridors gives opportunities to backfill second- generation space at affordable rates with high-traffic counts,” he said.

Retailers “are not having to pay top dollar for new construction,” he added.

The Overby Company has Pier 1 as a tenant at North Regency Square. Overby said interest in Pier 1’s 9,000 square-foot space at Ridgewood Road and County Line has been strong since the retailer announced in January low sales are forcing it to vacate.

Overby attributes the interest to North Regency Square’s highway visibility and the 40,000 vehicles that daily travel the intersection it fronts. A six-figure renovation of the 61,300 square-foot three-floor center has further enhanced its appeal to tenants and shoppers.

Eight new tenants have been signed in the past year, Overby said. They include a Denny’s in the approximately 15,000 square

former Kroger store on the corridor’s east end after four years of vacancy. Trampoline-based franchise Sky Zone and fitness center Crunch Fitness will divide the 62,000-square-foot building, the Mississippi Business Journal reported in August.

Multi-million-dollar renovations to County Line’s 958,000 square-foot Northpark Mall have helped solidify the corridor’s future, commercial real estate pros say. Yet more strengthening will come from the planned transformation of the UA Northpark 14 into a multiscreen theater with a bar area and power recliners.

“If you want to drop a tenant into as central a location as you can, County Line fits that,” Overby said.

Commercial real estate professional Micah McCullough would agree, though only partly. “I’ve historically been bullish on County Line,” said McCullough, vice president and associate broker at NAI See METRO RETAIL, Page 8

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Thinking Ahead: Impact of Coronavirus on commercial transactions As coronavirus concerns escalate, businesses should be alert to the emerging commercial challenges from potential disruptions related to its existence, spread and containment.

Suppliers may delay delivery of products, raw materials or other supplies, be unable to perform contractual obligations, or even try to charge higher prices.

Businesses, in turn, may have difficulty or be unable to meet contractual requirements based on such issues. Customers may become unreasonably demanding in the face of unexpected situations brought about by supply chain disruptions.

The guideline we suggest is simple: be fair, but insist those you deal with return the favor.

Many of these business strains and challenges will be solved over time. But, if you find your business faced with unreasonable situations you cannot tolerate, there are legal doctrines that can come into play in such situations, including contractual provisions (the oft-discussed

force majeure clauses), and common law doctrines such as impossibility of performance or frustration of contract or other historic doctrines, as well as legal restrictions on price gouging.

Watson For example, if one of your suppliers claims that it cannot deliver products to you on a timely basis and is relieved from performance due to certain specific effects of the coronavirus, you must examine the precise language of your contract and determine whether the supplier has a contractual basis to do so, whether any such rights have been properly invoked and the remedies available to you. On the other hand, if your business needs to suspend or delay shipments for similar reasons, you will want to be sure and comply with all of the terms of any force majeure clause in your relevant contract as to ensuring you have a qualifying event. Then, provide proper notice and be aware of all potential consequences of invoking such a provision. In either case, should you not have a contract with a

force majeure clause, you should examine all of your rights or obligations under the law.

Should your business experience any disruptions due to this, it is critical to examine both your rights and your obligations under your existing contracts and under the law in general.

Butler Snow has the experience to assist your business in navigating the potential

legal issues brought about by the spread of coronavirus and its impact on the global economy. » BENJAMIN M. WATSON is chair of Butler Snow’s e-Discovery Advisors team in the firm’s commercial litigation group. He focuses his practice on director and officer defense, contract litigation, administrative law and aviation law.

Mississippi attorney general to lead cybersecurity panel

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ississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch says she will work to strengthen the security of computers and other electronic devices used by state government employees.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday that he is appointing Fitch to lead a cybersecurity task force.

Fitch Fitch said that systems are threatened not only by other countries but also by “dangerous pranksters.”

Fitch and Reeves are both Republicans.

They were inaugurated for their current jobs in January.

Fitch is an attorney and former state treasurer. Reeves was lieutenant governor the past two terms, and he served as state treasurer before Fitch.

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

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At long last, Costco opens in Ridgeland

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

The fear for some had been that the traffic would be a nightmare, but the only jam at the Costco Wholesale Store on opening day Thursday was for those who had not joined.

That meant an hour’s application and approval of membership before they could enter the giant store on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland.

Inside the store, “it flowed real well,” said Shannon Woodson of Ridgeland, who was shopping with her sons, Rand and McLeod.

“It was easy,” Mrs. Woodson said.

“There were tons of employees. “I guess weren’t supposed to be in a big crowd. So we busted on that,” she said.

She was referring the latest strategy from health and government officials to avoid congregating in an effort to lessen the chance of spreading the coronavirus, which is highly contagious and –to name just a few things – has caused the cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournaments and the NBA season and the closing of Disneyland.

There was much hand-sanitizing and table and chair wipe-downs.

The opening as for several years not a foregone conclusion. Residents in the vicinity of the site took the city of Ridgeland court in 2015, arguing that the excessive traffic would devalue residential property, a trial that resulted in the Mississippi Supreme Court voting unanimously against the city’s plan for the development because it was illegal.

The sticking point was a fueling station for the site, which the city had made room for with a revision of the city zoning ordinance.

The city redrew the plan, which passed muster before the Supreme Court. That was because the plan called for the station to be across the street. The opponents fought that, too, though they dropped it in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in another case that boded ill for the Ridgeland opponents. The station is selling gasoline to members.

Costco Wholesale is known for its upscale merchandise, in addition to staples.

Johnnie Canales of Jackson came out with his cart containing his favorite tissue, Scott, which he likes because of its reputation for breaking down easily in the sewer system. Also in his basket were a different kind of roll – “artisan” dinner rolls.

Canales said the store has “a very good selection” of food. “it’s fresh and good and it’s reasonably priced.”

One woman, who would identify herself only as “Mrs. Jones of Clinton,” praised the steaks for the thickness of the cuts and prices.

One item that might surprise some shoppers was a Human Touch massage chair for $8,000 – compared with what Costco says is a $10,000 retail value.

You can buy autos through the store, too. A Cadillac Escalade was parked in

front of the store with a sign that says that the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $94,833, but Costco will let you have it for $80,633.

Costco, which is based in Issaquah, Wash., and has 785 stores across the country as of last year, says it is the biggest seller of wine in the United States.

The store has an attached but separate liquor store.

One wine shopper, who asked not to be identified because he has friends “on the other side” of the Costco fight, said that the selection was broad and prices were low.

Shannon Woodson of Ridgeland and her sons, Rand, left, and McLeod, leave the store with a full basket.

Vera Hall named SBA Small-Business Person of Year Vera D. Hall, owner of Innovative Performance Construction Company LLC of Jackson has been named the 2020 SBA Mississippi Small-Business Person of the Year, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration‘s Mississippi District Office.

Founded in 2011, Innovative Performance Construction operates in all areas of general construction.

Hall is a graduate of Alcorn State University “It is our pleasure to recognize Vera D. Hall for her accomplishments and contributions as the SBA Mississippi Small-Business Person of the Year, along with our Small Business Champion Winners and Top Lenders and Top Certified Development Company for their fiscal 2019 SBA small business loan activity,” Janita R. Stewart, SBA Mississippi District director., said in a release.

The SBA Mississippi District Office will

honor the Small-Business Person of the Year, Small Business Champions, Top Lenders and Top CDC at an invitation-only awards ceremony in Jackson during National Small Business Week.

The SBA Small Business Award winners also include T’Keyah Williams, Mama Nature’s Juice Bar in Ridgeland, Small Business Entrepreneur.

Walter Dyminski, Bankfirst Financial Services, Columbus, Financial Services champion.

Deborah P. Scott, Boots to Business Revenue Readiness, Mississippi State University, Veterans Small Business champion.

Lender Awards: Covington County Bank, Peoples Bank, Community Bank of Mississippi, Trustmark National Bank, BankPlus, First Financial Bank, Renasant Bank, Live Oak Banking, Embassy National Bank, Three Rivers Development Bank, Ameris Bank.

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Poll shows Mississippians overwhelmingly want alcohol freedom

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ecently published survery showcase overwhelmingly strong support for allowing wine to be sold in grocery stores across the state of Mississippi.

The Looking For Wine coalition, in conjunction with Spry Strategies conducted the poll which found that 75 percent of Mississippians support the policy change.

The survey comes as further testament that Mississippians are in favor of increasing alcohol freedom in the Magnolia state and rolling back prohibition-era policies that limit the economic freedom of both

METRO RETAIL

Continued from, Page 8

UCR Properties in Jackson.

The thing is, McCullough added, “You can only have so many trampoline parks.”

The jury is still out on County Line, McCullough insisted, but added, “I hope I’m wrong.”

He said he worries that the closures of stores like Pier 1 and Kirkland’s signal the start of a struggle to backfill. “I’m afraid we’re going to start having more junior boxes (spaces from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet) empty than national retailers to backfill them,” he said.

Looking at the metro’s retail development as a whole, McCullough said Integra Realty Resources is on target with belief an expansion is getting under way. He credits a strong economy.

“I feel like we are in an expansion phase,” he said, and noted he is seeing more retail construction than in several years.

buyers and sellers.

Furthermore, the survey also found that 48 percent of respondents would be more likely to vote for a House or Senate candidate who supported reforms that would allow grocery stores to sell wine in addition to beer, while only 17 percent would be less likely to vote for said candidates.

Fascinatingly, exhibited by the survey was the fact that well over 70 percent of respondents who identified as Republicans, Democrats, and Independents all supported the ability for grocery stores to sell wine.

This indicates the broad, non-partisan nature of the vast coalition of supporters.

It is abundantly clear that most Mississippians want change.

They are tired of havHUNTER ESTES ing the government make life decisions for them and would prefer that they have the ability to decide if, when, and where they purchase wine.

If our state political leaders want to secure a major bipartisan win, then alcohol freedom is the place to start. After all, how often do we have an issue that 75 percent of people across all political parties agree on?

With a range of bills having been introduced this session, there are a range of good policy options available, including the sale of wine in grocery stores, raising the business license cap, reforming the wet-dry county process, and more. Mississippi truly has the chance to make this the year for alcohol freedom in the state.

So has Overby, but it’s mostly in the premium retail types, he said. “If you are a higher-end retailer, we certainly have new construction going,” Overby added.

The broker cited a planned 58-acre development on Grandview Drive in Madison across from the Sam’s Wholesale Club. “We’ve got eight out-parcels and 50 acres on the interior tract with opportunities to do everything from major retail of 200,000 square feet to typical big- box and junior-box.”

The developers are completing site plans and a couple of national large users have been pitched, according to Overby.

More immediately, the $500 million Waterpointe project on 230 acres in Flowood will be home to 560 single-family residences and 800,000 square-feet of commercial space. Infrastructure work is under way for the mixed-use development south of Lakeland Drive just east of the East Metro

Parkway. Construction is to be phased-in over at least 10 years, developer Southern Lifestyle Development says.

“It has a lot of real promise as a mixeduse,” said McCullough of NAI UCR Properties.

Other major retail activity cited in Integra Realty Resources’ 2020 Overview report included numerous automobile dealerships along Interstate 55 in Madison County, development of an amphitheater in Brandon, Renaissance Phase III in Ridgeland, continued development of The District at Eastover in Jackson and continued development of the Township at Colony Park in Ridgeland.

Looking at a distribution of metro Jackson’s 43 million square feet of retail inventory, Integra put neighborhood retail at 61.1 percent of the total with the rest divided between community retail and regional mall retail.

Going-in cap rates of 8 percent promise

higher returns on community retail compared to the rest of the South, 7.1 percent; and the nation, 6.9 percent, Integra says. For neighborhood retail, Integra lists a going-in cap rate of 8.5 percent compared to 7.1 percent for both the region and nation.

Cap rates measure risks in a deal and are derived as a ratio between net operating income and the value of the retail property.

Integra’s Viewpoint notes metro Jackson’s community retail asking rent of $14 a square foot is below the region’s $18.8 and nation’s $22.3. Yet the metro’s community retail vacancy rate of 9 percent is higher than the region’s 8.2 percent and nation’s 8.3 percent.

The rent-rate picture is much the same for metro Jackson’s neighborhood retail which is listed at $12 a square foot compared to the region’s $17.2 percent and nation’s $20. Vacancy in the metro at 5 percent is lower than that of the region’s 8.6 percent and nation’s 8.5 percent. n

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Innovate Mississippi looks to expand regional alliances New year will bring creation of new seed fund for Innovate Mississippi

By TED CARTER mbj@msbusiness.com

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f the “Next Big Thing” is out there, it’s unlikely to be overlooked in a Mississippi that spent the last decade building ways to get good ideas to market.

Mississippi enterprises focused on commercializing knowledge and innovation are venturing into a new decade with improved prospects that the chief development executive for Innovate Mississippi attributes to a maturing ecosystem of partnerships, especially public-private ones.

Jackson-based Innovate Mississippi, itself a public-private partnership, sees its

partnership work as a key success of the previous decade. It now wants to expand cooperation networks by creating regional partnerships across the state, said La Tasha Bibb, the nonprofit organization’s director of entrepreneurial development.

State economic development officials liked the expansion idea and the capital-connect concept behind it enough to pitch in additional state money, Bibb said. “We are looking Bibb at models that work.”

Going into the effort, “We know that our public-private partnerships will make this work,” she said.

“We’re in Jackson but we work statewide. We have the resources they need,”

Bibb said of fledgling innovation entrepreneurs.

Through the regional alliances, Innovate Mississippi hops to increase local access to statewide resources, the organization said.

Success will be gauged by the effectiveness of shared mentor and provider networks, creation of best practices for holding events and activities and establishing a common development pipeline.

Gray-Daniels Analysis: Special needs sold to Little vouchers could live on, with limits Rock-based auto group Little Rock-based McLarty Automotive Group has bought the Atlanta-based Asbury Automotive Group’s Mississippi holdings with the purchase of Gray-Daniels Auto Family. Gray-Daniels is the largest dealership group in the state, with approximately $400 million in annual revenues.

“Like McLarty Automotive Group, Gray-Daniels Auto Family is deeply rooted in the communities it serves,” said Mark McLarty, founder and chairman. “We are excited about the opportunity to build on its more than 30-year history and grow our presence in America’s Heartland.”

The Gray-Daniels Auto Family operates one collision center and five dealerships: Gray-Daniels Toyota, Gray-Daniels Nissan Brandon, Gray-Daniels Chevrolet, Gray-Daniels Nissan North, and Gray-Daniels Ford Lincoln. With the addition of Gray-Daniels Auto Family, MAG is expected to be one of the top 25 automotive dealers in the U.S. with nearly $1.7 billion in annual revenue.

McLarty Automotive Group currently owns and operates 23 dealerships across the Mid-South and Midwest, representing BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Lincoln, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. Mark McLarty is a fourth-generation auto industry veteran.

— MBJ Newswires

Mississippi’s state Senate is proposing a significant overhaul of the program that provides state money for special education students to attend private schools. Now it’s the House’s turn to consider its future.

Parents whose children have special education needs can apply for education scholarship accounts that provide $6,500. The program was created in 2015 by Republicans who argued that students with specialized learning needs should be able to seek alternatives to public schools. It will expire after this school year unless lawmakers agree to extend it.

Public education advocates never liked the plan, arguing that many of the schools taking the money had less special education expertise than public schools and that students were giving up important legal protections when they left for private schools. The accounts have always been seen by opponents as a first step toward private school vouchers for all Mississippi students.

That subject is especially fraught in the Magnolia State given that the state once subsidized private school attendance for whites fleeing integration.

JEFF AMY But a confluence of factors combined beginning in 2019 to sharpen scrutiny. First, a critical report by a legislative watchdog committee raised questions about the program, indicating that many of the schools that students attend had no special education capabilities. The report also raised

the possibility that some students might still be getting special education services from public schools. Under federal law, public school districts are required to provide special education services to local private school students.

After a failed effort to get the program extended in 2019, then-Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves stuffed an extra $2 million into its funding, prompting howls of disgust from opponents.

Finally, the indictments of Nancy and Zach New for embezzling federal welfare money isn’t helping the optics, because some of the students attend the New Summit schools that Nancy New founded. There’s been no allegation the education money was misused.

Reeves has moved on to the governor’s office, and those who control the legislative process now are generally less favorable to the plan. Senators earlier this month approved Senate Bill 2954. It would extend the program for four years, but would make it much more restrictive. Participating schools would have to certify to the Mississippi Department of Education that they provide services addressing a student’s particular needs, and would require public schools be reimbursed for any special education services they provide.

Supporters of the current plan say that many schools that get money now, especially in rural areas, could be ineligible. People who would like to use the money have already had problems finding schools outside

urban areas. Almost half the students in the program have typically come from five urban districts — Rankin County, Madison County, DeSoto County, Jackson and Hinds County.

The proposal would also require the schools test students at the beginning and end of each school year, and for an outside group to assess the students’ progress. The

schools could use their own tests, a national standardized test, or one approved by the state. This could for the first time shed some light on students’ academic performance.

The new plan would also bar money being used for online-only schools and schools outside the state. DeSoto County lawmakers don’t like the inability for students to take the money to schools in nearby Memphis, Tennessee.

The more restrictive version won wide Senate support, including three Democratic supporters in the 40-9 margin. Now the bill awaits action in the House. Richard Bennett, a Long Beach Republican and the Education Committee chairman there, has been a clear skeptic in the past. But with some public education advocates mollified by the Senate measure, a modified program may live on.

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Mississippi reps win; Espy to face Hyde-Smith Mississippi held party primaries Tuesday to choose nominees for a U.S. Senate seat and four congressional seats: U.S. SENATE

Mike Espy won the Democratic nomination, easily defeating two challengers. He will face Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Libertarian candidate Jimmy Edwards in November.

Hyde-Smith is an ally of President Donald Trump. She was appointed to serve temporarily when Republican Sen.

Thad Cochran retired in early 2018. In November 2018, Hyde-Smith defeated Espy in a hard-fought special election to occupy Cochran’s seat for the remaining two years of the six-year term.

Espy is a former congressman who served as U.S. agriculture secretary in the 1990s. In the primary Tuesday, he defeated Tobey Bernard Bartee and Jensen Bohren.

Bartee is a former military intelligence officer who was eliminated in the first round of voting in the 2018 special election for Senate. Bohren is a former teacher who unsuccessfully challenged Republican U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker in 2018.

U.S. HOUSE — 1ST DISTRICT

Republican U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly will face Democratic challenger Antonia Eliason in November in north Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District. Neither had opposition in the primary. Kelly is a former district attorney and has been in the House since he won a 2015 special election. Eliason is a law professor at the University of Mississippi.

U.S. HOUSE — 2ND DISTRICT

U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson easily won the Democratic primary in

Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, which stretches along the Mississippi River, through the Delta and into Jackson.

Thompson defeated Sonia Rathburn, who owns a chiropractic business.

Thompson has been in Washington since winning a special election in 1993.

He is the longest-serving member of Mississippi’s current congressional delegation. He is also the only Democrat and the only African American representing the state on Capitol Hill.

In November’s general election, Thompson will face either Thomas L. Carey or Brian Flowers, who are going to a March 31 runoff after neither won Tues-

Cindy Hyde-Smith is the first woman elected to represent Mississippi in Washington, D.C.

T

day’s Republican primary.

Carey is a retired real estate agent who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2014.

Flowers is a military veteran who works at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. The candidate eliminated Tuesday was B.C. Hammond. He is a volunteer firefighter and has run unsuccessfully for the Mississippi Legislature.

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U.S. HOUSE — 3RD DISTRICT

Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Guest won his party primary in central Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District.

He defeated radio talk show host James Tulp. Guest is a former district attorney

who was first elected to the House in 2018.

Guest will face Dorothy “Dot” Benford, who won the Democratic primary after defeating first-time candidate Katelyn Lee. Benford has run unsuccessfully for several offices.

U.S. HOUSE — 4TH DISTRICT

Republican U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo defeated three party primary challengers in south Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District.

Palazzo is reelected because he faces no opponent in the November general election. He is a military veteran and former state legislator who was first elected to the House in 2010.

INITIALLY APPOINTED by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant in April 2018 to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by long-time Senator Thad Cochran, Hyde-Smith won a special election for the U.S. Senate in November 2018. She has established herself as Senator committed to conservative principles as she works for all Mississippians.

In the 116th Congress, Hyde-Smith serves on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Committee on Rules and Administration.

On the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hyde-Smith serves on six subcommittees, including: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Energy and Water Development; Homeland Security; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; and Legislative Branch, on which she serves as chairman.

Prior to becoming a U.S. Senator for Mississippi, Hyde-Smith was elected Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce in 2011 and easily won reelection in 2015.

On Tuesday, Palazzo defeated Carl Boyanton, Robert L. Deming III and Samuel Hickman. Boyanton is the former owner of a produce business. Deming is a Biloxi City Council member. Hickman worked for U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly in north Mississippi’s 1st District.

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Regions Foundation announces $25,000 grant for Mississippi flood recovery T he Regions Foundation on Thursday announced a $25,000 flood-recovery grant to help people in Hinds, Madison and Rankin Counties affected by the recent Pearl River floods.

Additionally, Regions Bank announced disaster-recovery financial services, including loan payment assistance, to help people and businesses during the recovery.

“While several communities were spared the worst of the flooding, we must remember that many of our neighbors face a lengthy recovery,” said Robert Leard, Metro Jackson Market Executive for Regions Bank. “To those who are impacted by the floods, we will stand by you and help in any way we can. Our hope is that, through the disaster-recovery grant, and the financial services we’re announcing today, we can help make the recovery easier.”

The Regions Foundation is an Alabama-based nonprofit initiative of Regions Bank that supports community investments. The $25,000 grant from the Foundation will support United Way of

the Capital Area’s Operation 2020 Pearl River Flood Recovery Fund. According to United Way, 100% of funds allocated to this effort will support mid- and long-term recovery needs following damage assessments.

“Relief agencies are working each day to connect with people, listen to their needs,

and identify ways we can support their recovery,” said Dr. Ira Murray, President and CEO of United Way of the Capital Area.

“This grant from the Regions Foundation

will make a significant difference, and we encourage the community to join us in our efforts. Through the Operation 2020 Pearl River Flood Recovery Fund, our focus is having a system in place to help people get the support they need as damage assessments are completed.”

Separately, the disaster-recovery financial services Regions Bank is offering customers1 include help from the Regions Mortgage Payment Assistance team. People experiencing short-term financial difficulties due to natural disasters can contact Regions to discuss options such as temporarily suspending certain mortgage payments or modifying a mortgage to either extend its terms, reduce its interest rate, or take other steps to address current financial needs.

The Regions Mortgage Payment Assistance team can be reached at 1-800-7489498. A mortgage assistance application is available at this link on Regions.com.

Also, customers experiencing disaster-related hardships can call 1-866-298-

1113 to discuss assistance related to other Regions services including credit cards, personal loans, home equity loans and business loans.

Disaster-recovery financial services are available to Regions customers impacted by floods across Mississippi. Likewise, Regions branches throughout the state are staffed with financial professionals who are ready to offer customized advice and guidance based on each customer’s unique needs.

“We understand the challenges many people are facing because, here within the Regions family, some of our own associates are working on flood repairs and recovery,” said John Anderson, Consumer Banking Executive for Regions Bank. “In addition to online and phone resources, we encourage people with flood-related needs to come by our branches and have a oneon-one conversation with us. We’ll listen to you – and we’ll deliver whatever services we can provide to help you move forward.”

— MBJ Newswires

Computer science education bill wins approval in Mississippi House of Representatives

C

Spire grassroots campaign to get computer science in all K-12 public and charter schools makes key advance A bill championed by C Spire that would give elementary, middle and high school students in Mississippi access to computer science curriculum in the classroom won overwhelming approval Wednesday from the Mississippi House of Representatives.

HB 1165 by Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach, to bring computer science education to the state’s 884 public and charter K-12 schools by the 20232024 school year, was approved 114-2 by the 122-member House a day before the deadline for floor action on the legislation during the 2020 session.

Earlier this month, a companion bill, SB 2284 by State Senator Scott DeLano, R-Biloxi, did not receive a hearing or vote in the Senate Education Committee by the March 3 deadline. With the House’s action as a guide, supporters are now hopeful the Senate will reconsider its position and back efforts calling for computer science education in all public K-12 schools.

“We appreciate the leadership of House Speaker Philip Gunn, House Education

Committee Chairman Richard Bennett and the House for taking action on such an important issue,” said C Spire President and CEO Hu Meena. “Because of their action, the lives of hundreds of thousands of Mississippi school-age children have the potential to be improved with computer science.”

The next stop for the bill will be the Mississippi State Senate, which has until the end of the month (March 31) for committee consideration and approval of a companion measure. If that occurs, the 52 Senate members will have until April 8 to decide the legislation’s fate by bringing a proposal to the Senate floor for a final vote.

Meena said Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, business leaders, teachers, school superintendents and thousands of voters have responded to the company’s comprehensive grassroots online, social media, TV, radio and letter writing campaign begun last month to encourage state lawmakers to promote a stronger computer science foundation in the state.

The letters, which reached all 174 state lawmakers, cited countless examples of how computer science will enhance educa-

tion and job opportunities for students so they can pursue their hopes and dreams for success in life. “People really understand and embrace the importance of this moment for our state’s future,” Meena said.

“Getting computer science in all Mississippi classrooms represents a tremendous opportunity to give our young people exposure to the fundamentals necessary for their success in the new 21st century digital economy,” Meena said, noting that computer science teaches critical thinking, computational and problem solving skills that benefit all students.

C Spire has worked closely with lawmakers to refine the legislation that would

help make computer science available in all schools fully by the 2023-2024 academic year. Many districts and schools have made progress and will not need to make changes while others will need to boost teacher training and update courses to the latest curriculum.

“We’re committed to helping all of our schools overcome any barriers that might stand in the way of offering computer science in classrooms,” Meena said, adding that C Spire is offering to help identify solutions for more teacher training and distance learning. Today, only 47 percent of the state’s high schools teach computer science.

C Spire has been heavily involved in efforts to promote computer science education in Mississippi, investing over $3 million since 2015 in coding challenges, coding academies, pilot accelerated degree programs and other efforts designed to inspire and encourage students to consider pursuing academic degrees or professional careers in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.

— MBJ Newswires

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020 • MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL • www.msbusiness.com

MBJ FOCUS: Architects and Engineers

Quitman planning village of homes made with cross-laminated timber

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com Quitman Village is a planned unit development proposed by the city that could not only provide unique smaller or starter houses to people who need housing in Quitman, it could also serve as a template for other housing development using mass timber technology that would be able to make better use of forest products in the state that are now in little demand.

Quitman Mayor Eddie Fulton said the village is planned on 50 acres that would be within walking and biking distance of

downtown. It is located next to the highest value property in the city and county.

“There are two types of people we really want to attract,” Fulton said. “The senior citizen who wants to downsize and young families who are starting out.”

Mass timber, also known as engineered wood products, consists of layers of wood laminated together for strength. While some commercial buildings around the country have been built primarily with engineered wood products, it hasn’t been used much yet to build entire homes.

Jacob A. Gines, associate professor, Mississippi State University School of

Architecture, said mass timber products provide an opportunity for a new market sector for forest products.

“A vast majority of the economy in Mississippi is based on timber,” Gines said. “Mississippi can be a leader in the Southeast, if not the country, with this technology.”

The design studio at the School of Architecture came up with four single-family home plans.

“They showed us how to do four houses, but they cost more than what I wanted to pay,” Fulton said. “So, I had to go back to the drawing board to get the cost down.

We went back to redo designs.”

Two plans were cost prohibitive at $140 a square foot. Fulton would like to see that closer to $80 per square foot, which is the average for new home construction in the area.

“When you build these things, you are cutting out a lot of labor because you can assemble a house in two weeks,” Fulton said. “It is drilled out for electrical in the factory. What is exciting about it is the structure can withstand winds to 140 mph. And it can’t burn down because there’s not enough air between the wood layer to burn. With the twin towers, steel

Architects and Engineers beams melted and collapsed. Wood beams will singe, but not burn.”

Another issue is which comes first, the chicken or the egg? In order to produce the homes, a factory is needed. For a factory to be built, it needs to have good markets.

“We have a factory here that manufactures laminated beams, and they have an interest in expanding to provide more types of laminated products,” Fulton said.

The city hopes to get the legislature to approve $4 million in state bond funding to help with the $7 million project. The bond money would be used for roads, other infrastructure and for building the first four houses. The city is collaborating with the Mississippi Forestry Association and a large owner of timberland to build support for the initiative. The city is also in the process of working with a company on the West Coast to figure out how to reduce costs.

“Nothing is ever done by an individual,” Fulton said. “Without a lot collaboration, you are wasting your time.”

The plan is to have four homes built, advertise them, and then manufacturing more after determining what designs are most popular. “There are enough people

who understand now what we are trying to do,” Fulton said. “You just need your foot in the door.”

He also champions the beauty of wood.

“If you do it right inside with vaulted ceilings, it is beautiful,” Fulton said. “It is stunning. You can use whatever trim you want on the outside such as brick or wood siding.”

He also hopes that the village will include a new library with the best technology to help kids with learning.

He said the idea of the village is to have something beautiful and functional with enough income to offset paying for most of it.

The industry says advantages of cross-laminated timber include faster installation, reduced waste, fire resistance, better thermal properties and reducing onsite labor by up to 50 percent. Disadvantages include the higher building cost, higher architectural costs, few manufacturing plants and less long-term flexibility for future renovations.

Gines said cross-laminated timber is based on the strength within wood.

Wood is really strong when force is applied parallel to the grain.

“Some people mistake mass timber for

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

heavy timber,” Gines said. “They are different. Heavy timber is a non-engineered product that is just a slice of the tree. Mass timber is an engineered product for taking smaller pieces put together to make a stronger, more durable wood product. Engineering allows us some flexibilities and opportunities to do some amazing things.”

Gines said using younger trees for the engineered products makes a lot of sense in that it can allow old growth forests with a complex ecosystem to be preserved.

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MBJ FOCUS: Insurance & Employee Benefits

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Molina Healthcare waiving member costs for Covid-19 testing

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com As the crisis surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19 sweeps the nation, Molina Healthcare, which has operated in Mississippi since 2018, announced it would waive member costs associated with testing for the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. This waiver applies to the test for coronavirus and the office visit — including physician office, urgent care, or emergency department — associated with that test.

“Details of the coverage policy have been shared with our provider network teams. We are actively monitoring developments concerning potential coronavirus cases in Mississippi and want to ensure our members that tests and treatments

will occur as quickly as possible,” said Bridget Galatas, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Mississippi (MHMS).

“The safety and health of our members, employees, providers, and partners is our highest priority, and I am confident that we have the proper process in place to effectively respond to potential community spread.”

Galatas added that the leadership team at Molina Healthcare of Mississippi is working closely with its executive task force, along with following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Mississippi State Department of Health, to evaluate and communicate information to members, network providers, employees, and government partners as the situation evolves. Additionally, Molina has shared its COVID-19 Medical Policy

and a Q&A document with its provider community to ensure alignment in caring for members during this time.

Molina Healthcare of Mississippi has been providing government-funded, quality health care to Mississippians and their families for two years. MHMS serves members through Medicaid (Mississippi Coordinated Access Network/MississippiCAN and Children’s Health Insurance Plan/CHIP) in all 82 counties. Molina’s Marketplace footprint in Mississippi spans 19 counties including Desoto, Forrest, Hinds, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jones, Lafayette, Lamar, Lee, Madison, Marshall, Panola, Pearl River, Pontotoc, Rankin, Tate, Union and Warren.

“Molina’s competitively-priced Marketplace plans include free preventive care such as screenings, family planning and

preventive drugs, as well as easy access to a wide network of doctors and hospitals,” Galatas said. “Molina Marketplace plans also include telemedicine services that provide 24/7 access to quality doctors for the same copay as a primary care visit.

“Molina Healthcare does not offer private health insurance and is committed to serving the comprehensive health care needs of individuals and families who qualify for government-sponsored health care."

A FORTUNE 500 company, Molina Healthcare, Inc. provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through state insurance marketplaces. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare served approximately 3.4 million members as of June 30, 2019.

Lower claims have led to millions being returned to Workers’ Compensation Assigned Risk Pool members

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Assigned Risk Plan and Pool residual market is the market of last resort for those employers who are entitled to -- but are unable to find -- coverage through the regular “voluntary” market.

“The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Assigned Risk Plan and the Assigned Risk Pool were established back in the early 1990s to provide this coverage,” said John P. Wells, CIC, director, Property & Casualty Rating Division, Mississippi Insurance Department (MID). “The plan establishes the rules and procedures.

The pool is the mechanism that provides reinsurance to servicing carriers for policies issued pursuant to the plan, as well as to provide for the equitable distribution of the operating profit or loss from such policies among the pool members.”

An excess of funds in the Workers’ Compensation Assigned Risk Pool is returned to carriers. The excess of funds is more properly characterized as a surplus— that is, there is more premium written in a given year than is needed to pay the claims and expenses from that year.

This past December, the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board suggested redistributing millions of dollars. MID responded by approving the return to workers’ compensation carriers of about $14.6 million from funds collect-

ed between 1997 and 2015. The funds are in excess of what’s needed to pay the losses and other expenses of certain policy years.

“These returns to companies should help moderate costs, which will save consumers money,” Wells said. “We have seen a positive experience in the market, which is stable. Stable returns are indicators of a healthy market.

I believe that safety and risk programs are working well because of the hard work of carriers and administrators.”

The money was not returned earlier because Workers Comp claims are considered “long-tail” claims. That is because it takes many years for claims to pay out and for the profitability, or lack thereof, of a given policy year to be determined.

The Mississippi Assigned Risk Pool still contains active claims from the early ‘90s.

Wells said the Pool is composed of member companies whose level of participation in the voluntary market changes

each year, thereby changing their pro rata share of the Assigned Risk Pool. The Assigned Risk Pool is accounted for on a policy year basis.

“That means all of the premium, losses, and expenses for a given year are forever associated with that policy year,” Wells said. “The pool administrator recommends a distribution to or an assessment from the pool members when it is reasonably certain of an operating surplus or loss for a given policy year. For convenience and efficiency, the pool administrator usually nets together distributions and assessments for multiple policy years at one time. The management of the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Assigned Risk has been outstanding under the pool administrator, Compensation Insurance Services.”

For Policy Year 2019, there were a little more than 2,300 policies in the Assigned Risk Plan. Wells said Workers’ Compen-

sation coverage is an integral part of a business’s overall coverage because of the medical and (death) disability protection it provides for the employee, as well as the financial protection it provides for the employer.

Most larger companies with a good track record can get workers’ compensation insurance in the commercial marketplace. Wells said the employers who remain in the Assigned Risk Pool tend to be smaller and/or contain more hazardous class codes, which the voluntary market is reluctant to write.

A better market for workers’ compensation provided by commercial carriers has been seen in the past five years. Wells said base rates have decreased over the past five years due to a continued decrease in claim frequency and decreases in indemnity and medical loss trends.

Employers can help keep costs low by reducing accidents. Wells strongly recommends implementing a safety program which includes drug and alcohol testing.

For more information, see the website http://www.compinsservices.com/. Other Residual Market Plans are provided by the MID when you are unable to obtain conventional insurance coverage through standard markets. These “markets of last resort” are available for automobile insurance, comprehensive health insurance, residential property insurance and windstorm.

Largest Architectural Firms

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Largest Architectural Firms Largest Architectural Firms Rank

Name & Address

1

Eley Barkley Dale, An Association 1200 Jefferson Ave, Ste 200 D, Oxford, MS 38655

Phone Website

Founded Top officers 2018 Ross Barkley, Doug Dale, Jeff Barnes, Leigh Jaunsen, Russ Blount, Jason Agostinelli, Bob Eley

Eley Guild Hardy Architects, P.A. 1091 Tommy Munro Dr., Biloxi, MS 39532

228-594-2323 egh.ms

1953 James H. Eley, W. Taylor Guild, David J. Hardy

3

jH&H Architects/Planners/Interiors, PA 1047 N. Flowood Dr., Flowood, MS 39232

601-948-4601 jhharchitects.com

1964 Joseph Carl Franco, A. Bruce Wood, Paul Bagley, Randall Lewis

4

Wier Boerner Allin Architecture, PLLC 2727 Old Canton Road, Suite 200, Jackson, MS 39216

601-321-9107 wbaarchitecture.com

2009 Jamie Wier, Michael Boerner, Jack Allin, Eric Whitfield, Wade Thompson, Ryan Hansen

601-352-5411 dalepartners.com/about-dba

2008

7

Dale | Bailey, An Association 188 E. Capitol St, Ste 250, Jackson, MS 39201 Dale Partners Architects, P.A. 188 E. Capitol St., Ste. 250, Jackson, MS 39201 Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons Architects & Engineers, P.A. 3221 Old Canton Road, Suite 200, Jackson, MS 39216

601-352-5411 dalepartners.com 601-366-3110 cdfl.com

1995 Doug Dale, Jeffrey Barnes, Leigh Jaunsen, Russ Blount, Jason Agostinelli 1961 Robert Farr, Gene Crager, Jesse R. Browning, David Burnet, Ron Fender, Matthew Buchanan, Chris Myers, Newell Watkins, Ben Fulton

Notable Projects GRAMMY Museum MISSISSIPPI, Cleveland; MSU Indoor Tennis Facility, Starkville; Mississippi Center for Medically Fragile Children, Jackson; Nicholas Air Corporate Headquarters, Starkville; Cotton House Hotel, Cleveland MSU Engineering & Science Complex, Museum of Mississippi History & Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Mississippi Aquarium, Port of Gulfport USM Research Building, UMMC MSU Fresh Food Dining Complex,Pearl River County Administration Building; Germantown High School; First Baptist Madison, GHM Academic Complex @ Ole Miss, MSU Partnership School, Rankin Co. Courthouse Babalu restaurants; Mississippi Trademart; Iron Horse Grill; Nusz Park at MSU; Renovations to Dudy-Noble Field at MSU; Brandon Amphitheater; The Blake at Oxford; Millsaps Softball & Tennis Facilities

11

PryorMorrow PC 5227 S. Frontage Rd., Columbus, MS 39701

662-327-8990 pryormorrow.com

1985 Roger Pryor, Chris Morrow, William Dexter, Rud Robison, Corey Ravenhorst, Michael Taylor, Jose Arellano

McCarty Architects 533 W. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804

662-844-4400 mccartycompany.com

1983 Kurt Shettles

JBHM Architecture 308 E. Pearl Street, Ste. 300, Jackson, MS 39201

601-352-2699 jbhm.com

1970 Richard H. McNeel, William M. Lewis, Ryan C. Florreich, Joseph S. Henderson

Canizaro Cawthon Davis Architecture Planning Interior Design 129 S. President St., Jackson, MS 39201

601-948-7337 ccdarchitects.com

1938 Danny Cawthon, Steve Davis, Jared Pierce

Duvall Decker Architects, P.A. 2915 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216

601-713-1128 duvalldecker.com

1997 Anne Marie Decker, Roy Decker

14

Allred Stolarski Architects, PA 711 Church St, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

228-762-1975 allredstolarski.com

1961 Hoppy Allred, John Stolarski

15

LPK Architects, P.A. 821 22nd Ave., Meridian, MS 39301

601-693-9990 lpkarchitects.com

1987 Robert E. Luke, John K. "Johnny" Olsen

16

Albert & Robinson Architects, PLLC 514 Main St., Hattiesburg, MS 39401

601-544-1970 ar-architects.com

1986 Larry A. Albert, Chris L. Robinson

Landry Lewis Germany Architects, P.A. 5211 Old Hwy. 11, Hattiesburg, MS 39402

601-271-7711 llgarch.com

1910 Christian J Landry, Jason K Landry, Shane Germany, Kevin P Lewis

Temple Baptist Church, USM Residence Hall, William Carey University

Belinda Stewart Architects, PA 61 N. Dunn St./PO Box 867, Eupora, MS 39744

662-258-6405 belindastewartarchitects.com

1990 Belinda J. Stewart

Beard + Riser Architects PLLC 201 Main St, Greenwood, MS 38935

662-455-2581 beardriser.com

2007 John Beard, Dale Riser

Howorth & Associates Architects P.O. Box 1569, Oxford, MS 38655

662-234-7444 howortharch.com

1990 Thomas S. Howorth, Deweese Larry, Jonathan Mattox

Barlow Eddy Jenkins, P.A. 1530 N. State St, Jackson, MS 39202

601-352-8377 www.bejarchitecture.com

1958 Charles C. Barlow

Davis Purdy Architects, PLLC 2011 23rd Ave, Meridian, MS 39301 Brumfield Ward & Associates Architects, PA 1050 Northpark Dr., Suite C, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-597-8223 davispurdyarchitects.com

2018 Mark Davis, John Purdy

601-982-0341 brumfieldward.com

1957 Hal C. Brumfield, W. Randall Ward

22

Old Main Academic Center, MSU; Bolivar County Courthouse Restoration; Johnson Commons East Renovation, Ole Miss; Delta Blues Museum Muddy Waters Addition, Clarksdale; MSU YMCA FBC Tupelo Master Plan and Renovations; Greenwood Readiness Center Repairs; Greenwood Police Department; Renovations at Milwaukee Tool Expansion Christ Presbyterian Church, Ole Miss Innovation Hub; State Veterans Memorial Cemeteries, Newton & Kilmichael; L.Q.C. Lamar House Restoration; Saint Leo Chapel at St Dominic's; Central Mississippi Crime lab; 600 Concourse, Ridgeland; One Jackson Place; Chapel of the Cross new Sanctuary; Dominican Plaza; College of Architecture, Art and Design 5th Year Studios

601-352-3071 foilwyatt.com

1977 Edward Bowden Wyatt, Michael R Foil

9

9

8

8

7 7 6 5 4 4

4

3 3

3 2

Priestley Chapel Church Multi-Purpose Facility, Canton; Additions to WAPT 16, Jackson; The Met Apartments, Hattiesburg; Big 10 Tire, Gluckstadt

Translational Medicine Center The University of Mississippi Medical Center; Lauren Rogers Museum of Art; Riverwalk Casino & Hotel; The Alluvian Hotel; Howard Industries; Jones County Junior College Burris/Wagnon Architects, P.A. Simpson County Center, Copiah-Lincoln CC; Young-Mauldin 601-969-7543 1997 Cafeteria, Delta State; Fant Library, MUW; Northwest Middle 500L E. Woodrow Wilson Ave., Jackson, MS burriswagnon.com Stan Wagnon, Bill Burris School, Jackson 39216 Northeast Mississippi Community College Student Services ArchitectureSouth, P.A. 662-844-5843 1978 Building; Southwest Mississippi Community College Men's architecturesouth.com Terri S. Williams 330 W. Jefferson St., Tupelo, MS 38804 Residence Hall Information provided by company representatives and MBJ research and is ranked by number of Mississippi-licensed architects. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Foil-Wyatt Architects & Planners PLLC 1510 N. State St., Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39202

12

University of Mississippi Vaught-Hemingway Stadium; Dr. A.H. McCoy Federal Building renovation; Baylor Ballpark, Baylor University; William F. Winter Archives and History Building Ridgeland City Hall, Tippah County Hospital, MRA Middle School, Mississippi Premier Plastic Surgery, Renaissance Phase II, Continental Tire Training Center, Horne Building, Horne CPA Office, Club4Fitness East Mississippi Community College, Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence 2.0 Mississippi Valley State University, Harrison Recreation Complex Renovation Winston Medical Center, Hospital Community Development Foundation; North Mississippi Medical Center; Delta Regional Medical Center; Methodist Senior Services Pascagoula High Performing Arts Center, Ole Miss South Campus Recreation Facility & Transportation Hub, Toyota Mississippi Visitors Center, Entergy Mississippi Distribution and Operations Center Mississippi Sports Medicine; Pinelake Student Center; Duff Capital Investors Corporate Offices; Beavers Pediatric Dental Clinic; The First, ANBA, Madison; Capital Orthopedics Center GSA Greenville Federal Courthouse, Ed Gray Park Housing, MS National Guard Projects and MS Air National Guard Projects.

Biloxi VA Nursing Home, Hattiesburg High School Reno, USM Asbury & Scianna Halls, MSU School of Music, MGCCC STEM Bldg, Bay High Admin Bldg, Ocean Springs High Lauderdale County Government Center; EMCC New Dormitory; ECCC Band Hall; Weems Community Mental Health; Coast Cardiovascular Associates William Carey University Health Sciences Building, Columbia Readiness Center, Mississippi Armed Forces Museum expansion, Thad Cochran Theater, PRCC

19

13

12

1949 Richard M. Dean

12

15

GRAMMY Museum Mississippi; Biloxi Shuckers Stadium; The Mill@MSU; Outlets of Mississippi; Wind Creek Montgomery (Ala.) BB King Blues Club

601-939-7717 deandean.com

10

15

12

Dean & Dean/Associates Architects, P.A. 4400 Old Canton Rd., Suite 200, Jackson, MS 39211

8

Licensed MS Architects

2

2

2 2

Employee Benefits Administrators

EmployeeBenefits Benefits Administrators Employee Administrators

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Company Address

Telephone Website

Founded Top Officer

Services

1

Fisher Brown Bottrell Insurance, Inc. 248 E. Capital St., Ste. 1200, Jackson, MS 39201

601-960-8200 fbbins.com

1936 Scott Woods

Comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions.

180

2

HUB International Gulf South 300 Concourse Blvd., Ste. 300, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-707-2050 hubinternational.com

1945 C. Larry Vance, Brent Tyler

Commercial Property & Casualty Insurance; Personal Insurance; Employee Benefits; Third Party Administrator; Retirement Plan Consulting & Administration

150

SouthGroup Insurance Services 795 Woodlands Parkway Suite 101, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-914-3220 southgroup.net

2002 Ronald P. Tubertini

Employee benefits; life; disability; risk management & employer services

150

4

Ross & Yerger Insurance Inc. 100 Vision Drive, Suite 100, Jackson, MS 39211

601-948-2900 rossandyerger.com

1860 Dudley Wooley, Eason Leake

Business insurance, personal insurance, Employee benefits consulting; group medical; dental; life; disability; long-term care; individual life; 401(k) & retirement plans.

120

5

GranthamPoole 1062 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 201 , Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-499-2400 granthampoole.com

1977 Robert Cunningham

Accounting and Advisory Services

86

6

Renasant Insurance 315 Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804

662-842-1321 renasantinsurance.com

1904 Bill Dalton, Allen Maxwell, Robby Robertson

Home & Auto Insurance, Business Insurance, Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Employee Benefits

70

7

T.E. Lott & Company 221 N. 7th St., Columbus, MS 39701

662-328-5387 telott.com

1926 Thomas J. Buckley

Cash balance plans; consulting; 401(k) design, administration, compliance; profit sharing; ESOP; defined benefits; cafeteria plans; qualified retirement plans and SEC-11K audits

59

8

Haddox Reid Eubank Betts PLLC 188 E. Capitol St., One Jackson Place Ste. 500, Jackson, MS 39201

601-948-2924 HaddoxReid.com

1958 Greg King

Assurance services; tax services; client accounting; retirement plan administration; health care consulting services.

54

9

Galloway-Chandler-McKinney Insurance, LLC 2320 Commerce Dr., Columbus, MS 39705

662-328-0492 gcminsurance.com

1983 Brandt Galloway

Employee benefits consulting, group medical, life, disability, and vision.

Support services for employer reporting and employee communication are also offered.

47

Dyatech LLC 381 Highland Colony Parkway , Ridgeland, MS 39157 Nail McKinney P.A. 110 N. Madison St., Tupelo, MS 38804 Lockard & Williams Insurance Services, Inc. dba 90 Degree Benefits 1505 Jackson Ave., Pascagoula, MS 39567 Acclaim Inc. 808 Varsity Dr., Tupelo, MS 38801 Employee Benefit Services Inc. P.O. Box 13749, Jackson, MS 39236 MWG Employer Services 500 Steed Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157 People Lease 689 Towne Center Blvd., Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-914-0533 dyatech.com 662-842-6475 nmcpa.com

2001 Frank Harrison 1951 Richard D Bullock

401(k) Retirement Plan Third Party Administration

41 33

228-762-2500 90degreebenefits.com

1990 John T. Lockard, Jim E. Williams

800-317-2324 acclaimtpa.com

1996 Wally Davis

Accounting; assurance; business & individual tax planning & prep; benefit plan administration, bookkeeping & payroll Self-funded health & dental plans administration; Fully Insured Medical, dental, vision, life, disability. Section 125 plans. COBRA. Consolidated Billing, Association Health Plans Medical claims services; dental claims; vision claims; prescription drug benefit services; stop loss; ancillary benefits

601-353-0002 ebsincms.com

2009 John C. Slater

Insurance; Third Party Administrator

25

800-800-1397 morganwhite.com

1987 Joel Jasper

Bringing together of human resources, payroll, and benefits to meet organizational goals.

20

601-987-3025 peoplelease.com

1984 Larry L. Lewis

19

Martin, Martin, Randall & Associates, Inc. 4 River Bend Place, Suite 125, Jackson, MS 39232

601-932-8500 mmrplans.com

1988 Don K. Martin

The William Morris Group, P.A. 4400 Old Canton Rd., Ste. 240, Jackson, MS 39211

601-948-0030 wmorrisgroup.com

1980 William H. Morris

Glynn Griffing & Associates 1771A Lelia Dr., Jackson, MS 39216

601-982-0331 https://glynn.info

1988 Kim Griffing Porter, Fred Cavett

Payroll; benefits sales & administration; compliance services; human resources; insurance services; pay as you go insurance 401(k), 403(b), ESOP, Money Purchase, Target Benefit, Age-Based and all Defined Contribution Plan administration. Actuarial Services and Certifications for Defined Benefit and Cash Balance plans.

Comprehensive Financial Planning, Life and Disability Insurance, Investments, Executive and Employee Benefits Medical reimbursement/Health Flexible Spending Account; Dependent Care Reimbursement; Flex/HSA Debit Cards; COBRA Admin.; Benefits Portal; HRA & HSA Administration; Consulting; One Stop Shop

601-856-9933 sabcflex.com

Employee benefit consulting; cafeteria plan administration; FSA; HSA; HRA and supplemental insurance products

11

Sec. 125; Cobra; group health; life; dental; vision; critical illness; STD; LTD; voluntary life; accident; cancer; medical

10

Specific and Aggregate Employer Stop Loss coverage to employers that partially self-fund their group health benefits.

Retirement plan Recordkeeping & administration; 401(k); 403(b); profit sharing; defined benefit

10

601-368-3554 morganwhite.com 601-939-2902 benefitpros.com

1980 Jim A. Miller, Nelson D. Morrison, Nelson Morrison II 1967 Harry L. Shoemake 1976 David Stanard 1988 Allison G. Elkin 1979 Terri Brownlow

Brown & Brown of Mississippi, LLC (Gulf States) 1105 30th Ave, Suite 300, Gulfport, MS 39501

228-679-597 bbgulfstates.com

1939 Mark E. Romero, Powell Brown

Mississippi Group Marketing, P.A. 1904 Lakeland Dr., Ste. B, Jackson, MS 39216

601-982-2580 mgmins.net

1995 Thornton Castleberry, Alan Tanguay

Colonial Life 800 Woodlands Parkway Suite 206, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-326-2952 www.coloniallife.com

1937 James H. Hinton

Grogan + Crews, Inc. P.O. Box 414 , Canton, MS 39046

601-859-2511 groganandcrews.com

Rank

10 11 12 13

15 16 17

19

21

23 24

25

27

Southern Administrators & Benefit Consultants Inc. P.O. Box 2449, Madison, MS 39130-2449 Employee Benefit Specialists, P.A. 169 A Lameuse St., Biloxi, MS 39530 Ironshore Insurance Services 605 Renaissance Way, Ridgeland, MS 39158 MWG Retirement Plan Services 500 Steed Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Benefit Professionals, Inc. 629 Lakeland E. Dr. Suite A, Jackson, MS 39232

800-510-0686 ebspa.com 601-427-0235

1998 Allison G Crews 1986 Group Services of Mississippi 601-906-0587 Bobby Peoples, Kristin Peoples groupservicesofms.com P.O. Box 6236, Jackson, MS 39288-6236 Bain Select Administrative Services 228-865-0514 1997 selectadministrativeservices.com Rea Montjoy 14110 Airport Rd., Ste. 100, Gulfport, MS 39503 Data provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

28

Third-party administrator; 401(k); retirement plans; Fully-Insured & Self-Funded Group Medical, Group & Voluntary Ancillary Benefits, Wellness Plans & Employee Education, Health Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Summary Plan Descriptions, Premium Only Plan Documents, COBRA & Section 125 Plans, Compliance Reporting Tools Group medical insurance fully-insured/self-funded; life insurance; disability income; long-term care; dental; individual insurance, ACA Compliance Support.

Student Loan Assistance; Telemedicine, Benefit communications; Section 125; CORE & voluntary enrollment capability; Access to Benefit Administration Systems; life; disability; cancer; accident; supplemental health; GAP Plans; prescription discount.

Medical; vision; dental; cafeteria plan; 401(k); disability; long-term care; life; critical illness; cancer Brokers and Consultants;Fully insured & self-funded medical benefits, retiree administration, work-site benefits, group term life, AD&D & LTD, dental & vision.

Design & administration of self-funded medical; dental; Section 125 plans; COBRA/HIPAA administration; placement of stop-loss coverage

Mississippi Employees

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15 15 11

8 7

6

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Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

MRC names latest Employees Waggoner announces new hire of the Quarter in Hydrology & Hydraulics Methodist Rehabilitation Center has announced Clinical and Support Service Employees of the Quarter for its Jackson hospital and external campuses.

For the first quarter of 2020, the honorees include Donna Short of Byram, a urology registered nurse at MRC; Erica Brown of Clinton, a rehab Bowman technician for MRC’s spinal cord injury program; Danyele Harrell of Jackson, a licensed practical nurse at Methodist Specialty Care Center (MSCC) in Flowood; and Sandy Bowman of Jackson, a certified nursing assistant at MSCC. Methodist Rehabilitation Center provides compreShort hensive inpatient medical rehabilitation programs for people with spinal cord and brain injuries, stroke and other neurological and orthopedic disorders.

MRC’s external campuses include Methodist Outpatient Therapy clinics in Flowood and E. Brown Ridgeland, Methodist Specialty Care Center in Flowood, Methodist Physical Medicine in Flowood, and Methodist Orthotics & Prosthetics clinics in Flowood, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Cleveland, Oxford, Starkville and Monroe, La.

Power named president of Community Bank’s mortgage division

Mark E. Power, Jr. has been named president of Community Bank’s mortgage division. A native of Jackson, Power previously served as Vice President of Business Development for Community Bank and has been in banking, real estate, and the practice of law for twenty years. In his new role, Power will lead the Mortgage Division, which encompasses mortgage operations across Rikard Community Bank’s 51-office footprint.

Power is a graduate of Mississippi College School of Law with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence, Mississippi State University with a Master of Business Administration, as well as, a Bachelor of Accountancy.

Active in his community, Power is involved with The Business and Industry Political Education Committee, Mississippi Forestry Association, Mississippi Bar Association, and American Bar Association.

He and his wife, Jeana, reside in Brandon with their children Tripp and Avery Parks. Together, they are all members of Brandon Baptist Church.

Waggoner Engineering recently announced the addition of Honghong (Maggie) Wei, PE, as a Sr. Project Engineer – Hydrology & Hydraulics.

Wei will perform engineering analyses and evaluations and prepare engineering reports in such areas as the hydraulic design of roadways and bridges, Wei hazard risk identification and mapping, watershed assessment, and other water resources related initiatives.

Before joining Waggoner, Wei was a project engineer for CDM Smith, working on a variety of projects in Virginia and Ohio before settling in Mississippi in 2014.

Wei has over a decade of experience and specializes in hydraulic modeling for riverine flooding, storm drainage systems, and wastewater collection systems.

She is a member of the American Water Works Association and Mississippi Engineering Society, where she served as president in 2019.

Wei holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics from Sichuan University in China and a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from West Virginia University.

Barnes joins Hattiesburg Clinic Critical Care Medicine

Kim Banisch has joined the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport as Director of Finance. Banisch is responsible for directing and managing all airport financial and administrative activities.

Banisch holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi. She previ- Barnes ously served as a Certified Public Accountant for Alexander, Van Loon, Sloan, Levens & Favre, PLLC in Gulfport, where she was a member of their tax department and IT team. Banisch has over 27 years of accounting experience in other industries such as healthcare, education and music entertainment.

Banisch is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Mississippi Society of CPAs and 2019 Gulf Coast Business Council Masters Class. She serves as President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and a member of the University of Southern Mississippi School of Accountancy’s Advisory Board.

Trustmark promotes Warren to VP and trust officer Trustmark has announced that Wendy Warren has been promoted to Vice President and Trust Officer at its Corporate Office, where she currently serves as Retirement Plan Services Client Services Administrator. She joined Trustmark in 1998 and has over 22 years of banking experience. Warren holds a Bachelor Warren of Business Administration degree from Belhaven University.

Newsmakers VT Halter’s Younger receives prestigious award

BUCK YOUNGER, third from left, was named the Marine Engineer/Naval Architect of the Year.

Attending the awards presentation were VT Halter Marine’s Alvin Erkhart, Vice President of Production, Kevin Amis, Executive Vice President of Operations, and Rob Mullins, Deputy President.

Buck Younger, Vice President of Engineering with VT Halter Marine, was named the Marine Engineer/Naval Architect of the Year by the Mobile Area Council of Engineers (MACE). VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine), is a company of ST Engineering North America.

VT Halter Marine also sponsored the two MACE scholarship winners.

In April 2019, VT Halter Marine announced that the U.S. Department of the Navy awarded the company as the prime contractor of a $745,940,860 fixed-price incentive-firm contract for the detail design and construction of the U.S. Coast Guard’s new Polar Security Cutter (PSC). The PSC program is a multi-year initiative by the U.S. Coast Guard to acquire up to three multi-mission PSCs to recapitalize its aging fleet of heavy icebreakers. The first ship delivery is scheduled to occur in 2024.

“In his role here at VT Halter Marine, Buck was instrumental in supporting the company’s winning bid for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Polar Security Cutter,” said Ron Baczkowski, VT Halter Marine President and CEO. “For three years, he personally directed every engineering aspect of the bid. I’m very proud of the work Buck has done, and it is definitely a well-deserved award for him to be named the Marine Engineer/Naval Architect of the Year by MACE.” Younger oversaw the hull form tank testing and the associated ice breaking model testing and had a direct hand in evaluating and selecting the program’s major sub-contractors. His marine industry expertise proved invaluable during the design trade off studies, which he managed through implementation.

“I am both humbled and honored to receiave this award,” Younger said. “It is always an honor to be recognized by your peers, and I appreciate the recognition from MACE.” He has worked in the marine industry for 39 years and has owned his own marine designers and consulting company. Younger has been a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers since 1980. He is active in the National Shipbuilding Research Program where he is a member of the ship design and materials technology panel. He has also been a part of the American Bureau of Shipbuilding Rules Committee for Navy Vessel Rules and High Speed Naval Crafts.

MS Business Journal Subscription rates: 1 year $ 109

2 years 3 years $ $ 168 214

Newsmakers WBA Architecture welcomes David Ford

Hospital in Ocean Springs. As well as, projects such as the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library at Mississippi State University, South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Translational Research Center at the The partners of WBA Architecture recently University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), announced the addition of David and veterinary schools at Tuskegee University, Auburn Ford, AIA, as Project Manager.

University , Murray State University and Purdue Ford joins the firm after a 27University. year career at large and small Current projects at Dunaway Williams Architects, Mississippi firms, including Foil PLLC include a new Ambulatory Surgery Center for BienWyatt, Hollomon Architects, and ville Orthopedic Specialists in Gautier, a project for Key Dale Partners.

Constructors, LLC in Canton involving master planning WBA is licensed in ten states, of a new campus including corporate offices, shop and from Colorado to South Carolina. Ford storage buildings, and interior renovation of Women’s Health Associates, PLLC in Flowood.

Dunaway Williams Architects “My approach to architecture has always been launches new practice in Jackson client focused,” remarked Dunaway. “From location JSW Architecture expands with new partnership and and budget to addressing the needs of the clients and those they serve, I ensure we have a comprehensive office in Belhaven understanding of each projection, while ensuring that Dunaway Williams Archioverall aesthetics and function are not compromised. tects, PLLC has launched a new I am pleased to be able to partner with someone who practice in the Belhaven area agrees that every project should begin with the client’s of Jackson as an expansion and vision and end with their satisfaction.” rebranding of JSW Architecture, While Dunaway and Williams have an extensive PLLC to address the increasing background in the healthcare industry, they also have need for superior, experienced immense experience in the design of business and architectural services, with an industrial buildings, educational facilities, and personal emphasis on healthcare. Seahomes. Learn more about their work at https://www. soned architect Scott Williams, Dunaway dunawaywilliams.com” www.dunawaywilliams.com. is partnering with architect Carley Crigler Dunaway creating the new firm.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Williams is a graduate of Mississippi State Mariel C. Hubbard, CPNP-PC, recently joined The University’s School of ArchitecPediatric Clinic, a department of Hattiesburg Clinic. ture. Following graduation, he Hubbard provides care to children with acute illness joined the Jackson firm of Foil or injury. She also offers patient and family education Wyatt Architects. At Foil Wyatt Williams regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Architects he developed his Prior to joining the clinic, she skills working his way up to project manager and their worked in the Pediatric Emergency in-house healthcare expert. Originally from Mauldin, Room at University of Mississippi SC., Williams currently resides with his Michelle and son Medical Center for 11 years, with Sawyer in the Belhaven area of Jackson. He is also active seven of those as a certified nurse as an assistant scout master in his son’s boy scout troop practitioner. helping young men develop important life skills.

Hubbard received her Bachelor A native of Starkville, Miss., Dunaway also received of Science in Nursing from the her bachelors’ of Architecture from Mississippi State University of Mississippi Medical Hubbard University’s College of Architecture, Art and Design.

Center in Jackson, Miss. Following Following graduation, she joined Foil Wyatt Architects, that, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing from during which time she gained more than a decade of the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingexperience. Dunaway is an active member of the Delta ham, Ala. Gamma Sorority Jackson Alumnae Association and She is certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the Mississippi State Chapter of Delta Gamma’s House Primary Care through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Corp. She resides with her husband and young son in Board. She is also a member of the National Association the Belhaven area of Jackson, where she has remodeled of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. her 1930s bungalow.

Hubbard said she enjoys meeting new patients and Both Dunaway and Williams are members of The their families from all different cultures and backgrounds American Institute of Architects (AIA) and licensed in and providing education regarding their health.

Mississippi. Their healthcare experience in the state “I chose to practice medicine with children because includes The MRI Center for Bienville Orthopedic the personal reward and satisfaction when the child Specialists in Gautier, the Cole Facial Clinic & Skin Care gets better from my care is so gratifying. I have always in Flowood, and Faces, PLLC in Ridgeland. During their wanted to help others.” time at Foil Wyatt- Dunaway and Williams worked on major renovations and new construction projects at Meridian’s Anderson Regional Medical Center and renovations and new construction for the Ocean Springs

Hubbard joins the Pediatric Clinic in Hattiesburg

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

Ridgeland chamber announces new president and board

The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2020 president is Chase Bryan, a shareholder at Young Wells Williams, P.A. with over 28 years of litigation and courtroom experience in the Southeastern United States.

Bryan, a native Mississippian is a graduate of the University of Mississippi where Bryan he received a law degree in 1992. His diverse practice includes construction law, corporate law, commercial litigation, bank and lender litigation, intellectual property litigation, environmental and toxic tort claims, personal injury defense and insurance and financial products litigation. He is also a certified mediator and writes a blog entitled www.southernlitigation.com.

Bryan’s hobbies include golf, running and reading. He also enjoys SEC football and cooking on his Big Green Egg. Bryan and his wife Lee Anne, executive director of Alumni and Parent Relations at Millsaps College, are the parents of three sons and reside in Jackson.

Others serving on the 2020 Ridgeland Chamber Board of Directors are: Bill Bethany, Immediate Past President, Community Bank of Mississippi; Beth Henry, Vice President, Staffers,

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Inc.; Jon-Michael Trimm, Treasurer, Trustmark National Bank; Ray Balentine, Board Member, Michael Baker International; David Broadaway, Board Member, Members Exchange Credit Union; Nicky Cobb, Board Member, Renasant Bank; Jonathan McDaniel, Board Member, Paramount Construction Group, LLC; Kevin Rogers, Board Member, Wells Marble & Hurst, PLLC; Joel Lofton, Board Member, Barnett’s Body Shop; Billy Siddall, Merrill Lynch and Ronnie Tubertini, SouthGroup Insurance Services.

Little joins Pyron Group Insurance as agent

Pyron Group Insurance recently announced the hiring of Zac Little who joins its Jackson team as an agent.

The Brandon native is a graduate of the Mississippi State University’s Risk Management and Insurance program. He is a member of the Gamma Iota Sigma professional fraternity. Before joining Pyron Group, Little held internships at Southern Little Farm Bureau Life Insurance and SouthGroup Insurance on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

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Newsmakers

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

SECO names Attar of Madison 2020 Young Optometrist of the South The 2020 Young Optometrist of the South is Roya Attar, OD, MBA, FAAO, of Madison. The annual award is presented by the Southern Educational Congress of Optometry International (SECO).

Attar is a graduate of the University of Memphis where she earned a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology and the Attar University of Pikeville College of Business where she earned an MBA. She received her Doctorate of Optometry at the Rosenberg School of Optometry in 2013.

In 2018, she became the first optometrist to be hired at UMMC where she provides clinical services in addition to training and lectures for ophthalmology residents. The coauthor of several scientific presentations and publications in peer-reviewed professional journals, she is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an active member of the Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA), the American Optometric Association, and the Mississippi Public Health Association.

Community Bank named Grimes an assistant VP

DJ Grimes has recently been named Assistant Vice President. A native of Smithville, Mississippi, Grimes recently served as Loan Officer and has been in banking for almost three years. In his new role, Grimes will continue to focus on growing and maintaining a portfolio of consumer and commercial loans.

Grimes Grimes is a graduate of University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Managerial Finance.

Active in his community, Grimes is a member of Kiwanis of Amory.

He and his wife, Megan, currently live in Amory, Mississippi with their son Tripp and are expecting a son, Eli, in May.

Conken joins BankPlus Real Estate Group

BankPlus recently announced the addition of Chris Conken, who will work in the Commercial Real Estate Group and will serve as Senior Vice President & Regional Residential Real Estate Officer.

Conken joins BankPlus with 22 years of banking experience. His most recent position was Senior Vice President in Residential Conken Real Estate for Trustmark Bank’s Mobile, Alabama location. He oversaw construction and home loans for the greater Mobile and Baldwin County areas. Having worked in banking for 22 years and being raised in Mobile, Conken earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Alabama in 1997. He was also chosen as valedictorian of Alabama Banking School in 2012 and graduated from Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking in 2017.

He was selected as a member of the 40 under 40 Class of 2014 for Mobile Bay Magazine.

Conken serves on the Young Professional Board for United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile and has served as chairman of the United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile’s Annual Finishing Tournament for the last 12 years. He’s an active member of the Home Builders’ Association of the Greater Mobile Area since 2013, currently serving on the Remodelers’ Council and HBA board as their treasurer. He has also served on the Associate’s Council of the Baldwin County Homebuilders’ Association since 2013.

New creative, digital talent join Mad Genius Award-winning agency Mad Genius has added new team members to the company’s growing creative and strategic arsenal.

California copywriter and veteran ad man James Ninness has joined the firm and will serve as associate creative director. Nick Stafford, who brings nearly a decade of experience in sales, marketing analysis, Clark and strategic promotions, is Mad Genius’ new digital marketing director.

With over 20 years of experience in advertising, marketing, publishing, and project management, Stacy Clark will support the agency’s expanding list of digital projects as digital Stafford project manager.

“Each one of these talented professionals brings a wealth of experience and insight in the creative space. We’re excited by what this will mean for all of our clients, whether they engage us for web, video, digital advertising, print advertising, or developing full-scale integrated campaigns that touch every medium,” said Chip Sarver, Mad Genius’ President, COO, and Co-Founder. Rob Bridges, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder, also commentNinness ed: “Mad Genius goes through a robust hiring process. We call it ‘kicking the tires’.

What this means is, before we ever make a hire, a job candidate is fully vetted by showing us their skills by working on sample projects.” Ryan Farmer, SVP/Creative Director, added: “This way, Mad Genius can ensure we put the right people in the right roles to benefit our clients. James, Nick, and Stacy have all earned their lab coats.”

Merit Health Wesley recognizes employees of the month Merit Health Wesley recognized two individuals who were nominated by their peers as Employee of the Month.

Megan Smith is the Manager for the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Merit Health Wesley and was named Non-Clinical Employee of the Month. Smith has been with the hospital for more than ten years.

“Megan takes ownership in making sure our department has what it needs to be up-to-date and running smoothly,” says Alicia Hudnall, RN, Manager of Surgical Services. “She can always be counted on

and we appreciate her hard work.”

Rhonda Head, RN, was named Clinical Employee of the Month. Head has served as the Case Manager in the Medical-Surgical department at Merit Health Wesley for more than four years.

“Rhonda comes in each day with a cheerful attitude and remains positive throughout each shift,” says Cindy Lott, RN, Case Management Manger “She is a huge asset to Merit Health Wesley and works hard to ensure needs are met for each patient.”

Merit Health Wesley congratulates these worthy award winners for their service to the hospital and community

Goodwill Industries of South MS announces new board leadership Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi recently selected new officers and members to its Board of Directors.

OFFICERS ARE:

DIRECTORS ARE:

CHAIR: Shelby Fox – Director of Operations, Knight Nonprofit Center CHAIR-ELECT: Angie Juzang – Director of Marketing, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport TREASURER: Jonathan Woodward – EVP Teaching & Learning, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College SECRETARY: Allison Mitchell – VP of HR, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino PAST CHAIR: Guy Johnson – VP Western Operations, Coast Electric Power Association

Jakavious Pickett – Chief Executive Officer and Lead Pastor of Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church of Biloxi Kenneth Jones – Vice President of Land Acquisitions at Elliott Homes Keva Scott – Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast Randi Mueller – Partner at Page, Mannino, Peresich & McDermott, P.L.L.C. Arnie Williams – Coast Division Area Manager at Mississippi Power Company William Briscoe – Market President at BancorpSouth Bank in Biloxi

Johnson named VP for Community Bank Teresa Johnson has recently been named Vice President. A native of Amory, Mississippi, Johnson recently served as Assistant Vice President and has been in banking for thirty-two years, all of which have been with Community Bank.

In her new role, Johnson will continue to oversee the Deposit Administration Department, as well as, oversee reviews and reporting for Community Banks North Mississippi Region.

She is married to Jimmy, they have two children, Lindsey and Russ, and two grandchildren, Ramsey and Rae. Johnson currently resides in Amory, where she and her husband attend Forward Church.

Johnson

Newsmakers Hancock Whitney promotes Mike Otero as company’s chief risk officer

Michael Otero, a Hancock Whitney executive vice president with 32-plus years of leadership experience in financial services audit, compliance, and risk management, is the company’s new Chief Risk Officer.

Otero, who came to Hancock Whitney in 2013 as Chief Internal Auditor, was most recently the 120-year-old bank’s Deputy Chief Risk Officer. Mike succeeds Hancock Whitney’s former CRO, Joe Schwertz, who will be taking on a consultative role as Hancock Whitney’s loaned executive for the MidSize Bank Coalition of America OTERO (MBCA). Schwertz, who also served as Whitney National Bank General Counsel for many years, will support MBCA’s efforts for more effective national legislation and regulatory dialogue on issues impacting mid-sized banks.

“Mike Otero has an exceptional record of achievement in helping financial institutions manage risk effectively through regulatory compliance, transparency, and business best-practices,” said Hancock Whitney Chief Executive Officer John M. Hairston. “We are very pleased to promote Mike as Chief Risk Officer, a position critical to helping us carry on the strength, stability, integrity, and service at the center of who we are as a trusted financial and community partner. This transition aligns with our core values and strategic corporate succession planning,” Otero has specialized in the regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate governance fields critical to helping banks stay strong and accountable to shareholders, clients, communities, and associates.

Before joining Hancock Whitney, he held numerous executive leadership positions with major Southeast financial services organizations.

Otero earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Kean University in Union, New Jersey, and is a Certified Bank Auditor (CBA). He also holds FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.

Mitchell joins BankPlus Real Estate Group BankPlus recently announced the addition of Lee Mitchell to the Commercial Real Estate Group in Mobile as Executive Vice President & Chief Real Estate Officer.

Mitchell joins BankPlus with over 25 years of banking experience. His most recent position was Executive Vice President at Trustmark Bank, where he oversaw Commercial Real Estate for the Gulf South Region and served as Division Manager over Residential Construction Lending for the Houston, Jackson, Birmingham and Mobile markets. Mitchell is a LSU School of Banking graduate Mitchell and earned both a Masters and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Millsaps. His professional and civic involvement includes the Alabama Center for Real Estate, Baldwin County Homebuilders Association, Home Builders Association of Mississippi, Downtown Mobile Alliance, Homebuilders Association of Metro Mobile, the National Association of Home Builders and the American Cancer Society.

Case named research analyst officer for Community Bank Olivia Case has recently been named Research Analyst Officer. A native of Meridian, Mississippi, Case recently served as Research Analyst and has been in banking for a year and a half. In her new role, Case will continue to perform research on special projects for the bank’s senior management team.

Case is a graduate of Mississippi College with both a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance with an emphasis in Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration.

She is married to Jay, together they attend Trace Ridge Baptist Church in Ridgeland.

Case

Craig Alexander joins Neel-Schaffer as a project manager Neel-Schaffer, Inc., has announced that Craig Alexander, PE, has joined the firm and will serve as a Water Resources Project Manager in the firm’s Arlington office.

Alexander has nearly 15 years of engineering experience, working on a variety of civil and water resources projects as a Design Engineer and Project Manager.

His experience includes 12 years Alexander with other private consulting companies and three years in the public sector, when he worked from 2014- 2017 as a Civil Engineer/Project Manager for the City of Grand Prairie, Texas.

“We are very excited that Craig has joined our North Texas Water Resources group,” said Derek Cheatham, PE, Senior Vice President for Neel-Schaffer’s North Texas operations. “He strengthens our resume with a wide variety of experience in the Dallas and Fort Worth markets, including the design of large diameter pipelines, pump stations and rehabilitation projects. His background and experience are a great complement to our expertise in the water resources sector.”

Alexander holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University.

Duane Losack joins the Taylor Sales Team

Hal Nowell, Director of Sales for Taylor Machine Works, Inc. recently announced Duane Losack as Rail King Sales / Product Manager.

Losack played briefly for the Denver Broncos before going to work with a large equipment dealer for more than 35 years. During that time, Losack had various roles which included Taylor/Trackmobile Specialist and General Manager of several locations. He is an active board member and supporter of the University of Houston Athletic department. Losack and his wife Nowell live in Texas where he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and outdoor activities.

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Newsmakers

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

Eric Wiggins named project manager at The Washington County Economic Alliance The Washington County Economic Alliance (WCEA) has announced the appointment of Eric Wiggins as the new Project Manager.

Wiggins is a recent graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a Master of Science in Economic Development from the Trent Lott Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. Most recently, he interned at NASA’s Wiggins Stennis Space Center in the Strategic Business Development Office.

“We are lucky to have talent like Eric join the Washington County Economic Alliance,” said Will Coppage, WCEA Executive Director. “He brings energy and knowledge to the position. He is a team player, and we are all excited to have him with us.”

As Project Manager, Wiggins will assist the Executive Director by maintaining the county’s marketable assets and understanding local and state incentives to develop programs and activities designed to generate recruitment opportunities for industries locating and expanding in Washington County.

“I’m excited to join such a talented and dedicated team,” said Wiggins. “There are a lot of good things going on in the Delta, and I jumped at the opportunity to join the Economic Alliance.”

Wiggins also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi University for Women and has a background in marketing and graphic design, which will further enhance the WCEA’s campaigns both in traditional media and social media to bolster the positive assets of the community.

Baker Donelson adds Wiseman to disaster recovery and government services team Baker Donelson recently announced that Parker Y. Wiseman has joined the Disaster Recovery and Government Services Team in the Firm’s Jackson office.

Prior to joining Baker Donelson, Wiseman served in the Mississippi Attorney General’s office as the Special Assistant Attorney General where he pursued Medicaid fraud and vulnerable person abuses for prosecution or settlement.

Wiseman served two terms as Wiseman mayor of Starkville.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, Wiseman received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Mississippi State University and his Masters of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Rural lending co-op hires chief financial officer Southern AgCredit, a rural lending cooperative, recently hired Richard Palmer as chief financial officer in its Ridgeland administrative office.

Richard is a certified public accountant, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the University of Mississippi. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including state and national public accounting societies.

He has 14 years of Farm Credit experience, and was controller for First South Farm Credit prior to joining Southern AgCredit. He lives in Madison with his wife and son.

“Richard is an excellent addition to our team,” said Phillip PALMER

Morgan, Southern AgCredit’s former chief financial and operating officer, who became CEO in February. “He brings a wealth of Farm Credit knowledge with him, and we look forward to his leadership and vision in our finance and accounting areas.”

Mar. 8 - Mar. 21, 2020

Analysis: Expert will guide changes in mental health system A federal judge has appointed an expert with more than 40 years’ experience to oversee Mississippi’s effort to provide more mental health care in community settings rather than in mental hospitals.

State legislators are also working to evalEMILY WAGSTER uate and change how PETTUS care is provided. But problems in Mississippi’s mental health care system did not happen overnight, and change will not happen quickly.

The U.S. Justice Department sued Mississippi in 2016 over the way the state was providing mental health services. During a 2019 trial, federal attorneys argued that Mississippi’s movement toward community-based services was too slow, and they noted that hundreds or thousands of people

had been forced into hospitalization.

U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves ruled in September that Mississippi is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision that said “unjustified” mental hospital confinement is illegal.

“The United States has met its burden and shown that despite the state’s episodic improvement, it operates a system that unlawfully discriminates against persons with serious mental illness,” Reeves wrote.

Reeves ordered state and federal government officials to suggest names of people who could become special master to oversee changes to the mental health system. On Feb. 25, Reeves signed an order naming Michael Hogan as the special master.

Hogan is currently a mental health care consultant and has been a board member for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He spent 25 years directing state mental health systems in Connecticut, Ohio and New York.

Good News is worth repeating

In appointing Hogan, Reeves wrote: “Mississippi’s mental health needs are well known; the services to expand have already been defined. Many of the challenges and remedies are not disputed.”

Federal attorneys listed several of the state’s alleged transgressions during the trial, including mentally ill people being held in jails because crisis teams didn’t respond.

The attorneys said people had been forced to live far from their families because mental health services aren’t available in their hometowns. They also said people made repeat trips to state mental hospitals because there was no effective planning for them to make a transition to community services, and the most intensive kinds of services weren’t being made available.

During this legislative session, Senate Bill 2610 would create a temporary job for a state coordinator of mental health accessibility. That person would be appointed by the governor and would work within the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration to scrutinize how the state is spending money on mental health services.

The Senate Public Health Committee chairman, Democrat Hob Bryan of Amory, told The Associated Press that the coordinator would look for “financial inefficiencies.”

Bryan said he hopes the coordinator would work in closely with the special mas-

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ter appointed by the federal judge.

“The special master doesn’t have to worry about money,” Bryan said, “but we do.”

Legislators have until the end of April to finalize a state budget for the year that begins July 1. It’s not yet clear whether they will propose an increase in spending for mental health services.

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health says on its website that in the past several years, it has added and expanded services, including mobile crisis response teams and crisis intervention teams. The department says it has provided mental health first aid training for the public and has provided community transition homes.

The department also says it is “working to enhance transition planning as people leave the state hospitals and return to their communities.”

“We want to provide hope to Mississippians by supporting a continuum of care for people with mental illness, alcohol and drug addiction, and intellectual or developmental disabilities,” the department’s website says.

“By inspiring hope, helping people on the road to recovery, and improving resiliency, Mississippians can succeed.”

» EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS has covered Mississippi government and politics since 1994. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus.

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