June 26, 2020 MBJ E-EDITION

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

| June 13 - June 26, 2020 | Vo. 43 • No. 1 • 24 pages

• Insurance & Employee Benefits

• Real Estate/ Construction

{Section begins P14} » Small-business loans

{Section begins P16} » Construction workers stay busy during the pandemic

BROADWATER RESORT BILOXI

» Plan unveiled for coastal Mississippi resort destination.

» Page 10

Page 20

2n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

June 13 - June 26, 2020

Waveland looks to boardwalk, marina to bring back Coleman Avenue

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

C

oleman Avenue, the historic heart of Waveland’s retail district, was wiped out by Hurricane Katrina, and after 15 years, the first few blocks of the low-lying street remain vacant. City officials led by Mayor Mike Smith are working to bring businesses and people back to Coleman Avenue with what they call a bold new plan centered on a boardwalk and a marina.

Smith said the development has been in the making for about three years and is based on the Destin, Fla., Harbor Boardwalk, home to bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and other tourist attractions. After touring Destin’s boardwalk, Smith said, he envisioned a similar development on Coleman, only elevated. “I could see our little community do well with that being there,” he said. Other supporters were soon on board.

The boardwalk, which would house retailers and other occupants, must be 22 feet above ground to meet FEMA guidelines. Such elevation requirements have been the major challenge to getting the area rebuilt post-Katrina, along with the annual threat of tropical weather. “It’s why nothing’s there,” Smith said. “Everybody is afraid to invest.” He noted that Tropical

Storm Cristobal, which pushed considerable floodwaters over Waveland’s beachfront earlier this month, “would not have affected this boardwalk.”

The city hired local architect Edward Wikoff to come up with preliminary drawings of the boardwalk which have become the centerpiece of Smith’s social media posts touting the development. “I’ve put it on Facebook many times with the goal of seeing what’s the mood of our residents.

They love it and there’s nothing along the Gulf Coast that matches it.”

Waveland’s version would be rolled out in phases starting with a marina at the foot of Coleman and the raised beachfront boardwalk from Coleman one block east to Terrace. One early estimate puts the cost at $18 million.

Though the plan is still in the early stages and no funding is yet secured, Smith is encouraged by the response he’s getting from residents and potential tenants. “I’ve been getting emails from people wanting to have a meeting, to sit down and see how they can be part of this boardwalk,” he said. “So far we haven’t gotten any negative feedback.”

For now, the plan is to construct a 360-foot concrete boardwalk with utilities underneath and then build retail space on top to match demand. The rental or sales of the space would be handled by the director of a development commission which is being formed by the city with a member appointed from each ward. Smith will ask the board of aldermen at their next meeting this month to hire a lobbyist to help get funding for the marina and the boardwalk.

Sources may include Tideland

Funds or Community Development Block Grants.

Property on Coleman Avenue and Beach Boulevard would have to be acquired for the boardwalk. “Some owners have shown interest in being part of it,” Smith said.

Ideally, he said, owners and employees could live nearby and walk or ride bikes to work. “It just makes sense,” he said.

“The cost of being a shop owner on the boardwalk would be much cheaper than one would imagine or expect and would be determined by the amount of employees your business would have. All of the infrastructure is new and prepared for business,” Smith recently posted on Facebook.

Smith is further encouraged by several developments planned or under way within the city. He said recent property buyers on Coleman have shown interest in developing their property. A new Papa John’s location and a Juan Tequila restaurant are opening soon on U.S. 90, the old KFC site is in development and some interest has been shown in the shuttered drug store and a long-closed motel located across from each other at the U.S. 90-Mississippi 603 intersection. New sidewalks and bike paths are in the works as well.

“There are a lot of things stirring in the pot,” Smith said.

Glass artist Mitchell Gaudet and wife Erica Larkin Gaudet, who is a sculptor and furniture designer, own Studio Waveland + Gallery at 228 Coleman Ave. The couple moved their business from the New Orleans area to a former business incubator in Waveland, where they had a home. Mitchell Gaudet said, “Moving into an existing building made our decision to relocate our studios to Waveland possible,” he said. “We enjoy living and working in this community.”

Gaudet supports the boardwalk plan, which he called ambitious, because it would make it easier for other businesses to move to Coleman. “Waveland is ready for that focus,” he said. “The infrastructure is done and the street looks great.”

Gaudet said he sees interest among others in investing in Waveland. “A lot of our friends are artists and shop owners and they would love to move here,” he said.

Smith said he’d like to see the boardwalk project get under way by the end of his second term in two and a half years. He plans to run for a third term.

Smith said Waveland, long a weekend destination and second home favorite of New Orleanians, already offers beauty and peacefulness to its visitors. “We want to give people another reason to come here,” he said. “This is a bold-looking project that I think at the end of the day would be a masterpiece.”

June 13 - June 26, 2020

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

3

Bringing back your workers?

Prepare for gumbo of rules and regs to the spread of coronavirus across the nation and its effects on the workplace. It expires on Dec. 31.

MississipThe Act covers private empi business ployers with fewer than 500 owner who workers and certain public brings back or hires new employers.

Small employers workers amid the corowith fewer than 50 employees navirus pandemic must may qualify for an exemption TED CARTER sort through a mish-mash from the requirement to provide paid of federal, state and local laws, leave due to school, place of care, or child regulations and guidelines. care provider closings or unavailability, But the strictures can be a business if the leave payments would jeopardize owner’s life preserver both commercially the viability of their business as a going and legally. Or they can be the very thing concern, the Federal Registry states. that sinks the enterprise, say lawyers who Eligible workers can get up to two specialize in employment law and business weeks of paid sick leave at full pay, up to a specified cap. The temporary measure liability litigation. mandates employers grant the paid leave Atop their advice lists: Know and apply the ground rules and keep up with changes to employees subject to a federal, state, or local quarantine or isolation order related officials make to them.

Your head need not be on a swivel, but it to covid-19. The measure also applies to workers advised by a health care provider would help, lawyers say. to self-quarantine as well as to workers “Check the guidance because it is evwith coronavirus symptoms and seeking a er-changing,” advised Tim Threadgill, a vetmedical diagnosis, the Registry says. eran Butler Snow commercial law attorney The Leave Act, Cupp said, also specifies whose work includes employment litigation. up to 10 weeks of paid leave for child-care Likewise, “plan as much as you can,” offers Nakimuli O. Davis-Primer, who practices labor, employment and commercial law at the Jackson office of Baker Donelson.

“It is a moving target,” she said.

Pay special attention, Davis-Primer said, to guidance and edicts coming from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. “Even the EEOC has weighed in,” DaCory Davis-Primer vis-Primer said of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “They are regularly updating their website,” she added. reasons.

Most recently the CDC updated the Not wanting to put extra burdens on list of symptoms for covid, something businesses already hit hard with revenue frequently done as it adds and deletes losses, Congress allowed reimbursement symptoms, according to Davis-Primer. to employers through refundable federal Alas, the penalty for the unaware could tax credits. be a negligence claim, Threadgill said.

Getting employees back to work – at An up-to-date protocol faithfully folleast deciding which ones to bring back lowed may come as close to a safe harbor – has legal considerations, Cupp noted. as a business can get, Threadgill said.

The Equal Employment OpportuFor added safety, keep detailed records, nity Commission, or EEOC, recently especially on compliance with the new published technical guidelines on federal Family and Medical Leave Expanemployees’ return to work. sion Act, advised Steve Cupp, an employThe gist: “An underlying condition ment law attorney in the Gulfport office should not be used as a basis for deterof Fisher Phillips. mining who can come back to work,” “An employer must maintain records Cupp said. for four years,” he said. “That shows the Do that, and you will violate the AmerDepartment of Labor is planning a slew of icans with Disabilities Act, he warned. litigation over this law.”

“The employer needs to engage in a The Family & Medical Leave Act Conprocess to determine if a reasonable acgress passed in March came in response commodation can be made,” Cupp said,

By TED CARTER mbj@msbusiness.com

A

adding the accommodations could include allowing the worker to have personal protection equipment.

Be careful of age considerations as well, he advised. Excluding workers over 60 could earn a business an age-discrimination suit, he added. “An employer must think through these things.”

Cupp recently worked with a restau-

Threadgill

Cupp

rant group in developing standards for selecting employees to staff scaled-back operations that would have only about 65 percent of the pre-pandemic workforce.

They limited days and hours, he said.

Cupp said an objective analysis focused first on bringing back the strongest performers and second on rehiring workers who consistently show up for work. “We went through the process to make sure their selection process was above board,” he said.

New guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include guidance the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission gave, especially to ensure the CDC guidelines conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act. That is important because the pandemic has forced businesses to rely on the CDC guidelines as a “bible” of sorts, said Butler Snow’s Threadgill.

Those guidelines carry instructions for businesses to alert employees if a co-worker tests positive for coronavirus. “I think the guidelines say 10 minutes or more” of working in proximity to an infected co-worker,” he said of notification, but cautioned, “Nothing is black and white.”

Threadgill would keep the worker’s See WORKERS, Page 9

WWW.MSBUSINESS.COM BANKS

> Regions Bank ......... www.regions.com

HUMAN RESOURCES

> People Lease ...www.peoplelease.com

INSURANCE AGENCIES

> Account Services Group ... www.accountservicesgroup.com

MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL

LAW FIRMS

> Victor W. Carmody, Jr. P.A ... www.mississippidui.com

PAYROLL

> People Lease ... www.peoplelease.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

> Mansell Media ... www.mansellmedia.net

HAVE YOUR BUSINESS LISTED HERE!

CONTACT YOUR ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE AT 601.364.1000

4n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

June 13 - June 26, 2020

Why I resist casual Friday and other thoughts on diversity and inclusion:

I

knew that I was going to be pulled over and that part of the encounter was entirely appropriate. I was speeding early one morning on a two-lane highway near my home when a highway patrolman passed me in a curve traveling in the opposite direction. He quickly disappeared over a hill and had not activated his blue lights.

Just the same, I steered my late model luxury car onto the side of the highway, put it in park, retrieved my driver’s license and the registration, and waited. Soon, the law enforcement officer reappeared and pulled his cruiser in behind my car. I had already lowered my driver’s window as he approached.

He dispensed with the pleasantries: “Whose car is this?” I’m sure that I sighed and shook my head ever so slightly. I then said, “It’s mine.” I stretched out my arm and said, “And here are my license and registration.” He left me hanging. He asked, “What’s the make and model?” A lump formed in my throat, and I hesitated momentarily while trying to process what was happening. Then, even though I didn’t want to, I described my car to him. Since my arm was still resting on the windowsill, I again said, “Here are my license and registration.” This time he took them and returned to his cruiser. He issued a ticket and told me to have a good day.

At the time of that stop, I was on my way to a case management conference in federal court. I was wearing a starched white shirt, dark suit pants and a silk tie. My suit coat was in plain view in the back seat of the car. So too was a case file. And, sitting atop the file was a copy of the federal rules of civil procedure. When I responded to the patrolman’s questions, I did so through very recent and relatively expensive dental work.

Upon arriving at the conference, I told counsel opposite, who is white, about the stop. He was incredulous. He told me that

A black partner’s perspective he was certain that if he had been stopped lawyer and I became the first black lawyers and was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, he at my firm, which was, at the time, solewould not have been asked those quesly based in Mississippi. We were part of tions. So, I was not delusional, and the first real push for diversity in large my feelings weren’t misplaced. majority practices. Soon, I was the Despite the indicators that only black lawyer at the firm. I, I was employed as a lawyer too, left but ultimately returned (or perhaps a judge), the and have been back for more patrolman, who was also than a decade. The firm now employed in the legal has offices nationwide and system and had surely internationally. The number of interacted with lawyers, only black lawyers is 7% today. I am saw a person of color. For him, orlando richmond optimistic regarding the progress that fact was enough to ignore and am determined that we will do objective indicia related to my profession much better. and, instead, caused him to default to a My practice is complex litigation, which negative assessment. is national in scope. This affords me the I won’t recount all the thoughts and opportunity to work closely with lawyers emotions I have had about that incident. of every conceivable background from But it was clearer to me than ever before large majority law firms. Moreover, here that what might be acceptable for white at Butler Snow, I have been elected to lawyers to do, or not do, and still be accord- firm management, held administrative ed due recognition and respect as a profes- positions and been involved in the hiring sional, does not apply to me. Women and process. These experiences have left me lawyers of color face the constant specter with certain impressions regarding the of being minimized, as more fully discussed development of diversity and inclusion below. I believe that for the diverse lawyer, initiatives and, in particular, the retention this situation requires strict adherence to and advancement of black lawyers. The professionalism in every meaning of the comments below address three issues from word. While it may not seem like much, among the many that I believe contribute I resist casual Friday. And for law firms, to a law firm environment where diverse every effort must be made to promote a lawyers are minimized and their ultimate welcoming environment of opportunity departure is inevitable. Additionally, I offer and inclusivity. some suggestions regarding steps to retain This year marks my 30th year in the diverse lawyers and increase the numbers practice of law. My experience includes of those admitted to equity ownership. a judicial clerkship, service as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate, criminal cases as A. Diverse Lawyers Do Not a prosecutor and defense attorney, civil Enjoy a Presumption of law practice representing defendants and Competence Like Others Do plaintiffs, working for a small black-owned The numbers are generally well known. firm, being a partner in a small plaintiffs’ practice and, for most of my career, being a According to the most recent data from the Vault/Minority Corporate Counsel partner in a top 150 law firm.

Association Law Firm Diversity Survey, just It was 25 years ago that another black

The Retention Problem

2.1% of law firm partners are black and only 1.87% are equity partners. These numbers have been largely consistent over the last decade. The report notes that more people of color are joining law firms, but there is a problem retaining them, especially associates. In fact, the 2018 Vault/MCCA Survey states that, “Progress for African-American lawyers has been the most elusive, as their hiring remains below pre-recession levels and they continue to leave their firms at a higher rate than other groups.” The survey reveals that departures of lawyers of color from law firms is at an 11-year high, exceeding the numbers that existed during the peak of the recession when minorities were more adversely affected by layoffs.

While many of these departures are for reasons other than the effects of bias, it is now largely undisputed that implicit or unconscious bias is a hindrance to the success of lawyers of color. Despite thoughtful diversity initiatives and aggressive recruitment efforts, many lawyers of color find themselves in an environment that does not see them in the same way as it does other lawyers. In particular, much like the patrolman who stopped me on the side of the highway years ago, some of those responsible for evaluating young associates of color only see what they want to see and don’t see what they don’t want to see. This phenomenon is a type of unconscious bias known as confirmation bias.

This particular species of bias has been described as a mental shortcut that makes one actively seek information, interpretation and memory only to acknowledge that which affirms established beliefs, while missing data that contradicts established beliefs. A recent study, “Written in Black and White: Exploring Confirmation Bias in Racialized Perceptions of Writing Skills” by lead researcher Dr. Arin N. Reeves, reported that partners were provided an See DIVERSITY, Page 5

June 13 - June 26, 2020

DIVERSITY

Continued from, Page 4

identical research memorandum, in which 22 errors of grammar, substance and analysis were embedded. The partners who were selected to evaluate the paper were told that the author was a male graduate of NYU Law School. Some partners were told that the author of the memorandum was white and other partners were told that the author was black. The result of the research was that significantly more errors were found and ascribed to the black author. Additionally, the overall rating of the paper was far worse for the black author than the white author. Moreover, the comments on the paper were more harshly critical of the black writer. For example, the white writer was described as someone who “has potential” and a “generally good writer but needs to work on …” The black writer had such comments as “average at best” and “can’t believe he went to NYU.” The potential effects of confirmation bias are obvious.

Ultimately, it morphs into a reputation that is less stellar for the lawyer of color than other lawyers. That flawed assessment of the lawyer of color feeds on itself until it is common knowledge. Everybody knows it. Assignments find their way to other lawyers and fewer meaningful opportunities find their way to the lawyer of color. Even worse, confirmation bias leads to a suggestion of incompetence for lawyers of color and a presumption of competence for others. Evaluations can reflect this objectively inaccurate assessment. Eventually, the handwriting is on the wall and a departure may be the most reasonable response by the lawyer of color.

B. The Offensive Notion That Any Woman or Lawyer of Color Will Do It can hardly be disputed that the business community has been pivotal in assisting, if not outright pushing, law firms to embrace diversity and inclusion. That influence is growing.

In fact, in January of this year, a letter signed by the General Counsels of some 170 companies makes it clear that they will not be inclined to retain firms that do not demonstrate a real commitment to diversity and inclusion. This concept is commonly viewed as the business case for diversity.

Most recognize a need for diversity, but clearly we do not all have the same understanding of what the need is and how to address it. Merely staffing a file to include a diverse attorney to secure business fails to properly address the need. Instead, it amounts to a highly offensive elevation of optics over reality.

Women and lawyers of color are dismayed at having their pictures emblazoned on glossy responses to RFPs or being asked to dutifully participate in pitch meetings, only to be omitted later from any meaningful participation on the file. The only sin worse than not being considered is not being utilized.

This misguided approach to diversity can have effects beyond the law firm environment and the issue of retention. Unbelievably, there is a practice of adding a diverse lawyer to a trial team solely for optics. However, we now have more and more judges who are women and people of color, and juries are certainly filled with every demographic.

It is outrageous, in my view, to assign a diverse lawyer to a trial team when that lawyer’s only expected contribution is their immutable characteristic. This transparent act will not go unnoticed by judges nor jurors, and it is clients who may suffer the consequences. Any assignment of lawyers should be substantive and meaningful. There are plenty of talented, diverse trial lawyers who can add real value to a trial team.

Bluntly, no one wants to be “used” as that term is understood in the negative sense. The notion that “any woman or lawyer of color will do” demeans us as professionals. Yet, it remains all too common and is a factor in lawyers leaving firms.

C. Relegated to Last and Least There is a particularly disturbing practice that women and lawyers of color take note of that I am convinced some others have never noticed. It is a practice that not only those with whom we practice engage but clients, business prospects and others do it as well. It is the practice of routinely putting women or lawyers of color last, no matter their seniority or status in the firm or responsibility on a file. This slight includes everything from email chains to in-person introductions.

I recall being at a professional meeting and standing with a group of six or seven colleagues from various firms.

All of us worked on a particular mass tort together. I was the only lawyer of color in the group and clearly the oldest. Another lawyer who knew some but not all of the others walked up and engaged in small talk. Introductions were made, and hands were shaken. He had been involved with some of the early proceedings in the matter and sought an update. When he finally got to me, he asked, “What do you do? Are you on the discovery team?”

I replied, “No. I’m national lead trial counsel.” He said, “Oh, you’re Rod Richmond. Pleased to meet you. I’ve been reading your work.” Of course, that was the second time we had been introduced in a matter of minutes.

Even though he was familiar with my name and my role, upon seeing me, he had assigned a different responsibility to me in his mind.

Repeatedly, inside firms or outside firms, women and lawyers of color are routinely introduced or approached last. On numerous occasions and in different settings over my career, someone initiates a conversation with a white male who is with me, only to be told that I am the person they should talk to or who knows the subject

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

5

matter. I have seen it happen with others as well.

While it is likely not intentional, nor even conscious, it is some evidence of the reality that exists in some law firms despite the stated objectives of inclusivity. Every unwarranted instance of relegating someone to last or least and every time it seems as if a woman or lawyer of color is virtually an afterthought serves as yet another suggestion that we are viewed differently. It is another weighty straw that can push a diverse lawyer in the direction of other employment.

Some Potential Solutions to Retain Diverse Lawyers

My experience here at Butler Snow and the success stories of women and other lawyers of color around the country (to include in-house counsel) make clear that there are effective approaches that can and should be employed to combat bias and retain diverse lawyers. What follows are some potential steps that law firms should take.

Firm Leadership Must Be Fully Committed – The importance of diversity and inclusion must be a priority at every level of firm leadership. The unequivocal message to the firm and every partner and employee of the firm must be in terms of a demand. Moreover, one aspect of the evaluation of firm leadership should be their commitment to and progress regarding diversity and inclusion. What gets measured gets done.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee or Officer – Achieving greater diversity and inclusion has to be intentional and focused. Perhaps the best way to do so is by having a dedicated committee or person who will stay abreast of the latest developments regarding diversity and inclusion and the specific issues in the firm. This committee or person should report directly to firm management.

Mentors and Sponsors – Navigating the law firm environment can be difficult for any lawyer, especially new associates. The journey may be complicated by cultural differences that inhibit the kind of easy interaction that leads to developing good working relationships. The lawyers of color may not attend the same churches as other lawyers.

They may not be members of the same fraternal organizations or social clubs. As a result, assign mentors whose mission is to get to know the diverse lawyer and help young lawyers with navigating the system. Mentors help groom the lawyer professionally and help integrate the diverse lawyer into the firm culture. On the other hand, a sponsor is a person of influence within the firm who speaks to issues on another lawyer’s behalf. There is a need for onboarding regimens that include sponsors who serve as advocates for the young lawyer or diverse lawyer.

Appointment to Administrative and Practice ResponsiSee DIVERSITY, Page 7

PERSPECTIVE June 13 - June 26, 2020 • www.msbusiness.com • Page 6

» INSIDE MISSISSIPPI

Coronavirus lesson:

we’re more fragile than invulnerable

F

ragile…the word itself Take our emergency reseems frail, matching sponse system. How much its etymology from the more fractured could our Latin fragilis, with frag meanresponse to the coronavirus ing “to break” and ilis meaning have been? Nationally, missteps, “subject to.” misinformation, confusion, and Thanks to the COVID-19 coro- BILL CRAWFORD contradiction continue to thwart navirus, we see many things today more fragour response. How else could so many still ile, more susceptible to breaking, than ever consider our response a hoax, ignore the conbefore. Many were made that way by our false tinued need for cautious behavior, extend our sense of invulnerability. period of vulnerability, and attest to our sysTake our health-care system. Americans temic fragility? enjoy the most ubiquitous, capable, and costly Take our electoral system. Primaries dehealth-care system in the world. The corona- layed, access to voting both restricted and virus exposed its fragility when faced with a chaotic, and November elections looming pandemic we were sure we were prepared for with no coherent, safe voting plan attest to and could handle. More than 100,000 deaths the fragility of our antiquated, cumbersome, in three months, over one-third in long term and highly politicized system. care facilities, and lack of ready access to esTake the world’s food supply, our educasential equipment and supplies attest, trag- tion systems, our transportation system, our ically, to our unpreparedness, vulnerability, churches – the list of exposed systemic fragiland unsuspected fragility. ity goes on and on.

Sadly, our fragility extends far beneath sysTake our economy. We enjoy the largest, most diversified and distributed economy in tem levels to things broken in our everyday life all the world. Again, the coronavirus exposed attested to by health worker suicides, bankruptits fragility when faced with shelter-at-home cies, evictions, family separations, and so on.

There is no easy solution to this adaptive restrictions that disrupt consumption, hamper production, snap supply chains, and dec- predicament. It will take a hard, long return imate distribution systems. Over 40 million to some basics.

In America, planning for and managing unemployed Americans attest to our vulnerarisks is a combined responsibility of indibility and unsuspected fragility.

» analYsis

L

viduals and government. Each of us is to be self-reliant to the extent we are capable, both intellectually and financially. Government’s role is to prepare us through education and policy and to provide for those unable to provide for themselves.

Abraham Maslow gave us a hierarchy of needs. At the most basic level are food, shelter, and clothing. Next come safety and security.

These drive our responses to natural disasters like hurricanes.

In our complex capitalistic economy, we depend upon business systems to provide us and government access to many of these essentials. It is government’s role to make sure these business systems can and do deliver.

Such preparedness is something our military takes very seriously. We need a similar long-term, well-financed government response to the systemic fragility exposed by this pandemic. And, then, we need to do our part, which would include following government prescriptions.

In the meantime, we should attend to Maslow’s third level – belonging and love – and help others as well as ourselves.

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” – Philippians 2:4. » BILL CRAWFORD is a syndicated columnist from Jackson.

Doctor calls Parchman conditions ‘deplorable’

iving conditions in the Conditions at Parchman Mississippi State Pen“are the worst conditions itentiary at Parchman I have observed in any are “are sub-human and deU.S. jail, prison or immiplorable in a civilized socigration detention facility ety,” according to a physician in my 20 years working who has evaluated the prison in this field,” Stern wrote on behalf of inmates who are in papers that attorneys filed EMILY WAGSTER suing the state.

June 8 in federal court.

PETTUS Dr. Marc Stern specializes in cor“To say that the Mississippi Departrectional health care and has evaluated ment of Corrections warehouses human dozens of jails, prisons and immigration beings at Parchman would be insulting detention facilities in the United States. to proper warehouses,” wrote Stern,

who is a professor at the University of Washington School of Public Health and was previously the lead physician for the Washington State Department of Corrections.

As of Friday, attorneys for the state of Mississippi had not yet responded to the plaintiffs’ June 8 filing. But the state’s new corrections commissioner, Burl Cain, told lawmakers Tuesday: “We’re going to fix Parchman.”

The inmates’ lawsuit was filed in January, after outbursts of violence in multiple

A member of the Mississippi Press Association

www.mspress.org

132 Riverview Dr., Suite E • Flowood, MS 39232 Main: (601) 364-1000 • Fax: (601) 364-1007 E-mails: mbj@msbusiness.com, ads@msbusiness.com, photos@msbusiness.com, research@msbusiness.com, events@msbusiness.com Website: www.msbusiness.com

May 30 - June 12, 2020 | Volume 42, Number 12

TAMI JONES Publisher tami.jones@msbusiness.com • 364-1011 ROSS REILY Editor ross.reily@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 MARK MOORE Production Manager mark.moore@msbusiness.com • 364-2244 MARCIA THOMPSON Business Assistant marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com • 364-1044 FRANK BROWN List Researcher frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 364-1022 JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 364-1016 LYNN LOFTON Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 TED CARTER Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 BECKY GILLETTE Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 NASH NUNNERY Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 LISA MONTI Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 Subscription Services (601) 364-1000 subscriptions@msbusiness.com Mississippi Business Journal (USPS 000-222) is published

bi-weekly with one annual issue by MSBJ 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS. Subscription rates: 1 year $109; 2 years $168; and 3 years $214.

To place orders, temporarily stop service, change your address or inquire about billing: Phone: (601) 364-1000, Fax: (601) 364-1007, Email: charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com, Mail: MS Business Journal Subscription Services, 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Business Journal, Circulation Manager, 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 To submit subscription payments: Mail: MS Business Journal Subscriptions Services, 2132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232.

No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent. Editorial and advertising material contained in this publication is derived from sources considered to be reliable, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities.

It is the policy of this newspaper to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

THE MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL,

is an affiliate of Journal Publishing Company (JPC), Inc. Entire contents copyrighted © 2020 by Journal Inc. All rights reserved.

PERSPECTIVE PARCHMAN

Continued from, Page 6

Mississippi prisons left some inmates dead and others injured. Attorneys are being paid by entertainment mogul Jay-Z, rapper Yo Gotti and Team Roc, the philanthropic arm of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.

The lawsuit was filed weeks before

the U.S. Justice Department announced in February that it is investigating Mississippi’s prison system. The civil suit and the federal investigation are separate from each other and are moving forward on parallel tracks.

The inmates’ lawsuit is asking a federal judge to mandate that the state improve living conditions in Parchman, where state Health Department inspections have previously shown longstanding problems with clogged toilets, broken windows and moldy showers.

The lawsuit lists 33 inmates as plaintiffs, though it seeks improvements for all inmates in Parchman.

In the June 8 filing, attorney Marcy B. Croft wrote that 24 of the 33 plaintiffs have been transferred out of Parchman since the suit was filed.

“Violence is a part of everyday life at Parchman,” Croft wrote.

The June 8 filing includes sworn statements by inmates who said that they saw guards ignore or encourage violence. One said that in December, a guard let a gang-affiliated inmate open another inmate’s cell and stab that man.

In a separate incident, another plaintiff said that multiple inmates stabbed him about 10 times, guards did nothing to stop the assault and he had to wait hours to receive medical care.

Stern wrote that he saw exposed elec-

June 13 - June 26, 2020

trical wiring inside Parchman, some of it near standing water.

“Extension cords are strung from the center tower on the first floor to the second floor where in two units, they are secured by wrapping around a railing banister, then lose their outer protective sheathes, and run, unprotected,

across the hallway floor, into a resident’s cell,” Stern wrote. “The risk of a serious electricity-induced injury (burn or death) is a constant risk.”

The lawsuit also says the food at Parchman is often “inedible.”

“This does not mean the food is merely unpalatable, but rather it is contaminated with animal or insect feces or it is raw and therefore unsafe to eat,” Croft wrote.

The state Senate last week confirmed Republican Gov. Tate Reeves’ nomination of Cain as the new corrections commissioner, to oversee Mississippi’s entire state prison system. Cain was a longtime warden of Angola prison in Louisiana and told Mississippi lawmakers that he took the new job because it’s a challenge.

During Cain’s confirmation hearing, Senate Corrections Committee members asked some questions about Parchman but did not drill down for details about inmates’ living conditions.

Cain said the prison system will focus on improving food and ensuring that inmates get job training, recreation and access to religious services. » EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS has has covered Mississippi government and politics for the Associated Press since 1994. Follow her on Twitter: http:// twitter.com/EWagsterPettus.

DIVERSITY

Continued from, Page 5

bilities – At many firms, firm involvement is one of the metrics for advancement.

Careful attention must be paid to appointment of diverse lawyers to administrative duties and other positions within the firm to provide an opportunity to meet this important metric. For those roles that are elected, consideration should be given to an alternative appointment process, if necessary, that is designed to make sure there is participation in firm governance by diverse lawyers. It is important that younger diverse lawyers have someone who is like them in key leadership roles to inspire and encourage them. So, there should be diversity at all levels and positions of responsibility in the firm.

Clients Should Go Beyond the Head Count – Clients should request hard data related to inclusion. Clients should assure themselves that diverse lawyers are billing meaningful hours on their files and are getting an opportunity for client contact as soon as is practical given the complexity of the matter. Moreover, there should be a clear pattern that work is being transitioned to diverse lawyers as well as to other lawyers. Clients should also make crystal clear that the woeful and static percentage of diverse attorneys in the partnership ranks is unacceptable. Clients should inquire about a law firm’s initiatives or efforts that are designed to make sure that the path to ownership for women or lawyers of color is not made more difficult as a result of bias.

» RICKy NOBLE

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

7

Compensation Must Be Constantly Evaluated – A fair system of compensation that is clearly understood and that provides for progression for all is an absolute must.

Conclusion

A white law partner, whom I also consider a friend, once attributed my success to being able to “move easily between both worlds.” While I suppose he meant it as a compliment, the notion that there are characteristics and behaviors that are specific to whites and absent in blacks (or present in men and absent in women), and that lend themselves to success, is just wrong. That idea is no different than that highway patrolman making a negative assessment of me because of my color.

This legal community of ours has to be large enough to accommodate and embrace our wonderful diversity. By doing so, our clients are provided meaningful perspective as to their legal issues.

Those with whom we practice enjoy collaboration and a more positive business relationship. And, like all other lawyers, women and lawyers of color can rely on being evaluated on their skill, ability and potential. This is an issue that goes far beyond the business case for diversity. It is the right thing to do. » ORLANDO “ROD” RICHMOND SR. is a partner Butler Snow’s Jackson, Miss. office, where he focuses his practice on products liability and environmental law.

8n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

» spin cycle

McDonald's TV ad honors victims of police brutality

A

PERSPECTIVE

June 13 - June 26, 2020

new, silent 60-second ad from McDonald’s honors Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Alton Sterling, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, saying “they were all one of us.”

“We see them in our customers,” text on the screen reads. “We see them in our crew members. We see them in our franchisees.”

As protesters take to the streets in cities across the United States, spurred by the death of black Minneapolis resident Floyd beneath the knee of a police officer, brands have shown a new level of willingness to voice their opposition to police brutality.

McDonald’s joined the conversation with a bold spot from Wieden + Kennedy New York that directly names and memorializes seven black Americans killed by police or shot to death while unarmed, according to Adweek.

The 60-second spot from Wieden + Kennedy New York begins by listing their names, then includes a message of solidarity with the victims, their loved ones and the protesters demonstrating in their memory.

Martin was killed in 2012 at age 17 by George Zimmerman, a Neighborhood Watch coordinator who fatally shot Martin after reporting him to police as “suspicious.” Brown was killed in 2014 by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Mo., after the officer told Brown to walk on the sidewalk instead of in the street. Two white police officers in Baton Rouge, La., tasered, pinned and fatally shot Sterling in 2016 when they believed he was reaching for a revolver in his pocket.

In 2018, an off-duty police patrol officer in Dallas killed Jean in his home. Jefferson was also killed in her home by a police officer after a neighbor called a non-emergency number to report an open door in 2019. Arbery was shot by white men who confronted him as he was jogging in Glynn County, Ga.,

Skeleton Newsrooms Juggle Pandemic and Protests

Local news publications have been hard hit by financial pressure stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, with many operating newsrooms gutted by layoffs and furloughs. Now, local journalists earlier this year. And Floyd are juggling coverage of twin died after Derek Chauvin, a crises – COVID-19 and the Minneapolis police officer, protests roiling the country – pressed his knee on his neck with even fewer resources. until he asphyxiated.

Protestors in cities across At the end of the video, the country took to the streets the background color shifts to call for justice over the death from the trademark yellow of George Floyd, and the deaths todd smith glow of McDonald’s golden of other black Americans. arches to black, with the words Reporting on complex and fast-chang“Black lives matter” appearing in white text. ing events like the current protests typically McDonald’s posted the ad on its social calls for all hands on deck, but some reporters platforms and will donate $1 million to the are simply unable to contribute. The pandemNational Urban League and the NAACP. ic’s economic impact has led to tens of thou“Our internal support is no longer sands of layoffs and furloughs in media indusenough. Now is the time for our brand to try since March, with local newspapers among raise our voice and speak up,” read a mesthe hardest hit, according to CNN Business. sage from McDonald’s USA CMO Morgan “We had people downtown and in all corFlatley and Vicki Chancellor, chair of Mcners of the city. We worked hard to capture Donald’s Operator’s National Advertiswhat was going on, and I’m proud of the ing Committee. “Consumers are watching work we did but imagine how much better how brands act in this moment, and our it could have been if so many of us weren’t own multicultural communities deserve not on furlough,” Megan Crepeau, a Chicago only our support, but our action. We must Tribune reporter and president of the Chileverage the power and scale of our brand to cago Tribune Guild, told the news network. make meaningful change.”

While McDonald’s is a new participant in discussions of inequality against black National TV Ad Spending Falls in Americans, activism in advertising is nothMidst of Crisis ing new for its agency, Wieden + Kennedy.

Millions of Americans forced to shelter at The agency’s Portland office has long creathome are tuning in more TV – but advered provocative ads on themes of social justisers did not during the month of April in tice for clients like Nike, including its 2018 the midst of the coronavirus crisis. campaign starring former San Francisco Ad dollars allocated to national TV fell by 49ers Colin Kaepernick and its most recent 26.7 percent in April of this year to $2.7 billion, spot, “Just Don’t Do It,” which was also reaccording to Standard Media Index, a tracker leased in response to Floyd’s death. of ad spending, one of the first tangible estiSeveral brands have spoken out in supmates of how severely the ongoing pandemic port of the Black Lives Matter movement has affected one of the nation’s most popular in recent days, as consumers, particularly mediums. SMI says ad revenue for broadcast younger ones, demand more vocal activtelevision fell 33.4 percent to $907 million in ism from companies on issues such as poApril, while ad revenue for cable TV fell 24.8 lice brutality. percent to $1.66 billion.

Syndicated TV, however, managed to snare new ad dollars, with revenue rising 12.1 percent to $140.2 million.

SMI estimates that advertisers of

travel services cut spending by 94 percent in April, the most in any category. Retail ad dollars were down by 46 percent; restaurants cut ad spending by 41 percent; and entertainment and media companies reduced ad spend by 38 percent, largely due to a lack of new movie releases to promote. Automotive marketers cut ad spending by 64 percent and technology advertisers reduced spend by 30%, SMI said.

One of the chief factors in the decline was the loss of sports. SMI estimates advertising committed to TV sports fell 72% in April, with $240 million lost due to the suspension of the NBA’s season; $200 million lost due to the cancellation of the NCAA men’s basketball championship; $40 million due to the NHL’s suspended season; $30 million due to scuttled golf tournaments; and $25 million due to the suspension of Major League Baseball’s current cycle.

SMI uses data from invoices from many media-buying agencies and works with five of the seven major companies involved in the industry, which accounts for 70 percent of the national TV marketplace.

Advertisers pulled back on scripted comedies and dramas, with SMI estimating ad revenue fell as much as 50 percent behind some regularly scheduled programs. In April, the most ad dollars were generated by Fox’s “The Masked Singer.”

Madison Avenue, however, stuck by news programming. According to SMI, ad revenue for all news programming on broadcast TV rose 5.5 percent, with ad spending behind CBS news programs up 20 percent, ad spending behind ABC news programs up 5 percent and ad spending behind NBC news programs up 3 percent. Ad prices for CBS news programs tend to be at the lower end of the spectrum, owing to the lower ratings those shows have compared to their rivals on NBC and ABC. Ad spending behind cable-news networks was off 1.6 percent, according to SMI. Marketers seemed interested in Fox News’ weekday primetime schedule, according to SMI, with ad spend behind those programs up 65 percent compared to the year-earlier period. » TODD SMITH is co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Deane | Smith, a full-service branding, PR, marketing and advertising firm with offices in Jackson. The firm – based in Nashville, Tenn. – is also affiliated with Mad Genius. Contact him at todd@deanesmithpartners.com, follow him @ spinsurgeon and like the ageny on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/deanesmithpartners, and join us on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/deane-smith-&-partners.

June 13 - June 26, 2020

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

9

Business, educational and religious groups throw support behind new state flag “There are going to be dire consequences if we take this turn,” Sanderson was quoted as saying in Mississippi Today. “There are he state flag of Mississippi that incorporates an image going to be all kinds of demonof the Confederate battle flag has long been controverstrations. There are going sial. A voter referendum in 2001 to change the flag to to be boycotts, just like something without racial overtones failed by a margin of twothe SEC and NCAA. to-one in a state where 37 percent of the population is black.

Conventions are not goToday, after the worldwide protests over the death of an uning to come here, people are armed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police, the legisnot going to come to the casinos, people will boycott Mississiplature is once again considering putting the flag issue before votpi products, jobs are going to be affected. Those are the economic ers. But a chorus of voices from the business, industry, educational and religious groups is calling for the flag to be changed to something realities.”

Lawmakers have also discussed adopting a second state flag. But without racist ties to the Civil War that was fought to preserve slavery.

The Mississippi Bankers Association (MBA) supported chang- even conservative-leaning groups like the Mississippi Baptist Convention (MBC) are calling for the flag to be changed now. ing the flag in 2001 and still does today.

Shawn Parker, executive director and treasurer of the MBC, has “We believe that the state flag should be a symbol that represents the whole state, and the current flag is offensive to many Missis- said while some may see the current flag as a celebration of heritage, sippi citizens,” said a statement from MBA. “It not only serves as a a significant portion of the state sees it as a relic of racism and a painful reminder of our state’s past but it also perpetuates negative symbol of hatred.

Another voice for change is the Mississippi Association of Comstereotypes about our state. We believe it is time to make a delibermunity Colleges, which is made up of the state’s 15 community colate choice as a state to move forward.”

MBA said not only is the flag divisive, but it continues to have a lege presidents. The association has voted unanimously to support changing the current state flag. negative impact on the state’s economy.

“We believe the flag of Mississippi should be one that unites all of “The MBA, its leadership, and its membership feel strongly that the adoption of a new flag is timely and a crucial step to improv- us towards a prosperous future,” the association said in a press release.

The Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), which ing Mississippi’s image,” MBA said. “Adopting a new flag that represents all of Mississippi could lead to improved economic oppor- represents thousands of companies across the state, has taken the tunities and quality of life for all of its citizens. We support choosing position that it is abundantly clear that the current state flag does a new flag that represents everyone and gives us a new symbol to not represent all Mississippians.

“Mississippi manufacturers rely on the skills and talents of people help us move forward together toward new successes as a state.”

One of the state’s most successful businessmen, Joe Frank Sand- regardless of race, sex, religion, or ethnicity,” MMA said in a stateerson, board chairman Laurel-based Sanderson Farms, said law- ment. “No hardworking Mississippian should feel marginalized by or ashamed of a symbol that is supposed to represent all of us. It is makers putting the issue on the ballot is the wrong step. past time we change the state glad and move forward a banner that will unify everyone in our state.”

“We believe the flag of Mississippi under However, some doubt the legislature will either should be one that unites all of us vote to change the flag or put it on the ballot as the 2020 legislative session ends on Friday. towards a prosperous future”

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

T

WORKERS

Continued from, Page 3

identity confidential. “The employer has an obligation to let the employees know without telling you who” was infected, he explained.

Threadgill said he’d quiz the employee about workplace movements and contacts.

Also, watch for the CDC subsets of guidelines that are “very industry specific,” said Michael Cory, who practices commercial litigation at the Jackson firm of Danks, Cory & Miller.

Workers Compensation Insurance is the go-to place for worker infection claims, according to Cory, Davis-Primer, Cupp and Threadgill.

“I don’t think an employee is going to be able to get around” going through Workers Compensation “absent some willful misconduct from an employer,” Threadgill said.

On the plus side for workers, said Cory, “Worker’s Comp is very liberal on causation.”

Then again, workers designated as independent contractors can’t use the Workers

Compensation option, Cory noted. They “are not going to enjoy the benefit of the Workers Comp route. An independent contractor is not considered an employee,” he said.

It’s a good idea to warn employees and contractors that coming back to work carries risks, Cory said.

Meanwhile, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has not issued enforceable guidelines to protect employees from the coronavirus, as it did during the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, the Washington Post reported on May 25.

What if a worker is too worried about covid to return to work? Or the furloughed employee simply wants to continue getting the additional $600 a week in federal unemployment insurance compensation?

Some states – but not Mississippi – have adopted rules that deem refusals to return to work in some circumstances justified. These rules generally protect unemployment benefits for “high risk” or “vulnerable” employees,

such as workers 65 or over with underlying conditions, the Fisher Phillips law firm said in an advisory.

But the Labor Department has emphasized that an “unreasonable” fear over the risk of contracting the virus in the workplace does not constitute good cause, the advisory said.

With that in mind, Fisher Phillips’ Cupp stressed it is to the employee’s benefit to be upfront with the employer about health issues. “Sometimes you have to disclose to them things you didn’t want them to know,” he said.

Davis-Primer of Baker Donelson said a furloughed worker’s adamant refusal to return to work would force the company “to make the employment decision they have to make.”

It’s a case-by-case situation, she said. “If someone is requesting a disability, the employer should discuss accommodations” that include using vacation time and sick leave during the pandemic period.

Ameristar Casino to lay off 150 workers in Mississippi Officials for a riverfront casino in Mississippi have announced plans to permanently lay off 150 workers as the industry faces challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ameristar Casino, which sits along the Mississippi river in Vicksburg, will remain open, but will reduce its staff beginning in August, according to a letter notifying city officials of the layoffs.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission ordered all of the state’s casinos to close in mid-March to comply with efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Casinos were allowed to reopen last month with social distancing guidelines in place that reduced capacity and the number of players allowed at gaming tables and slot machines, among other limitations, news outlets said.

General Manager Gerad Hardy said the interruptions have caused a decline in business volumes, and called the layoffs an “unfortunate result” of circumstances brought on by the pandemic, The Vicksburg Post reported, citing the letter.

“We could not have anticipated when our properties would be allowed to reopen and how restrictive the new operating conditions would be, and the negative impact this would have on business volumes,” Hardy said.

It was not immediately clear whether city officials had responded to the layoffs.

10 n

Mississippi Business Journal

By MBJ Staff

T

n

June 13 - June 26, 2020

Plan unveiled for $1.2 billion Broadwater complex

he site of legendary Broadwater Beach Hotel would be reborn as a $1.2 billion entertainment complex in Biloxi if plans move forward.

Dakia Entertainment Hospitality and Broadwater Development LLP announced the signing of a formal letter of intent, subject to finalizing financial commitments, to redevelop the historic, former Broadwater Beach hotel, marina and golf course site into a $1.2 billion, 266-acre, world-class entertainment complex on U.S. 90 in Biloxi.

The project has a projected opening in the second quarter of 2023.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dakia Entertainment Hospitality would

manage a high-profile destination hotel, music, and entertainment environments on the site.

In 2019, Dakia Entertainment Hospitality entered into a joint venture with Universal Music Group (UMG) to develop a music-focused project, which would include: • An indoor concert event atrium with a capacity of about 12,000.

• A customized music curriculum, including classes for local and regional students with artist interactions • An 1,150-room, full-service hotel with spa and destination amenities • A restored Broadwater Marina.

has performed a market analysis and been • An 18-hole golf course and teaching retained to prepare and initiate an request academy for proposals for gaming operator.

• 18,000 square feet of retail space.

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich • 125,000-square-foot casino with said in a prepared statement: about 2,460 gaming positions “The Broadwater Beach, as it was The development would produce about 1,000 construction jobs and employ about known in the ’50s, was ‘the attraction’ that brought attention and 2,500 upon full operamany people to our tion. It would generate Coast. In my opinion, more than $100 million it would certainly be in annual non-gaming, an ‘understatement’ retail spending. Dakia to say that this project Entertainment will seek will be transformaincentives from tional for Biloxi, our the state and local Coast and the State of governments.

The Innovation Group » Broadwater Hotel postcard circa 1939.

Mississippi.”

Catfish producers eligible for assistance program

C

atfish producers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have the opportunity to provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture information on why they should be eligible for economic assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

Farmers can take two steps to help ensure they are eligible to apply for and receive direct monetary payments once funding is determined.

First, producers can submit comments, or information, related to their economic farm losses directly to the Farm Service Agency. To qualify for assistance, producers must show a price loss of at least 5 percent be-

tween January and April 2020.

To submit comments: visit the Federal Rulemaking Portal at http://regulations.gov and search for DocketID FSA-2020-0004. Then, follow the instructions for submitting comments. Or mail comments to Director, SND, FSA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0522, Washington, DC 20250-0522.

The deadline to submit comments is June 22.

Second, producers can begin to gather the documentation needed for the assistance program application. Farmers can find the types of documentation needed at https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus. Local Farm Service Agency offices also can inform farmers about the type of documentation needed. Contact information for these offices can be found on the same website.

June 13 - June 26, 2020

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

11

» dining

Dumbo’s on Duling: a smart new restaurant

He felt he was ready to make the next move in his career.

It took a year to put together a voluminous private placement plan for investors.

Then came the 150-days-out plan, where particular ho in his right mind would start a restauthings had to be checked off each day. rant during a major economic downturn He enlisted Mary Sanders Ferriss, brought on by designer of many hip, new restaurants a pandemic? in the Jackson area and elsewhere, and Paul Adair, that’s who.

Scott Allen of A Plus Creative Signs, Why? which creates hip, new signs.

He had no control over it.

Adair made sure that some of his “The train was already interests were incorporated into the rolling,” Adair said as he design. The running green borders sat at one of the tables in along the edges of the tables include Dumbo’s on Duling in the chess pieces, reflecting that he was a Fondren District of Jackson two-time junior state champion in » The management team (from left) general manager Jessica Quinn, executive chef Rashanna Newsome and owner Paul Adair. / Photos by Jack Weatherly on the eve of the opening. the game.

A lease had been signed So far, so good.

Perhaps his experience in the and construction, however Pre-dinner libations include an array of mixed Army – with its “hurry drinks, both house and classic. slow during the pandemic, up and wait” philosThey might challenge the champagne. got underway. ophy – had helped After all, what goes better with a hen The restaurant, on Dulto prepare him for than a rooster, which the name “cocking Avenue at State Street what came next: the tail” seems to suggest? in the former CAET locapandemic.

One of the house creations, Dumtion, was supposed to open Putting together a bo’s G&T, has a calling card with that in April, he said. serious menu does take name.

Then the coronavirus time, so maybe the dark And that name? nearly shut down the na- » Owner Paul Adair takes care of a last-minute detail. cloud of delay had a silver lining.

It could be taken as a commentary on the dicey tion’s economy.

You might not know it from the time to open a business.

The restaurant opened name of the restaurant, but fried chicken is its signature But it seems that Adair’s ears grew fast when he was a June 11 for dinner. Ongoing, the hours are 11 a.m. till dish. kid, before the rest of him could catch up.

9 p.m., lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, Why not in a city in the Deep South?

And it caught on. The name of the restaurant is a belatand 10 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. on Sundays for brunch.

But why not do it a bit different? ed reply to those taunts.

Fried chicken at Dumbo’s comes in three flavors – So there were two major hurdles. The slowdown, Paul is quick to say that he is not doing this alone.

There are about 30 on the staff, including general manand then dealing with the reality of the plague – so- Southern (of course), Honey Butter and Nashville (spicy).

Obviously this ain’t how your mother or grandmother ager Jessica Quinn, who comes from the Gold Coast at the cial distancing, limitations on seating and of course cooked it.

Cultivation Food Hall in the District at Eastover, where the masks and sanitizing steps.

It’s how a noted California chef, Thomas Keller, preshe was bar manager, and executive chef Rashanna NewIt’s hard enough for an established restaurant to pared it, Adair says. some, most recently executive chef at Aplos in the District deal with the restrictions brought on by the virus.

What sets it apart, for example, is that it is soaked in a at Eastover. Newsome graduated from the Washburne First impressions can be lasting. brine bath to add flavor and ensure moistness before it is Culinary Institute in Chicago.

But for a newbie, “the first impression of the restaurant put in the skillet.

Betsy Adair, Paul’s wife, is part owner and in charge of is a hostess with a mask on,” he said.

There are sides that sound familiar, including collard pastries, and she is mother to their three children.

It’s not that Adair, 38, is a newbie. greens, macaroni and cheese and butter beans.

Well, how did the first night go?

He’s got a full decade under his chef ’s apron. That was And to drink with the fried chicken?

About 70 customers showed up and “it went really after he enrolled at Ole Miss in engineering only to find Champagne, he unhesitatingly offers. well,” Quinn said. that he was not cut out for academia.

Mais oui, Bubba.

Oh, and the exterior sign went up on opening day.

His father, Dr. Tom Adair, professor of physiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, said that he was not going to send his son to college just to drink beer and have a good time, Adair said.

But it was not all wasted time. Adair worked at a couple of Oxford restaurants.

Next came five years in the Army, where he reached the rank of sergeant and participated in two deployments during the Iraq war, where he experienced the reality that someone was trying to kill him.

After mustering out, he attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York.

Then a 10-month tour at 11 Madison Park in New York City before returning to Mississippi and Table 100 in Flowood.

Next he collaborated with Bowen Eason as the first chef and partner at The Gathering in the Town of Livingston in Madison County for five years. » A large dining room at Dumbo’s shows Mary Sanders Ferriss’ flair. » Open-air space offers a seating option.

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

W

12 n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

June 13 - June 26, 2020

Central Mississippi houses are a ‘sellers market’ » Some going for above listed price Sellers “have been showing a bit more reluctance to list their homes than is uyers are snaptypical for this time of the ping up houses in year,” the report says. central MississipNew listings fell 17.4 pi, sometimes paying more percent from a year earlier, JACK WEATHERLY than the listed price. according to the report.

And houses are staying on the “But trends are improving and market for a shorter period, according as [the state] and localities continue to to the Central Mississippi Realtors As- moderate their covid-19 policies.” sociation, which represents 10 counties.

Meantime, the inventory slipped 34.6 The median sales price rose 5.5 per- percent to 3.2 months, compared with a cent in May, compared with a year year earlier. earlier, the association reported in its A bright spot in the report is that monthly Market Heartbeat survey. pending sales, those awaiting closure, That price, meaning half of all pric- are up 33.8 percent over May 2019, said es were above it and half below it, was Katie Warren, president of the associa$201,250, compared with $190,750 in tion for this year.

May 2019.

The June report will reflect those cloHouses stayed on the market five sures, Warren said in an interview. fewer days last month – 67 versus 72 in Overall, “it’s a full-blown sellers marthe corresponding month in 2019. ket,” Warren said.

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

B

Former Delta State student confesses to creating racist social media post about herself

A

former Delta State University student confessed to DSU police to creating a racist social media post about herself.

Initially, she had admitted to posting it on her own Facebook page, but, until recently, had denied that she had been the originator of the post. Delta State officials are determining the proper course of action.

“We are relieved to have resolved this awful situation,” said Delta State President William N. LaForge. “We are grateful that so many of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends knew, when seeing this loathsome material, not to rush to judgment about Delta State, which has a long track record of promoting and advancing its multicultural heritage and providing a welcoming campus and commitment to inclusiveness.”

Delta State, along with state and federal authorities, began investigating the issue as soon as the university became aware of the offensive post. The plan began when the former student fraudulently submitted

to DSU a photo and text to be displayed on Delta State’s Spring 2020 Commencement Spotlight webpages on DSU’s Facebook page and on the DSU website.

She then created a racist iteration of the photo/text she had submitted— which attacked herself, African Americans, and Delta State — and then posted it on her social media page.

Over the course of several days, Delta State officials questioned her and uncovered evidence that tied the post to her. Early on, Delta State was able to prove that a hoax had occurred. Eventually, it was borne out that the former student had concocted all parts of this.

“Cultural sensitivity is a hallmark of Delta State,” added President LaForge. “Delta State is an inclusive and diverse community. We are grateful to the DSU Police Department and to state and federal authorities for solving this unfortunate case. And, we want to emphasize that people of all backgrounds are welcomed—and thrive— at Delta State University.”

» This four-bedroom, three-bath house at 5304 Suffolk Dr. In Jackson lists for $270,000. / Photo by Jack Weatherly

Another indicator, inventory, will “remain low,” Warren predicted.

Additionally, “it’s going to change the way we do business,” she said. While she personally has not sold a house through

a virtual showing, it does happen.

All because of the caution of so many homeowners who fear that someone will bring Covid-19 into their house.

Good News is worth repeating

Framed Article

Articles are reformatted to fit on either one or two pages with Mississippi Business Journal masthead on the top of the page. Article size is 8.5” x 11”. Framed articles take approximately one month to complete.

Frame size 14” x 16.5” $199

Frame size 23” x 16.5” $250

Plaque 9” x 12” or 8” x 10” - $199

digital reprint Article or list will be reformatted with Mississippi Business Journal masthead on the top of the page and be provided in PDF format.

WAYS TO ORDER

Call: 601-364-1044 Fax: 601-364-1007 Fax or mail: Mississippi Business Journal Attn: Marcia Kelly 132 Riverview Dr., Ste E, Flowood, MS 39232 Email: marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com or print off form at msbusiness.com/wp-files/forms/article-request-form-web.pdf

Mississippi Unemployment Rates by County June 13 - June 26, 2020

May 2020

Mississippi Business Journal

n

Mississippi Unemployment Rates by County DeSoto

Mississippi 10.5 U.S. 13.0

7.9

Tunica 23.5

May 2020

MISSISSIPPI’S MAY 2020 UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES

Tunica 23.5 Coahoma

UNITED STATES Labor Force Data Civilian Labor Force Unemployed Unemployment Rate Employed STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Unemployment Insurance Data •• Initial UI Claims Continued Claims Benefits Paid Weeks Paid First Payments Final Payments Average Weekly Benefit

Tate

Coahoma 15.1 Bolivar

11.9

May ‘20 157,975,000 20,514,000 13.0 155,167,000

Apr ‘20 1,194,000 187,800 15.7 1,006,200

May ‘19 1,277,200 67,800 5.3 1,209,400

Apr ‘20 155,830,000 22,504,000 14.4 158,017,000

May 2020 103,087 947,444 $145,555,947 779,289 60,675 889 $186.78

May ‘19 162,655,000 5,503,000 3.4 158,017,000

‘19 Avg. 1,276,100 69,200 5.4 1,206,900

Apr 2020 157,712 457,264 $72,609,861 363,510 91,489 630 $199.75

Moving Avg.** 162,839,000 8,673,000 5.3 157,755,000

Mar 2019 8,127 34,201 $4,630,529 22,380 2,223 359 $206.90

** Average for most recent twelve months, including current month •• Unemployment Insurance amounts presented in this section only represent regular UI benefits, federal program amounts are not included. Labor force amounts are produced in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Note: Unless indicated state and county data presented are not seasonally adjusted.

— Mississippi Department of Employment Security

Bolivar 7.8

Moving Avg.** 1,264,000 84,200 6.7 1,179,800

‘19 Avg. 163,539,000 6,001,000 3.7 157,538,000

Sunflower 9.6

8.4

13.5

21.3

Yazoo 13.4

Issaquena 7.5

Warren 12.3

Madison 10.0

Warren 12.3

Hinds 12.4

Claiborne 16.9 Claiborne 16.9

Jefferson

Jefferson 18.3 18.3

Adams

Adams 12.5 12.5

Copiah 9.0

Franklin

Franklin 8.7 8.7

Wilkinson Wilkinson 14.014.0

9.4

Yazoo 13.4

Amite Amite 8.4 8.4

Hinds 12.4

Copiah 9.0

Rankin Scott 7.2 7.3

Rankin 7.2

Smith Simpson 7.1 5.4 Simpson

9.1

Pike 10.0

9.9

5.4 - 7.2 7.3 7.3 --9.8 9.8 9.9 - 15.1 9.9 - -15.1 15.29.9 - 23.515.1 15.2 15.2--23.5 23.5 5.4 - 7.2

Lowndes 10.5

12.8

11.0

Noxubee 12.8

Winston 11.0

Leake 10.3

Neshoba 14.0

Scott 7.3

Newton 9.7

Smith 5.4 Jasper

Kemper 11.3

Kemper 11.3

Neshoba 14.0

Newton 9.7

Lauderdale 8.8

Jasper 8.8 Clarke

Lauderdale 8.8

Clarke 9.8

9.8

8.8

7.1

Wayne 8.6

Wayne 8.6

9.9

Marion Pike 8.0 Walthall Walthall 10.0 9.4 9.4

Marion Lamar 8.0 7.7

Lamar Forrest Forrest 7.7 Perry 9.8 9.49.8

Stone Pearl River 10.2 Pearl River 9.5

9.5

5.4 - 7.2 7.3 - 9.8

11.7

Lowndes Oktibbeha 9.3 Winston10.5 Noxubee

Covington Jones Covington 7.5 Jones 7.5 7.2 Lawrence Jeff Davis Lincoln 7.2 Lawrence Jeff Davis Lincoln 9.9 9.9 9.1

Unemployment Rates Unemployment Rates

Unemployment Rates

Madison Leake 10.0 10.3

11.7

Oktibbeha 9.3

6.5

9.4

Itawamba 8.7

Clay 14.7 Monroe

Clay Choctaw 14.7

Choctaw 6.5 Attala

Tishomingo

13.8

Chickasaw Webster 13.8 8.1

Webster 8.1

Tishomin 7.8

Lee Itawamba Chickasaw 11.6 Monroe 8.7

Calhoun

Pontotoc 8.6 10.4

Calhoun 8.6 Grenada Montgomery Carroll 8.0 8.9

Washington Sunflower Leflore Montgomery 10.7 11.4 9.6 Carroll 8.9 8.4 Humphreys Holmes 13.5 Washington 21.3 11.4 Sharkey Humphreys Holmes 10.4 Attala Issaquena Sharkey 7.5 10.4

Union 9.9

10.7

Leflore 10.7

Prentiss 8.5

Lee7.8 Prentiss 11.6 Pontotoc 8.5 10.4

7.7

Grenada Yalobusha 8.0

7.8

13

Alcorn 7.2

Tippah 8.3

Union Alcorn 9.9 7.2

Benton Tippah Lafayette 9.5 8.3

Yalobusha Lafayette 10.7 7.7

Panola

11.6 Tallahatchie 7.0 Quitman

Tallahatchie 7.0

May ‘20 1,213,000 127,800 10.5 1,085,200

Marshall Panola 11.6 8.3

Quitman 9.1 11.9

15.1

Labor force and employment security data STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Labor Force Data Civilian Labor Force Unemployed Unemployment Rate Employed

Tate 9.1

DeSoto 7.9

Mississippi 10.5 U.S. 13.0

Benton 9.5

Marshall 8.3

n

Harrison Hancock 15.9 12.7 Hancock

12.7

Greene Perry 10.1

Greene 10.1

George 10.8

George 10.8

9.4

Stone 10.2

Jackson 14.9

Harrison 15.9

Jackson 14.9

Source: Labor Market Data Publication Design: Labor Market Information Department, MDES

Source: Labor Market Data Publication Design: Labor Market Information Department, MDES

Mississippi Labor Market Data —

MMI, LRC2 offer update on Memphis hotel

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

T

wo Mississippi hotel firms have offered an update on their project in Memphis, a seven-story, 106-room project in Overton Square.

The last steel has been put in place as a “topping out.”

A ground-floor restaurant, the Complicated Pilgrim, and a rooftop bar, the Tiger and the Peacock, will be included, according to the firms, MMI Hotel Group, of Flowood, and LRC2 Properties, based in Oxford.

The hotel is scheduled to open in the spring of 2021 in “the theater district.”

That includes The Circuit Playhouse, Ballet Memphis, Hattiloo Theatre and the Malco Studio on the Square.

The senior theater in the city, Theatre Memphis, is not in that immediate area.

LRC2 and MMI are collaborating

with Loeb Properties of Memphis, which taken the lead in redeveloping the square in recent years.

Overton Square was the nightlife hub for the city starting in the early 1970s, when Memphis passed its first mixed-drink ordinance.

Over the years, it lost its momentum to downtown.

The ground-level eatery, will serve breakfast and dinner and styles itself in the French brasserie mode.

The Tiger and Peacock will exploit a “lush and exotic ambiance.”

MMI and LRC2 have collaborated before. The latter opened and is operating the Cotton House hotel in Cleveland, Miss.

MMI is an investor in that.

MMI will operate The Memphian and is an investor.

The Memphian will fly the Marriott International Tribute Portfolio, just as with the Cotton House.

Mississippi Labor

» The seven-story Memphian will include 106 guestrooms and two restaurants.

insurance & employee benefits May30 - June 12, 2020 • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com

T

hese are difficult days for many of the state's small businesses as they re-open after the pandemic shutdown. The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) has 3,000 members in Mississippi, and according to the Small Business Administration's 2020 profile, there are about 260,000 small businesses who employ about 46.5 percent of the private workforce.

NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says approximately 40,000 small businesses in the state received federal funds through the Payroll Protection Program, totaling around $3 billion.

Asked if she knows of any business-

es that did not take the loan because of the guidelines that they must open early at a time when customers are sparse, Starns replied, “We know many small business owners did not take the PPP. The reasons vary from not needing it to not wanting to go through the process. However, of the businesses that did receive the PPP, we heard from an overwhelming number of members that they needed more flexibility which is why we worked so hard on the PPP Flexibility Act.” NFIB members told Starns that due to the closures lasting longer than originally anticipated they needed the ability to pay for more than just payroll. “Many of our members report getting to the end of the PPP funds this month, which is why the Missis-

Small business loans

sippi Back to Business grant program is also an important component of recovery,” she said. “Additional grant dol-

lars, which originated from the CARES Act, is just a reinvestment of taxpayer See LOANS, Page 15

INSURANCE & EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LOANS

June 13 - June 26, 2020

n

Mississippi Business Journal

Continued from Page 14

dollars back into true mom and pop small business owners who may not have been able to access the PPP loan. These dollars will go a long way for those who are waiting for customers to return but gradually getting back to business.”

Business interruption coverage really didn't help during the pandemic because a virus is excluded on most policies, says insurance agent Ray Collins of New Albany, who serves as treasurer of the State Association of Independent Insurance Agents. “Business interruption coverage has two main components, business income and extra expense. Business income would pay for lost revenue while the businesses were closed for repairs,” he said. “It could also be used to retain key employees during the restoration period so they won't have to find another job.

“Extra expense would cover expenses that could get them back into business quicker, like renting another location while repairs are being made to their property.”

For business interruption coverage to be initiated, Collins says it has to meet three triggers. “There has to be a cessation of business for 72 hours, there has to be property damage, and it has to be a covered cause of loss on the policy such as fire or wind.”

Starns has received heartbreaking calls from small business owners who were already operating on a thin margin and just didn't know what to do. “Luckily, we have worked at the federal and state level to get programs passed that will help. We have offered webinars to help small business owners navigate the resources available to them,” she said.

“The COVID-19 shut down was no fault of their own and they had no way to plan for it. Small business owners make tough decisions every day. Now, dealing with all of the complications of COVID-19 from the shut down to returning consumer confidence, some owners just won't be able to overcome the challenges and will make the very difficult decision whether to keep their doors open or not.”

“Many of our members report getting to the end of the PPP funds this month, which is why the Mississippi Back to Business grant program is also an important component of recovery,”

Giving you more than you expect is what sets us apart.

Discover the LUBA Difference at LUBAwc.com/expectmore 888.884.5822 • LUBAwc.com • Rated A- Excellent by

n

15

Real estate/construction May 30 - June 12, 2020 • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

Construction workers stay busy during the pandemic

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

F

ew sectors of the economy have been untouched by the unprecedented nosedive in the economy experienced during the early months of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic. But one industry sector that has largely remained strong and has been able to keep people employed is construction.

“Since Gov. Tate Reeves declared all construction in Mississippi as essential services, our members, for the most part, have continued working,” said Bob Wilson, executive director, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Mississippi. “Some have experienced material delays and some labor shortages. However, those have been minimal.”

Usually a lot of work comes from government programs for building and maintaining buildings, highways and other infrastructure. Wilson said there are still questions about state funding for the Department of Finance, the Bureau of Buildings and Mississippi Department of Transportation.

“Budget cuts in those agencies could affect new con-

struction and renovations,” Wilson said. “But, from all reports, our economy is bouncing back and did not take as big a hit as originally thought.”

There have been some predictions that because the pandemic revealed the downsides of depending so heavily on foreign countries for manufacturing, more manufacturing operations could come back to the U.S. providing more jobs for Americans and economic development. With its low labor costs and other advantages such as development-ready industrial sites and workforce training programs, the Southeast could be attractive for the reshoring of manufacturing.

“Manufacturing coming back could be a definite plus for our members,” Wilson said. “Infrastructure stimulus packages could be a big help, as well.”

Many construction jobs are outdoors where the risk of contagion is lower. Some tasks already required wearing masks and goggles. Wilson said since safety has long been a big deal for the construction industry, they have been able to adapt to virus safety requirements easily.

Home Builders Association of Mississippi (HBAM) Executive Vice President Jimmie B. Reynolds said

members also benefited by the governor designating housing and construction-related businesses essential during the pandemic, which allowed people to continue to work even during the stay-at-home order.

HBAM, along with three other housing and construction-related industries, wrote a letter to Gov. Reeves in March requesting that he deem housing and construction-related businesses essential. “The governor went on to issue Executive Order 1463 which did declare these as essential businesses during COVID-19,” Reynolds said.

“The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) requested that the Department of Homeland Security designate residential construction as essential infrastructure business and DHS did make that designation. So, our builder and remodeler members for the most part have stayed busy throughout this pandemic.”

Reynolds said there have been issues that have affected their members during the worst of the COVID-19 shutdown such as limited staff at some local government permit offices, scheduling inspections, etc. But, to his knowledge, local home builder associations worked with various parties to resolve these issues.

See CONSTRUCTION, Page 17

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Continued from Page 16

NAHB recently published an article showing that builder confidence surged in June. The article said that, in a sign that housing stands poised to lead a post-pandemic economic recovery, builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes jumped 21 points to 58 in June, according to the latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Any reading above 50 indicates a positive market.

“So, we are very optimistic that housing will lead the recovery and economy forward,” Reynolds said. “One thing I think we have all learned during the stay-athome orders is how important housing is.”

Reynolds said he believes construction is one of the easier jobs to do safely during the pandemic. Contractors can stagger times when workers are on a job site and workers can keep an appropriate distance from others fairly easily.

“NAHB was quick to come out with recommended COVID-19 safety procedures,” he said. “The association, from the national level to local HBA chapters, have kept members well informed of all

safety procedures.”

Some homeowners took the time during the stay-at-home order to catch up on maintenance.

“I was glad to get my roof and some outside rotten wood replaced during the stayat-home order,” Reynolds said.

Steven G. Smith of Madison, vice president of HBAM and owner of Charter Homes, LLC, in Madison, said his company is currently busier than they have been in some time.

“We have been fortunate in our industry that we have been able to adapt to the guidelines such as having social distancing for workers building homes,” Smith said. “Then there has been a big increase in home sales and demand. I’ve talked to a lot of other builders, and we are selling inventory. Interest rates are at historic lows.

And we think with so many people sitting at home, they had time to think about remodeling or maybe buying a bigger house.”

The trend towards shopping online for houses has accelerated, and Smith has even heard of some sight-unseen purchases.

The pool of subcontractors has decreased for some time, and the pandemic made that worse.

“The subcontractors are staying ex-

June 13 - June 26, 2020

tremely busy,” Smith said. “But the major thing I could say that affected us in the construction industry is materials. That has probably been our biggest problem, not with everything, but certain materials depending on where they came from, whether overseas or local. Some companies shut down temporarily, and reopened with backlog of orders. There have been longer lead times on certain products, but that

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

17

seems to be getting a little better.”

Smith said Mississippi is a unique market and often doesn’t experience the extremes seen elsewhere in the country.

“We were one of the last ones to feel the impact of the 2009 recession being we are a much smaller market,” Smith said.

“Hopefully, those kinds of trends seen in years past will hold true with what we have going on currently. Fingers crossed.”

CLI Trus

DES Sma

Your small business is big to us.

In uncertain times, your business remains our priority.

From simple checking accounts to complex loans and services, our dedicated relationship managers are here to help you no matter what challenges your business may be facing. Together, we can help your business stand strong and move forward.

Learn more at trustmark.com/business

MEMBER FDIC

PUB MS

TRI 10 x

COL 4C

18 n

Largest Commercial Real Estate Firms REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION Mississippi Business Journal

n

June 13 - June 26, 2020

largest Commercial Real Estate Firms commercial real estate firms Rank

Company Name Address

Telephone Website

Top Officer Founded

1

Coldwell Banker Commercial Alfonso Realty 9153 Lorraine Road, Gulfport, MS 39503

228-287-1200 cbarcommercial.com

Southeast Commercial of Mississippi, LLC 2310 19th St., Gulfport, MS 39501

228-276-2700 southeastcommercial.net

Carrie Cole 1958 Monte Luffey, Tim Carlson, Scott Delano 2009 Bill F. Hankins 1995 Ted Duckworth 1989 Scott Overby 1983 Butch Stewart 1993 Brian E Estes 2004 Andy D. Stetelman 1933 Andrew Mattiace 1979 William Jefferson Speed 2009 Gary Cress 1992 Clinton G. Herring Jr. 1983 Nancy Lane, Josh Harkins 2015 Elizabeth J Randall 2009

Cook Commercial Properties, LLC 601-214-6343 cookcommproperties.com 1501 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 Duckworth Realty/Concord Capital 601-914-0800 duckworthrealty.com 308 E. Pearl St., Jackson, MS 39201 Overby Commercial 601-366-8511 Overby.net 1808 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39202 Coldwell Banker Stewart Realty 601-442-9999 6 natchezcoldwellbanker.com 101 N. Wall St., Natchez, MS 39120 The Estes Group, Inc. 601-362-9633 estesgroup.net 613 Crescent Circle, Ste. 102, Ridgeland, MS 39157 London & Stetelman Commercial Realtors 601-268-8770 londonandstetelman.com 3906 Hardy St., Ste. 20, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Mattiace Companies 601-352-1818 mattiace.com 125 S. Congress St., Ste. 1800, Jackson, MS 39201 Speed Commercial Real Estate 601-987-0202 speedcres.com 805 S. Wheatley St, Ste 200, Ridgeland, MS 39157 The Cress Group, LLC 601-707-1300 cresscre.com 661 Sunnybrook Rd, Ste 120, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Kerioth Corporation 601-368-9950 12 kerioth.com 361 Township Ave, Ste 200, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Lane-Harkins Commercial Real Estate, LLC 601-932-4664 nancylanecommercial.com 12 River Bend Place, Flowood, MS 39232 Randall Commercial Group, LLC 662-234-4044 randallcommercialgroup.com 850 Insight Park Ave., University, MS 38677 CBRE, Inc. 601-420-8080 15 2013 cbre.com 10 Canebrake Blvd., Ste. 325, Flowood, MS 39232 H.C. Bailey Company / Colony Properties 601-853-8000 H.C. (Buster) Bailey colonypark.org 1952 1022 Highland Colony, #300, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Howard Johnson Properties, LLC 601-649-2356 Joe M. Johnson hojopro.com 1960 1525 Parker Dr., Laurel, MS 39440 J. Walter Michel Agency Inc. 601-352-0757 Henry R. Michel WalterMichel.com 1927 2660 Ridgewood Rd. Suite 101, Jackson, MS 39216 Landmart, Dean Land & Realty Co. 662-822-3877 John M. Dean deanlandmart.com 1982 303 N. Broad St., Leland, MS 38756 NAI UCR Properties & Underwood Companies 601-981-6800 Tom Underwood, Micah McCullough ucrproperties.com 1948 660 Katherine Drive, Ste. 304, Jackson, MS 39232 Hertz Investment Group, LLC 601-974-8135 James Ingram 21 hertzgroup.com 1979 190 E. Capitol Street, Ste. 675, Jackson, MS 39201 Kennedy & Company Real Estate Inc. 601-898-2999 Steve Kennedy kennedy-realestate.com 1989 120 W. Jackson St., Ste. 2C, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Peters Real Estate 601-362-8440 Mike Peters petersre.com 1995 2906 N. State St., Ste. 201, Jackson, MS 39216 T.L. Brown Properties 601-981-1170 Tim Brown, Brandon Brown tlbrownproperties.com 1979 1991 Lakeland Dr., Ste. J, Jackson, MS 39216 TRI Inc. Commercial Realtors 662-842-8283 Clay Short trirealestate.net 1952 600 W Main St, Suite B, Tupelo, MS 38804 Carpenter Properties Inc. 601-957-1001 Rob Carpenter 26 carpenterproperties.com 1992 1437 Old Square Road, #104, Jackson, MS 39211 Century Commercial Real Estate Services 662-842-4076 Duke Loden centurycr.com 1997 705 Robert E. Lee Dr., Tupelo, MS 38802 Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. 601-956-1915 Walter D. Becker CRES-MS.com 1985 P.O. Box 13853, Jackson, MS 39236-3853 Cumbest Realty Inc. (228) 219 2376 Mark Cumbest www.cumbestrealty.com 1975 17725 Hwy. 63, Moss Point, MS 39562 dnp Corporation 601-936-5778 David N. Price dnpcorp.com 1992 P.O. Box 320606, Flowood, MS 39232-0606 Ergon Properties Inc. 601-842-1228 Jim DeFoe ergon.com 1997 2829 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, MS 39232 Gamble Real Estate William E. Gamble (601) 957-0016 1982 14 Northtown Dr., Ste. 201, Jackson, MS 39211 Greer Real Estate 601-750-9494 Melanie Greer greerrealestate.net 1994 310 Monterey Drive, Clinton, MS 39056 Larry Smith-Vaniz Realty, LLC (601) 855-7192 Larry Smith-Vaniz lsvrealty.com 1999 3535 Hwy 43 North, Canton, MS 39046 Mark S Bounds Realty Partners 601-856-7377 Mark S Bounds, Shelton Bounds msbrealty.com 1986 P.O. Box 1753, Madison, MS 39130-1753 Payne Realty 601-956-2020 Bruce Payne, Tommy Payne paynerealtyms.com 1960 113 Village Blvd., Madison, MS 39110 Stribling Realty Corp.

(601) 981-2200 John Stribling striblingrealtycorp.com 1967 105 Katherine Dr., Bldg. E, Flowood, MS 39232 Terramark 601-345-3335 Trey Guerieri terramarkcre.com 2012 4775 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, MS 39211 Baxter Brown Properties Inc. 601-948-7720 Baxter Brown 39 baxterbrownproperties.com 1987 248 E. Capitol St., Ste. 726, Jackson, MS 39201 E. David Cox, Broker 601-898-0181 E. David Cox buy-land.com 1977 385-B Highland Colony, Ridgeland, MS 39157 EastGroup Properties 601-354-3555 Marshall A Loeb eastgroup.net 1969 400 W Parkway Place #100, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Homer Lee Howie Real Estate 601-362-8112 David Howie homerleehowie.com 1950 5360 I-55 N, Ste 105, Jackson, MS 39211 Kretschmar Realty Inc. Mal Kretschmar 662-378-3632 1979 1231 S. Main St., Greenville, MS 38701 Southeastern Commercial Properties, LLC 601-503-8234 Gerald Peoples secp.com 2017 454 Monterey Road, Richland, MS 39218 John K. Ditto StateStreet Group, LLC 601-981-4445 1971 statestreetgroup.com P.O. Box 13925, Jackson, MS 39236-3925 Information provided by firm representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

3

Major Properties

Agents

Commercial properties on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with offices in Gulfport, Pascagoula, Biloxi, Diamondhead, and Bay St. Louis.

8

Edgewater Village; Shoppes at Popps Ferry, Toggery Bldg., Gulf Coast Professional Tower, Northcourt One

8

Nissan, General Motors, Walgreen, Gentiva, United Health Care, Firestone

7

200/400/600 Concourse, The Electric Building, The Primos Building, Market at Grants Ferry, New South Neurospine Bldg, Dickie's Lofts Riverhills Tower; 3000 Fondren; Charmant Station; 121 Colony Crossing; Madison Mkt; Strawberry Festival Mkt.

7 7 6

GSA, Lincoln Medical, I-55 Plaza, Flowood Office Park, Lakeview Village, Northtown Apartments. Northpointe Apartments Brittany Arms, Westchester, 49 Place, Westover Crossing, Corinne Place, Adeline Place, Hardy Plaza Renaissance at Colony Park, Renaissance Phase III (Costco), Fondren Place, Capital Towers, Lamar Life, 633 N.State St Plaza 1&2, City Center, Heritage Building, Atrium, Regents Plaza, River Oaks Place, 409 W. Parkway Horne Building, Ridgeland, 200-202 W. Jackson St, Ridgeland; 46 Sgt Prentiss Drive, Natchez; 2550 Flowood Dr, Flowood The Township at Colony Park; Meadowbrook Office Park, Olde Madison Plaza, Magnolia Marketplace College Park, Northside Square, Hazlehurst Center, Marketplace at Hazlehurst, Northwest Junction

6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5

10 Canebrake, Maywood Mart, Market St Flowood, 201&205 Colony Way, Barnes Crossing Plaza, 111 E Capitol St.; 188 E. Capitol St.

4

Colony Park, Ridgeland

4

Church of God. Downtown Restaurant and apartment building, Large office Building Auto Sales lot, 3 Home Family Compound 5 Old River Place; East River Pl; Fairmont Plaza; Fontaine Office Park; Millsaps Building; Trace Station Shopping Center; Crescent Ct.

4

Brokerage & Management of Investment Grade Farmland

4

Pemberton Plaza, Shops of Richland, Crossgates Corners, 220-Highland Colony Business Park, Spring Lake Cv The Pinnacle, 111 E. Capitol, Regions Plaza, One Jackson Place; City Centre, UBS Building; River Oaks, Flowood; South Pointe, Clinton.

Olde Towne Square-120 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland. Liberty Business Center-509 Liberty Rd, Flowood.

Fondren Corner, Fondren Place, Duling School, English Village, Chinn Bldg., Tombigbee Bldg., Lakeport Center, Play Pen Center Rankin Multi-Purpose Complex; Palmetto Plaza, Brown Centre', 289 Commerce Park; 643 Lakeland E.; Parkway Place; Stone Creek Place Girls Scouts of America North Mississippi headquarters, The Shoppes at Barnes Crossing, and Regions Bank Main branch

4

4

3 3 3 3 3

Various light industrial properties located in metro Jackson.

2

Properties in Northeast Mississippi including medical and office buildings, restaurants and warehouses Interstate 20, Pelahatchie; Acreage by Wal-Mart in Byram, Office Sites, Office Buildings, Bank-Owned Real Estate.

Singing River Village, Pascagoula; Retail and Office Space; Cumbest Wetlands Mitigation Bank; Industrial & Land Brokerage in South MS Flowood Warehousing Industrial Complex, Flowood Drive; 222 N. President St.; 243/245 Flowood Drive

2

Mirror Lake Plaza, Various real estate holdings Mississippi and Alabama

2

Beau Pre' Marketplace (retail); 109 Distribution Drive (office warehouse)

2

High Point Plaza, Hwy 18 Jackson; Nebletts Frame Shop Hwy 80 Jackson; Various Investment Properties 280 acres Hinds County, 45 acres Madison County, 102 acres Madison County

2

2 2 2

2 2

Real Estate brokerage and management. Specializing in commercial, land, and investment properties.

2 2

LeFluer Square Offices; Madison & Main; 16 Northtown Dr, 3220 N State St, 3977 Terry Rd, 406-408 Clinton Blvd., 6080 Highway 18 W. Tenant and buyer representation in office space, industrial, warehouse/ distribution and land transactions Mannsdale Park, Madison; Flora acreage, Hwy 49; Lakeland Drive, Rankin County Major markets of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia & North Carolina

2 1 1 1

5360 I-55 N; 2570 Bailey Ave

1

2 Industrial Plants; 4 Medical Clinics; Downtown Office Suites; 4 Shopping Center Premises; Land; Retail and Office Buildings.

Sorrento I & II - 382 & 384 Galleria Parkway; Renaissance Place - 385B Highland Colony Pkwy; 625 Highland Colony Parkway 200 N. Congress, 1501 Lakeland Bldg, 220 Business Park/Highland Colony, Lakeland Square, Eastover Commons, The Quarter

1 1 1

NEWSMAKERS Muzzi named board member for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta has announced the election of new board member, Doreen Muzzi, to its corporate board.

Muzzi lives in Shaw, and works as a Senior Content Specialist for the Bader-Rutter Advertising Agency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She also owns and helps manage TKT Farms with her husband, Michael.

She is originally from Hopkinton, Mass.

“As a mother and a Mississippi Delta business owner, I believe that securing the success of our next generation of Deltans is critical to the continued success of Muzzi our region.” Muzzi said of her election to the Corporate Board.

Doreen has extensive training and certifications from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education program and the U.S. Army’s Defense Information School. She has successfully implemented communication plans for diversified clientele around the region and in a variety of subject areas.

Bethany Tarpley, Board Chair, believes Muzzi will be a tremendous asset to the organization. “The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta is honored to have such an accomplished, talented, and dedicated person as Doreen join our board.”

Tarpley added, “Her passion for Delta youth and their growth is evident in her own life and I am thrilled she is joining with the Boys and Girls Delta clubs to help in our missions.”

“Ideally, every young person who calls the Delta home should be treasured for his or her unique intellect and talent. I look forward to ensuring this is a reality for our youth through the efforts of those leading and mentoring through the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta.” Muzzi said. “I am honored to be more personally involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta.”

Doreen attended Delta State University and Westfield State College. She has served as past Chair of the Delta Regional Authority’s Leadership Network Board of Directors and previously led St. Joseph’s Catholic Schools Advisory Council. She is also the mother of three sons, Tyler, Kevin and Trevor.

June 13 - June 26, 2020

MSU assistant research professor honored by national forage group

An agronomy expert at Mississippi State is a selection this year for a major national honor from the American Forage and Grassland Council.

Assistant Research Professor Jesse Morrison received the professional organization’s Early Career Award and accepted the recognition at the AFGC annual conference during the spring semester.

Morrison The award honors an individual under the age of 40 who has made a significant contribution to the forage and grassland industry.

A faculty member in MSU’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and researcher with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Morrison said he’s especially excited about the accolade because of AFGC’s commitment to striking a balance between producer profitability and environmental stewardship.

“This means a great deal coming from AFGC because they are a producer-driven organization focused on promoting production practices that are both economically and environmentally sound. The organization does a great job of connecting producers, educators, researchers and industry professionals so we can all work together to improve forage agriculture as a whole,” Morrison said.

While the Glade Valley, N.C. native grew up with a love of the outdoors, it wasn’t until college that Morrison recognized agriculture as a potential career for himself. He attended Berea College, a well-known institution in Kentucky that offers free tuition. As part of that agreement, all students must work for the institution in some capacity. Morrison’s time working at the school farm ignited a passion for studying plants.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural natural resource management from Berea. He then earned a master’s in forage utilization and management from the University of Kentucky before enrolling at MSU, where he received his doctorate studying forage genetics and production. He now studies ways to tailor native and introduced plant species to be more resilient and adaptable through conventional breeding methods. He said he enjoys working with students to explore the versatility and durability of these species.

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

19

Millsaps College taps Beth Clarke as vice president of enrollment

Millsaps College has selected Beth Clarke, current senior executive director of admissions strategy and counseling at Sweet Briar College, as vice president of enrollment. Clarke will lead the admission and financial aid efforts at Millsaps, and spearhead the college’s comprehensive efforts to grow and sustain enrollment.

Clarke will begin her new role at Millsaps on July 6.

“I am thrilled to welcome Clarke Beth Clarke to the Millsaps College family,” said Dr. Robert W. Pearigen, president of Millsaps. “She brings extensive experience in higher education admission to our team, and we are excited about working with her to grow our enrollment and expose more students to the unique experience of a Millsaps education.”

Clarke has served in her current role at Sweet Briar in Virginia since 2018, and also served as acting vice president for enrollment from August 2019 – December 2019. She helped drive significant growth for the fall of 2020, with applications up 18 percent, admitted students up 19 percent and deposits up 12 percent compared to the previous year. She also led efforts to develop a new comprehensive financial aid model.

Prior to Sweet Briar, Clarke filled multiple roles at Virginia Wesleyan University including assistant vice president for enrollment, associate dean of admission, director of development and director of alumni relations. She helped lead efforts that resulted in the university’s highest enrollment on record in the fall of 2017, which included the largest new class since 2001.

“I am looking forward to taking on the new challenges and incredible opportunities that come with this role at Millsaps,” Clarke said. “Millsaps has a strong reputation as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the country, and I know we can leverage that reputation to increase enrollment.”

Clarke earned her Bachelor of Arts in communications at Virginia Wesleyan University and a Master of Education in educational policy, planning and leadership with a specialization in higher education administration at The College of William and Mary.

MSU again named Mississippi’s top ‘Best Value College’ Mississippi State was recently recognized as the state’s top “Best Value College” in 2020 for giving students the best return on their educational investment.

In its annual Best Value Colleges study, New York-based financial technology company SmartAsset determined that MSU graduates earn higher average starting salaries than their peers from other state colleges and universities.

According to the study, MSU graduates receive an average starting salary of $51,100, $2,600 higher than the next highest university in the rankings. The average starting salary for all Mississippi higher education graduates is $44,557.

Along with average starting salary, SmartAsset examined cost of tuition, student living costs, student retention rate, and average scholarships and grants awarded.

The different categories were weighted to determine each institution’s College Education Value Index. MSU’s Education Value Index was 40.32, nearly two points higher than the University of Mississippi, the second school in the ranking. Mississippi College is third.

For full versions of Newsmakers visit www.msbusiness.com

Methodist Rehab names Employees of the Quarter

Methodist Rehabilitation Center has announced Clinical and Support Service Employees of the Quarter for its Jackson hospital and external campuses.

For the second quarter of 2020, the honorees include Amanda Griggs of Brandon, a social worker at MRC; Lionel Griffin of Jackson, a security guard at MRC’s main campus; Wes Myers of Brandon, a physical therapy assistant at Methodist Outpatient Therapy in Flowood; and Charlotte Floyd of Jackson, a certified nursing assistant at Methodist Specialty Care Center in Flowood.

Methodist Rehabilitation Center provides comprehensive 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 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.

Floyd

Griffin

Myers

Griggs

20 n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

Blankenship to serve on Mississippi Young Bankers Council

Hattiesburg banker Chase Blankenship has been appointed to the Executive Council of the Mississippi Young Bankers, a section of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

Since 1950, Mississippi Young Bankers has been active in providing leadership development activities and in supporting financial literacy programs of the MBA and its member banks. MYB members are involved in administering scholarship programs for high Blankenship school and college students, supporting the MBA Education Foundation, and advocating policy positions important to a strong banking industry.

Blankenship serves as Forrest/Lamar County Market President for The First, A National Banking Association in Hattiesburg. He has been with The First for eight years, having served as a credit analyst and commercial lender before assuming his current role. Blankenship earned his bachelor’s of business administration from Mississippi State University, then his master’s of business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and is scheduled to complete the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University with the next class.

In addition to his MYB involvement, Blankenship serves on the board of the United Way of Southeast Mississippi and is a member of Sertoma Club of Hattiesburg. He was a graduate of the 2014 Leadership Pine Belt class and was named one of the Top 50 under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2017. Blankenship also teaches finance classes at the University of Southern Mississippi and attends Venture Church.

Blankenship and his wife Amanda have three kids, Jack, Luke, and Claire.

Whalen to serve on Mississippi Young Bankers Council

NEWSMAKERS

May 30 - June 12, 2020

Cleveland banker Andrew Whalen has been elected to the Executive Council of the Mississippi Young Bankers, a section of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

Since 1950, Mississippi Young Bankers has been active in providing leadership development activities, supporting financial literacy programs of the MBA and its member banks. MYB Whalen members are involved in administering scholarship programs for high school and college students, supporting the MBA Education Foundation, and advocating policy positions important to a strong banking industry.

Whalen serves as assistant vice president – loan officer for the Planters Bank and Trust, where he’s been for 6 years. He earned his bachelor of business

administration in finance from Mississippi State University. He is also a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking, will graduate with the next class of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

In addition to his involvement with the MYB and MBA, Whalen serves as a board member for the Cleveland Bolivar County United Way, as well as board president for the Cleveland Noon Lions Club.

He is also a board member of the Cleveland Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, president of the MSU Bolivar County Alumni Chapter, and a member of First Baptist Church.

Whalen and his wife, Emily, have one daughter, Molly Cate.

Hill to serve on Mississippi Young Bankers Council Water Valley banker Tyler Hill has been elected to the Executive Council of the Mississippi Young Bankers, a section of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

Since 1950, Mississippi Young Bankers has been active in providing leadership development activities, supporting financial literacy programs of the MBA and its member banks. MYB members are involved in administering scholarship programs for high school and college students, supporting the MBA Education Foundation, and advocating policy positions important to a strong banking industry.

Hill serves as vice president Hill and chief credit officer for Mechanics Bank in Oxford and Water Valley, where he’s been since 2010. Prior to his career in banking, Hill was the Compliance Coordinator for Mississippi State University Athletics from 2001 to 2006, and then the Athletic Academic Coordinator Mississippi State University Athletics until 2010. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi State in 1999 and Master’s Degree from Mississippi State in 2001. He became an ICBA Certified Consumer Lending Officer in 2010, ICBA Certified Commercial Loan Officer in 2012, is a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking (2012), and will be entering the final year of Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking.

He is actively involved in the MYB’s Banker in Every Classroom program, and serves on the MBA’s Lending Committee. In addition to his involvement with the MBA, Hill has served as President of the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2013, 2014, & 2015 and as the Co-Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Watermelon Carnival. He is a member of the Water Valley Rotary Club, a Water Valley High School Interact Club Rotarian Advisor, a member of the Family & Community Engagement Committee at Davidson Elementary School, a deacon of First Baptist Church Water Valley, a member of the Yalobusha County Economic Development & Tourism District, and a member of the Water Valley Regional Industrial Foundation.

Hill and his wife Jency Plunkett Hill have two daughters, Layla Kathryn and Ashlyn Elizabeth.

Forest banker elected Treasurer of Mississippi Young Bankers

Drew Kenna, of Bank of Forest, Forest, has been elected to serve as treasurer of Mississippi Young Bankers, a section of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

Since 1950, Mississippi Young Bankers has been active in providing leadership development activities and supporting financial literacy programs of the MBA and its member banks. MYB members are involved in administering scholarship Kenna programs for high school and college students, supporting the MBA Education Foundation, and advocating policy positions important to a strong banking industry.

Kenna serves as president and chief operations officer of the Bank of Forest, where he has been for 14 years. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University in 2006. Kenna is also a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

In addition to his role as treasurer of the MYB, Kenna will serve on the MBA Education Foundation Board. He has previously served the MYB as a member of the council and has been actively involved with Banker in Every Classroom. He is a member of Forest Baptist Church, the Forest Lions Club, the Forest Country Club Board of Directors, and is a past president of the Forest Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kenna and his wife Kery have three sons Mack, Myers and Silas.

Hazlehurst banker elected Vice President of Mississippi Young Bankers

Rebecca Barrentine, of Copiah Bank, Hazlehurst, has been elected to serve as vice president of Mississippi Young Bankers, a section of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

Since 1950, Mississippi Young Bankers has been active in providing leadership development activities and supporting financial literacy programs of the MBA and its member banks. MYB members are involved in administering scholarship programs for high school and college students, supporting the MBA Education Foundation, and advocating policy posi- Barrentine tions important to a strong banking industry.

Barrentine serves as senior vice president and chief information officer of Copiah Bank, where she has been for 18 years. Barrentine earned her bachelor of art degree in business administration

For full versions of Newsmakers visit www.msbusiness.com

from Belhaven University. She is also a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. In addition to her role as vice president of the MYB, Barrentine will serve as a trustee for the Mississippi School of Banking, as well as on the MBA Education Foundation Board. She has previously served the MYB as a member of the council. She was chairman of the MBA Information Security Officer/IT committee, and she served on the MBA Women in Banking Committee. She is past president of the Hazlehurst Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the First Baptist Church in Crystal Springs.

Barrentine and her husband, Chris, have two daughters, Madelyn and Ellie.

Greenwood banker elected President of Mississippi Young Bankers

Zach Luke, of Bank of Commerce, Greenwood, has been elected to serve as president of Mississippi Young Bankers, a section of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

Since 1950, Mississippi Young Bankers has been active in providing leadership development activities and supporting financial literacy programs of the MBA and its member banks. MYB members are involved in administering scholarship programs for high school and college students, supporting the MBA Education Foundation, Luke and advocating policy positions important to a strong banking industry.

Luke serves as chief financial officer of the Bank of Commerce, where he has been for over nine years. Prior to his time with the Bank of Commerce, Luke served as a bank examiner with the Department of Banking and Consumer Finance for over five years. Luke earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration, managerial finance, and real estate from the University of Mississippi. He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. In addition to his role as president of the MYB, Luke will serve as a trustee for the Mississippi School of Banking, as well as on the MBA Education Foundation Board. He will also serve a one-year term as ex-officio member on the MBA Board. Luke has served the MYB as vice president, treasurer, county chairman, councilman, and councilman at large. Luke has served as the Leflore county chairman, was elected to the Council in 2014, and previously served as at-large councilman and treasurer. Luke is also active in his community and has served as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Leflore County and the past treasurer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta. He is the treasurer for First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, and is co-chair of the Annual ‘Que on the Yazoo festival in Greenwood.

Luke and his wife, Lindsey, have two children, Sanders and Grady.

NEWSMAKERS SBJ names surgery center administrator

Southern Bone and Joint Specialists, P.A. of Hattiesburg has announced Dixie Norris, RN as its Southern Surgery Center administrator.

Southern Surgery Center provides orthopedic and pain management procedures for the physicians at Southern Bone and Joint Specialists.

This facility includes four operating rooms, one procedure room, nine pre-op bays, nine recovery bays, two overnight extended care rooms, and a Norris training observation room.

Norris has served as a director of cardiovascular service line, director of emergency services, and a registered nurse.

Norris, who has worked in healthcare 21 years, will oversee staff and functions in the surgery center.

Norris received her bachelor of science in nursing from Loyola University in New Orleans and her MBA in healthcare from Western Governor’s University in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Norris, a Yazoo City native, has been in the Hattiesburg area for 15 years. She is married to Quincy Norris. They have three children and five grandchildren. They attend Venture Church.

Buddy Black joins Neel-Schaffer as Senior Structural Engineer

Neel-Schaffer, Inc., has announced that Buddy Black, PE, has joined the firm as a Senior Structural Engineer in the Birmingham office. Black has more than 40 years of experience with the Alabama Department of Transportation, including 37 Black in the Bridge department.

His experience at ALDOT included nine years as a bridge designer, 10 as a bridge design section supervisor, 10 as the Assistant State Bridge Engineer and eight years as the State Bridge Engineer. After retiring in 2016, Black returned to ALDOT as a retired state employee. During that stint, he served within the department’s Construction Bureau, performing plan reviews for bridge construction projects statewide.

“Buddy is a great addition to the Neel-Schaffer team. His wealth of experience and technical expertise will enhance our services in the region,” said Craig Hanchey, PE, Executive Vice President for Neel-Schaffer’s East Region. “It will also be great to see Buddy working again with Lance Taylor, our Alabama Operations Manager. Lance and Buddy worked together for many years at ALDOT before Lance joined our team two years ago. The combination of their project experience is an asset to our Alabama transportation team.”

“I am excited to welcome Buddy to Neel-Schaffer,” said Taylor. “I enjoyed working with him at ALDOT for many years and have always respected his extensive knowledge and humble attitude. It is a great opportunity to get to work alongside him again, see him mentor our staff and

June 13 - June 26, 2020

expand our capabilities. He is great resource for us in Alabama.”

Black is a Registered Professional Engineer in Alabama. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama.

Shearer named Senior VP for Loan Review with Community Bank

Bill Shearer has recently been named Senior Vice President, Loan Review. A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Shearer recently served as Vice President, Loan Review and has been in banking for fifteen years. In his new role, Shearer will continue in his position with the Internal Loan Review Department, as well as, continue to develop the Current Expected Credit Loss Loan Estimate and will be responsible for Shearer administrator duties following the launch of NexGen. Shearer is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor in Economics and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Economics.

He is also a graduate of Mississippi School of Banking at Ole Miss.

Active in his community, Shearer is a volunteer coach for Upwards Youth Sports.

Shearer is married to Jenny, together they have two sons, Luke and Will, and attend Colonial Heights Baptist Church.

MSU College of Arts and Sciences appoints inaugural faculty fellows

Mississippi State’s College of Arts and Sciences is announcing the recently created positions of Dean’s Administrative Faculty Fellows and the two faculty members appointed to this role earlier this year.

Melanie E. Loehwing, associate professor in the Department of Communication, and Kathy M. Sherman-Morris, professor in the Department of Geosciences, are the inaugural selections named by Dean Rick Travis after their respective department heads nominated them to focus on projects enhancing production level within the college.

Tommy Anderson, associate dean for academic affairs Loehwing for the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College Office of Prestigious External Scholarships, said the fellowship positions were designed for two reasons.

“One, the college is working on specific projects that Sherman-Morris require unique leadership and administrative skills, and we know many members of our faculty possess these traits. Two, it is an important goal to develop administrative leaders with experience to shape the future of the college,” said

Anderson, who will work closely with the fellows.

“Dr. Loehwing and Dr. Sherman-Morris were nominated because of their significant contributions to the growth and development of their home departments, but they each bring to the arts and sciences office significant strengths in critical areas such as distance education, student success, graduate education policy, student advising and faculty mentorship,” Anderson said.

“As the university and the college have responded to the global health crisis, their contributions to how we address student and faculty concerns have allowed us to be more effective in serving all of our constituents,” he said.

As faculty fellows, Loehwing and Sherman-Morris are working with graduate coordinators from the college’s 14 departments to create one uniform graduate handbook detailing all policies and classes required of graduate students within the college.

Loehwing is focusing on student retention strategies, as well as focusing attention to revise the college’s core curriculum.

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

21

Administration from William Carey University, Galloway joins the SCEDP- Chamber Division with over 12 years of professional experience including over three years of consulting experience in the fields of education, marketing, and events operations.

Mlsna selected as Swayze Scholar by MBA

Jacob Mlsna, a senior at Mississippi State University, has been selected as the 2020 Orrin H. Swayze Scholar by the Mississippi Bankers Association Education Foundation and the Mississippi Young Bankers section of the MBA. Mlsna was chosen from applicants across Mississippi to receive the $5,000 scholarship, which is given annually to Mississippi’s most outstanding banking and finance student.

Jarrod E. Gant joins Hattiesburg Clinic

Jarrod E. Gant, DNP, FNP, recently joined Hattiesburg Clinic Spine Center.

Gant provides treatment of neck pain, middle and lower back pain, and radiating arm/leg pain and weakness. He received his Doctorate of Nursing Practice from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Gant his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

Gant is board certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

“My goal is to provide evidence-based care that will assist patients in restoring and maintaining a great quality of life,” said Gant.

The Orrin H. Swayze Scholastic Awards, first awarded in 1979, are given each year to five outstanding college seniors who are majoring in banking and finance at state-supported universities. The awards are presented in honor of Orrin H. Swayze, who was a widely-respected banker in Mississippi and a pioneer in continuing education in the field of banking. Students are nominated by their professors, and the Mississippi Young Bankers Scholarship Committee selects five finalists. During MYB convention, interviews are conducted, and the Scholarship Committee determines the Swayze Scholar, who receives a $5,000 scholarship. The remaining four finalists, honored as Orrin H. Swayze Scholastic Award Finalists, each receive a $1,500 scholarship. The Swayze Scholastic Awards are funded by the MBA Education Foundation.

Other Swayze finalists included Mandy French, Mississippi State University; Alese Jones, University of Southern Mississippi; Brandon Cade, University of Southern Mississippi; and Pruthvi Patel, University of Mississippi.

Galloway joins Stone County Economic Development Partnership JSU alum earns Dynamic Stone County Economic Development Partnership (SCEDP) – Chamber Division, a leader in supLeadership 1 honor from porting and developing local businesses, headquartered in Wiggins, recently announced the addition of Toastmasters International Shyra Galloway as Chamber Division Administrator.

Galloway will be responsible for coordinating and executing small business programs, projects and serve as Chair of the Stone County Chamber Task Force. Galloway will also take lead in managing all SCEDP social media platforms.

A native of Wiggins with a B.A. in Education from The University of Mis- Galloway sissippi and both a Master of Education and Specialist in Higher Education

Jackson State University alumnus Derrick Hicks has earned the status of Dynamic Leadership 1 from Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters is the U.S. headquartered nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking and leadership.

Recently, Hicks completed his master’s degree in public Hicks policy and administration from JSU.

22 n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

NEWSMAKERS

June 13 - June 26, 2020

First Commercial Bank adds four new members

First Commercial Bank has announced the addition of four new associates to its group of established banking professionals. Brian Rippee, Pam Ware, Leanne Stamper, and Joy Luke have joined the First Commercial team to grow the commercial and private banking areas of the bank, and to expand the bank’s market presence. “Having these experienced, professional bankers join us further enhances our high-quality commercial and private banking teams, and accelerates our drive toward continual innovation and efficiency,” Walters said.

Together the four new team members have over 90 years of combined banking experience in commercial and private client banking, having supported multiple markets in the Southeast.

Their depth of experience complements and enhances the First Commercial platform with opportunities for new products and services.

New Chief Private Client Banking Officer Brian Rippee stated, “Joining First Commercial Bank is the ideal opportunity to become part of a successful team and further formalize the private client initiatives–while ensuring we offer a premium level of service to our client relationships.” Newly appointed Chief Operations Officer Pam Ware added, “This is an opportunity to do something special in the banking industry: deliver great, common sense banking with an exceptional level of service while ensuring that we provide sophisticated products and services that exceed our client’s expectations.

The First Commercial team has always had tremendous success because of its experienced, talented bankers, and I am looking forward to being a part of the bank’s further growth and success.”

Brian Rippee began his career with Union Planters as a credit analyst in 1989 after graduating from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Banking and Finance. He began his private banking career in 1994 with Deposit Guaranty and later re-joined Union Planters Bank. After the merger of Union Planters and Regions Banks, Brian also worked with Morgan Keegan Investments. In 2007 Brian was one of the founding members of Metropolitan Bank, serving as President of Private Client. During Rippee the transition of the merger with Metropolitan and Renasant Banks, Brian was named the President of Private Client and supported the multi-state footprint.

Mr. Rippee is on the Board of Directors for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Kidney Foundation, The One Hundred Club, Community Foundation for Greater Jackson, is a member of Century Club, and was a 2018 recipient of Leaders in Finance with the Mississippi Business Journal.

He enjoys traveling, attending concerts (frequently combining the two), and golf. He and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Ridgeland and are the parents of three sons, Brian Scott, Davis, and Walker.

Pam Ware most recently served as the Director of Operational Process and Efficiencies for Renasant Bank. She began her career with Union Planters Bank in the Retail Leadership Development Program, following her graduation from Mississippi State University. She spent the majority of her career as the Chief Operations Officer with Metropolitan Bank, focusing on deposit operations, digital banking, loan operations, information technology,

vendor management, and compliance.

Ms. Ware serves on the Board of Directors for Southern Financial Exchange and was the past chair for the Mississippi Bankers Association Women in Banking Committee. She also serves on the Board of Directors for The Salvation Army, is the Junior Auxiliary of Madison County Crown Club Chair, and is a Circle of Red Member for the American Heart Association.

Ms. Ware was honored as an Ware award recipient of the Top Ten Leading Business Women in Mississippi (2015), Top 50 Under 40 (2017), and Leaders in Finance (2017) by the Mississippi Business Journal. She enjoys classic cars, riding horses, and traveling, and lives in Madison with her 8-year old daughter, Holly.

Leanne Stamper joins First Commercial Bank as Director of Client Experience, and will be responsible for ensuring exceptional client service, both internally and externally.

She will be leading the overall client experience while providing direct support to the First Commercial team.

In addition, she will be instrumental in onboarding and servicing commercial clients for deposits, loans, and treasury management Stamper services, and will also oversee strategic initiatives for organizational experience, satisfaction, and alignment, while focusing on local community service opportunities.

Ms. Stamper is a 2009 M.B.A. graduate of Mississippi State University. Prior to joining First Commercial, Stamper was the Group Administrative Officer for Metropolitan Bank and Renasant Bank.

In this capacity, she focused on the internal and external client experience within the Bank. Reflecting on her involvement in the community, one of her key achievements was the Metropolitan Women’s Forum, a symposium empowering women leaders within the community. She is an active member of the Junior League of Jackson, serving as the Chair of the Women’s Leadership and Advocacy Series.

She is also active in the Jackson alumni chapter of Delta Delta Delta. She and her husband, Nathan, and their two young boys reside in Madison and are active in Grace Community Church.

Joy Luke comes to First Commercial Bank as Senior Lending Assistant. She brings over 29 years of experience. At the age of 18, she started working summers at Trustmark Bank.

Following her graduation from Belhaven University with a degree in Business Administration, Ms. Luke joined Security Savings in 1991 as a teller/CSR. In 1993, she moved to Eastover Bank Luke as a CSR and loan assistant and transitioned with the company through multiple mergers including Sunburst Bank, Union Planters, and Regions. In 2007 she joined Metropolitan Bank and then Renasant Bank, where she served as Client Services Director. Born and raised in Madison County, Joy and her husband, Todd, are involved in their church community and have two daughters, Rachel Wooten (Hunter) and Sara.

Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi expands the crafting family The Craftsmen Guild of Mississippi supports more than 300 local artists from Mississippi and the surrounding areas. It has welcomed 10 new members to the Guild as well as congratulates a member who has added a new category to her craft.

Joining the potters are Diana Douglas, from Utica, and Amber Hunt, from Brandon. Diana Douglas studied ceramics in college. After teaching for a number of years, she now creates totems and wall art. Amber Hunt developed her love of pottery in college and now creates a wide variety of pottery pieces. She owns and runs her own business, ARae Pottery.

Joining the Fiber artists are Aftan Mitchell, from Jackson, and the Chimneyville Weavers and Spinners Guild Co-op. Aftan Mitchell learned to crochet from her grandmother at age 3. Until recently, crocheting has simply been a hobby for her. Now, she sells her work and aims to make pieces that are functional as well as beautiful. The Chimneyville Weavers and Spinners Guild Co-op was established in January, 2020. The Co-op was established by members of the original Chimneyville Weavers & Spinners organization who had been involved with the organization since its establishment in 1981. The co-op was developed in order to help increase the level of professionalism among its members as well as educate the community.

They produce a wide variety of beautiful pieces using numerous techniques. In addition to our new members, Katie Clark has expanded her category among our fiber artists. She has been a member of the Guild since 2013 as a crochet artist, but was approved for her new category, knitting, this spring.

The new woodworkers include Angela Foster, from Tupelo, and Jonathan McGuire, from Belzoni. Angela Foster has painted for most of her life, and she spent over 30 years

as an oil painter. In 2018, however, she became interested in pyrography, or wood burning. She uses both wood and various mixed-media to create beautiful pieces. Jonathan McGuire is a self-taught woodworker who began teaching himself the craft in December of 2018. By April 2019, he was showing work in his first exhibit.

The new metal workers are Wanda Monk, from Ridgeland, and Chuck Rhoads, from Brandon. Wanda Monk, along with her husband, owns and operates the Lynn Dale Jewelry Creations studio where she uses various techniques to design beautiful jewelry. Chuck Rhoads retired from a career in art education after 28 years of teaching, and he has been a member of the Mississippi Arts Educator Association since 1992. He was introduced to repousse, a hammering technique, while in college and now specializes in the art.

Finally, there is Gracie Nichols, from Hattiesburg, and Kathleen Makupson, from Madison.

Gracie Nichols holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, and she currently owns Garage Dog Studio, where she uses both wood and metal to craft beautiful pieces of jewelry. Kathleen Makupson specializes in macramé, which falls under the category of mixed-media. She began making macramé plant hangers in high school, and she now owns her own business, Knot my Thing, where she makes a variety of macramé products.

In order to be accepted for membership or a new category in the Craftsmen’s Guild, each of the new members went through a jury process, which they passed by demonstrating an excellent quality of work and exceptional skill.

Our members are our greatest asset, and we are thrilled to expand our Guild family, and we cannot wait to see the work our new members bring to our two galleries located at the Bill Waller Craft Center in Ridgeland and the Outlets if Mississippi in Pearl.

NEWSMAKERS Morgan named Branch Operations Manager for Community Bank

Courtney Morgan has recently been named Branch Operations Officer for Community Bank. A native of Gulfport, Morgan recently served as Branch Operations Assistant and has been in banking for six years. In her new role, Morgan will oversee Morgan the daily operations of the Gulfport office.

She and her husband, Tyler, have two sons, Jacob and Jace.

Two from MSU selected for UMMC-GTEC scholars program

A doctoral student and a recent graduate of Mississippi State University are selections for the Robert Smith, M.D. Graduate Scholars Program, part of the Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Nicole K. Reeder, a food science, nutrition and health promotion doctoral student from Columbus, and Torrye R. Evans II, a spring 2020 magna cum laude biologiReeder cal sciences/pre-medicine graduate from Jackson, are joining the UMMC-GTEC program’s second cohort. Reeder holds an MSU master’s in food science, nutrition and health promotion, and Evans is entering medical school at UMMC this fall. In addition to MSU and UMMC, the cohort includes students from the universities of Mississippi and Southern Mississippi.

Included in the National Institutes of Health-funded Jackson Heart Study, the country’s largest community-based study of cardiovascular disease risk factors in African Americans, UMMC-GTEC is an intense, two-year research training and mentoring program. Designed for doctoral and health professional students considering careers in cardiovascular health sciences, the didactic program involves participants in the research process alongside mentors from leading research institutions.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, students in the second cohort will take part in a July 27-31 online summer institute.

Scholars commit to the five-day training institute for two consecutive summers, one mid-year meeting, quarterly webinars and travel to the Jackson Heart Study Vanguard Center at Johns Hopkins University. Their regular interaction with senior researchers and mentors will include guidance on how to write peer-reviewed manuscripts, conduct analyses, and make scientific presentations.

UMMC-GTEC applicants must be doctoral and health professional students at MSU, UM, UMMC, USM or Jackson State University. In addition to being U.S. citizens or permanent residents, applicants must be from a group identified by the NIH as underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical,

June 13 - June 26, 2020

behavioral and social sciences.

“Mississippi has been a rich source of talent, creativity and innovation for our nation, and UMMC-GTEC is investing in promising doctoral students who are interested in careers in biomedical research,” said Marino Bruce, the new principal investigator and co-director for UMMC-GTEC. “Our goal is to help develop a cadre of scholars from underrepresented backgrounds who can have distinguished careers in cardiovascular science in particular and health science in general.”

New UMMC-GTEC Co-director Roland J. Thorpe Jr. said, “Complementary to the scholars existing graduate training, this program will create a diverse community of scholars who will embrace all aspects of the research process to prepare evidence-based information to inform health-promoting strategies and policy-relevant Evans solutions for all residents of Mississippi.”

Smith, for whom the scholars program is named, is a Terry native and nationally respected founder of the Medical Committee for Human Rights. As part of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, this organization successfully persuaded health care institutions across the South to expand access to health services for and end unequal treatment of African Americans. He founded the Mississippi Family Health Center, now Central Mississippi Health Services, in 1963 and remains a practicing physician.

For more on the Robert Smith, M.D. Graduate Scholars Program, visit www.umc.edu/SoPH/Departments-and-Faculty/Population-Health-Science/ Education/GTEC/About-Us.html.

Butler Snow’s Munford receives award for distinguished legal writing

Butler Snow attorney Luther T. Munford has been named a “2020 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award” winner by the Burton Awards.

The prestigious honor is awarded to only 30 articles from nominations submitted by the nation’s top 1,000 largest law firms. Munford received this award for his article “No Way Around It: The Need for Federal “Permission and Assistance” Can Preempt a State Tort Duty,” which originally appeared in Pro Te: Solutio, Butler Snow’s Munford quarterly pharmaceutical, medical device and health care publication. Former Butler Snow attorney Erin P. Lane also contributed to the piece.

“Pro Te: Solutio, as the name suggests, was created to inform our clients on the wide range of issues and topics which have an impact on the pharmaceutical, medical device and health care industry and to offer solutions for addressing them,” said Christopher R. Maddux, chair of Butler Snow.

“Luther’s article is an excellent example of the publication achieving its goal, and we are proud he will be recognized for his work by this prestigious association.”

Munford serves in an of counsel role in Butler Snow’s appellate and written advocacy group, and concentrates his practice on appellate matters, media law, constitutional law, professional liability and product liability defense.

Munford is member of the American Bar Association and the Mississippi Bar, and is a past president of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. He received his undergraduate degrees from Princeton University and Oxford University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. The Burton Awards – a nonprofit program run in association with the Library of Congress, presented by lead sponsor Law360 and co-sponsored by the American Bar Association – were established in 1999 to honor the finest accomplishments in law, including writing, reform, public service and interest, regulatory innovation and lifetime achievements in the profession.

First Commercial Bank adds two new members

First Commercial Bank has announced the addition of two new associates to the bank’s group of established banking professionals. First Commercial has added Senior Vice President June Owens and Senior Credit Underwriter Elizabeth Ducote to its esteemed commercial banking team. “The addition of June and Elizabeth to our Commercial Banking group is an exciting development for First Commercial Bank. They both bring skill sets and levels of experience that have been the foundation of our success over the past 20 years,” said Walters.

Together the two new team members have more than 40 years of combined banking experience, having supported multiple markets in the Southeast. Their depth of experience complements and enhances the First Commercial platform with opportunities for new products and services.

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, and a graduate of the University of Southern California, June Owens began her career as an auditor with KPMG in 1994.

She later started her commercial banking career with Wells Fargo Bank working in their international trade and large corporate lending groups. In 2004 Ms. Owens moved to Mississippi and joined Union Planters Bank, which became Regions Bank.

In 2007 Ms. Owens was one of the founding members of Metropolitan Bank where Owens she served as Commercial Relationship Manager. During her later years at Metropolitan Bank, and while at Renasant Bank, she directed her focus on commercial real estate financing.

Owens is a member of the Delta Delta Delta Alumnae Association. She and her husband, Josh, and their three children, Jordan, Belt, and Sarah, reside in Madison where they attend Broadmoor Baptist Church. The Owens family is very active in sports and in their school where Ms. Owens is a member of the PTO.

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

23

Elizabeth Ducote attended the University of Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and an MBA. In 1999, she began her banking career with Union Planters as a commercial loan portfolio manager. Ms. Ducote later joined Regions Bank as a Senior Portfolio Manager. While serving as Senior Portfolio Manager she supervised a team of underwriters in the commercial real estate division. Ms. Ducote joined Metropolitan Bank in 2015 as Senior Credit Ducote Underwriting Officer for the corporate lending group and continued to serve in that role following the merger of Metropolitan Bank with Renasant Bank.

Ms. Ducote enjoys reading, making jewelry, and playing golf and tennis. She resides in Madison with her husband, Andre, and their two daughters, Emma and Caroline, and are active in St. Columb’s Episcopal Church.

Nationwide Plastics Brandon is now Curbell Plastics Jackson

Curbell Plastics, Inc., one of the nation’s top suppliers of plastic sheet, rod, tube, tapes, and fabricated parts, acquired Nationwide Plastics, Inc. with three locations on August 26, 2019. The Brandon, Mississippi location operating as Nationwide Plastics, Inc. a division of Curbell Plastics, Inc. has officially become Curbell Plastics Jackson.

“Fully integrating this location and team as Curbell Plastics Jackson will provide customers with the combined offerings of both businesses,” said Tim Cassani, Senior Regional Director for Curbell Plastics. “This location will serve markets across Mississippi and Louisiana with a broad range of materials, fabrication services, and technical expertise.”

Industries served by the Jackson location include, machinery manufacturing, food handling and processing equipment, poultry processing, forestry products, automotive, and more. Customers will continue to work with their seasoned Jackson sales team to solve material and technical application challenges.

Junkin named loan officer for Community Bank

Cade Junkin has recently been named Loan Officer. A native of Indianola, Mississippi, Junkin recently served as Management Trainee and has been in banking for one year. In his new role, Junkin will focus on managing and growing a portfolio of loans and deposits.

Junkin is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor in Accountancy.

He is a member of First Baptist Church in Indianola, Mississippi.

Junkin

For full versions of Newsmakers visit www.msbusiness.com

Our customers come first.

Now, more than ever.

New payment options for COVID-19 relief.

At Entergy Mississippi, we understand the immense impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our customers and communities. And we know that now, electricity is more important than ever. So for those struggling to make ends meet, we’ve developed new payment options to provide some relief during these uncertain times.

Our Enhanced Customer Assistance Plan provides flexible options to extend time to pay, waives late fees with payment arrangements and reimburses credit/debit card fees. Any customer that is experiencing financial hardship is eligible to take up to six months to pay their current bill and/or unpaid balances.

For added convenience, new self-service options are available to select the extended payment arrangement that works for you. Visit entergy.com/payarrangements, or select Deferred Payment on the Entergy Mobile App, or call 1-800-ENTERGY and follow our automated response system billing and payment menu. entergy.com/payarrangements

A message from Entergy Mississippi, LLC Š2020 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.