Business journal 06 05 2015

BusinessJournal A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF JOURNAL PUBLISHING AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Made in Northeast Mississippi: VIP Cinema Seating

June 2015

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

W

JUNE 2015

Seddon perfectly fits the role of entrepreneur

ith apologies to Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com defines an entrepreneur as “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.”

That definition fits Kevin Seddon, who many know around Tupelo as the president of the Tupelo Furniture Market.

Recently, he made news with HomeSafe Inspection, a company he co-founded and oversees as president. More on that in a moment.

Here’s a little more on Seddon, who has a deep entrepreneurial background: Before establishing HomeSafe in 2003, he was CEO of Oxford Publishing Inc., which produces trade magazines for the hospitality industry as well

as the largest food and beverage trade show in the world. He also was owner and CEO of Vision Creek Enterprises, a national marketing firm; he DENNIS was part owner SEID and vice president of Sair Linux and GNU Inc., which develops training materials and certification for the operating system. And, oh, by the way, he also is president and owner of Sanus Medical Acoustics.

His most recent achievement with HomeSafe Inspection is that the company has licensed its infrared patent rights to US

Inspect, which has done more than 3 million inspections nationwide. Now it is using technology developed by HomeSafe across the country.

HomeSafe pioneered infrared and acoustic technologies for inspections, enabling users of its technology to “see” and “hear” through walls, floors and ceilings. That gives inspectors a deeper look into a house or business.

No wonder US Inspect wanted to make a deal.

JB Haller, the chief operating officer for US Inspect, said the company will launch infrared in more than a dozen large markets over the next 24 months.

“By combining our mission with HomeSafe’s accomplished history,” Haller said, “we are wellpositioned to deliver home in-

spection solutions that transform the home inspection industry.”

It took years of work, patience and a little frustration before HomeSafe finally secured six coveted patents.

The technology got its start at the National Center for Physical Acoustics at the University of Mississippi, where Peng Lee – vice president and chief technology officer for HomeSafe – was researcher and development engineer for 11 years.

It was there that Peng worked on a program for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a solution for the termites eating their way through the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Using infrared, inspectors could see 30-40 percent more.

But to get the technology to market, it had to be portable

and more user-friendly. So it took some time to do that and to perfect the process. Meanwhile, other companies also were working on similar technology.

To get a patent, you have to defend your idea, i.e., show that it’s different from anybody else’s and doesn’t use somebody else’s technology.

Having successfully done so, Home Inspection now has a lucrative deal with the nation’s largest home inspection services company.

This month’s Business Journal profiles some “Made in Northeast Mississippi” businesses, and Kevin Seddon has demonstrated that entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well here.

Contact DENNIS SEID at (662) 6781578 or dennis.seid@journalinc.com.

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Henson’s hobby becomes next venture

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – For some 40 years, David Henson was in the furniture business, the latter half of that career spent running his own company.

Henson worked for his father, but set out on his own in 1985 to supply foam for the vast furniture industry in the region. A few years later, he began making foam mattresses and pillows and created Henson Sleep Relief.

Those products made their way to retailers, including dollar stores and Walmart. Henson sold the business a few years ago to go in a completely different direction – making custom-designed metal decorations. Starting with fire screens, his company – Hen-

son MetalWorks – has a variety of products, including tables, chairs, bookends, wreath hangers, wine racks, business card holders and clocks with licensed logos.

“It’s always been a hobby of mine, making things for friends and family,” he said. Henson has always had an eye for architectural and historic details, which make their way into the products.

For example, there’s the famous Ole Miss “Walk of Champions” archway entering the Grove, and Henson has made bookends of it. Mississippi State’s Chapel of Memories is another design.

Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium gate is another.

The metal products are cut by laser, and HMW has a couple dozen logos and brands from

ture! urninitu fficice Fur thining inin Off Everyth

which to choose. He’s building the brand portfolio in order to grow the number of products available.

“I’ve always been a tinkerer,” he said. “I like making things.”

Henson also is involved with real estate, so making metal mailbox posts, hand railings and other decorative accessories also have been created.

But Henson admits it hasn’t been easy, as he builds the company’s foundations.

“We made a lot of mistakes coming out of the chute, so really we’ve been more of a product-development company the last year, year-and-a-half,” he said.

However, business is picking up, as online home furniture and TURN TO HENSON, 6

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

David Henson shows what a laser cutter can do with metal.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2015

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2015

Not just another furniture company VIP Cinema Seating carves own niche in the industry

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

NEW ALBANY – The sights and sounds from the production floor are like any other furniture manufacturing plant in Northeast Mississippi – the quick tapping of nail guns putting frames together; the careful covering of foam cushions; the skillful attachment of arms, backs and seats.

But at VIP Cinema Seating, the recliners aren’t headed to any home or apartment. Instead, nearly 800 chairs a day are headed

across the country to movie theaters.

“We have more than 300,000 chairs in movies across the U.S. ... we’ve got about a 65 percent market share,” said company CEO Steve Simons, who started the company in 2008.

One of VIP’s biggest customers is AMC Theaters, whose Dine-In Theaters are filled with reclining chairs and love seats.

Those theaters are in bigger cities like Atlanta, Tampa, Indianapolis and Kansas City. Those kinds of theaters make up a small share of the total number of

theaters across the country, but it’s a growing segment.

And that’s where VIP finds its niche.

VIP introduced the concept of luxury reclining seating to the theater industry seven years ago, just as the recession began. It took a couple of years for the company to get on its feet – and a lot of trial-anderror, Simons said.

“We learned a lot – and we learned not to do some things again,” he said.

Two months ago, the company announced it was expanding, adding 160,000 square feet of man-

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Bobby McMillen works on installing motors and other motion devices for cinema seats at VIP Cinema Seating. ufacturing space. VIP now total manufacturing and has 400,000 square feet of distribution space, and by

the end of the year should employ 350 workers.

The growth has been brought on by increased demand for VIP’s seating, which comes in a variety of styles and sizes.

Unlike residential furniture, the theater chairs are made from high-resilience foam, kiln-dried hardwood and steel frames, as they undergo heavy and constant use. The chairs have to be made to last.

“It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality,” Simons said.

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JUNE 2015

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

Henson FROM 3

C E L E B R AT E

your company’s milestone with the Northeast Mississippi

Business Journal.

Whether it is an anniversary or a milestone your team of employees has achieved, tell your story in an upcoming issue of the Northeast MS Business Journal. If it matters to you, others will want to know as well, and what better way to tell your story than in your own words!

Contact your Journal Publishing Co. representative today, or Amy Speck at amy.speck@journalinc.com or 662.678.1611 for details.

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decor website Wayfair has added Henson MetalWorks as a source, and Amazon has added Henson to its stocking program.

“We think think both programs will be great for us and we can get some traction out of that,” Henson said.

HSW has licenses for Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Auburn and several other colleges and universities. It also has a license for Elvis Presley Enterprises.

The licenses for universities can be lucrative,

VIP FROM 4

Simons is no stranger to the furniture industry, having founded River Oaks Furniture Co. And VIP Cinema Seating doesn’t see itself as a furniture company.

“We provide solutions – we’re a solutions company,” Simons said, explaining that VIP has a team of design, engineering and service professionals who tailor-make each project.

AMC, for example, will

JUNE 2015

with alumni and fans looking for branded merchandise.

“One of things we try to do is find some architectural element, some iconic element from a college campus and reproduce them on a product,” he said.

Most collegiate-licensed merchandise is textilebased – shirts, jackets, hoodies, hats, etc. – and takes up the lion’s share of what fans purchase.

“We’re trying to get other products in their hands,” he said.

Most of the ideas are generated by Henson, who typically draws them.

They’re then passed off to CAD designers to refine it

so that the laser cutter can reproduce it.

“Right now we only have 20 schools, but we’d like to have licenses for all of them,” Henson said. “We’d like to have a whole stable of brands, including the NFL.” While HMW products are available only online for now, Henson hopes to get in-store displays at garden centers and campus bookstores eventually.

“I think we’ve been wellreceived and we’re going into niches that have needed to be filled. We’re off to a good start. ... but we have plenty of room to grow.”

tell VIP it’s building a 600seat theater in Anywhere, USA, and plans to open on a specific date. It’s then left to VIP to design the theater from start to finish so that it will hold those 600 seats.

“Building luxury theater seating isn’t as easy as it sounds,” Simons said. “It’s pretty complicated actually. ... everything is made to order.”

He also proudly points out that it’s also made in Northeast Mississippi, specifically, New Albany.

“We do everything here, from cutting and sewing all the way to the final product. The mechanisms we

use come from Omega Motion, Leggett & Platt in Northeast Mississippi.

We’re really proud of that fact.”

VIP recently completed deals to send seats to theaters in the United Kingdom, Australia and South Korea.

No wonder the company has had to expand.

“We haven’t had a down day since 2008,” Simons said. “But all this couldn’t have happened without having good, talented, hard-working people around you.”

dennis.seid@journalinc.com

dennis.seid@journalinc.com

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PAGE 6

ChamberConnection A publication of Journal Publishing and the CDF Chamber Division – June 2015

New Officers Slated for 2015-2016 CDF Board of Directors

The new officers for the 20152016 Community Development Foundation (CDF) Board of Directors are Chairman Lisa Hawkins, First Vice Chairman Barry Smith, Second Vice Chairman Scott Cochran and Secretary David Rumbarger. The new officers and newly elected Board members were recognized at the CDF Annual Meeting May 7.

Chairman Lisa Hawkins is President of Room to Room Inc., a family owned and operated retail furniture store founded in 2003. Lisa is a graduate of Tupelo High School and received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Science in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women, and was a Nursing Instructor at Itawamba Community College from 1982-1986. Lisa is very ac-

Lisa Hawkins, Chairman tive in the community serving in the following areas: past president of Tupelo Junior Auxiliary, National Junior Auxiliary volunteer of the year, past president of Boys & Girls Club of

Barry Smith, First Vice Chairman Northeast Mississippi, United Way Campaign Chairman, board member, and executive board, North Mississippi Medical Center Corporate board member, past board member of

Scott Cochran, Second Vice Chairman

David Rumbarger, President/Secretary

Create Foundation, past board chairperson and founding board member of Sanctuary Hospice House, founding chairman of Celebration Village, Tu-

pelo Housing Authority commissioner and current board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Memphis, Tennessee branch.

Community Development Foundation Named a Top Micropolitan Group of the Year The Community Development Foundation (CDF) has been named one of the Top 20 Micropolitan Economic Development Groups for 2014, by Site Selection magazine. Site Selection names its Top US Economic Development Groups as part of the magazine’s annual Best to Invest rankings.

“This recognition stems from the great partnerships that exist between our city and county officials, as well as the Tennessee Valley Au-

thority, Mississippi Development Authority, and Itawamba Community College,” said CDF Chairman Lisa Hawkins. “I am confident that Tupelo and Lee County will continue to succeed as we work with our partners to foster economic development in our community.”

Local economic development groups were ranked according to categories such as: new jobs, new jobs per 10,000 residents, new investment

amount and new investment per 10,000 residents.

Additional criteria included the creativity of economic development strategy; scope of project activity; and documenting link between the economic development organization and actual results.

“As CDF ends its 66th year of service to Tupelo/Lee County, we congratulate them on this distinct honor,” said Tommie Lee Ivy, Lee County Board of Supervisors Presi-

dent. “The Lee County Board of Supervisors is proud to serve as a partner with CDF, creating more and better jobs in Lee County.”

Site Selection magazine, published by Conway Data Inc. since 1954, delivers expansion planning information to 48,000 subscribers, many of them employed by fast-growing firms. Site Selection is also available via online (www.siteselection.com). Site Selection's growing family of e-

newsletters includes the weekly Site Selection Dispatch; The Site Selection Energy Report, The Site Selection Life Sciences Report, and Site Selection International (monthlies); The Site Selection Aerospace Report (bimonthly); and The FDI Report from Red Hot Locations.

Founded in 1948, CDF is the exclusive agency charged with providing chamber of commerce, economic development, and planning and property

management services for Tupelo/Lee County, Mississippi. The Community Development Foundation is a non-profit membership organization composed of civic, business, and professional leaders representing the region.

CDF has been selected six times as one of the top 10 industrial development agencies in the nation by Site Selection magazine, a leading trade magazine for industrial development consultants.

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A CDF

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2015

COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS CASE-STUDY TRIP TO HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR Dianne Harris, VP Public Relations with Summit Group Companies was awarded CDF's 2014-2015 Ambassador of the Year! Dianne mentored 68 businesses throughout the year, recruited two new members, and volunteered over 150 hours on behalf of CDF. Congratulations, Dianne – thank you for your service to our community!

New CDF Members

Tupelo and Lee County leaders tour Bridge Street Town Centre, a commercial area of Huntsville, Alabama, during a trip sponsored by CDF and Council of Governments. The group spent time with elected officials and representatives from the City of Huntsville sharing ideas and discussing the growth of Huntsville and its regional impact.

Econo Signs of Tupelo Mr. Josh Smith 707 Daybrite Dr. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 844-1554 www.econosignsusa.com Signs

IP Real Estate, Inc. Mr. Paul Horn 8014 Waterview Blvd.

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 907-3209 Real Estate, Appraisers, & Property Development

Essential Skin Care LLC Ms. Ling Chen 1105 W Jackson St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 260-5059 www.tupeloessential. skincaretherapy.net Barber Shops, Salons, & Spas

Transamerica Financial Network Mr. Neal Avery 1508 Maple St. Ext. Amory, MS 38821 (662) 640-1480 www.transamericanetwork.com Financial

Community Development Foundation’s 2015-2016 Board of Directors CDF’s goals and objectives are accomplished through the efforts of members appointed to committees operating under one of CDF’s three divisions: Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Planning and Property Management.

2015-2016 Executive Committee Lisa Hawkins, Chairman Barry Smith, First Vice Chairman Scott Cochran, Second Vice Chairman David Rumbarger, President/Secretary Chauncey Godwin, Jr., Immediate Past Chairman

Chris Bagley Kim Caron Clay Foster Julianne Goodwin Zell Long

Jerry Maxcy Guy Mitchell, III Sam Pace Jeff Snyder Tollie White

2015-2016 Board of Directors Mike Armour Chris Bagley Mike Bryan Bo Calhoun Gary Carnathan Kim Caron Grace Clark Mike Clayborne V. M. Cleveland Scott Cochran Fred Cook David Copenhaver

Jay Dey Mike Eaton Joe Estess Clay Foster Chauncey Godwin Jr. Julianne Goodwin Robert Haggerty Doug Hanby Bryan Hawkins Lisa Hawkins Skipper Holliman David Irwin Jr.

Tommie Lee Ivy Bob Kerley Emily Leonard Gearl Loden Zell Long Colin Maloney Derek Markley Jerry Maxcy Robin McGraw Guy Mitchell III Buzzy Mize Ted Moll

Mabel Murphree Sam Pace Aubrey Patterson Greg Pirkle Jack Reed Jr. Scott Reed Eddie Richey Drew Robertson Mike Robinson Ty Robinson David Rumbarger Jason Shelton

Barry Smith Jeff Snyder Jane Spain Gary Sparkman Shane Spees Buddy Stubbs Sean Suggs Melinda Tidwell Jason Warren Jimmy Weeks Tollie White

United Furniture Industries Mr. Doug Hanby 431 Hwy 41 E Okolona, MS 38860 (662) 447-4000 www.unitedfurnitureindustries.com Manufacturers & Distributors UPS Mr. Steve Nored 104 Garden Park Dr. Saltillo, MS 38866 (662) 801-0266 www.ups.com Logistics

2015-2016 Ambassadors Club

Stephanie Browning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo James Carter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Renasant Bank Gail Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Century 21 Sue Gardner Realty Sheila Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .One Stop Advertising, LLC Tracy Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rasberry Financial Bill Dickerson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BancorpSouth Barbara Doles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BNA Bank Becki Duffie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Services Veleka Flagg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CB&S Bank Cheryl Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wingate by Wyndham Michelle Freeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell McNutt & Sams April Grissom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WLOV, FOX Romanda Hampton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hilton Garden Inn Dianne Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Summit Group Companies, LLC Toby Hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shelter Insurance Shirley Hendrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .R & B Specialty Printing Jim Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Kayla Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Busylad Denise Kennedy-Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Special Occasions by Denise Len Kester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exceed Technologies Justin Kirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Lawns of Northeast Mississippi Molly Lovorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C Spire Jacquie McAlister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First American National Bank Brad McCully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sportsman Lawn & Landscape Katie McMillan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Key Staff Source Sherry Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .University of Mississippi - Tupelo William Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mills & Mills Ashley Hardy Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .local MOBILE Angela Rea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hilton Garden Inn Christy Stewart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Franklin Collection Service, Inc. Karla Strickland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Right at Home Jacob Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C Spire Grady Wigginton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates June Wigginton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates Jeff Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Williams Transfer/United Van Lines Josie Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SuperTalk MS/Telesouth Communications

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AC’S COFFEE

In celebration of its grand opening, AC’s Coffee held a ribbon cutting. Serving delicious, gourmet coffee and homemade, baked goods, AC’s Coffee is located in the Midtown Pointe Medical Plaza at 499 S Gloster St. in Tupelo. For more information, contact (662) 534-2111 or visit www.acs-coffee.com.

CDF Director of Workforce Development Gina Black, recently recognized Nettleton High School graduates Haley Bean and Emily Lee as Lee County’s first Tech Masters program graduates. In an effort to prepare students for the state’s rapid growth in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-based job opportunities, the Mississippi Scholars Tech Master program recognizes students that pursue and meet specific standards in a tech-prep course of study. Pictured (l-r): Haley Bean, Emily Lee, Gina Black

ESSENTIAL SKIN CARE

Mississippi Scholars Tech Masters produces its first Lee County graduates

BY CLAYTON JARVIS CDF SUMMER INTERN

In the last twenty years, Mississippi has transitioned from a low-skill, low-wage job state to a middle-skill, higher-paying job state. This means that more jobs around the state require skills including math, effective communication, and the ability to think creatively. In an effort to prepare students for the state’s rapid growth in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-based job opportunities, the Mississippi Scholars Tech Master program recognizes students that pursue and meet specific standards in a tech-prep course of study.

The Mississippi Scholars Tech Masters program has been implemented in schools across the state. This program is a new piece of the current Mississippi Scholars program, and is designed to improve the workforce readiness of Mississippi high school graduates. This program has now been implemented in seven counties across the state.

This year, Lee County’s first graduates from the Tech Masters program, Haley Bean and Emily Lee, both graduated from Nettleton High School and each finished in the top percentage of their class.

Haley Bean will attend Northeast Community College in the fall and has plans to attend Mississippi State University afterwards to pursue a career in vet medicine.

Emily Lee will attend Itawamba Community College in the fall and like Haley, plans to attend Mississippi State University to further her education in engineering.

The Mississippi Scholars Tech Masters program prepared Haley and Emily, as well as other high school students across the state to be better prepared for the workforce and helped them better their skills to take on their future careers.

For more information about Mississippi Scholars and Mississippi Scholars Tech Master programs, contact your schools guidance counselor or visit mississippischolars.ms.

In celebration of its grand opening at 1105 W Jackson St. in Tupelo, Essential Skin Care held a ribbon cutting. Essential Skin Care offers a wide range of skin care treatments in a relaxing environment including facials, face and body waxing, chemical peels and full-body massages. For more information, contact Essential Skin Care at (662) 260-5059 or visit tupeloessential.skincaretherapy.net.

TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café held a ribbon cutting in celebration of its grand opening.

Offering a wide variety of delicious Greek entrees that are always fresh, casual and delicious, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is located at 3982 N Gloster St., Ste. U-2 in Tupelo. For more information, contact (662) 553-4200 or visit tazikiscafe.com.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2015

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2015

HOPE FAMILY MINISTRIES

LAPELS DRY CLEANING

Hope Family Ministries held a ribbon cutting in celebration of its open house at 2754 Mattox Street in Tupelo. A Biblical counseling and discipleship-training ministry in Tupelo, Hope Family Ministries provides confidential, Biblical, pastoral counseling to individuals, couples and families in North Mississippi and surrounding areas. For more information, contact Hope Family Ministries at (662) 842-4673 or online at hopefamilyministries.com.

In celebration of its grand opening, Lapels Dry Cleaning held a ribbon cutting.

Lapels Dry Cleaning offers a full slate of services, including same-day dry cleaning, shirt service, tailoring, shoe repair, wedding gown preservation, suede and leather processing, box storage and fur storage. For more information, contact (662) 842-9757 or visit mylapels.com.

SECOND TO NONE

“The difference between us and the rest? We make your carpet look the best!”

Roosevelt Cobb, Floor/Carpet Tech.

Mark Stephens, Owner/Operater

Mention this ad & receive one FREE room of carpet cleaned with the purchase of two rooms

• Carpet Cleaning • Oriental & Fine Rug Cleaning • Ceramic Tile & Grout • Tile Refinishing • Hardwood Floor Refinishing

• Upholstery • Full Janitorial Service • New Construction Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Family Owned & Operated

Call today and schedule your CLEANING APPOINTMENT! Diane Curtiss, Office Manager

1221-A Nelle St. • Tupelo •

662.842.3143

www.marksjanitorialms.com • marksjanitorial@ymail.com

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PAGE 11 Mooreville High School MS Scholars Taylor Barefoot Tanner Bevill Tarrah Frederick Mikayla Johnson Alex McLarty Kayla Neal Lily Pittman Alyssa Stanford

Mooreville High School

Nettleton High School

Nettleton High School MS Scholars Mason Caldwell William Cooper A'Tiana Darden Katlyn Hester Fatashe Hicks Calin Holley Jayla Jones Sawyer Phillips Uerasyah Weatherspoon Tech Master Haley Bean Emily Lee

Saltillo High School

Shannon High School

Mississippi Scholars and Tech Master graduates recognized in Tupelo and Lee County

BY LEXI BLACK

CDF SUMMER INTERN

Forty-eight graduates of the Mississippi Scholars program, with two of those students being recognized for the new Tech Master program, were recently recognized during senior award ceremonies at Mooreville High School, Nettleton High School, Saltillo High School, Shannon High School, and Tupelo High School. Since 2003, Lee County schools have participated in the program designed to motivate students to enroll in rigorous high school courses that will prepare them for college and careers. Tu-

pelo Public Schools began participating in 2010.

“These challenging programs encourage students to go above and beyond regular high school graduation requirements. Being exposed to the higher level classes is important to their future success,” said Gina Black, project manager and MS Scholar coordinator for Community Development Foundation. “Whether they plan to attend college, join the military, or go directly into the workforce, the MS Scholars and Tech Master programs help each student become more prepared.”

Each Mississippi Scholars and Tech Master graduate was

awarded a medallion of distinction and certificate of recognition for their accomplishment. Each student also received a gift card as a special token of appreciation for graduating from the program.

The course of study for MS Scholars includes four credits each of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and one art credit. Additional expectations of Mississippi Scholars graduates include 40 hours of community service, 95% school attendance, 18 composite score on the ACT, and a 2.5 cumulative high school grade point average.

The course of study forTech Master includes career and technical

education courses, four credits of English/Language Arts, three credits each of Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and one art credit.

Additional expectations of Tech Masters graduates include 40 hours of community service, 95% school attendance, 18 composite score on the ACT or 50 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and a 2.5 cumulative high school grade point average.

For more information on the Mississippi Scholars or Tech Master program or to learn how your business can be a part of Mississippi Scholars, please contact Gina Black in the CDF office at (662) 842-4521.

Tupelo High School MS Scholars Neely Brown Sam Dexter Sarah Lambert Hollingsworth McKinney Pitts Samantha Turba Alexis Zosel Saltillo High School MS Scholars Haley Barron Shelby Bickes Frank Brinkley Travis Cates Kristin Clark Brittany Corrie Elizabeth Ellis Steven Havens Yeonju Lee Katie McVey Mary Prewitt Emily Sanders Xavier Taylor Margaret Wigginton Larrah Wilbanks Emily Wood Shannon High School MS Scholars Terrell Gilmore Que Anna Riley Kaelin Rogers Taylor Smith Taylor Stephen Dominique Stanfield Tiara Trice

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2015

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2015

LIGHTHOUSE WEB DESIGNS

MISSISSIPPI TITLE LOANS

Lighthouse Web Designs held a ribbon cutting in celebration of its grand opening at 1800 W Main St., Ste. 204 in Tupelo. Lighthouse Web Designs offers a variety of online services including web design, search engine optimization, pay per click, blogging services, content creation, social media management, email marketing and more. For more information, call (662) 553-4777 or visit lighthousewebdesigns.com.

In celebration of its open house at 506 N Gloster St. in Tupelo, Mississippi Title Loans held a ribbon cutting. With experience and professionalism, Mississippi Title Loans can help you get a fast cash title loan that works for you in 30 minutes or less.

For more information, contact Mississippi Title Loans at (662) 680-5668 or visit their website, mississippititleloansinc.com.

FMBank: Helping Dreams Come True

“If you don’t believe in yourself, it ain’t gonna work.”

– Greg Chambers, Patented Livestock Feeder Inventor and FMBank customer, featured with Brandon Nunley and Mark Tapp of FMBank

Download

FMB Mobiliti

www.fmbms.com

for your smartphone today!

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MUGSHOTS GRILL & BAR

In celebration of its grand opening at 374 E Main St. in Downtown Tupelo, Mugshots Grill & Bar held a ribbon cutting. Providing one of the South’s favorite restaurant concepts, Mugshots Grill & Bar serves up great food in a fun, casual and family-friendly atmosphere. For more information, call (601) 606-0324 or visit mugshotsgrillandbar.com

SAM STEVENS MOTORS

In celebration of its new location at 3716 Eason Blvd in Tupelo, Sam Stevens Motors held a ribbon cutting. Sam Stevens Motors provides high quality used cars, trucks and SUVs at reduced prices. Contact Sam Stevens Motors at (662) 841-9400 or online at samstevensmotors.com.

Interested in starting a business? Let the Renasant Center for IDEAs and the MS Small Business Development Center help you get started.

‘How to Develop a Business Plan’ June 9

‘Starting a Business – First Steps’ June 16

‘Business Issues – Disaster Recovery’ June 30

All classes are from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

To register for a workshop or for more information, contact Dana Cawthon at 1-800-725-7232 or (662) 680-6988.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2015

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2015

2015 CDF Membership Cup Thanks to our event sponsors

HOLE SPONSORS

Asurion B&B Concrete BNA Bank Buffalo Wild Wings Community Bank Eat With Us Group Express Employment Professionals First American National Bank Healthlink Honeybaked Ham J.T. Ray Company People Link Pro Oil Shop/Xpress Lube Renasant Bank The McCarty Company Trustmark Bank Watkins Uiberall, PLLC CPAs

LUNCHEON SPONSOR

SRG

DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR

Civil Link

PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR

U.S. Lawns of Northeast Mississippi

BEVERAGE SPONSORS

Mitchell Distributing Tupelo Coca Cola Bottling Works

Congratulations to the winners of the 9th annual CDF Membership Cup hosted at Big Oaks Golf Club.

DOOR PRIZE SPONSORS Aunt B’s Soul Food Restaurant Bar-B-Q by Jim, LLC Bauhaus Furniture Group, LLC Bishop’s BBQ Bishop’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc. Cafe 212 Caron Gallery Chick-fil-A at Thompson Square Chili’s Connie’s Fried Chicken Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Creative Touch Day Spa and Salon D’Casa Mexican Grill Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation Endville Bakery & Catering Co. Express Oil Change and Service Center

Fairpark Grill Farmhouse Tupelo Golf First H. M. Richard’s Harveys Restaurant/Eat With Us Group Home Depot 2906 HoneyBaked Ham J. Edward Design Company Joyful Creations Gift Market Juva La Vino local MOBILE Lost Pizza Co. McAlister’s Deli Meineke Car Care Center Midnite Pottery Mid-South Nursery, Inc. Mitchell Distributing

MLM Clothiers Newk’s Express Cafe NMMC Wellness Center Old Venice Pizza Company Pro Golf of Tupelo Havoline Xpress Lube Reed’s Rosie’s Cookies, Cakes, & Cream Simply Sweet by Margarete South Spring Street Cigars Sweet Peppers Deli Sweet Treats Bakery Swirlz Trails & Treads, LLC TROVE Tupelo Community Theatre, Inc. Tupelo Small Animal Hospital, P.A. Yummy Yogurt & Cafe

Flight One: Jesco, Inc.

Flight Two: Renasant Bank

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Here are some of the things that we can provide for your business • Business Telephone Systems • VoIP • Voice and Data Cabling • Fiber Optics • Commercial Fire Alarm Systems • Security Systems

• Closed Circuit Television • Access Control Systems • Intercom Systems • Paging Systems • Mobile Communications • Enterprise Wireless Networks

WE OFFER: Professional Consultations • Expert Installation • Cutting Edge Technology • Unbeatable Value • Guaranteed Satisfaction Celebrating 21 Years In Business!

www.asitelecom.com

105 W. Main Street, New Albany 1-800-246-4987 or (662) 534-4987

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2015

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2015

Business Directory A PA R T M E N T S

A PA R T M E N T S

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes

Apartment Homes 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

111 Grand Ole Oaks Drive Belden, MS 38826

MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, & FIREFIGHTER DISCOUNT Ask about our Military & Law Enforcement Discount

AUTOMOTIVE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

Carey Wilson Manager

Call 662-891-5000

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

3260 Hwy 145 N. • Tupelo, MS 38804

www.GrandOleOaks.com

BANK

BANK

Call Robin Barnett today!

662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET for your commercial vehicle needs!

1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611

BANK

Bank Of Okolona

Okolona Houston Banking Center P.O. Box 306 321 W. Madison St. Okolona, Mississippi 38860 Houston, Mississippi

(662) 447-5403

(662) 456-3347

Bank of Mantee 54 1st Street Mantee, Mississippi

(662) 456-5341

www.bankofokolona.com

BANK

BLINDS

B ATH R EMODELING Bath Remodeling Shower Remodeling Tub-To-Shower Conversion Bathroom Accessories Handicap Accessible

“The Sign of Service” Baldwyn • Booneville • Marietta Mantachie • Mooreville • Tupelo

Your Financial Cornerstone.

www.bathfitter.com Give Us One Day… We’ll Give You A Beautiful New Bathroom!

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE Licensed And Insured

662-205-8548

www.fmbms.com

2015 McCullough Blvd. • Tupelo, MS 38801

BUILDING SUPPLIES

BUILDING SUPPLIES

Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Ph: (662) 365-7021

N H A R Fax: (662) 365-8902 Y DW & DW AR L E SUPPLY, INC. BA • Full Service • Hardware • Building Supplies • Plumbing • Hydraulic Hoses

• Electrical • Glass • Valspar Paints • Welding Supplies • Portable Carports

1187 North 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS 38824

C O L L I S I O N R E PA I R

Lumbe ville r Boone Company Full Line of Lumber, Hardware, Plumbing and Electrical Supplies 2300 E. Chambers Dr. • Booneville • 728-0094

Booneville Hardware & Supply 403 Church St. • Booneville • 728-0032 "For all your hardware needs"

24 Hour Wrecker Service

Junior Burns - Cell 662-728-0524 David Denson - Cell 662-416-5591 100 W. Veterans Drive • Booneville, MS 38829

Phone 662-728-4459 • Fax (662) 728-4150

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PAGE 17

Business Directory COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES

COMMERCIAL PLUMBING

FURNITURE

RH PLUMBING, INC. We’ve got all your

224 Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652

662-534-4448

home furnishings

Commercial Plumbing, Gas & Industrial Piping RICHARD HANLON (662) 447-3213

at affordable prices.

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

662-489-1176

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

FURNITURE

GLASS & OVERHEAD DOORS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

www.careers.asurion.com Great Employment Opportunities

24 Hour Emergency Service

903 Varsity Dr. Tupelo, MS

Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring

FURNITURE 30,000 SQUARE FT. WAREHOUSE QUALITY PREOWNED OFFICE FURNITURE

277 Community Dr. • Tupelo • 662.871.0568 www.whittingtonofficefurniture.com

I N S U L AT I O N

Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5pm

Store Fronts • Mirrors Shower Doors • Garage Doors Commercial Doors Hollow Metal Doors

662-844-4540

“Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations”

711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS

“Experience Is The Difference”

FAX:662-620-7754

KENNELS

INSURANCE

Hancock Insurance Agency INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ATV • Life • Health Annuities • RV • Automobile Motorcycle • Home Mobile Home Medicare Supplements

Scott Hancock

Allen Hancock

Monthly Rates Available

662-534-2661 720 W . Bankhead St. New Albany

C ONCRETE

JOURNAL PUBLISHING COMPANY PRINT

ONLINE

INTERACTIVE

PHILLIP WILBURN

Member of the QCN Network. Saving You Money And Making You More Comfortable For Over 38 Years Residential & Commercial Insulation, Installation Blown-In Attic Insulation - Blown-in Wall Insulation - Batting www.nsul8or@att.net www.nsul8or.com

662-844-1306

3166 West Jackson, Tupelo, MS

Classified Advertising Consultant phillip.wilburn@journalinc.com

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305

PO Box 909 Tupelo, MS | 38802-0909 1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804

Phone 662.678.1532 or 1.800.270.2614 ext.532 Fax 662.620.8301

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2015

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2015

Business Directory LOCKSMITH

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

MOVING

P AINT

NEW & USED SAFES

• Safes Serviced & Installed • Locks Installed • Locksets • Combinations Changed • Locks Rekeyed • Lost Keys Replaced • Master Key Systems • High Security Keys AUTO RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

Call for a Free Estimate

Bronzie Morgan Relocation Specialist

662-842-1120

(662) 842-7720

“The Morgan Family has been moving families like yours for over 50 years”

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

PRINTING

R E A L E S TAT E

arber Printing, Inc. PRINTING • GRAPHIC DESIGN • SIGNS BANNERS • BLACK & WHITE/COLOR COPIES

R E S TA U R A N T

Party Trays for all Occasions!

Thinking of Selling Your Home or Property?

We Have Six Full-Time Agents Pontotoc Ridge Realty, Ltd. Who Call MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES OFFICE Pontotoc Home. ISEACH INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

811 A Varsity Dr. • Tupelo, MS • 662.841.1584 8am - 4:30pm • goodimpressions@barberprinting.com

Call Us Today 662-489-2848

R E S TA U R A N T

R ESTAURANT

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

R E S TA U R A N T

at

• Max 2 FREE Kids with Adult Entree • 12 Years and Under

499 Gloster Creek Village, Tupelo, MS 38801 Phone: (662) 844-4888 Fax: (662) 844-3006

Tupelo • Tuesdays 3 - 9 pm • 495 S. Gloster • 680-3354 New Albany • Thursdays 5 - 9 pm • 534-2700 Corinth • Tuesdays 4 - 9 pm • 286-9007

ROOFING

E EL

• Drink Not Included • Kid's Menu Only

R

RO

INC.

TECHNOLOGY

OF

¥ Pizza Spaghetti ¥ Salad Bar ¥ Sandwich ¥ Pasta Special Every Thursday

365-7059

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

Mon.-Thurs. 11-10 • Fri.-Sat. 11-11 • Sun. 12-10

UNIFORMS

Achieve greater network per for mance with less.

ING

E H W “A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

411 CLARK ST. TUPELO 844-4481

It's time to get more performance from your network with far less. As in less bandwidth utilization, fewer resources, and less cost.

ADVANCED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FACILITY 1150 SOUTH GREEN ST • BUILDING 1, SUITE E • TUPELO,MS 662-821-2500 • www.circadence.com

Keeping Professional People Looking Professional 795 S. Gloster, Tupelo • (662) 844-4272 2316 Hwy. 45 N. Columbus • (662) 328-7777 1151 D. Frontage Rd. Oxford • (662) 513-0341

www.scrubsandco.com

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JUNE 2015

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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PAGE 19

PAGE 20 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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JUNE 2015