Business Journal 20180301

BUSINESS JOURNAL

Tupelo CVB opens up workspace, pg. 3 MARCH 2018

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TRAVEL & TOURISM FEATURE:

COLUMN:

Vacation planning strategies

page 5

FEATURE:

Mississippi Hills grant program resumes

page 7

Area newsmakers

page 10

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

MARCH 2018

TRI INC. COMMERCIAL BROKERAGE

DOWNTOWN TUPELO PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING

PROPERTY OVERVIEW • Private parking lot • Impressive tenant roster • Available space includes 5,267 SF • Efficient floor plan • Combination of private executive offices and cubicle areas • Direct access from the parking lot and foyer • Conference room with private bathroom

CLAY SHORT

BARRY REPLOGLE

CHRIS WINDERS

cshort@trirealestate.net

breplogle@trirealestate.net

chris@trirealestate.net

(662) 231-4262

(662) 321-1201

(662) 255-4404

TRI Inc. Commercial • 600 West Main Street Suite B • Tupelo, MS 38804 • 662-842-8283 • View all of our listings: www.trirealestate.net

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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CVB’s new workspace: Stop, collaborate and listen

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – The most visible part of the nearly $1.3 million renovation at the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau is the visitors center with its hands-on, interactive displays.

But the renovation also included work on where the CVB staff has its offices.

And those offices are all but eliminated, having given way to a new collaborative work area with open spaces, shared desks and other features.

A room with three glass walls is the centerpiece of the new back-office space. The back wall has an enlarged photo of downtown Tupelo, looking west at sunset.

“This is our collaboration room, which is designed to have staff meetings, where we can talk about marketing campaigns, and if we have a project we’re working on, it’s a space where we can come,” said Neal McCoy, executive director of the CVB. “The glass walls help free you up to think.”

According to the Harvard Business Review, most offices “tend to be dominated by cubicles or offices which are suited for individual work, or by hard-to-book conference rooms that teams can use but only for short periods of time.

What’s needed is a more flexible space that better supports teams and inspires more open thinking.”

Such areas are are common at design firms, but rare in corporate settings. Companies like Google, Apple and Facebook have collaborative work spaces.

At the Tupelo CVB, all the old offices, except one, have been eliminated. It is a big departure

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

The new workspace at the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau features an open environment where the staff can easily talk about projects. from what CVB staff once had, but the finished product was one they welcomed.

“We took out all the walls, all in the name of getting everybody to collaborate more,” McCoy said. “We had to move out to go across the street for our temporary office, and it was just wide open. We went from everybody having an office to completely no walls.

We worked over there, everybody got comfortable with it, everybody worked together, they were quiet and respectful, and there was communication that came easily.”

When it came time to order office furniture, McCoy gave the option of having tall cubicles or having shorter ones.

Everyone opted for the short ones, enabling then to see and

talk to each other.

Each P-shaped desk also has an additional short covered seat where a co-worker can sit, and the desktops are clutter-free.

“It encourages co-workers to pull up and work beside you,” McCoy said.

White boards are scattered about the walls, and there are spots where awards are placed to remind and encourage the staff of the level of work expected from them.

Two smaller “quiet rooms” can be used if more privacy is needed, but there are no power outlets and the seating is much less comfortable.

“It’s not made to be a place where you can work all day,” McCoy said. “It’s strictly for a short period of time.”

And the ceilings are painted to match the colors of the brand standard the CVB rolled out a few years ago.

The design of the new office space was exactly what the CVB staff had envisioned. There also is space for future expansion if more staff is needed.

“It accomplished what we wanted, which was a collaborative work space,” McCoy said.

Jennie Bradford Curlee, the CVB’s public relations and international sales director, said the new office, “really lends itself to creativity, and it will help us sell more things and let us be more creative in everything we’re doing. We’re just thrilled to be in the space.” dennis.seid@journalinc.com Twitter: @dennisseid

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DID YOU KNOW?

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ADVANTAGES OF A COLLABORATIVE OFFICE • Teamwork over competition. Collaborative workspaces give teams the opportunity to work with each other and strive toward common goals and objectives. What is more, these kinds of work environments foster friendship and camaraderie within the workplace.

• Melting pot for new ideas. Working alongside people from different fields and different backgrounds can bring a lot of fresh perspective to your work. Many times, your co-workers can look at the problems and challenges you face and tackle it from another, unexpected angle. Likewise, you can bring a fresh perspective to the work of others as well.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2018

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2018

Expansion pitched for BancorpSouth Conference Center

and and the conference center opened in November 2006.

Though the project carries A $14 million renovation a significant price tag, Shelton plan for the city’s event arena said no tax increase will be and conference center has the needed to service the debt on support of Tupelo Mayor Jason the necessary bonds.

Shelton.

In seeking to win the support Shelton said the goal is to of the City Council, Shelton transform the BancorpSouth touted the significance of the Arena and Conference Center arena for the local economy. into “more of a premier venue.”

“You’re talking about a facilAccording to information ity with hundreds of thousands presented to the Tupelo City of people and millions of dolCouncil, the bulk of that money lars going through there every would go toward a significant year,” Shelton said. expansion of the BancorpSouth Arena director Todd Hunt exConference Center, which is plained that despite its success, located next to the arena. limitations hamper the potenThe arena and currently extial for future growth. isting conference center would “The facility has far exceeded also see some overdue mainany expectations anyone had,” tenance, as well as receiving Hunt said. “But we’ve hit a some upgrades and additional plateau.” amenities.

Under the plans currently The arena was built in 1993 under consideration, the conBY CALEB BEDILLION BUSINESS JOURNAL

ference center would expand by about 15,000 square feet, nearly doubling the available space.

This expansion would move the building’s footprint further to the west, toward what is now parking space.

A covered breezeway connecting the arena and conference center is also contemplated.

Increased space should allow the city to attract more and larger conferences, Hunt said.

He does not anticipate that the expansion plan would require any increase of the arena’s budget or staffing levels.

No one on the council indicated opposition, though some indicated a desire for more information before reaching a final stance.

“I’m on board, but not right now to support that kind of money,” said Ward 6 Council-

man Mike Bryan.

Council President Markel Whittington, based upon the apparent consensus, instructed the mayor’s administration to continue the necessary work required to move forward, with a final vote on the issue set to occur at a later date.

to Northeast Mississippi on October 9, 1993.

Since that time it has undergone countless upgrades and renovations, from both the physical nature of the facility to the way it is being used today.

BancorpSouth took on the naming rights in 1999, dubbing it the BancorpSouth Center ARENA HISTORY and later (as it is now known), The $16.5 million arena was the BancorpSouth Arena in built on the grounds of the 2006. With the refresh came a former Tupelo Downtown Mall, new look for the structure for a 300,000-square-foot derelict its 20th anniversary in 2013, property. City leaders bought replacing the original green and the building and 27 acres of gray tone to the contemporary land for nearly $3 million in burgundy and cream color that 1988 and formed a committee now welcomes visitors from all to study the feasibility of an en- over. tertainment complex in a town The arena took over operaof (then) 30,000 people. The tion of the conference center in Tupelo Coliseum project was 2014, and the number of events announced in late 1990 and per year jumped from 100 to was brought to life by JESCO 130 to an average of 550 events Inc. The arena opened its doors per year.

REPORT: Face-to-face meetings and events bolster economy FOR THE BUSINESS JOURNAL

WASHINGTON – Face-to-face meetings and events play an integral role in bolstering the national economy and key business sectors, according to a new report from Oxford Economics, commissioned by the Events Industry Council and supported by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and other industry partners.

Data for the report was compiled through a nationwide survey of meeting planners, exhibitors and venues and represents almost 9,000 domestic business travelers, almost 50,000 international air travelers and 11,000 hotels.

“Our report illustrates that the meetings and events industry continues to grow across all segments as it contributes hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the U.S. economy and sup-

ports 5.9 million jobs,” said Adam Sacks, founder and president of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company.

“Notably in 2016, meetings generated $325 billion of direct spending and $845 billion in business sales. These numbers represent a contribution of $446 billion in GDP and $104 billion of federal, state and local taxes. The total tax impact was $879 per U.S. household.”

In total, 1.9 million meetings were held in 2016, with 251 million participants. On average, the direct spending associated with 43 meeting participants supported one U.S. job, including both direct and indirect impacts.

Meetings supported more direct jobs than many large manufacturing sectors, including machinery, food, auto, and chemicals. It sustained more jobs than the telecommunications and oil and gas extraction industries as well.

Results show that every dollar spent on face-to-face meetings and events generates an additional $1.60 in benefits for the U.S. economy.

Results show that every dollar spent on face-to-face meetings and events generates an additional $1.60 in benefits for the U.S. economy.

Direct spending on meetings expanded 23 percent between 2009 and 2016, primarily due to increases in the number of meeting participants.

Business services was the industry

most impacted by meetings in 2016, with $196.3 billion in total economic output. The finance, insurance and real estate industry followed with $141.1 billion in total economic output, followed by the manufacturing industry with $92.6 billion in total output.

Other industries that were positively impacted by face-to-face meetings and events include: • Food & Beverage: Meeting organizers and hosts spent $48 billion to provide food and beverage services at meetings.

• Hotels & Lodging: Meetings generated 300 million room nights annually, representing nearly $50 billion of spending on accommodations.

• Travel & Tourism: Meetings-related travel expenses represented 13.2 percent of total travel and tourism spending in the U.S.

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Some vacation-planning strategies, from websites to haggling

BY BETH J. HARPAZ ASSOCIATED PRESS

Natasha Rachel Smith was good at math as a teenager and intrigued by personal finance. As an adult, she was determined to turn “marketing techniques on their head.”

Today, she works for TopCashback. com, which offers rebates and other deals to consumers who make purchases through the website – including for travel.

The Associated Press asked Smith to share vacation-planning strategies along with some insights into how TopCashback works.

AP

Natasha Rachel Smith works for TopCashback.com, which offers rebates to consumers who make purchases through the website, including for travel.

THE FLIGHT

For a last-minute winter getaway, Smith’s first stop for booking was Skyscanner.com, where you can input your departure airport without putting

in a destination. She then looked for whatever the cheapest fares were to anywhere from her home airport.

Instead of searching for exact dates, you can search flights on Skyscanner for a whole month or for the cheapest month. Smith liked a $220 round-trip to the Bahamas.

To book the flight, Smith then went to TopCashback.com and chose Flighthub.com from among TopCashback’s participating vendors. Flighthub. com listed the flight she wanted for the same $220 price, but on top of that she got a $15 rebate through Flighthub’s partnership with TopCashback. Minus the rebate, the flight cost $205.

Just be aware: It can take up to 90 days for rebate money to show up in your TopCashback account, at which point you can have the money returned to your PayPal or checking account, or apply it to a gift card, perhaps getting

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additional cash in the form of a bonus.

In four years of making purchases this way, Smith says, “I’ve earned $2,500 just by doing my regular spending.”

LODGING & TRANSPORTATION Next, the hotel. Smith compared hotels in the Bahamas through vendors like Hotels.com on TopCashback and decided prices were high. Instead, she booked an Airbnb, $400 for four nights as opposed to $200-$300 per night for a hotel.

To figure out ground transport for any trip, Smith compares car rental prices with Uber, Lyft and taxi fees. On another trip, this one to Barbados, she asked her Airbnb host what she should expect to pay to get to her lodging from TURN TO PLANNING, 6

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2018

MARCH 2018

Mississippi has much to offer for visitors and residents Arizona.

We usually travel once a year to a city where an agency hosts, and the other meeting is held elsewhere like Chicago, Key West and San Francisco to name a few. The irony is that it doesn’t TY ROBINSON matter where we have wice a year I attend the meeting because the an Agency Manmajority of the time is agement Institute spent in a hotel confermeeting. These ence room. meetings are held all Is this phrase familiar? across the United States. “I’ve lived here most We have agency partners of my life and pass this in Austin; Costa Mesa, attraction on a regular California; Denver; Des basis, but I’ve never Moines; Hammond, stopped there.” I hear Louisiana.; Houston; that a lot on the AMI Minneapolis; New York; trips. And I hear it from Pewaukee, Wisconsin.; time-to-time at Kiwanis San Diego; and Tempe, Club of Tupelo meetings.

T

When Dick Guyton, executive director of the Elvis Presley Birthplace, asks a group in Tupelo how many have never been to the birthplace, there are usually a few hands that go up.

I’ve asked visiting parents of soccer players at Ballard Park if they’ve visited the Oren Dunn Museum. It makes a nice respite from the elements blowing across the fields. I’m appreciative of the receptions held at the Tupelo Automobile Museum. It is truly an incredible collection.

Lodges of the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society for the Boy Scouts of America,

Planning

From a cultural perspective, she added, in many countries “it is expected that you’ll negotiate.” Tourists are alFROM 5 ready charged more than locals because other places she was likely to spend they’re perceived as having wealth, she time, for example, an area with restau- said. That doesn’t mean you need to be rants. Her host said cabs would run cheap; it just means deciding “what is around $10 Bajan or $5 U.S., so when a reasonable and fair.” local taxi driver told her to set her own As for tipping, research local expecprice for a fare, that’s what she offered. tations. Tipping 15 to 20 percent is norThe driver accepted, though he told her mal in New York but in some places, 5 he thought she was underpaying a bit. to 10 percent is the norm. And in many A different driver on another day asked regions of the world, like parts of Asia, for $15, and she opted to walk instead. tipping is simply not done.

TIPS AND HAGGLING

Smith says travelers shouldn’t be reluctant to negotiate prices, whether they’re getting a cab or buying from a vendor in a market.

“It’s just a business transaction,” Smith said. “You aren’t trying to take advantage of someone as much as you are looking for a fair price.” If your offer is too low, it won’t be accepted, but do your homework so you’re in the ballpark. And be prepared to walk away if the vendor rejects your price.

ETC. ...

• Look at bonus points and partnerships offered by credit cards and loyalty programs. Smith signed up for the American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card, which gave her 50,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 within three months.

• All-inclusive resorts typically include alcohol and food along with lodging, and can be a great way to save money especially if you’re planning a vacation where you want to lounge by the pool sipping a cocktail.

put together a guide for troops of where to go camping. Some spots are more destination oriented. If you want to see a NASA rocket, Huntsville is the place to go. But if you’re working on Astronomy merit badge, that can very easily done at the French Camp Observatory, which is in Mississippi. Why camp far away when there are activities close to home?

The state parks of Mississippi have a lot to offer.

In my last trip with AMI, I was in Austin. I got there early enough that I had a few hours to look around before our evening dinner started.

So I pulled out my iP-

hone and started looking at what was there. I found a house where the author O. Henry lived. I stopped by and learned a lot. I was familiar with O. Henry because I’d read “Gift of the Magi” in Debbie Gibbs’ English class in 10th grade.

What I didn’t realize is that most of his works were written while he was in jail, and that he created the original character of the Cisco Kid that was later changed for radio and movies.

I noticed a lot of similarities on the O. Henry house to Elvis Presley’s birthplace and the Tennessee Williams home in Columbus. And, I was

a de facto Mississippi ambassador of tourism as others asked me about them. Hopefully, they’ll come see for themselves.

I’m proud to be a Mississippian. There is a lot to see in our state, and there’s a lot I need to see. There’s a lot that can been seen in just a day’s drive, and there’s a lot that can be found right here. I want to tell the Mississippi story because I want more people to know what a great resource we have.

TY ROBINSON is president and COO of Robinson and Associates, a Tupelo-based marketing, advertising and public relations agency.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Mississippi Hills Community Grant Program enters third year

MARY CATES WILLIAMS

T

he Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area will be announcing grants awarded through its third annual Community Grant round on March 20, at the Mississippi Hills Exhibit Center in Tupelo.

Established by Congress in 2009, MHNHA is one of only 49 federally-designated heritage areas in the United States. The heritage area covers all or parts of 30 counties in the northeastern part of the state, and its boundaries as set forth in the enabling legislation are the Tennessee and Alabama state lines to the north and east, Interstate 55 to the west and state highway 14 to the south.

U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker were highly instrumental in the

establishment of MHNHA, as was the Mississippi Development Authority-Tourism Division, University of Mississippi, CREATE Foundation and Appalachian Regional Commission.

The Mississippi Hills works as a local-state-federal partnership. As established by law, the local coordinating entity for MHNHA is the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance, which was formed in 2004 with over 50 local, state and federal Founding Partners.

Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area is a 30-county area in North Mississippi working together to preserve, enhance, interpret and promote the cultural and heritage assets of the hills region. The exhibit center, which is located in downtown Tupelo, displays little-known facts about Mississippi Hills’s legends and offers an abundance of information on attractions and things to do throughout the region.

Today, the Alliance is sustained in part by federal funding received through the National Park Service, which also plays a key supervisory and technical assistance role.

The Alliance is supported

including the University of Mississippi’s Department of Archives & Special Collections, Chickasaw Inkana Foundation, Tupelo CVB, Old Tishomingo County Courthouse and L.Q.C. Lamar Foundation.

Grant funds have supported a range of projects, including website redesigns for the Columbus and DeSoto County CVBs that enabled them to showcase their cultural heritage assets.”

The Alliance is continuing its Community Grant Program in 2018, and although flash, small and large – rangthe submission deadline for ing in amounts from $1,000 flash, small and large grants to $20,000. Applications are has just passed, applications reviewed and ranked by an for education grants can be independent review commit- submitted year-round. tee based on clearly-defined Awardees for the current criteria, which are closely year will be announced at a linked to goals and objectives ceremony following the Allioutlined in the heritage area’s ance’s next quarterly board Management Plan, which was meeting, which will be held March 20. approved by NPS in 2014.

Contact Alliance Executive With awards totaling more Director Mary Cates Wilthan $115,000 in its first liams for more information year and over $137,000 in its about the community grant second year, the Communiprogram at (662) 816-2272 or ty Grant Program has been marycates@mshills.org. highly successful.

We have been pleased to be able to award grants to MARY CATES WILLIAMS is execua variety of organizations tive director of the Mississippi Hills throughout the heritage area, National Heritage Alliance.

Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area is a 30-county area in North Mississippi working together to preserve, enhance, interpret and promote the cultural and heritage assets of the hills region. The exhibit center, which is located in downtown Tupelo, displays little-known facts about Mississippi Hills’s legends and offers an abundance of information on attractions and things to do throughout the region. in its work by the National Heritage Area division of the NPS Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta, and also by the Natchez Trace Parkway, headquartered in Tupelo.

Our federal funding must be matched dollar-for-dollar by local and state funds or in-kind contributions. The Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area has received strong ongoing financial support from the Mississippi State Legislature and MDA Tourism Division, as well as our dues-paying members.

The Alliance launched its Community Grant Program in 2016, and offers four different grants – education,

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2018

Trey Trapp

Bill Smith

Bruce Welch

113 S. Industrial Rd. Tupelo, MS 662.844.1560

sandra.hendrix@journalinc.com

Phone (662) 678-1552

1242 South Green Street, Tupelo, MS 38804

ASK A PROFESSIONAL

If you have any questions concerning you and your family, contact the advertiser or call, or write:

113 Robins St. Tupelo, MS | 662.841.2692

It is a privilege to be an American and we protect that freedom when we: Amy Pietrowski 1)Vote, 2) Serve in the military, 3) Serve on jury duty.

The Sixth Amendment of the Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury in criminal cases. A jury is a pool of American citizens within the community of the accused.

Jurors are randomly selected and assigned. At the first showing jurors are subject to a review process called ‘voir dire’ (to speak the truth). The prosecutor and defense ask the jurors questions to make sure they do not have any personal bias that would affect their verdicts.

Citizens take part in assuring justice is done and that our form of government “by the people” endures.

After both sides have presented their case the jury deliberates and discusses in private the findings of the Court and then come to one common conclusion.

Amy Pietrowski is a former United States Marine Corps GulfWar veteran, she has yet to serve as a juror.

How does a jury work in a criminal case?

LAW

Sunshine Health Food Store

Olive leaf extract is an herbal supplement that has been shown to be effective against virtually all the viruses and bacteria on which it has been tested.

Olive leaf extract interferes with viral infection by rendering the virus or bacteria incapable of infecting cells or preventing them from reproducing. It has been shown to help protect against such viruses as HIV, herpes viruses, and influenza viruses. It is also useful against pneumonia, strep throat, sinusitis, and fungal (candida) and bacterial infections. Olive leaf also can improve energy levels in “fatigue” type disorders such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. With the coming of exotic new viruses and the evolution of microbes resistant to the drugs we used for the last fifty years, we have never needed an alternative therapy more. Olive leaf extract is an effective natural and nontoxic way to actually eliminate the viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other parasites that cause disease.

My family and I suffer year round from colds and infections in our heads and chests. Our family is never well and we’re sick and tired of being sick and tired. Is there a supplement we can take to help improve our immune systems?

HEALTH FOOD

Jamie Gunnells, R.Ph.

If you would like to feature your business in Ask A Pro call the Advertising Department at The Journal (662) 842-2611.

SHOWCASE YOUR EXPERTISE

499 Gloster Creek Village, Suite A2 – Tupelo, MS 38801 – 662.620.6800

Plumbing problems in the heart, or clogged arteries usually present Dr. Murray Estess with chest tightness, shortness of breath, typically with exertion, however may also present with associated pain down the left arm, or radiating to the neck. Symptoms are usually relieved with rest. Persistent symptoms lasting over 15 minutes warrant urgent attention, as these may be signs of heart attack. Electrical problems of the heart typically present with palpitations. Occasional fluttering sensations in the chest are not uncommon and usually not severe in nature, however rapid heart rates or rates associated with chest pain, significant shortness of breath or passing out should be taken seriously and medical attention is needed urgently. Structural problems such as heart pump failure or valve dysfunction typically present with shortness of breath that may be worse when laying down or exercising and may be associated with feet swelling. These symptoms should prompt a further testing and evaluation.

What types of symptoms should make me see a cardiologist?

CARDIOLOGY

86 S Thomas St. Tupelo, MS 662.844.0444

The short answer is yes. It is ok to place back in the fridge and continue to use until the course of therapy is completed. Antibiotic suspensions have a short shelf life usually 14 days and are stored as a dry powder until ready to use. Once the water is added at the pharmacy the clock starts ticking. Over time the potency of the antibiotic declines and in some antibiotics the cold temperature delays the decline in potency. After 14 days you never want to use a reconstituted antibiotic.

Leaving an antibiotic that should be refrigerated out on the counter even for a full day only minimally speeds up the decline in potency. So instead of a good 14 days of full potency you may only have 12-13 days. Even at day 13 and 14 the reduction in potency is small and still therapeutic. If you have more questions call Thomas Street Apothecary, where the pharmacy is local again…

I left my child’s liquid antibiotic sitting out on the counter all day instead of putting it back in the refrigerator.

Is the medicine still ok?

MEDICINE

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2309 Hwy 145 Saltillo, MS | 662.869.3656

February 9-16 is recognized as tree planting week in Mississippi. However, we feel late fall through early spring is best in Northern Mississippi. Trees are dormant during this period and will have time to establish roots before summer begins.

When is the best time to plant trees in our area?

LANDSCAPING

O: 662.840.3018 l C: 662.808.0269 l F: 888.212.5287

106 East Main Street | Suite A | Tupelo, MS

First, I would advise everyone to consult with a tax professional. That being said, as a financial advisor, there are a couple of options that I can recommend to lower your tax liability. The first option would be to increase the amount you are contributing to your 401(k) as this is generally taken out pre-tax, thereby reducing your taxable income. For 2018, the 401(k) contribution limit is $18,500 with a $6,000 catch-up contribution for those over 50 years old. Also, be sure to fully contribute to your Traditional IRA as this money is tax deductible.

The basic limit is $5,500 per year but does also include a catch-up contribution as well of $1,000 per year.

Lastly, donate to charity. What better way to save on taxes than to help out those less fortunate than you.

Is there anything else I can do to reduce my income taxes that I’m not doing now?

FINANCE

505 Robins St.Tupelo, MS| 662.842.5080

There are many connections Tom Kellum, DDS between oral health and other health conditions: Oral health is Dan Kellum, DDS essential to general health and well-being at every stage of life. A healthy mouth enables not only nutrition of the physical body, but also enhances social interaction and promotes self-esteem and feelings of well-being.

Oral disease is the most widespread chronic disease, despite being highly preventable. There are three important facts when considering the connections: 1. Oral health issues and major diseases share common risk factors.

2. General health problems may cause or worsen oral health conditions.

3. Studies show poor oral health is significantly associated with major chronic diseases such as Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, dementia, adverse pregnancy outcomes, aspiration pneumonia, stomach ulcers, oral cancers and obesity.

Your oral health is so important!! Don’t neglect caring for your teeth and periodontal health!!

Is there a connection between oral health and other health conditions?

DENTISTRY

PROFESSIONAL

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DR. JOSEPH JOHNSEY, was recently elected chairman of the North Mississippi Medical Center medical staff for 2018.

Johnsey is an emergency medicine physician on staff at NMMC. Johnsey has more than 14 years of Johnsey experience in health care operations and emergency medicine.

He graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1996. He received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson in 2002. He completed his emergency medicine residency at Washington University/ Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., in 2006.

He currently is the medical director for North Mississippi Health Services Emergency Medical Services ground service.

He is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and is board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He is a member of the National Association of EMS Physicians, the Association of Air Medical Physicians, the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Association

of Physician Executives.

TERESA BALLARD was recently named Employee of the Month at North Mississippi Medical Center.

Ballard, unit coordinator on 5 West, joined NMMC in 2000 and previously worked on 3 South and 1 Ballard West before assuming her current role.

She attended the University of North Alabama before earning her licensed practical nursing certification from Bevill State Community College.

SANDY BOHN was recently named North Mississippi Medical Clinics December Employee of the Month.

Bohn, an LPN, works at Okolona Medical Clinic.

She joined the clinic system in Bohn 2007 at Med Serve, and transferred to Okolona Medical Clinic in 2012. She is a graduate of Hatley High School and received LPN certification from Itawamba Community College in 2001. She is also a certified CPR instructor.

NEWSMAKERS

KELLY MCCREIGHT, CEO of Hamilton-Ryker, has been named Chairman of the Board for the American Staffing Association.

In 1971, his father founded a light industrial staffing firm that later became Hamilton-Ryker.

McCreight began working for Hamilton-Ryker nearly 25 years ago. Since then, Kelly has worked from the ground up to become CEO. In 2013 McCreight was appointed to the ASA board of directors and in October 2017 elected chairman of the board.

TZ WATERS of Tupelo, lead workforce instructor with Itawamba Community College, is a recent graduate of the Mississippi Development Authority Ambassadors program.

The program encourages the development of collaboration skills to address communities’ challenges.

One of the goals of the Ambassadors program is to convey to community members how critical Waters teamwork and participation are to a city or town.

The program is designed to show a way for communities to become more attractive to employers, families, individuals and visitors.

Waters was a part of the

MARCH 2018 |

Monroe County group, whose project focused on a partnership with six competing financial institutions who partnered with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce to hold homeowner workshops. Their purpose is to educate prospective homeowners about how to purchase a home and to allow them to meet bankers and mortgage specialists who can provide guidance.

A native of Singapore, Waters earned the Bachelor of Science degree in biological engineering and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Mississippi State University. She has been living in Mississippi since 1991. Waters has taught workforce classes in the area of ergonomics, lean manufacturing, quality management and Asian business culture.Before she joined the Itawamba Community College staff, Waters worked in the furniture manufacturing industry for about seven years in engineering and quality management

the examination and career development criteria set by the Fraternal Field Managers Association.

R. CARTER NAUGHER, a native of Pontotoc, has joined BNA Bank as President of its Lee county banking operations, and DONNIE KISNER of Tupelo has joined BNA Bank as Senior Vice President of Lee County.

Naugher, a graduate of Mississippi State University, The Mississippi School Naugher of Banking at Ole Miss and Graduate School of Banking at LSU, has over 30 years of experience in banking.

Kisner Kisner, a graduate of the University of Mississippi and The Graduate School of Banking at LSU, also has over STEVEN R. BRADLEY II of Mooreville, a Modern Woodmen 30 years of banking experiof America representative, has ence. attained the Fraternal InsurBNA Bank has over $500 million is assets with apance Counselor designation.

The FIC title is an educaproximately 850 shareholders serving Northeast Mississippi tional designation that can be earned by career life insurance thru offices in Union, Lee and representatives associated with Lafayette counties. fraternal insurance societTISH IRWIN AND CYNTHIA ies. Representatives devote DUKE, Right at Home caregivmore than one year to meet

ers, have each been nominated for the 2018 Right at Home Caregiver of the Year Award.

They were recognized out of an estimated 15,000 caregivers throughout the United States.

Now 156 nominated caregivers will compete for a Regional Award and National Award.

JAY FISHER recently joined Renasant Bank as Business Development Officer.

Fisher has been with Renasant since November, serving as Business Development Officer in Starkville.

Before joining Renasant, he served 25 years in the United States Air Force retiring as a colonel Fisher with his last assignment as part of the leadership of Columbus Air Force Base.

In his new role with Renasant, Fisher will be responsible for continuing relationship building and fostering client success through direct contact and maintaining a lending portfolio.

He attended Mississippi State University, graduating with a political science degree.

He also attended the Air Force’s in-residence degree granting institution at Maxwell Air Force Base, earning a Master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science.

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What do you do when it all goes wrong?

I

DAVID HENSON

have had successful businesses as well as complete failures, and both sets of circumstances have their challenges. Starting and maintaining a successful business is difficult, to say the least, but shutting down a business is hard.

Bookstores are full of books about entrepreneurship, how to start a business, how to grow a business, etc. What I don’t see on the shelf are books about what to do when it all goes south. Shutting down a business is a counter-intuitive exercise since businesses are not established in a way that makes them easy to take apart. But when it has to be done, it has to be done, messy or not. There are many sides to the issue, especially for entrepreneurs.

A common problem can be our old friend, Mr. Ego. He can really muddy the water. He will tell you to hang on when you

know in your heart it’s time to pull the plug and move on. He can also attempt to take you down with the ship.

I’ll never forget a friend and supplier to a company I owned, which was shutting down. He said, “Henson, your business may have failed, but that does not mean you have. You are no less of a business man, father, parent or friend.” Those words have stayed with me through both successes and failures. If you find yourself in this position, I have a few fundamental suggestions.

• Separate yourself from your business. All businesses go through cycles. If you own a small or family business, there will come a time when you have to make a course correction.

It could be because of market conditions, family members, technology, your health or any one of a thousand other factors.

That adaption may be a minor adjustment, or it could be a complete shutdown. Whatever it is, it will be easier if you don’t have your identity tied up in your business. You are not your business. It may be a reflection of you, but that’s where it stops.

• Surround yourself with objective people who care enough about you to hurt your feelings, if that’s what it takes to help. If

there was ever a place entrepreneurs did not need to be alone, in the middle of a shutdown would be No. 1. The tendency for most entrepreneurs is to go dark and isolate. It’s natural and easy to do, but don’t do it! Put

Shutting down a business is a counter-intuitive exercise since businesses are not established in a way that makes them easy to take apart. But when it has to be done, it has to be done, messy or not. There are many sides to the issue, especially for entrepreneurs. your big boy pants on and ask for help, but it can’t be just any help. Seek out experts in the field in which you need help. If possible, find somebody who has been down this path before.

• Integrity is essential. Be as transparent as is appropriate.

Do what you need to do to complete the exit and do it as quickly as possible, but do it in

a way that you can look yourself in the mirror when all is said and done.

• Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Fake it till you make it. Whistle through the graveyard, just keep doing whatever you can do given the resources at your disposal. The capacity to keep doing what can be done can be the difference between a setback and a disaster. In a time like this, entrepreneurs can lock up and go into a work paralysis – put your head down and keep moving.

• Don’t deny the inevitable.

If you know a consequence is coming, accept it and plan for it. Be relentless when it comes to the truth.Be intolerant of pink elephants. Don’t build a plan based on fabrication. It seems every time I faced disappointing consequences, when I spread it out, it’s never as bad as I thought it was going to be.

• Sunk value syndrome: We tend to tell ourselves not to give up now because we have already put so much money and effort into the business, why not go a little further. That is failed thinking. Think of every new dollar invested as capital for your next venture. Money already spent is almost never a good reason to invest more.

• Prepare yourself for surpris-

es from staff. Shutting down a business can bring out the worst in employees, but it can also bring out their best. When the heat is really turned up, people can do strange things.

Don’t be surprised if a few run for the hills or worse. In both times I have had to shut down a business most of my employees demonstrated tremendous loyalty and support in ways that would make most men cry, at least I hope so, because I did.

• Repeat all of the above as often as it takes.

Remember: You can survive more than you think. Although it may feel like it, you are not the first person to have to reboot his/her career, nor will you be the last. This is one more chapter in your life book, not the last. Own your mistakes but don’t let them define you.

Mistakes are not failures unless you repeat them. Apply what you have learned and move forward. Now let’s get started on that new mousetrap.

DAVID HENSON is the owner of Sycamore Real Estate. He grew up in a family owned furniture manufacturing business and has been successful in the industry for 40 years. Henson teaches a leadership class at Itawamba Community College focusing on family business dynamics and entrepreneurial leadership.

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MARCH 2018

See if Health Savings Accounts are right for you

O

CHRIS COLE

ne of the biggest hot-button issues facing our country is the rising cost of healthcare. In the past 20 years, the Consumer Price Index has grown at an average annual rate of 2.2 percent, while medical care prices have grown at an average annual rate of 3.6 percent, or about 70 percent faster. While this has led to greater outof-pocket costs for most Americans, it also has focused attention a savings

vehicle known as a Health Savings Account, which was introduced in 2003.

It may be appropriate for you if you are eligible to fund one.

An HSA is a tax-advantaged account that works in conjunction with a high-deductible health plan. Over the past decade in particular, many companies that provide a health coverage benefit have gone to a high-deductible health plan to help control the rise in health care premiums.

A high-deductible plan is “catastrophic” health coverage that pays benefits after you have satisfied a high annual deductible. For 2018, the annual deductible for an HSA-qualified high deductible plan must be at least $1,350 for individual coverage and $2,700

for family coverage.

Once this deductible is satisfied, the high-deductible plan provides comprehensive coverage.

But you may still owe co-payments or coinsurance costs until you reach the plan’s annual out-ofpocket limit. HSAs can be used for many types of medical expenses, including prescriptions drugs, eyeglasses, deductibles and copayments. IRS Publication 502 contains a list of all eligible expenses.

Lower premiums, higher deductibles, multiple tax benefits: Because you are shouldering a greater portion of your health care costs, you will usually pay a lower premium for a high-deductible plan. This can allow for you to contribute the savings into an

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HSA. You may be able to use pre-tax dollars to fund your HSA if you contribute via payroll deduction through your employer.

Interest and earnings on your HSA contributions grow tax free. Your withdrawals will also be tax free if used for qualified medical expenses.

Who is eligible?

Most individuals with a high-deductible health plan are eligible to set up an HSA. But you generally won’t be eligible if you are already covered by another health plan. You are also not eligible if you are enrolled in Medicare or if someone else claims you as a dependent on their tax return.

Contribution limits: For 2018, eligible individuals can contribute up to $3,450

a year for individual coverage, and $6,900 for family coverage. If you are 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 a year as a catch-up contribution.

You can make contributions up to April 15 of the following year.

Portable savings tool: HSAs can also be a powerful savings tool. Unlike some flexible spending accounts, HSAs do not have a use-it-or-lose-it provision. Funds not used for medical expenses roll over from year to year.

And, because the account belongs to the individual, you can keep it if you change jobs.

Investment options: HSAs offer several savings and investment options.

They may include interest-earning accounts,

MARCH 2018

such as savings account and money markets, or investment accounts such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. As with any other investment account, it is important to consider your overall investment strategy when deciding how to allocate funds.

Funds invested in assets that offer the potential for higher growth also have higher risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Hilliard Lyons does not give tax or legal advice.

You should consult your tax advisor or an attorney before taking any action that might affect your taxes or legal rights.

CHRIS COLE is a Chartered Wealth Advisor and vice president of Hilliard Lyons in Tupelo.

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BANKPLUS

RELICS MARKETPLACE

BankPlus celebrated the opening of its third Tupelo branch at 3993 N Gloster St. with a ribbon cutting. For over 100 years, BankPlus has served the people and businesses of Mississippi, offering cutting-edge services and products coupled with the best in customer service and customer care. For more information visit bankplus.net or call (662) 407-2585.

In celebration of its grand opening in the historic Tupelo Garment Company building, Relics Marketplace held a ribbon cutting. Located at 248 S Green St in downtown Tupelo, Relics Marketplace hosts over 60 vendor spaces offering an eclectic mix of antique pieces, handmade, repurposed and vintage items. Follow Relics Marketplace on Facebook and Instagram or call (662) 260-5228 for more information.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2018

MARCH 2018

Business Directory G IFTS

FURNITURE

I N S U L AT I O N

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Everything for

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662-844-1306

Fine Furniture, Fabrics, & Flooring

104 St. Andrews Rd • Okolona, MS • (662)447-3711

3166 West Jackson, Tupelo, MS

KENNELS

LOCKSMITH

R E S TA U R A N T

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

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

brddgs@gmail.com www.dalinskennel.com

(662) 842-7720

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

1219 ⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO 1

Roofing

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Party Trays for all Occasions!

Technology

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

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709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

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

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ONLINE

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PHILLIP WILBURN

Multimedia/Inside Sales Consultant phillip.wilburn@journalinc.com PO Box 909 Tupelo, MS | 38802-0909 1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804

Phone 662.678.1530 or 1.800.270.2614 ext.530 Fax 662.620.8301

1242 S Green St Tupelo, MS 38804 Phone: 662-842-2611 Email: info@journalinc.com

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Business Directory A PA R T M E N T S

AUTOMOTIVE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

BANK

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B ATH R EMODELING

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662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

Bath Remodeling Shower Remodeling Tub-To-Shower Conversion Bathroom Accessories Handicap Accessible

Bank Of Okolona Okolona

P.O. Box 306 • Okolona, Mississippi 38860

(662) 447-5403 Bank of Mantee

54 1st Street • Mantee, Mississippi

(662) 456-5341

321 W. Madison St. • Houston, Mississippi

(662) 456-3347

Calhoun Banking Center

200 S. Pontotoc Rd. • Bruce, Mississippi

(662) 983-3700

www.bankofokolona.com

BUILDING SUPPLIES Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Ph: (662) 365-7021

(662) 365-8902 N H A R Fax: Y D W WA & L D SUPPLY, RE A INC. B

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2015 McCullough Blvd. • Tupelo, MS 38801

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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

Robbie Parker - Owner & Director 24 Hour Wrecker Service

6 Weeks - 12662-728-0524 Years Junior Burns - Cell After School Program Available David Denson - Cell 662-416-5591 2541 McCullough Blvd.

• Tupelo, 100 W. Veterans Drive • Booneville,MS MS38801 38829

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620-9062 Phone 662-728-4459 • Fax (662) 728-4150

COMMERCIAL PLUMBING

C ONCRETE

RH PLUMBING, INC. 224 Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652

662-534-4448

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

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305

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