Business Journal 20120601

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

JUNE 2012

Banks reach out to Japanese customers Page 2 C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

Bank liaisons help Japanese clients adjust

BY CARLIE KOLLATH BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Mieko Kikuchi is a banker, but she still takes time to stop and fold an origami bird for a customer’s daughter.

Kikuchi, who works out of Renasant Bank’s premier banking division in Fairpark, one day last month knelt in front of the shy little girl and showed her how a piece of paper could be transformed into a bird with flapping wings.

It’s one of the many Kikuchi things that Kikuchi does as a Japanese liaison for Renasant.

Renasant and BancorpSouth both added Japanese liaisons after Toyota announced in 2007 it was building its newest manufacturing Richardson facility near Blue Springs.

Renasant has Kikuchi and BancorpSouth hired Kumi Richardson. BancorpSouth also has a Japanese speaker –

Carlton Wall – employed at one of its branches.

“I try to make a bridge from Japanese culture to American culture,” Kikuchi said.

The two women work daily with Japanese families related to Toyota and its suppliers. They go to school appointments, doctor visits and driver’s license tests.

“Even if it’s a simple checkup, it’s intimidating for them,” Richardson said. “They can read and write much better than they can speak. ... They cannot constantly use a dictionary.”

She said it’s also easy to mix up unfamiliar abbreviations like “tsp.” and “tbsp.”

Kikuchi and Richardson translate and explain what is happening, to both the Americans and to the Japanese clients.

They are responsible for helping their clients navigate the American language and Southern culture.

And they help Americans understand the Japanese culture through various outreach efforts. They host etiquette classes and help their American colleagues navigate Japanese business protocol.

Plus, they are tasked with explaining the American banking system.

“Opening an account is one thing,” Richardson said. “How to manage it is another thing.”

The Japanese banking system is primarily based on cash, Kikuchi said. It’s common to carry around $1,000 in bills on a regular day. The Japanese banking system doesn’t use personal checks, and credit cards are only used for big purchases.

So, Kikuchi has mock-ups of checks that she shows her Japanese clients. She explains how the checks work and what to write on them. She also includes cheat sheets of how to write out “400” and other numbers on a check.

Richardson said she spends a lot of time explaining ATMs and how to deposit cash into them. In Japan, the machines don’t use envelopes, which is the opposite of the U.S. system.

It’s also very common for people in Japan to use their phone to pay for items.

Kikuchi pulls out her Hello Kitty-decorated smartphone to explain.

“When you are in Japan, your cellphone is connected to your bank account,” she said. “You scan your cellphone.”

Richardson and Kikuchi also spend time explaining the differences between checking accounts and savings accounts.

They said it’s important to define them as well as explain why the American system is the way it is. They also discuss online banking and what everything means.

And it’s important to answer questions again and again because of the Japanese clients’ sense of loyalty.

TURN TO JAPANESE, 17

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JP Morgan doesn’t represent all banks

ot all banks are created equal.

Case in point: JP Morgan, which has had its share of not-so-good news lately.

The bank lost $2 billion – with more on the way – because of hedging investments.

You’ll recall that hedging on those complex credit derivaDENNIS tives that few people can unSEID derstand, much less explain, nearly torpedoed the financial system a few years ago.

JP Morgan’s invested in an index of insurance-like products that protect against default by bond issuers.

Hedge funds bet that the index would lose value, which forced JP Morgan to sell the investments at a loss.

It happened four years ago, and the big, bad banks promised not to do that again.

Not after $700 billion in taxpayer bailouts.

Oops.

JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon admitted his company messed up, calling the bets “bad judgement,” “errors” and “mistakes.”

The banking industry has long resisted more regulatory oversight on derivative trading, and there’s a belief that even if legislation – the Volcker Rule – had passed as written, it wouldn’t have prevented what JP Morgan did.

Nevertheless, Dimon has lost quite a bit of credibility in his fight against more oversight.

While $2 billion seems to be a lot of money, remember that JP Morgan posted $19 billion in profit last year.

To put that in perspective, the combined assets of BancorpSouth and Renasant Bank don’t even total JP Morgan’s 2011 profit, much less its assets.

So when the press starts bad-mouthing “the banks,” remember that not all banks are the same. Main Street is not Wall Street or vice-versa.

BancorpSouth, Renasant, Community Bank, BNA, First M&F, etc., – banks you deal with on a daily basis – don’t make those risky bets. But they’re often lumped with those “bad banks.”

Close the deal

at Park Heights.

A business meeting like no other!

Private rooms available

335 East Main Street Fairpark District Historic Downtown Tupelo Lunch: M-F 11am-2pm Dinner: M-S 5:30-10pm 662-842-5665

www.parkheightsrestaurant.com

Over-regulation is a concern and a serious issue with community banks like the ones we have in Mississippi. They’re one the most regulated industries now, yet the government, because it sees no difference in large and small banks, lumps them together.

“What’s good for one is good for all” is Washington’s over-zealous train of

thought. It’s much like collective punishment: one or two bad kids means punishment for everybody.

Banks aren’t created equal. Mete out punishment as it fits.

DENNIS SEID is editor of the Business Journal.

Contact him at (662) 678-1578 or dennis.seid@journalinc.com.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

Cost of MBA teaches tough financial lesson

BY GAIL MARKSJARVIS MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

Joe Mihalic wasn’t thinking at all about how he was going to pay off student loans – which would end up totaling $101,000 – when he was accepted to Harvard Business School.

“I assumed all would take care of itself; that I would go to Harvard, get a highpaying job, and everything would be OK. I was completely naive.”

Then, when he graduated from Harvard with an MBA in 2009, got the six-figure job he wanted, bought a home and started paying $1,057 a month on his student loans each month, the naivete started to dissipate. Two years after graduating, he had paid $22,000 toward his loans and saw he still had $91,000 more to go due to accumulation of interest.

It was a shocking revelation, a signal that he was trapped with overwhelming debts that would control how he could live his life. Not only had he barely made a dent in the principal after two years of payments, but he had $42,000 in interest to pay over the next 10 to 15 years.

He never questioned the value of getting his Harvard MBA, and he liked his

job managing a business development division for Dell in Austin, Texas. But with debt payments arriving every month, he realized he had lost flexibility in his life.

He knew that if he lost his job it could be a disaster. He would have to think twice about rocking the boat at work, balking if he was overlooked for a promotion or taking a job that paid less even if it would allow him “to make a valuable contribution to the world.”

“I didn’t want a gun to my head every time I thought about this,” he said. “I felt trapped.”

It’s a revelation that few students contemplate as they apply for programs, said Sandy Kreisberg, an MBA admissions consultant. “All they want is to get into a top program.”

After acceptance, they might ask about financing, but most, like Mihalic, think an MBA will deliver wealth, and they need not fret about money, Kreisberg said.

That tends to be true of top MBA programs, although jobs have been more difficult to get since the 2008 financial crisis.

More top MBA programs are trying to help students with scholarships, and some compete for students with top GMAT scores by offering aid, said John

Byrne, editor of Poets & Quants. For example, Mihalic received $54,000 from Harvard.

But with costs of some top MBA programs about $300,000, based on a Poets & Quants analysis that includes living expenses and lost income from quitting a job, debt can be oppressive. And when considering MBA programs, pay attention to the effect of scholarships on cost, plus the job placement rates at each school, when applying, said Byrne.

LEVELS VARY

Levels of debt vary substantially between schools, even those in the top 10 or 20. At Harvard, Byrne said, the average MBA student in 2011 had $77,880 in debt, similar to Stanford at $77,599. The University of Pennsylvania’s The Wharton School was highest with $114,339. Sometimes top private colleges can help students more than public ones.

Despite high costs, Byrne said MBA students have the lowest default rates on student loans, about 20 percent. MBA graduates have the advantage of relatively high pay, with base salaries averaging $91,400 in 2011, said Byrne. PayScale Inc. put the median salary in 2012 for

MBA graduates at $83,500, but $136,000 for MBA graduates of the country’s top 30 business schools as ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek.

A higher salary allows students to take on substantial debt and live within a rule of thumb in education finance. That is: Borrow no more than what your first year of annual pay is likely to be.

In addition, it’s wise to stick with federal Perkins and Federal Grad PLUS Loans because they include forgiveness programs, such as limiting debt payments to 10 percent of a person’s income and forgiving debt that’s left after 20 years.

While those rules can take some pressure off students, Mihalic didn’t want to pay loans for 10 years. He put himself on an austere lifestyle. He sold a car, took in two roommates, stopped going to movies, didn’t take dates to dinner, skipped trips and friends’ weddings and even carried his own flask of liquor when he went to bars with friends.

He blogged about it, and in seven months he was debt-free except for his home. Now, he said, he’s so used to an austere lifestyle, it’s difficult for him to spend money.

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JUNE 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Premier Downtown Professional Office Space

our spacious parking lot you can find a full-service post office, four major

For leasing information, contact Justin Davis

Attractive Lease Rates

662.844.4408 justind@tscg.net

banks, dozens of restaurants and diverse retail shopping.

Space Available from Single Office up to 7,000 Square Feet

JUNE 2012

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ChamberConnection A publication of Journal Publishing and the CDF Chamber Division – JUNE 2012

Mississippi Scholars Graduates Recognized in Lee County

MOOREVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS

Mississippi Scholars graduates from Mooreville High School, Nettleton High School, Saltillo High School, and Shannon High School were recognized at awards ceremonies, throughout the month of May, for graduating with honors through participation in the Mississippi Scholars program.

For the fourth consecutive year, Lee County schools and Tupelo Middle School participated in the program, which is designed to motivate students to enroll in rigorous high school courses that will prepare them for college and careers.

“This program continues to be a great success in our area because it shows students the importance of graduating from high school, and gives them an understanding of how their education or training is directly linked to economic success in the future,” said Todd Beadles, vice president of workforce development for the Community Development Foundation. “Whether they plan to attend college or pursue a career, Mississippi Scholars emphasizes the importance of completing high school and having a plan.”

Each Mississippi Scholars 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 as a Mississippi Scholar.

The course of study for Mississippi Scholars includes four credits of English/Language Arts, four credits of Mathematics, four credits of Science, four credits of Social Studies, an art credit, and two credits of a Foreign Language. Additional expectations of Mississippi Scholars graduates include community service, 95% school attendance, a letter of recommendation from a principal or guidance counselor, and a 2.5 cumulative high school grade point average.

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

SALTILLO HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS

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AREA SCHOLARS MOOREVILLE HIGH Maggie Copeland Lynn Dunnam Olivia Fancher Chelsea Franklin Jorge Garcia Jordan Lee Sarah Mounce Michael Pate Megan Rowland Caleb Sanders Christa Sheffield Morgan Tharp Alexandria White

SHANNON HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS

SALTILLO HIGH Laken Bryson Chasidy Carr Sarah Childers Erica Dodd Dani Fraser Lexi Hill Connor Holiman Makel Hutchins Brittany Littlejohn Megan Lyons Christopher McKee Sadie Miller Kaley Moore Carley Noel Becky Parker Kevin Parker Rebekah Pate Catherine Plunk Danyelle Raines Ashlyn Swain Adam Wilbanks Maggie Wood

SHANNON HIGH Shondrika T. Cox Courtney N. Floyd Amber L. Frederick Latrina L. Gates Andrew J. Lamb Zederick D. Nabors Kelli N. Spearman

NETTLETON HIGH Robin Elizabeth Lindsey

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A CDF

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Chamber Focus Dear Friends: It was great to see so many of our members at the Annual Membership Meeting held last month. With over 1,100 attendees, it was perhaps the highest attended Annual Meeting in the history of CDF. Thank you to all of our member businesses that provided services to make it such an outstanding event. Also, thank you to all who attended. I hope that you left knowing that “With CDF, Your Future’s So Bright…We Gotta Wear Shades!” Be sure to check out the pictures on the back page of this issue that showcase the evening.

Congratulations to the new group of CDF Ambassadors for 2012-2013. Their orientation will be held next week. CDF Ambassadors are members from all professions and backgrounds who volunteer to provide a crucial link between CDF and its members.

Ads are currently being sold for the upcoming edition of Images Tupelo magazine. This publication is produced by our award-winning partner, Journal Communications, Inc. Images Tupelo targets potential residents and businesses by providing year-round exposure for advertisers through multiple avenues. For more information, please contact our office at (662) 842-4521.

SENIOR RX RIBBON CUTTING

Nominations are now being received for a new class for the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute (CLI). Nominees should possess leadership qualities, as demonstrated by past and current activities, possess a degree of motivation toward service in the community, and be representative of distinct elements of the community, i.e., geographic area, small business, industry, etc.

To date, 221 have graduated from CLI. If you would like to nominate someone, please call the CDF office or download the application from our website at www.cdfms.org.

Summer vacations are just beginning. However, your Chamber of Commerce never takes a vacation from serving you. Give us a call, if we can be of service to you.

Sincerely,

Vice President Chamber of Commerce

Community Development Foundation’s Board of Directors for 2012-2013

CDF is governed by a 60-member Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is composed of the CDF Officers and eleven additional members of the Board. CDF’s goals and objectives are accomplished through the efforts of members appointed to committees operating under one of CDF’s three divisions: Chamber Division, Economic Development Division, and Planning and Property Management Division.

2012-2013 Executive Committee David Copenhaver, Chairman Chauncey Godwin, First Vice Chairman Shane Hooper, Second Vice Chairman David Rumbarger, President/Secretary David Irwin, Immediate Past Chairman

Steve Altmiller Mark Burleson Tillmon Calvert Scott Cochran Blair Hughes

Guy Mitchell Harry Rayburn Barry Smith Jane Spain Buddy Stubbs

2012-2013 Board of Directors Mike Armour Bernard Bean Jim Beane Roger Bland David Brevard Gary Carnathan Mike Clayborne V.M. Cleveland David Cole Joe Estess Clay Foster Tom Foy Sue Gardner Julianne Goodwin Frank Hodges

Trentice Imbler Octavius Ivy Michael James Jamie Kennedy Jeff King Gearl Loden Jerry Maxcy Neal McCoy Larry Michael Paul Mize Phil Morgan Mabel Murphree Mary Pace Jim Pate Greg Pirkle

JUNE 2012

Fred Pitts Jack Reed, Jr. Scott Reed Eddie Richey Cathy Robertson Drew Robertson Tom Robinson Ty Robinson Chris Rogers Kenny Smith Kiyoshi Tsuchiya Gabriela Ungo Mitch Waycaster Jimmy Weeks Dick White

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of Senior Rx at Traceway Retirement Community. It is located at 2800 W Main St. in Tupelo and can bereached at (662) 844-1441.

For more information, please visit www.mss.org/traceway.

STRATEGIC WEALTH RIBBON CUTTING

A ribbon cutting was held for the newly renovated Strategic Wealth building in Downtown Tupelo. Strategic Wealth is located at 333 W Franklin St. and can be reached at (662) 842-5322.

2012-2013 Ambassador’s Club

Mr. Enrique Amador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plexus Slim Mr. Jesse Bandre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exceed Technologies Ms. Britni Beasley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BancorpSouth Ms. Kelly Jo Brewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gentiva Hospice Ms. Stephanie Browning . . . . . .Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo/Barnes Crossing Ms. Cindy Childs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mall at Barnes Crossing Ms. Molly Crews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Express Employment Professionals Ms. Kim Crump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LIFT, Incorporated Ms. Shirley Curry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crye-Leike, Realtors Ms. Sheila Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PPI, Inc. Ms. Karen Dickey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Bank Ms. Barbara Doles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trustmark Bank Ms. Becki Duffie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Services Ms. Patty Forsyth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vista Ridge Apartments Ms. Cheryl Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sleep Inn and Suites Ms. Dwana Golliday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Renasant Bank Mr. M.O.Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Water Depot of Tupelo Mr. Toby Hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shelter Insurance Ms. Daphene Hendricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tupelo Park and Recreation Ms. Shirley Hendrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .R&B Specialty Printing Mr. Jim Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Ms. Melonie Kight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tupelo Radio Broadcasting Ms. Tracy Lauderdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BancorpSouth Ms. Dana Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crye-Leike, Realtors Ms. Bea Luckett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TRI, Inc Realtors Mr. Brad McCully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sportsman Lawn & Landscape Ms. Katie McMillan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Key Staff Source Mr. Bill McNutt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Tupelo Insurance Agency Ms. Haley Monaghan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Collection Service, Inc. Ms. Carolyn Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Comfort Inn Mr. Ricky Orr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M&F Bank Mr. Allen Pegues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium Productions Ms. Rachael Potts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gum Tree Mortgage Mr. John Paul Rhea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First American National Bank Ms. Torrie Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SnyderMedia Ms. Mary Sue Tudor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lamar Advertising Ms. Carla Vancamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SnyderMedia Ms. Amanda Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Bank Mr. Kevin Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JaK's Services and Vending Mr. Greg Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exceed Technologies Ms. Tammy Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Comcast Spotlight

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HAIRE WEALTH MANAGEMENT RIBBON CUTTING

To celebrate the opening of the Haire Wealth Management Green Space in Downtown Tupelo, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held. The public park offers space for small gatherings, seating, and art. The park is located across Court St. from Haire Wealth Management and JBHM Architects.

TRENTICE IMBLER RIBBON CUTTING

A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of State Farm Insurance – Trentice Imbler’s new location in the former M&F Bank building on N Gloster St. A full-service insurance agency, State Farm Insurance – Trentice Imbler is located at 1012 N Gloster St. in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 842-1142. www.trenticeimbler.com

TYP MAY

The Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute is presently accepting nominations for the new class.

Participation in the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute is open to persons at least 21 years of age, living, working, or committed to the growth of the Tupelo/Lee County area.

The May meeting of the Tupelo Young Professionals was held at Goodlett Manor. Attendees enjoyed networking and refreshments, and participated in a service project for the Friends of the Lee County Library. The June TYP event will be held at Accent Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Please contact the CDF office at (662) 842-4521 for further information.

The nomination form is available at www.cdfms.org.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Tupelo Young Professionals 2012-2013 Calendar of Events Networking Social @ Accent Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Thursday, June 21, 2012 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

2147 Southridge Dr.

Networking Social @ MLM Clothiers Thursday, December 13, 2012 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

108 S Spring St.

Lunch with Leaders Speaker: Mayor Jack Reed, Jr. Thursday, July 19, 2012 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Community Development Foundation 398 E Main St., CDF Center

Networking Social @ The Health Food Store Thursday, January 17, 2013 1715 McCullough Blvd, Ste. B 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Networking Social @ Busylad Rent-All Thursday, August 16, 2012 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

1818 McCullough Blvd.

Networking Social @ Hilton Garden Inn Thursday, September 20, 2012 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

363 E Main St. Networking Social @ Northwestern Mutual Financial Network - Wesley H. Jones Thursday, October 18, 2012 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

400 S Broadway St. Lunch with Leaders Speaker: Senator Nancy Collins, Mississippi, District 6 Thursday, November 15, 2012 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Community Development Foundation 398 E Main St., CDF Center

JUNE 2012

BOGGAN ESTATES RIBBON CUTTING

Tupelo’s newest apartment complex, Boggan Estates Apartments held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening. Boggan Estates Apartments is located at 2690 McCullough Blvd. and can be reached at (256) 221-8214. For more information, please visit www.mrdapartments.com.

CHURCHILLL MORTGAGE RIBBON CUTTING

Networking Social @ Precision Machine & Metal Fabrication/Fast Wrapz Thursday, February 21, 2013 502 Crossover Rd. 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Lunch with Leaders Speaker: TBA Thursday, March 21, 2013 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Community Development Foundation 398 E Main St., CDF Boardroom Networking Social @Exceed Technologies Thursday, April 18, 2013 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

499 Gloster Creek Vilg., Ste. 3

Churchill Mortgage celebrated its opening in Downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark District with a ribbon cutting. A full-service mortgage company endorsed by Dave Ramsey, Churchill Mortgage is located at 339 E Main St., Ste. B-1 in Tupelo. For more information, please visit www.churchillmortgage.com or call (662) 269-3974.

AMS FBO RIBBON CUTTING

Networking Social at Reed's Thursday, November 1, 2012 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

131 W Main St.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Tupelo Airport to celebrate the Tupelo Airport Authority’s recommendation of Airline Maintenance Service (AMS) to provide fixed-based operator services for the airport. AMS is located at 120 Lemons Dr. at the Tupelo Airport, and can be reached at (931)492-2160. www.airlinems.com

MAGNOLIA BBQ RIBBON CUTTING

For all TYP events, please RSVP to typ@cdfms.org For more information please visit the TYP website at www.typs.biz or contact the CDF Office at (662) 842-4521.

Magnolia BBQ & Fish held a ribbon cutting ceremony at their location at 1500 E Main St. in Tupelo. Magnolia BBQ & Fish offers dine-in and carry out, as well as on-site catering. They can be reached at (662) 213-0354.

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Images Tupelo offers exclusive advertising opportunity to CDF members Images Tupelo offers opportunities for local businesses to gain exposure through print and online advertising avenues. Distributed throughout the year and available online at all times, Images Tupelo provides relevant community information, highlights Tupelo’s progressive business climate, and showcases the region’s quality of place while also reinforcing advertiser credibility.

View the current online edition of Images Tupelo at imagestupelo.com.

For more information on becoming a part of Images Tupelo, please contact Jared Lane at (334) 538-3117 or by e-mail at jlane@jnlcom.com.

You may also call the CDF office to schedule an appointment at (662) 842-4521.

PAGE 11

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Business Boxed Lunch & Learn Seminars “30 Ways To Get It Done, Whether You’re The Boss Or Not” Presented by: Mr. Daren Howard, Dale Carnegie Training Thursday, June 28 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

CDF Boardroom

"Your On-Line Presence"

Presented by Mr. Greg Word, NMIDA Wednesday, August 22 11:45 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

CDF Boardroom $10.00-CDF MEMBERS, $20.00-NON-MEMBERS REGISTER AT WWW.CDFMS.ORG/EVENTS

New CDF Members AARP Mississippi Ms. Ivory Craig 6360 I-55 N, Ste. 160 Jackson, MS 39211 (601) 206-1848 Organizations

First Data Independent Sales Mr. Eugene Oliver 147 Road 1285 Nettleton, MS 38858 (662) 871-3694 Financial

Car-Mart of Tupelo Ms. Kelly Mitchell 1703 S Gloster St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 205-6672 Automotive

Granger,Thagard & Associates,Inc. Mr. Bill Thagard 1806 Oxmoor Rd. Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 326-0833 Real Estate, Appraisers, & Property Development

Churchill Mortgage Corporation Ms. Brandy Schulz 339 E Main St., Ste. B-1 Tupelo, MS 38804 (6620 269-3974 Mortgage Community Bank Mr. Art Gentry 900 N Main St. Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-8461 Banking Computer Medics of North MS Ms. Regina Dean 555 Norris Dean Rd. Mantee, MS 39751 (662) 263-6677 Computers & Internet

M & N Construction Mr. Nic Nichols P.O. Box 2578 Tupelo, MS 38803 (662) 231-6122 Contractors, Construction Companies, & Building Materials Outback Western & Leather Ms. Melissa Owens 398 E Main St., Ste. 113 Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 523-6374 Retail & Specialty Shops

The Health Food Store Mr. Warren Barbieri 1715 McCullough Blvd., Ste. B Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 691-8522 Health Food

Saltillo Save A Lot Mr. Scotty Runions 119 Center City Dr. Saltillo, MS 38866 (662) 869-3458 Grocery Stores

JAN-PRO of Mississippi Ms. Scarlett Fyke 224 Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652 (662)543-4448 Janitorial

S & Cee’s Fashion Accessories Ms. Billie Rogers 398 E Main St., Ste. 117 Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 491-1318 Retail & Specialty Shops

Special Occasions by Sandra Ms. Sandra Lyons P.O. Box 3202 Tupelo, MS 38803 (662) 891-5835 Restaurants & Catering Star Star Mobile Mr. Bobby Tidwell 208 Mullen Ave. Nettleton, MS 38858 (662) 891-9037 Advertising Susan Webb Design Resources Ms. Susan Webb, ASID 120 Simbrah Dr. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 401-9189 Interior Design Zip Scripts Ms. Rachel Ethridge 501 S Gloster St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 680-3148 Pharmacies

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2012

Health Food Store Offers Healthy Options for Everyone Virgil once said, “the greatest wealth is health.” Michelle and Warren Barbieri embrace these words as owners of The Health Food Store in Tupelo. While the store offers an impressive range of healthy products, it is the friendly, inviting atmosphere that makes The Health Food Store unique.

The business started in Pontotoc as a single location, family owned business in 1991. Warren Barbieri’s background is in business and marketing with an extensive career in the food industry Michelle Barbieri earned a degree in exercise science and has studied natural health for over 16 years. The combination of a successful first location, added knowledge of the health food industry, and economic growth in Tupelo prompted the Barbieri family to open a second location on McCullough Boulevard.

“I have seen first hand the need for healthy supplements and nutritional products,” said Michelle Barbieri. “After relocating the Pontotoc store several times because of the need to expand, we wanted to continue our growth plans and thought that with all of the new business coming into Tupelo, this community could support it.”

A full-line health food store, the busi-

ness offers vitamins, supplements, organic and natural foods, sports nutrition, diet products, healthy beauty and home products, and so much more. When one enters The Health Food Store, the first thing you notice is the clean, well-organized environment.

“Our goal is to establish a comfortable environment for customers to look, browse, and easily locate products,” said

Michelle Barbieri. “Our products are competitively priced, with almost every product in the store being discounted.

Some of our inventory is based on customer requests and input.”

A highlight of the store is the bulk selfserve area. It is a one-of-a-kind for North Mississippi. In this space, 45 items are offered ranging from beans, rice and grains, to cereals, dried fruits, and healthy

snacks. These foods are priced 30 to 60 percent off of the normal retail price since they are available in bulk. Because there is less packaging involved, the bulk area offers an environmentally friendly alternative. Best of all, customers can buy as little or as much of an item as they want. Already, the bulk section has gained popularity among shoppers. The Health Food Store also carries a large section of gluten-free items, organic meats, andfresh fruits and vegetables in season.

Michelle and Warren Barbieri are passionate about giving their customers the wealth of health. They are willing and available to share their knowledge of the health food industry, and strive to provide a comfortable atmosphere for clients to visit the store and take small steps to gaining a healthier lifestyle.

“We both have a heart for helping people maintain or regain their health,” said Michelle. “It is very rewarding to know that you have helped someone. We just want to see people be healthy.”

The Health Food Store is located at 1715 McCullough Blvd., Ste. B in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 691-8522.

They are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

CAR MART RIBBON CUTTING

To celebrate the grand opening of Car-Mart of Tupelo, a ribbon cutting was held.

With the motto “We’ll trade for anything,” Car-Mart of Tupelo provides quality vehicles at affordable payments. Car-Mart of Tupelo is located at 1703 S Gloster St. in Tupelo, and can be reached at (662) 205-6672. www.car-mart.com

Have you registered your team for the 6th Annual CDF Membership Golf Tournament?

JOIN CDF FRIDAY, JUNE 15 AT BIG OAKS GOLF CLUB 11:00 a.m. – Registration and Lunch 12:30 p.m. – Shotgun Start An awards ceremony will immediately follow the tournament.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information or to print the registration form, please visit www.tupelochamber.com or contact Jennie Bradford Curlee at jcurlee@cdfms.org or (662) 842-4521.

PAGE 13

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JUNE 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2012

The 2011-2012 CDF Annual Meeting The 2011-2012 CDF Annual Meeting was held May 3 at Tupelo Furniture Market, Building V. Over 1,100 CDF members attended the event themed “With CDF, Our Future’s So Bright…We Gotta Wear Shades.” Attendees enjoyed a dinner reception catered by Billie’s Catering, Clarion Inn & Summit Center, Creative Cakes, GiGi’s Cupcakes, Hilton Garden Inn, Old Venice Pizza Co., and Parks Heights Restaurant. Entertainment was provided by Homemade Jamz Blues Band.

Homemade Jamz provided music prior to and following the event.

David Copenhaver, 2012-2013 CDF chairman, presented a commemorative plaque to 2011-2012 CDF chairman, David Irwin.

Bea Luckett, TRI Inc., Realtors, was named Ambassador of the Year. She is pictured with Sue Gardner, 20112012 Chamber Division chair, and David Iriwn, 2011-2012 CDF chairman.

David Copenhaver, 20122013 CDF chairman introduced the new CDF board of directors and shared remarks for the coming year.

Fred Pitts, Tupelo City Council president, Shane Hooper, David Irwin invited everyone to wear CDF second vice-chairman, and Carol Pitts wore their their complimentary shades during the shades during the meeting. event.

Pictured are members of the 2012 Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute who were recognized during the program. Pictured left to right are: Shipman Sloan, JBHM; Sally Williams, City of Tupelo; Rebecca McDougald, Rebecca McDougald, DMD, MS; Neal McCoy, Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau; Kory Hunter, Renasant Bank; Dell Hatch, Faith Bible Church; Tony Carleton, Tupelo Police Department; Lynn Bryan, Lynn Bryan Construction; Jim Goodwin, Express Employment Professionals; Chris Hill, Community Eldercare Services, LLC; Stephen Spencer, Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, PA; Sean Thompson, Lee County Board of Supervisors; Ro Traylor, Tupelo Fire Department. Not pictured are: Paul Mize, BancorpSouth; John Bryson, B&B Concrete; Alan Pritchard, Plastic Surgery of North MS; Wendy Chisholm, Cardiology Associates of North MS; and Rob Rogers, North MS Medical Center.

Over 1,100 CDF members attended the Annual Meeting.

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PAGE 15

Patterson a ‘stalwart’ in industry, community

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – He’s been more than a banker, say friends and colleagues of retiring BancorpSouth Chairman and CEO Aubrey Patterson.

A successor to Patterson, 69, is expected to be named by next April. Patterson has been with the financial holding company for 40 years.

“I consider Aubrey an outstanding banker, a good friend and a valued citizen and leader,” said Robin McGraw, the chairman and CEO of Renasant, whose headquarters is across the street from BancorpSouth.“We have worked together in civic and charitable endeavors not only in Tupelo, but throughout the state, and his contributions are immeasurable.”

Hassell Franklin, the founder and CEO of furniture manufacturer Franklin Corp., heads the search committee to find Patterson’s replacement.

He commended Patterson’s more than two decades as chairman and CEO, noting the company had increased its assets from $1.5 billion to $13.3 billion and expanded into eight other states during his time at the helm.

“We are very appreciative of his complete commitment to BancorpSouth and its employees, clients and shareholders during his leadership tenure,” Franklin said.

Bobby Martin, chairman and president of The Peoples Bank of Ripley, said Patterson deserves accolades.

ing officer when the statewide banking law was approved in 1987. BancorpSouth’s predecessor became Mississippi’s first statewide bank with its merger with First Mississippi National Bank.

He was president and CEO from 1990 to 1991 and was named chairman and

‘I consider Aubrey and outstanding banker, a good friend and a valued citizen and leader. We have worked together in civic and charitable endeavors not only in Tupelo, but throughout the state, and his contributions are immeasurable.’

Robin McGraw

chairman and CEO of Renasant “I admire him for all he has done for banking around here and for banking in Mississippi,” he said. “He’s an outstanding business man and he makes the right decisions.”

Patterson joined the company – then known as the Bank of Mississippi – in 1972. He was president and chief operat-

CEO in 1991. It was at this time the bank saw its biggest growth.

After the federal interstate banking law was passed in 1992, the bank expanded into Tennessee, followed by expansion into Alabama six years later. In 1999, as the bank moved into Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas and grew into a $9 billion financial

institution, it was renamed BancorpSouth.

Patterson is well-regarded in the banking community, having been chairman of the American Bankers Association and president of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

“He’s done great things with the bank,” Martin said.

Charles Russell, Trustmark Bank’s Tupelo president, called Patterson a “stalwart in the banking industry, not just in Mississippi but the Southeast.”

Various civic organizations and economic and business groups also have been a large part of Patterson’s life outside banking. He’s also been a statewide leader in education; he currently is serving an 11-year term on the state’s board of trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning.

What Patterson’s plans are after retirement aren’t clear, but his colleagues wish him well.

Said McGraw, “I extend my best to Aubrey for an enjoyable retirement, and I wish the BancorpSouth board good fortune in the difficult task in finding his successor.” dennis.seid@journalinc.com

Patterson to retire from BancorpSouth

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

corpSouth with the experience, skills and vision to build on our strong franchise history.”

B a n c o r p S o u t h ’s board of directors has formed a search committee to find PatterPatterson son’s replacement.

Executive search company Spencer Stuart will advise the board.

Tupelo civic leader Jack Reed Sr., said Patterson is “a workaholic. I don’t know what he’s going to do with his time. I think a lot of Aubrey.

“I think he’s done an outstanding job with the bank. He’s an outstanding citizen for Tupelo. He’s been very generous with his time and his financial support. The bank has been a tremendous asset to the city.”

Reed and Patterson serve together on the boards of the Boy Scouts, CREATE and the Daily Journal.

Before being named both chairman and CEO 11 years ago, Patterson was president and chief operating officer from 1983-1990 and was named CEO in 1990. He was president and CEO from 1990 to 1991.

In the past 50 years, Tupelo-based BancorpSouth has had only two chief executives – J.C. Whitehead and Aubrey Patterson.

But sometime next year, Patterson will retire, ending a 40-year career with the company.

Patterson, 69, who has served in his dual roles of the Tupelo-based financial holding company since 1991, will continue to be chairman and CEO until a successor is named and the transition is complete, according to the company.

A new leader is expected to be named by the next shareholders’ meeting in April 2013.

Patterson joined the then-Bank of Mississippi in 1972 and has worked his way up the ranks of the $13.3 billion financial holding company.

In a press release, Patterson said, “Because of my retirement plans, the board has initiated a succession process in which a special committee will oversee the search for, and recommend to the board, the best candidate to become CEO of BancorpSouth. I have every confidence that this transition process will be orderly and successful and that it will result in a new leader for Ban- CARLIE KOLLATH contributed to this report.

Business Owner?

Visit the business directory on djournal.com.

If your business is not listed, call your advertising consultant or retail advertising, 842-2614

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

Axton helps keep BancorpSouth running But at BancorpSouth, some form of the operation has been in place since 1996. And it’s had backup servers since TUPELO – Chris Axton’s office has the 1980s. duct tape, a hard hat, flashlights, batter“Our day to day work is keeping ies and other emergency equipment places and products operational,” ready at a moment’s notice.

Axton said. “We also have a smaller Not typical office gear for a bank ex- group of immediate response team ecutive. people who handle day-to-day trouBut Axton isn’t your typical banker ei- bleshooting.” ther.

A problem could inAxton is vice presivolve one branch or an dent and business conan entire system. It’s tinuity manager for Axton’s job to figure it BancorpSouth, where out and get it fixed. he looks after the finan“Anything that intercial holding company’s rupts the flow of businearly 300 locations in ness, that’s what we nine states. handle,” he said.

His primary job – One area that seems Chris Axton making sure everything to be prone to more atis up and running. tention is the Springvice president and business continuity Severe weather is the field, Mo., area. Severe manager for BancorpSouth THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL biggest threat to continweather seems to hit Chris Axton is BancorpSouth’s business continuity manger. He is responsible for uing operations. A hurthat area often, with making sure the bank’s facilities are up and running after severe weather. ricane, tornado, fire, power outages being earthquake, etc., can be disruptive, to the main problem. say the least.

Recently, an earthquake in Texas got “There are many considerations why Axton’s attention, but it didn’t cause any we do this beyond the fact we want to problems. Axton keeps tabs with the be good business partners,” he said.

U.S. Geological Survey, which monitors Axton’s role is part of BancorpSouth’s earthquake activity. risk management program, which also Hurricane Katrina – the biggest natuincludes the financial risk side of the ral disaster to hit U.S. shores – was a big company. Axton and his three co-work- test for the business continuity team. ers handle the operational side, moni- The 2005 storm damaged or destroyed toring the activity across the company’s several of BancorpSouth’s locations on network. the Gulf Coast. Events like that help He and his team don’t necessarily re- tweak policies and procedures to make spond personally to every incident – them better, Axton said. other local teams are in place to handle And he said that while protecting the those situations – but Axton is the one company’s assets are important, the top who makes the call to mobilize them if priority in any incident is the safety of necessary. its employees and its customers.

“I can always be reached,” he said.

“Next is the community and those The work of the business continuity who need banking assistance, whether division isn’t unique to BancorpSouth. they’re our customers or not,” he said.

All banks have similar operations. That’s “The focus is on recovery and helping mandated by the federal government, the community get back on its feet.” which put special emphasis on it following the Sept. 11 attacks. dennis.seid@journalinc.com

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

‘Anything that interrupts the flow of business, that’s what we handle.’

Y A D Y R E EV S A HA

F O L A E “D

” Y A D E TH

Look for the “Deal of the Day” coupon in the Daily Journal and catch some great savings ... EVERY DAY!

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PAGE 17

Digital cash an idea that looks good on paper Various objects have been used as money throughout human history.

Cowry shells, barley, salt, gold, silver, copper, alcohol and cigarettes are examples of commodities people have used as a means of exchange.

Mention money nowadays and people think of the bank note – a piece of cloth, often TED with the image of a dead perHOLT son printed on it – and coins.

Bank notes seem like money to us only because that’s what we’re used to seeing. Unlike the other forms just mentioned, pieces of decorated cloth have no intrinsic value, but people accept bank notes as money only because they know that other people will accept bank notes in exchange for goods and services.

However, most money does not exist in any tangible form. Rather, most money is nothing more than accounting entries in computers. When Bob gives a check to Joe, no one carries cash from one bank to another.

It’s not surprising that various individuals and organizations have attempted

Two questions remain to be answered before digital currency becomes widespread. First, will digital currency be backed by a commodity, such as gold, by a government-backed fiat currency or by something else? Second, will digital currency be anonymous or traceable to buyer and seller? to create a digital currencymoney that exists only in cyberspace. Flooz and Beenz were two 1990s attempts that had some success but eventually failed in spite of tens of millions of dollars of investment.

A new digital currency that shows more promise is Bitcoin. Whereas Flooz and Beenz were much like frequent flyer miles, Bitcoins are generated (or “mined”) by computer algorithms, which assure a declining rate of increase in the supply of Bitcoins over time.

Holders of Bitcoin use digital IDs based on robust encryption, and there is no central clearing house. This is a com-

Japanese: Liaisons help bridge language gap FROM PAGE 2

A mistake in a personal banking account that was caused by a misunderstanding, Kikuchi said, may be seen as a shameful reflection on the parent company.

The two women answer questions all the time because problems always come up.

“The 800-line doesn’t mean anything” to someone who needs help in Japanese, Richardson said.

The banking help is just as important as the help navigating Mississippi culture, the two women said.

And they said it is about building trust and rapport with their clients.

Richardson said she can sense the relief when she is able to respond to emails in Japanese.

“Once I reply in Japanese, they respond with, ‘Oh, thank God,’” she said.

And their supervisors at the bank said they understand that a phone call about a client’s doctor visit really is work.

“Part of our job as a bank is being a good corporate citizen,” said Brent Waldrop, senior vice president of premier banking at BancorpSouth. “We want to make it an easy and smooth transition for them to do. ... Kumi is here for the banking needs, but that translates into larger community needs and relationships. ”

‘I’d like to be a part of this community. I don’t want to be a foreigner. I don’t want to be a stranger. I want to be a local. I want to be a Mississippian.’

Mieko Kikuchi

Japanese liaison at Renasant Bank Added Terry Bullard, director of asset management at Renasant,“The main goal is helping Japanese employees feel welcomed in Northeast Mississippi and attending to all of their needs, and that’s not only a banking relationship.”

BancorpSouth and Renasant started the Japanese liaison program in 2008 and it appears the program will stick around.

“It’s a great program,” Bullard said.

“Mieko’s done an excellent job.”

And both women said they don’t have any plans to leave.

“I’d like to be a part of this community,” Kikuchi said.“I don’t want to be a foreigner.

I don’t want to be a stranger. I want to be a local. I want to be a Mississippian.” carlie.kollath@journalinc.com

pletely different idea of digital money from anything that was tried before.

However, hackers have managed to find ways to circumvent the security features inherent in Bitcoin. One Bitcoin “bank,” Bitcoinia, was robbed twice since March. With security compromised, Bitcoin may very well soon go the way of Flooz and Beenz.

Yet, not everyone has given up on the idea. The Royal Canadian Mint is seeking a digital alternative to cash. Called MintChip, the venture is still a dream in the research and development stage.

The Mint is offering $50,000 in gold to the person who finds a way to make

the dream a reality.

Canada is serious about eliminating cash. The nation recently stopped making pennies, and last November began issuing $100 bills made of plastic, which last longer than cloth bills and are more difficult to counterfeit.

If anyone ever figures out a way to make MintChip work, Canadians will carry devices that contain computer chips instead of cash. To make a purchase, the buyer transfers money from his chip to that of the seller. As with cash, the transaction is anonymous.

Two questions remain to be answered before digital currency becomes widespread. First, will digital currency be backed by a commodity, such as gold, by a government-backed fiat currency or by something else? Second, will digital currency be anonymous or traceable to buyer and seller?

And oh, yeah, there’s that small security problem that no one has managed to solve yet.

TED HOLT is a member of BINaRE, a Tupelobased organization of professionals interested in technology. BINaRE welcomes new members.

For more information, visit binare.org.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

Marketing to the decision-maker is a process T his month’s column is or service. However, this perbased on a reader’s quesson’s influencers might be tion, “How do I market to more difficult to identify. decision-makers?”

Let’s say you are selling Even to a marketing person, copier paper to an office. The this question is deceptively CEO could make the decision. simple. The question seems to You could target all of your ask, “How do I get my message marketing toward this highin front of the correct person?” level executive. However, there However, it also must convince is likely someone else in the this decision-maker to take acoffice that does. This could be JOSH tion in your favor. an administrative assistant MABUS By the way, who is the deciwho is completely different in sion-maker? While the answer every way from the CEO. Simito these questions is enorlarly, a husband may particimously complex, I will attempt pate in a decision about a to give straightforward, common-sense household product, but the wife could insight into simplifying this quandary. be the real decision-maker.

All situations aren’t as straightforward IDENTIFICATION as this, but the lesson remains the same: Before you determine the method, we Dig deep to see who influences the decimust figure out who we’re talking to. sion for your product or service. Identify This task can trap you if you are not the real decision-maker. careful to dig deep. It is easy to identify the highest-level person within an orDEFINITION ganization. This person might have the Once you determine who the key definal say in the purchasing your product cision-maker is, you must define this |

Silver Airways to provide service at Tupelo Regional

By this fall, Silver Airways will be flying passengers from Tupelo to Atlanta, replacing Delta Air Line’s service to Memphis.

Silver Airways was tapped by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide service for Tupelo, Greenville and Hattiesburg-Laurel in Mississippi, as well as for Muscle Shoals, Ala., and Lewisburg, W.V. Silver replaces Delta Air Lines, which last year said it was ending service from those communities to Memphis. The DOT, through its Essential Air Service program, had provided subsidies for Delta to continue service until a new carrier was found.

Silver uses the 34-passenger twin-engine Saab turboprop plane, which has long served Tupelo and other smaller airports across the state The Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Silver will provide 18 weekly round-trip flights between Tupelo and Atlanta – with a link with Greenville – and 12 weekly flights between Hattiesburg-Laurel and Atlanta. Silver also is providing 12 weekly flights between Muscle Shoals and Atlanta and 12 weekly flights between Lewisburg and Atlanta.

In its “all or nothing” proposal for service to all the cities, Silver will receive a two-year guaranteed subsidy totaling

person. How old is this person? What is his/her gender, ethnicity, education, income, etc.? While these are superficial attributes, they will go a long way toward helping you market to this decision-maker.

You must also determine what the person is like. Does he or she like movies, golfing, hiking or knitting? Is this person straightforward or does he or she like to talk? With any luck, your decision-makers will be similar from client to client. From these similarities you can begin to build a profile of how you should communicate with them.

COMMUNICATION

Now that you have a good idea of who your decision-maker is, you must communicate with this person effectively. Use the profile you created to build a marketing message targeted at the decision-maker. Use language and terminology that will resonate with your target.

Once you have a message to communicate, you must determine tactics.

REWIND

nearly $16.1 million. The Hattiesburg subsidy will cost $2.97 million, while the Greenville-Tupelo subsidy will cost $7.04 million.

Caterpillar expanding, building warehouse/logistics facility Caterpillar expects to add 35 employees in the next three years as it expands its operations in Corinth.

The company opened 30 years ago with 11 employees and now employs some 900 here, plus another 300 in its Prentiss County location and satellite distribution facilities in the area.

Caterpillar is consolidating its warehousing and logistics operations under one roof in a 540,000-square-foot facility to be finished by the middle of next year.

Eighty employees scattered through the company’s existing warehouses will be consolidated into the new facility, to be called the Mississippi Logistics Service Center.

The new facility will warehouse engine parts and ship individual and bundled parts to Caterpillar’s Corinth and Booneville main plants.

The “re-manufacturing plants” as the company calls them, disassemble engines nearing the end of their life cycle, clean them and refurbish them.

The expansion represents a $34.5 million capital investment. Jumper Realty is investing $27 million in the facility,

You must meet the decision-maker where he is and where he gets his information. A whole industry was formed around this principle in the 1930s: soap operas. Advertisers for household products created programming aimed at their target audience (housewives). Using the shows as entertainment, they were able to sell product directly to the decisionmaker. Today, you might meet your target audience in a publication like this business journal, online, television shows or direct mail.

Whoever the decision-maker for your product or service might be, there are many facets to reach this person.

Reaching this person cannot be the end goal, however. You must be diligent in convincing this person to live up to his status of decision-maker, and for him to make a decision in your favor.

JOSH MABUS is the owner of the Mabus Agency, an advertising and marketing agency in Tupelo.

Contact him at (662) 823-2100 or josh@mabusagency.com.

|

which Caterpillar will lease from Jumper. Caterpillar is investing $7.5 million in new equipment.

Hotel construction projects move ahead in Tupelo Renovation work has started on one hotel, construction is imminent on another two hotels and another one is in the works.

The first project under way is at the Regal Inn and Suites on McCullough Boulevard, where the former Microtel Inn is getting a complete makeover.

Fusion Hospitality owner Bruce Patel bought the property last year and renamed it Regal earlier this year.

When the renovation is complete later this year, it will be a Comfort Inn, pending approval from Choice Hotels.

The current Comfort Inn, which is not owned by Patel, will remain a Choice Hotels property. However, the North Gloster hotel will change its brand to Quality Inn. Comfort Inn is moving toward inside rooms for all of its hotels and that’s why the name is being changed, according to Carolyn Moss, the general manager of the Comfort Inn. Across McCullough, Patel tore down the Howard Johnson earlier this year to make room for a 121-room Holiday Inn and Suites and a 79-room Candlewood Suites.

Originally slated to open in the first quarter of 2013, Patel said the properties would open later.

Patel also said he is submitting plans to build a two-story Howard Johnson near the Love’s Travel Stop on McCullough.

Region’s unemployment rate below double digits again For the third month in a row, the unemployment rate for Northeast Mississippi fell, and it stayed below 10 percent.

That’s the longest stretch since the last three months of 2008.

April’s 8.6 percent jobless rate also was the lowest since November of that year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the state’s jobless rate was 8.7 percent, down from 9 percent in March, according to seasonally adjusted figures. That’s the lowest level since March 2009 and significantly lower than the 10.6 percent rate posted in April 2011.

The state’s lower unemployment rate was because fewer people were looking for jobs.

In Northeast Mississippi however, that number actually grew slightly.

But the jobless rate will rise the next couple of months as schools let out students and staff for the summer.

Daily Journal reports

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PAGE 18

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bandb@sonet.net • 800-890-5130

Apartments Homes

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

111 Grand Ole Oaks Drive Belden, MS 38826 Carey Wilson Manager

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

Automotive Services

Bank

RICK’S CHASSIS WORKS Foreign - Domestic

• Insurance Claims Welcome • Free Estimates • Body & Paint Repair

Call Robin Barnett today!

662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

1875 Nelle St. Tupelo, MS

“We Specialize in Frame Work”

844-0260

Automotive Services

Bank

Tupelo Lending Office

Body Repair • Auto Glass •Insurance Claims

Ratliff Body and Glass 365-8245

431 W Main Suite 201 Jamie Osbirn Ron Roper Leslie Stacy

www.GrandOleOaks.com

“You pay the premiums, you choose the shop.” www.ratliffbodyandglass.com

Apartments Homes

Automotive Commercial Vehicles

662.844.3419 fanb.net

Member

FDIC

Equal Housing

LENDER

Blinds Budget

Blinds a style for every point of view

Nancy Oliver Site Manager

508 Lumpkin Avenue Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 Telephone: (662) 844-2370 Fax: (662) 844-2345 E-mail: oakcreeka@comcast.net

FREE In-Home Consultation

Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET for your commercial vehicle needs!

1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611

Bank

Attorney

Attorney-At-Law

218 N. Spring St. P. O. Box 1362 Tupelo, MS 38802-1362 Phone (662) 842-5051 Res. (662) 842-5321 Toll Free 1-888-537-5051 •

Fax (662) 841-1941

Email: jshelton@dixie-net.com Licensed In Mississippi & Alabama

Auto Rental

Shutters, Wood Blinds, Draperies and more!

Bank Of Okolona

Okolona P.O. Box 306 Okolona, Mississippi 38860

(662) 447-5403

Houston Banking Center 321 W. Madison St. Houston, Mississippi

(662) 456-3347

www.bankofokolona.com

Bank

Your 5-Star, A Rated Bank

by Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings

Tupelo: 662.823.6455 Oxford: 662.281.0586 cell: 662.380.0958 fax: 662.281.0585 rlloomis@budgetblinds.com

www.budgetblinds.com An Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

Building Supplies Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Jason Lee Shelton Shelton & Associates P.A.

Budget Blinds of Tupelo

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

Building Supplies

Lumbe ville e n o o r B Company Full Line of Lumber & Hardware

2300 E. Chambers Dr. • Booneville • 728-0094

Booneville Hardware & Supply 403 Church St. • Booneville • 728-0032

We take care of your money.

PH: 662-842-5404 FAX: 662-842-0909

1480 EAST MAIN ST. TUPELO, MS 38804 Email: discountrentcar@gmail.com

We take care of you.

For all your hardware needs

Booneville Supply

400 E. Church St. • Booneville • 720-1102 For all your plumbing needs

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

Business Directory Engineering

Commercial Cleaning Services

DABBS ENGINEERING CO., INC.

Tupelo, MS

Land Surveyors ■ ■

Boundary ■ Topo ■ Alta Construction Layout ■ Subdivisions

Engineers

224 Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652

662-534-4448

Commercial Cleaning Services

MR. JANITOR

■

Civil

■

Environmental-Testing

■

Gifts

Okolona Drug Co.

Complete Prescription Service

Geotechnical

Thomas R. Dabbs, P.E. Fax 662-841-0431

E-mail: tdabbs@dabbsengineering.com P.O. Box 7064 / 1050 N. Eason, Tupelo, MS 662-841-0162 www.dabbsengineeringinc.com

Event Venue

We Accept All Medicare Part D Plans • • • • •

Gifts & Fenton Glass Tyler Candles Aromatique Arthur Court Lenox & Gorham China

• Adora Dolls & Lee Middleton Dolls • Ole Miss & Miss. State Collegiate Items • NEW Casseroles to Go!

210 West Main Street Okolona, MS (662) 447-5471

Glass & Overhead Doors

inc.

heavyonthemr.com

Carpet • Upholstery • Oriental/Natural Fiber Rugs Hardwood Floors • Ceramic Tile and Grout Cleaning All Your Indoor Cleaning Needs!

662-844-7713

Helping To Keep Northeast Mississippi Clean and Beautiful David Stephens President mrjanitor1984@yahoo.com 1835 Nelle Street • Tupelo, MS 38801 Fax 662-844-7169 Cell 662-321-0275

Computer & Data

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

T h e G o o d l e tt M a n o r

Available for Weddings, Receptions, Parties and Meetings For Information Call 844-2772

219 N o r t h B ro a d way • Tu p e l o

Meetings • Weddings Sanctuary Space • Reception Hall • Catering Concerts • Special Events 1800 West Main St. • Tupelo • 662-690-4011 • www.link-centre.org

Concrete

Framing

Dentist

145A W. Bankhead Street New Albany, MS 38652

Janet L. Branch, owner 662/538-5551

Furniture

Periodontal Clinic www.northmsperio.com

103 Parkgate Ext. / Tupelo

662-844-4540

“Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations”

711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS

“Experience Is The Difference”

FAX:662-620-7754

Hair

Completely Confidential Free Consultations

Creative Hair Replacemenet nt 1443 East Main Street Tupelo, Mississippi

.tupelohairloss.com www.tupelohairloss.com (662) 842-1222

Home Improvement

From The Delta to The Heart of The Hills Still Serving Mississippi After 14 Years!

NORTH MISSISSIPPI

J. Michael Robertson, D.M.D. (662) 842.2448 / 800.840.2449

24 Hour Emergency Service

Event Venue

Great Employment Opportunities

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305

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

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

We’ve got all your

home furnishings at affordable prices.

662-489-1176

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

(662) 963-2825

rafcomhs@gmail.com

Windows, Doors, Tubs, Skirting, Fixtures, and More!!

Installation available!!!

Horse Performance

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PAGE 20

PAGE 21

Business Directory Insurance

Manufactured Homes For Sale

Hancock Insurance Agency

WHEEL ESTATE HOMES

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

Moving

TUPELO • SALTILLO • NEW ALBANY

Tour!! to Tour Reposs to and Repo Used,, and New, Used 90 New, Over Over 90

Call for a Free Estimate

Bronzie Morgan

Family Owned & Operated Since 1967

Relocation Specialist

662-842-1120

www.wheelestate.net

800-846-6670

Lawn & Garden

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

Medical

Paint

Medical

Plumbing

Plants • Flowers • Trees • Shrubbery Decorative Outdoor Planters & Pots Gift Registry • Yard Art • Pottery 662.534.8800 • Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

816-1/2 W. Bankhead St. • New Albany

Lawn Service

, PA

Mowing & Trimming Call:

662-598-5393 Livestock

WE GE

ICE T THE BEST PR Owner, Ron Herndon

PONTOTOC STOCKYARD SATURDAYS

FOR ALL LIVESTOCK NEEDS

568 RockyFord Rd. • Hwy 76 West, Pontotoc 489-4385 or 213-7080

Goats, Hogs, and Horses at 11:00 am, Cattle at 1:00 pm

Locksmith

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

RH PLUMBING, INC.

Comprehensive Medical Care For Your Family or Business

Commercial Plumbing, Gas & Industrial Piping

Appointments & Walk-Ins Welcome

Mon-Fri. 8 - 6:30 Sat. 9 - 6 Sun. 1 - 6

1154 Cross Creek Dr. (Next to Home Depot)

840-8010

RICHARD HANLON (662) 447-3213

Lee Wallace, CFNP David W. Bell, MD

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

Metal Buildings

Pressure Washing

Post Frame Buildings And Supplies

Carolina Cleaners Specializing in Hot High Pressure Washing

Metal Siding • Roofing & Trim • Engineered Wood Trusses • Metal Building Insulation • Pre-Cut Building Kits 273 Road 1178 Tupelo, MS (662) 844-9576 Mon - Fri 8:00-5:00 • Sat 8:00-12:00

www.econopostframe.com • Email: jeff@econopostframe.com

HEAVY EQUIPMENT • HOUSES • TRUCKS • TRAILERS

You Get It Dirty - We Clean It Up Steve Hill Owner

Mobile 662-678-6356

Problem Flooring & Foundation Repair

Metal Recycling

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

(662) 842-7720

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

All

types of floor and slab footing problems.

Concrete Bell Bottom Pier System Helical Steel Pier System Conventional Flooring Leveling Sill, Joist and Beam Repairs Totally Rebuild Floor Foundation Wood Floor Deterioration – mold, mildew, fungi, dry rot, brown rot – wet rot • Specializing in Bathroom Repair • Moisture Proofing Airvents – improper ventilation Insured, Licensed, Bonded Certified & additional foundation vents Forced Air Blower fans (increase circulation) www.advancedfoundationrepairms.com • • • • • •

Roger Rakestraw

1-877-288-7395 662-534-6698 New Albany, MS 38652

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2012

Business Directory Real Estate

Salon Services

Restaurant

Hair Care, Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Skin Care, Micro-Dermabrasion, Massage, Color Analysis & Correction

at

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

The Creative Touch • Drink Not Included • Kid's Menu Only

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

Restaurant

Restaurant

D AY S P A & S A L O N 662-844-3734 • 844-6204

2613-A TRACELAND DR. • TUPELO, MS 38801

Septic Tanks & Systems

Bill’s Septic Tank Service Since 1979

Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Pizza Spaghetti • Salad Bar • Sandwich

WE Roast, You Boast

365-7059

• Dining • Carryout • Catering

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

203 Commerce St. • Tupelo, MS • 840-8800 Mall at Barnes Crossing • Food Court • 690-8009

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

Restaurant

Restaurant

The Rib Shack

Party Trays for all Occasions!

Specializing in Ribs & BBQ!

Fried Pickles, Cheese and Sausage Plate, Cheese Steaks, Hoagies, Chicken Salad, Fish, Steaks, Kid Menu, BBQ Nachos, Homemade Desserts and much, much more.

We’re a family owned business and appreciate all of our customers

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

3061 Tupelo Commons • Tupelo, MS • 840-1700 920 Hwy 72 East • Corinth, MS • 284-4646 Road Side Service

Restaurant

24 Hour Road Side Service Jumpstarts • New & Used Tires • Flat Repairs Truck & Trailer Repair • Fuel Delivery

Chris Roach – 662-610-5604 499 Gloster Creek Village, Tupelo, MS 38801 Phone: (662) 844-4888 Fax: (662) 844-3006

Slab/Concrete

ROCK SOLID B&B CONCRETE CO

., INC.

130 N. Industrial Road / Tupelo

(662) 842-6312

2 LOCATIONS

Monday-Saturday 7 am -10 pm • Sunday 10 am -6 pm

Town Creek Center

2546 Hwy 145 #A Saltillo • 662-869-0086

204 Starlyn Avenue • New Albany, MS

662-534-4500

Roofing

PLATE LUNCHES Monday - Friday

Gurley’s Restaurant

662-767-3105 Cell# 662-231-1941 4810 Pontocola Rd., Shannon, MS

Monday-Saturday 7 am -10 pm • Sunday 1 pm -8 pm

Restaurant

125 NORTH LEE DRIVE, GUNTOWN • 348-2276

- Pumping & Repairs - Field Line Installed -

Tobacco & Beer

CR Diesel Service

FISH / STEAK / OYSTERS Friday & Saturday Night

SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION CLEANING & CLASS ONE TREATMENT PLANTS

W

HE

EL

ER

RO

INC.

Uniforms

OF

ING

“A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

411 CLARK ST. ❖ TUPELO ❖ 844-4481

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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PAGE 22

LARGE OR SMALL...WE CAN HELP YOUR COMPANY!

Communications Networking Data Cabling and Security.

Welcome Jerry Paul We are proud to have Jerry join our team here at ASI. He brings 23 years of experience with him – to help solve any technical need you might have. Give Jerry a call today!

105 West Main Street / New Albany 1-800-246-4987 or (662) 534-4987 Professional Consultations Expert Installation Cutting Edge Technology Unbeatable Value Guaranteed Satisfaction

www.asitelecom.com

PAGE 23

Do you need FASTER or MORE RELIABLE INTERNET SERVICE? We Have the Solution!

Aggressively Priced Bundled Offer that is Competitive with other companies. It includes:

Internet ( 10 MG Internet Circuit / via Fiber ) Local Phone Service Long Distance ( 6,900 Minutes per Month )

Hurry! Limited Time Offer!

• Professional Consultations • Expert Installation • Cutting Edge Technology • Unbeatable Value • Guaranteed Satisfaction

105 West Main Street / New Albany 1-800-246-4987 or (662) 534-4987 www.asitelecom.com

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JUNE 2012

PAGE 24 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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JUNE 2012