Business Journal 20130607

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

June 2013

Fusion Hospitality builds on success

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

For the Hospitality State, hospitality counts

M

ississippi has had several nicknames, including the Magnolia State, the Hospitality State and “the South’s Warmest Welcome.”

The last two are critically important.

We want as many tourists and visitors we can get to spend their money here, and there’s no better way than to live up to those nicknames.

Last year, tourism spending generated some $6 billion statewide. More than 83,000 people are employed in the tourism and travel industry.

Yep, hospitality pays off.

We don’t have a Walt Disney World, a Universal Studios or a Six Flags. But we have cultural experiences and destinations that offer something different.

Think Elvis, Faulkner, blues and even casinos.

In Tupelo, Elvis Presley is a key driver. Witness the spectacle of the annual Tupelo Elvis Festival, now under way for the 15th year this weekend.

In Vicksburg, it’s a different story. I was there a couple of weeks ago as it marked the

150th anniversary of its siege during the Civil War. Visitors by the thousands descended upon the city to mark one of the most DENNIS important batSEID tles of the war.

The fight ended on July 4, 1863, but Vicksburg leaders didn’t want to mark the sesquicentennial at the same time some place called Gettysburg was commemorating its 150th.

Afew weeks before Vicksburg’s 150th event, the local newspaper, in a story about visitors to the Old Courthouse Museum near downtown, called some of the tourists “Yankees.” It was tongue-in-cheek (I think), but seeing “Yankees” in a headline usually refers to the baseballplaying ones from New York.

Still, having grown up in the River City, I got used to seeing plenty of tourists, Yankees or not. We were glad to have them spend money in our fair city.

I ran into a few of those visi-

Street Association put together a “Hospitality 101” training class for front-line hospitality workers. That was the genesis of what would become the Tourism Leadership Program.

McCoy said the small group setting is important for networking. And from there, the graduates spread the information down the line.

Visitors and travelers want to know about a city’s attractions, lodging and dining options. Not About a dozen people from all of them scour the Internet for the hospitality industry are seinformation – sometimes they lected in the fall to complete the want to hear it live and in perfive-month TLP program. Start- son – a cashier, clerk, waiter, ing in December, once a month, server, manager etc. Even ordithe program covers the history nary folks like you and me. and economic development of And that’s what the Tourism Tupelo, how to work with the Leadership Program is trying to CVB, social media, customer do – educate and inform the service and public relations. The hospitality workers in Tupelo, so graduation is during National they can pass it along. That’s Tourism Week in early May. what hospitality is about.

Neal McCoy, the Tupelo CVB’s State tourism chief Malcolm executive director, said he mod- White said the program was eled the program after the Com- unique and should be a model munity Development across the state. He’s exactly Foundation’s Jim Ingram Leadright. ership program.

A few years ago, the CVB and Contact DENNIS SEID at (662) 678the Downtown Tupelo Main 1578 or dennis.seid@journalinc.com.

Visitors and travelers want to know about a city’s attractions, lodging and dining options.

Not all of them scour the Internet for information – sometimes they want to hear it live and in person – a cashier, clerk, waiter, server, manager etc.

Even ordinary folks like you and me. tors during that weekend, and they talked about how “warm,” “friendly,” “welcoming” and “hospitable” people were.

Well, most.

I went into a convenience store, and a couple visitors asked the store clerk where a good restaurant might be.

“There’s nothing really good around here,” she said.

Wow. Not what you want to hear.

That’s why it’s important to get as many people as you can on the hospitality bandwagon.

In Tupelo, the Convention & Visitors Bureau has for two years conducted a Tourism Leadership Program.

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Fusion Hospitality building on success

BY SARAH ROBINSON BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – When Bruce Patel entered the Comfort Inn on McCullough Boulevard recently, everyone from the manager to the receptionist immediately knew him.

The owner of Fusion Hospitality – one of the largest and most successful hospitality management companies in Northeast Mississippi – makes the rounds almost daily to ensure that his businesses are up to par.

Stephanie West, director of sales for Fusion, said Patel is approachable and often on site at one of the company’s properties, which include hotels and restaurants.

“Everybody has Bruce’s cell phone number,” she said.

Patel’s hands-on approach to leadership reflects his own family roots in the business.

Patel’s father and three uncles got into the hotel business in Tampa in 1982 and ran the property, and those that followed, as a family. From maintenance and laundry to guest services, Patel said, “I don’t think there’s a job I haven’t done.”

In a family business, he said, everyone has to do something – you don’t have the option to just sit and watch.

Patel said he learned a lot from his family, and believes that in order to be a good manager, you have to have done the job yourself.

“You start from the ground and work your way up,” he said.

Undeniably, Patel has worked his way up.

At 23, Patel bought his first hotel, the old Executive Inn in Tupelo. He revamped and then sold the property in 2007. He now owns and operates seven other hotels in the area, with two more set to open by the end of the year.

Now 34, the ambitious entrepreneur is shaping the hospitality industry in North Mississippi.

Neal McCoy, director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau said Patel’s commitment to the community enhances his services.

“When I look at Bruce, really what sets him apart is his wanting to improve the community he lives in,” McCoy said.

McCoy said Patel’s hotels are well-designed, and noted that they’re also decorated with local art and photographs to reflect the character of the region.

The 121-room Holiday Inn on North Gloster Street is scheduled to open in November

By the end of 2013, Fusion Hospitality will have more than 300 employees and more than 650 hotel rooms in North Mississippi, spanning from Olive Branch to West Point.

Patel has worked to replace failing properties with successful ones, instead of starting from scratch at each location. He has purchased and revived a number of properties in Tupelo near the intersection of North Gloster Street and McCullough Boulevard, where his two new hotels – a Candlewood Suites and a fullservice Holiday Inn – are under construction.

By the end of 2013, Fusion Hospitality will have more than 300 employees and more than 650 hotel rooms in North Mississippi, spanning from Olive Branch to West Point.

And Patel has more projects in the works.

PAYING ATTENTION

In addition, his Holiday Inn Express in Fulton is rated in the top 1 percent of more than1,800 Holiday Inn Express hotels in the country in terms of customer satisfaction.

Patel attributes part of his success to the design of his hotels, which he said always differs from the industry prototype to be more personalized. He also said attentiveness to customer comments also helps drive the company.

“A good customer is one that

complains,” he said, “If our customers don’t tell us, who will?”

Patel said he pays attention to user reviews of his properties and strives to address any issues that arise.

But Patel also recognizes Fusion’s success doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders.

“Our team is our greatest strength,” he said about his employees. “The hardest challenge is to always make sure we have the right people.”.

Patel is very much involved in the hiring of his management team. But he takes a different approach once a new manager comes on board. As a leader, Patel said, you have to trust and empower your managers.

Despite his obvious success in hotels, Patel said he is not dependent on any one particular business. In addition to five Tutti Fruitti frozen yogurt shops, he is one of the owners of Old Venice Pizza in Tupelo.

And soon, Fusion will extend

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

its dining operations into select hotel properties.

For example, the Holiday Inn in Tupelo is scheduled to open in November and will include the Grata Grill, an upscale full-service restaurant Patel hopes will draw local traffic as well as hotel guests.

Patel also has begun construction of a Courtyard Marriott in Oxford which he says will be the finest Courtyard brand hotel in the Southeast.

“Very upscale, very nice,” he said.

Patel has plans to continue expanding in Tupelo as well, but declined to give details until details are more certain.

Without a doubt, Patel will continue to play a big role in Tupelo development.

“I just love the world of business,” he said, “I love creating businesses and watching them succeed.” sarah.robinson@journalinc.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

LAUREN WOOD | DAILY JOURNAL

Guest services representative Myra Parker checks their hotel reservations on the computer recently at the front desk of the Quality Inn on North Gloster.

‘Hospitality is the name of the game’

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Myra Parker has people who follow her.

And no, they’re not stalkers.

Rather, they’re what some would call big fans.

But Parker is not a celebrity. She is, however, a devoted hospitality industry employee who has worked in the business for almost 30 years. She’s worked at several hotel properties in Tupelo over the years, including the old Holiday Inn and the former Ramada Inn. She recently joined the Quality Inn in Tupelo in guest services, where she ensures guests are taken care of from check-in to check-out.

Frequent guests are accustomed to seeing the bubbly 60-year-old who has a penchant for making everyone smile.

“Hospitality is the name of the game,” she said.

“Without it, you won’t be in business anymore. ... you have to treat people right.”

That outlook has kept Parker going, even as she dipped out of the industry a few times, taking jobs in other industries. But she’s always ome back to the hospitality industry.

“I got started in the business when I was 14,” she said. “It’s in my blood.”

Parker moved to Montgomery, Ala., where her

mother had gotten a job for Holiday Inn. During the summer she would work at the hotel with her mother, getting a feel for all the job entailed.

“I just loved it,” she said.

The business has changed quite a bit since she was a teen, but Parker has managed to adapt.

She admits, however, that using today’s technology took a little getting used to.

“Back when I started, we used a switchboard – which we called the black box – to connect hotel guests to callers,” she recalled with a laugh. “And we used to keep everything on paper. Everything was hand-written. Nothing was on a computer.

And we gave out keys that were really keys – not these card keys.”

And a hotel or motel stay was never too elaborate, Parker said.

People merely wanted a place to sleep, she added.

“Today, we’ve got microwaves and coffee makers in the rooms, breakfasts and other amenities that people now take for granted,” she said.

Despite all the changes, one thing about the industry hasn’t changed, she insisted.

“People want to be treated nicely,” she said.

“Not that it’s always easy.

There are some people who you can never make happy, but you have to get

through it. But most are really great. Just like anywhere, you have your good days and bad days.

But the good far outweigh the bad ones.”

Parker is clearly a “people person” who enjoys the company of others.

She embraces guests like dear friends. No wonder she’s built a loyal following.

One incident in particular is a testament to that.

Tractor-trailer drivers are limited to the number of hours they can be on the road, and when they stop, they can’t drive anywhere else until they’re allowed back on the road.

Parker had a hotel guest stop one cold winter night.

He had parked his truck and was looking for a place to eat, but had no other form of transportation.

What did she do? She lent him the keys to her pickup truck so he could go to a restaurant. He returned the favor and bought her dinner.

That’s taking hospitality and guest services to another level, but Parker thinks nothing of the gesture.

“I’ve gotten a lot of free dinners over the years,” she said with a laugh.

“It goes back to treating people the way you’d like to be treated,” she said. “I love this job and I love the people.” dennis.seid@journalinc.com

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PAGE 4

Make success a habit for your business

O

ne of the great dangers of adulthood is routine.

It is very easy to get into a pattern of behavior. Business owners and managers are no different. Wake up, go to work, do what is necessary, go home and repeat the next day.

It’s not that one has to be in a daze to fall victim to routine. You can be acutely aware of your surroundings, but habits are hard to break. Part of your habit might be to worry every day. Part of your habit might be to plan.

If you are stuck in the habit of unlocking your door every morning, turning on the lights and accepting mediocrity, I would suggest finding a new habit.

Too often people arrive at work every day to think the world is going to miraculously change, and everything will get better. A new client will drop in. A new source of profit will be found. An expense will disappear. Sadly, these things never happen.

Those who find change and improve their business are the ones who seek change. They live intentionally toward improving their business and improving themselves.

While this may seem trite and obvious, I have seen it enough that it bears mentioning.

However, Marketing breaking the cycle – thinking Matters differently – is much easier JOSH said than done.

One place to MABUS start is by asking yourself, “What ‘truths’ am I accepting about my business or organization that aren’t fact?”

Do you have to work late every night? Do you only have one type of client? Do you have to be the one that does four jobs? Can you really not afford that extra help?

Simple introspection can yield more results than the most complicated market research. We have many more answers inside us than we might realize.

Another place to gain foothold in change is to enlist outside help.

Perhaps a management consultant can help you escape sameness and find opportunity. A peer

in a non-competing market might offer insight. A simple question or two to current clients might change your entire business.

The key is to seek improvement. This axiom might seem overly simplistic, but it might make all the difference in your business.

Even if you’re not a farthinker, if you can begin concentrating on short-term goals, you will find yourself incrementally moving toward these goals. If you need more clients, make a habit of getting up and setting your mind to this. Ask current clients why they chose you.

Make a routine of acting to change your business for the better. Shun the status quo.

It might be easier to arrive and depart your business the same way each day, but you will find new vigor and success in searching ways to advance. Like all habits, once it is ingrained, it will be difficult to break.

JOSH MABUS is the owner of The Mabus Agency, a marketing and advertising company in Tupelo. Contact him at (662) 823-2100 or josh@mabusagency.com.

PAGE 5 |

BUSINESS REWIND

United Furniture to add 100 new jobs

NETTLETON – United Furniture Industries is growing its workforce by 25 percent at its Nettleton manufacturing plant.

United, which makes stationary and motion upholstered furniture, including sofas, loveseats, sectionals, chairs and recliners, already employs about 400 in Nettleton. It is investing $277,000 in the facility and will create at least 100 new jobs with the expansion.

The company is one of the largest furniture manufacturers in Northeast Mississippi, and also has a manufacturing plant and distribution center in Amory. United employs about 1,800 workers total in its Mississippi facilities.

The company also has manufacturing plants in Lexington and Archdale in North Carolina, as well a distribution center in Kernersville, N.C.

Advanced Innovations to expand facility BALDWYN – Advanced In-

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novations East, a division of Sleep Innovations, broke ground last month on an expansion at its facility at the Harry A. Martin North Lee Industrial Complex.

The company, which makes “memory foam” for mattresses, toppers and pillows, employs about 400 people.

The latest expansion will add 50 additional jobs.

Furniture Market spring dates move TUPELO – The spring Tupelo Furniture Market will be held in January.

Originally scheduled for mid-February, the spring market will be held Jan. 16-19, market officials confirmed Monday.

The fall market is unchanged; it will be Aug. 15-18 as planned.

TFM President Kevin Seddon said market officials spoke to nearly all of their major exhibitors to get their input in moving the spring market.

Daily Journal reports

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

BUSINESS JOURNAL |

BRIEFING

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Mississippi and MissisMinority Business sippi State University are Alliance meets June 13 co-hosting a June 18 STARKVILLE – A Misvendors’ fair for minority sissippi Minority Busibusinesses to provide ness Alliance more access to the bidmembership meeting ding process. will be held at Missis“Minority Business sippi State University’s Expo: Making The UniHunter Henry Center. versity Connection” beThe meeting begins at 11 gins at 1 p.m. in the a.m. at the Parker Ballmultipurpose room of room. the Jackson Avenue CenMSU and its Office of ter near campus.

Research and Economic Online registration is Development are hosts available for the special event (www.where2go411.com) sponsored by the U.S. and early sign-up is enDepartment of Agriculcouraged. ture’s Rural Jobs AccelerThe Board of Trustees ator Program. of State Institutions of Bob Covington, direc- Higher Learning recently tor of the Mississippi De- launched the Mississippi velopment Authority’s Public University MinorMinority and Small Busi- ity Economic Opportuness Development Divi- nity Initiative. sion and an MSU Through the program, alumnus, will deliver the the state’s eight universikeynote address. His ties and minority busipresentation will detail nesses receive tools minority- and womenneeded to create ethnic owned business particicompanies have more pation in the Yokohama opportunities to submit Tire project. quotes and bids on In late April, the Japan- goods and services. ese manufacturer anIHL contracted nounced that it would Where2Go411.com, a build a new $300-million web-based platform that commercial truck tire connects vendors to plant in Clay County. buyers through its quote For additional inforfeature. mation or to RSVP for Minority companies the meeting, contact by post information about June 10 MMBA Executive their business and the Director Shellie Michael goods and services they at (601) 965-0366 or provide. smichael@mmba.us.

Universities send and receive quotes, proposMinority Business Fair als and subcontracting opportunities through June 18 at Ole Miss the online system.

OXFORD – Supporting statewide efforts to Contractor program increase diversity among kicks off June 20 higher education vendors, the University of MAYHEW – The Mis-

sissippi Development Authority will launch its Model Contractor Development Program workshop series on June 20 at East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle Campus in Mayhew.

The nine weekly workshops, designed to teach small contractors and businesses practices that will improve their company’s operations and increase their bonding capacity, will be held on Thursdays through Aug. 22 in the school’s Center for Manufacturing Technology.

This workshop series is being held primarily in an effort to inform and prepare small businesses and contractors for the opportunities that will arise from the recent announcement that Yokohama Tire is locating a commercial tire manufacturing facility in West Point.

The program is offered free of charge and is open to all small contractors and businesses, but participants must enroll or already be enrolled in the Mississippi Contractor Procurement Network system (www.mscpc.com) in order to attend.

To register, visit www.mscpc.com.

For more information about the MCDP or to register by phone, contact Latonia Shirley with MDA at (601) 359-6678 or Bill Burge at (662) 329-1077.

Daily Journal reports

JUNE 2013

Hospitality industry jobs growing in importance

BY SARAH ROBINSON BUSINESS JOURNAL

ported an average annual salary of $43,000 in the hospitality industry based on an ongoing survey of employment opportunities posted on the site.

In 2008, the University of Mississippi began offering a degree specifically in hospitality management.

Tanya Ruetzler, an associate professor in the Department of Applied Sciences, which houses the program, said it is one of the fastest growing schools at the university.

She said graduates of the program are employed in a wide range of hospitality jobs across the country.

Students in the hospitality management program at Ole Miss do not specialize in one particular area but instead graduate with a “well-rounded education” and more than 600 hours of real work experi-

Last year, almost 13.2 million people were employed in the hospitality industry in the U.S. By comparison, about 14.6 million were employed in manufacturing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey.

In a job market still experiencing sluggish g r ow t h from the most recent recession, McCoy the number of people in hospitality has grown by 800,000 from 12.4 million in 2007. Manufacturing, White h o w e v e r, has declined by 1.7 million jobs from 16.3 million in the same period.

The employment numbers indicate the growing importance of the hospitality industry on state and local economies.

According to the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, the tourism industry employed more than 3,750 people in Lee County in 2012 and was responsible for $15.3 million in capital investment in the community.

In Mississippi, travel and tourism accounted for 83,345 direct jobs in 2012, or 7.7 percent of the state’s total number of jobs. Travel ence, according to Ruetand tourism last year was zler. the fourth-largest industry.

Victoria Meyers, a 25year industry veteran said, HOSPITALITY JOBS “The coolest thing about As the hospitality busi- working in hotels is there ness continues to outpace are so many facets.” other sectors in growth, so Meyers recently relodoes the availability of jobs cated to Tupelo from Denin the industry. ver, Colo., to be the general Malcolm White, Missis- manager of the Wingate by sippi state director of Windham property near tourism, said the quality of Veterans Boulevard. jobs available in the hospiShe said her advice to tality sector is impressive. anyone looking for a job in “Its not just burger-flip- the industry would be to pers; these are professional identify your passion and hospitality jobs,” he said. then find what area in a SimplyHired.com re- hotel could put you there or

SimplyHired.com reported an average annual salary of $43,000 in the hospitality industry based on an ongoing survey of employment opportunities posted on the site.

what could be a stepping stone.

Tupelo CVB Executive Director Neal McCoy said each hotel opening provides employment opportunities at many levels, including marketing, sales and management.

White said jobs in the industry range from tour guides who lead paddling excursions, hunting trips and tours, to convention and visitors bureau professionals to hotel employees.

“Our industry is robust and growing,” White said.

STRENGTH OF THE INDUSTRY

McCoy said he believes the industry in general has fared better than most during the recent recession due “to the mindset of the American worker.”

“People want to get out and travel and take away those stresses,” he said.

McCoy said although Americans are making spending cuts in some areas, they are not cutting out travel altogether. The CVB has worked to position Tupelo as an inexpensive destination.

“We are a drive market,” he said.“You don’t have to get on a plane or stand in a security line to just get away.”

The CVB has heavily promoted cultural and recreational tourism to drive more overnight guests to the area.

White said despite gaming numbers being down in the state in recent months, tourism and hospitality are still up as a whole, indicating a shift in what is driving travelers to the state.

“As we have developed our non-traditional cultural and heritage tourism market ... we’ve really begin to articulate the story that Mississippi has to tell,” he said.

White said the Mississippi story is based in music, literature, architecture, history and culture.

“We’re telling the story and we’re embracing all of our story,” he said. sarah.robinson@journainc.com

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PAGE 6

ChamberConnection A publication of Journal Publishing and the CDF Chamber Division – June 2013

Mississippi Scholars Graduates Recognized Forty-nine graduates of the Mississippi Scholars program were recently recognized during senior award ceremonies at Mooreville High School, Nettleton High School, Saltillo High School, and Shannon High School. Since 2003, Lee County schools have participated in the program designed to motivate students to enroll in rigorous high school courses that will prepare them for college and careers. Tupelo City Schools began participation in 2011 and will graduate its first class of Mississippi Scholars in 2015.

“This challenging program encourages students to graduate from high school and go the extra mile for their future and economic success,” said Gina Black, project manager and Mississippi Scholar coordinator for Community Development Foundation.

“Whether they plan to attend college, join the military, or go directly into the workforce, the Mississippi Scholars program helps every student become more prepared.”

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 from the program.

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 Gina Black in the CDF office at (662) 842-4521.

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SCHOLAR GRADUATES MOOREVILLE

Lucas Franks Megan Guntharp Carlos Gutierrez Emma Jernigan Benjamin Johnson Katelyn Keith Jessie Kellum Brantley King Kelton Kingsley Dylan Lewis Julianna Loar Tanner Newman Ashley Rushing Hannah Trent Danielle Tunnell Savannah Webb Jason West

Mooreville High School

NETTLETON

Christopher Horn Michael Dillon Pittman Antwon Word

SALTILLO

Lexi Black Hannah Blankenship Claire Cash Krystal Cook Ranna Dubose Lauren Ellis Kimberly Ethridge Emily Finch Logan Gray Keely Mitchell Reed Morrison Elizabeth Raines Kendall Robinson Kelsey Russell Madison Sartin Jenny Kate Smith Andrew Soper Will Wells Emily Wheeler

Saltillo High School

SHANNON

Shannon High School

Nettleton High School

Prenetia Clark Joyland Coleman Derius Conway Jasmeka Foster Aliyah Hooks Jasmine Ivy Shaquita Jones Quavay Kohlheim Karla Turner Thomas Walton

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A CDF

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Chamber Focus Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” This time of year, inspiring words such as these Geddie are spoken at graduation ceremonies across the country.

Many Community Development Foundation (CDF) members and community leaders have lived these words. Successful businesses large and small are the dreams come true of men and women who invested in their visions and worked to make them a reality.

These are the people who compile our membership and make our community strong, progressive, and striving to meet the challenges of the future head-on.

CDF is launching a program to give new businesses an opportunity to see their dreams come true. The “Pay It Forward” program will allow a CDF member to sponsor a new business for a year, thus allowing a

start-up business the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of CDF membership.

If you know of a business you would like to sponsor, please give us a call.

There are two new interns in our office this summer working to define their own path. Ryan Culp, a graduate of Tupelo High School, is a marketing major at Mississippi State University. He is also an accomplished musician. Topher McKee was salutatorian at Saltillo High School and is a public policy and political science major at the University of Mississippi. Both Ryan and Topher will be utilized on research, planning, and development projects this summer. We are looking forward to working with them.

As always, thank you to our members. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you.

New CDF Members APICS Gumtree Chapter Mr. Mike Childers P.O. Box 2825 Tupelo, MS 38803-2825 (662) 397-6453 Education Coldwell Banker Southern Real Estate Mr. Jim Royce 3543 Tom Watson Dr. Saltillo, MS 38866 (662) 620-2232 www.cbtupelo.com Real Estate/Appraisers/Property Development Deep South Charm ~ School of Etiquette Ms. Kelly Jo Brewer 144 S Thomas St., Ste. 201 Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 587-7500 Education

Karen Geddie

Vice President Chamber of Commerce

Community Development Foundation’s 2013-2014 Board of Directors

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

2013-2014 Executive Committee Mr. Chauncey Goodwin, Jr., Chairman Mr. Shane Hooper, First Vice Chairman Ms. Lisa Hawkins, Second Vice Chairman Mr. David Rumbarger, President/Secretary Mr. David Copenhaver, Immediate Past Chairman

Mr. Steve Altmiller Mr. Tillmon Calvert Mr. Scott Cochran Mr. Clay Foster Mr. Bryan Hawkins

Ms. Blair Hughes Mr. Guy Mitchell III Mr. Barry Smith Ms. Jane Spain Mr. Buddy Stubbs

2013-2014 Board of Directors Steve Altmiller Mike Armour Bernard Bean Jim Beane Roger Bland David Brevard Mark Burleson Bo Calhoun Tillmon Calvert Gary Carnathan Grace Clark Mike Clayborne V.M. Cleveland Scott Cochran

David Copenhaver Mike Eaton Doug Formby Clay Foster Julianne Goodwin Bryan Hawkins Reed Hillen Frank Hodges Blair Hughes Trentice Imbler David Irwin Jamie Kennedy Bob Kerley Jeff King

Gearl Loden Neal McCoy Robin McGraw Larry Michael Guy Mitchell Ted Moll Mabel Murphree Mary Pace Jim Pate Aubrey Patterson Fred Pitts Darrell Rankin Harry Rayburn Jack Reed, Jr.

JUNE 2013

Scott Reed Eddie Richey Drew Robertson Ty Robinson Chris Rogers Barry Smith Bobby Smith Jane Spain Gary Sparkman Buddy Stubbs Kiyoshi Tsuchiya Jimmy Weeks Dick White Tollie White

Evolution Lighting LLC Ms. Kim Long 2214 S Green St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 407-0204 www.evolutionlightingllc.com Manufacturers/Distributors Express it Embroidery Ms. Araceli Jimenez 1908 W Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 321-5201 Embroidery & Monogramming Fame Creative Mr. Daniel Hicks 398 E Main St., Ste. 205 Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 213-4710 www.famecreative.com Printers & Publishers Irony by Brandie Ms. Brandie Backes 2308 McCullough Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 523-2648 Retail & Specialty Shops

Select Connect Mr. Chuck Moffatt 1960 McCullough Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 620-1386 Telecommunications Southern Diversified Industries Ms. Mary Frenn 1154 N Second St. Gordon Industrial Park Baldwyn, MS 38824 (662) 365-8800 www.diversi-plast.com Manufacturers/Distributors State Systems, Inc. Mr. Tyler McBride 3755 Cherry Rd. Memphis, TN 38118 (901) 542-0612 www.statesystemsinc.com Fire Services & Equipment Tutti Frutti Ms. Stephanie West 2250 W Main St., Ste. C Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 205-4504 www.tuttifruttitupelo.com Restaurants & Catering

2013-2014 Ambassadors Club Don Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mutual of Omaha Jesse Bandre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exceed Technologies Betty Baxter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop's BBQ Grill Belinda Brooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heartland Payment Systems N MS Stephanie Browning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo/Barnes Crossing Cindy Childs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mall at Barnes Crossing Matt Conway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gum Tree Mortgage Molly Crews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Express Employment Professionals Shirley Curry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crye-Leike, Realtors Sheila Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PPI, Inc. Greg Deakle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exceed Technologies Barbara Doles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trustmark National Bank Demetria Donelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hannahouse ADC Romanda Fears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo/Barnes Crossing M. O. Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Water Depot of Tupelo Toby Hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelter Insurance Jim Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Dana Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crye-Leike, Realtors Bea Luckett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRI, Inc. Realtors Brad McCully. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sportsman Lawn & Landscape Katie McMillan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Staff Source Holley Meriweather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Bank Leigh Monroe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M'Prints Carolyn Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quality Inn Ricky Orr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M&F Bank Allen Pegues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium Productions Nancy Platt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tupelo Church of God Mendy Ramey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renasant Bank Torrie Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tupelo Radio Broadcasting Connie Snell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Beginnings Mary Sue Tudor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamar Advertising Lisa Wadley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvan Learning Center Ross Weems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BancorpSouth Stephanie West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best Western Plus Grady Wigginton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates June Wigginton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates

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PAGE 8

PAGE 9

U.S. Chamber Honors Congressman Nunnelee with Spirit of Enterprise Award Mississippi Lawmaker Recognized for Supporting America’s Job Creators WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Congressman Nunnelee of Mississippi with the annual Spirit of Enterprise Award for his support of pro-jobs, pro-growth policies during the second session of the 112th Congress.

“In the face of highstakes politics and difficult choices, Congressman Nunnelee provided America’s job creators with a strong voice in Congress,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “This award recognizes Congressman Nunnelee for consistently demonstrating his support for pro-growth policies.”

The Chamber’s prestigious Spirit of Enterprise Award, in its 25th year, is given annually to members of Congress based on key business issues outlined in the Chamber pub-

Thomas J. Donohue, President and Chief Executive Officer, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presents Congressman Alan Nunnelee with the "Spirit of Enterprise Award" at the CDF Center. lication How They Voted. qualify to receive the Members who support the award.

Chamber’s position on at According to the scoreleast 70% of those votes card, Congressman Nun-

GENTIVA HOSPICE

nelee received a 92% rat- tenure in Congress. ing with the Chamber this The Chamber scored year and collectively holds Congress on 8 Senate and a 93% ranking during his 12 House votes in 2012, in-

cluding reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the establishment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) with Russia, and the reauthorization of surface transportation legislation. Also scored were votes to repeal onerous provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, improve the process by which regulations are promulgated, and better secure the United States from cyber threats.

To view a complete list of the 2012 Spirit of Enterprise recipients, please visit www.uschamber.com/soe.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers.

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET

Gentiva Hospice celebrated the grand opening of their new location at 144 S. Thomas St., Ste. 201 in Tupelo, with a ribbon cutting. As America’s home health and hospice leader, the Gentiva family of companies delivers healthcare home through clinical expertise and compassion. Visit www.gentiva.com, or call (662) 844-2417.

Livability Tupelo/Lee County offers opportunities for local businesses to gain exposure through print and online advertising avenues. Distributed throughout the year and available online at all times, Livability Tupelo/Lee County provides relevant community information, highlights Tupelo and Lee County’s progressive business climate, and showcases the region’s quality of life while also reinforcing advertiser credibility. View the current online edition of Livability Tupelo/Lee County at http://livability.com/tupelo/ms/magazine. For more information on becoming a part of Liveabilty Tupelo/Lee County, please contact Seth Israelsen at sisraelsen@jnlcom.com, or call the CDF office to schedule an appointment at (662) 842-4521.

In celebration of Dwayne Blackmon Chevrolet’s open house, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held. Located at 1410 S Gloster St., Dwayne Blackmon Chevrolet strives to make your purchase and service an enjoyable experience. For more information, visit www.blackmonchevrolet.com, or call (662) 269-4777.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2013

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2013

MAY TYP EVENT

Tupelo Young Professionals Networking Social at the

Thursday, June 20

Sponsored by

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

1 Otis Blvd.

Bring a friend, and come network with the TYPs.

The May TYP event was held at BNA Bank. Attendees enjoyed networking with over 50 young professionals, refreshments, and over $350 in cash prizes.

For more information about TYP, visit www.typs.biz or e-mail typ@cdfms.org.

Does your business have exciting news to share?

AVAILABLE

Prime Corner on North Gloster

367 NORTH GLOSTER STREET • TUPELO

JAMES R. HUNTER 662-841-1557

www.huntergroupms.com

1547 MCCULLOUGH BLVD • TUPELO, MS 38804

Contact Mallory Rutledge at mrutledge@cdfms.org or (662) 842-4521 to have it published in CDF’s bi-weekly e-newsletter, Chamber Connection 2.0.

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PAGE 10

Join us for TYP Lunch with Leaders Speaker Mr. Shane Hooper

PAGE 11

GARDNER-SIMMONS PROVIDENCE HOUSE A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the Gardner-Simmons Providence House.

Located at 2794 Boatner Dr., the Providence House provides services for girls 12 through 21 who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy. They can be contacted at (662) 844-1672.

Owner, Success Learning, Inc.

Thursday July 18, 2013 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

CDF Boardroom CDF Center 398 E Main St. This event is free to attend.

Lunch is provided. Space is limited.

Register online at www.cdfms.org/events.

Are you interested in promoting your business with a ribbon cutting? Contact Emily Addison at (662) 842-4521 or eaddison@cdfms.org.

The affordable solution to personal or business legal needs!

Close the deal at Park Heights.

• 25+ Years Experience

• No Fault Divorce

• Corporate Set up LLC, S Corp, C Corp Annual filings

• Real Estate Contracts, Deeds, Title Work, Lease, Landlord/Tenant Disputes

• Estate Planning Simple Wills, Power of Attorney • Notary Service Health Care Directive • Attorney Referral • Collection of Past Due Accounts

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

P.O. Box 1123 | Tupelo, MS 38802

(662) 322-6434 Visit our website

JPC’13

www.parkheightsrestaurant.com

www.paralegalresourcems.com We are not attorneys nor do we give legal advice.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2013

Join us for TYP Lunch with Leaders Speaker Mr. Shane Hooper

PAGE 11

GARDNER-SIMMONS PROVIDENCE HOUSE A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the Gardner-Simmons Providence House.

Located at 2794 Boatner Dr., the Providence House provides services for girls 12 through 21 who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy. They can be contacted at (662) 844-1672.

Owner, Success Learning, Inc.

Thursday July 18, 2013 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

CDF Boardroom CDF Center 398 E Main St. This event is free to attend.

Lunch is provided. Space is limited.

Register online at www.cdfms.org/events.

Are you interested in promoting your business with a ribbon cutting? Contact Emily Addison at (662) 842-4521 or eaddison@cdfms.org.

The affordable solution to personal or business legal needs!

Close the deal at Park Heights.

• 25+ Years Experience

• No Fault Divorce

• Corporate Set up LLC, S Corp, C Corp Annual filings

• Real Estate Contracts, Deeds, Title Work, Lease, Landlord/Tenant Disputes

• Estate Planning Simple Wills, Power of Attorney • Notary Service Health Care Directive • Attorney Referral • Collection of Past Due Accounts

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

P.O. Box 1123 | Tupelo, MS 38802

(662) 322-6434 Visit our website

JPC’13

www.parkheightsrestaurant.com

www.paralegalresourcems.com We are not attorneys nor do we give legal advice.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2013

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2013

Members and supporters of Lee County break ground on Advanced Innovations East’s 108,000-square-foot expansion.

Advanced Innovations East breaks ground on expansion in Lee County Officials from Advanced Innovations East, a subsidiary of Sleep Innovations, and state and local officials broke ground Thursday, May 30 on a 108,000-square-foot expansion at the company’s location in the Harry A. Martin North Lee Industrial Complex in Baldwyn, MS. The project represents a $4 million company investment and will create 50 jobs over the next two years.

“Since our first operation in Lee County in 2003, we knew this was where we wanted to grow our business,” said Sleep Innovations Executive Vice President Steve Setzer. "Our success in Baldwyn and Lee County can be attributed to the assistance provided by the State of Mississippi, Lee County and many others especially our workforce".

In 2003, Advanced Innovations East began operations in Lee

County with 60 employees. In 2004, the company built its 300,000-square-foot facility and has since grown to more than 440 employees. This expansion, which includes a warehouse and distribution facility, will support the company’s focus on the development of new products, such as mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows that utilize the company’s memory foam technology.

“Advanced Innovations East has been an asset to the city of Baldwyn since 2004. We anticipate many more prosperous years working with company officials to help this company successfully expand here in Northeast Mississippi,” said Baldwyn Mayor Michael James.

“For a decade, Advanced Innovations East has been a valuable member of Mississippi’s

business community, and I appreciate the company for further investing in its Baldwyn operations and strengthening its roots in our state,” Governor Bryant said. “When our existing companies choose to expand their operations and create new jobs for our workers, it serves as a testament to our strong, favorable business climate and our dedicated workforce – one of our greatest assets. I wish the team at Advanced Innovations East many more years of success in Lee County.”

The Mississippi Development Authority provided assistance in support of the project through the Community Development Block Grant program and the Development Infrastructure Program for infrastructure improvements.

The Appalachian Regional Commission, the City

Interested in starting a business?

Let the Renasant Center for IDEAs and the MS Small Business Development Center help you get started.

June 13, 2013 How to Develop a Business Plan All seminars are free, begin at 1:00 p.m., and are held at the Renasant Center for IDEAs, 398 E Main St., Tupelo, MS To register for a workshop or for more information, please contact Charles Killebrew at 1-800-725-7232 or umsbdc3@olemiss.edu

of Baldwyn and Lee County provided assistance, as well.

“We are pleased we could assist Advanced Innovations East with this expansion,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “It is always great news when an existing company chooses to grow operations in our state, and we are grateful to our partners at the Community Development Foundation, the City of Baldwyn, Lee County and the Appalachian Regional Commission for working to make this project possible.”

“I am proud that Advanced Innovations East is continuing to grow its operations in Lee County. This expansion represents the company’s confidence in Lee County’s workforce and their commitment to retaining jobs in this region,” said Community Development Founda-

tion chairman, Chauncey Godwin, Jr. “Advanced Innovations East continues to impact Lee County.

We are grateful for their contribution to our region’s economic wellbeing and commend the company for its ongoing investment in our people and community,” said Lee County Board of Supervisors President, Bobby Smith.

Sleep Innovations, parent company of Advanced Innovations East, is the leader in consumer-driven foam products, proven to deliver comfort, relaxation and rejuvenation. The company designs and manufactures advanced memory foam products, including pillows, mattress toppers, mattresses, mattress protectors and home comfort, travel and pet products.

For more information, visit www.sleepinnovations.com.

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PAGE 12

PAGE 13

CDF SUMMER INTERNS

Sherwin Williams paints portion of Tupelo Police Athletic League facility As part of National Painting Week, April 15-19, local Sherwin Williams employees volunteered alongside police, firefighters, and others April 18, to help paint a portion of the Tupelo Police Athletic League’s (PAL) new facility on Douglas St. in Tupelo.

PAL is moving from its 8,500 square-foot warehouse to the newly renovated 17,000 square-foot former Salvation Army recreation facility behind the Link Centre.

Ten Sherwin Williams employees helped paint a

large accent wall, window and doorway trim, as well as matched colors for the rest of the facility. Sherwin Williams District Manager Tim Jordan spearheaded the National Painting Week community project.

In addition to volunteering, local Sherwin Williams stores also donated approximately 400 gallons of paint for the total project. Project completion is on schedule and PAL will hold its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m.

Friends and family of PAL are invited to attend.

Tupelo’s Police Athletic League is a local youth crime prevention program that utilizes educational, athletic, and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youth. PAL currently provides a recreational environment for around 350 of Tupelo’s young people.

The new facility and upgrades allow for more space and activities such as full court basketball, boxing, and workout

NAUTICAL WHIMSEY ITALIAN BISTRO AND WINE BAR

Nautical Whimsey Italian Bistro and Wine Bar held a ribbon cutting ceremony at their 210 W Main St., Ste. 103 location to celebrate the joint partnership between owners Amanda Knuckles and her father, Donny Garner. Nautical Whimsey Italian Bistro and Wine bar offers a daily lunch buffet, as well as nightly specials. They can be contacted at (662) 842-7171.

gyms. PAL officials say not only will the new facility double in size from the previous location, the number of program participants they can reach out to will also double.

“The Police Athletic League is a good organization so we’re just happy to help out.

Sherwin Williams is fortunate enough to be a part of a great community here and this just gives us a chance to give a little something back to the area and do a little bit of good for Tupelo,” said Jordan.

Ryan Culp, a summer intern at Community Development Foundation, is a junior at Mississippi State University, pursuing a degree in marketing.

Christopher McKee, a summer intern at Community Development Foundation, is a sophomore in the Honors College at the University of Mississippi, working towards degrees in public policy leadership and political science.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2013

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JUNE 2013

SHANNON TOWN HALL

AUNT B’S SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the Town of Shannon hosted a ribbon cutting in celebration of the newly completed Town Hall. The new facility is located at 225 Broad St. in Shannon and they can be contacted at (662) 767-9747.

Aunt B’s Soul Food Restaurant held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening.

Open for breakfast and lunch from 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Aunt B’s is located at 2750 S Green St., and can be contacted at (662) 269-3923 for carryout services.

Philips Lighting honored as Innovator of the Year The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently honored Philips Lighting, formerly Philips Day-Brite, in Tupelo, MS as “Innovator of the Year” in energy efficiency during the 2013 TVA Green Power Switch (GPS) Leadership Awards. GPS Leadership Awards recognize the outstanding efforts of power company partners and their business customers through the Tennessee Valley.

Philips Lighting was the only Mississippi-based entity to win an award.

Launched in 2000, TVA’s Green Power Switch is the first program of its kind in the Southeast to give consumers and businesses a way to support renewable energy by purchasing $4 blocks of TVA green power through their local power company that is in turn added to the end-user’s monthly electric bill. This purchase ensures 150-kilowatt hours of electricity are generated by a renewable resource such as wind, solar, or biomass. Among other categories, the Leadership Awards recognize local businesses for the most GPS energy blocks purchased combined with energy efficiency efforts.

Philips Lighting is the

largest GPS purchaser in Mississippi as well as a valuable trade ally partner for TVA in the Commercial and Industrial program through the manufacturing of energy efficient lighting products in the TVA service territory.

Through Phillips Lighting’s commitment to energy efficient lighting products and through their annual commitment to purchase Green Power, Philips Lighting dramatically reduced its carbon footprint while also delivering EEDR projects and products to TVA customers helping TVA build their virtual power plant. Philips Lighting’s commitment to both producing energy efficient products and utilizing green energy demonstrates their commitment to sustainability within the TVA service territory.

Consumers can help increase the amount of renewable energy generated in the valley by purchasing GPS energy blocks of 150 kilowatts each from their local power distributer. Each block costs $4 monthly with no limit on the number of blocks purchased. Additional information on TVA’s GPS program is available online at www.greenpowerswitch.com.

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PAGE 14

PAGE 15

Business Directory Antiques/Auctions

Bank

Automotive Commercial Vehicles

Licensed Real Estate Broker & Auctioneers Full Time Professional Auction Service

Free Auction Consultation Alabama • Mississippi • Tennessee Auction Types: Call or email to be placed Court Ordered, Foreclosures, Houses, on our mailing list.

Land, Buildings, Business, Personal or

Family Estates, Business Inventory, Vehicles, Equipment, Personal Collections (i.e. guns, coins, gold, silver, jewelry, rugs, collectibles, antiques, furniture, primitives)

bandb@sonet.net • 800-890-5130

Bank Of Okolona

Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET for your commercial vehicle needs!

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

(662) 447-5403

(662) 456-3347

1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611

Apartments Homes

Bank

Your 5-Star, A Rated Bank

1608 S. GLOSTER TUPELO

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

by Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings

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

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

CALL JIM BROWN 662.231.2392

Apartments Homes

Automotive Services

Now Accepting Applicants

for 1,2,3,4 bedroom apartments.

These units are subsidized through HUD and are based on income.

320 Monument #106 • Tupelo, MS Office Hours: M-F 9am-5pm 842-4267 or TTY711 or 1-800-582-2233 for the hearing impaired

Apartments Homes

We take care of your money.

THE FAST LANE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

www.GrandOleOaks.com HILLDALE APARTMENTS

We take care of you.

Bank

BRAKE & SERVICE REPAIR • Brakes • Front End Alignment • Air Conditioning Call Robin Barnett today!

OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE STARTERS, TIRES, OIL CHANGES, BATTERIES, ALTERNATORS, DRIVESHAFTS, AND CUSTOM WHEELS.

662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

Cooper Service

662-844-1852

• 4006 West Main • Tupelo

Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm • Sat 7:30am - Noon

Automotive Services

Bank

Tupelo Lending Office

Body Repair • Auto Glass •Insurance Claims

"The Peace and Quiet of the Country, with the Convenience of the City" OAK CREEK APARTMENTS 508 LUMPKIN AVENUE • TUPELO Nancy Oliver, Site Manager

Ratliff Body and Glass 365-8245

(662) 844-2370

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

Auto Rental

Automotive Services

email: oakcreekapts@themichaelsorg.com

RICK’S CHASSIS WORKS Foreign - Domestic

• Insurance Claims Welcome • Free Estimates • Body & Paint Repair PH: 662-842-5404 FAX: 662-842-0909

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

(662) 456-5341

www.bankofokolona.com

Automotive Commercial Vehicles

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes

Bank of Mantee 54 1st Street Mantee, Mississippi

“We Specialize in Frame Work”

1875 Nelle St. Tupelo, MS

844-0260

431 W Main Suite 201 Jamie Osbirn Ron Roper Leslie Stacy

662.844.3419 fanb.net

Member

FDIC

Equal Housing

LENDER

Blinds Budget

Blinds a style for every point of view

Budget Blinds of Tupelo

FREE In-Home Consultation Shutters, Wood Blinds, Draperies and more! www.budgetblinds.com An Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

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

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

Business Directory Building Supplies

Concrete

Event Venue

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305

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

Building Supplies

Contractors

Foundation Repair

Lumbe ville r Boone Company

SS & G Contractors

Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Ph: (662) 365-7021

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

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

1187 North 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS 38824

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

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

Saltillo, MS • 869-0052

• Septic Tanks • Driveways & • Excavating Gravel • Lot Clearing • Metal Carports • Dozer & Bobcat • Treatment Plants • Storm Shelters (Licensed and Fema Approved)

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 & additional foundation vents Force Air Blower fans, (increase circulation)

Roger Rakestraw

Call for Estimates Licensed & Bonded

"For all your hardware needs"

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

1-877-288-7395 • 662-534-6698 New Albany, Ms 38652 www.advancedfoundationrepairms.com Insured, Licensed, Bonded Certified

Dentist

Collision Repair

Furniture

We’ve got all your

home furnishings

24 Hour Wrecker Service

at affordable prices.

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

662-489-1176

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

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

Commercial Cleaning Services

Employment Opportunities

Gifts

Okolona Drug Co.

Complete Prescription Service

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

224 Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652

662-534-4448

Great Employment Opportunities

Commercial Cleaning Services

Engineering

MR. JANITOR

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

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

DABBS ENGINEERING CO., INC.

Tupelo, MS

Land Surveyors

Boundary ■ Topo ■ Alta ■ Construction Layout ■ Subdivisions ■

Engineers ■

Civil

■

Environmental-Testing

■

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

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

24 Hour Emergency Service

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

662-844-4540

“Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations”

711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS

“Experience Is The Difference”

FAX:662-620-7754

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PAGE 17

Business Directory Healthcare

Landscaping

Serving Lee, Chickasaw, Monroe, Pontotoc, Union, Calhoun, Itawamba, & Lafayette Counties.

Medical

FRIENDSHIP MEDICAL CLINIC, LLC.

SCRUGGS

LAWN

CARE

Walkins Welcome

LANDSCAPING IRRIGATION FREE ESTIMATES REASONABLE RATES

Call 601-427-5973 Between 8am - 1pm

397-6486

Home Improvement

E R IC

T THE BEST P Owner, Ron Herndon

(662) 963-2825

rafcomhs@gmail.com

5482 Hwy 15 N. • Ecru, MS 38841

662-488-8799 Motorsports

Livestock

WE GE

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

Installation available!!!

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

PONTOTOC STOCKYARD SATURDAYS

1-888-452-3530 We Want To Connect With YOU!!

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

Like us on FACEBOOK Facebook.com/MotorSportsSuperStore

GOOGLE search Motorsports SuperStore

Follow us on TWITTER Twitter.com/MSSuperStore

YOUTUBE YouTube.com/MotorSportsSuperStore

Moving

Locksmith

Insulation

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

NEW & USED SAFES

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

662-844-1306

3166 West Jackson, Tupelo, MS

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

Call for a Free Estimate

Bronzie Morgan Relocation Specialist

662-842-1120

(662) 842-7720

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

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

Insurance

Medical

Paint

Medical

Plumbing

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

Scott Hancock

Allen Hancock

662-534-2661

Monthly Rates Available

720 W . Bankhead St. New Albany

Irrigation/Landscaping

Spruce

, PA

LANDSCAPING

1509 Leighton Dr. • Tupelo, MS

• • • • •

IRRIGATION LANDSCAPE DESIGN/INSTALL DRAINAGE OUTDOOR LIGHTING CONCRETE WORK

• PATIO • SIDEWALKS • RETAINING WALLS

662-401-0449

Comprehensive Medical Care For Your Family or Business 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

Lee Wallace, CFNP David W. Bell, MD Leigh Ann Weatherly, CFNP

Never an overtime charge.

HE’S AN EXPERT

• Complete plumbing repairs • Clogged drains/Sewer cleaning • Faucets/Disposals • Toilets/Water Heaters • Hydroscrubbing • Leak locating • Video camera inspection

662-553-4598

HE’S PROFESSIONAL • Fast service 24/7 • There’s a reason they cal us Mr.® • Know the price before we start • Fixed right the first time • Clean service professionals • Workmanship & parts guarantee

MrRooter.com

Formerly Known As Sonny T’s Plumbing

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

Business Directory Party Trays for all Occasions!

RH PLUMBING, INC.

W

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

Roofing

Restaurant

Plumbing

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

Real Estate

DISTRESS SALE

Restaurant

HE

EL

ER

RO

INC.

OF

ING

“A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

411 CLARK ST. ❖ TUPELO ❖ 844-4481

Technology Achieve greater network per for mance with less.

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

Bank Foreclosures, Receive a Free, list w/pic of Foreclosure Properties.

www.tupeloforesurehomes.com 24/7 Free Recorded Message

1-800-522-4023 ID#1042 Coldwell Banker

Real Estate

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

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

Restaurant at

Tobacco & Beer 2 LOCATIONS

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

Town Creek Center

2546 Hwy 145 #A Saltillo • 662-869-0086 • Max 2 FREE Kids with Adult Entree • 12 Years and Under

• 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

Real Estate

Restaurant

Thinking of Selling Your Home or Property?

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

204 Starlyn Avenue • New Albany, MS

662-534-4500

Tree Service

Johnson Tree Service

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

Call Us Today 662-489-2848 Restaurant

WE Roast, You Boast • Dining • Carryout • Catering 203 Commerce St. • Tupelo, MS • 840-1524 fax

Across from BancorpSouth Arena Mon.- Wed. 6:00 am - 6:00 pm • Thu. - Sat. 6:00 am. - Until

Daniel Johnson • Pizza Spaghetti • Salad Bar • Sandwich

365-7059

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS Mon.-Thurs. 11-10 • Fri.-Sat. 11-11 • Sun. 12-10

Owner

Free Estimates Insured & Bonded dpjohnson012@yahoo.com

662-401-9370

Restaurant

Uniforms

Specializing in Ribs & BBQ!

Keeping Professional People Looking Professional

The Rib Shack

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

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

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 18

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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PAGE 19

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JUNE 2013

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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PAGE 20 JUNE 2013

Make success a habit for your business

O

ne of the great dangers of adulthood is routine.

It is very easy to get into a pattern of behavior. Business owners and managers are no different. Wake up, go to work, do what is necessary, go home and repeat the next day.

It’s not that one has to be in a daze to fall victim to routine. You can be acutely aware of your surroundings, but habits are hard to break. Part of your habit might be to worry every day. Part of your habit might be to plan.

If you are stuck in the habit of unlocking your door every morning, turning on the lights and accepting mediocrity, I would suggest finding a new habit.

Too often people arrive at work every day to think the world is going to miraculously change, and everything will get better. A new client will drop in. A new source of profit will be found. An expense will disappear. Sadly, these things never happen.

Those who find change and improve their business are the ones who seek change. They live intentionally toward improving their business and improving themselves.

While this may seem trite and obvious, I have seen it enough that it bears mentioning.

However, Marketing breaking the cycle – thinking Matters differently – is much easier JOSH said than done.

One place to MABUS start is by asking yourself, “What ‘truths’ am I accepting about my business or organization that aren’t fact?”

Do you have to work late every night? Do you only have one type of client? Do you have to be the one that does four jobs? Can you really not afford that extra help?

Simple introspection can yield more results than the most complicated market research. We have many more answers inside us than we might realize.

Another place to gain foothold in change is to enlist outside help.

Perhaps a management consultant can help you escape sameness and find opportunity. A peer

in a non-competing market might offer insight. A simple question or two to current clients might change your entire business.

The key is to seek improvement. This axiom might seem overly simplistic, but it might make all the difference in your business.

Even if you’re not a farthinker, if you can begin concentrating on short-term goals, you will find yourself incrementally moving toward these goals. If you need more clients, make a habit of getting up and setting your mind to this. Ask current clients why they chose you.

Make a routine of acting to change your business for the better. Shun the status quo.

It might be easier to arrive and depart your business the same way each day, but you will find new vigor and success in searching ways to advance. Like all habits, once it is ingrained, it will be difficult to break.

JOSH MABUS is the owner of The Mabus Agency, a marketing and advertising company in Tupelo. Contact him at (662) 823-2100 or josh@mabusagency.com.

PAGE 5 |

BUSINESS REWIND

United Furniture to add 100 new jobs

NETTLETON – United Furniture Industries is growing its workforce by 25 percent at its Nettleton manufacturing plant.

United, which makes stationary and motion upholstered furniture, including sofas, loveseats, sectionals, chairs and recliners, already employs about 400 in Nettleton. It is investing $277,000 in the facility and will create at least 100 new jobs with the expansion.

The company is one of the largest furniture manufacturers in Northeast Mississippi, and also has a manufacturing plant and distribution center in Amory. United employs about 1,800 workers total in its Mississippi facilities.

The company also has manufacturing plants in Lexington and Archdale in North Carolina, as well a distribution center in Kernersville, N.C.

Advanced Innovations to expand facility BALDWYN – Advanced In-

|

novations East, a division of Sleep Innovations, broke ground last month on an expansion at its facility at the Harry A. Martin North Lee Industrial Complex.

The company, which makes “memory foam” for mattresses, toppers and pillows, employs about 400 people.

The latest expansion will add 50 additional jobs.

Furniture Market spring dates move TUPELO – The spring Tupelo Furniture Market will be held in January.

Originally scheduled for mid-February, the spring market will be held Jan. 16-19, market officials confirmed Monday.

The fall market is unchanged; it will be Aug. 15-18 as planned.

TFM President Kevin Seddon said market officials spoke to nearly all of their major exhibitors to get their input in moving the spring market.

Daily Journal reports

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2013

BUSINESS JOURNAL |

BRIEFING

|

Mississippi and MissisMinority Business sippi State University are Alliance meets June 13 co-hosting a June 18 STARKVILLE – A Misvendors’ fair for minority sissippi Minority Busibusinesses to provide ness Alliance more access to the bidmembership meeting ding process. will be held at Missis“Minority Business sippi State University’s Expo: Making The UniHunter Henry Center. versity Connection” beThe meeting begins at 11 gins at 1 p.m. in the a.m. at the Parker Ballmultipurpose room of room. the Jackson Avenue CenMSU and its Office of ter near campus.

Research and Economic Online registration is Development are hosts available for the special event (www.where2go411.com) sponsored by the U.S. and early sign-up is enDepartment of Agriculcouraged. ture’s Rural Jobs AccelerThe Board of Trustees ator Program. of State Institutions of Bob Covington, direc- Higher Learning recently tor of the Mississippi De- launched the Mississippi velopment Authority’s Public University MinorMinority and Small Busi- ity Economic Opportuness Development Divi- nity Initiative. sion and an MSU Through the program, alumnus, will deliver the the state’s eight universikeynote address. His ties and minority busipresentation will detail nesses receive tools minority- and womenneeded to create ethnic owned business particicompanies have more pation in the Yokohama opportunities to submit Tire project. quotes and bids on In late April, the Japan- goods and services. ese manufacturer anIHL contracted nounced that it would Where2Go411.com, a build a new $300-million web-based platform that commercial truck tire connects vendors to plant in Clay County. buyers through its quote For additional inforfeature. mation or to RSVP for Minority companies the meeting, contact by post information about June 10 MMBA Executive their business and the Director Shellie Michael goods and services they at (601) 965-0366 or provide. smichael@mmba.us.

Universities send and receive quotes, proposMinority Business Fair als and subcontracting opportunities through June 18 at Ole Miss the online system.

OXFORD – Supporting statewide efforts to Contractor program increase diversity among kicks off June 20 higher education vendors, the University of MAYHEW – The Mis-

sissippi Development Authority will launch its Model Contractor Development Program workshop series on June 20 at East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle Campus in Mayhew.

The nine weekly workshops, designed to teach small contractors and businesses practices that will improve their company’s operations and increase their bonding capacity, will be held on Thursdays through Aug. 22 in the school’s Center for Manufacturing Technology.

This workshop series is being held primarily in an effort to inform and prepare small businesses and contractors for the opportunities that will arise from the recent announcement that Yokohama Tire is locating a commercial tire manufacturing facility in West Point.

The program is offered free of charge and is open to all small contractors and businesses, but participants must enroll or already be enrolled in the Mississippi Contractor Procurement Network system (www.mscpc.com) in order to attend.

To register, visit www.mscpc.com.

For more information about the MCDP or to register by phone, contact Latonia Shirley with MDA at (601) 359-6678 or Bill Burge at (662) 329-1077.

Daily Journal reports

JUNE 2013

Hospitality industry jobs growing in importance

BY SARAH ROBINSON BUSINESS JOURNAL

ported an average annual salary of $43,000 in the hospitality industry based on an ongoing survey of employment opportunities posted on the site.

In 2008, the University of Mississippi began offering a degree specifically in hospitality management.

Tanya Ruetzler, an associate professor in the Department of Applied Sciences, which houses the program, said it is one of the fastest growing schools at the university.

She said graduates of the program are employed in a wide range of hospitality jobs across the country.

Students in the hospitality management program at Ole Miss do not specialize in one particular area but instead graduate with a “well-rounded education” and more than 600 hours of real work experi-

Last year, almost 13.2 million people were employed in the hospitality industry in the U.S. By comparison, about 14.6 million were employed in manufacturing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey.

In a job market still experiencing sluggish g r ow t h from the most recent recession, McCoy the number of people in hospitality has grown by 800,000 from 12.4 million in 2007. Manufacturing, White h o w e v e r, has declined by 1.7 million jobs from 16.3 million in the same period.

The employment numbers indicate the growing importance of the hospitality industry on state and local economies.

According to the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, the tourism industry employed more than 3,750 people in Lee County in 2012 and was responsible for $15.3 million in capital investment in the community.

In Mississippi, travel and tourism accounted for 83,345 direct jobs in 2012, or 7.7 percent of the state’s total number of jobs. Travel ence, according to Ruetand tourism last year was zler. the fourth-largest industry.

Victoria Meyers, a 25year industry veteran said, HOSPITALITY JOBS “The coolest thing about As the hospitality busi- working in hotels is there ness continues to outpace are so many facets.” other sectors in growth, so Meyers recently relodoes the availability of jobs cated to Tupelo from Denin the industry. ver, Colo., to be the general Malcolm White, Missis- manager of the Wingate by sippi state director of Windham property near tourism, said the quality of Veterans Boulevard. jobs available in the hospiShe said her advice to tality sector is impressive. anyone looking for a job in “Its not just burger-flip- the industry would be to pers; these are professional identify your passion and hospitality jobs,” he said. then find what area in a SimplyHired.com re- hotel could put you there or

SimplyHired.com reported an average annual salary of $43,000 in the hospitality industry based on an ongoing survey of employment opportunities posted on the site.

what could be a stepping stone.

Tupelo CVB Executive Director Neal McCoy said each hotel opening provides employment opportunities at many levels, including marketing, sales and management.

White said jobs in the industry range from tour guides who lead paddling excursions, hunting trips and tours, to convention and visitors bureau professionals to hotel employees.

“Our industry is robust and growing,” White said.

STRENGTH OF THE INDUSTRY

McCoy said he believes the industry in general has fared better than most during the recent recession due “to the mindset of the American worker.”

“People want to get out and travel and take away those stresses,” he said.

McCoy said although Americans are making spending cuts in some areas, they are not cutting out travel altogether. The CVB has worked to position Tupelo as an inexpensive destination.

“We are a drive market,” he said.“You don’t have to get on a plane or stand in a security line to just get away.”

The CVB has heavily promoted cultural and recreational tourism to drive more overnight guests to the area.

White said despite gaming numbers being down in the state in recent months, tourism and hospitality are still up as a whole, indicating a shift in what is driving travelers to the state.

“As we have developed our non-traditional cultural and heritage tourism market ... we’ve really begin to articulate the story that Mississippi has to tell,” he said.

White said the Mississippi story is based in music, literature, architecture, history and culture.

“We’re telling the story and we’re embracing all of our story,” he said. sarah.robinson@journainc.com

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