Business Journal 20120907

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

SEPTEMBER 2012

Selling cars – not just for guys Page 5

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

An expansion at Toyota MS would be great

T

en years ago, a couple of miles from the town of Blue Springs, sat a rolling, wooded patch of land – a very large patch – with a pond or two. Several houses dotted the landscape, which was once a pasture.

Five years ago, much of it was leveled and filled in for what now stands a 2 million square-foot automotive assembly plant.

Now, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi is churning out 500 to 600 cars a day, nearing its maximum capacity of 150,000 vehicles.

And it’s been in production for less than a year.

Pretty amazing if you think about it.

About 2,000 of our family members, friends and neighbors work at Toyota Mississippi, building Corollas. Many of them were putting together couches and chairs before. Some knew nothing about manufacturing.

But here they are, building the bestselling car of all time in Northeast Mississippi.

And soon – very soon, if automotive experts, analysts and reports are correct – they’ll be building the best-selling hybrid car of all time, the Prius.

We’ve heard the talk since Toyota announced in 2007 it was going to build a plant here: it’s going to expand the plant because every other Toyota plant has done so. No Toyota plant makes only one model.

DENNIS Our friends at ToySEID ota, of course, are smiling and waving politely, telling us, nope, haven’t heard a thing. Just move along, folks. Arigato, sayonara.

So let’s get the official pleasantries out of the way first.

Said TMMMS spokeswoman Emily Holland recently after reports surfaced the Prius was going to make its way here: “We would be delighted to have Prius production in Blue Springs, but there are currently no plans to build that vehicle in our facility.”

That wasn’t a no, was it? “Currently no plans” leaves the door wide open.

If you’ve ever flown over the site, or

If you’ve ever flown over the site, or seen an aerial shot, you’ll notice a vast open space behind the plant. A space that could fit, oh, an exact duplicate of the current facility, or at least close to it.

gets under way, getting things started on Prius could come quickly.

The next-gen Prius is slated for 2014 as a 2015 year model, so that leaves a year for the powers-that-be to get things rolling.

Could it happen? Of course it could.

Oh, there will be doubters. We had plenty of those five years ago. Few can forget the ones who called the Wellspring Project – which is where TMMMS sits today – the “wishing well.”

Sometimes, wishes do come true.

So it’s a good thing Northeast Mississippi didn’t listen to the naysayers or cave in to their doubts and worries.

Toyota Mississippi employs 2,000 people. Several suppliers employ hundreds more. Imagine what will happen if the plant gets to build another Toyota model. More workers for production, more workers for suppliers.

Maybe we should use those famous words repeatedly uttered before TMMMS opened.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when.”

seen an aerial shot, you’ll notice a vast open space behind the plant. A space that could fit, oh, an exact duplicate of the current facility, or at least close to it.

The Prius, Automotive News and other industry sources have said TMMMS would be a perfect fit for it.

“Because it shares much of its chassis with the Corolla, the next-generation Prius could be assembled at Toyota’s new plant in Mississippi where Corollas are built,” Automotive News said recently.

DENNIS SEID is editor of the Northeast MissisThe next-generation Corolla will roll sippi Business Journal. Contact him at (662) out next year as a 2014 model. Once that 678-1578 or dennis.seid@journalinc.com.

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Tupelo Upholstery breathes new life into cars

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – It’s not uncommon for Tim Kesler to work with ostriches and snakes.

But he’s no animal handler, though; Kesler runs an automotive detail shop.

Tupelo Upholstery has been in business since 1991, and it repairs, replaces and installs items such as vinyl tops, carpets, seats, leather interiors, headliners and convertible tops of cars, trucks, minivans and just about anything on four wheels. It even works on motorcycles.

“The ostrich and snake skins are pretty popular on motorcycle seats,” Kesler said.

More often, though, the work involves either leather or cloth for seats, headliners and other trim pieces on a variety Kesler of vehicles.

Kesler got his start with an upholstery shop in Baldwyn, Bob’s Trim Shop, in the 1980s.

Then he struck out on his own, opening a shop in Tupelo on Westmoreland Drive in 1991. He moved to his current location on President Avenue, right off Cliff Gookin Boulevard, in 2004.

The metal siding building is packed with rolls of cloth and leather upholstery in hundreds of colors. And there’s the ostrich and snakeskin, too.

“We can do part of a chair, the whole seat, the headliner. ... if it’s on the inside, we can do it,” Kesler said.

Tupelo Upholstery gets a lot of business from automobile dealerships who need seat coverings and headliners repaired or replaced. The dealerships usually drop of several vehicles at a time, which is why Kesler recommends customers make appointments.

“We’ve been blessed to have good business,” Kesler said.

Joining Kesler are two employees: David Wheatley, who’s been with him for 18 years, and Blake Thomas, who started two years ago.

“It’s a good business, and there’s not too many people still doing this kind of work,” Kesler said.

DOWN TO A SCIENCE

Putting on a new seat covering or a headliner is a careful, detailed process.

The headliner is the fabric covering on the vehicle roof’s interior. The type and extent of work that has to be done varies, but the three men have gotten the process down pretty much to a science.

“I can say, ‘yes, I’ll have this done at this particular time,’ then I can do this and have it done at this time,’” Kesler said.

Replacing the headliner on a typical car

C. TODD SHERMAN | BUSINESS JOURNAL

From left, Tim Kesler, Blake Thomas and David Wheatley repair, replace and install automotive interiors and tops at Tupelo Upholstery. The business also works on motorcycle seats. |

CONTACT THEM

|

TUPELO UPHOLSTERY • Location: 2520 President Ave., Tupelo • Phone: (662) 844-6690 • Type of work: Replacement, repair and installation of vinyl tops, carpets, seats, headliners, convertible tops and leather interiors. will take about two hours. Upholstering a seat will take about 11⁄2 hours.

Sometimes, Tupelo Upholstery has to do a little extra work. For example, a worn-out car seat is still worn-out even with a new cover. So, foam will be added to add shape and support to the chair. It’s not brand-new, but it’s a lot closer to what it was like when it was fresh from the factory.

There’s gluing, pressing, stitching and trimming involved, too.

Kesler mans a sewing machine to ensure the cloth or leather fits. Wheatley and Thomas give him the dimensions of what needs to be cut, sewn or trimmed, then he returns the pieces to them.

“That’s pretty much what I do mostly,” Kesler said with a laugh. “I run the sewing

The business is located at 2520 President Ave., off Cliff Gookin Boulevard. machine.”

Kesler said there’s no peak season for Tupelo Upholstery. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., customers come to the business, not the other way around.

“It’s pretty much steady year-round,” Kesler said.

And while replacing and repairing upholstery on older cars generates a lot of business, Kesler said it’s not unusual for customers to bring in new vehicles.

“They want to replace the interior with

leather, instead of having cloth,” he explained.

It’s less expensive to do that than paying for the factory-installed leather option, he said.

Occasionally, Kesler has to turn down business. But it’s not because he won’t do it.

“We get calls about reupholstering a sofa or chair,” he said. “I tell them we only work on cars – but I do have a person they can call who does do furniture.” dennis.seid@journalinc.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

Auto dealers see higher sales, profit |

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

After enduring three of the toughest years the auto industry has ever faced, auto dealers are enjoying higher sales, and with it, higher profits.

U.S. auto sales in July increased 9 percent from a year earlier to 1.15 million, and sales for this year are on track to be around 14 million, according to industry analysts. That’s an important benchmark, analysts say, in order to maintain a “healthy” market.

While the sales peak of 17 million sales in 2005 is a fond and distant memory, this year’s projected sales are far better than the 10.4 million recorded three years ago, the lowest since 1982.

Bill Lehman, president of the Mississippi Auto Dealers Association, said the 200 new-vehicle dealers in the state appear to be faring well.

“I really haven’t heard anyone who’s selling new cars right now that’s not experiencing profitability,” he said. “I think there are three things that have happened.

“First, there’s accessibility of credit, something which we didn’t have the last three years. Second, there’s a high de-

MAKING DEALS

|

VEHICLE SALES PER DEALERSHIP are expected to reach 805 this year, according to Detroitbased Urban Science, which has tracked auto retailing since 1990. That would be a 12 percent increase from 2011. mand for vehicles because the average age of cars on the road today is around 11 years. A lot of people are looking to replace those cars. And third, there are more fuel-efficient vehicles out there from which to choose from, including trucks.”

Rudy Dossett said business is up at his Tupelo dealership, Dossett Big Four, which sells Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Honda.

“It’s much better than what it was,” he said. “But some of those big numbers you’re seeing are coming from fleet sales.

Still, business is good, there’s no doubt about it.”

Pent-up demand, coupled with an improved economic outlook, have fueled auto sales nationally.

Retail consultant Urban Science said less competition also has helped dealerships’ sales and margins, according to the

C. TODD SHERMAN | BUSINESS JOURNAL

Area automobile dealers, like their counterparts across the country, say this year’s sales and profits are better than they’ve been in recent years.

Detroit Free Press.

Sales per dealership are expected to reach 805 this year, according to Detroitbased Urban Science, which has tracked auto retailing since 1990. That would be a 12 percent increase from 2011.

Dealers that survived General Motors’ and Chrysler’s bankruptcies and Ford’s

close-out of its Mercury brand appear to be thriving.

Lehman said that’s exactly the case in Mississippi.

“In 2008, there were 200 new-vehicle dealerships in the state,” he said. “In TURN TO SALES, 17

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PAGE 5

Females say they have advantage in auto industry

BY CARLIE KOLLATH WELLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Several women in Tupelo are busting up the boys club at area automobile dealerships.

There aren’t many female sales reps in Northeast Mississippi, but there are at least seven in Tupelo.

“We are unique,” said Kimberly Denton, who has been at Barnes Crossing Hyundai Mazda for a year. “I like being unique.”

Female sales reps aren’t common in the industry, which is why Denton said she has had to convince some customers she really is able to sell them a car. She sets up appointments with customers over the Internet and sometimes her gender leads to confusion.

“A lot of people think they are making an appointment with a secretary until they get here,” she said.

She’s also picked up calls from people holding for a salesman.

“I tell them, ‘You got one,’” she said.

The women at Barnes Crossing Hyundai Mazda and Carlock Toyota said their gender is an advantage when they are selling cars.

“People are less intimidated by a woman,” said Melanie McCoy, who works at Carlock Toyota.

THOMAS WELLS | BUSINESS JOURNAL

Kim Little, from left, Melanie McCoy, Ashley Graham and Jasmine Jefferson sell vehicles at Carlock Toyota. They are part of a growing group of female car sales reps.

Women, she said, also have a softer sales pitch and close.

At Barnes Crossing, some of the male sales reps said customers are nicer and less aggressive with the women than with the men.

“We’re better listeners,” said Kim Little at Carlock Toyota. “People buy the salesman first and then the car. You don’t buy a car from someone you don’t like.”

The reps said they see more women make the buying decisions in a family.

And female sales reps connect more with what those women want, they added.

Instead of pitching horsepower, warranties and torque, they sell a vehicle based on comfort, convenience, gas mileage, leg room, child car seat space, cup holders and other things a mom would look for.

“We know how to fit families in cars,” McCoy said.

Plus, Little said, “We know what it’s like to budget for the family.”

But sometimes, the female customers are Fradenburg looking for someone to take them seriously and explain the technical aspects of the car.

Little said she made a sale that way because the customer was interested and Little took the time to explain the car.

Nita Fradenburg is a prime example of a female buyer. She was working at Ashley Furniture HomeStore earlier this year and went to buy a car.

She left with a job offer.

“Before that, I knew nothing about cars beyond that you drove them,” said Fradenburg, who has been handling InTURN TO LADIES, 17

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

Test of Wi-Fi-connected cars poised to begin

BY ALISA PRIDDLE MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

DETROIT – Motorists in Ann Arbor, Mich., have a chance to change the future of the auto industry and significantly reduce fatalities from car accidents.

A portion of the city will be the setting for the world’s largest field trial to test the ability of cars to talk to one another and their surroundings to prevent accidents.

Wireless devices will be installed in the vehicles of almost 3,000 people who regularly drive in northwest Ann Arbor. WiFi access also will connect buses, commercial trucks, traffic lights and road signs to transmit and receive data 10 times a second about every participating vehicle’s location, speed and direction in a bid to keep them from colliding.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was in Ann Arbor last month to mark the launch of the $25 million safety project, overseen by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“Today is a groundbreaking day for American innovation,” LaHood said.

UM’s Transportation Research Institute

has 3,500 volunteers so far and only needs 2,865, said director Peter Sweatman. Chosen participants must have wireless devices installed in their vehicles. The first 500 connected vehicles hit the road a few weeks ago, and in October the full fleet will be in operation.

The project will gather data for a full year and is expected to result in future safety regulations mandating wireless connectivity by 2020 if the results show this to be the next frontier in drastically reducing traffic fatalities.

Last year, 32,310 people died in the U.S. in traffic accidents. LaHood said vehicleto-vehicle connectivity could prevent or reduce the severity of up to 80 percent of crashes.

LaHood said the technology can successfully warn drivers of potential hazards ahead such as the sudden braking of a car two vehicles ahead or a speeding car hidden by a curve.

One-third of car fatalities are intersection collisions, said Michael Shulman, a Ford manager who has advised the project.

Today’s cars have sensors and lasers to detect potential danger, but they are limited in the distance they can see.Wireless

updates provide a broader overview of what is happening on the road.

“The field of view you need is just too great for sensors and radars that are already in production,” Shulman said.

“This acts like a vigilant passenger. If you make a mistake, you get a warning,” LaHood said the technology has great promise, but would not publicly commit to a timeframe for legislation mandating wireless connectivity. He did say the budget will be there if it is deemed a safety priority.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said there also is an opportunity to save money by replacing aging infrastructure with smarter design that may include fewer lanes, for example.

The participating car companies see wireless connectivity as a relatively lowcost and realistic solution.

“NHTSA wants regulations on this,” said Ford’s Shulman, who expects a decision on regulations by the end of next year. The first regulations mandating use of this technology could take effect in the 2018 to 2020 time frame, he said.

Much of the basic legwork has been done by a collaboration of General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Volk-

swagen, Hyundai/Kia and MercedesBenz, as well as suppliers who have worked on the project for a year.

Each automaker also has responsibility for individual areas of research.

Jim Keller of Honda said they looked at positioning of vehicles in lanes and when to warn a driver of a problem. Honda also is studying how to manage having so many vehicles talking to each other all at once and how the messages can be prioritized.

Nissan is working on encryption and other security measures, said Andy Christensen, senior manager of technology planning.

Companies like Ford are looking at standards governing the language the vehicles speak.

Hyundai has equipped a fleet of Sonatas to contribute.

“It is important for all automakers to be collaborative on this because it only works if all are communicating,” said Carla Bailo, senior vice president of R&D Americas at Nissan North America.

“It’s more efficient because it doesn’t require sensors all over the car and it comes all in one package,” Bailo said of the wireless technology.

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PAGE 7

No need to worry about car computer

uring a recent visit to the Lee County Library, I checked out an interesting book.

“One Second After,” by William R. Forstchen, describes life in a small town in North Carolina after the U.S. is attacked with electromagnetic pulse weapons. The inhabitants – those who survive – revert to many of the ways of previous generations because the systems that generate and distribute electricity no longer function.

In the book, the only automobiles that still run are old ones that have no computers. Late-model, luxury cars are abandoned on the roads and highways because no one can crank them.

I don’t know the likelihood of an EMP attack, but I do know there are other ways to attack embedded processors, the computers that operate the cars that most of us drive. Embedded processors control most of a car’s important functions, including steering, braking, cruise control, fuel injection, windows and door locks.

Many people were surprised in May 2010 when scientists from the University of California-San Diego and the University of Washington, working under the name Center for Automotive

Embedded Systems Security, published a paper that explained how computer viruses can affect automobiles.

The two papers that CAESS released are available for download at autosec.org.

In its research, the group used compact disks to infect vehicles. Not only could they take control of TED a car in ways that HOLT could be used to harm passengers, but they also were able to eavesdrop on conversations among passengers.

There are other ways to introduce a virus to a car’s computers. USB devices and iPods work just as well. There’s the onboard diagnostics port, which technicians use to diagnose problems. But the greatest threat is wireless Internet access, which many people use to access services like Pandora Internet Radio, a site that delivers free music personalized for the listener.

Tech Talk

Some carmakers getting rid of CD player

BY MARK PHELAN MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

Here’s one more thing to consider as you shop for your next car: Does it have a CD player? If it does, can the driver reach it?

Or maybe you don’t care. Some automakers believe buyers won’t in a few years, when they expect to drop indash CD players completely.

By the end of the five- or six-year production run of most new models introduced this year – cars like the Dodge Dart, Cadillac XTS and ATS – the standard-equipment, built-in CD player could be as extinct as the eight-track player. (Ask your grandparents.)

Several factors are driving the change. Fewer drivers listen to CDs as phones and iPod-style devices become the music player of choice. Second, space on the dashboard is becoming more precious as automakers add features like the iPad-style touch screen of Cadillac’s new CUE system. Finally, eliminating the CD player is an easy way to save a few bucks and shave several pounds from a vehicle’s weight, and lighter weight equals higher fuel economy and lower fuel bills.

Dodge and Cadillac are leading the

way. The Dart’s CD player rides in a storage compartment under the center armrest. The CTS and XTS put them in the glove box, a considerably less-convenient location.

Executives at many companies figure CD players will soon fade from the list of factory equipment and become a dealer-installed option.

MORE GREAT CAR NAMES

After I recently complained about automakers using strings of letters rather than names for new cars, Jeff Godshall of the Society of Automotive Historians suggested the best-ever year for American car names was 1955.

He cites these examples: • Nash Ambassador Custom Country Club • Hudson Hornet Custom Hollywood • Buick Roadmaster Riviera • Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Holiday • Pontiac Star Chief Custom Catalina • Chevrolet Bel Air • Plymouth Belvedere • Dodge Custom Royal Lancer • De Soto Fireflite Coronado • Chrysler New Yorker Deluxe St. Regis • Mercury Montclair Sun Valley • Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria

While it has been shown that the processors in automobiles can be hacked, no one has done so.

It appears the good guys are ahead for a change. ...

Automobile manufacturers are aware their products are subject to viruses and are actively working to prevent attacks from hackers.

I have wondered often if we good guys always will stay a step behind the bad guys, continually updating our anti-virus programs while they steadily go on creating the next generation of malware. But when it comes to cars, I am much more hopeful, for several reasons.

First, while it has been shown that the processors in automobiles can be hacked, no one has done so. It appears the good guys are ahead for a change.

Second, embedded processors are much simpler than those that power desktop and personal computers. That means there are far fewer vulnerabili-

ties. To put it another way, the fewer doors a building has, the less difficult it is to secure.

Third, automobile manufacturers are aware their products are subject to viruses and are actively working to prevent attacks from hackers.

Does your car have a computer virus?

I seriously doubt it. What’s more, I doubt you’ll ever have to worry about this problem.

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

SEPTEMBER 2012

H

BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

Bad ads may work, but at a cost

ave you ever seen or heard an advertisement that made your jaw drop at how terrible it is?

The ad is so bad you wonder, “why in the world would someone run this?”

Many times you won’t just see these ads once. The ads will run repeatedly.

Why? The short answer: Many times these ads have some degree of success.

However, the reason is not what usually is touted. The purveyors of bad ads usually claim things like, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity” or the old standby, “you’re talking about it, aren’t you?”

An annoying ad, a poorly produced ad and even a mundane ad can stick in your mind, but that doesn’t mean the ad really is working.

While bad advertisements can have some success, it is usually for one simple reason – top-of-mind awareness. The bad ad rarely will convince someone to buy the product or service if he or she isn’t ready to do so.

While the yelling, combative attor-

ney’s ad might illicit watercooler conversation, it won’t work on someone who doesn’t already need those legal services. For people who aren’t interested, this type of advertisement doesn’t work.

So why would you want to sell something to JOSH someone who MABUS doesn’t need your product or services?

Let’s use a more universal example: the silly, non-sequitur car ad or the over-the-top, yelling car ad that might stick in the viewer’s or listener’s mind.

These spots might even create conversation such as, “did you see this ad?”

The only person this commercial is going to work effectively on is the person who was going to buy a car

Marketing Matters

The only way to convince a potential customer or client to choose your product or service is to communicate a benefit. Zany antics of the advertiser that can yell loudest are not benefits. In the case of cars, the advertiser might want to convince someone who didn’t consider buying one. anyway.

A more definitive way to say this is: Even if strangeness sticks in the mind, it rarely convinces.

The only way to convince a potential customer or client to choose your product or service is to communicate a benefit. Zany antics of the advertiser that can yell loudest are not benefits.

In the case of cars, the advertiser might want to convince someone who didn’t consider buying one.

The effective ad is not only remembered, but communicates value.

Value isn’t always in the offer or in a sale. Value can be communicated by

the production value of a commercial or the design of a print ad.

This doesn’t mean humor can’t work. It just means it has to be done well. No matter what you’re selling or how you plan to sell it, the best bet is to always do your ad well.

If the bad ad generates some success, a better-produced version of the same ad will reap exponentially greater returns.

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.

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PAGE 8

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

IDEA Hub Meets the Needs of Small Business One year after it was created, IDEA Hub continues to meet a growing need for small business owners in the Tupelo/Lee County area. IDEA Hub offers affordable cubicle space for new and expanding businesses, with all of the support currently offered through the Renasant Center for IDEAs, Tupelo/Lee County’s regional business incubator.

“We created IDEA Hub for sales people who required a local office, homebased entrepreneurs, and start-up companies,” said Len Blanton, Renasant Center for IDEAs advisory board member. “It has been a successful space, enabling us to meet the needs of all types of entrepreneurs in our community.”

Since its opening in August 2011, IDEA Hub has housed 12 business clients. Three of these companies have grown and expanded into larger spaces inside the Renasant Center for IDEAs, and three clients have expanded outside of the incubator. Due to the success of IDEA Hub, a second area opened across the hall from the original space, creating room for more businesses.

IDEA Hub is located on the first floor of the Renasant Center for IDEAs. It enShirley Hendrix with R&B Specialty Printing maintains an office in the IDEA Hub.

ables business clients to start out in a cubicle space, with a month-to-month lease, as they grow and expand their business needs. Clients have full access to the Renasant Center for IDEAs building and bundle of services, including office equipment, wireless internet service, training rooms, meeting spaces, personal mailboxes, and more. Tenants have around-the-clock access to the building’s amenities. Currently, eight IDEA Hub offices are available.

“I needed office space to sit down, get work done, make phone calls, and receive shipments,” said Jonathan King, former IDEA Hub client and owner of Tech-Knowledge. “I quickly outgrew the cubicle and needed more space. The Renasant Center for IDEAs was able to provide me with a full office space allowing me to continue growing. I could not be happier with my business space and I would definitely recommend to anyone starting a business to see what they have to offer at the Renasant Center for IDEAs.” For more information on IDEA Hub or to inquire about leasing IDEA Hub space, please contact Orlando Pannell at (662) 842-4521 or opannell@cdfms.org.

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A CDF

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Chamber Focus Fall arrives with great expectations!

Yes, we are all back in school, adjusting from the summer fun, and ready to embrace the changes that the fall season brings. Inside this issue of the Chamber Connection, you will find many stories of our new members and the great work of our CDF Ambassadors, highlighted by the Ambassador of the Quarter Ms. Torrie Robertson of SnyderMedia. Torrie signed up five new members and launched them to startoff success with their new ventures.

Torrie, thank you for your hard work.

You will also find a photo capturing something really good as public officials from Lee County and Tupelo made a discovery trip to Chattanooga to see how the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County have coordinated to revitalize that area for new business and development. The community was very hospitable, and the quick trip helped with good relations between the city and county.

We also had two marquee events that are featured: the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Tupelo Furniture Market and the unveiling of the

New CDF Members

Elvis Presley Birthplace improvements with the statue of Elvis, at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair in the 50’s, at Fairpark. Both events were the culmination of a ton of hard work on Rumbarger behalf of both groups and some very busy business leaders determined to make this area the very best; and our collective CDF’s hat is off to them.

Lastly, we are proud to announce that Ms. Karen Geddie will begin as the new Chamber of Commerce Vice President September 10. She has been with First United Methodist Church and Renasant Bank, and will strive to bring enhanced member services to all of CDF’s 1,200 members. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as we work together for more and better jobs for all in our area.

The Hannahome Personal Care Home Ms. Demetria Donelson 2847 Hwy 178 Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 844-5483 Retirement & Assisted Living

Ruibal Financial Services – Allstate Insurance Mr. David Ruibal 101 N Industrial Rd., Ste. H Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 891-7650 Financial

Mary McGuire’s Cakes Ms. Mary McGuire Smith 2204 W Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 269-3357 Bakeries

ScorePlus Academics Mr. Taylor Stults 2089 Florence Blvd.

Florence, AL 35630 (256) 710-8643 Education

Parents & Kids Magazine Mr. Chris Beachum 785 N Presidents St. Jackson, MS 39202 (662) 687-2422 Printers & Publishers

Scruggs Lawn Care Mr. Josh Scruggs 173 CR 1349 Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 397-6486 Lawn and Garden

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 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

Southern LED Solutions Ms. Anne Chalk 3200 Hwy 45 N Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 553-1533 Contractors, Construction Companies, and Building Materials St Bethany Fresh Mr. Steve Hale 899 Kings Hwy. Pontotoc, MS 38863 (662) 790-3333 Farming Wet Paint, LLC Ms. Julia Crawford 4344 Mall Dr. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 269-2412 Arts

David Rumbarger President/CEO Community Development Foundation

Community Development Foundation’s

David Copenhaver, Chairman Chauncey Godwin, First Vice Chairman Shane Hooper, Second Vice Chairman David Rumbarger, President/Secretary David Irwin, Immediate Past Chairman

SEPTEMBER 2012

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

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

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 National 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. Holley Meriweather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Bank 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 Mr. Kevin Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JaK's Services and Vending Mr. Greg Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exceed Technologies Ms. Tammy Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Comcast Spotlight

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COG CASE STUDY TRIP TO CHATTANOOGA, TENN. A group of 19 elected officials, community leaders, and CDF staff, representing the Lee County Council of Governments, took a case study trip to Chattanooga, Tenn., July 30-31.

The group spent time with representatives from the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce learning about the redevelopment of downtown Chattanooga and the regional impact it has produced. The delegation hosted elected officials from the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County for dinner and spent the second day learning about industrial development, including Volkswagen, and touring the industrial parks. Afterwards, the group visited the Tennessee Valley Authority offices in Chattanooga to see the power center and energy trading operations. The trip was initiated by Lee County Board of Supervisors President Phil Morgan and Tupelo City Council President Fred Pitts.

INTEGRITY TIME

2012-2013 First Friday Programs FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012 Speaker: Mr. Hu Meena, President, C Spire Wireless Sponsor: C Spire Wireless FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012 Speaker: Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, State of Mississippi Sponsor: Watkins Uiberall, PLLC CPA

Integrity Time held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its location in Tupelo. Integrity Time offers a unique curriculum, which builds the character of children in age-appropriate ways by teaching them attributes of good character and how to apply them. It utilizes a mixture of music, games, instruction, and role-play. To find out more about Integrity Time, please visit www.integritytime.com, or contact them at (662) 844-0813. Integrity Time is located at 1715 McCullough Blvd., Ste. C in Tupelo.

SALAD CREATIONS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 Speaker: Marshall Ramsey, SuperTalk Radio Host & Cartoonist, The Clarion Ledger Sponsor: Renasant Bank FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2013 Speaker: Mr. Sid Salter, Journalist in Residence, Mississippi State University Sponsor: The Mize Foundation

The CDF Business Roundtable will meet Wednesday, September 26 4:00 p.m. | CDF Boardroom

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 Speaker: Coach Ray Perkins, Head Football Coach, Jones County Junior College (Former NFL Coach) Sponsor: Quality Inn

Enjoy networking with CDF members while hearing brief, informative reports on new things that are going on in Tupelo/Lee County.

For more information, or to appear on the agenda, please contact Emily Addison at (662) 842-4521 or eaddison@cdfms.org.

Register online at www.cdfms.org/events

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 Speaker: Major General Augustus Collins Sponsor: Circadence Corporation

A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of Salad Creations in Tupelo.

Salad Creations is in the business of creating great tasting, fresh, chopped salads that are healthy for you. Salad Creations is located at 3952-D N Gloster St. in Tupelo, and can be reached at (662) 844-4257. For more information, please visit www.saladcreations.net.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2013 Tupelo Mayoral Presentation Sponsor: Mitchell Companies

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER 2012

RUIBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

DOODLEBUGS PAINT & PARTY PLACE

Ruibal Financial Services-Allstate Insurance held a ribbon cutting at its new office in the West Main Shopping Center in Tupelo. They offer life insurance, annuities, retirement, and college savings plans. Ruibal Financial Services is located at 101 N Industrial Rd., Ste. H in Tupelo, and can be reached at (662) 891-7650. To learn more, please visit www.allstateagencies.com/davidruibal.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Doodlebugs Paint & Party Place in Tupelo.

They offer paint party classes for adults, tweens, teens, and kids, as well as parties of all kinds, art classes, workshops, and an art gallery. Doodlebugs Paint & Party Place is located at 115 N Thomas St., Ste. 1 in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 680-5222. For more information, please visit www.doodlebugspaintparty.com.

New CDF members and new employees of current CDF member businesses are cordially invited to

New Member Networking Tuesday, September 18, 4:00 p.m.

CDF Boardroom 398 E Main St., CDF Center Come network with other new CDF members and learn how you can get involved with your Chamber of Commerce.

Please RSVP by registering at www.cdfms.org/events or call (662) 842-4521.

TYP Networking Social at the

Thursday, September 20 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

363 E Main St., Walnut-Pecan Room RSVP to typ@cdfms.org

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Torrie Robertson Named Ambassador of the Quarter Torrie Robertson, sales representative for SnyderMedia in Tupelo, has been named Ambassador of the Quarter. Throughout the first quarter, Robertson attended seven ribbon cuttings, mentored three CDF member businesses, volunteered during the CDF Membership Golf Tournament and Belk’s Chamber Day, and recruited five new CDF members. Robertson is serving her first year as a member of the CDF Ambassadors Club.

Robertson has worked with SnyderMedia in sales since May, helping clients meet their advertising needs on Power 101 and Cool 95 radio stations.

The type of person who never meets a stranger, Robertson also spends her time serving at Romie’s Grocery. She is married to Tommy Robertson and they have two children, Laura Elizabeth, 6, and Samuel Trey, 19 months. With her family, she attends Gloster Street Church of Christ, and enjoys volunteering with Mooreville Elementary School.

“I love meeting someone new every day and helping them better their business through advertising,” said Robertson. “Being an Ambassador has been great. I enjoy getting to talk to people and learn about Tupelo.”

The CDF Ambassadors are a prestigious group of individuals from the Community Development Foundation membership, who volunteer to enhance communication between CDF and its over 1,200 members. Ambassadors are required to attend events such as First Friday, Groundbreakings, Ribbon Cuttings, and any other functions in support of CDF. A major benefit of attending Ambassadors Club meetings is the exchange of ideas and leads within the Ambassadors Club membership.

“A benefit of serving as an Ambassador is not just getting new clients, but advertising my customers,” said Robertson. “I want to help businesses through advertising and by becoming a member of CDF.” For more information on advertising opportunities through SnyderMedia’s stations, Power 101 and Cool 95, please contact Torrie Robertson at (662) 842-1019 or e-mail her at torrie@snydermedia.net.

To learn how your business can become a CDF member and have a representative in the CDF Ambassadors Club, please contact Emily Addison at (662) 842-4521 or via e-mail Torrie Robertson, Ambassador of the Quarter, is pictured. at eaddison@cdfms.org.

• Brakes • Front End Alignment • Air Conditioning • Starters • Tires • Oil Changes • Batteries • Alternators • Driveshafts • Custom Wheels

Cooper Service Center 662-844-1852 • 4006 West Main • Tupelo

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

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER 2012

FURNITURE MARKET CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

MASS MUTUAL CREATIVE WEALTH SOLUTIONS

The Tupelo Furniture Market celebrated 25 years at a special ceremony during the fall market. Pictured are: Kevin Seddon, Tupelo Furniture Market; Senator Roger Wicker; Fred Hill, Grand Home Furnishings; V.M. Cleveland, Tupelo Furniture Market; Harry Martin; Ed Meek; Greg Giachelli, Community Development Foundation; and Adam Cleveland, Tupelo Furniture Market.

Located in Downtown Tupelo, Mass Mutual Creative Wealth Solutions held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening. The company specializes in financial planning, long term care, special care planning, family business issues, divorce financial analysis, and retirement planning. Mass Mutual Creative Wealth Solutions is located at 111 E Troy St., Ste. C in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 3503286. Please visit www.creativewealthsolutions.net for more information.

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AUGUST TYP

PPI, INC.

The August Tupelo Young Professionals networking social was held at Busylad Rent-All in Tupelo. Pictured are members of TYP networking at the event.

A ribbon cutting was recently held at PPI, Inc. PPI, Inc. offers printing, promotional items, design services, and more. Visit www.ppims.com or call (662) 680-4332 for more information. PPI, Inc. is located at 5280 Cliff Gookin Blvd. in Tupelo.

ELVIS PRESLEY BIRTHPLACE EXPANSION A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Elvis Presley Birthplace for the $4.3 million, first phase expansion of the facility.

The expansion includes a 126seat indoor theater, 75-seat outdoor amphitheater, event center, snack bar, exhibit hall, restrooms, expanded parking, and picnic areas. Elvis Presley Birthplace is located at 306 Elvis Presley Dr. in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 841-1245.

Please visit www.elvispresleybirthplace.com for more information.

Join CDF for the October Business Boxed Lunch & Learn

“Meet the Thieves: Common White Collar Crime and Ways to Protect Your Business” Presented by Ms. Sherry Perry, Member, Watkins Uiberall, PLLC CPA

Wednesday, October 3 11:45 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

CDF Boardroom $10.00-CDF members $20.00-non-members Register online at www.cdfms.org/events

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER 2012

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a CDFMember Bakery MARY McGUIRE’S CAKES

GIGI’S CUPCAKES

Gigi’s Cupcakes of Tupelo is locally owned and universally loved. Gigi's scrumptious cupcakes are baked fresh each and every day using the finest ingredients. Approximately 12 to 16 flavors are available each day, and the menu rotates daily, which gives customers new varieties of cupcakes to try each time they stop in for a treat. Gigi’s Cupcakes also does mini cupcakes, cutting cakes, and custom cupcakes for parties and special events. Starting in late August, Gigi’s Cupcakes of Tupelo is excited to announce the debut of Gigi’s Cheesecakes, which will be available in six different flavors. Gigi's Cupcakes is also the perfect choice for sweet treats for the upcoming holiday season. So stop by soon…Gigi’s Cupcakes are guaranteed to make your day sweeter!

3978 N Gloster St., Ste. C, Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 269-3630 • www.gigiscupcakesusa.com Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.

CREATIVE CAKES & SUPPLIES

Creative Cakes and Supplies, owned and operated by Rose McCoy since 1991, is recognized in Tupelo and the surrounding area for its unique specialty cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other delicious dessert items. Rose and her dedicated staff enjoy helping make special memories for customers on birthdays, weddings, and other celebrated occasions. Rosie’s, a new store concept, will be opening soon in the Fairpark District. This expansion will bring to Downtown Tupelo an upscale cookies, cakes, and cream store. These two businesses will be staffed by approximately fifteen talented employees. Come see us at 1422 East Main St., call us at (662) 844-3080, or follow us on Facebook at Creative Cakes and Supplies.

1422 E Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 844-3080 Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8:30- a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Mary McGuire’s Cakes is a family owned bakery dedicated to making personalized cakes and confections for all types of special occasions.

2204 W Main St., Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 269-3357 Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

ENDVILLE BAKERY AND CATERING COMPANY

Endville Bakery and Catering company is a one stop shop. While we keep a case full of cupcakes, iced cookies, brownies, bars, and candies through the week, we also specialize in catering.We offer "Peace of Mind" when it comes to ordering a cake and cupcakes or catering for your next event. Indoor or outdoor, we provide delicious cakes and food for your parties, brunches, reunions, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions. We have beautiful serving pieces, cake stands, and staffing for your wedding. Elizabeth and David Gable are committed to providing our customers with the best “hands on” quality and service around.

2132 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 680-3332 Hours: Tuesday - Friday 8:30a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon

SWEET TREATS BAKERY

Sweet Treats Bakery was opened in 2008 and specializes in custom cakes, pies, cake balls, gourmet cupcakes, and cookies, as well as cut out, hand decorated cookies for birthdays, baby showers, and holidays.We also carry a variety of Resident Chef cheeseball mixes and dip mixes, pepper jellies, and Captain Rodney’s.

1708 Stephen D. Lee Dr., Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 620-7918 Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

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Ladies: Patience, personality help with sales FROM PAGE 5

ternet sales since April.

Her inexperience in the auto industry was a benefit, she said, because it made buyers trust her more because they believed she was less likely to pull the wool over their eyes.

“All the things I was looking for with my family, I know what they’re looking for,” she said. “I sympathize a lot with other women who have gone through a divorce and raising kids. I love helping people that are going through a hard place in their life and getting them into a vehicle.”

Like Fradenburg, the other female sales reps in Tupelo haven’t been in the industry for many years.

Denton was a waitress. Jennifer Eaves worked in parts and accounting at Barnes Crossing Hyundai before asking to move to sales. Little sold cars 15 years ago be-

fore taking time off to raise daughter. She started back last month.

Jasmine Jefferson worked in retail for years and said she got burnt out. She was good at sales so she switched to the auto industry.

“It takes patience, a great personality and great people skills to sell cars,” Jefferson said.

McCoy also is new to car sales, but she’s catching on quickly. She previously was a licensed hair stylist for years.

“It’s just a different product,” she said.

“You still have to sell yourself.”

McCoy’s advice to women looking to get into the business: “Do not let your lack of knowledge of cars intimidate you.The potential to make money is there. I think women really have a great advantage in this industry.” carlie.wells@journalinc.com

Sales: Worse appears to be over for dealers FROM PAGE 4

2008, then the bottom fell out,” Lehman said.

While the economy is recovering still, the worst appears to be over. Last year, the industry was rocked when the deadly Japanese tsunami sharply reduced Japanese automakers’ supply of vehicles.

Toyota and Honda were hit especially hard, but have since returned to full production.

That’s also helped overall vehicle sales, Lehman said.

“The car business is good right now,” he said.

New-vehicle sales are expected to come in between 14.1 million and 14.4 million for 2012. The industry sold 8.4 million vehicles in the first seven months of the year, up 12 percent from the same period in 2011, according to Autodata Corp.

2009, we saw the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler, that was unprecedented. Now we have about 150 dealers. ... so there’s less competition.”

After that shakeout, remaining dealers were able to pick up market share, he said.

The U.S. had 17,770 dealerships at the end of June, unchanged from the end of 2011, but down 15 percent from 20,985 in 2007. Chrysler and President Barack Obama’s auto task force stripped nearly one-quarter of the automaker’s dealers of their franchises in 2009. GM cut ties with a smaller number, while Ford bought out more than 100 Lincoln dealers in its ongoing reinvention of the luxury brand.

Lehman said six Chrysler and 14 GM dealerships were either forced to close or The Associated Press contributed to this report. decided to close that year.

“Everything was blowing and going in dennis.seid@journalinc.com

Encouraging Christian business leaders to seek, understand, and fulfill God's plan and calling for their life, using Christ-centered biblical truths as our guide. The Fellowship includes all denominations, races, and genders.

LUNCH MEETINGS & SPEAKERS Thursday, Sep. 27, 2012 Rev. Raigan Miskelly

Sr. Pastor, Columbus First United Methodist

Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012

Mr. Fred Jackson News Director American Family News Network

TIME

12:00 noon-1:00 p.m. (buffet opens at 11:30 a.m.)

LOCATION

Summit Conference Center 852 North Gloster Street • Tupelo, MS

RESERVATIONS

Reservations are required by the Monday prior to meeting date. Please call Mary Alice at (662) 844-8989 or email at maryalice@createfoundation.com to make a reservation.

COST

$15.00 per person at the door (check or cash) OR pay by phone by calling Mary Alice at (662) 844-8989 OR pay online at www.createfoundation.com. Click the donate online button. Select The Fellowship from the drop down menu & follow the directions.

Mont Berry Mark Burleson Tillmon Calvert Mike Clayborne Julianne Goodwin

STEERING COMMITTEE Lisa Hawkins John Heer Ed Holliday Shane Hooper Trentice Imbler

Octavious Ivy Zell Long David Rumbarger Heywood Washburn Mitch Waycaster

www.thefellowshiptupelo.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

PAGE 18 BUSINESS JOURNAL

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SEPTEMBER 2012

PAGE 19

Business Directory Antiques/Auctions

RICK’S CHASSIS WORKS

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

Foreign - Domestic

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

Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET for your commercial vehicle needs!

1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611

Apartments Homes

Automotive Services

Automotive Commercial Vehicles

1608 S. GLOSTER TUPELO

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

Bank Of Okolona

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

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

THE FAST LANE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

www.GrandOleOaks.com

CALL JIM BROWN 662.231.2392

Apartments Homes

Automotive Services

Okolona P.O. Box 306 Okolona, Mississippi 38860

(662) 447-5403

Site Manager

Attorney

Your 5-Star, A Rated Bank

Attorney-At-Law

Shelton & Associates P.A. 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 •

by Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings

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

Cooper Service

662-844-1852

We take care of your money.

We take care of you.

• 4006 West Main • Tupelo

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

Bank

Automotive Services

Jason Lee Shelton

Fax (662) 841-1941

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

Auto Rental

NEED A CAR?

I CAN HELP!

Dashmond Daniel 346-3222

Call Robin Barnett today!

662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

LEE MOTORS 2710 SOUTH GLOSTER

Automotive Services

Bank

Tupelo Lending Office

Body Repair • Auto Glass •Insurance Claims

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

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

(662) 456-3347

Bank

• Brakes • Front End Alignment • Air Conditioning

Nancy Oliver

Houston Banking Center 321 W. Madison St. Houston, Mississippi www.bankofokolona.com

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

844-0260

Bank

Commercial Vehicles

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes

1875 Nelle St. Tupelo, MS

“We Specialize in Frame Work”

Ratliff Body and Glass 365-8245

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

431 W Main Suite 201 Jamie Osbirn Ron Roper Leslie Stacy

662.844.3419 Member

FDIC

fanb.net

Equal Housing

LENDER

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

Business Directory Blinds

MR. JANITOR

Budget

Blinds a style for every point of view

Budget Blinds of Tupelo

FREE In-Home Consultation Shutters, Wood Blinds, Draperies and more!

inc.

heavyonthemr.com

Tupelo: 662.823.6455 Oxford: 662.281.0586 cell: 662.380.0958 fax: 662.281.0585

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

662-844-7713

rlloomis@budgetblinds.com

Helping To Keep Northeast Mississippi Clean and Beautiful

www.budgetblinds.com

David Stephens President mrjanitor1984@yahoo.com 1835 Nelle Street • Tupelo, MS 38801 Fax 662-844-7169 Cell 662-321-0275

An Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

Building Supplies Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Event Venue

Commercial Cleaning Services

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

Computer & Data

Event Venue

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

Meetings • Weddings Sanctuary Space • Reception Hall • Catering Concerts • Special Events

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

Great Employment Opportunities

1800 West Main St. • Tupelo • 662-690-4011 • www.link-centre.org

Concrete

Framing

Building Supplies

Lumbe ville r Boone Company Full Line of Lumber & Hardware

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

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

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

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305

Collison Repair

Dentist

Booneville Supply

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

Janet L. Branch, owner 662/538-5551

112 Railroad Avenue New Albany, MS 38652

Furniture

NORTH MISSISSIPPI

Periodontal Clinic

24 Hour Wrecker Service

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

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

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

103 Parkgate Ext. / Tupelo

Commercial Cleaning Services

Engineering

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

■

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

We’ve got all your

home furnishings at affordable prices.

662-489-1176

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

Gifts

Okolona Drug Co.

Complete Prescription Service

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

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PAGE 20

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Business Directory Livestock

Glass & Overhead Doors

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

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

24 Hour Emergency Service

662-844-4540 FAX:662-620-7754

711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS

“Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations” “Experience Is The Difference”

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

Hair

Medical Equipment

MOBILITY MEDICAL www.mobilitymedicalinc.com

Home Accessibility Modifications Adult & Pediatric

• Power Wheelchairs • Manual Wheelchairs • Custom Rehab Equipment • Scooters • Oxygen • Custom Ramps & Lifts • Lift Chairs

• Hospital Beds • Diabetic Shoes & Supplies • Nebulizers & Meds • Vehicle Wheelchair Lifts • Hard to Find Products

We Accept All Insurances Registered Nurses Certified Assistive Technology "We are a Mississippi Owned & Operated Company" Provider & NRRTS Member On Staff

662-844-9212

609 S. Gloster St. Tupelo, MS 38801

Moving

Locksmith

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

NEW & USED SAFES Completely Confidential Free Consultations

Creative Hair Replacemenent t 1443 East Main Street Tupelo, Mississippi

• 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

www.tupelohairloss.com (662) 842-1222

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

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

Home Improvement

Paint

Manufactured Homes For Sale

WHEEL ESTATE HOMES TUPELO • SALTILLO • NEW ALBANY

Tour!! to Tour Reposs to and Repo Used,, and New, Used 90 New, Over Over 90 Family Owned & Operated Since 1967

www.wheelestate.net

(662) 963-2825

rafcomhs@gmail.com

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

Installation available!!!

800-846-6670

Insurance

Medical

Pet Grooming

Hancock Insurance Agency

Lil’ Darlins Grooming

By Appointment Only

INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

Call for your appointment today!!

ATV • Life • Health Annuities • RV • Automobile Motorcycle • Home Mobile Home Medicare Supplements

Scott Hancock

Allen Hancock

Monthly Rates Available

347 South Thomas St. Tupelo, MS 38801

662-205-4302

662-534-2661

Call for Weekly Specials

720 W . Bankhead St. New Albany

lildarlinsgroomin@comcast.net

Lawn & Garden

Medical

Plumbing

, PA

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

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

RH PLUMBING, INC. Commercial Plumbing, Gas & Industrial Piping RICHARD HANLON (662) 447-3213

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

SEPTEMBER 2012

Business Directory Real Estate

Septic Tanks & Systems

Restaurant

Bill’s Septic Tank Service Since 1979

at

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

• 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

Restaurant

Restaurant

SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION CLEANING & CLASS ONE TREATMENT PLANTS - Pumping & Repairs - Field Line Installed -

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

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.

• 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

Country Store (2) Can Eat for 18 MS Farm Raised & Restaurant C(2)A2TPc.FWhole ISH PLATES Come See Us at

$

Hwy. 6, 4.5 mi. from Nettleton & Plantersville In front of Pettigrew Cabinets

Thu., Fri. & Sat. Nights 5:00 – 9:00 pm

99

Served w/salad & potato.

Price includes drinks & tax.

Lunch Specials & Pizza

Call 591-2900 for take-out orders

The Rib Shack

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

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

Party Trays for all Occasions!

W 1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

Restaurant

HE

E EL

R

RO

INC.

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

Tire Service

East Main Tire Tupelo’s Source for New & Used Tires at Competitive Prices!

• Same Day Alignment in Most Cases • Computer Wheel Balance • Mounting Tire Repair • Oil Change / Brakes / Shocks & Struts • CV Joints & Axel Repair • Transmission and Radiator Fluid Change

Monday–Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

844-4222

1425 East Main • Tupelo

Tobacco & Beer

Roofing

Restaurant

ADVANCED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FACILITY

OF

2 LOCATIONS

ING

“A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

411 CLARK ST. ❖ TUPELO ❖ 844-4481

Salon Services

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

Town Creek Center

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

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

204 Starlyn Avenue • New Albany, MS

662-534-4500

Uniforms

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

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

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

2613-A TRACELAND DR. • TUPELO, MS 38801

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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SEPTEMBER 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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SEPTEMBER 2012