Mississippi Business Journal February 2022 Issue by Journal Inc

MSBUSINESS.COM | FEBRUARY 2022 ISSUE

VOLUME 55 • NO. 24 | 28 PAGES

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION AND WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT

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Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

Four ways to tame financial stress and save for retirement BY ELIZABETH AYOOLA NERDWALLET

aybe you feel like you don’t earn enough. Or you don’t understand how investing works. Or maybe you can’t organize your finances. These are factors that can lead to financial stress and set back your retirement savings. A lack of assets and money management challenges are contributing factors to high levels of financial anxiety and stress, according to a 2021 report called Financial Anxiety and Stress Among U.S. Households from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center. “We also find that financial anxiety and stress can have long-term consequences: those who are financially anxious and stressed are less likely to plan for retirement,” the report says. Sometimes when people are worried about something financial, they just ignore it, says Adam Frank, a certified financial planner and registered investment advisor based in Los Angeles. “But the problem is, the longer you wait to start investing or continue investing for retirement, the more you have to do later,” Frank says.

TONY DEJAK | AP

File Photo of Andrew Jackson on a $20 bill is shown, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, in Cleveland. Worrying about overall financial issues can make people less likely to plan for retirement, according to a 2021 report. If you don’t have enough saved for your golden years, it could mean retiring later than you planned or running out of money during retirement.

1. Create a realistic budget “The first thing will be to get organized – you know, the big, bad B word, it gets a bad rap, it’s budgeting,” says Lauryn Williams , a Dallas-based CFP and Olympic medalist in both women’s track and field sprint and two-woman bobsled. Budgeting can help you save more, because you’ll Strategies for reducing learn where your money is going, which can free up financial stress opportunities to shift your If financial stress is affectpriorities. Williams suggests ing your ability to save for creating a “bucket budget,” retirement, you may have to which is a set amount you work longer and you may also can spend in each financial risk running out of money in category. Examples of buckretirement. But getting started ets include household items, as soon as you can could help recurring bills and entertainyou reach your retirement ment. Retirement can be a goals faster. bucket, too. If you’re anxious about your “It’s not accounting for ability to save for the future, every single penny, (or) every here’s how you can manage single transaction, which can those feelings and get on be really overwhelming and track. create more financial stress,

especially if you’re doing it on your own,” she says. Another budgeting tip Maggie Gomez, a CFP based in Orlando, Florida, suggests is downsizing, so you have more money to pump into retirement savings. For instance, you could get a less-expensive car or get a roommate to cut housing costs. “You’re not reducing the quality of your life. You’re giving yourself a better future, and it’s not going to be much longer until you really feel those rewards,” she says. 2. Take inventory of your retirement savings Financial advisors suggest you take inventory of all your retirement accounts. If you have old IRAs and 401(k) accounts, Frank suggests rolling them over, either into your current 401(k) or an IRA. This way, you have a clear picture of how much you have, which

will help inform how much you need to save. If you can save for retirement but are still falling behind, Frank suggests automating payments. “If that means putting $500 a month towards your IRA and treating it like a bill, you’re going to max out your IRA,” he says. 3. Track your progress Feeling like you aren’t making headway can trigger more financial stress. Gomez says you could track your accounts as you contribute. Seeing the progress you’re making could evoke positive feelings and remind you that you’re investing in your future, she says. She also advises people to manage their expectations and not expect tremendous growth during the early days of investing. “When you first start investing, the majority of your

account’s growth is going to come from your own deposits versus from market returns. So the more money you can put into the account sooner, the more your account will compound,” she says. 4. Ask for help if you need it To help relieve financial stress, Williams suggests being transparent about your situation with a financial advisor or financial therapist, friends or family. “Simply opening up and saying, ‘I don’t know how 401(k)s work’ can help alleviate financial stress because one of your friends might do the 401(k) all the time,” she says. Getting clear about what you don’t know and filling those information gaps could help you gain a better understanding of your financial situation so you can move forward confidently.

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

Dixie National Sale of Jr. Champions starts

ommissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson kicked off the 53rd Annual Sale of Junior Champions today by recognizing the collaborative efforts of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, FFA, and the Sale of Champions Promotion Committee in making the Sale of Junior Champions a success year after year. The Sale of Junior Champions is one of the highlight events of the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo. During the livestock auction, 4-H and FFA youth livestock exhibitors winning Champion and Reserve Champion in the Junior Round-Up sell their animals through an auction. Commissioner Gipson was joined by Dr. Gary Jackson, Mississippi State University Extension Service Director; Jill Wagner, Mississippi FFA State Advisor; Gary Blair, Chairman of the Sale of Junior Champions Promotion Committee; Billy Jade Chapman, FFA State President; Scotty Lovelace, owner of Harper & Morgan Rodeo; and Phillip Morgan, CEO of Southern AgCredit. Two Sale of Champions Scholarship recipients, Logan Johnson, from the West Lauderdale FFA/ Lauderdale County 4-H, and Tatum Madden from the Covington County 4-H, gave remarks on how the livestock program has impacted their lives. “I am proud of all of the 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors and scholarship recipients that are being recognized here today. Each of them have worked hard and earned the opportunity to be part of the Sale of Junior Champions. The skills and lessons that they are learning are preparing them to be our future leaders in agriculture,” said Commission-

er Gipson. This year 1,538 4-H and FFA members from across Mississippi participated in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up Livestock Show showing 2,262 head of various livestock including pigs, sheep, cattle and goats. The animals will be sold for top dollar in the

Sale of Champions. In addition, scholarships totaling $62,000 will be awarded to 39 students. “The Dixie National is the largest livestock show and PRCA Rodeo east of the Mississippi River. MSU Extension is always honored to bring over 1,200 4-Hers each year to exhibit their livestock.

Youth development is really what the Dixie National Junior Livestock Show is about, and the Sale of Champions is a major highlight of the event. We want to congratulate our youth and express our appreciation to Mississippi’s business leaders who make the Sale of Champions and

the scholarship program a reality,” said MSU Extension Director Dr. Gary Jackson. The work of the Sale of Champions Promotion Committee has been the key to the success of the Sale for over 50 years. Over the past 52 years, the sale has grossed over $8 million. Last year, the

sale of 45 winning animals grossed $389,425, and 38 scholarships were presented to 4-H and FFA members totaling $60,000. Since the first scholarships were awarded in 1993, over 758 scholarships have been awarded to various 4-H and FFA members totaling over $1 million.

Tatum Madden, Covington 4-H, and Mr. Bill Lampton

How long has Ergon supported the Sale of Champions? I can’t exactly put a timeframe on it, but my brother Leslie is the one who really started the support of it. I got involved about 25 years ago, maybe 30 years ago. So, it may be close to inception, however long that has been. Why is it important for Ergon to continue to support this organization? There are multiple reasons why we support it. First, we believe that the children who compete in this organization are really hard workers. What I have learned, through having the pleasure to do the evaluation of the scholarship recipients, which really encompasses everyone, is these youth are the ones who win. I believe that hard work and success should always be rewarded. These young people, who live out in the community in Mississippi, get up in the morning at 4:00 a.m. to feed their animals, and go to school, and are often leaders in their school and communities, should be rewarded for such behavior, especially when they have an exceptional work ethic, and they win. I think that is the way capitalism works, and what life is all about. If you work hard, you can succeed. My father used to teach us that if you have a passion for something, and if you work hard, you are likely going to be successful. Why should those in the business community, who do not or currently support the Sale of Champions, consider supporting this organization? Single biggest part is that these youth, after graduation, will want to stay in Mississippi. In fact, a lot of our Engineers at Ergon went through this program. Our Chief Operating Officer was in the FFA Program. We are definetly having to fight for talent in Mississippi and these are the very types of folks who want to stay here in Mississippi, once they finish their education / vocation and give back to our state. Excerpts for Tatum Madden’s Scholarship Application: An unknown author once said, “A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” This is so true of all fathers, but especially mine. The greatest benefit I have received from the livestock projects is the time spent with my family, especially my father. I have learned to speak more confidently in front of a crowd. I have traveled the world, and most definitely made great friendships. I have even received Local, State, and National awards but all of these pales to the benefit of spending time with my family and the dear friendships I have made. Tatum has exhibited 30 beef animals at the Dixie National Junior Round-Up over the last 10 years with 18 of those animals being named Champions. Tatum is a leader in her community, and, in addition to attending Seminary High School, where she maintains a 3.8 GPA, she also works after school in her hometown, as well as on their family farm. Tatum plans to utilize the Scholarship she was awarded from the Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions to further her degree in Marketing at Pearl River Community College. Go to https://extension.msstate.edu/content/dixie-national-sale-champions to learn more about the Sale of Junior Champions

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

LAW ELEVATED

Considerations for employers as OSHA penalties soar to new heights BY JAY BOLIN AND ANNA MORRIS GUEST COLUMNISTS

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced inflation-adjustment increases in penalties for violating regulations promulgated by DOL agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Now more than ever, employers should consider when and why it makes sense to challenge any OSHA citation, regardless of how serious the classification. The economic realities demand employer attention to this issue.

New OSHA penalty amounts For 2022, common OSHA violations classified as Serious, Other-Than-Serious or for Failure to Post now

have maximum penalties of $14,502 per violation, up from $13,653 – a 6.2% increase. A violation for Failure to Abate is also $14,502 – but is assessed on a per day basis. And the maximum penalty in 2022 for Willful and Repeat violations is $145,027.00 per violation, up from $136,532.00.

Historical perspective

While it seems inflation is just a part of doing business, OSHA maximum penalty amounts actually remained constant for the first 45 years – from the enactment of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in 1971 until 2016. With bipartisan support, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 required agencies to adjust civil monetary fines to improve effective-

ness of the penalties and deter violations. The Act required an immediate catch-up in 2016, with annual, indexed inflation adjustments thereafter. Although penalty increases are indexed, the 2022 increase in maximum penalty amount is the largest increase since the initial 2016 catch-up. For a bit more historical context, since 2015, OSHA maximum penalty amounts have more than doubled. In the past seven years, Serious, Other-Than-Serious and Posting Requirement violations are up from $7,000 to $14,502 per violation. Violations for Failure to Abate (which are assessed per day) have seen the same increase. Willful or Repeated violation maximum penalty amounts have similarly jumped from $70,000 to $145,027 per violation.

Even if these increases are related to the 2016 catch-up adjustment and inflation, maximum penalty amounts arguably are now approaching punitive status.

Recommendations for employers

Although Build Back Better in its current form is legislatively “dead,” congressional attempts to “resurrect” certain proviSilver lining? sions through other bills are But it could always be likely. Employers should keep worse. The “Build Back Better” a watchful eye on additional bill, approved by the House legislation to increase OSHA of Representatives but later penalties. rejected by the Senate in late But even if OSHA penalties 2021, included in its nearly remain at the recently-an2,500 pages some staggering nounced 2022 levels outlined increases in OSHA penalties. above, employers should For serious violations, the strongly consider whether to maximum penalty would have challenge an OSHA citation – gone from $14,502 to $70,000. no matter the seriousness. With For willful and repeat violarepeat violation penalties now tions, the penalty would have climbing to almost $150,000, increased from $145,027 to a it would be difficult for almost $700,000. The stated basis for any company to financially these proposed increases was, sustain repeat offenses. once again, to deter violations. An OSHA citation does not have to be the final word.

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Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

MBJ

PERSPECTIVE February 2022 Issue • www.msbusiness.com • Page 6

Are boys and men failing in Mississippi? W here have all the real men gone?” asked Enterprise-Journal Publisher Jack Ryan in a recent editorial. He quoted entrepreneur and former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang who said, “Here is one of the biggest problems facing America: Boys and men across all regions and ethnic groups BILL CRAWFORD have been failing, both absolutely and relatively for years.” Huh? Yang had numbers to back up his claim – boys are more than twice as likely as girls to be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADHD), five times more likely to spend time in a juvenile facility, and less likely to finish high school. Adult men, Yang said, now make up only 40.5% of college students, one-third of men are either unemployed or out of the workforce, and more men age 18 to 34 are living with their parents rather than with romantic partners. Yang aligns male failure nationally with the decline of manufacturing jobs from the economic transformation to technology from traditional industry, increasing numbers of father-less single-parent homes, and the decline in marriage rates. Ryan wrote, “If Yang’s statistics are anywhere near accurate, it’s going to take a long time to get a grip on these problems.” Hmmm. Comparative statistics for Mississippi were hard to find. I could not find current ADHD data for the state but research shows boys are more susceptible. A Mississippi Today article reported 92% of incarcerations in

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February 2022 Issue | Volume 55, Number 24

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Mississippi are male, but I could find no data on juvenile incarcerations by gender. Mississippi Department of Education data showed the male high school graduation rate at 83.8% compared to 91.6% for females (the drop-out rate comparison was 11.6% to 6.1%). Data from the IHL and MCCB web sites showed just 40.6% of enrollment in Mississippi colleges and universities to be male (only MSU had more men than women). Census data showed 40.8% of males over the age of 16 not in the labor force or unemployed. I could not find data on young men living with parents, but PEW Trusts reported 47% of young adults living with parents last year. Humph. Mississippi seems pretty much in line with Yang’s numbers. No doubt, as Ryan concluded in his editorial, “It’s time for good men to step up,” if this decline is to be addressed. So, what does that mean? Yang’s solutions included modeling more schools after those that do a good job leading boys, expanding

vocational education, more assistance for organizations like Big Brothers, and subsidized marriage counseling. That and more are needed. But where in Mississippi are the non-political, forward-looking leaders capable of making such things happen? They better appear soon. Other transformational and societal trends will only make the future harder for unmotivated, uneducated, and untrained males – the rise of automation and AI, ongoing talent migration from rural areas to crowded urban areas, waning work ethic, the impacts of climate change, continued disruption of core social institutions such as family, school, and church, and so on. Hmmm. Maybe all we can do is what the Bible urges us to do anyway – “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24. BILL CRAWFORD is a syndicated columnist from Jackson. Readers can contact him at crawfolk@gmail.com.

Mississippi Business Journal (USPS 000-222) is published monthly with one annual issue by MSBJ 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS. Subscription rates: 1 year $109; 2 years $168; and 3 years $214. To place orders, temporarily stop service, change your address or inquire about billing: Phone: (601) 364-1000, Fax: (601) 364-1007, Email: marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com, Mail: MS Business Journal Subscription Services, 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Business Journal, Circulation Manager, 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 To submit subscription payments: Mail: MS Business Journal Subscriptions Services, 2132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent. Editorial and advertising material contained in this publication is derived from sources considered to be reliable, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. It is the policy of this newspaper to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal op-portunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

THE MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL,

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

PERSPECTIVE

FROM THE GROUND UP Career advice in the year of the great resignation

BY PHIL HARDWICK

fessionals networking website, t’s being called “The Great recently Resignation.” More emasked users ployees are quitting their to share cajobs. reer advice PHIL HARDWICK In November, 2021, soto those called quits rates increased in entering 22 states and decreased in two the workforce, so I thought I’d states. Over the month, the chime in via this column. national quits rate increased Most of this is personal rathby 0.2%. That’s according to er than research or what the the Bureau of Labor Statistics. career builders tell you. In a report entitled “The 1. DO WELL THE JOB YOU HAVE Next Great Disruption Is HyTHE OPPORTUNITY TO DO. Your brid Work – Are We Ready?,” current job might not be the Microsoft found that 54% of job of your dreams, but do it Generation Z workers and 41% well anyway. At a low point in of the entire global workforce my career, I was between jobs could be considering handing and had applied for a job in anin their resignation. That reother city. It required a security port highlighted seven major clearance so I had a couple of trends: months waiting on the backFlexible work is here to stay; ground check to be completed. Leaders are out of touch In search of a temporary job, I with employees and need a went to work as a convenience wake-up call; store clerk on the midnight High productivity is maskshift. I worked hard it. Just like ing an exhausted workforce; my mother had taught me. The Gen Z is at risk and will need to be re-energized; Shrinking networks are endangering innovation; Authenticity will spur productivity and well-being; and Talent is everywhere in a hybrid world. Various media stories report that workers are leaving because they want more money, more flexibility, and more happiness. All good reasons, to be sure. But as the ole coach often says, “Not so fast my friend.” All of this might make people entering the workforce assume that employees are now in control. And while it is certainly true that the labor force is exerting more power than ever, employees should be aware that there are other things that will affect their own careers. Most are things they have direct control over. LinkedIn, the online proGUEST COLUMNIST

industry has a high turnover rate. In less than three weeks I was district manager. 2. MAKE AS MANY CONNECTIONS AS POSSIBLE. One way to do this is to involve yourself in a variety of organizations, events, groups etc. Get in involved with things outside of your normal universe. You would be surprised at whom you might meet at intermission of a play at a local theater. I once joined a health club and exercised twice a week with a statewide elected official. Introduce yourself to strangers. Warning: over-introducing results in others avoiding you. I know a guy who made sure to introduce himself to everyone. He was so abrasive that his introductions were so bothering that others avoided him. One of the best jobs I ever had was because someone recommended that I apply for it. I did not even know that such a job existed. I got the job and ultimately became head of the

organization. 3. BE AWARE THAT SERENDIPITY MAY PLAY A ROLE. Sometimes the stars line up. This could also come under item one above, but it’s more than that. I’ve given hundreds of speeches in my career, but one day I gave a speech at a statewide conference. Little did I know that in the audience was a member of a national foundation. They were in town to visit the local office. Apparently, the person liked my speech and the local office rep knew me enough to arrange a meeting. Lo and behold, I was offered a fellowship to attend a certain Harvard executive program for the summer of 2004. It was one of the best experiences of my life, but would not have happened if all the stars had not lined up. 4. NEVER DISPARAGE YOUR CURRENT OR PAST EMPLOYERS, EVEN IF THEY DESERVE IT. When I’ve interviewed job applicants, I’ve asked them to tell

me about their current and past jobs and employers. If I hear the applicant run down their employer I immediately wonder what they will say about my organization if and when they leave. 5. BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WELL, ESPECIALLY IN FRONT OF A GROUP. Whether it’s a board meeting, a sales presentation, or a speech to a civic club, good speaking skills evoke confidence and competence. Not everyone can do it. Finally, your career will be affected by many things, not the least of which will be things outside your control. Market forces strongly impact hiring and firing decisions. Nevertheless, these are things you can control. But be very careful before simply quitting any job. It may come back to haunt you. Here’s to your great career. PHIL HARDWICK is a regular Mississippi Business Journal columnist. His email is phil@philhardwick.com.

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

Economic Development MEDC leads state’s economic development efforts BY LYNN LOFTON

together to help advance economic development conomic develefforts through promoting opers, chamber a healthy business climate professionals and to recruit and retain indusindustry parttries and talent.” ners have a strong ally in The three organizations the Mississippi Economalso actively evaluate other ic Development Council. important factors such as Established in 1963 as the incentives, infrastructure, Mississippi Industrial Deand quality of life. “Each velopment Council, the organization plays a differname was changed but the ent role and holds a differMEDC continues to be the ent level of accountability professional association to the state’s success for putting the state’s ecorecruiting and retaining nomic advancement at the jobs, but we all understand MEDC SUBMITTED PHOTO forefront. the importance of having a Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann speaks at the Mississippi Economic Development Council “The mission, which shared vision and how we awards luncheon on Feb. 4, 2022. continues today, is to work can contribute to moving together to advance the the needle forward,” How- wide organization with Looking ahead to the pandemic has brought profession and advance ard said. directors from all regions. MEDC’s summer conso much disruption and economic development The MEDC is a state“As a state association, it ference, it will be called challenges to our industry, is important for us to have EXCHANGE and held July it also has brought opporrepresentation from each 6-8 at the Beau Rivage Ca- tunities to rethink how we of our eight districts, but sino Resort in Biloxi. “EXdo things,” Howard said. it is just as pertinent to CHANGE brings together “We will continue to hold recognize that economic more than 300 economic our conferences in person Coming Together for The Betterment of All development is a team ef- developers, chambers of as connections with peers fort and not limited to one commerce and industry is a component that person in one zip code,” partners to hear from site cannot be 100 percent repHoward said. “Key stakeselectors and leaders in licated in a virtual setting. holders from the local, the industry to discuss the We will also hold webinars regional and state levels latest trends,” Howard and produce podcast epworking together play a said. “This year we aim to isodes to offer a variety of part of our organization’s bring in five to seven site learning opportunities for success and the success selectors from a variety of our members throughout you see through the many firms to discuss the most the year.” The Madison County Business League & Foundation is a private, stakeholder-based support job announcements in pressing issues they are There are other educaorganization that works with business owners and decision makers to discuss topics that Mississippi.” seeing around the country tional opportunities proaffect economic development. Together, we continue to build upon the economic development MEDC recently held its and world. vided by MEDC. “Along infrastructure of Madison County. We recognize and salute the industry and businesses for the 59th winter conference in “In the past, these with our two conferences, contribution they make towards our quality of life. Jackson focusing on legconsultants have shared we hold programming for islative priorities affecting insight regarding foreign emerging leaders, electeconomic development in direct investment, site seed officials, women in the state. “Those priorities lection processes, compet- economic and community include the Mississippi itive incentive programs, development and more,” Flexible Tax Incentives Act and successful workforce Howard said. “We have (SB 2159), State Income recruitment and retention focused on adding to our Tax Plans, appropriate efforts. Hearing from these programming over the funding for the Mississippi national experts helps years due to high demand Development Authority, economic developers from and continued engagesite development proaround the state make ment from our members 135 Mississippi Parkway, Canton, MS 39046 | 601.707.3303 grams and workforce their communities more and key stakeholders.” madisoncountybusinessleague.com initiatives, and legislation competitive in recruitTo join MEDC, particithat affects current and ing new industries and pate in one of their events new industries such as the retaining their existing or learn more about who CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Mississippi Medical Marcompanies.” they are, visit www.medc. ijuana Program,” Howard MEDC is holding in-per- ms or email Howard at explained. son conferences. “While ghoward@medc.ms.

efforts in Mississippi through advocacy, collaboration, education and providing resources to members,” says Executive Director Gwen Howard. “MEDC is the voice of the economic development profession in the state.” Explaining the difference between MEDC, the Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Economic Council, Howard said the three organizations work in coordination and collaboration. “MDA is the state’s agency for economic development, and the Mississippi Economic Council is the state’s chamber of commerce. We partner

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February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

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Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

Economic and Community Development Organizations

Economic and Community Development Organization

Address

Phone

Website

Top Officer

Area Development Partnership

One Convention Center Plaza, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

601-296-7513

theadp.com

Chad Newell, Todd Jackson

Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation

111 Magnolia St., Belzoni, MS 39038

662-247-4838

belzonims.com

Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce

230 S. Whitworth Ave., Brookhaven, MS 39601

601-833-1411

brookhavenchamber.org

Garrick Combs

Calhoun Economic Development Association

P.O. Box 8, Pittsboro, MS 38951

662-414-8163

calhouneda.com

Sheila M. Freely

Central Mississippi Planning & Development District

1020 Centre Pointe, Pearl, MS 39208

601-981-1511

cmpdd.org

Mike Monk

Choctaw County Economic Development Foundation

55 E. Quinn St., Ackerman, MS 39735

662-285-3778

choctawcountycoc.com

City of Jackson MS Office of Economic Development

200 S. President St., Jackson, MS 39201

601-960-1993

Jacksonms.gov

Donna McKay Michael Davis, Jhai Keeton Lara Bowman

Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce

101 South Bayou Ave., Cleveland, MS 38732

662-843-2712

clevelandmschamber.com

Community Development Foundation

398 E. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804

662-842-4521

cdfms.org

David P. Rumbarger

Copiah County Economic Development District

P.O. Drawer 150, Hazlehurst, MS 39083

601-421-1249

copiahworks.com

Arthur Lee Evans Jr.

Covington County Economic Development Authority

101 S Elm Avenue, Collins, MS 39428

601-765-4242

covingtoncountyms.gov

Guy Easterling

Clarksdale-Coahoma Co. Chamber, Industrial Foundation

102 Third St, Clarksdale, MS 38614

662-627-7337

crossroadseconomicpartnershipp.com

Jon S Levingston

Delta Council

433 Stoneville Rd., Stoneville, MS 38776

662-686-3350

deltacouncil.org

Patrick Johnson Jr

DeSoto County Economic Development Council

4716 Pepper Chase Dr, Southaven, MS 38671

662-429-4414

desotocounty.com

Jim Flanagan

East Central Planning & Development District, Inc.

280 Commercial Drive, Newton, MS 39345

601-683-2007

ecpdd.org

John M. Blount

East Mississippi Business Development Corp.

200 22nd Ave, Meridian, MS 39301

601-693-1306

embdc.org

William T Hannah

Economic Development Authority of Jones County

153 Base Dr., Ste. 3, Laurel, MS 39440

601-649-3031

jonescounty.com

Ross Tucker

Golden Triangle Development LINK

1102 Main St., Columbus, MS 39701

662-328-8369

gtrlink.org

Joe Max Higgins Jr.

Golden Triangle Planning and Development Districts

P.O. Box 828, Starkville, MS 39760

662-324-7860

gtpdd.com

Rudy Johnson

Greater Grenada Partnership

95 SW Frontage Rd, Grenada, MS 38901

662-229-9502

greatergrenada.com

Matthew Harrison

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership

P.O. Box 22548, Jackson, MS 39225

601-948-7575

greaterjacksonpartnership.com

Jeff Rent

Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce

201 Hwy. 11 N., Picayune, MS 39466

601-798-3122

greaterpicayunechamber.org

Laci Lee

Greater Starkville Development Partnership

200 E Main St, Starkville, MS 39759

662-323-3322

starkville.org

Mike Tagert

Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce

402 Hwy. 82 West, Greenwood, MS 38930

662-453-4152

greenwoodmschamber.com

Beth Stevens

Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll EDF

402 U.S. Highway 82 W, Greenwood, MS 38930

662-453-5321

greenwoodms.com

Angela Curry

Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission

14054 Fred and Al Key Road, Kiln, MS 39556

228-467-9231

portairspace.com

William Cotter

Harrison County Development Commission

12281 Intraplex Pky., Gulfport, MS 39503

228-896-5020

mscoast.org

Bill Lavers

Hinds County Economic Development Authority

125 S. Congress St., Suite 1500, Jackson, MS 39201

601-353-6056

selecthinds.com

Jason Brookins

Innovate Mississippi

121 N. State St., Suite 500, Jackson, MS 39201

601-960-3610

innovate.ms

Tony Jeff

Itawamba County Development Council

P.O. Box 577, Fulton, MS 38843

662-862-4571

itawambams.com

Vaunita R. Martin

Jackson County Economic Development Foundation

3033 Pascagoula St., Pascagoula, MS 39567

228-769-6263

jcedf.org

George Freeland Jr.

Jasper County Economic Development District

P.O. Box 611, Bay Springs, MS 39422

601-764-2700

co.jasper.ms.us

Haskins Montgomery Barbara Slater

Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District

1025 3rd St., Prentiss, MS 39474

601-792-5903

jeffdavisms.com

Kemper County Economic Development Authority

14062 Hwy 16, DeKalb, MS 39328

601-743-2754

kempercounty.com

Kosciusko Attala Partnership

101 N. Natchez St., Kosciusko, MS 39090

662-289-2981

kapartnership.org

Darren Milner

Lawrence County Community Development Association

517 E. Broad St., Monticello, MS 39654

601-587-3007

lawrencecountyms.com

Leigh Ann Reeves

Leake County Development Association

103 N. Pearl St., Carthage, MS 39051

601-267-7161

leakeida.com

Mala Burns

Madison County Business League & Foundation

135 Mississippi Parkway, Canton, MS 39046

601-832-5592

madisoncountybusinessleague.com

Jan Coulter Collins

Madison County Chamber of Commerce

1085 Gluckstadt Road, 300-F, Madison, MS 39110

601-605-2554

madisoncountychamber.com

Paige Peterson

Madison County Economic Development Authority

135 Mississippi Parkway, Canton, MS 39046

601-605-0368

madisoncountyeda.com

Joseph P Deason

Marion County Development Partnership

412 Courthouse Square, Columbia, MS 39429

601-736-6385

mcdp.info

Lori R Watts

Marshall County Industrial Development Authority

520 J.M. Ash Drive, Holly Springs, MS 38635

662-252-3916

marshallcoms.com

Justin L. Hall Newt Ishee

Mid-Mississippi Development District

P.O. Box 119, Newton, MS 39345

601-683-2091

mmdd.org

Mississippi Association of Planning & Development Districts

Box 4935, Jackson, MS 39296

601-981-1511

mspdds.com

Mississippi Development Authority

501 N. West St., Jackson, MS 39201

601-359-3449

mississippi.org

Laura Hipp

Mississippi Economic Council

248 E. Capitol St., Ste. 940, Jackson, MS 39201

601-969-0022

msmec.com

Scott Waller

Mississippi Economic Development Council

PO Box 1637, Jackson, MS 39215

601-352-1909

medc.ms

Gwen Howard

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

11975 Seaway Road, Suite B120, Gulfport, MS 39503

228-604-0014

mscoastchamber.com

Adele Lyons

Mississippi Main Street Association

P.O. Box 55747, Jackson, MS 39296

601-339-2042

msmainstreet.com

Chris Chain

Monroe County Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 537, Amory, MS 38821

662-369-6488

gomonroe.org

Chelsea T. Baulch

Montgomery County Economic Development Partnership

701 Summit St., Winona, MS 38967

662-283-4828

mcedp.ms

Sue Stidham

Natchez, Inc.

100 S. Pearl St., Natchez, MS 39120

601-445-0288

natchezinc.com

Chandler Russ Nena Hammond

Newton Chamber of Commerce

128 S. Main St., Newton, MS 39345

601-683-2201

newtonchamberms.com

North Central Planning & Development District

28 Industrial Park Blvd., Winona, MS 38967

662-283-2675

ncpdd.org

Steve Russell

North Delta Planning and Development District, Inc.

220 Power Drive, Batesville, MS 38606

662-561-4100

ndpdd.com

James W. Curcio

North Mississippi Industrial Development Association

26853 E. Main St., West Point, MS 39773

662-494-4633

nmida.com

Skip Scaggs

Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District

619 E. Parker Drive, Box 600, Booneville, MS 38829

662-728-6248

nempdd.com

Sharon Gardner

Noxubee Economic and Community Development Alliance

198 Washington St, Macon, MS 39341

662-726-4456

noxubeealliance.com

Marti Kauffman

Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce

1000 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564

228-875-4424

oceanspringschamber.com

Cynthia Sutton

Okolona Area Chamber of Commerce

219 Main St., Okolona, MS 38860

662-447-5913

okolonams.org

La Sonja Ivy

Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce

9123 Pigeon Roost Rd. , Olive Branch, MS 38654

662-895-2600

olivebranchms.com

Vickie DuPree

Oxford-Lafayette Co. Economic Development Foundation

299 Jackson Ave. W., Oxford, MS 38655

662-234-4651

oxfordms.com

Jon Maynard

Panola Partnership, Inc.

150A Public Square, Batesville, MS 38606

662-563-3126

panolacounty.com

Joe Azar

Pearl Chamber of Commerce

110 Lonnie Jenkins Drive, Pearl, MS 39208

601-939-3338

pearlms.org

Pearl River County Economic Development District P.O. Box 730, Poplarville, MS 39470 601-749-7780 prcedd.com Information provided by organization representatives, industry associations and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Kathy Deer Lindsay Ward

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Economic and Community Development Organizations

Economic and Community Development Organization

Address

Phone

Website

Philadelphia/ Neshoba County CDP P.O. Box 330, Philadelphia, MS 39350-0330 601-656-1000 neshoba.org Pike County Economic Development District 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666 601-465-0255 gopikems.com Prentiss County Development Association 401 W. Parker Dr., Booneville, MS 38829 662-728-3505 goprentiss.com Rankin County Chamber of Commerce 101 Service Dr., Brandon, MS 39042 601-825-2268 rankinchamber.com Rankin First Economic Development P.O. Box 129, Brandon, MS 39043 601-825-5335 rankinfirst.com Simpson County Development Foundation 176 W. Court St., Mendenhall, MS 39114 601-847-2375 simpsoncounty.biz Smith County Economic Development District P.O. Box 275, Raleigh, MS 39153 601-577-7443 smithcountyms.org South Delta Planning and Development District 1427 S. Main St. Suite 147, Greenville, MS 38701 662-378-3831 sdpdd.com Southaven Chamber of Commerce 500 Main St., Southaven, MS 38671 662-342-6114 southavenchamber.com Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District 10441 Corporate Drive, Ste. 1, Gulfport, MS 39503 228-868-2311 smpdd.com Southwest Mississippi Economic Partnership 100 S. Wall St. , Natchez, MS 39120 601-446-6044 southwest-mississippi.com Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development District 100 S. Wall St., Natchez, MS 39120 601-446-6044 swmpdd.com Stone County Economic Development Partnership 115 Hatten Ave. E., Wiggins, MS 39577 601-928-5418 stonecounty.com Sunflower County Economic Development District P.O. Box 1508, Indianola, MS 38751 662-887-3737 sunflowercounty.ms.gov Tate County Economic Development Foundation 135 N. Front St., Senatobia, MS 38668 662-562-8715 tatecountyms.com Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority P.O. Drawer 671, Columbus, MS 39703 662-328-3286 tenntom.org The Alliance 502 Wick St, Corinth, MS 38834 662-287-5269 corinthalliance.com The Chamber of Flowood 2200 Refuge Blvd., Flowood, MS 39232 601-932-8007 flowoodchamber.com The Enterprise of Mississippi 855 South Dunn St., Eupora, MS 39744 662-546-0075 theenterprisems.com The Growth Alliance 746 E. Broad St., West Point, MS 39773 662-494-5121 westpointms.org Three Rivers Planning & Development District P.O. Box 690, Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-2415 trpdd.com Tippah County Development Foundation 201 Union St, Ripley, MS 38663 662-837-3353 tippahcounty.org Tishomingo County Development Foundation 1001 Battleground Dr, Iuka, MS 38852 662-423-9933 tishomingo.org Tunica County Chamber & EDF 1301 Main St., Tunica, MS 38676 662-363-2865 tunicachamber.com Union County Development Association 135 E. Bankhead St., New Albany, MS 38652 662-534-4354 ucda-newalbany.com Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership 2020 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39180 601-636-1012 vicksburgedf.org Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce 2020 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39180 601-636-1012 vicksburgchamber.org Walthall County Economic Development Authority P.O. Box 227, Tylertown, MS 39667 601-876-2680 walthallchamber.com Washington County Economic Alliance 342 Washington Ave., Ste. 201, Greenville, MS 38701 662-378-3141 wceams.com Wayne County Economic Development District 610 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367 601-735-6056 waynecounty.ms Winston County Economic Development District Partnership 70 W. Park St., Louisville, MS 39339 662-773-8719 winstoncountyms.com Yalobusha County Economic Development District P.O Box 10, Water Valley, MS 38965 662-473-8899 yalobushaonline.org Information provided by organization representatives, industry associations and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Top Officer David Vowell Jill Busby Leon Hays Mandi Arinder Tom Troxler Donnie Caughman Newt Ishee Tommy Goodwin Debbie King Leonard Bentz Jill Busby Wirt L. Peterson Betsy M. Rowell Shelia R Waldrup J. Britt Herrin Mitch Mays Clayton Stanley Janet Reihle Lara Bowman Lisa Klutts Vernon R. Kelley III Chris Lewellen Gary Matthews Charles L Finkley Jr Daleana Mapp Pablo Diaz Pablo Diaz Pam Keaton William Coppage James Snellgrove Glen C Haab Bob Tyler

Property Management Firms

Property Management Firms Company Address

Phone Website

Top Officer Founded

Southeast Commercial of MS, LLC 2310 19th St., Gulfport, MS 39501

228-276-2700 southeastcommercial.net

Monte Luffey, Tim Carlson, Scott Delano 2009

Edgewater Village Shopping Center, Biloxi, MS; Northcourt One, Gulfport, MS; Shoppes at Popps Ferry, Biloxi, MS; The Toggery Building, Gulfport, MS; Gulf Coast Professional Tower, Biloxi, MS

Spectrum Capital, LLC 781 Larson St., Jackson, MS 39202

601-351-2055 spectrumcapitalre.com

Jason R. Voyles 2006

Outlets of Mississippi, Trustmark Park, Bass Pro Shops, Pearl, MS; The Beach Club, Gulf Shores, AL; Turquoise Place, Orange Beach, AL

Spruill Property Management 1016-F Louisville St., Starkville, MS 39759

662-323-5234 spruillapts.com

Lynn Spruill, Lydia Quarles 2000

Spruill Northside Apartments; Spruill Townhouses; Spruill Midtown; Spruill Townhomes; Quarles Properties.

StateStreet Group, LLC P.O. Box 13925, Jackson, MS 39236-3925

601-981-4445 statestreetgroup.com

John K. Ditto 1971

200 N. Congress, 1501 Lakeland Bldg, 220 Business Park/Highland Colony, Lakeland Square, Eastover Commons, The Quarter

T.L. Brown Properties 1991 Lakeland Dr., Ste. J, Jackson, MS 39216

601-981-1170 tlbrownproperties.com

Tim Brown 1979

Stone Creek Place, Fountains of Madison Building, Rankin Multi-Purpose Complex, Commerce Park Building, Lakeland Oaks Office Park, East Pointe Business Park, Old Fannin Complex

Terramark 4775 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, MS 39211

601-345-3335 terramarkre.com

Trey Guerieri 2012

LeFluer Square Offices; 16 Northtown Dr, 3977 Terry Rd, 6080 Highway 18 W., Broadway St, Hidden Oak Apartments

The Cress Group, LLC 661 Sunnybrook Rd, Suite 120, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-707-1300 cresscre.com

Gary Cress 1992

Horne Building, Ridgeland, MS, 200-202 W. Jackson Street, Ridgeland; 2550 Flowood Drive, Flowood, Emporium Building, Jackson; Lake Harbour Village, Ridgeland; Destin Poinciana & Beachwalk Centre, Destin, FL and Crestview Center, Crestview, FL

TRI Inc. Commercial Realtors 324 Troy St, Tupelo, MS 38804

662-842-8283 trirealestate.net

Clay Short 1952

Regions Bank Main branch, WestPark Industrial Complex, Walmart Shadow Centers, Elite PT, Kindred Healthcare, and Girl Scouts Heart of the South HQ

Woodlands Realty Group, LLC 800 Woodlands Pkwy., Ste. 118, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-956-9833 woodlandsrealtygroup.com

Russell Wilcox 2003

Woodlands Office Park - Class A Office Park in Ridgeland, MS

Information provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Major Properties

12 n

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

Economic Development Restaurant industry hopeful for a return to a more normal operating environment BY BECKY GILLETTE

he restaurant and lodging industry in Mississippi is optimistic that this spring and summer will see the omicron variant diminish, allowing people to feel safer and more comfortable eating out and traveling. “Spring is approaching, and that is when we start to see tourism and travel increase,” said Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association Executive Director Pat Fontaine. “So, we’re hopeful we’ll see business pick up. People are tired of their own cooking. Earlier in the pandemic when COVID numbers were low, you saw that people took the opportunity to dine out and travel.” Shortages of food, beverages, supplies and workers continue to create a challenging situation. “My understanding is that across the board there have been challenges with supplies,” Fontaine said. “Many restaurants have not returned to a full menu. One of the factors is availability of products. And for a period of time, it was difficult to find COVID tests. Your staffing was hit and miss.” Omicron disruption has been widespread. A January survey by the National Restaurant Association indicated 30% of Mississippi restaurants surveyed reduced hours or days, 19% reduced seating and 8% changed to offering curbside pickup and delivery. About 54% of the restaurants said the situation was worse than three months earlier. Fontaine said restaurants that received the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants have been better able to withstand some of the inflationary food cost increases, as well as the increase in labor costs. The industry is hopeful that funding will be replenished in a spending package that could be approved by Congress soon. There is a March 11 deadline to fund the federal government and the president has a State of the Union address March 1. “Hopefully we will see some kind of action within that time frame,” Fontaine said. “If it is not included in the spending package, the likelihood is greatly diminished of it being refunded.” Steven O’Neill, vice president of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association, said while they are facing all kinds of challenges from a shortage of

workers to increased costs and limited supplies, there are indications that the supply chain is starting to normalize. “I don’t want to be too optimistic, but there are signs of improvement for certain products,” O’Neill said. “It is slowly getting better. Unfortunately, we are going to have to raise prices, which I think will force some diners out of our market. We try to be as price competitive as possible, but we also have a quality we have to maintain. The challenge is to do that at a price point that is approachable.” O’Neill, who is also co-owner and managing partner of The Manship Wood-Fired Kitchen and Aplos restaurants, is concerned about discussions in Washington D.C. about how restaurant servers are paid. There is some talk of going to a higher minimum wage for servers. “If they go to a higher server minimum wage, it is going to push more labor out of the market,” O’Neill said. “My wait staff averages $25 to $30 per hour in tip income. It has been shown that consumers don’t tip as much when they know servers are making minimum wage. You are hurting the workers who are making good wages. My workers comp would also have to increase greatly. They aren’t going to push that until after the mid-term elections because no one wants to talk about taxation pre-election. But they are going to cram it down our throats after the election.” Rob Heffner is co-owner of Half Shell Oyster House – which has 14 Half Shell Oyster Houses in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana – and the Rack House Steakhouse in Gulfport. He said they own their own distribution company, so they have a little more control over obtaining supplies. But it is still challenging. “My guys in purchasing say each day is like playing whack a ball,” Heffner. “Almost anything out there is running late and pricing has skyrocketed. People are having to reprint menus or put signs on the door about pricing or availability. It has had a very large impact on the costs of goods, availability, and keeping products in house. And we are having to pass those price increases on to customers.” He is leery about yet another time during the pandemic when there are predictions it is going to get better. That happened before the delta and omicron variants.

“It is going to depend on at some point whether vaccinations are the solution,” Heffner said. “It seems like COVID is something that is here to stay. I don’t think it is going away. We will continue to have to deal with it just like with the flu. Hopefully, as the population becomes more immune and adapted to it, there will be less impact.” Staffing has been their biggest problem. “It is not unique to us or the industry,” Heffner said. “Businesses are understaffed across the country. It is compounded by the protocols for COVID including being required to quarantine when you test positive or are in close proximity to someone who has tested positive. It puts a greater burden on a restaurant when you lose four, five or six people. We actually had to shut down some of our locations from two to four days due to staffing issues related to COVID quarantine protocols. If some-

body tests positive with the at-home tests, even though those are not as accurate, we take that as a positive and follow the protocols.” Heffner found it difficult to find a home test himself a few weeks ago. He ended up testing positive and had to quarantine at home for a little over a week. He experienced a headache, body aches, and a low-grade fever for one day, but was still testing positive three days later. People’s desire to eat out hasn’t changed. “People are out and about,” Heffner said. “Luckily, in Mississippi, commerce has not been stifled as much as in other regions. Our locations in Birmingham and Baton Rouge have economies geared more towards education and where more people are working from home aren’t recovering as well in sales as areas like the Gulf Coast where people are coming in from all over for tourism.”

Complete your MBA

100% online.

wmcarey.edu/business | (601) 318-6199

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Education and Workplace Development Pandemic brings more students to online MBA programs

BY LISA MONTI

ncreased enrollment in online degree programs at colleges and universities can be traced to the onset of the pandemic when many people whose livelihoods were impacted looked for new opportunities. Schools with programs already in place were better able to make adjustments needed to accommodate the additional students. “The COVID pandemic was disruptive for many people in so many ways, including those who wanted to pursue a graduate degree in business,” said Ken Cyree, dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi. “We are fortunate since we have been doing our online program for almost two decades and have great experience and success teaching online. Therefore, we were prepared and could create an exceptional value for students who were constrained due to COVID, or other situations such as a job or family

obligations.” Cyree credits the faculty’s “experience and dedication” as well as staff and alumni engagement with online students “to make it an outstanding educational experience.” Ashley McGee, MBA director of administration in the University of Mississippi’s School of Business, said, “We are proud to offer an MBA designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals with our 100 percent online program which has been ranked by US News and World Report as a Top 10 in the Nation MBA Program among public universities for the past four consecutive years.” Steven Stelk, an assistant teaching professor of Finance and MBA director at the University of Southern Mississippi, said before COVID, in the fall of 2019, 120 students were enrolled in the MBA program. Of those, 54 chose to be fully online. “In the fall of 2020, once things started shutting down, we jumped from 120

to 198 student total enrollment, a 65% enrollment increase. Of the 198 students, 114 chose to be fully online, which is an 111% increase in online enrollment. With the economy shutting down, it was an opportunity to go to school, and online made more sense,” he said. Southern Miss saw a significant increase in applicants’ work experience, according to Stelk. “In Fall of 2019, our MBA applicants reported an average of five years of post-undergraduate degree work experience. In Fall 2020, the average jumped to eight years of post-undergraduate degree work experience. It increased again in Fall 2021 to 8.6 years.” Another economic incentive is the fact that the online program tuition is in-state only for all students. That is a common feature of online programs, he said. A significant factor in enrollment growth was that nearly every business graduate program in the U.S. waived their GMAT/GRE entrance exam require-

ment starting in Fall 2020 due to Covid. “The GMAT had to be taken in a proctored testing center, which was not possible in the early days of COVID. These exams are expensive and require many hours of preparation to score well. This is especially challenging for someone who has been out of school for a while,” he said. “Waiving this requirement was an opportunity for many people to apply without having to prepare for the exam.” Stelk said the sharp enrollment growth starting in Fall of 2020 did present some challenges. “Our professors take pride in getting to know and having meaningful interactions with our students. When our MBA class sizes increased from less than 40 students per class to over 60, it was challenging to spend as much time with each student.” In response, he said, the university committed additional resources to the MBA program that have helped maintain the program’s qualities.

An MBA That Offers Students the Flexibility They Need STUDY ONLINE, ON-CAMPUS, OR BOTH The new Accelerated Online MBA at Mississippi College provides high quality business courses over a shorter class term, allowing students to focus their attention on the

Sale of Junior Champions LOT 1: Grand Champion/Champ Heavyweight European/MS Bred Grand Champion/MS Bred Champion Heavyweight Steer Exhibited by Jimmy Washburn, Hinds 4-H. Buyers: The Gaddis Farms; Merchants & Planters Bank; Gaddis & McLaurin Store; Adcamp, Inc.; Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC; Signs First; Nutrien Ag; Planters Insurance; Hancock Whitney Bank; Bozeman Farms; Dr. Clyde Muse; Jack Muirhead, REM LLC; BankFirst Financial Services; Adams & Reese LLP.

LOT 5: Res Grand Champion/Res Champion Heavyweight European Steer Exhibited by Drew Wagner, Newton 4-H/Newton Co. FFA. Buyers: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MS; Haley & Marsha Barbour; Ergon; Waggoner Cattle Company; Southern AgCredit.

LOT 12: MS Bred Res Grand Champion/MS Bred Res Champ Heavyweight European Steer Exhibited by Ann Rileigh Holder, Jones 4-H. Buyers: Speaker of the House Philip Gunn; members of the MS Legislature; Town Creek Farm.

LOT 17: Champion American Steer Exhibited by Hannah Katherine Jones, Madison 4-H. Buyer: Jackson Area Ford Dealers.

LOT 18: Champion Lightweight European Steer Exhibited by Chase & Delton Boone, Smith 4-H/ Raleigh FFA. Buyers: Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company; Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company; MS Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Farm Bureau Bank; Tico’s Steakhouse; TeleSouth Communications; N&W Construction Company Inc.; First Financial Bank; Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A.; Hilton Jackson.

LOT 19: Champion English/MS Bred Champion English Steer Exhibited by Haley Walker, Tippah 4-H. Buyers: U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker; U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith; U.S. Congressman Michael Guest; Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann; Commissioner Andy Gipson; Attorney General Lynn Fitch; Treasurer David McRae; Auditor Shad White; Commissioner Mike Chaney; Sec. of State Michael Watson; Former Gov. Phil Bryant; Mississippi Land Bank; People’s Bank of Ripley.

LOT 20: Reserve Champion American/MS Bred Champion American Steer Exhibited by Bryce & Lanie Parker, Jasper 4-H. Buyers: Dr. Jim Newsome; MSU President – Dr. Mark Keenum; John Lundy; Golden Triangle Periodontal, Dr. Walt Starr; Kipp Brown; Hal & Linda Parker; Ted Kendall IV; David Knighton, TPC Angus.

LOT 21: Res Champion Lightweight European/ MS Bred Champ Lightweight European Steer Exhibited by Conner Boyles, Smith 4-H. Buyer: Cal Company.

LOT 22: Reserve Champion English Steer Exhibited by Ruslan & Julia Saucier, Forrest 4-H. Buyers: Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; Legacy Land and Financial Consulting; Steve and Patsy Brandon; Meyer & Rosenbaum; Codaray Construction; Charles Donald Pulpwood; Capitol Ag Services; Vice President Keith Coble, MSU Div. of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Dependable Financial Services; Southern AgCredit; Havard Pest Control; McLaurin Excavation Inc.; Mac’s Construction; Cooperative Energy; The First Bank; Mississippi Farm & Garden; Oldham Chemicals Co.; Ted Parker Cattle LLC; Cutting Edge Meat Co.; Woolwine Ford; Mississippi Power; WA Payne.

LOT 3: Grand Champion/Champion Division 5 Lamb Exhibited by Hayes Henderson, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: KLLM Transport Services; Southern States Utility Trailer Sales; Stribling Equipment; Empire Truck Sales; Regions Bank.

LOT 7: Res Grand Champion/ MS Bred Grand Champion/Champion Division 4/MS Bred Champion Division 4 Lamb Exhibited by Katy Kendell & Hannah Hayes Ware, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: KLLM Transport Services; Southern States Utility Trailer Sales; Stribling Equipment; Empire Truck Sales; Regions Bank.

LOT 15: MS Bred Res Grand Champion/Res Champion Division 2/MS Bred Champion Division 2 Lamb Exhibited by Katy Kendell & Hannah Hayes Ware, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.; Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Farm Bureau Bank; Tico’s Steakhouse; TeleSouth Communications; N&W Construction Company Inc.; First Financial Bank; Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A.; Hilton Jackson.

LOT 32: Champion Division 1/MS Bred Champion Division 1 Lamb Exhibited by Hayes Henderson, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: Southern AgCredit; Kirk Auto Group; Fancher Cattle Co.; Steward Link LLC; Hi Grade Farm Supply; Bank of Kilmichael; Oliver Farms; Winona Tractor and Equipment.

LOT 33: Champion Division 2 Lamb Exhibited by Mary-Hayden & Paxton Blaylock, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: Southern AgCredit; Kirk Auto Group; Fancher Cattle Co.; Steward Link LLC; Hi Grade Farm Supply; Bank of Kilmichael; Oliver Farms; Winona Tractor and Equipment.

LOT 34: Champion Division 3 Lamb Exhibited by Hayes Henderson, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.; Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Farm Bureau Bank; Tico’s Steakhouse; TeleSouth Communications; N&W Construction Co. Inc.; First Financial Bank; Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A.; Hilton Jackson.

LOT 35: Res Champion Division 1 Lamb Exhibited by Sadie Nichols, Pontotoc 4-H. Buyers: APAC of MS Inc.; Entergy; W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co.; Puckett Machinery; MMC Materials; Deviney Construction.

LOT 36: Res Champion Division 3 Lamb Exhibited by Mary-Hayden & Paxton Blaylock, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: First South Farm Credit; Curtis Massey Cattle Co.; Bank of Kilmichael.

LOT 37: Res Champion Division 4/MS Bred Res Champion Division 4 Lamb Exhibited by Emma Grace & Lily Putnam, Sunflower 4-H. Buyers: Mississippi Land Bank; Simplot Grower Solutions; Alliance Ag. Risk Management; Selecta Motors; Delta South Motors; Preston & Amy Arrington; Murtagh Flying Service.

LOT 38: Res Champion Division 5 Lamb Exhibited by Katy Kendell & Hannah Hayes Ware, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: APAC of MS Inc.; W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co.; Entergy; Puckett Machinery; Deviney Construction; MMC Materials.

LOT 2: Grand Champion/Champion Hampshire Hog Exhibited by Kathryn Chism, Sunflower 4-H. Buyers: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MS; Haley & Marsha Barbour; Ergon.

LOT 10: Grand Champion MS Bred/Champion Duroc/Champion MS Bred Duroc Hog Exhibited by Anna Beth & Aimry Blackwell, Smith 4-H/Raleigh FFA. Buyers: Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.; MS Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Farm Bureau Bank; Tico’s Steakhouse; TeleSouth Communications; N&W Construction Co. Inc.; First Financial Bank; Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A.; Hilton Jackson.

LOT 13: Res Champion MS Bred Barrow Exhibited by Britton Kirkland, Covington 4-H. Buyers: Cooperative Energy; The First - A National Banking Association; MS Farm & Garden; Oldham Chemicals Company Inc.; Havard Pest Control; Ted Parker Cattle LLC; Cutting Edge Meat Co.; Woolwine Ford; MS Power.

LOT 14: Res Grand Champion MS Bred/Champion Yorkshire/Champion MS Bred Yorkshire Hog Exhibited by Maggie, Mallory & Braden Duncan, Simpson 4-H/Simpson CTC FFA. Buyer: Mac Haik Ford Jackson.

LOT 6: Res Grand Champion/Champion CrossLOT 9: Champion MS Bred Barrow Exhibited by bred Hog Exhibited by Jadyn Sanford, Covington Kathryn Chism, Sunflower 4-H. Buyers: Delta West4-H. Buyers: Cooperative Energy; The First - A ern Feed; BankPlus. National Banking Association; MS Farm & Garden; Oldham Chemicals Company Inc.; Havard Pest Control; Ted Parker Cattle LLC; Cutting Edge Meat Co.; Woolwine Ford; MS Power.

Sale of Junior Champions LOT 23: Champion Spotted/MS Bred Champion Spotted Hog Exhibited by Gracie Leggett, Covington 4-H. Buyers: Cooperative Energy; The First - A National Banking Association; MS Farm & Garden; Oldham Chemicals Co. Inc.; Havard Pest Control; Ted Parker Cattle LLC; Cutting Edge Meat Co.; Woolwine Ford; MS Power.

LOT 24: Champion Chester/MS Bred Champion Chester Hog Exhibited by Taylor, Ann Fleming & Wilson Leflore, Lafayette 4-H. Buyers: MS Land Bank; Southern AgCredit; Joseph Presley; 4 Corner Properties LLC; Tom Hixon.

LOT 25: Champion Hereford Hog Exhibited by Kolby & John Michael Donahoo, Humphreys 4-H. Buyers: Bill Brown; Wade Inc.; Bryan Jones; BankPlus; Planters Bank; John Stanley; Gresham Petroleum Company.

LOT 26: Res Champ Crossbred Hog Exhibited by LOT 27: Res Champ Spotted Hog Exhibited by Hayden Kilgore & Tripp McGee, Newton 4-H. Buy- Emie Lloyd, Bolivar 4-H. Buyers: Blue Cross/Blue ers: Southern AgCredit; Kirk Auto Group; Steward Shield of MS; Haley & Marsha Barbour; Ergon. Link LLC; Joseph Presley; 4 Corner Properties LLC; Tom Hixon; Chris Killebrew Farms; Craig & Marcie Rozier.

LOT 28: Res Champion Chester Hog Exhibited by Jadyn Sanford, Covington 4-H. Buyers: Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.; MS Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Farm Bureau Bank; Tico’s Steakhouse; TeleSouth Communications; N&W Construction Co. Inc.; First Financial Bank; Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A.; Hilton Jackson.

LOT 29: Res Champion Hereford Hog Exhibited by Neeli & Preston Aust, Humphreys 4-H. Buyers: BankPlus; Simmons Farm Raised Catfish Inc.; Phillips Farms Elevator; Hammett Gravel Co. Inc.; Ag Up Equipment; Gresham Petroleum Company; Bryan Jones.

LOT 30: Res Champ Hampshire Hog Exhibited by Mallory, Maggie & Braden Duncan, Simpson 4-H/Simpson CTC FFA. Buyers: Boots and More; Dixie National Booster Club; Thomasson Co.; Tyson Foods; Cock of the Walk; Wier + Boerner Architecture, PLLC; Doug Berry; Mark & Dr. Mardi Allen Ellis; Helena Agri-Enterprises LLC; Structural Steel Services Inc.; Jack and Jeanette Winstead; Craft Farms; Commissioner Brent Bailey.

LOT 31: Res Champion Yorkshire/MS Bred Reserve Champion Yorkshire Hog Exhibited by Wilson, Ann Fleming & Taylor Leflore, Lafayette 4-H. Buyers: Key LLC - Engineers - Constructors; Ross & Yerger Insurance; BankPlus; Taylor Group Inc.; Ag Up Equipment; Pruet Oil Co.

LOT 4: Grand Champion/Champion Light Heavyweight Goat Exhibited by Mallary, Payton & Paxton Lemoine, Rankin 4-H/Puckett FFA. Buyers: APAC of MS Inc.; W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co.; Entergy; Puckett Machinery; Deviney Construction; MMC Materials.

LOT 8: Res Grand Champion/Champion Lightweight Goat Exhibited by William Allen Flournoy, Lafayette 4-H. Buyers: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MS; Haley & Marsha Barbour; Ergon.

LOT 11: MS Bred Grand Champion/MS Bred Champion Mediumweight Goat Exhibited by Ann Fleming, Wilson & Taylor Leflore, Lafayette 4-H. Buyers: MS Land Bank; Southern AgCredit; Joseph Presley; 4 Corner Properties LLC; Tom Hixon.

LOT 16: MS Bred Res Grand Champion/MS Bred Res Champion Mediumweight Goat Exhibited by Landry & Layton Varner, Rankin 4-H. Buyers: Rick’s Pro Truck; Noel Daniels Motor Co.; Rankin First Economic Development; Brandon Discount Drugs; Priority One Bank; Franks Chevrolet, Buick, GMC; Killen Contractors; Community Bank.

LOT 39: Champion Light Mediumweight Goat Exhibited by Hannah Katherine Jones, Madison 4-H. Buyers: Sanderson Farms; BankPlus; Bank of Yazoo; Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC.

LOT 40: Champion Mediumweight Goat Exhibited by Hayes Henderson, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: First South Farm Credit; Curtis Massey Cattle Co.; Bank of Kilmichael.

LOT 41: Champion Heavyweight Goat Exhibited by Hayes Henderson, Montgomery 4-H. Buyers: MS Land Bank; Southern AgCredit; Joseph Presley; 4 Corner Properties LLC; Tom Hixon.

LOT 42: Res Champion Lightweight Goat Exhibited by Mallary, Payton & Paxton Lemoine, Rankin 4-H/Puckett FFA. Buyers: Aluminum Contractors; Bodie Construction; Coastal Industrial Contractors; Hederman Brothers Printing; Tech Connect; Terry Service; Capitol Body Shop; All Creatures Animal Care Center; Lewis Trailer Sales; Warren Excavation.

LOT 43: Res Champion Light Mediumweight Goat Exhibited by Leighton & Lara Horton, Tippah 4-H. Buyers: Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.; MS Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co.; Farm Bureau Bank; Tico’s Steakhouse; TeleSouth Communications; N&W Construction Co. Inc.; First Financial Bank; Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, P.A.; Hilton Jackson.

LOT 44: Res Champion Mediumweight Goat Exhibited by Ann Fleming, Taylor & Wilson Leflore, Lafayette 4-H. Buyers: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MS; Haley & Marsha Barbour; Ergon.

LOT 45: Res Champion Light Heavyweight Goat Exhibited by Hannah Katherine Jones, Madison 4-H. Buyers: B.T. and Tiffany Steadman; Regions Bank; George Byram.

2022 Premier Exhibitor L-R: Elizabeth Rone, Panola 4-H; Leighton Horton, Tippah 4-H; Lauren Bryant, Tippah 4-H; Audrey Ann Eldridge, Montgomery 4-H; Brinkley Boswell, Rankin 4-H; Mason Williams, Hinds 4-H.

2022 Scholarship Recipients L-R: Front row, Tatum Madden, Covington 4-H; Hannah Houston, Smith 4-H; McKenna Clay, West Lauderdale FFA; Regan Hand, Newton 4-H/ Newton Co. FFA; Jorja Roberson, Union 4-H; Claire-Mann Taylor, Tishomingo CTC FFA; Maggie Boswell, Rankin 4-H; Briana Middleton, Jones 4-H/NE Jones FFA. Middle row, Logan Johnson, West Lauderdale FFA/Lauderdale 4-H; Justin Hooper, Brooklyn FFA; Faith Sullivan, Smith 4-H/Mize FFA; Camden Patton, Rankin 4-H/Pelahatchie FFA; Karley Cotten, Jones 4-H/NE Jones FFA; Cali Allison, Pontotoc 4-H; Lillian Dixon, Amite 4-H; Leighton McCulley, Pike 4-H/North Pike FFA; Hannah Buse, Jones 4-H. Back row, Tucker Woods, Covington 4-H; Reed McKay, Jones 4-H; Caycen Ratliff, Stone 4-H/FFA; Adam Cornelius, Nettleton FFA/Lee 4-H; Owen White, Union 4-H; Wade Lang, Humphreys 4-H; Seth Ball, Hinds 4-H. Not Pictured: Cheyenne Hughes, Tishomingo CTC FFA.

2022 Supreme Exhibitors L-R: Randon McDaniel, Union 4-H; Will Manning, Union 4-H; Delton Boone, Smith 4-H/Raleigh FFA; Chase Boone, Smith 4-H/Raleigh FFA; Lauren Bryant, Tippah 4-H; Hannah Hayes Ware, Montgomery 4-H; Jadyn Sanford, Covington 4-H; Katy Kendell Ware, Montgomery 4-H; Kaitlyn Skelton, Hinds 4-H. Not Pictured: Hayes Henderson, Montgomery 4-H; Ryland McDaniel, Union 4-H.

LOT 46: Res Champion Heavyweight Goat Exhibited by Wilson, Taylor & Ann Fleming Leflore, Lafayette 4-H. Buyers: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MS; Haley & Marsha Barbour; Ergon.

Add-On Buyers/Contributors: Cal-Maine Foods; Mark, Shonda & Emree Sifford;

Baleigh & Ryan Smith; KLLM Transport Services; Southern States Utility Trailer Sales; Stribling Equipment; Empire Truck Sales; Regions Bank; BAMS Farm; Rodgers Family Showpigs; Simplot Grower Solutions; Bayou Break Farms; McGuffee Drugs; Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; Chris Stephens; Ann Stephens; Joe & Allison Wagner; Waggoner Cattle Co.; S.E. Mississippi Livestock; Eugenia Collins; Sen. Tyler McCaughn; Alexandra Pittman; Carson Keene; Michael & Michelle Nichols; Linda & Steven Tucker; Dr. David & Ashley Talton; Ken Hewlett; Jennifer Sharp; Lance & Brandy Newman; Abby Farms; Donahoo Heating & Cooling LLC; Channing Parker-Farm Bureau; MS Legislative Buyers Group; Priority One Bank, Magee; Danny & Kaye Moore; Rankin County Supervisor Brad Calhoun; Bodie Construction; Southern States Equine; Williams Family; McGee Realty Services; Tim Courtney; Copiah Bank, Florence; Chateau Pines Assisted Living; Rankin County Supervisor Jared Morrison; Ringer, Lingold & Spencer Law Firm; Newton County Animal Clinic; Barnes Tier 1 Show Goats; Linda Lou’s Boutique; Sheriff Paul Mullins; Zack & Heather Jennings; A1 Gear and Auto, Florence; Temp Staff; Rankin County Farm Bureau Federation; Lemoine Family; Gale Martin; Farmers Co-op, Port Gibson; Bearden Pro Rodeo; Bluff Creek Cattle Co.; Cavender’s Western Outfitters; Auction 18; Tadlock Stockyard; Cooper Feed; Willow Bend Animal Clinic; Wade Inc., Pontotoc; Mid South Farmer Co-op; Unity Bank of MS; Performance Feed & Animal Health; NAU Country Insurance; Jody Pennock; Peoples Bank, Ripley; MS Land Bank; MS Cattlemen’s Association; BR Cattle Company; Delta Animal Services Inc.; Van Buren Farms II; Brown Construction; Courtney Inc.; Hendu Rolling Smoke; Preston Aust Farms; Robinson Electric; Shelby Air; Jackson Braswell Mullins & Bailey; Premium Solutions; Ernie & Carol Seal; Tam An Catfish; Quality Steel; Jonesy BBQ Company; McMillan Seining Co.; Guaranty Bank; Bonds Towing; Robert Bennett; Furniture Direct; Carr Family; Mid Delta Cotton Processors; Nutrien Ag Solutions; Dr. Anne Haire, Elite Medical; Pontotoc County Cattlemen’s Association; Senator Ben Suber; Moore’s Hardware & Feed; Randle Farms; Jane & Bobby Chamblee; Chris Russell-Farm Bureau; Ellis Reeder-Reeder Farm Supply; First Choice Bank, Pontotoc; Pontotoc County Fair Board; Mark & Audra Chism; Danny & Sherry Thompson; Indianola Pecan House; Greenwood Animal Hospital; David Walker; Hill & Hardin Dental; Green Animal Hospital; Chris, Christy & Jackson King; Dr. Randy Smith; Black Creek Outfitters; Bob Montgomery; MS Pork Producers Assoc.; Suzi Phillips; Dr. Joe Baker; Daigle Enterprises; The Walker Foundation; Haley and Marsha Barbour; Olivia Host; Jim O’Mara; Dixie National Booster Club; Wilson’s Meat House & Custom Processing; MS Egg Marketing Board; Johnny Stewart; Chick-fil-A Canton; J&R Restaurant Group; Jaco’s Tacos; Glenn Foods; Milo’s Tea; Vowell’s Marketplace; Community Coffee; Mississippi Business Journal; MS Market Bulletin; Lakeland Yard & Garden Center; Great Southern Events; Jefcoat Fence & Access Control; MSU-ES Center for Technology Outreach; National Awards Campus Supply; MS Fair Commission; The Gaddis Farms; Bio Soil Enhancers; Southern AgCredit.

16 n

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

Education and Workplace Development MBA Programs

MBA Programs Institution Address

Website Telephone

Programs

Dean/Director Semester cost

Online Program

Belhaven University 1500 Peachtree St., Jackson, MS 39202

belhaven.edu 601-968-5940

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Chip Mason, III $3,660

Yes

300

Delta State University 1003 W. Sunflower Rd., Cleveland, MS 38733

deltastate.edu/college-of-business/graduateprograms/ 662-846-4234

MBA/iMBA

Billy C. Moore $4,095

Yes

230

The University of Southern Mississippi 118 College Dr. #5021, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

usm.edu/business/mba 601-266-4831

J. Bret Becton

Yes

196

Mississippi College 200 S. Capitol St., Clinton, MS 39056

mc.edu 601-925-3000

Marcelo Eduardo $4,838

Yes

150

University of Mississippi 320 Holman Hall, University, MS 38677

olemissbusiness.com/mba 662-915-5483

Ken Cyree

Yes

140

Mississippi Valley State University 14000 Hwy. 82 W., Itta Bena, MS 38941

mvsu.edu/MBA-Homepage 662-254-3604

Master of Business Administration

Dr. Jimmie S Warren , Sr. $3,941

Yes

Jackson State University 1400 J.R. Lynch St., Jackson, MS 39217

jsums.edu/businessgraduate/welcome/ 601-979-6331

MBA

Fidelis M. Ikem $5,544

Yes

William Carey University 710 William Carey Parkway, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

wmcarey.edu 601-318-6199

Cheryl Dale

Yes

Millsaps College 1701 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39210

millsaps.edu 601-974-1000

Harvey Fiser

Mississippi State University Box 5288, 200 McCool Hall, Mississippi State, MS 39762

ON-CAMPUS: business.msstate.edu/curstu/ grad/mba/full/experience / ONLINE: distance.msstate.edu/mba 662-325-1891

Sharon Oswald

Yes

Alcorn State University Graduate Business Programs 1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096

alcorn.edu 601-877-6100

Charles Richardson, Jr. $3,893

Mississippi University for Women 1100 College St., Box 940, Columbus, MS 39701

muw.edu/buspro/business/mba 662-329-7152

Marty Brock

Yes

Rank

General M.B.A. (Accounting M.B.A., Finance M.B.A., Management Information Systems M.B.A., and J.D./M.B.A. also available)

MBA

Master of Business Administration

Information for this list was provided by institution representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Invest in Yourself Start Your MBA Online Today M I S S I S S I P P I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S AC C R E D I T E D 3 0 - H O U R O N L I N E M B A P R O G R A M • AACSB Accredited • Affordable - ranked #1 Best MBA Programs of 2022 (Online and On-Campus) - Best Value Schools • Flexible – admit any semester

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Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution.

Average Enrollment

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Real Estate and Construction New home construction activity soaring across the state BY LISA MONTI

ew home construction is booming across the state, from North Mississippi to the Coast, with unprecedented demand for single family residences. But it’s not all good news for busy homebuilders, who are confronting supply chain disruptions and rising costs of materials. Still, builders say, homes are in great demand and, even with the higher costs, buyers are lining up and ready to move in. “We are as busy as any of us has ever been or want to be, but this is a difficult time in our industry,” said Bruce Kirkland of Kirkland Properties and immediate past president of the Home Builders Association of Jackson. “Projects are not being finished in a timely manner any more because there is a shortage of supplies,” he said. Compounding the problems are

rising prices and a labor shortage. “As far as the demand to buy new houses, it is a good time for our industry because there are buyers out there. The race to finish construction projects is a race against interest rates and further cost increases from suppliers. Also, having to wait on certain supplies increases the risk because of the time it takes to get supplies.” Kirkland said the pandemic spurred demand for new homes as well the obstacles facing the industry and, in turn, homebuyers. “The construction industry took off because everybody was at home and they wanted a better place to live and work. That was the beginning of the supply issues,” he said. Shortages in everything from roofing to floors are forcing builders to more carefully manage each project THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

TURN TO CONSTRUCTION, 22

A file photo of a construction worker in May building a home along Ingram Drive in Tupelo.

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18 n

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

Real Estate and Construction Largest Shopping Centers

Shopping Centers Rank

Shopping Center Address

Phone Website

Lakeview Village and Indian River Plaza 11505 Sangani Blvd, D'Iberville, MS 39540 Northpark 2 1200 E. County Line Rd., Ste. 267, Ridgeland, MS 39157-1904 Edgewater Mall 3 2600 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39531 Turtle Creek Mall 4 1000 Turtle Creek Dr., Hattiesburg, MS 39402 The Mall at Barnes Crossing 5 1001 Barnes Crossing Road, Tupelo, MS 38804 Uptown Meridian 6 1210 Bonita Lakes Circle, Meridian, MS 39301 Southaven Towne Center 7 Airways Blvd. & Marathon Way, Southaven, MS 38671 The Promenade 8 3821 Promenade Parkway, D'Iberville, MS 39540 Crossroads Center 9 15082 Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503 Turtle Creek Crossing 10 6143 U.S. 98 West, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Renaissance at Colony Park 11 1000 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, MS 39157 Lakeland Commons 12 Lakeland Drive & Old Fannin Road, Flowood, MS 39232 Dogwood Promenade 13 Lakeland Drive & Old Fannin Road , Flowood, MS 39232 Cloverleaf Center 14 5912 Hwy. 49, Hatttiesburg, MS 39401 Market Street Flowood 15 Lakeland Drive & East Metro Parkway, Flowood, MS 39232 Vicksburg Mall 16 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd, Vicksburg, MS 39180 Sawmill Square 17 910 Sawmill Rd. Suite 219, Laurel, MS 39440 Big Oaks Crossing 18 3850 N. Gloster St., Tupelo, MS 38804 Edgewood Mall/Uptown McComb 19 1722 Veterans Blvd., McComb, MS 39648 Data provided by property managers and MBJ research. Centers ranked 1

Total Sq. Feet

Founded

Anchors

1999

Lowes, Walmart, Academy Sports, Grand 18 Theater

1984

Dillard's; Belk; JCPenney

958,314

1963

Dillard's, Belk, JCPenney, Premier Cinema

900,000

1994

Belk, Dillard's, JCPenney, At Home

845,571

1990

Belk, Cinemark Theatres, JCPenney, Victoria’s Secret

833,000

1997

Dillard's; Belk; Fitness Depot, HYPE Adventures, Golden Ticket Theather

632,192

2005

Bed, Bath & Beyond, Dillard's, JCPenney, Sportsmans Wearhouse

607,529

thepromenadems.com

2009

Best Buy, Dick's, Target

593,007

913-701-6693 retailvalueinc.com 954-956-2104 stirlingprop.com 601-519-0900 renaissanceatcolonypark.com 216-464-6626 chaseprop.com 334-277-1000 aronov.com 601-297-2004 lormaxstern.com 817-639-2708 marketstreet-flowood.com 601-634-0823 vicksburgmall.com 6016495957 sawmillsquaremall.net

2003

Belk, Cinemark, Academy Sports, Ross Dress for Less

591,252

2005

543,150

2008

Target, Kohl’s, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Ross Dress for Less, PetSmart Barnes & Noble, The Fresh Market, Apple, Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Orvis,

493,000

2006

Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby, Ross, Lowe's

465,680

2004

Kroger, Target, Best Buy, Stein Mart, Pet Smart

445,154

1974

Hibbett Sports, It's Fashion Metro, SaviLinx, General Dynamics, Hattiesburg Clinic

400,000

214-259-7032 shoplakeviewvillage.com/ 601-863-2300 visitnorthpark.com 228-388-3424 edgewatermall.com 601-261-3032 turtlecreekmall.com 662-844-6255 barnescrossing.com 601-693-3433 uptownmeridian.com 731-668-7621 southaventownecenter.net

1,050,000

2009

Dick's Sporting Goods, Buffalo Wild Wings, DSW, Bed Bath & Beyond

373,000

1985

Belk, Dillard's, Hobby Lobby

358,000

1981

Belk, JCPenny

350,000

1992

Walmart, Sam's Club, JoAnn Fabrics

348,257

601-684-4828 1987 Belk, Dillard's HYPE Entertainment uptownmccomb.com by square footage. Direct comments to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

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342,220

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Real Estate and Construction Construction industry suffering from material shortages, higher prices, workforce availability BY BECK GILLETTE

nflation of 7.5 % over the past year, the worst seen in four decades, combined with supply chain disruption related to the pandemic, are causing mayhem through nearly every industry sector. Construction has been particularly hard hit. Associated General Contractors of America’s 2021 Construction Inflation Alert indicated some of the worst price increases were in wood, which is up 101% year-over-year. Steel prices are up 88%, copper has increased 61% and aluminum is up 33%. AGC reports that the price of some individual commodities, such as timber, have moderated from month to month, but futures contracts for materials show no longterm relief. “Lumber has been going up and down,” said Bob Wilson, executive director of AGC of Mississippi. “Just

when you think it is stabilizing, it goes up again. Rebar and concrete, things used all the time in construction, are facing that same kind of issue.” It seems that when you ease one problem, another is created. Wilson sees what he calls a trifecta of issues: supply chain shortages, prices rising exponentially, and workforce availability. “Workforce availability right now is compounded by COVID because there are a lot of people who don’t want to go out and work too closely to others because of the potential COVID exposure,” Wilson said. “Truck drivers are in short supply. It is not one particular thing. Everything is affected right now. You are getting hit on all sides. Everybody hopes things will start to even out.” When you are trying to quote a TURN TO SHORTAGES, 21

ELISE AMENDOLA I AP

In this June 24, 2021, photo, lumber is piled at a housing construction site in Middleton, Mass. Rising costs and shortages of building materials and labor are rippling across the homebuilding industry.

Bank Of Okolona Okolona P.O. Box 306 • Okolona, Mississippi 38860 (662) 447-5403 Bank of Mantee 54 1st Street • Mantee, Mississippi 39751 (662) 456-5341

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Properties, Inc. Main 601.933.3344 Jim DeFoe 601.842.1228

Houston Banking Center 321 W. Madison St. • Houston, Mississippi (662) 456-3347 Calhoun Banking Center 122 S. Pontotoc Rd. • Bruce, Mississippi (662) 983-3700

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20 n

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

FOR SALE

“NORTH MISSISSIPPI’S COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY” CLAY SHORT

(662) 231-4262

cshort@trirealestate.net

BARRY REPLOGLE

(662) 321-1201

breplogle@trirealestate.net

CHRIS WINDERS

(662) 255-4404

chris@trirealestate.net

TRI INC. COMMERCIAL | WWW.TRIREALESTATE.NET | 662-842-8283

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Regions drops overdraft fees in new servicing initiative BY TED CARTER

n a move sure to draw cheers from retail account holders, Birmingham-based Regions has eliminated overdraft fees and initiated enhanced time-order posting process. The elimination of overdraft of fees is a main feature of the regional banking company’s “Regions Now Checking” account. Other features include improved account alerts, the enhanced time-order posting process, and direct deposit of paychecks two days before their company’s payday. Regions is Mississippi’s market leader with 116 offices in 67 cities, according to Branch Bank Locator. Here are the details of the new offerings: Overdraft Protection Transfer Fees. These fees will be eliminated by the end of the first quarter of 2022. Such fees are incurred when money is transferred from linked accounts to cover overdrafts.

Shortages FROM 19

job and can’t promise when certain materials will be there and even what the cost is, it is a real challenge. Wilson said some of the private contractors are not as badly affected. But, especially when you are in the public sector, it is a whole lot harder to put some kind of contingency in those contracts when dealing with public money. “A lot of times when you bid for a job, before you get to the job, material costs have gone up or you can’t get supplies, there is some legislation being considered this year to be able to structure some of those contracts to have contingencies, but still maintain the original bid. Workforce availability was an issue before the pandemic with many workers retiring, and not as many young people entering the profession. Wilson said it is fortunate that the state of Mississippi has recognized the problem and has allocated some resources in developing training while also educating kids and parents that these are high-paying jobs, and it is really worth taking a look at careers in construction. “Construction is not just about hard work, but the use of technology that a lot of people don’t know about,” he said. “It is great to see the focus on workforce development and training. Some funds are being redirected to community colleges for training.” Who is the blame for the supply chain disruptions? Wilson said the Biden Administration isn’t the total problem,

Eliminating Non-Sufficient Funds Fees. By the end of the second quarter of 2022, Non-Sufficient Funds Fees, also known as Returned Item Fees, will no longer be charged. Lowering Caps on Overdraft Fees. Also by the end of the second quarter, Regions will further reduce the number of Paid Overdraft Item Fees that can be charged per day on consumer banking accounts – including personal1 checking, money market, and savings accounts – as well as non-analyzed business checking, money market, and savings accounts. The new limit on Paid Overdraft Item Fees will be three per day. Early Direct Deposit. By the end of the third quarter of 2022, Regions plans to make consumers’ paychecks available up to two days before their regular payday if their employer uses direct deposit2. This early deposit of paychecks can help customers keep up with bills, avoid late fees, and further reduce overdraft fees.

Small-Dollar Line of Credit. Also by the end of the third quarter, qualifying customers will be able to access up to $500 to cover short-term needs through a new, low-cost borrowing solution. Additional details will be shared with cus-

tomers as the service is launched later this year. Regions said the changes taking effect in 2022 are a continuation of several initiatives designed to help people and businesses build financial success.

but its focus on supporting unions has caused difficulties. “That is a problem especially when you are talking about these ports,” Wilson said. “Everything is backed up and you can’t get things off boats. Only union labor is allowed to unload at the dock. Here and in several other parts of the country, particularly Texas and Florida, they are trying to limit union influence. They are having some success. States that are heavily unionized are having more trouble. And you can’t have trucks pull up to ports and take goods to the end user when there aren’t enough truck drivers.” Wilson said the uncertainties about supplies and pricing are leading to some people putting off projects. That may result in some pent-up demand. The National Association of Home Builders is warning that the rising cost of building materials is harming housing affordability as the cost and limited supplies of softwood lumber, steel, aluminum and other imported materials and equipment exacerbate price volatility and increase housing costs. NAHB says the rising supply costs are exacerbated by the uncertainty of when supplies will be available to complete the home in a timely manner and whether or not the homes will appraise at the correct price to reflect these rising costs. “Housing has been an economic bright spot amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but the industry’s potential to lead the economy forward is limited as long as building materials remain expensive and scarce,” NAHB warns. “Builders are doing everything possible to avoid pricing consumers out of

homes while still maintaining competitive prices necessary to operate their businesses – especially given the potential long-term impacts on consumers.” Pat Nelson, executive vice president, Home Builders Association of Mississippi, said the supplies that are most difficult to obtain include appliances such as ovens, cooktops, washers and dryers–all due to supply chain problems on chips coming from China. Builders are seeing a six-week backlog, at best, on windows. Lumber supplies can be difficult to get in a timely manner. “All other materials are delayed in one way or another,” Nelson said. “Obviously, COVID is being blamed for much of the disruption, especially with the lengthy delays in chips coming from China. Lumber is at a near alltime high in price per thousand board feet, and the lumber mills are running behind, trying to catch up from labor disruptions caused by COVID. Same for windows. Almost everything is delayed in being delivered, with COVID labor disruptions being blamed. Of course, the federal government paying folks more to stay at home than to work has caused sizable problems of its own. We are also still experiencing difficulty in labor supply.” Nelson estimated that for an 1,800-square-foot home, the additional cost compared to pre-COVID is about $30,000, primarily due to lumber prices. They are seeing some easing of the problem including shorter wait times for most materials. While lumber prices are rising to near all-time highs, they do expect lumber prices to begin dropping soon as lumber mills catch up. There can be a boomerang effect.

If one material isn’t available, it slows down the entire project. Nelson said many homes were shut down for weeks, even months, due to shortages of lumber and extremely high lumber prices. Additionally, many homes were finished, but were without appliances for months after occupancy. The immediate impacts of rising costs seen by NAHB include: • A downturn in new home starts, as builders struggle to begin projects with uncertain time frames and costs. • Home owners walking away from the projects because of escalating project costs. • Appraisals not reflecting the true value of the home, because costs are rising too rapidly, and builders are having to compensate on the front end of construction by decreasing amenities available in the home. Charles Thompson, president of the Mississippi Chapter of Real Estate Brokers, and a real estate agent with Beacon Realty in Jackson, said his business has not been impacted by the shortages and price increase because there is no new construction going on in the marketplace he serves. “A person interested in buying a newly constructed property probably won’t be able to move,” Thompson said. “It has slowed it down for those who have to do some modifications or renovations. Right now, I’ve been waiting on an oven for two weeks. So, I’m seeing some impacts for that kind of thing, but not for new building materials.” Thompson said their biggest issue is a lack of inventory. There is just not a lot to sell. “I suspect that will probably clear later on this year,” he said.

22 n

Mississippi Business Journal

Construction

February 2022 Issue

they’re finished. It’s different times for sure.” FROM 17 The demand for new homes is very strong in North Mississippi, according to completion. “When we get a set of to Mark Utley Jr. of Utley Properties and plans, we order the flooring, the apUtley Construction in Olive Branch. He is pliances, windows and doors, every2022 president of the Home Builders Asthing,” he said. “It’s to the point we call sociation of North Mississippi that covers brick companies and let them know Desoto, Tate and Marshall counties. what we need because there are not “We are seeing significant growth in enough bricks in the yards any more.” our area. North Mississippi has always HVAC components are in short supply been basically a bedroom community and garage doors have to be ordered of Memphis, but particularly I believe as three months out. “Everything we use e-commerce expands, North Mississippi building a house has become scarce. If will benefit from that. Our area is such a you don’t order way ahead of time, it logistics hub, we have the river we have takes longer to build than it used to.” air with FedEx, we have rail.” With building schedules lagging beEven with interest rates ticking up hind, for months in some cases, the costs slightly this year back to a more normal of building materials are rising, resulting 10-year average, there are still more buyin home prices jumping by as much as ers than there are homes, Utley said. 30% to 40%. Kirkland said the price of An estimated 1 out of 3 homes on the concrete is up 10% this year. market now are new construction, due to Contractors are struggling to put a a handful of reasons including the Covid price on constructing a home amid un19 pandemic, he said. Typically, the certainty of finding materials and rising number is 1 out of 10. prices. “So we have customers come to “We are seeing a large portion of new us to build a custom home and we can’t construction home buyers are first or give them firm prices because things second ‘move-up’ buyers versus first change so much.” time homebuyers,” he said. “These Kirkland, who has been in the industry ‘move-up’ buyers are utilizing the for 35 years, said he’s never seen anytremendous appreciation and equity rething like the current situation. “When I alized in their current home to build the first went into business we couldn’t sell dream home they can finally afford.” our first houses, we had to rent them. Utley said homebuilders everywhere Now you can’t put a price on them until are faced with the lagging supply chain.

“But even though the timeline has extended, most people are still willing to wait for that home to be built.” Another longtime issue, he said, is balancing the increasing cost of building with the lagging appraisal values. “This has been extraordinarily difficult this year, primarily due to the turbulence in the lumber market reaching an all-time high, as well as the increase in metals and PVC.” Utley expects demand for new houses will continue as the area grows. “We are seeing new businesses move to the North Mississippi region and the employees of those businesses need places to live so we will continue to build smartly to meet that demand,” he said. Along the Mississippi Coast, demand for new homes continues to climb. Glen Haertel, vice president of sales and marketing for Elliott Homes, said, “We continue to see significant growth in this market. In fact we are significantly increasing the number of homes we build this year over last year and activity expanding in our communities to support the demand.” Haertel ticked off a list of Elliott Homes projects that are under way or nearing completion, including a new phase in the Diamondhead Lakes neighborhood that has 47 homes, many on a golf course, opening up next month in the city of Diamondhead and a new phase in the exclusive Florence Gardens community.

Also opening soon are new phases in Elliott Homes’ developments in Gulfport, Biloxi and Ocean Springs for a total of more than 200 homesites. Elliott Homes recently opened for sale several waterfront townhomes in the City Docks section of Pascagoula. “On top of all that we are building some single family rental home communities along the Gulf Coast. That is part of the big demand for quality single family homes here,” he said. “Across the entire coast we are fulfilling significant demand in the market,” he said. The homes “span the range of price point and lifestyle, from first time homebuyers, young family, mid-career to retirees. We have a home that fits wherever someone is in their current phase of life and lifestyle.” The coast-based company opened more than 10 years ago by Brandon Elliott sold more than 200 homes in the price range from the low $200,000 to $600,000 last year. “We’re anticipating in excess of 300 homes this year,” he said. Haertel said homes on the coast are in demand because it is “the most affordable beach community in the country,” attracting buyers from other states. Elliott Homes faces the now common supply chain challenges in home appliances and building materials. “We have fantastic suppliers and we are working closely with them to manage through those issues.”

Wise Counsel. Proven Advocacy. Real Solutions. TAGGART, RIMES & WIGGINS, PLLC IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT

Cherie Rivera Wade HAS JOINED THE FIRM

After serving as a prosecutor for thirteen years, Cherie joins the ﬁrm of Taggart, Rimes & Wiggins, PLLC. She will handle general litigation and criminal defense matters. Cherie received her J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Louisiana State University.

619 Delmas Avenue | Pascagoula, MS 39567 Tel: 228-205-3921 | www.trwlawyers.com

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

General Contractors

General Contractors Company

Phone/Website

Alliant Construction 2929 Layfair Dr., Flowood, MS 39232 American Field Service Corporation 110 American Way, Madison, MS 39110

601-933-3507 alliantconstruction.com

Barlow Construction P.O. Box 2898, Ridgeland, MS 39158-2898

Founded/Top officer

Specialties

Representative Area Projects

2017 Andy Measells 1968 Cynthia Warner

General Contracting, Design-Build, New Construction, Renovation, Build-Out, Construction Management

601-856-2108 barlowms.com

1996 Joe Barlow

Commercial Construction; Construction Management; Office / Warehouse; Pre-engineered Buildings; Industrial; Retail; Medical

Benchmark Construction 1867 Crane Ridge Dr., Jackson, MS 39216

601-362-6110 benchmarkms.com

1979 David Marsh

General contractors; construction managers

Brasfield & Gorrie, L.L.C. 1076 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 375, Ridgeland, MS 39157

769-777-3030 brasfieldgorrie.com

1964 Miller Gorrie

general contracting, design-build, and construction management services. Skilled in construction best practices, including virtual design + construction, integrated project delivery, sustainable and Lean construction

Carothers Construction Inc. 31 Highway 328, Oxford, MS 38655

662-513-8820 carothersconstruction.com

1957 Ben Logan

Federal, Public, Private General Contractor specializing in Design/Build, Construction Management, and Build-to-Suit Construction

Century Construction Group 705 Robert E. Lee Dr., Tupelo, MS 38802

662-844-3331 centurycr.com

1997 Colin Maloney, Sr

General Construction; Heavy Civil; Road and Bridge; Trucking; Demolition;

Clark Construction Inc. of Mississippi PO Box 828, McComb, MS 39649

601-684-4710 clarkinc.com

1981 Brad Clark

General contractor

Codaray Construction 110 S. 37th Ave., Hattiesburg , MS 39402

601-909-9260

2017 Matt Pace

Construction Management; General Construction; PreConstruction; Design-Build

Coleman Hammons Construction Co. 5181 Old Brandon Rd., Pearl, MS 39208

601-932-7581

1978 Coleman Hammons

General

Copeland & Johns, Inc. 5193 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, MS 39208

601-922-0024 copelandandjohns.com

1978

Dan Hensarling Inc. P.O. Box 3927, Gulfport, MS 39505 David Smith Construction Inc. PO Box 91, Inverness, MS 38753

228-832-6622 danhensarlinginc.com 662-265-6060 dsmithconstructioninc.com

1997 Dan Hensarling 1995 David Smith

Dunn Roadbuilders, LLC 411 W. Oak St., Laurel, MS 39441

601-649-4111 dunnroadbuilders.com

1878 Clifton Beckman, Jr.

Asphalt paving; trucking; surface treatment; milling; site work; construction materials sales

England Enterprises, Inc. 8295 Wildwood Road, Vaughan, MS 39179

662-673-1644

2002 David England

New Construction, Renovations

Eutaw Construction Co., Inc. P.O. Box 2482, Madison, MS 39130

601-855-7474 eutaw.com

1980 Tom Elmore

Heavy Sitework and Road construction; utility work

Flagstar Construction Company, Inc. 2006 Aspen Cove, Brandon, MS 39042

601-824-4646 flagstarconstruction.com

1995 Steve Rowell

Commercial general contracting

Fletcher Construction Co. Inc. 3311 Short Cut Rd., Pascagoula, MS 39581

228-762-5792 fletcherconst.com

1962 Lance McCarty, Hank Torjusen

General contracting; design/build; construction management

Fountain Construction Co., Inc. 5655 Hwy. 18 W., Jackson, MS 39209

601-373-4162 fountainconstruction.com

1959 Brad Fountain

General Construction; electrical; mechanical; metal fabrication

Hartfield Academy Expansion; MS Trademart Expansion; St. Andrews Upper and Lower School Expansions; UMMC Translational Reseach Center

1921 George Hopkins, III 1968 James Hooker 2014 Casey Rogers, Michael Marino

Public Works Construction, Paving, Pile Driving,General Contractor

Gulf Coast MS

601-853-1000

General, Highway, Street and Bridge

Industrial, Commercial, Civil, Design Build; corporate; hospitality; health care; higher ed; sports; retail/mixeduse; energy; site improvements; infrastructure; site development; student housing; ecclesiastical Commercial and industrial construction with Design/ Build capabilities.

UMMC Children's Hospital, BlueHealth Primary Care Clinic, Continental Tire, Confidential Aerospace Client, Renaissance at Colony Park Phase II, Regions Mortgage Operations Center, and Columbus Orthopaedic Intel Secure Building, Goodfellow AFB, TX; Renovation of Hangars, Pittsburgh, ARS, PA; Elementary School, Fort Rucker, AL; Elementary School, Maxwell AFB, AL; White Elementary School, Fort Benning, GA; Consolidated Shipping Center, Richmond, KY Lee County Career and Technical Education Center, Academy of Innovation, The Grandstand, Tippah County Hospital, East Mississippi Community College Dorms Sams Clubs, Ashley Furniture, Retail Centers, Multifamily, Assisted Living Garan Manufacturing, Starkville, MS; Nora Davis Elementary School, Laurel, MS; National Guard Small Arms Range, Flowood, MS; Bower Center, USM, Hattiesburg, MS; Cadence Bank, Starkville, MS; Cook Library, USM, Hattiesburg, MS; Hummer of Brandon; Bank First; Jackson Farmer's Market; Forest Elementary School Attendance Hall; We Care Hospice The Refuge Hotel & Conference; Continental Tire Training; Alumni House at Mississippi College: Entergy Distribution Center; Milwaukee Tool

Banks, Schools, Multi Family Housing, Renovations

George P. Hopkins Inc. 520 34th St, Gulfport, MS 39507 Hooker Construction, Inc. 10719 MS-336, Thaxton, MS 38871

662-489-2567 hookerconstructioninc.com

ICM Construction 265 North Lamar, Suite B, Oxford, MS 38655

N/A www.icm.construction

IKBI Inc. 114 Maintenance Rd., Choctaw, MS 39350

601-656-1153 ikbiinc.com

2004 Jeff Graham, Brian Cumberland

tribally Owned Small Business; HubZone Certified; Construction management; commercial/industrial; single-family/multi-family housing; highway/street/ bridge; water & sewer; design/bid; facility operations & maintenance; grounds keeping

Irby Construction Company 318 Old Highway 49 South, Richland, MS 39218

601-709-4729 irbyconstruction.com

1946 Lee Jones, Jason Clayton

Powerline construction & maintenance

J.O. Collins Contractor, Inc. 206 Iberville Drive, Biloxi, MS 39531

228-374-5314 jocollinscontractor.com

1954 Charles Collins

General Commercial Contracting; Commercial Renovation; Military construction.

J.W. Puckett & Company 12284 Intraplex Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503

228-896-6201 jwpuckett.com

1970 Chris Crighton

Commercial, Industrial, Educational and Goverment Buildings

228-863-8614

Future Labs; Base Supply Center, Waterways Experiment Station; Sentry Care; Sprint Mart; St. Peter Orthodox Church; MSAg - Yazoo City; Dr. Jeffery Jones Chiropractic Clinic; Holmes County Circuit Court Facility; The Bank of Yazoo;The Hightower Agency Coahoma County Justice Complex. Webster County Courthouse. Pentecostal Ministry, Panama City Fl. Ridgeland City Hall. Phillips County AR Justice Complex. Clay County Courthouse. Benton County Jail. Choctaw Council Hall. Flowood Ambulatory.

Churches; Medical offices; Schools and Universities Large scale commercial construction

Highway 84 from Waynesboro to State Line; I-59 Jones County; Hwy 15 Jones Co.; I-59 Clarke Co.; Hwy 42 Greene Co.; I-59 Lamar Co.; Hwy 84 Bypass Covington Co.; I-59 @ SR 42 Forrest Co.; Hwy 98 Marion Co.; Hwy 15 Perry Co.; Hwy 57 Greene Co.

US 49 E Bridge Replacement, Tallahatchie County, MS; Colony Park Blvd. Ridgeland, MS; Byram-Clinton Corridor, Clinton, MS; Toyota- Mazda Mass Grading Package, Huntsville, AL; New St Dominic ED Expansion; Florence High School Additions; Alcorn State University Technology Building; Jackson Public School High School Hughes Field; MS Air Nat'l Guard Renovation of 181 Small Air Terminal; Pontotoc Schools Renovations.

SMB Honors College at University of Mississippi; Smithville Baptist Church. BancorpSouth Arena Conference Center Renovation and Addition University of Mississippi Manning Center Renovation and Addition Pinelake Church of Oxford B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center; NASA A-3 Structural Steel; NASA E-1 Cell 3 Flame Trench; NASA A-3 Dock Facilities Area; USACE Vicksburg; USACE Moody Air Force Base, GA HC-130J Simulator Facility; USACE Mobile Okatibbee Project

Round Island Lighthouse, Charnley-Norwood House and Beauvier restorations; Sharkheads rebuild; Edgewater Mall renovations. MS State Port Terminal 1 and Perimeter Landscaping, Pav & Broome Addition, Kitchen Finish at White Pillars MGCCC Basketball Arena, Hancock High School Adminastration building

24 n

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

General Contractors

General Contractors Company

Phone/Website

Founded/Top officer

Specialties

Representative Area Projects

JESCO, Inc. 2020 McCullough Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38801

662-842-3240 jescoinc.net

1941 Steven Staub

Construction-engineering; mechanical-electrical; industrial services; millwright-maintenance; steel fabrication

JLB Contractors LLC 21294 Johnson Road, Long Beach, MS 39560

228-863-0303 jlb-co.com

1994 Kyle Cassagne, Johnathon Damiens

Heavy; civil; commercial; municipal construction

Paccar Engine, Airbus Helicopters, CAT, Baldor Electric, Cooper Tire, PECO Foods, Wayne Farms, Mercedes, Volvo, Nissan, Norbord, Ashley, Southern Motion, HM Richards, Grammar Galleria Parkway, D'Iberville; Seaway Rd Pedestrian Pathway, Gulfport; Hwy 603 MDOT Road Improvements, Hancock Co.; Wastewater Upgrades Phase 1 & 2, Long Beach;

John W. Ridgeway Contractors, LLC dba Ridgeway Homes 852 Ellisville Blvd., Laurel , MS 39440

601-651-2854 ridgewaybuilt.com

1960 John Ridgeway, Sr. , John Ridgeway, Jr.

Single and Multifamily New Construction, Development, and Renovations, Religious Buildings, and Facilities, Offices, Subdivision Development, Custom Home Designs

Key Constructors LLC 219 Key Dr., Madison, MS 39110 Kimes & Stone Construction Co. LLC 484 Hwy. 145 S., Booneville, MS 38829

601-898-9892 keyconstructors.com

1973 Rick Webster

Bridges and Roads

662-728-3501

1927

Road, Bridges, Public Works

L & A Contracting Company 100 Sims Road, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

601-264-2100 landacontracting.com

1947 Lee Sims

Malouf Construction LLC 3022 East Reed Road, Greenville, MS 38703

662-455-6111 maloufconstruction.com

1987 George Malouf, Sr.

McCarty King Construction Company 1545 Cliff Gookin Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38804

662-350-0780 mccartyking.com

Mid State Construction 300 Briarwood West Dr., Jackson, MS 39206

601-956-9500 msconst.com

N.L. Carson Construction Co. Inc. 2221 Waggoner Rd., Carthage, MS 39051 Nall Construction P.O. Box 1125, Madison, MS 39130

601-267-3023 nlcarsonconstructioncoinc.com 601-605-1330

1983 Dan King, Justin King, Chris King 1958 William Ware, P Bernheim, Jason Parkes 1972 Lee Carson 1970 John Nall

Orocon Construction, LLC 325 Reynoir St., Biloxi, MS 39530

228-432-5922 oroconllc.com

2006 John Oropesa

General Construction, Construction Management, Design-Build, Concrete Construction

Paul Jackson & Son Inc. 319 Hwy. 550 N.W., Brookhaven, MS 39601

601-833-3453 pauljacksonandson.com

1953 Paul Jackson

General Construction

Peoples Construction Corp. 3913 Underwood Dr., Flowood, MS 39232

601-932-1111 peoplesconstruction.com

1966 Jeff Peoples

General Contractor for medium sized commercial projects; design/build; pre-construction consulting; value engineering; cost segregation analysis

Perry Construction Co. 242 W. Main St., Philadelphia, MS 39350

601-656-4283

1934 M.M. Perry

Construction, excavation, public works, structural steel

Probity Contracting Group 809 N. Church St. , Florence, MS 39073

601-891-4100

2014 Michael Harrell

General Construction

Kinesiology School at MSU-Meridian; Dorm at Belhaven; Housing at Mississippi College; Juniker Jewelers; Belhaven Football Bowl

Transportation, including new bridge construction and bridge repair: marine; environmental; debris removal; public works Civil / Site Development, Industrial Design/Build Construction, Marine Construction, Earthwork, Piping, Pile Driving, Structural Concrete, Cofferdams, Sheet Pile & Soldier Pile Walls, Soil Mixing, Dewatering, Structural Steel & Pre-Engineered Bldgs. Health care; elder care; industrial; commercial Construction management, Value Analysis, Commercial, Renovation

Wildwood Apartment Homes, Briarwood Redevelopment

MS Port Authority West Pier Wharf Upgrade; Lorraine Road Bridge; Houma Navigational Canal Floodgate; I-10 Bridge over Jordan River Farmers Grain Mississippi River Terminal - Mound, LA; Oxford WWTP - Oxford; Viking Road - Greenwood; Entergy Mill Street Substation - Jackson; Big River Steel Osceola, AR; New Process Steel - Columbus; CTA Tram Bridge - Gulfport Crossroads Shopping Center; North Mississippi Medical Center; West Point Family Medical Clinic; Oxford High School; Entergy Transmission Headquarters; Germantown High School; Methodist Rehab Center; St. Catherine's Village; Albriton's Jewelry, Highland Village, Jackson Academy, The First Bank

Bridges, Culverts, Overpasses Cold storage facilities; concrete foundations; general construction

Southern Hens; Sanderson Farms; Tyson Foods; Merchant Foodservice, Koch Foods, Peco MGCCC STEM Bldg;Long Beach HS Reno & Add; Moss Point Police Station; Biloxi Waterfront Park; Biloxi Bait & Fuel Bldg

GRIT, Ag-Up, Stribling Equipment, Mac Haik, 22 West Self-Storage, Southern States Utility Trailer, Irby Construction, First National Bankers Bank, Brown Vending, Old River Volvo

PSC Corporation 385-B Highland Colony Pkwy., Ste. 502, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Roy Anderson Corp 11400 Reichold Rd., Gulfport, MS 39503

601-956-5656

1988 Ellen Ambrosino

Commercial developer

Galleria

228-896-4000 rac.com

1955 Jason Taylor

Roy Collins Construction Co. Inc. 406 Third St., Cleveland, MS 38732

662-843-5060 roycollinsconstruction.com

1941 Roy Collins

General Contracting; Construction Management; Design-Build; Preconstruction Services General construction; construction management; concrete; design/build; metal building sales/service; street paving, Industrial Construction; Commercial Construction

Gulfport Job Corps Redevelopment; Toyota Visitors Center Nufarm, Greenville; Baxter Labs, Cleveland; Delta State University President's Home; Havens Apartments, Tupelo; Monsanto, Scott; Chatmoss Subdivision, Cleveland; Cleveland Public Schools

Samuel B. Day Construction Co. Inc. 15296 S Swan Road, Gulfport, MS 39503

228-832-2077

Commercial and Industrial General Contracting

Schools, municipal building, negotiated work

SDT Solutions, LLC 130 N. Second St., Brookhaven, MS 39602

601-823-9440 www.sdt-1.com

Starks Contracting Company Inc. 1538 Popps Ferry Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532

Telecommunications OSP network design and engineering and construction

228-392-4584 starkscontracting.com

1993 Samuel Day 1993 Charlie Smith, James Ezell, Jr. 1967 Weldon Starks

Stewart Construction Co. 910 Eden Street, Pascagoula, MS 39581

228-769-8977

1993 Tim Stewart

General Contracting

T.L. Wallace Construction Inc. 4025 Highway 35, Columbia, MS 39429

601-736-4525 tlwallace.com

1975 Austin Morgan

Tanner Construction Co. 102 Ellisville Blvd, Laurel, MS 39440

601-477-3820 tannerconstruction.net

1977 Gary Tanner

General; buildings; highway, street & bridge; utilities; emergency response services Highway and Bridge, Site development, Hauling, Heavy Civil; I-269 Bridge and Road, Hernando; U.S. 61 Liberty Bridge, Natchez.

The Blackburn Group, LLC 310 Enterprise Dr., Oxford, MS 38655

662-513-4194 blackburngroup.net

2006 David Blackburn

Multi-family, Office, and Retail

General Commercial Contractor

Biloxi High Baseball Field; St. John Baptist Church; Wingfield Dermatology Clinic; Wells Fargo Jackson Co Civic Center repairs; Pascagoula Sportsplex Buildings; East Central Upper Elem.; Jackson County Utility Maint/Operation Facility Hillsdale Water Treatment Plant; Woodlawn United Pentecostal Church; Southern Tire Mart(s) ; Nissan Plant SR 463 Strawberry Bridge, Madison; I-59 Bridge SCurve, Laurel;

Gin on Russell, The Hub at Oxford, Highland Court, Southaven Marketplace, Russell Street Flats Design/build; construction management; general Dean Hangar Addition, Meridian Airport Authority; I-55 1963 The Yates Companies, Inc. 601-656-5411 construction; operations/maintenance; preReconstruction, Byram; Sigma Chi Renovation, University Bill Yates, William yatescompanies.com construction; program management; environmental; of Mississippi; Peco Foods Expansion, West Point; P.O Box 385, Philadelphia, MS 39350 Yates disaster response; engineering Ashley Furniture Expansion, Verona Northwest Rankin High School | Vicksburg High School Thrash Commercial Contractors Inc. 601-825-8967 2001 Building Construction | General Contracting | DesignAdditions & Renovations | Mississippi State University thrashco.com Josh Thrash Build Services | Preconstruction Services 211 Commerce Dr, Brandon, MS 39042 The Humphrey Coliseum Renovation Walters Construction Company Inc. 601-428-5515 1979 U.S. 43 in Pelahatchie; Friendly Park; Lowe's of Petal; Site prep; excavation; paving; storm drainage waltersconstructionco.com Scottie Walters Commercial Development Site; 16th Ave., Laurel 2051 Hwy. 84 E., Laurel, MS 39443 1971 Horne CPA Building and Tenant Interiors, Ridgeland: White Construction Company 601-898-5180 General construction; design/build; construction Guy White, Steve Mercedes Benz, Ridgeland; Reunion Golf & Country whiteconst.com management 613 Crescent Cir., Ste. 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Burch Club, Madison; Baker Donelson Law Offices, Jackson List is ranked alphabetically. Information provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct comments to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Property Management Firms

Property Management Firms Company Address

Phone Website

Top Officer Founded

Blake Management Group 1300 Meadowbrook Rd, Ste 201, Jackson, MS 39211 Bloomfield Holdings, LLC 200 Bass Pro Drive, Ste 125, Pearl, MS 39208 Carpenter Properties Inc. 1437 Old Square Road, Suite 104, Jackson, MS 39211 Castle Properties 600 Russell St, Suite 185, Starkville, MS 39759

601-500-7956 blakeliving.com 769-972-3010 outletsofms.com

John Waits 2008 Carlos Hernandez 2013

Managed: The Blake at Township, Ridgeland; The Blake at Flowood, Flowood; Claiborne at Adelaide, Starkville

601-957-1001 carpenterproperties.com

Rob Carpenter 1992

Various industrial properties located in metro Jackson.

(662) 244-7099 themillatmsu.com

Mark Castleberry 1987

The Village at Madison; The Mill at MSU; 550 Russell; The Rex Theatre

CBRE, Inc. 10 Canebrake Blvd., Ste. 325, Flowood, MS 39232

601-420-8080 cbre.com

Liz Edmundson 2013

10 Canebrake, Flowood; Maywood Mart, Jackson; 201&205 Colony Way, Madison; Barnes Crossing Plaza, Tupelo;550 Gulf Line Rd. Pearl.; 1044 River Oaks; 4855 I-55; Clinton Crossing

Century Commercial Real Estate Services 705 Robert E. Lee Dr., Tupelo, MS 38801 CHD Management, LLC 1151 N. State St., Ste. 315, Jackson, MS 39202

662-842-4076 centurycg.com 601-353-4171 chd-inc.com

Duke Loden 1997 Al McKinney 1999

Concord Capital/Duckworth Realty 308 E. Pearl St., Jackson, MS 39201

601-914-0800 duckworthrealty.com

Ted Duckworth, Breck Hines 1989

Cook Commercial Properties, LLC 1501 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 Desai Companies 105 W. Washington St., Suite A2, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Duff Real Estate, LLC 800 Hwy 98, Columbia, MS 39429 EastGroup Properties 400 W Parkway Place Suite 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Ergon Properties Inc. 2829 Lakeland Dr., Flowood, MS 39232 The Estes Group, Inc. 613 Crescent Circle, Ste. 102, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Flowers Properties, LLC 864 Goodman Rd E., Southaven, MS 38671

601-260 0753 cookcommproperties.com 601-376-9216 desaicompanies.com 601-424-3200 dcinvestors.com 601-354-3555 eastgroup.net 601-842-1228 ergon.com

William Cook, Bill Hankins 1995 Sunny Desai 2009 Perry Phillips 2008 Marshall A Loeb 1969 Jim DeFoe 1997

601-362-9633 estesgroup.net

Brian E Estes 2004

662-349-3983

Merle Flowers 2002

Franklin Property Management Group 5779 Getwell Rd., Bldg. D1, Southaven, MS 38672

662-996-1111 franklinpropmgmt.com

N/A 1999

Greer Real Estate 310 Monterey Drive, Clinton, MS 39056 GumTree Property Management 2005 W. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38803 H.C. Bailey Company / Colony Properties 1022 Highland Colony Pky. # 300, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Heritage Building Corporation P.O. Box 5016, Meridian, MS 39302

601-750-9494 greerrealestate.net

Melanie Greer 1994

662-842-4884 gumtreepm.com

Wilson Coleman 1991

601-853-8000 colonypark.org 601-693-4691 heritagebuildingcorp.com

H.C. (Buster) Bailey 1952 Tim Allred 1999

Hertz Investment Group, LLC 190 E. Capitol St, Ste. 675, Jackson, MS 39201

601-974-8135 hertzgroup.com

James Ingram 1979

The Pinnacle, Jackson; 111 E. Capitol, Jackson; Regions Plaza, Jackson; One Jackson Place; City Centre, Jackson; UBS Building, Jackson; River Oaks, Flowood.

Homer Lee Howie Real Estate 5360 I-55 N, Ste 105, Jackson, MS 39211 J. Leslie Properties, LLC 751 Avignon Dr., Ste. E, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Kennedy & Company Real Estate Inc. 120 W. Jackson St., Ste. 2C, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Kerioth Corporation 361 Township Ave, Ste 200, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-362-8112 homerleehowie.com

David Howie 1950

5360 I-55 N; 2570 Bailey Ave; 3931 Hanging Moss Rd

601-707-3066

Les Hardin 2005

700 Avignon Dr., 740 Avignon Dr., 741 Avignon Dr., and 751 Avignon Dr., Ridgeland; 595 Northpark Drive, Ridgeland 599 NorthPark Dr. Ridgeland

601-898-2999 kennedy-realestate.com 601-368-9950 kerioth.com

Steve Kennedy 1989 Clinton G. Herring Jr. 1983

Lane-Harkins Commercial Real Estate, LLC 12 River Bend Place, Flowood, MS 39232

601-932-4664 laneharkins.com

Nancy Lane, Josh Harkins 2015

London & Stetelman Commercial Realtors 3906 Hardy St., Ste. 20, Hattiesburg, MS 39402

601-268-8770 londonandstetelman.com

Andy D Stetelman 1933

Olde Towne Square-120 W. Jackson St., Ridgeland. Liberty Business Center-509 Liberty Rd, Flowood. The Township at Colony Park; Meadowbrook Office Park, Olde Madison Plaza, Magnolia Marketplace College Park,Byram Marketplace, Northside Square, Hazlehurst Center, Marketplace at Hazlehurst, Northwest Junction, Reservoir Square, Magee Shopping Center, Promenade Shopping Center, Parkside Village, Yazoo City Center Brittany Arms, 49 Place, Westover Crossing, Corinne Place, Adeline Place, Hardy Plaza. Crestview Shopping Plaza, Hardy Plaza, Lamar Place, 1910 Place, Midtown Strip Center, The Grove Shopping Center, Lake Serene Offices Apartments/Office Park....and

LRC2 Properties 405 S. 11th St, Ste 104, Oxford, MS 38655 Mattiace Companies 125 S. Congress St., Ste. 1800, Jackson, MS 39201 MidSouth Companies, LLC 637 U.S. 51 N., Suite J, Ridgeland, MS 39157 MMI Hotel Group 1000 Red Fern Place, Flowood, MS 39232 Mozingo Real Estate & Auction Inc. 549 E. Pass Rd., Ste. D, Gulfport, MS 39507

601-540-6051 lrc2.com 601-352-1818 mattiace.com 601-956-1533 midsouthcompanies.com 601-936-3666 mmihotelgroup.com 228-896-3400 mozingoauctions.com

Luke R Chamblee

NAI UCR Properties&Underwood Companies 660 Katherine,#304, Jackson, MS 39232

601-981-6800 ucrproperties.com

Tom Underwood, Micah McCullough 1948

Overby Commercial 1808 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39202

601-366-8511 Overby.net

Scott Overby 1983

Peters Real Estate 2906 N. State St., Ste. 201, Jackson, MS 39216 Randall Commercial Group, LLC 850 Insight Park Ave., University, MS 38677

601-362-8440 petersre.com 662-234-4044 randallcommercialgroup.com

Mike Peters 1995 Elizabeth J Randall 2009

Andrew Mattiace 1979 Steve H. Bryan Micajah Sturdivant, Dave Hamilton 1956 John Mozingo, John Mozingo III 1976

Major Properties

The Outlets of Mississippi

Office buildings in Tupelo and Ridgeland Colonnades; Baptist Madison Campus, Medical Arts West 200/300/400/600 Concourse, The Electric Building, The Primos Building, Market at Grants Ferry, New South Neurospine Bldg, Dickie's Lofts, Paragon Center, Layfair Place, UP Women's Health; Bayer Seed Nissan, General Motors, Walgreen, Gentiva, United Health Care, Firestone Various Hotels Throughout Mississippi

Major markets of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia & Carolinas Mirror Lake Plaza, Various real estate holdings Mississippi and Alabama GSA, Southpointe, I-55 Plaza, Flowood Office Park, Lakeview Village, Northtown Apartments. Northpointe Apartments

Shops of Deerchase; Methodist Hospital Minor Med; Grove Office Park; Deerchase Office Park; South Creek Collection, DeSoto Plaza, DeSoto Park Plaza, Country Oaks Office Park, Baptist Rehab, Simple Strokes, Brookhaven Business Park High Point Plaza, Hwy 18 Jackson; Nebletts Frame Shop Hwy 80 Jackson; Various Investment Properties in the state of MS.

Colony Park, Ridgeland

Renaissance at Colony Park, Renaissance Phase III (Costco), Fondren Place, Capital Towers, Lamar Life Building, Highland Bluff North and South Buildings Harrison Square Condominiums in Oxford, MS; Park Place at Township in Mt. Juliet, TN; City Limits in Spring Hill, TN; Reunion at Township in Mt. Juliet, TN. Hilton Garden Inn, Madison; Hampton Inn & Suites @ Township, Ridgeland; Hampton Inn & Suites, Hernando

Pemberton Plaza, The Shops of Richland, Crossgates Corners, Crossgates Landing, 220-Highland Colony Business Park, Spring Lake Cove, Garden Offices, Interchange Business Park, Metro Airport Commerce Center Riverhills Tower; 3000 Fondren; Madison Market; Strawberry Festival Market; Charmant Station; Colony Crossing; North Regency Square: Centre Park; Olde Town Ridgeland; Boulevard Shoppes Madison: Metro Crossing

26 n

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

North Mississippi

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February 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

THE SPIN CYCLE Super Bowl LVI ads tap into nostalgia, celebrities, animals, babies! BY TODD SMITH

childhoods, Barbie will make an appearance alongside Anna Kendrick in Rocket Mortgage’s Super Bowl spot, his year’s Super Bowl ads as Mattel’s dreamhouse celebrates its strum our nostalgic heart- 60th anniversary. strings while dialing up high-profile Celebrities celebs to resonate with Celebrities have long been an intethe more than 100 milgral part of Super Bowl campaigns, but lion viewers tuning into this year the caliber has been elevated the biggest sporting with everyone from Idris Elba to Paul event of the year. Rudd and Seth Rogen appearing in big Here’s how brands game spots. are putting the spin Last year, there were 85 celebrities TODD SMITH on proven tricks of the in Super Bowl commercials, according trade, according to AdAge. to E-Poll Market Research, down from 103 in 2020. Nostalgia This year, there are plenty of celebriEven as Meta looks to prompt footty appearances, including: ball fans to experience the metaverse, • Lindsay Lohan starring in Planet it’s doing so with some ‘80s inspiFitness’ first-ever Super Bowl commerration. In a teaser released on Feb. cial; 2, Meta showed an empty fictional • Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Zeus restaurant called Questy’s, a Chuck E. in BMW’s spot; Cheese-style backdrop that’s showing • Uber Eats’ teasers include bigsome wear. The trailer pans across the name stars including Trevor Noah and arcade-eatery playing a song with a Gwyneth Paltrow; vaguely familiar ’80s sound that ends • Rogen and Rudd team up for a with the lyrics, “and we’ll always be Lay’s commercial; together.” • Sam’s Club tapped Kevin Hart; Speaking of ‘80s soundtracks, Kia’s • Peyton Manning and Steve Busspot – which stars a robotic dog to cemi will appear in Michelob Ultra’s promote its new electric vehicle – uses spot; Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the • Zendaya will star in Squarespace’s Heart,” while Frito-Lay’s ad for Flamin’ ad; Hot Cheetos and Doritos dials up a • late-night funnyman Andy Richter 1980s Salt-N-Pepa song, “Push It.” will take on the role of Julius Caesar for Rewinding further, Barbra StreiAvocados From Mexico; sand’s “Gotta Move” – released in 1963 • Caesars Sportsbook ad will include – backs a very future-focused ad for J.B Smoove playing Julius Caesar and Bud Light Next. Halle Berry as Cleopatra, along with For those looking to reflect to their members of the Manning family inCONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

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cluding Eli and Peyton; • Amazon’s Alexa spot features real-life celebrity couple Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost; and • Kendrick is appearing in Rocket Mortgage’s ad.

Animals + Babies

It wouldn’t be a Super Bowl without the heroic tales of lovable animals or the sweet cuddles of babies. This year will have both. Budweiser will return to the Super Bowl after sitting out last year, and it’s bringing back its iconic pairing of a Clydesdale and a dog. This time, the Clydesdale gets hurt and the dog eagerly awaits his friend’s recovery. In another return, E-Trade hinted it would bring back its iconic baby for the first time since 2014. Frito-Lay’s ad has lots of animated animals, not all of them exactly the cuddly kind. And for a new twist on the animal trend, Kia’s ad for its electric vehicle stars a robotic dog.

Movie remakes, movie spoofs

Jim Carrey returns in his role as “The Cable Guy” in Verizon’s Super Bowl teaser released on Feb. 7, while General Motors is bringing back “Austin Powers” with Mike Myers and Rob Lowe reprising their roles. These are the latest in movie remakes during the Super Bowl in recent years, which includes Uber Eats bringing back “Wayne’s World” in 2021; Cadillac creating an alternate ending for “Edward Scissorhands” last year; Bill Murray reprising his “Groundhog

Day” role in Jeep’s 2020 ad and Mtn Dew spoofing “The Shining” in 2020. This year – aside from remakes of real movies – multiple spots are being positioned as fake movies. Arnold Schwarzenegger teased his appearance as Zeus in BMW’s commercial as though it is a move in the works, while Nissan goes to great lengths to achieve the adas-film approach. The spot shows Eugene Levy transforming into an action film star when he gets behind the wheel of a Nissan Z sports car. Levy’s “Schitt’s Creek” co-star Catherine O’Hara makes an appearance driving a Nissan Ariya electric vehicle, and the spot evolves into an action-packed car chase portrayed as a movie called “Thrill Driver.” Levy is joined by actors Danai Gurira and Dave Bautista as they flee bad guys. The spot ends with the actors emerging from what is portrayed as the red-carpet premiere of the “movie.” Nissan is going so far as to distribute “limited-edition movie posters” and tease the ad with fake movie trailers on social media. The brand even made a collectible action figure based on Levy’s character. The auto giant also tapped real-life movie reviewers to post content on YouTube that poses as real reviews of the fake movie. TODD SMITH is co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Deane | Smith, a full-service branding, PR, marketing and advertising firm with offices in Jackson. The firm – based in Nashville, Tenn. – is also affiliated with Mad Genius. Contact him at todd@deanesmith. agency, and follow @spinsurgeon on Twitter. You can like the ageny on Facebook and join them on LinkedIn.

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28 n

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2022 Issue

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AT&T Atmos Energy BancorpSouth BankPlus Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Butler Snow Caesars Entertainment Corporation Chevron Products Company Clarion Ledger| Local IQ Cooperative Energy C Spire EdgeTheory, LLC Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Entergy Mississippi, LLC Ergon, Inc. Godwin. Hancock Whitney Bank Ingalls Shipbuilding Insurance and Risk Managers Irby Construction Jones Walker LLP Magnolia Health Mississippi Board of Nursing Mississippi Business Journal Mississippi Hospital Association Mississippi Power Nissan North America, Inc. Northrop Grumman Pretty Presentations Catering & Event Rentals Regions Renasant Bank Sanderson Farms, Inc. State Farm Insurance Companies Structural Steel Services, Inc. SuperTalk Mississippi Media The First, A National Banking Association The Taylor Group of Companies Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi Trustmark W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company Woodward Hines Education Foundation

LEADERSHIP

ABC Mississippi Alcorn State University APAC Mississippi BKD CPAs & Advisors BNSF Railway Brunini Law Firm CenterPoint Energy Chemours Coca-Cola Bottling of Corinth & Tupelo Comcast NBCUniversal Community Bank Corbin & Biggs PLLC Deviney Construction Company, Inc. Dolly Marascalco FedEx F.L. Crane & Sons General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems Gresham Petroleum Ivey Mechanical Company Jackson State University Jumpstart Test Prep Keesler Federal Credit Union Key Constructors, LLC Lockheed Martin Space Mississippi Association of REALTORS® Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Mississippi Development Authority News Channel 12 “Focused on You” Nucor Steel Jackson Penn National Gaming, Inc. Phelps Dunbar LLP Ports America Raytheon Intelligence Systems Scarlet Pearl Casino Simmons Farm Raised Catfish Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company Steel Dynamics, Inc. The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia The Westin - Jackson Tyson Foods UPS Verizon WaterView Casino & Hotel William Carey University W. K. Kellogg Foundation WAPT TV-16 WLBT 3 On Your Side

Thank you to our Hobnob Mississippi sponsors not listed above:

Pearl River Resort Boyd Gaming CN Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. PACCAR Engine Company TempStaff, Inc.

Tennessee Valley Authority Tougaloo College Vertex Aerospace Visit Jackson Warren Paving, Inc.