MBJ E-Edition — February 29, 2021

Economic Development MSBUSINESS.COM | February 26, 2021 ISSUE |

Vo. 4 3 • N o. 1 2 | 4 8 pa ge s

P. 16 With eye to the future, SBA establishes Women's Business Center

Real Estate/Construction P. 20 Red-hot real estate market booming across the state State sees surge in younger Realtors

Education and Workforce Training P. 28

'LIGHT-SWITCH' MOVE CREATES UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR OIL INDUSTRY

Cost-effective path to good career offered by state’s community colleges Pandemic could change the face of higher education forever

» Yak Access faces challenges after pipeline shutdown – Page 6

Pages 18, 19, 24, 26-29 & 33

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February 2021 Issue

Mississippi leads U.S. in new-business applications

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

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ississippi led the nation in new-business applications in the 12 months starting in January 2020, according to data gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Magnolia State's increase of more than 6,000 applications was 164 percent year over year, according to a report by Visual Capitalist.

In total, there were 492,133 new business applications in January 2021—an increase of over 73 percent yearover-year.

The region with the highest growth rate was the South at 84 percent, with more than 220,000 new business applications in the region as of January of this year.

“People have become wildly innovative during Covid-19, partly because they were forced to do so due to job or income loss. Economists call this ‘creative destruction,’ wherein new innovation springs up because of the failure of particular industries or businesses,” Visual Capitalist said in its report.

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recommends business ideas that are ‘pandemic-friendly.’” Among many virtually-based ideas, the list includes:

Digital marketing App development Fitness and wellness services Box subscription services “As business applications are on the rise, more jobs could be created in the U.S., and competition will likely increase as well. While starting a business during Covid-19 is risky, it could have immense payoffs for the individuals involved and the overall economy,” said Visual Capitalist.

A policy change in Mississippi could combine well with the state's new-business applications trend.

Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives Philip Gunn on Monday endorsed the lifting of the personal income tax for most residents of the state.

Gunn’s proposal would mean the first $47,700 earned is tax exempt. For married couples, the threshold would rise to $95,400.

“Instead of asking if we can afford to end the income tax, we ought to ask if we can afford not to,” said Douglas Carswell, president of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, a conservative think tank. “Fast growing southern states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida don’t have income tax. That’s why incomes in those states are rising and job creation is flourishing. Mississippi could do the same, too.”

National Federation of Independent Businesses State Director Dawn Starns McVea said in response to Gunn's statement, which falls in line with that proposal made by Gov. Tate Reeves: “Our members are behind this 100%. Most small businesses are organized as pass-through entities, meaning they pay taxes at the individual rate rather than the corporate rate. Eliminating the personal income tax would provide much-needed financial relief to small business owners struggling to recover from the economic crisis created by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Skeptics contend that the rate will hobble the state's educational system and roads and bridges.

The income tax is “progressive,” in that it increases with the individual's ability to pay.

Backers respond that the policy change would give the economy a shot in the arm.

Goodyear to acquire Cooper Tire in $2.8 billion deal

By DENNIS SEID Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

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he largest tire company in the world is getting bigger, as Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. announced it is acquiring Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. in a cash and stock deal valued at $2.8 billion.

Goodyear expects to save about $165 million within two years following the close of the transaction. The majority of the savings will be related to overlapping corporate functions and do not include manufacturing-related savings.

That means there are no plans to close any manufacturing plants, including the Cooper Tire plant in Tupelo, which opened in 1984 and where it employs some 1,500 workers.

Under the terms of the transaction, Cooper shareholders will receive $41.75 per share in cash and a 0.907 shares of Good-

year common stock for each Cooper share.

Goodyear shareholders will own about 84% of the combined company, and Cooper shareholders will own approximately 16%.

The combined company had about $17.5 billion in sales in 2019.

al day for our companies," said Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear chairman, CEO and president. "The addition of Cooper's complementary tire product portfolio and highly capable manufacturing assets, coupled with

Founded in 1914, Cooper is the fifth largest tire manufacturer in North America by revenue with some 10,000 employees in 15 countries. Cooper products are manufactured in 10 facilities worldwide, including wholly-owned and joint venture plants. The company's portfolio of brands includes Cooper, Mastercraft, Roadmaster and Mickey Thompson.

"This is an exciting and transformation-

Goodyear's technology and industry leading distribution, provides the combined company with opportunities for improved cost efficiency and a broader offering for both companies' retailer networks."

The merger will expand Goodyear's footprint in North America and double its presence in China. In addition, Goodyear, whose strength is in original equipment and premium replacement tires,

will now enter the mid-tier tire market with Cooper, whose strength is in the light truck and SUV segments.

The combined company had about $17.5 billion in sales in 2019.

Brad Hughes, Cooper president and CEP said. "This transaction marks the start of a new chapter for Cooper, which we are entering from a position of strength ... We look forward to the opportunity to combine Cooper's considerable talents with Goodyear's, and to be part of a bigger, stronger organization that will be competitively well-positioned to win in the global tire industry."

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of this year.

After closing, the combined company will be headquartered in Akron, Ohio, but Goodyear expects to maintain a presence in Findlay, Ohio, were Cooper is based.

February 2021 Issue

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Mississippi Business Journal

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» FOCUS ON LAW

Senate bill would privatize some Mississippi state parks, give others away

Jury trials in the age of COVID W ith guidance from the Mississippi Supreme Court and the arrival of funds through the CARES Act, jury trials are taking place around the state in compliance with the state's constitution and health safety protocols. From March through December 2020, Chief Justice Mike Randolph, in his capacity as chief administrative officer of all courts in the state, issued 18 Emergency Administrative Orders, each addressing an aspect of court operations. Judges around the state looked to alternative venues such as auditoriums and arenas or rearranged their courtrooms as they pushed to resume jury trials after months of delays due to COVID-19.

Randolph commended trial judges for going above and beyond the call of duty to keep Mississippi’s courts open and serving citizens during the ongoing pandemic. “I want to congratulate each and every one of you for leading this state in protecting the judicial system and all of the people that we collectively represent,” he said. “It’s because of you and the work you have done in fulfilling the responsibility that we all share under the constitution to ensure that people get justice night and day. There’s not a region in our state and not a judge in this state, that hasn’t stepped up and done more than required.”

Beverly Kraft, the Supreme Court's public information officer, said, “All emergency orders balanced the constitutional and statutory duties of keeping courts open with safety concerns for preventing the spread of the virus."

CARES Act funds enabled courts to make electronic upgrades after inadequate equipment hindered efforts to conduct virtual court proceedings in some courtrooms LYNN LOFTON during the pandemic.

First District Senior Chancellor Jacqueline Mask of Tupelo said, “The CARES Act has provided an excellent opportunity to fund improvements to the court system. These funds are arriving at a time when there is a need to make the courts safe and accessible. This equipment will begin a new way of moving court forward in a productive, meaningful and safe manner.”

In Hinds County, Circuit Judge Faye Peterson says the four circuit judges figured out how to hold jury trials and resumed them last July. “The hardest part for us is jury qualification with a big group of people,” she said. “We could not do it at the court house. In late August we called in 4,000 people and did not know how many would show up.”

The qualification process was held at the pandemic-compliant Westin Hotel and everyone wore masks. The court created 32 panels of 12 jurors who are required to call each Friday to see if they must come in person. Because the trials are held in larger court rooms, only three trials can be held at the same time. Court ends at 4:30 p.m. so court rooms can be cleaned.

At the trials, Peterson explains, the ju-

rors sit in the spectator area to allow spacing, and anyone wishing to observe can sit in the jury box or watch via live streaming.

“The spectators must be seated before the trial starts and can not leave after it starts,” she added. “Also, I give each juror an individual sanitary pack that they can take home.”

Peterson is pleased that no one has gotten infected participating in her court room. “It's really not harder to hold jury trials now. I've been surprised that a lot of people do participate,” she said, “although people still ask to be excused for various reasons.”

She has suspended three trials for January and February. “I don't want people coming to court if they don't have to, but we will start again in March,” she said. “How will we get caught up? It is a challenge.”

Peterson stresses that the most powerful thing the courts have now are the benefits of technology. Maybe witnesses will testify via live stream and inmates can use a virtual platform to testify from prison without the security issues of transporting them to court. “The new technology is the most powerful thing we have and I hope we continue to use it,” she said.

However, Peterson does not go so far as to say that jurors should not be physically present in court rooms. “We have to secure the trial and make sure they're not receiving other information. But overall, people need to know that jury trials are continuing.” » LYNN LOFTON is a long-time correspondent for the Mississippi Business Journal.

A Northeast Mississippi lawmaker has introduced a sweeping proposal to privatize at least 10 Mississippi state parks and offload several others to cities and counties.

Senate Bill 2486, authored by Sen. Neil Whaley, R-Potts Camp, would overhaul how many of the state’s 25 parks operate and who oversees them in an apparent bid to address the park system’s shrinking budget and massive maintenance backlog.

Whaley, who leads the Senate Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee, did not respond to the Daily Journal’s requests for comment.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, the Senate leader, says improving state parks is among his top priorities this session. He told reporters last month the parks should be more accessible to Mississippians and act as assets to bring in tourism dollars.

“You can look on TV and see Alabama advertising their state parks,” Hosemann said. “Our parks are in disrepair, by any consideration.”

Whaley’s legislation would significantly affect much of the state park system. Its key provisions include: Leasing some parks: Three regional groups of parks would be offered up for lease by private operator, including one group near the Coast and one in central Mississippi. The northeast state parks to be privatized under the legislation are Wall Doxey, J.P. Coleman, Tishomingo and Trace.

Turning some parks over to counties and cities: Six parks would be conveyed by the state to the county or city government where they are located.

Those parks include Tombigbee State Park in Lee County. The legislation says the parks would revert to state control if they aren’t maintained. In addition, the bill would end leases the state has with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to manage three parks north of Grenada.

Changing how some parks are classified: Natchez State Park would become a wildlife management area, and Lake Lincoln State Park would be operated as a “fisheries lake” under the legislation.

The change would allow those sites to be eligible for additional federal dollars, parks officials say.

Under SB 2486, only four state parks – Holmes, Leroy Percy, LeFleur’s Bluff and Shepard – would be managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as they are now.

County leadership in Lee County – including Bill See STATE PARKS, Page 8

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February 2021 Issue

'Nick' pursues the 'Great Gatsby' on its own terms N

ick and Jay seem to have little in common in a personal sense.

Oh, they were in the War over there, on the Front and in the Argonne Forest.

But they never met till years after the war, on Long Island, JACK WEATHERLY New York.

By then Jay had become fabulously wealthy.

Nick had struggled to regain his sanity and find his way back to the States and himself.

Jay did everything he could to lose himself in his false identity and name.

Yet, it appears, they were fated to meet. Or so it seems.

That's where Michael Farris Smith, Oxford, Mississippi-based writer, leaves them. (Nice irony there.

Jay had attended that “other Oxford” for a stretch.) Nick in a cottage outside New York City and Jay – maybe he is that shadowy figure on a dock on Long Island Sound.

Maybe.

“Nick” is Smith's sixth novel, and in some ways his most ambitious.

Nick Carraway, you know, was the narrator and character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's “The Great Gatsby.”

That novel, published in 1925 in the midst of the Jazz Age, defined the era of wild celebration and living like there was no tomorrow in the decade between The War to End All Wars and the Depression that was capable of ending capitalism and the kind of personal freedom that the characters in “Gatsby” were exploiting for all it was worth.

It is hallowed, and treacherous, literary ground on which to tread.

The Fitzgerald masterwork's copyright expired on Jan. 1 of 2021 and so it became free game for anyone who dared to play with it.

Others include “Daisy's Riposte,” “Jay the Great” and “The Great Gatsby: The Graphic Novel.”

Fitzgerald's is a modern novel, in sensibility and language – beautifully subtle and, well, modern.

It's like Gatsby's ostentatious mansion on West Egg and his swell, long extravagant yellow car. Modern, for the time, in attitude. It's hard to say how, but the reality of it has that quality of modernity.

It is not like books by another 20th century master, William Faulkner, whose writing is like a foreign yet familiar language.

But “Nick” has its own world. For all of the glamor of “Gatsby,” “Nick” has the opposite, but in an alluring way.

I felt beholden to reread Gatsby, 50 years after the first time I read it, which was nearly a half-century after it was published.

It was well worth it. Fitzgerald's prose sharpens your sensibilities, makes you pay attention to every word, sentence and scene for fear of missing something.

Fitzgerald was smitten by the design for the Gatsby dust jacket artist Francis Cugat proposed (for which the artist was paid $100) and wrote to his publisher, “For Christ’s sake don’t give anyone that jacket you’re saving for me. I’ve written it into the book.”

Cugat called his design “Celestial Eyes.” The novel was first published with this jacket in 1925.

Two seductive feminine eyes float in the dark sky above the Coney Island midway ablaze with lights and wheels.

A first edition “Gatsby” – with dust jacket – has sold for well into six figures, while the book itself only a few thousand dollars.

It's unlikely that Smith's dust jacket will ever fetch anything like that.

Clearly, it is an echo of the Cugat jacket – with a dark blue background, two beautiful eyes of a woman at the bottom, which is aflame, reflecting the conflagration of a New Orleans bordello.

Nick had found his way from his Midwestern home to France, where he moved back and forth from the Front to Paris on leave.

He met Ella in dark corners of the City of Light.

She was eking out a living selling picture frames and living in an attic full of theatrical costumes, cast-off fantasies.

They fell for each other. Just as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan had done. So this, too, is a story of love lost and a failed effort to regain it.

Eventually, the war ends and Nick returns to the states, but not home in Minnesota. He had to work through his terrible war experiences – bayoneting at close quarters, bodies thrown into pits, machine guns and earthen tunnels dug beneath the enemy across No Man's Land as a way to destroy him with a subterranean explosion that would surprise and obliterate.

After arriving at the Chicago station, on a whim he takes a train south to New Orleans, Frenchtown.

Fueled by cheap drink and opium, ex-Doughboys trying to escape the war sought the cheapest and most expensive kind of female companionship.

Quite the contrast to Jay Gatsby (one James Gatz of North Dakota).

Smith's novel has been mislabeled a prequel to “Gatsby.” No. It stands on its own, with its wondrously realized prose.

And Smith's novel cannot suggest a sequel, because Fitzgerald took care of that. That sacred ground must not be defiled. » JACK WEATHERLY is the senior writer at the Mississippi Business Journal. He can be reached at jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com.

February 2021 Issue

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Mississippi Business Journal

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» Analysis

Capitol action could affect wallets and leisure

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ississippi legislators are making decisions that could affect people’s wallets and change some of their leisure activities.

Teachers could get a pay raise.

Senate Bill 2001 would give $1,000 to most teachers and $1,100 to newer ones as a way to bump up EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS the base pay. The bill has passed the Senate and has moved to the House for more work. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves said during his State of the State address that he will sign any teacher pay raise bill that lands on his desk.

Another proposal to make teaching more attractive is a college loan repayment program. Under Senate Bill 2305, the state would pay off part of the student loan for any person who teaches up to three years in a Mississippi public school, with higher payments made to those teaching in areas with critical needs. The bill has passed the Senate and moves to the House.

It’s been 21 years since Mississippi increased cash assistance payments through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The current welfare payments are $146 for a family of two, $170 for a family of three and $194 for a family of four. Senate Bill 2759 would give a $90 a month increase to each category, based on a recommendation from Mississippi Department of Human Services director Bob Anderson.

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“These are the poorest of the poor in our state,” Republican Sen. Joey Fillingane of Sumrall said during a Senate debate.

Fillingane described the $90 a month increase as a “modest but reasonable amount that Mississippi could afford.” He said the state usually has about 2,500 to 3,000 families who qualify for TANF; it’s closer to about 3,000 now.

Fillingane said the increase would cost about $2.8 million a year, and all of that would be federal money.

Republican Sen. Melanie Sojourner of Natchez said during the debate: “Of course, those are all our dollars.”

Sojourner was one of nine senators, all Republicans, who voted against the increase.

Republican Sen. David Parker of Olive Branch, who voted for the bill, said: “An increase can definitely help in this situation.”

The bill moves to the House for more work.

One of the bills that could affect leisure activities is Senate Bill 2787. It would eliminate the need for a passenger in a boat to be an observer when one person is driving the boat and another is skiing behind it. The bill says the boat driver could use a rearview mirror to observe the skier. Sojourner said some other states already have similar laws.

The bill passed the Senate but was held for the possibility of more debate. » EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS has covered Mississippi government and politics for the Associated Press since 1994. Follow her on Twitter: http:// twitter.com/EWagsterPettus.

» State Rep. Gregory Holloway, Sr., D-Hazlehurst, listens as the legislators discuss and debate bills in their chamber at the Capitol. Holloway, wary of covid, wears a surgical mask under a cloth mask bearing the seal of the State of Mississippi. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Ex-pharmacist in Mississippi sentenced in pain cream fraud

former Mississippi pharmacist was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison for his role in a massive health care fraud involving pain cream and other medications.

Marco Moran also was ordered to forfeit nearly $12.2 million in cash and pay restitution of around $22.1 million and a fine of $20,000, the Hattiesburg American reported.

Moran, 47, was charged in September 2018 to one count of conspiracy to commit Moran health care fraud. He pleaded guilty the same day.

During his sentencing hearing Tuesday in federal

district court in Hattiesburg, Moran apologized to the judge, the government, his children and a grandchild.

“This is not in my character,” Moran said. “I’ve learned my lesson in this.”

The scheme, which began in Mississippi, has defrauded TRICARE and other health-care benefits providers of more than $1.5 billion nationwide, the government contends. At least 25 people have been charged, and 20 of them have been convicted at trial or pleaded guilty.

U.S. Senior Judge Keith Starrett said in court that Moran, like the others in the case, was a good person until he got “caught up in this greed, this evil.”

“I’ve seen a lot of shows in my career as a judge and seen a lot of very sad cases through the years,” Starrett said. “The sad thing is the tremendous ability and potential you have for good. This involved so many peoWalters

ple, so many lives ruined, so many careers lost.”

According to court documents, Moran and co-conspirators Wade Walters, Tommy Spell and Silas Richmond, “formed, owned and operated Medworx,” a pharmacy in Ridgeland, which mass-produced what should have been medications tailored for individuals.

Moran also was owner of Custom Care Pharmacy in Clinton, another location that was used in the fraud.

Spell

Richmond

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February 2021 Issue

Yak Access faces challenges after pipeline shutdown » 'Light-switch' move creates uncertain future for oil industry

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

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he Keystone XL pipeline is dead, or so so it seems.

On his first day in office, Jan. 20, President Joe Biden, by executive order, shelved the controversial 1,200-mile pipeline that was to carry crude from the oil sands of Alberta, Canada and tie into the existing Keystone Pipeline, which ends at the Texas Gulf Coast.

Though it was not to go through Mississippi, “a pretty big cascading effect” has been felt in the Magnolia State, said Jonathan Duhon, president of Columbia-based Yak Access, which installs temporary roads made of hardwood mats to allow heavy machinery to traverse otherwise inaccessible locales.

The company employs about 200 in Mississippi and 800 to 900 around the

country, Duhon said in an interview.

While he could not put a figure on the number of lost jobs and revenue in the state, the swath is wide – including loggers who cut hardwood trees, sawmills that produce the timbers and mats that truckers who haul them to work sites, as well as skilled workers who assemble pipeline sections.

The timing runs counter to efforts for the U.S. economy to dig itself out of a hole created by the shutdowns and restrictions ordered because of the covid-19 pandemic.

John Kerry, named climate czar by Biden, has suggested, upon questioning by reporters, that those in the petroleum-based energy industry find jobs in the renewable-sources industry.

The intent is to blunt global warming, to which, according to the consensus of scientists, human-created pollution is a major contributor to that trend, a potential ca-

tastrophe for the environment.

Meantime, members of the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced legislation to reverse Biden’s executive order.

TC Energy Corp., formerly TransCanada Corp., has said it would provide “green” power during the construction of the pipeline, and achieve “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2023. It said that would be done by buying the power from renewable-source providers and a purchasing carbon offset credits.

Alternatives to using pipelines to transport crude oil and natural gas have their environmental drawbacks, according to research by Scholars Strategy Network.

“Trains emit air pollution at ground level as locomotives run along tracks.... Most of the effects of this type of pollution occur within 60 miles of the rail line. Since rail lines run into and through large urban areas, they expose large numbers of people to

» Columbia-based Yak Access installs temporary roads made of hardwood mats to allow heavy machinery to traverse otherwise inaccessible locales. The company employs about 200 in Mississippi and 800 to 900 around the country. Photo by Joe N.Boris

this pollution.” Trucks have much less capacity and are a distant third in that regard, and several times more expensive.

“Pipelines in particular have advantages in terms of safety, efficiency, and low environmental impacts,” according to Strata, a non-profit policy research center located in Logan, Utah.

Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R, N.D.) along with House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and 83 other Republicans have introduced the Keystone XL Pipeline Construction and Jobs Preservation Act. In a similar case, the U.S. Supreme Court announced Feb. 3 that it would hear the appeal of the PennEast Pipeline Co., which plans to build a 120-mile, 36-inch natural-gas pipeline to provide energy to the Northeast.

Elsewhere in Mississippi, Jones Lumber Co., which produces the hardwood lumber and assembles the mats that Yak Access uses, will be affected.

Arnie Hogue, president of Jones Lumber, said that the company has 150 employees total in its Hazlehurst and Natchez operations. He would not put a number on the impact of the shelving of the project.

He said that Jones Lumber shut down its operation at Bay Springs last May, primarily due to the impact of the covid-19 pandemic-caused slowdown of the economy, which prompted large oil companies to cutback on their expenditures.

Hogue said that the outlook as concerns mats production for the second half of 2021 is “not promising.”

Getting permits through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for example, may become more difficult across the board, Hogue said.

“We're more concerned about the next one to four years rather than just the Keystone pipeline,” he said.

Biden has vowed a “transition” from fossil fuel-powered energy to “green” alternatives.

But Duhon said the first-day-in-office order was more of a “light switch” move.

Hogue said that if the demand for mats falls significantly, the mills will have to find a replacement product and reconfigure the mills, which is a “challenge.”

“We can make other products, but mats are our core,” he said.

February 2021 Issue

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Mississippi Business Journal

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Department store chain Belk Mississippi banks assist with filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy round two PPP B loans; new data released

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ississippi banks have worked with small-business owners to originate new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans since the popular program reopened in early January. So far, banks in Mississippi have assisted in securing 7,467 loans totaling $464,863,344 for small businesses across the state, as of data released by the SBA on Jan. 31. This is in addition to the 48,010 loans totaling $3.2 billion processed during the first round of PPP.

ROUND TWO (as of 1/31/2021)

* 7,467 approved loans

elk, the North Carolina-based department store chain which has catered to generations of shoppers for nearly 190 years, announced that it will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The chain’s owner, private equity firm Sycamore Partners, said in a news release that Belk will continue with “normal operations” as it goes through bankruptcy, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Sycamore Partners said it expects to emerge from bankruptcy by the end of February. It will retain majority control of Belk, according to an agreement it reached with some of Belk’s creditors.

A group of the department store’s creditors, led by the private equity firms KKR and Blackstone, will get a minority stake.

The bankruptcy plan will help Belk shed about $450 million of debt.

“We’re confident that this agreement puts us on the right long-term path toward significantly reducing our debt and providing us with greater financial flexibility to meet our obligations and to continue investing in our business,” Belk CEO Lisa Harper said in a statement.

The 133-year-old chain grew from the opening of a store in Monroe, North Carolina, by William Henry Belk in 1888. Three generations of the Belk family led the company to become the biggest family-owned department store chain in the country by 2015, when the

* $464,863,344 in approved dollars “Banks continue to accept PPP applications, and we encourage small businesses to contact their banks to learn about important changes to PPP. Banks are working through some technical issues that are affecting some borrowers with these second-round loans and helping to process the loan applications as quickly as possible,” said Gordon Fellows, President and CEO, Mississippi Bankers Association. “Our members have been strongly committed to supporting Mississippi employers and families since the beginning of this pandemic, and PPP loans are still an important economic relief tool employers can take advantage of through the end of March or until funds are expired. “

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family sold it for $3 billion.

The sale to Sycamore loaded the chain with over $2 billion in debt at a time when department stores were losing popularity. The department store has struggled during the coronavirus pandemic as customers flocked to online shopping and avoided in-person shopping.

Belk furloughed workers in March as the pandemic hit and cut senior staff pay

up to 50% as stores temporarily closed.

In July, Belk cut an undisclosed number of jobs, mostly at its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. This followed the elimination of 80 corporate jobs in February.

Belk has more than 20,000 employees at its nearly 300 stores in 16 Southeastern states. Its corporate offices opened in 1988 in Charlotte, and now have about 1,300 workers.

Calif. auto parts maker moving headquarters to Olive Branch

delbrock, one of the largest aftermarket auto parts manufacturers in the industry, is moving its Torrance, Calif., headquarters to a 300,000-square-foot facility in Olive Branch.

Edelbrock’s manufacturing plant will be moving to nearby San Jacinto, Calif.

The headquarters will occupy the same Olive Branch campus that has housed the Edelbrock global distribution center since early 2020.

The transition is expected to be completed by the end of March.

The company cites its merger with COMP Performance Group in early 2020 as a primary factor.

The headquarters has been a staple of Southern California's hot rod community for decades.

Competition for employees is fierce in Los Angeles County and land is very expensive.

The Torrance headquarters employs about 270, though the company offered no figures in its news release on the number of jobs moving to Olive Branch.

–MBJ Staff

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February 2021 Issue

PRCC honored for trade degree

earl River Community College has been named “#1 Best” Associates Degree Trade School in Mississippi for Electronics Engineering Technology and Industrial Production Technology according to tradecollege.org.

“These programs are examples of what happens when the right partnerships are in place,” Dean of Career and Technical Instruction FCC Dr. James David Collum said. “The students' success from our Electronics and Industrial programs is a direct result of the combination of outstanding faculty, supportive administration, state of the art laboratories, and local industry support. I am proud that PRCC can provide the training needed to place students into high-earning careers.

“I am equally proud that PRCC can provide a trained workforce that attracts new businesses and industries to Mississippi.”

TradeCollege.org is a free resource for students

STATE PARKS

seeking a career in the trades. They research and compile trade skills, study area information, career overviews, and more to compile rankings for institutions across the US to help students make a smart decision when considering their higher education.

“At Pearl River Community College our Career and Technical Education programs strive to be leaders in the industry,” Dean of Career and Technical Education Programs Dr. Edward Pinero said. “Education programs strive to be leaders in the industry. Our Electronics program is world class. Our faculty has the expertise and backgrounds to educate our students to a level that is second to none. This provides excellent career opportunities for our graduates. We are honored to receive this recognition.”

This ranking of the best associate’s degrees considers quality metrics such as time to graduate, average salary and debt levels of graduates.

Continued from Page 3

Benson, county administrator, and Billy Joe Holland, Board of Supervisors president – did not know about Whaley’s legislation until contacted by the Daily Journal.

Holland voiced concerns about the prospect of taking over control of Tombigbee State Park.

“That puts a lot of stuff on us, to maintain that,” Holland said. “It could be expensive. That language ‘shall,’ that puts us in a rock and a hard place.”

House leaders are also motivated to address state parks during this session, but they are taking an approach that does not involve privatization or placing parks under local control.

House Bill 152, authored by Brookhaven Republican Becky Currie and two others, would divert a small percentage of the state’s lottery proceeds – around $3 million per year, Currie said – toward improving the parks system. Currently, the Mississippi Lottery proceeds go to help fund roads and education.

Currie said park officials need $147 million to catch up with the system’s maintenance backlog, and the state simply doesn’t have that kind of money. But a “constant revenue stream” from the lottery each year could go a long way toward making improvements, she said, while avoiding tax hikes.

“We can either let them deteriorate more, or we can do something like this,” said Currie, adding the parks are a crucial asset during the pandemic, when people want to spend more time socially distanced and outdoors.

Currie said she’s opposed to privatizing parks. It could lead companies to “cherry-pick” top-performing properties, she said, while leaving others behind. “Now that we let them deteriorate, we’re going to shirk our responsibility?” she said.

Rep. Bill Kinkade, a Byhalia Republican who leads the Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Committee, said he has similar concerns. He said the parks “belong to the citizens of our state,” but he added he is not opposed to some limited privatization of services at some parks.

Kinkade told the Daily Journal he would like to see a two-phase plan that involves passing Currie’s bill to help with maintenance and a separate bill, HB 1231, to create something called the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund. The fund would use sales taxes from sporting goods stores to pay for projects in state parks and other natural areas around the state.

“To me state parks are all about state pride,” Kinkade said. “Alabama is proud of their parks, Arkansas is proud of their natural state, and their

Photo by Thomas Wells

» Icina Lee spends her lunch break jogging across the levee at Tombigbee State Park. A sweeping bill in the state Senate would turn control of Tombigbee State Park over to the Lee County Board of Supervisors.

state parks. We need to upgrade.”

About 600 structures across the state park system need repairs or replacement, and the system’s staffing numbers have plummeted in recent years. Jennifer Head, budget administrator for MDWFP, said repairs are needed all over, from sewer and water systems to campsites and cabins.

“We want to be able to attract people, rather than people going elsewhere,” she said. “We want to keep them in Mississippi, or attract out-of-state travelers.”

But parks funding over the past two decades has been slashed nearly 60%, Head said, and with such a deep cut, “something’s got to give.” A legislation budget proposal for the coming year recommends trimming another $900,000 from MDWFP as a whole, or more than 15%.

Other states have tried privatizing parks, or at least outsourcing some

services, with varying levels of success and pushback from the public, according to a 2019 report in Stateline, a Pew Charitable Trusts publication.

A concession company took over a shuttered state park in Alabama several years ago and successfully reopened it, offering an array of outdoor activities, the report noted. In Oklahoma the opposite happened when a developer took over a park promising revitalization, but the investments never materialized and the park shut down.

California found success years ago leasing four state parks to concessionaires, the Stateline report said. But in Tennessee, public pushback nixed a plan to outsource services at a popular state park. A Tennessee Republican state senator who opposed the deal remarked that state parks “are not our properties to sell.”

- Caleb Bedillion contributed to this report.

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Mississippi Legislature considers bill to privatize wholesale alcohol distribution

M

wholesale distribuany Mississippians have had the tion permits to the experience lately of going to business communithe liquor store only to find ty. The effect of the the shelf where their favorite wine or legislation would be liquor is ordinarily located empty. The for wine and liquor problem, of course, stems not from a lack to be distributed more in the production of alcohol; rather, it’s a in line with how beer is distribution problem.

SPENCER RITCHIE distributed in the state by Mississippi is one of a minority of states naprivate entities. tionwide in which the government, via the MissisThe bill would also take the tax sippi Department of Revenue’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) division, handles wholesale distribution of currently on wholesale liquor sales wine and liquor. The state owns a 211,000 square foot from 27.5% to 18%, allowing private warehouse in Madison County to store wine and liquor wholesalers to mark up their prodand uses shipping companies to deliver products or- ucts for profit but also to help ensure against price increases for end dered by Mississippi retailers.

Advocates for reforming Mississippi’ system for consumers.

HB 997 was passed by the House wholesale wine and liquor distribution have long argued that the system is outdated and that a new mod- Ways and Means Committee on el is needed. The well-documented recent and sharp Tuesday, the deadline for general increase in demand for wine and liquor in Mississippi, bills to be passed out of committee, combined with the apparent difficulties experienced by and thereby clearing the first major ABC keeping up with the demand (causing a “bottle- hurdle for the legislation to move neck” in supply), have now brought potential reform to forward. Whether the proposal would find support in the state Senthe forefront.

Following a legislative study commission and hear- ate remains to be seen.

Even though it’s been almost sixty ings last year, the Mississippi legislature is presently considering legislation that would significantly alter years since Mississippi became the last state in the union to repeal its how wine and liquor are distributed in the state.

House Bill 997, authored by Rep. Trey Lamar, statewide prohibition law, vestigR-Senatobia, Chairman of the House Ways and Means es of the prohibition era can still Committee, would remove the Department of Rev- be seen. Arguably one of those vestiges, the state-run enue from being the state’s wholesale distributor of wholesale distribution of wine and liquor, however, wine and liquor and instead authorize the issuance of may soon meet its demise.

» SPENCER M. RITCHIE is a Partner at Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP in the law firm’s Jackson office.

Natchez offers $6,000 to attract remote workers to the area P

eople who can do their jobs remotely could receive $6,000 to move to a region overlooking the Mississippi River, under a program designed to attract workers as the coronavirus pandemic is spurring more online work opportunities.

The Shift South initiative was created by Natchez Inc., an economic development organization that aims to attract development to Natchez and Adams County in southwestern Mississippi. The program launched last fall and the first incentive was offered in January.

The organization will pay people who qualify $2,500 to offset moving expenses and then another $300 a month stipend spread out over a year, according to the application. To qualify, people must buy a house in the city or county for $150,000 or more and must be working remotely

for an employer outside the region.

The campaign touts the benefits of living in the Natchez region, such as a low cost of living and the region’s cultural and outdoor amenities.

“The purpose of this program is to grow the Natchez/Adams County community by attracting those individuals who can work from home and enjoy the unique quality of life along the bluff of the Mississippi River,” according to the application.

Cities and states have long offered incentives to companies to relocate to their region. But as more companies are allowing or encouraging their employees to work remotely during the coronavirus pandemic, some cities or states have started offering those incentives to individual workers, as well.

PERSPECTIVE February 2021 Issue • www.msbusiness.com • Page 10

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February 2021 Issue | Volume 43, Number 12

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» INSIDE MISSISSIPPI

H

Unchecked algorithms threaten civilization

Globe. “When these two ave no doubt, algofields connect over false rithms can do all sorts information or a maliof wonderful things. cious tweet it can cause But, they cannot incorporate surprising consequences.” judgment or common sense into their processes.” So I Pew Research reportwrote in 2010 about our growed in 2017 that Microsoft ing dependence upon algorithms. engineers created a Twitter BILL CRAWFORD The rise of hackable, smart but falbot named “Tay” in an attempt lible autonomous and semi-autonomous to chat with Millennials by responding algorithms since 2010 has been breath- to their prompts. “But within hours it was taking. Many say we have entered the “age spouting racist, sexist, Holocaust-denyof algorithms. ing tweets based on algorithms that had it Others, like the late physicist Stephen ‘learning’ how to respond to others based Hawking warn such systems threaten civ- on what was tweeted at it.” ilization.

Pew also reported that when Facebook, Back in 2010 former Federal Reserve accused of human bias against conservatives, chairman Paul Volcker said algorithms put algorithms in charge of Trending Topic designed by “not well-managed financial feeds they found the algorithms “could not engineers” calculated values for complex discern real news from fake news.” credit swaps and derivatives of mortJust last month the Seattle Times regage-backed securities that proved unre- ported that Amazon’s search algorithm liable when markets collapsed. “boosts books promoting false claims In 2013, the so-called “hack crash” on about vaccines over those that debunk Wall Street resulted from a false Tweet on health misinformation.” the hacked Associated Press Twitter ac“Why We Need to Audit Algorithms,” count. Researchers Tero Karppi and Kate a 2018 Harvard Business Review article Crawford (no relation) published a paper said, “It is by now abundantly clear that, in 2015, “Social Media, Financial Algo- left unchecked, AI algorithms embedded rithms and the Hack Crash,” that traced in digital and social technologies can enthe problem to algorithms. code societal biases, accelerate the spread “Twitter is analyzed by algorithms, and of rumors and disinformation, amplify financial markets are analyzed by algo- echo chambers of public opinion, hijack rithms,” Karppi explained to the Boston our attention, and even impair our mental

wellbeing.”

Today, such AI algorithms have significant control over stock trading, digital communications systems, power grids, manufacturing processes, big tech platforms like Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Amazon, cybersecurity, cloud processing, and modern defense systems with self-driving and drone delivery systems coming up.

In 2017 Hawking called for government regulation: “Unless we learn how to prepare for, and avoid, the potential risks, AI could be the worst event in the history of our civilization. It brings dangers, like powerful autonomous weapons, or new ways for the few to oppress the many.”

Last year Tesla owner Elon Musk also called for regulation, tweeting “All orgs developing advanced AI should be regulated, including Tesla.”

While most in Congress, like most of us, have little understanding of machine intelligence and AI algorithms, ignorance is no excuse for inaction. China, Russia, Australia, and Europe are ahead while we should be leading.

As Congress considers anti-trust action against big tech, now is the time to act.

“An unthinking person believes everything, but the prudent one thinks before acting” – Proverbs 14:15. » BILL CRAWFORD is a syndicated columnist from Meridian. Readers can contact him at crawfolk@gmail.com.

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PERSPECTIVE

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them make the decisions that they would make instead of what they think the chief executive would make. Not so in the political world. Politically-appointed managers must constantly consider the effect of their decisions on the public image of the mayor. Watch out when you hear a mayor being criticized for micromanaging. It might mean a lack of delegation skills and a lack of trust of those who report to the mayor.

Let the campaigning begin T

he qualifying Readers should consider this list deadline for as a discussion starter. One good primary and way to use the list is to name a independent candimayor who exemplifies each dates for municipal characteristic. office in Mississippi » THE ABILITY TO has recently come and ENVISION THE FUTURE. It gone. Now the camphil hardwick is said that management is the ability paigning begins. to move others from Point A to Point There are over 300 municB, and that leadership is the ability to ipalities in Mississippi. Each is classified discern where Point B should be. The as a village, town, or city based on popmayor should be the one who provides ulation size, according to the Missisdirection to the future. sippi Code. A village has less than 300 inhabitants, a town has between 300 and » GOOD COMMUNICATION 2,000 inhabitants, and a city has over SKILLS, ESPECIALLY THE 2,000 inhabitants.

Each is unique, and being a mayor of a ABILITY TO LISTEN. If one of the more effective leadership styles municipality can be one of the toughest is the ability to envision the future, jobs going. A mayor does not have the then convincing others to join in influence and authority of a business that vision is critical. That’s a diffiCEO. Many new mayors are shocked cult thing because the message that to find that it oftentimes takes more is sent is never the message that is persuasion skills than decision skills to received. If you don’t believe that, run a city. just ask any mayor if they have Sometimes, mayors are merely caretakers. They live in communities that are ever been misquoted or taken out of context. A good mayor must on a track upward or downward. They be able to sell his or her program. might live in communities where not Unfortunately, sometimes mayors much changes and not much is really expected of mayors. Sometimes, mayors get too far ahead of their communities and attempt to sell a vision sort of grow into the job. Sometimes, that the community simply does mayors cross the line and become not feel can be reached. A mayor leaders. They change their cities for the must listen to their constituents better. How do they do it? Most veterand make them feel that they have an mayors will tell you that they did it been heard. People want their by involving people and that they had a lot of help. That is no doubt true. But it mayor to care about their problems starts from within. This column is about and their vision as well. some of those intrinsic things in mayors.

» THE ABILITY TO INSPIRE OTHERS. A good mayor inspires others. People want to get involved and be a part of the effort. One thing that good mayors do is start with a successful project and then build on it. One mayor I know even says that mayors should not make their big goals public because it gives their opponents ammunition if they fail. Keep it quiet and just do it, she says. » THE ABILITY TO DELEGATE. Good mayors provide direction and hire capable managers to implement the plan. In the business world, a good executive hires good people and lets

» RICKy NOBLE

» A BIAS FOR ACTION. Planning without implementing is not leading.

Too many mayors spend so much time on the visioning part that they do not accomplish anything. Visioning provides hope, planning provides involvement, but in the final analysis, it is action that produces results. A mayor should be judged on results. » INTEGRITY. A mayor without integrity is not deserving of the public trust.

By the way, one of the best resources for mayors is the Mississippi Municipal League. It provides a wealth of resources on how to govern at the local level. Over 97% of municipalities are members of the organization. Mayoral candidates would be wise to check out its website, mmlonline.com, to get an idea of what it’s like to lead a municipality.

Finally, congratulations to those mayors who are incumbents and who did not have any opposition. Obviously, their constituents approve of what they are doing. » PHIL HARDWICK is a regular Mississippi Business Journal columnist. His email address is phil@philhardwick.com.

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February 2021 Issue

» the spin cycle

Aunt Jemima brand is now Pearl Milling Company

Q

uaker Oats has cooked up a new brand for a tired, old controversial name – Aunt Jemima.

PepsiCo Inc., the parent of Quaker Oats, has revealed a new face to the popular pancake and syrup purveyor as Pearl Milling Company, retiring a racist stereotype used for the product’s image for years.

The Pearl Milling Company brand will debut in June, a year after the company first announced plans to ditch the Aunt Jemima brand.

Pearl Milling Co. was the creator of the original self-rising pancake mix, first marketed as “Self-Rising Pancake Flour” before it was trademarked in 1890 under the Aunt Jemima brand.

After the founders purchased Missouri-based Pearl Milling Co. in 1888, they began a search for a novel product all Americans would eat, according to the book “Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben and Rastus,” by Marilyn Kern-Foxworth.

They settled on pancakes and perfected their mix in 1889. The brand name

was inspired by a popular song, “Old Aunt Jemima,” typically performed in minstrel shows by a white man in blackface. todd smith The new packaging will retain much of the current colors and design. The company had already dropped the image of a Black woman from its bottles and boxes.

PepsiCo was one of several brand owners moved to rethink their products and marketing as the U.S. was confronting allegations of systemic racism after the killing of George Floyd, a Black man in police custody last summer. Mars Inc. said it would change the name of Uncle Ben’s rice to Ben’s Original and drop the image of a bow-tied Black man from its packaging. The maker of Cream of Wheat said the image of a Black chef would be removed from Cream of Wheat’s packaging, and the name of Eskimo Pie was

changed to Edy’s Pie. Pearl Milling Company will also announce details of a $1 million commitment to empower and uplift Black girls and women in the coming weeks, according to the company. The investment is in addition to PepsiCo's $400 million, five-year commitment to advance and uplift Black businesses and communities.

Satisfaction Sinks with Many Aspects of Life, Gallup Poll Finds

Americans' satisfaction with seven broad aspects of the way the country functions is collectively at its lowest in two decades of Gallup measurement.

This includes satisfaction with the overall quality of life in the U.S., assessments of government, corporate and religious influence, and perceptions of the economic and moral climates.

The average percentage satisfied with these seven dimensions has plunged to 39 percent at the start of 2021.

That compares with 53 percent a year ago, the highest average in more than a decade amid strong economic confidence and before the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the U.S. Gallup asks Americans about their satisfaction with various aspects of the country as part of its Mood of the Nation poll, conducted almost every January since 2001. The poll was not done in 2009 and 2010, two years when satisfaction was likely depressed because of economic problems stemming from the 2008 global financial crisis.

Not only is average public satisfaction with the broad contours of the country at an extreme low today, but Americans' satisfaction with each element of the index is at or near its lowest since 2001.

This reflects declines of seven to 17 percentage points in the past year.

The peak satisfaction ratings for all seven elements tracked since 2001 were recorded in 2002. That high point reflected the surge in Americans' positive feelings about the country in the immediate post-9/11 period. This year's poll was conducted Jan. 4-15, during the high point in U.S. coronavirus deaths and infections and spanning the Jan. 6 riot on Capitol Hill.

The findings at the start of 2021 contrast sharply with 2002, when at least half of Americans were satisfied with all of the dimensions except the moral and ethical climate.

Today, Americans are satisfied with only two dimensions: the overall quality of life in the country (67 percent) and the opportunity for a person to get ahead through hard work (58 percent).

For the first time, less than half of Americans are satisfied with the influence of organized religion (48 percent).

The 31% satisfied with the size and power of the federal government roughly ties the record lows recorded in 2011 (31 percent) and 2012 (29 percent).

Barely a quarter are now satisfied with how government is working (27 percent) as well as the size and influence of major corporations (26 percent).

A mere 18 percent are satisfied with the nation's moral and ethical climate, down by more than half from 47 percent in 2002 and lagging behind the prior low of 26 percent in 2019.

In addition to the seven aspects of the nation tracked since 2001, the new poll updated public satisfaction with the way income and wealth are distributed, first added to the list in 2014. Since then, satisfaction with income distribution has averaged 34 percent, with most yearly readings hewing closely to that, including this year's 36 percent. The lone exception was last year, when it rose to 43 percent.

Mr. Peanut Has moves Over to Skippy

It's been a tough few years for Mr. Peanut, who died in early 2020 and was reborn as a baby nut during a Super Bowl ad campaign.

See THE SPIN CYCLE, Page 13

PERSPECTIVE THE SPIN CYCLE

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Continued from Page 12

Now he has a new home: Kraft is selling Planters to Hormel, the maker of Spam and Skippy, in a $3.35 billion deal.

The sale, which is expected to close this year, will give Hormel ownership of most products in the Planters brand, including mixed nuts, trail mix, Corn Nuts, Cheez Balls and Cheez Curls. Planters brought in about $1 billion in sales in 2020.

For Kraft, ditching Planters will offer a chance to focus on its most successful brands like Lunchables, the company said in a news release. The deal, the largest acquisition in Hormel's history, also helps the buyer expand its snack offerings at a time when people are eating at home more.

The pandemic, which has driven people to stock up on pantry staples and nostalgic foods, has helped boost Kraft's sales. In the fourth quarter of 2020, net sales grew 6 percent to $6.9 billion, beating Wall Street's expectations.

Hormel is planning on shelling out some serious TLC for the Planters brand, much as it did with Skippy when it

purchased the brand eight years ago. After some tinkering, it managed to boost Skippy into a powerhouse, investing in advertising along with new product lines like squeeze packs, and no-sugar and extra protein versions of the peanut butter.

The famed monocled mascot, Mr. Peanut, was created in 1916 when a schoolboy, Antonio Gentile, submitted a sketch to win a contest for the brand. At a funeral, attended by other brand avatars like the Kool-Aid Man, a baby peanut emerged from the ground, first squeaking like a dolphin, before proclaiming, “Just kidding. I’m back.”

Mr. Peanut is back indeed! » 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@ deanesmithpartners. com, follow him @ spinsurgeon and like the ageny on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/

deanesmithpartners, and join us on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin. com/company/deane-smith-&-partners.

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February 2021 Issue

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Mississippi Unemployment Rates by County

Mississippi Business Journal

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June 2020

» Mississippi - 5.9% | u.s. -Mississippi 6.5% U.S.

DeSoto 7.6

9.7 11.2

Marshall 9.6

Benton 10.3

MISSISSIPPI’S DECEMBER 2020 UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES Tunica 17.5

Tate 9.2

Panola 12.4

Lafayette 8.1

Quitman 12.6

Coahoma 14.1

Yalobusha 10.4

Tallahatchie 8.5

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Labor Force Data Civilian Labor Force Unemployed Unemployment Rate Employed UNITED STATES Labor Force Data Civilian Labor Force Unemployed Unemployment Rate Employed STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Unemployment Insurance Data •• Initial UI Claims Continued Claims Benefits Paid Weeks Paid First Payments Final Payments Average Weekly Benefit

December ‘20 1,268,700 75,500 5.9 1,193,200

November ‘20 1,276,800 75,700 5.9 1,201,100

Sunflower 11.5

November ‘20 160,468,000 10,264,000 6.4 150,203,000

December 2020 21,225 128,298 $13,817,472 76,536 2,524 4,969 $180.54

Leflore 12.6

December ‘19 ‘19 Avg. Washington 1,280,000 1,276,100 12.2 66,900 69,200 Humphreys 15.9 5.2Sharkey 5.4 11.5 1,213,100 1,206,900 Issaquena 7.2

December ‘20 160,017,000 10,404,000 6.5 149,613,000

Grenada 8.7

Jefferson 20.3

Montgomery

Yazoo 12.2

December ‘19 Warren ‘19 Avg. 164,007,000 10.7 163,539,000 Hinds 5,503,000 6,001,000 11.7 3.4 3.7 Claiborne 158,504,000 157,538,000 18.6

Carroll

Copiah 9.4

Madison 8.2

Moving Avg.** 160,742,000 Rankin 12,948,000 6.3 8.1 147,795,000 Simpson 7.7

Union 8.2

Choctaw 7.1

Neshoba 13.4

Scott 6.9

Newton 9.6

Kemper 12.5

Lauderdale 9.0

Clarke 9.8

Jasper 10.1

Covington

Hancock 9.6

•• Unemployment Insurance amounts presented in this section only represent regular UI benefits, federal program 9.7 -the 14.7 amounts are not included. Labor force amounts are produced in cooperation with Bureau of Labor Statistics.

14.8 - 20.3 Note: Unless indicated state and county data presented are not seasonally adjusted.

— Mississippi Department of Employment Security

Lowndes 10.7

Noxubee 14.7

Winston 11.0

Jones 8.8 November 2020 December 2019 8.4 Lawrence Jeff Davis Lincoln Adams 14,757 Franklin 11.5 8.5 6,351 9.6 12.4 8.7 165,310 38,188 Marion Lamar Forrest $18,024,709 $5,303,941 Wilkinson Pike Walthall Amite Perry 8.3 7.3 9.9 14.1102,616 10.4 9.4 9.3 25,3159.9 2,089 1,615 7,739 511 Stone Pearl River 9.0 $175.65 $209.52 8.4 Unemployment Rates

7.2 - 9.6

Monroe 11.3

Oktibbeha 9.9

Wayne 10.3

6.1 - 7.1

** Average for most recent twelve months, including current month

Itawamba 7.9

Clay 14.5

Leake 9.5

Smith 6.1

Lee 10.3

Chickasaw 12.7

Webster 8.7

9.2 Moving 9.0 Avg.** 1,250,900 Holmes 98,200 Attala 20.2 7.9 9.5 1,152,700

Tishomingo 7.2

Unemployment Rates Prentiss 8.0

Pontotoc 8.9

Calhoun 8.7

Labor force and employment security data Bolivar 9.8

Alcorn 7.0

Tippah 8.0

Harrison 10.9

Greene 10.4

George 10.0

Jackson 10.9

Source: Labor Market Data Publication Design: Labor Market Information Department, MDES

Mississippi Labor Market Data — 3

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economic development February 2021 Issue • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

With eye to the future, SBA establishes Women's Business Center

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com

W

ith its goal of making the American dream of business ownership a reality for all Americans, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) established a Women's Business Center in Mississippi last September and another on in January 2021. The state had not had a center for several years even though there are a total of 135 WBCs nationwide. Currently there is at least one in each state with the exception of Alaska.

“Mississippi acquired a WBC in September 2020, awarding the grant to Alcorn State University and even more recently in January with the awarding of a second WBC grant to Jackson State University,” said Mississippi SBA District Director and Acting Re-

gional Administrator for the Southeast Janita Stewart.

“Both Alcorn and Jackson State are in the process of setting up the WBCs and should become operational in the near future.”

She explains that for 33 years the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership has empowered women to become entrepreneurs through the education, training and resources at Women's Business Centers. “These centers seek to level the playing field for all women entrepreneurs who still face unique obstacles in the business world.”

At the centers the assistance is for women already in business seeking to expand and grow and for women who aspire to become en-

trepreneurs and need help starting up. “They simply need to reach out to the WBC where they wish to receive assistance and the WBC will take it from there,” Stewart said. “The assistance provided by the WBC is free and confidential as it is paid for by taxpayers.

Although the targeted audience to provide service to are women, small businesses in general may also receive assistance there as well.”

The centers offer one-on-one counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance and mentoring to women entrepreneurs on numerous business development topics, including business startup, financial See WBC, Page 19

Solutions for your business needs today and beyond.

Given today’s market challenges, working with a dedicated team driven by a shared vision can make all the difference. Regions Commercial Relationship Managers know that developing a strong understanding of your business and its unique operations helps us provide highly responsive, personalized solutions. Let us leverage our capabilities and create a comprehensive financial strategy to help guide and strengthen your business.

Commercial Banking | Treasury Management | Capital Markets Specialized Industries Robert Leard Market Executive robert.leard@regions.com

regions.com/commercial-banking

© 2021 Regions Bank. Banking products provided by Regions Bank. Only banking deposit products are FDIC insured. All loans and lines subject to credit approval. | Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

18

Mississippi Business Journal

February 2021 Issue

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Economic and Community Development Organizations n

n

Economic AND COMMUNITY Development organizations Economic and Community Development Organization

Address

Phone

Website

Area Development Partnership

One Convention Center Plaza, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

601-296-7513

theadp.com

Top Officer

Chad Newell, Todd Jackson Renee Hawkins

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

Donna McKay

Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce

101 South Bayou Ave., Cleveland, MS 38732

662-843-2712

clevelandmschamber.com

Lara Bowman

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

601-894-4126

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

Box 160, Clarksdale, MS 38614

662-627-7337

crossroadseconomicpartnershipp.com

Jon S Levingston

Delta Council

433 Stoneville Rd., Stoneville, MS 38776

662-686-3350

deltacouncil.org

Paul Hollis

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 Matthew Harrison

Greater Grenada Partnership

95 SW Frontage Rd, Grenada, MS 38901

662-229-9502

greatergrenada.com

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

Terry Farr

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

Curnis Upkins III

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 George Freeland Jr. Michael Davis, Jhai Keeton Haskins Montgomery

Jackson County Economic Development Foundation

3033 Pascagoula St., Pascagoula, MS 39567

228-769-6263

jcedf.org

Jackson MS City Office of Economic Development

200 S. President St., Jackson, MS 39201

601-960-1638

city.jackson.ms.us

Jasper County Economic Development District

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

601-764-2700

co.jasper.ms.us

Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District

1025 3rd St., Prentiss, MS 39474

601-792-5903

jeffdavisms.com

Barbara Slater

Kemper County Economic Development Authority

14062 Hwy 16, DeKalb, MS 39328

601-743-2754

kempercounty.com

Craig Hitt

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

Dave Nichols

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

John Rounsaville

Mississippi Economic Council

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

601-969-0022

msmec.com

Scott Waller

Mississippi Economic Development Council

1675 Lakeland Dr., Ste. 502, Jackson, MS 39216

601-352-1909

medc.ms

Gwendolyn 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

Steven Dick

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

Newton Chamber of Commerce

128 S. Main St., Newton, MS 39345

601-683-2201

newtonchamberms.com

Nena Hammond

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

William "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 Cynthia Sutton La Sonja Ivy, Annie Gates Vickie DuPree

Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce

1000 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564

228-875-4424

oceanspringschamber.com

Okolona Area Chamber of Commerce

219 Main St., Okolona, MS 38860

662-447-5913

okolonams.org

Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce

9123 Pigeon Roost Rd. , Olive Branch, MS 38654

662-895-2600

olivebranchms.com

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 569, Poplarville, MS 39470 601-403-2302 pearlrivercountyeconomicdevelopment.com Information provided by organization representatives, industry associations and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Kathy Deer Blaine LaFontaine

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

February 2021 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

19

Economic and Community Development Organizations Economic AND COMMUNITY Development organizations

Economic and Community Development Organization

Address

Phone

Website

n

Top Officer

Philadelphia/ Neshoba County CDP

P.O. Box 330, Philadelphia, MS 39350-0330

601-656-1000

neshoba.org

David Vowell

Pike County Economic Development District

1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666

601-465-0255

gopikems.com

Jill Busby

Prentiss County Development Association

401 W. Parker Dr., Booneville, MS 38829

662-728-3505

goprentiss.com

Leon Hays

Rankin County Chamber of Commerce

101 Service Dr., Brandon, MS 39042

601-825-2268

rankinchamber.com

Mandi Arinder

Rankin First Economic Development

P.O. Box 129, Brandon, MS 39043

601-825-5335

rankinfirst.com

Tom Troxler

Simpson County Development Foundation

176 W. Court St., Mendenhall, MS 39114

601-847-2375

simpsoncounty.biz

Donnie Caughman

Smith County Economic Development District

P.O. Box 275, Raleigh, MS 39153

601-507-9244

smithcountyms.org

South Delta Planning and Development District

1427 S. Main St. Suite 147, Greenville, MS 38701

662-378-3831

sdpdd.com

Tommy Goodwin

Southaven Chamber of Commerce

500 Main St., Southaven, MS 38671

662-342-6114

southavenchamber.com

Carmen Kyle

Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District

10441 Corporate Drive, Ste. 1, Gulfport, MS 39503

228-868-2311

smpdd.com

Leonard Bentz

Southwest Mississippi Economic Partnership

100 S. Wall St. , Natchez, MS 39120

601-446-6044

southwest-mississippi.com

Jill Busby

Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development District

100 S. Wall St., Natchez, MS 39120

601-446-6044

swmpdd.com

Wirt L. Peterson

Stone County Economic Development Partnership

115 Hatten Ave. E., Wiggins, MS 39577

601-928-5418

stonecounty.com

Betsy M. Rowell

Sunflower County Economic Development District

P.O. Box 1508, Indianola, MS 38751

662-887-3737

sunflowercounty.ms.gov

Shelia R Waldrup

Tate County Economic Development Foundation

135 N. Front St., Senatobia, MS 38668

662-562-8715

tatecountyms.com

J. Britt Herrin

Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority

P.O. Drawer 671, Columbus, MS 39703

662-328-3286

tenntom.org

Mitch Mays

The Alliance

502 Wick St, Corinth, MS 38834

662-287-5269

corinthalliance.com

Clayton Stanley

The Chamber of Flowood

109 Woodline Dr, Flowood, MS 39232

601-932-8007

flowoodchamber.com

Greg Wilcox

The Enterprise of Mississippi

P.O. Box 327, Eupora, MS 39744

662-546-0075

theenterprisems.com

Jennifer Johnson Lisa Klutts

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

Vernon R. Kelley III

Tippah County Development Foundation

201 Union St, Ripley, MS 38663

662-837-3353

tippahcounty.org

Chris Lewellen

Tishomingo County Development Foundation

1001 Battleground Dr, Iuka, MS 38852

662-423-9933

tishomingo.org

Gary Matthews

Tunica County Chamber & EDF

1301 Main St., Tunica, MS 38676

662-363-2865

tunicachamber.com

Charles L Finkley Jr

Union County Development Association

135 E. Bankhead St., New Albany, MS 38652

662-534-4354

ucda-newalbany.com

Joanne C. Lesley

Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership

2020 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39180

601-631-0555

vicksburgedf.org

Pablo Diaz

Walthall County Economic Development Authority

P.O. Box 227, Tylertown, MS 39667

601-876-2680

co.walthall.ms.us

Pam Keaton

Washington County Economic Alliance

342 Washington Ave., Ste. 201, Greenville, MS 38701

662-378-3141

wceams.com

William Coppage

Wayne County Economic Development District

610 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367

601-735-6056

waynecounty.ms

James Snellgrove

Winston County Economic Development District Partnership

70 W. Park St., Louisville, MS 39339

662-773-8719

winstoncountyms.com

Glen C Haab

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.

WBC

Continued from Page 16

management and procurement.

Due to the pandemic, Stewart says, the WBCs nationwide had to pivot and provide assistance virtually to do so safely. “SBAs' other funded resource partners, including the SBDC, SCORE and the Veterans Business Outreach Centers are continuing to provide services through virtual training and counseling via webinars and similar events,” she added.

Stewart said statistics reflect there are 104,000 women-owned businesses in Mississippi representing a multitude of industries. “We want these and other women who aspire to become entrepreneurs to have a WBC available to them to assist with developing a business plan, marketing strategies, training opportunities, finding avenues for access to capital, certifications and government contracting information—just to name a few—and really just to be able to take advantage of all available resources to help women start their businesses, grow and expand. This of course will in turn help Mississippi grow.”

The SBA partners with host organizations for the Women's Business Centers —Alcorn State University and Jackson State University in Mississippi. Other resource partners of the SBA — SCORE, America's Counselors, the Veterans Business Outreach Centers and the Small Business Development Centers are stand-alone organizations that SBA funds. “With the exception of SCORE, which is a volunteer organization, SBA partners with each of these entities'

respective host institution,” Stewart said. “All of SBA funded resource partners provide free and confidential business counseling, training and technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout America.”

With the last two rounds of solicitations issued by the SBA seeking WBCs, a keen focus was targeting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)

n

Bob Tyler

and private non-profit organizations with 501C tax exempt status from the U.S. Treasury/Internal Revenue Service. “Noteworthy is that of the recent WBC awardees, five of them are to HBCUs and four of the five are in the SBA Southeast Region,” Stewart said.

The SBA's Mississippi District serves the state with office locations in Jackson and Gulfport.

real estate/construction February 2021 Issue • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

Red-hot real estate market booming across the state

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

R

eal estate brokers and agents are seeing redhot sales in the housing market that lit up last year. Throughout the state, buyers are vying for their first home, a bigger place or a second home, and for-sale signs are disappearing as fast as they’re put out. Low interest rates and anemic housing inventories are fueling competition in this robust sell-

er’s market.

“The market is crazy. It’s one of the best I’ve seen,” said Amy Wood, broker/owner of Amy Wood Properties in Pass Christian. “If it’s priced right or a little higher, they’re getting under contract in 24 to 48 hours.”

Home sales in Northeast Mississippi continue to be very strong despite the pandemic, said Keith Henley, broker at RE/MAX Elite in Tupelo and 2020 president of

the Mississippi Association of Realtors.

"Our inventory is as low as it has been in 20 years with buyer demand remaining solid, creating more competition for fewer homes,” Henley said. “The end result is homes properly priced and in market-ready condition are selling faster and for more money. This is creating a seller’s market which is most unusual for our region.”

Jon Ritten, broker/owner of RE/ MAX Coast Delta Realty in Diamondhead and vice president for the Mississippi Association of Realtors’ Southern Region, says sales are booming statewide. “It’s very busy everywhere and in particular on the Coast, in the college towns and DeSoto County in the north. Those areas seem to be the hottest but the whole state is prospering.” Likewise, he said, housing inventory is low throughout the state. Houses are being sold as fast as they’re being built or even before construction is completed.

Homes on the water are especially popular on the Coast. Wood recently posted a house online and had five potential buyers lined up almost immediately. In a couple of days, the house was under contract for more than the $330,000 list price.

Two other listings priced at $575,000 and $375,000 sold for more than the sellers were asking, she said.

High-dollar lots that have been on the market for a few years are now under contract.

Wood said the “sweet spot” for home prices is anything $200,000 or below. “I have three buyers now and it’s difficult to find anything in Diamondhead, Long Beach, Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis.

There’s just a real void.”

Low interest rates are allowing buyers to get more house for their money. “People who could pay cash for second homes say why take money out of our investments when we can borrow so low,” said Wood.

Also helping, Ritten said, is the state’s cost of living. “Mississippi is such an affordable state to live in, people are finding all of the amenities we have and lower taxes. It’s hard to beat.”

Nicole Nezat, a broker at Fidelis Realty in Gulfport, said, “The only slowdown I feel is due to the

“The market is crazy. It’s one of the best I’ve seen...”

See RED-HOT, Page 23

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION

February 2021 Issue

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

21

State sees surge in younger Realtors

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

C

harlotte Mullinnix, executive director of the Northeast Mississippi Board of Realtors in Tupelo, was concerned at the beginning of the pandemic that COVID might negatively impact the association’s membership. What happened was a welcome surprise.

“It has been amazing from the standpoint of the number of members,” she said. “We had about 370 members the year before and ended this past year with over 400 members. We’ve never done that."

The majority of new members are younger than usual.

Mullinnix thinks that’s because new and recent college graduates don’t have as much available in the job market as in the past so they’ve joined the ranks of Realtors. “My thought is they don’t see as many career opportunities out there, especially with COVID,” she said. “I will say real estate is a very lucrative profession for self-motivated, hard-working individuals. We have a lot in our board.”

Katy Symmes was a special education teacher for six and a half years and then was a stay-at-home mom for 14

years before she recently joined the Realtor ranks.

It wasn’t something she had thought about but her attorney husband suggested she look into it as a new career when their youngest child reached sixth grade. COVID delayed the process but she studied, prepared and passed the exam. “I got my license in November but didn’t Taylor get rolling until after the holidays in January,” she said. She works at Coldwell Banker Alfonso’s Gulfport office, and has been learning the ropes and networking.

“The hardest thing is being a working mother,” she said. Developing a thick skin in a highly competitive field also helps, and so does getting support and training from her firm’s managers in her new job.

Even with the ups and down nature of sales, Symmes is enjoying her real estate career and meeting new peo-

ple. “It’s nice after being home so long to get out and be among adults,” she said. “I feel like an adult.”

Tosha Taylor works for a nonprofit and as a Keller Williams agent in Flowood. Her interest in real estate goes back 20 years when she lived in Georgia and passed the Realtor exam on the first try. “Real estate has always been something of interest to me,” she said. When she moved back to Mississippi, the thought of returning to real estate kept coming back. Last March she began looking for another source of income and selling real estate was back on her agenda. “I started researching real estate schools and talking to different agents,” she said. She studied for the exam and passed again on her first try.

“Last year I took a deep dive into discovering what I am passionate about. It sounds like a cliche but I’m at my best and feel joyful when I’m helping other people, whether it’s helping feed the homeless with friends at Poindexter Park or coming up with a fundraising plan or event.”

Taylor considers helping people become homeowners her passion.

“Real estate builds generational wealth. It can be passed on to children and to children’s children for years to come. That’s the beauty of it for me.”

22 n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

February 2021 Issue

Largest Shopping Centers

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION

Shopping Centers largest shopping centers Rank

Shopping Center Address

Metrocenter Mall 3645 Highway 80 West, Jackson, MS 39209 Lakeview Village and Indian River Plaza 2 11505 Sangani Blvd, D'Iberville, MS 39540 Northpark 3 1200 E. County Line Rd., Ste. 267, Ridgeland, MS 39157-1904 Edgewater Mall 4 2600 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39531 Turtle Creek Mall 5 1000 Turtle Creek Dr., Hattiesburg, MS 39402 The Mall at Barnes Crossing 6 1001 Barnes Crossing Road, Tupelo, MS 38804 Uptown Meridian 7 1210 Bonita Lakes Circle, Meridian, MS 39301 The Promenade 8 3821 Promenade Parkway, D'Iberville, MS 39540 Southaven Towne Center 9 Airways Blvd. & Marathon Way, Southaven, MS 38671 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 Uptown Vicksburg 16 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd, Vicksburg, MS 39180 Sawmill Square 17 910 Sawmill Rd. Suite 219, Laurel, MS 39440 Uptown McComb 18 1722 Veterans Blvd., McComb, MS 39648 The Junction Shopping Center 19 6351 I-55 N., Jackson, MS 39213 Data provided by property managers and MBJ research. Centers ranked 1

Phone Website

Founded

Anchors

601-969-7633

1978

Burlington Coat Factory, City of Jackson

1,350,000

1999

Lowes, Walmart, Academy Sports, Grand 18 Theater

1,050,000

1984

Dillard's; Belk; JCPenney

960,000

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

730,000

1997

Dillard's; Belk; Fitness Depot, HYPE Adventures

632,192

2009

Best Buy, Dick's, Target

593,007

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 bonitalakesmall.com thepromenadems.com

731-668-7621 2005 JCPenney, Bed Bath & Beyond, Gordman's southaventownecenter.net 954-956-2104 Target, Kohl’s, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Ross Dress for Less, 2005 stirlingprop.com PetSmart 601-519-0900 Barnes & Noble; The Fresh Market; Apple; Anthropologie; Brooks 2008 renaissanceatcolonypark.com Brothers; Ethan Allen; J. Crew 216-464-6626 2006 Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby, Ross, Lowe's chaseprop.com 334-277-1000 2004 Kroger, Target, Best Buy, Stein Mart, Pet Smart aronov.com 601-297-2004 Maximus Federal Services, SaviLinx, General Dynamics, Hattiesburg 1974 lormaxstern.com Clinic 817-639-2708 2009 Dick's Sporting Goods, Buffalo Wild Wings, DSW, Bed Bath & Beyond marketstreet-flowood.com 601-634-0823 1985 Belk, Dillard's, Hobby Lobby, B&B Theatres, Fun Lanes Bowling vicksburgmall.com 6016495957 1981 Belk, Regal Cinema 5 & Cowboy Maloney's sawmillsquaremall.net 601-684-4828 1987 Belk, Marshalls, Hobby Lobby uptownmccomb.com 317-925-9011 1996 Home Depot, Target, PetSmart, Jo-Ann Fabric sandordev.com by square footage. Direct comments to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Total Sq. Feet

567,640 543,150 493,000 465,680 445,154 390,000 373,000 358,000 350,000 342,220 326,319

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION

RED-HOT

February 2021 Issue

n

Mississippi Business Journal

Continued from Page 20

lack of inventory right now. We need houses to list. Sellers can often seeing multiple offers on their homes.”

Ritten said during the pandemic, a home has become more than just where people live. "Now it’s where people work and where they’re schooling their children. It’s really become more than just where they live and you can get so much more for the money in Mississippi than just about anywhere.”

Realtors are taking precautions with Covid in mind and making clients’ safety a priority, Nezat said. “With all the technology available today, Realtors are still able to offer clients the best service possible by hosting virtual open houses, holding video meetings with clients and offering electronic signings. We have also changed the way that we do

in-person showing, such as limiting the amount of people present at a showing, wearing masks and sanitizing frequently to ensure everyone’s safety.

“On the Coast and in North Mississippi, Realtors say much of the interest in buying is coming from New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Memphis.

Ritten said, “People are trying to get out of the cities but be close enough to them. It’s cheaper living but it’s a similar lifestyle.”

Even this time of year, when sales are usually not brisk, the market is active.

“Things are slightly down in January from December but not that much,” Wood said. “Right after Mardi Gras is when things pick up here, especially waterfront and second homes. It’s a great time to be in real estate.”

Realtors say the remainder of the year looks promising or home buying and selling as long as interest rates are low. “We anticipate it continuing at least through this year,” Ritten said. “Mississippi should maintain steam for the rest of this year, depending on inventory.”

Looking To Expand Or Relocate Your Business?

Consider Orleans Centrè in the City of Brandon, located at the southwest quadrant of I-20 and Highway 18 (Crossgates Boulevard Exit). Several sites, from small to large acreage areas, are available.

Properties, Inc. Main 601.933.3344 Jim DeFoe 601.842.1228

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Mississippi Business Journal

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REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION

February 2021 Issue

General Contractors

general contractors General Contractors Company

Phone/Website

Founded/Top officer

Specialties

Alliant Construction 2929 E. Layfair Dr., Flowood, MS 39232

601-933-3507 alliantconstruction.com

2017 Andy Measells

General contracting services for commercial and light industrial building projects.

American Field Service Corporation 110 American Way, Madison, MS 39110

601-853-1000

1968 Cynthia Warner

General, Highway, Street and Bridge

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

601-856-2108 barlowms.com

1996 Joe Barlow

Commercial Construction; Construction Management; Office / Warehouse; Pre-engineered Buildings

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

601-362-6110 benchmarkms.com

1979 David Marsh

General contractors; construction managers

Brasfield & Gorrie 1076 Highland Colony, #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;

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

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

601-684-4710 clarkinc.com

1981 Brad Clark

General contractor

Sams Clubs, Ashley Furniture, Retail Centers, Multifamily, Assisted Living

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

601-932-7581

1978 Coleman Hammons

General

Hummer of Brandon; Bank First; Jackson Farmer's Market; Forest Elementary School Attendance Hall; We Care Hospice

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

601-922-0024 copelandandjohns.com

1978 Dupree Petty

Industrial, Commercial, Civil, Design Build; corporate; hospitality; health care; higher ed; sports; retail/ mixed-use; energy; site improvements; infrastructure; site development; student housing; ecclesiastical

The Refuge Hotel & Conference; Continental Tire Training; Alumni House at Mississippi College: Entergy Distribution Center

Dan Hensarling Inc. P.O. Box 3927, Gulfport, MS 39505

228-832-6622 danhensarlinginc.com

1997 Dan Hensarling

Commercial and industrial construction with Design/ Build capabilities.

David Smith Construction Inc. PO Box 91, Inverness, MS 38753

662-265-6060 dsmithconstructioninc.com

1995 David Smith

Banks, Schools, Multi Family Housing, Renovations

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

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; electrical; mechanical; sheet metal; rigging & crane service

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

George P. Hopkins Inc. 520 34th St, Gulfport, MS 39507

228-863-8614

1921 George Hopkins, III

Public Works Construction, Paving, Pile Driving

Gulf coast

Hooker Construction, Inc. 10719 MS-336, Thaxton, MS 38871

662-489-2567 hookerconstructioninc.com

1968 James Hooker

Churches; Medical offices; Schools and Universities

SMB Honors College at University of Mississippi; Smithville Baptist Church.

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

601-656-1153 ikbiinc.com

2004

Indian Owned Small Business & HubZone Certified; management; industrial; commerical & institutional; housing; highway/street/ bridge; water/sewer

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 Building 3275 Demo; USACE Moody Air Force Base, GA HC-130J Simulator Facility.

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

601-709-4729 irbyconstruction.com

1946 Lee Jones

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.

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

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

228-896-6201 jwpuckett.com

1970 Chris Crighton

Commercial, Industrial, Educational and Goverment Buildings

MGCCC Basketball Arena, Hancock High School Adminastration building

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

662-842-3240 jescoinc.net

1941 Jerry Maxcy

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

Paccar Engine, Airbus Helicopters, CAT, Baldor Electric, Mueller Industries, Cooper Tire, PECO Foods, Wayne Farms, Riceland Foods, Diamond Pet Food, Mercedes, Volvo, Nissan, Norbord, Ashley, Southern Motion, HM Richards, Grammar, Vuteq, Electrolux

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

Galleria Parkway, D'Iberville; Seaway Rd Pedestrian Pathway, Gulfport; Hwy 603 MDOT Road Improvements, Hancock Co.

Representative Area Projects

Future Labs; Base Supply Center, Waterways Experiment Station; Sentry Care; Sprint Mart; St. Peter Orthodox Church; MSAg - Yazoo City Coahoma County Justice Complex, Webster County Courthouse, St John Catholic Church, Clay County Courthouse, Benton County Jail, Choctaw Council Hall, Cade Chapel Church.

UMMC Children's Hospital, Continental Tire, Confidential Aerospace Client, Renaissance at Colony Park Phase II, Regions Mortgage Operations Center, and Columbus Orthopaedic

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 Science Lab Renovations; MS Air Nat'l Guard Renovation of 181 Small Air Terminal; Southwest Airlines Station

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION

February 2021 Issue

General Contractors

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Mississippi Business Journal

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25

general contractors General Contractors Company

Phone/Website

Founded/Top officer

Specialties

Representative Area Projects

Ridgeway Homes 852 Ellisville Blvd., Laurel , MS 39440

601-651-2854 ridgewaybuilt.com

1960 John Ridgeway Sr.

Residential New Home Construction, Multifamily New Construction & Development, Renovations, Religious Buildings and Facilities, Office

Wildwood Apartment Homes

Key Constructors LLC 219 Key Dr., Madison, MS 39130

601-898-9892 keyconstructors.com

1973 Rick Webster

Bridges and Roads

Kimes & Stone Construction Co. Inc. 484 Hwy. 145 S., Booneville, MS 38829

662-728-3501

1927 Earl Stone

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 PO Box 1177, Greenwood, MS 38935

662-455-6111 maloufconstruction.com

1987 George Malouf

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.

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

662-350-0780 mccartyking.com

1983 Dan King, Justin King

Health care; elder care; industrial; commercial

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

601-956-9500 msconst.com

1958 William Ware, P Bernheim

Construction management, Value Analysis, Commercial, Renovation

N.L. Carson Construction Co. Inc. 2221 Waggoner Rd., Carthage, MS 39051

601-267-3023 nlcarsonconstructioncoinc.com

1972 Lee Carson

Bridges, Culverts, Overpasses

Nall Construction P.O. Box 1125, Madison, MS 39130

601-605-1330

1970 John Nall

Cold storage facilities; concrete foundations; general construction

Southern Hens; Sanderson Farms; Tyson Foods; Merchant Foodservice, Koch Foods, Peco

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

Long Beach High School Reno & Add; Aircraft Maint.

Hangar-MsANG; Moss Point Police Station; Biloxi Waterfront Park; Biloxi Bait & Fuel Bldg; Walter Anderson Museum of Art Adds & Reno; Ft Maurepas Park & Pavilion; Cedar Lake Oncology Center

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

Construction, excavation, public works, structural steel

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

601-891-4100

2014 Michael Harrell

General Construction

Kinesology School at MSU-Meridian; Dorm at Belhaven University; Residential Housing at Mississippi College; Juniker Jewelers, Madison; Office renovations for C Spire.

PSC Corporation 385-B Highland Colony, #502, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-956-5656

1988 Ellen Ambrosino

Commercial developer

Galleria

Roy Anderson Corp 11400 Reichold Rd., Gulfport, MS 39503

228-896-4000 rac.com

1955 Jason Taylor

General Contracting; Construction Management; Design-Build; Preconstruction Services

VA Medical Center Building 2 Renovation; Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Renovation; Toyota Visitors Center

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

662-843-5060 roycollinsconstruction.com

1941 Roy Collins

General construction; construction management; concrete; design/build; metal building sales/service; street paving, Industrial Construction; Commercial Construction

Nufarm, Greenville, MS Baxter Labs, Cleveland, MS Delta State University President's Home Havens Apartments, Tupelo, MS Monsanto, Scott, MS Chatmoss Subdivision, Cleveland, MS Cleveland Public Schools, Cleveland, MS Paving work, City of Cleveland

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

228-832-2077

1993 Samuel Day

Commercial and Industrial General Contracting

Schools, municipal building, negotiated work

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

228-392-4584 starkscontracting.com

1967 Weldon Starks

General Commercial Contractor

Biloxi High School Baseball Field; St. John Baptist Church; Wingfield Dermatology Clinic; Wells Fargo

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

228-769-8977

1993 Tim Stewart

General Contracting

Jackson Co Civic Center Interior Repairs; Pascagoula Sportsplex Buildings; East Central Upper Elem.; Jackson County Utility Maint/Operation Facility; MGCCC George County Renovations; Trent Lott Academy Gymnasium

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

601-736-4525 tlwallace.com

1975 Austin Morgan

General; buildings; highway, street & bridge; utilities; emergency response services

Hillsdale Water Treatment Plant; Woodlawn United Pentecostal Church; Southern Tire Mart(s) ; Nissan Plant

Tanner Construction co.

102 Ellisville Blvd, Laurel, MS 39440

601-477-3820 tannerconstruction.net

1977 Gary Tanner

Highway and Bridge, Site development, Hauling, Heavy Civil; I-269 Bridge and Road, Hernando; U.S. 61 Liberty Bridge, Natchez.

SR 463 Strawberry Bridge, Madison; I-59 Bridge SCurve, Laurel;

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

662-513-4194 blackburngroup.net

2006 David Blackburn

Multi-family, Office, and Retail

Gin on Russell, The Hub at Oxford, Highland Court, Southaven Marketplace, Molly Barr Trails, Molly Barr Ridge, Russell Street Flats

The Yates Companies, Inc. P.O Box 385, Philadelphia, MS 39350

601-656-5411 yatescompanies.com

1963 Bill Yates, William Yates

Design/build; construction management; general construction; operations/maintenance; preconstruction; program management; environmental; disaster response; engineering, procurement & construction

Dean Hangar Addition, Meridian Airport Authority; I-55 Reconstruction, Byram; Sigma Chi Renovation, University of Mississippi; Trustmark National Bank, Brandon; Peco Foods Expansion, West Point

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, MS; Viking Road - Greenwood, MS; Entergy Mill Street Substation - Jackson, MS; Clastrip Steel - Blythville, AR; Big River Steel - Osceola, AR; New Process Steel- Columbus, MS Crossroads Shopping Center; North Mississippi Medical Center; Trigger Time Gun Range; First United Methodist Church New Albany; West Point Family Medical Clinic Entergy Transmission Headquarters; Germantown High School; Methodist Rehabilitation Center; St. Catherine's Village; Albriton's Jewelry, Highland Village, Jackson Academy, The First Bank, UMMC Emergency Operations

Cultivation Food Hall, Truckworx, Stribling Equipment, WAPT renovations, Barnett's Body Shop Gluckstadt, Jackson Crossfit, Watson Quality Ford renovations, Ben Nelson Golf Cars, Matress Direct, Empire Truck Sales, Ross & Yerger, MS Smiles, MORA,

Two Mississippi Museums | Brandon Amphitheatre | Northwest Rankin High School | East Mississippi State Hospital U.S. 43 in Pelahatchie; DeSoto Forest road grading; Walters Construction Company Inc. 601-428-5515 1979 Site prep; excavation; paving; storm drainage Friendly Park; Lowe's of Petal; Commercial Development waltersconstructionco.com Scottie Walters 2051 Hwy. 84 E., Laurel, MS 39443 Site; 16th Ave., Laurel Horne CPA Building and Tenant Interiors, Ridgeland: 1971 White Construction Company 601-898-5180 General construction; design/build; construction Mercedes Benz, Ridgeland; Reunion Golf & Country Guy White, Steve whiteconst.com management Club, Madison; Baker Donelson Law Offices, Jackson; 613 Crescent Cir., Ste. 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Burch FNC Headquarters, Oxford; Capitol Arts Lofts, Jackson.

List is ranked alphabetically. Information provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct comments to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Thrash Commercial Contractors Inc. 211 Commerce Dr, Brandon, MS 39042

601-825-8967 thrashco.com

2001 Josh Thrash

Building Construction

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February 2021 Issue

Property Management Firms

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION

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 CBRE, Inc. 10 Canebrake Blvd., Ste. 325, Flowood, MS 39232 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 Cook Commercial Properties, LLC 1501 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 Desai Hotel Group 105 W. Washington St., Suite A2, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Duckworth Realty/Concord Capital 308 E. Pearl St., Jackson, MS 39201 Duff Real Estate, LLC 800 Hwy 98, Columbia, MS 39429 EastGroup Properties 400 W Parkway Place Suite 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157 England Properties P.O. Box 515, Madison, MS 39130 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 Franklin Property Management Group 5779 Getwell Rd., Bldg. D1, Southaven, MS 38672 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 Hertz Investment Group, LLC 190 E. Capitol Street, Ste. 675, Jackson, MS 39201 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 Journal Enterprises Inc. P.O. Box 909, Tupelo, MS 38802 Kennedy & Company Real Estate Inc. 120 W. Jackson St., Ste. 2C, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Kerioth Corporation 361 Township Ave, Ste 200, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Lane-Harkins Commercial Real Estate, LLC 12 River Bend Place, Flowood, MS 39232 London & Stetelman Commercial Realtors 3906 Hardy St., Ste. 20, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 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 NAI UCR Properties & Underwood Companies 660 Katherine Dr, Ste. 304, Jackson, MS 39232 Orkin Property Management, LLC 15 Northtown Dr., Ste F, Jackson, MS 39211 Overby Commercial 1808 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39202 Peters Real Estate 2906 N. State St., Ste. 201, Jackson, MS 39216 Randall Commercial Group, LLC 850 Insight Park Ave., University, MS 38677 Southeast Commercial of Mississippi, LLC 2310 19th St., Gulfport, MS 39501 Spectrum Capital, LLC 781 Larson St., Jackson, MS 39202 Spruill Property Management 1016-F Louisville St., Starkville, MS 39759

601-500-7956 blakeliving.com 769-972-3010 outletsofms.com 601-957-1001 carpenterproperties.com 601-420-8080 cbre.com 662-842-4076 centurycg.com 601-353-4171 chd-inc.com 601-214-6343 cookcommproperties.com 601-313-9307 desaihotelgroup.com 601-914-0800 duckworthrealty.com 601-424-3200 dcinvestors.com 601-354-3555 eastgroup.net

John Waits 2009 Carlos Hernandez 2013 Rob Carpenter 1992 N/A 2013 Duke Loden 1997 Al McKinney 1999 William Cook, Bill F. Hankins 1995 Sunny Desai 2009 Ted Duckworth 1989 Perry Phillips 2003 Marshall A Loeb 1969 Bob England 1989 Jim DeFoe 1997 Brian E Estes 2004 Merle Flowers 2002 N/A 1999 Melanie Greer 1994 Wilson Coleman 1991 H.C. (Buster) Bailey 1952 Tim Allred 1999 James Ingram 1979 David Howie 1950 Les Hardin 2005 William Bronson 1958 Steve Kennedy 1989 Clinton G. Herring Jr. 1983 Nancy Lane, Josh Harkins 2015 Andy Stetelman 1933

601-940-3158 601-842-1228 ergon.com 601-362-9633 estesgroup.net 662-349-3983 662-349-7775 franklinpropmgmt.com 601-750-9494 greerrealestate.net 662-842-4884 gumtreepm.com 601-853-8000 colonypark.org 601-693-4691 heritagebuildingcorp.com 601-974-8135 hertzgroup.com 601-362-8112 homerleehowie.com 601-707-3066 662-678-1515 djournal.com 601-898-2999 kennedy-realestate.com 601-368-9950 kerioth.com 601-932-4664 laneharkins.com 601-268-8770 londonandstetelman.com 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 601-981-6800 ucrproperties.com 601-957-3001 OPMgt.net 601-366-8511 Overby.net 601-362-8440 petersre.com 662-234-4044 randallcommercialgroup.com 228-276-2700 southeastcommercial.net 601-351-2055 spectrumcapitalre.com 662-323-5234 spruillapts.com

Major Properties Managed: The Blake at Township, Ridgeland; The Blake at Flowood; The Blake at Oxford; Claiborne at Adelaide, Starkville The Outlets of Mississippi Various industrial properties located in metro Jackson.

10 Canebrake, Flowood; Maywood Mart, Jackson;Market St, Flowood; 201&205 Colony Way, Madison; Barnes Crossing Plaza, Tupelo Office buildings in Tupelo and Ridgeland Colonnades; Baptist Madison Campus, Medical Arts West Nissan, General Motors, Walgreen, Gentiva, United Health Care, Firestone Various Hotels Throughout Mississippi 200/400/600 Concourse, The Electric Building, The Primos Building, Market at Grants Ferry, New South Neurospine Bldg, Dickie's Lofts

Major markets of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia & North Carolina

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 High Point Plaza, Hwy 18 Jackson; Nebletts Frame Shop Hwy 80 Jackson; Various Investment Properties in the state of MS.

Colony Park, Ridgeland

In Jackson: The Pinnacle; 111 E. Capitol; Regions Plaza; One Jackson Place; City Centre; UBS Building; In Flowood: River Oaks 5360 I-55 N; 2570 Bailey Ave 700 Avignon Dr., 740 Avignon Dr., 741 Avignon Dr., and 751 Avignon Dr; 595 Northpark Dr, 599 Northpark Dr., all in Ridgeland

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 Brittany Arms, Westchester, 49 Place, Westover Crossing, Corinne Place, Adeline Place, Hardy Plaza. Midtown Strip Center

Luke R Chamblee Andrew Mattiace 1979 Steve H. Bryan Micajah Sturdivant, Dave Hamilton 1956 John Mozingo, John Mozingo III 1976 Tom Underwood, Micah McCullough 1948 Ted S. Orkin 1997 Scott Overby 1983 Mike Peters 1995 Elizabeth J Randall 2009 Monte Luffey, Tim Carlson, Scott Delano 2009 Jason R. Voyles 2006 Lynn Spruill, Lydia Quarles 2000

Renaissance at Colony Park, Renaissance Phase III (Costco), Fondren Place, Capital Towers, Lamar Life Bldg, Highland Bluff North & South Harrison Square Condominiums, Oxford MS; Annandale Apts. Murfreesboro TN; Ashford Place Apts, W. Monroe LA Hilton Garden Inn, Madison; Hampton Inn, Ridgeland & Hernando; Holiday Inn Express, Jackson; Hotel Indigo; Cotton House Hotel

Pemberton Plaza, Shops of Richland, Crossgates Corners, Crossgates Landing, 220-Highland Colony Business Park, Spring Lake Cove Village Square Shopping Center in Forest, MS, various single family homeowner associations in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties.

Riverhills Tower; 3000 Fondren; Madison Market; Strawberry Festival Market; Charmant Station; Colony Crossing; North Regency Square

Edgewater Villager, Biloxi; Northcourt One, Gulfport; Shoppes at Popps Ferry, Biloxi; Toggery Bldg, Gulfport; Gulf Coast Professional Tower Outlets of Mississippi, Trustmark Park, Bass Pro Shops, Pearl, MS; The Beach Club, Gulf Shores, AL; Turquoise Place, Orange Beach, AL Spruill Northside Apartments; Spruill Townhouses; Spruill Midtown; Spruill Townhomes; Quarles Properties.

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION

February 2021 Issue

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Property Management Firms

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FIRMS Property Management Firms Company Address

Phone Website

Top Officer Founded

Major Properties

StateStreet Group, LLC 601-981-4445 John K. Ditto statestreetgroup.com 1971 P.O. Box 13925, Jackson, MS 39236-3925 T.L. Brown Properties 601-981-1170 Tim Brown tlbrownproperties.com 1979 1991 Lakeland Dr., Ste. J, Jackson, MS 39216 Terramark 601-345-3335 Trey Guerieri terramarkcre.com 2012 4775 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, MS 39211 The Cress Group, LLC 601-707-1300 Gary Cress cresscre.com 1992 661 Sunnybrook Rd, Suite 120, Ridgeland, MS 39157 The District Management Co., LLC 601-914-0800 Breck Hines, Ted Duckworth thedistrictateastover.com 2015 308 E. Pearl St. Suite 200, Jackson, MS 39201 TRI Inc. Commercial Realtors 662-842-8283 Clay Short trirealestate.net 1952 324 Troy St, Tupelo, MS 38804 Woodlands Realty Group, LLC 601-956-9833 Russell Wilcox woodlandsrealtygroup.com 2003 800 Woodlands Pkwy., Ste. 118, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Information provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

200 N. Congress, 1501 Lakeland Bldg, 220 Business Park/Highland Colony, Lakeland Square, Eastover Commons, The Quarter Rankin Multi-Purpose Complex, Stone Creek Pl, Fountains of Madison Bldg, Commerce Park Bldg, Lakeland Oaks, East Pointe Business Park LeFluer Square Offices; 16 Northtown Dr, 3220 N State St, 3977 Terry Rd, 6080 Highway 18 W. Horne Building, Ridgeland, MS, 200-202 W. Jackson Street, Ridgeland; 2550 Flowood Drive, Flowood, Destin Florida and Crestview, Florida The District at Eastover; One Eastover Center Regions Bank branch, WestPark Industrial Complex, Walmart Shadow Centers, Elite PT, Kindred Healthcare, Girl Scouts Heart of South HQ Woodlands Office Park - Class A Office Park in Ridgeland, MS

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education and work-force training February 2021 Issue • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

Cost-effective path to good career offered by state’s community colleges

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

M

ississippi community colleges are the most cost effective post-secondary education that offers a direct pathway into a career, said Dr. Andrea Mayfield, executive director, Mississippi Community College Board.

“And that is important,” Mayfield said. “Nobody wants to finish college at any level owing a lot of money and not having any real job prospects. That is something our state really can’t afford.”

Mayfield said at the community and junior colleges, affordability is a priority. And community colleges are open-access institutions meaning regardless of how much education you have had in the past, there are opportunities available.

“Say you didn’t finish high school,” Mayfield said.

“Community colleges offer a pathway to earn high school equivalency while simultaneously learning a skill in career and technical education pathways. Maybe you attended a four-year university and you can’t find a job with your degree. Community colleges are a perfect option for people. It doesn’t matter if you have a Ph.D. You

can return to the community college, complete some skills training, and get a job making a good salary.

“In the end, isn’t that what most people want? They want a secure career opportunity and to be able to afford things they deem important to sustain their family. The community colleges certainly provide that opportunity at about one-third the cost of a public university.

If you look at private universities, those are much more.”

Often the community colleges enroll students who were laid off or looking for a different type of career. They can get non-credit workforce training that puts them in a pipeline to a job.

It isn’t unusual for recent high school gradMayfield uates, in particular, to be uncertain what they want to do for a career. Taking courses at a community college is an inexpensive way for

a student to explore the possibilities. Another advantage Mayfield points to is that each college has a feel for what local businesses and industry need.

“They really understand which jobs are in demand, and how many are available,” Mayfield said. “Their partnership with business and industry gives them an advantage when it comes to designing training programs because there is nobody who knows what the skill needs are more so than the company itself. The close relationship between community colleges and industry is really essential to providing relevant workforce training opportunities.”

The work force today changes very quickly, and often.

Colleges need to be able to pivot on a dime to shift gears and make changes at any point in time so they are producing a workforce that has the relevant skill sets and knowledge to satisfy the needs of Mississippi companies.

“The community colleges certainly have the flexibly to do that,” Mayfield said. “They want their students to graduate, become employed and contribute to the economic tax base. Our colleges want companies to be satisfied and productive with the people they hire coming out of the community college system. With recent See COLLEGES, Page 29

EDUCATION AND WORK-FORCE TRAINING COLLEGES

Continued from Page 28

changes during the pandemic, community colleges will continue to be the cornerstone to economic recovery because they do offer such diverse opportunities for workforce training that meets local and state needs.”

Some higher education experts say the country is seeing a decade’s worth of change in education in just one year as a result of the pandemic. Mayfield agrees with that.

“A good example is pre-COVID, we had a face-to-face format for workforce training,” she said. “We had to react quickly when everything shut down and we were faced with challenges that now require social distancing and other measures. As a result, we have the online workforce college. That is a consortium of all 15 community colleges. It is still skill-based training that culminates in certifications, and it is all available online.

These training modules were developed by companies nationwide.”

Mayfield said sometimes when life throws obstacles in your direction, those are blessings in disguise or they can become opportunities, if you let them.

With the online work-force college, they

can continue offering an opportunity for reskilling to help someone enter a better-paying career while gaining a renewed sense of purpose.

“And the state is going to benefit because when we position people for high-paying careers and when they are employed in those careers, not only do those individuals benefit, but the state benefits in terms of revenue,” Mayfield said.

Some people, including parents, don’t have a lot of time to get the training needed. They can’t wait one or two years.

Companies can’t wait a year or two to get employees with the skills needed.

“Short-term training is something that has really grown,” Mayfield said. “It is important because companies are relying on the people community colleges are producing, and it has to happen very quickly to meet the increasing demand.”

After Mayfield had her master’s degree, she was still making only $22,000 per year as a teacher.

“If I had known about career technical education way back then, I may have been a plumber, an electrician, a machinist, a lineman or something else,” she said.

In terms of short-term training, some of the most popular courses are for heavy

February 2021 Issue

equipment operators, welders, diesel mechanics, pipe fitters, electricians, health care workers, advanced manufacturing workers and information technology specialists.

Allen “We are seeing a shift to virtual reality and virtual simulated development,” she said. “You need coders and people to develop those simulated environments.”

Dr. Jay Allen, president of Itawamba Community College and president of the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges State Workforce Education Committee, said that during 2019, community colleges in the state trained more than 96,000 workers in 875 industries.

ICC provided workforce training, many leading to credentials, for 11,104 people totaling 134,236 training contact hours.

“Mississippi Community Colleges are an instrumental part of work-force training,” Allen said. “We are not experts in everything, but we have the ability to bring in experts. Industrial maintenance tech is something we are really known for at ICC including providing training for

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workers at Toyota Blue Springs and its suppliers to assist in keeping those factories running.”

Allen said industrial maintenance requires not just knowing how to use wrenches and other tools, but also how to operate programmable logic controllers.

“We have to teach skills for robotics and automated engineering programs in order to provide skilled labor needed now and for the future,” Allen said.

All 15 community colleges play a similar role in their community, and Allen said they have a huge impact. For example, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College helps provide training for specialties like welding needed at the state’s largest private employer, Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula.

“Each part of the state serves the employers in their area,” Allen said. “Our goal is to get better at what we are doing every day. We frequently tour manufacturing sites to see what they are doing and how we can help. We need to find out what is changing that we need to be prepared for two years down the road.

That is why we added robotics and automated engineering programs, seeing that the need out there is great.”

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February 2021 Issue

EDUCATION AND WORK-FORCE TRAINING

Pandemic could change the face of higher education forever

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

T

he pandemic has caused many colleges and universities to quickly shift to online courses, and most of the popular extracurricular activities that draw students have been severely curtained in order to stop the spread of the virus. There are some predictions that the pandemic may change higher education forever, and that a significant number of colleges across the country could shrink in enrollment or even close in the next 15 years.

With widespread economic harm from the pandemic, it is possible more students and parents will either not be able to afford or will choose not to pay the high cost of a four-year college—especially if the degree ends up running up tens of thousands in student loan debt without providing a secure career path.

Dr. Alfred Rankins, Jr., Mississippi Commissioner of Higher Education, said Mississippi public universities are at an

advantage offering an excellent education at an affordable cost.

Rankins said Mississippi’s average annual residential tuition rate at public universities is $7,726. The average residential tuition rate at public universities

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in neighboring states is higher: • Arkansas: $9,634, which is 25 percent higher than Mississippi • Alabama: $10,002, which is 29 percent higher than Mississippi • Louisiana: $10,015, which is 30 percent higher than Mississippi • Tennessee: $10,394, which is 35 percent higher than Mississippi “Affordability is one of many factors that students consider when deciding whether to pursue a college degree and which institution to attend,” Rankin said.

“Affordability, location, extracurricular offerings, campus atmosphere, academic programs, successful alumni, talented faculty, research and internship opportunities, and many other factors influence a student’s decision. How heavily each of these factors weighs in on the decision varies from student to student.”

Rankins said they know students and families expect a strong return on investment for the time and financial resources they devote to their education, and rightfully so. He said Mississippi Public Universities are constantly revising degree offerings to respond to the changing needs of the workforce.

“Our universities examine every opportunity to add more STEM degrees, workforce certifications, and other credentials,” Rankins said. “We prepare students to get a good job today and also prepare them to adapt and succeed as their career progresses over a 30-year time period, which will include the addition of many jobs that do not even exist today. Over the past five years, Mississippi Public Universities have had a 12 percent increase in all degrees awarded and a 29.5 percent increase in STEM degrees awarded.”

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted higher education, just as it has disrupted most other business sectors, as well as people’s daily lives. However, Mississippi Public Universities have adapted by increasing the offerings of online and hybrid classes and finding ways to continue research and serve communities using technology to adhere to social distancing guidelines, Rankins said.

“While some predict the long-term impact of the pandemic on higher education, how accurate those predictions are will not be known for several decades,” Rankins said. “Universities are responding to student needs by offering more online and hybrid classes, but these options were already available through advancements in technology and network infrastructure. The pandemic has just accelerated that process. However, we have also found that, while technology provides flexibility in course delivery, there is still a great demand for the in-person instructional model.”

He said it is also important to remember that education is just one segment of the universities’ tri-fold mission of education, reRankins search, and service. Universities conduct research that help improve and save lives and serve communities, businesses, and farmers in every corner of the state.

“While the coronavirus pandemic has been disruptive to higher education, Mississippi Public Universities will continue to provide crucial services to its students and the state by adapting, pivoting and fine-tuning as needed to fulfill its mission and provide a great return on investment,” Rankins said.

Mississippi’s colleges and universities have a major impact on the economy of the state and of the cities where they are located. Mississippi Public Universities have eight main campuses, 23 satellite centers and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The system employs about 27,746 across the state, and there are about 95,000 students enrolled.

According to studies, the median household income for a high school graduate is $25,954, while that figure for a college graduate is $40,952.

EDUCATION AND WORK-FORCE TRAINING

MBA Programs

MBA Programs

February 2021 Issue

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MBA PROGRAMS

Institution Address

Website Telephone

Programs

Dean/Director Semester cost

Online Program

1

Belhaven University 1500 Peachtree St., Jackson, MS 39202

belhaven.edu 601-968-5940

Master of Business Administration

Chip Mason, III $3,450

Yes

300

2

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

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

MBA/iMBA

Billy C. Moore $3,976

Yes

230

3

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

mc.edu 601-925-3000

M.B.A. program

Marcelo Eduardo $9,675

Yes

170

4

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

usm.edu/business/mba 228-214-3496

MBA

J. Bret Becton $4,393

Yes

155

5

University of Mississippi 320 Holman Hall, University, MS 38677

olemissbusiness.com/mba 662-915-5483

Ken Cyree

N/A

80

6

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

alcorn.edu 601-877-6100

MBA, Master of Business Administration

A. Benedict Udemgba

Yes

75

7

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

mvsu.edu 662-254-8374

MBA

Curressia L.M. Brown $7,854

Yes

70

8

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

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

MBA or MPA

Fidelis M. Ikem $4,223

N/A

60

9

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

millsaps.edu 601-974-1000

Master of Business Administration

Kimberly G Burke

No

50

10

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

wmcarey.edu 601-318-6199

MBA

Cheryl Dale

Yes

41

11

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

Masters of Business Administration

Sharon Oswald

Yes

25

12

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

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

Marty Brock

N/A

15

Rank

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

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February 2021 Issue

Protesting in the road?

Senator says you should pay the price

L

egislation authored by a Northeast Mississippi lawmaker that would punish protesters blocking roadways without a permit with jail time and a hefty fine initially drew bipartisan opposition and appeared dead, but came back to life hours later as a revised version of an existing law that garnered unanimous support from a Senate committee.

Sen. Chad McMahan, R-Guntown, said he introduced the “Freedom of Roadway Act” at the request of Tupelo Police Chief Bart Aguirre. The original version of the bill was aimed at protesters who take to the streets without prior approval and block traffic. It stipulated they could face fines up to $1,500 and a year in jail for a first offense.

“It is important that McMahan Mississippians have confidence that they can travel on our roadways without being obstructed,” McMahan told the Daily Journal.

The legislation was hotly debated and failed to pass out of the Senate Judiciary B Committee after garnering concerns from several of McMahan’s fellow Republicans.

The committee met again in the evening, however, and took up the legislation again.

That’s when Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, and other lawmakers pointed out a similar law was already on the books – just with smaller criminal penalties.

Simmons wondered aloud: Shouldn’t lawmakers just update the existing law, but with the higher fines and longer potential jail sentences that McMahan had included in his legislation?

That’s what the committee ultimately did after realizing the current law’s language – which bans anyone including protesters from “willfully” obstructing traffic on any street – was sufficient.

“The right to assembly and the right to protest is a

First Amendment right,” McMahan explained to his colleagues earlier in the day. “But I think freedom of the roadway, for those that travel, is equally important.”

Senators asked McMahan whether a specific incident in Tupelo prompted him and Aguirre to push the road obstruction legislation. McMahan said there wasn’t, and Aguirre confirmed to the Daily Journal he became concerned about the issue only after seeing protesters in other cities over the summer around the country “blocking the highways and bridges and roadways and were stopping interstate commerce.”

“This is just trying to keep something from happening up here,” the chief added.

Several lawmakers raised concerns about unintended consequences of McMahan’s bill. What if someone is holding an unpermitted block party in their neighborhood that spills out onto the street? Sen. Juan Barnett,

D-Heidelberg, wondered if they would be in violation of the law. How about if a father puts out orange cones on the road to warn drivers that his children are playing and riding bikes? Sen. Jeremy England, R-Vancleave, wondered if he could face prosecution.

“If that father is protesting speeders in his neighborhood by putting out orange cones, we are now increasing the penalty that father would be liable for – just for trying to protect his family,” England added. “I don’t like us passing bills that might lead us to unintended consequences.”

“I’m worried about criminalizing potentially protected speech,” added Simmons before the bill was initially rejected.

Later, England at first offered to tweak the bill to only cover highways and interstates. But then several lawmakers expressed satisfaction with the existing law save for the lesser penalties – up to $500 or 6 months in county jail for obstructing a road.

Lawmakers inserted McMahan’s stiffer penalties – $1,500 and a year in jail – into the existing language.

A second offense, committee members agreed, should result in up to a $2,500 fine and at least 30 days in jail, according to the amended bill.

“I personally don’t think a $1,500 fine is excessive for someone who refuses to move when I’m trying to get to work, or trying to get to the hospital,” said Angela Burks Hill, R-Picayune.

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February 2021 Issue

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Mississippi could erase licensing for some types of jobs Mississippi could do away with licensconservative lobbying group that seeks ing requirements for certain professions, to reduce government regulations. a move supporters say could eliminate House Bill 1312 has passed the barriers to more people entering the Accountability, Efficiency, Transwork force. parency Committee, and is awaiting Lawmakers in the House and Senate consideration in the full House. are considering several bills dealing with » House Bill 1303 would remove a occupational licensing. Republican Lt. requirement that nurse practitioners leah willingham Gov. Delbert Hosemann said that he has not enter into a collaborative agreement with read the occupational licensing bills that are being a physician to serve patients.

The bill would exempt nurse practitioners, or “adconsidered in the House, but he believes the Senate and House are “in unison on reducing the regulatory vanced practice registered nurses,” from having to contract with a physician after 3,600 hours of practice. burden.”

Republican Rep. Donnie Scoggin of Ellisville, the “The regulatory burden is an economic burden,” Hosemann said. “We intend to address it every time bill’s sponsor, said the change could allow more people, especially those living in rural areas, access to that it comes forward.”

Hosemann said that could mean eliminating reg- health care.

“Nurse practitioners will continue to serve in the ulations or eliminating state commissions that are most rural, underserved part of our state,” Scoggin setting regulations. » House Bill 1315, sponsored by Republican Speak- said. “This will help to save Medicaid millions of doler Philip Gunn, would remove licensing for art thera- lars as we try to improve the chronic, poor health care pists, massage therapists, auctioneers, interior design- of the state of Mississippi.” ers and people who size and fit wigs for customers.

House Bill 1315 passed the House and will head to Republican Rep. Randy Boyd said the current re- the Senate for more work. quirements are “impeding progress in getting jobs and » Senate Bill 2187 and House Bill 1263 would reallow people to make a living in this state.” quire the state to recognize occupational licenses ob“We just felt like the qualifications don’t necessar- tained in another state.

Licensing boards would be required to issue occuily need to be met by the government. They need to be met by the people who use those facilities,” said pational licenses for professions without new testing Boyd, who is or classroom training if a person held a license in good chairman of standing from another state for at least one year.

Professions covered under this legislation could the House Acc o u n t a b i l i t y, include nursing and architecture.

Licensing boards would also be required to issue liEfficiency and Transparency censes if a person worked at least three years in a state that did not require a license for their occupation.

Committee.

The Senate has not yet considered its bill. The The bill doesn’t stop House passed its own bill and sent it to the Senate. » House Bill 208 would remove a requirement that people in those fields from get- psychologists complete a one-year postdoctoral felting additional training if they wish, Boyd said. An lowship to receive a license after obtaining a doctorate.

Republican Rep. Missy McGee of Hattiesburg said earlier version of the bill would have abolished licensing requirements for funeral directors, but that the change was a request from the Mississippi Board of Psychology. provision was removed.

“During a time when psychologists are in short House Bill 1315 passed the House and was held for the possibility of more debate before it moves to supply in the state and there are many concerns with the Senate. mental health issues with our state, they believe that » House Bill 1312 would remove the licensing re- this is a deterrent to recruit psychologists to our quirement for eyebrow threading, applying makeup state,” McGee said Wednesday. and applying eyelash extensions.

House Bill 208 passed the House and will head to Right now, Mississippi requires either an estheti- the Senate for more work. cian license or cosmetology license for these practic» LEAH WILLINGHAM is a corps member for the Associated Press/ es, or does not explicitly permit the practice.

This leaves a gray area for the Board of Cosmetol- Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in loogy to regulate, according to Empower Mississippi, a cal newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

“We just felt like the qualifications don’t necessarily need to be met by the government.."

ART THERAPY

MASSAGE THERAPY

INTERIOR DESIGN

AUCTIONEER

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PERSPECTIVE

February 2021 Issue

Bradley's Cupples, Fortenberry elected to Capital Area Bar Association board B radley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Margaret Oertling Cupples and Jason Fortenberry, attorneys in the firm’s Jackson office, have been elected to the board of the Capital Area Bar Association (CABA).

Cupples, who is managing partner of Bradley’s Jackson office, will serve as secretary for one year, then as treasurer for one year, before becoming the organization’s president. Fortenberry will serve a two-year term as a director.

CABA is a voluntary bar associa-

tion that serves Hinds County and the metropolitan areas of Madison and Rankin Counties. It provides members with opportunities to engage on current legal issues through publications, CLEs and key speakers. It also supports state and federal judiciaries and the importance of law through advocacy and initiatives, encourages and financially supports pro bono opportunities, engages in diversity issues affecting law practice, and supports legal education opportunities through scholarships.

Linen service invests $5.8 million, adds 75 jobs in Greenville buyout

H

ealth-care laundry company Westport Linen Services has established operations in Greenville. The $5.8 million corporate investment will create 75 jobs and retain 75 existing jobs.

Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Westport bought Broadway Linen Services in Greenville.

Mississippi Development Authority

is providing $50,000 for workforce training. Westport Linen also qualifies for an MDA program that provides income, franchise, sales and property tax incentives to companies that locate or expand in these areas of Mississippi.

Westport Linen began operations in Greenville in December.

– MBJ Staff

C Spire named one of best mid-sized employers in U.S.

by Forbes and Statista, Inc.

C

Spire has been named one of the top mid-sized employers in the U.S. in 2021 by Forbes, a leading American business magazine, and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider, it was announced today.

C Spire, a privately-owned, Mississippi-based diversified telecommunications and technology services company, was the third highest rated firm in its industry category. The list of the top 500 mid-size companies is based on a survey of 50,000 U.S. employees working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees.

“Attracting and retaining the best talent means offering a strong compensation and benefits package, a positive, performance-driven work environment where wins are celebrated and opportunities for growth, learning and development,” said Barb Miller, senior vice president of Human Relations for C Spire, which employs 1,800-plus workers in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

Miller said the ranking recognizes that C Spire is committed to helping employees excel, including the opportunity to work on innovative projects and next-generation technologies in small, diverse teams, which provide team members with a chance to expand their knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences, leading to better products and services.

“Our culture supports innovation, internal growth and the ability to work with diverse teams on new ideas using cutting-edge technologies that serve our customers and improve the quality of life for everyone in our service areas.

In addition, we give back to the communities we serve through our Tech Movement initiative and we encourage team member involvement,” she added.

“We’re pleased that C Spire has been named to this prestigious list, but it’s really all about our great team members,” said CEO Hu Meena. “Our employees are proud innovators, pioneers and game-changers who push boundaries and bring next-level technology to market. We have the team with the vision, drive and backbone to win every day and that’s exactly what we do.”

Forbes and Statista selected the lists for America’s best large and mid-size employers in 2021 through an independent survey across 25 industry sectors. A total of 1,000 companies were honored this year, including 500 large employers and 500 mid-size employers. The evaluation was based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees that were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employee evaluations also included other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively.

February 2021 Issue

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For NASA engineer Christine Powell, Stennis Space Center is home As far as Christine Powell is concerned, NASA’s Apollo Program and the original Star Wars movie changed everything for her.

“The image of a starscape is branded in my memory,” said Powell, as she reflected on the impact of the movie and NASA’s missions to the Moon. “Space and the stars and exploring the universe became a huge part of my life growing up. Working for NASA or doing something related to space became my main goal.”

Powell took a major step toward achieving her goal in college when she was offered a chance to work at Stennis Space Center, near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, through the Mississippi State University Co-Op Program. Thirty years later, she remains at the site, serving as assistant director of the Stennis Engineering and Test Directorate.

For Powell, Stennis is home. A Biloxi native and Carriere resident, she is a lifelong member of the Gulf Coast family. Her family heritage traces back to members of the exploration party that reached Mississippi with Pierre LeMoyne Sieur d’Iberville in 1699. In addition, with her years of subsequent work on site, Powell also has found a true place within the Stennis family.

Powell became a full-time employee at Stennis in 1995 and has served in various roles, including as a controls engineer, instrumentation engineer, data acquisition engineer, test project console operator, systems engineer lead, project manager, and systems engineering branch chief.

In her current position, she leads the Project Formulation, Planning and Control Office and oversees staff functions for various site contracts and office areas. Powell also serves on several program- and agency-level teams and committees, leads efficiency and effectiveness initiatives for propulsion testing, and oversees the data, risk, and business management functions in the directorate.

The work involves direct support of NASA’s Artemis program to return humans, including the first woman, to the Moon. Stennis is testing the engines and stages

for the new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket that will serve as the backbone of the program and, eventually, fly to Mars.

For her part, Powell works to help maximize limited resources, serves on the operational readiness committee for SLS core stage testing, supports agency teams as they evaluate mission concepts and strategies, and serves as a spokesperson to community, student, and industry groups to promote NASA and its Artemis and mission goals.

The work has its challenges, especially as COVID-19 has impacted operations. “It has been challenging to find a way to maintain relationships, communication, and morale in a ‘virtual’ world,” Powell said. “I have been very impressed by our center leadership in the proactive approaches to engage employees and find solutions in enabling onsite operations.”

The leadership and resilience of the center comes as no surprise. For Powell, it is a direct reflection of the commitment and creativity of the Stennis workforce.

“Our workforce is our biggest asset, and I am proud to be a part of this organization, particularly at this time,” she said. “Stennis is one of the most engaging and energetic cultures I have seen. Personnel work hard but make time to take care of each other. We respect differences and encourage workforce diversity to ensure we are exposed to new ideas, different perspectives, and different approaches to solving problems.”

Powell looks back at her continuing career with pride – at being able to help small companies reach testing goals, assist colleagues, and mentor employees.

“It all makes me feel like I am doing my part in helping NASA and the programs succeed,” said Powell, who has received a host of achievement awards for her work.

Looking ahead, Powell is excited to see where new technologies, test projects, and missions lead NASA and the center. As for herself, she knows exactly where the roads goes – home, where she belongs and has been all along.

» NASA engineer Christine Powell has found a home at Stennis Space Center, where she began work as a student intern 30 years ago.

Wise Carter announces commitment to Heritage Building, Downtown Jackson Wise Carter has announced its continuing commitment to downtown Jackson and the Heritage Building on Capitol Street and the completion of major office renovations. Wise Carter has resided in the Heritage Building since 1983. After extensive research and analysis, Wise Carter entered a new lease with LeFleur’s Bluff Properties, LLC, and will remain in downtown Jackson.

Shortly after signing the new lease, Wise Carter like the entire country was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this tragedy and its many challenges, major renovations to the Wise Carter offices and the entire Heritage Building, designed by architect Steven Davis of Canizaro Cauthen Davis and interior designer Lorrie Driver of Interior Design, LLC, have now been completed.

The remodeled space features a new first floor conference center with an attorney lounge and a newly remodeled reception entrance to the building’s showpiece—the atrium and grand stairwell between the fifth and sixth floors.

The first floor lounge, known as the ’83 Lounge in memory of Wise Carter’s first year in the Heritage Building (1983) and conference center, open to an adjacent New Orleans style brick courtyard that will be used for firm and community events.

All attorney offices and interior spaces have been updated and upgraded. Guests will now enter through the Capitol Street entrance through the new Grand Hallway.

Kip Gibert of LeFleur’s Bluff Properties, LLC said, “We are truly excited Wise Carter has reaffirmed its commitment to Downtown and the Heritage building. Both Downtown and the Heritage build-

ing, with their rich history and architecture, remain outstanding values and include walkable access to a variety of services and amenities. Downtown Jackson is a great place to live, work and play.”

The Heritage Building, formerly the McRae’s Department Store, overlooks the Governor’s Mansion and has commanding views of the Old Capitol and Capitol St. The Building was originally constructed in 1906.

Steve Davis, AIA, Principal, Canizaro Cawthon Davis, remarked, “We are honored to work with

Wise Carter and Speed Commercial Real Estate to create an office environment that reflects the nature of the Wise Carter firm. While they remain in the historic Heritage Building, the new office reflects the needs and operations of a 21st century law firm.

Wise Carter’s commitment to the Heritage Building and downtown Jackson is exciting to see.“ Charlie Ross, President of Wise Carter, said, “Wise Carter has always been a downtown Jackson law firm, and we are please to continue as a downtown Jackson law firm in our home since 1983.”

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February 2021 Issue

The First Bancshares: 4Q Earnings Snapshot The First Bancshares Inc. recently reported fourth-quarter earnings of $15.3 million.

The Hattiesburg, Mississippi-based bank said it had earnings of 72 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to 65 cents per share.

The bank holding company posted revenue of $56.5 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $50.4 million, which topped Street forecasts.

» The Courthouse Lofts at Walthall is expected to open at the end of this month./Photos by Jack Weatherly

Old courthouse moves from trials to apartments

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

F

or decades, there was an informal relationship between the James O. Eastland Federal Building and the Walthall Hotel.

They are two doors apart on Capitol Street in downtown Jackson.

The hostelry offered accommodations for out-of-towners involved in some of the trials.

The Walthall closed in 2010 and became the Walthall Lofts last July. It has 154 studio and one-bedroom units.

Around the end of this month, the former federal building and courthouse will be complete and have a formalized working relationship with its erstwhile

» Art Deco is the style of the old building.

bed buddy.

There will be 101 studios and one-bedroom units in the Courthouse at Walthall Lofts, starting at $1,100 and topping out at $3,000 for the largest one bedroom.

Occupancy in the Walthall Lofts is “55 percent and growing,” Scott Sledge, vice president of hotel operations for Certified Hospitality LLC of Canton, said recently in an email.

The Courthouse at the Walthall Lofts will have complete access to all Walthall Lofts amenities, including the pool, business center and billiards room.

The buildings are connected by a fourth-floor skywalk.

The courthouse building was erected in 1933 in the Art Deco style.

It is in the Smith Park Architectural District, which means it qualifies for federal and state historic tax credits.

Because of its historical nature, developers have had to avoid altering or removing key architectural and artistic elements.

For instance, a judge's dais will preside over the fitness room.

And in one unit is a steel door that says, “No Weapons Beyond This Point.” Beyond the door is the kitchen. In that same apartment, there is a walk-in safe that had been used for storage of weapons.

Steel spiral stairways have been added

For the year, the company reported profit of $52.5 million, or $2.52 per share. Revenue was reported as $194.6 million.

The First Bancshares shares have climbed slightly more than 1 percent since the beginning of the year. The stock has dropped 8 percent in the last 12 months.

Renasant: 4Q Earnings Snapshot Renasant Corp. (RNST) on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $31.5 million.

The bank, based in Tupelo, Mississippi, said it had earnings of 56 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were 68 cents per share.

The results surpassed Wall Street expectations.

The average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 59 cents per share.

» Spiral staircases set the style in some units.

to some units.

The building originally included the U.S. Post Office, federal offices, and the U.S. District Court. It was the setting of many historic civil rights trials through the 1950s and 1960s, in which U.S. Sen. James O. Eastland, a staunch segregationist, may have found himself at odds with certain arguments. It was added to the National Register of Historic Structures in 1976.

The holding company for Renasant Bank posted revenue of $184.8 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $171 million, also topping Street forecasts. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $167.1 million.

For the year, the company reported profit of $83.7 million, or $1.48 per share. Revenue was reported as $662.3 million.

Renasant shares have increased 14% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Tuesday, shares hit $38.43, an increase of 16% in the last 12 months.

February 2021 Issue

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Delta Health System announces First Hospital expansion to Coahoma County

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cott Christensen, Chief Executive Officer, Delta Health System, has announced that as of February 1, 2021, Northwest Mississippi Regional Hospital, in Clarksdale will be the first hospital expansion under the recently formed Delta Health System. The hospital will continue operations under management by Delta Health System and will be called Delta Health-Northwest Regional.

“Delta Health System was formed to support healthcare in communities and to provide stability and medical expertise that ensures viability of the local area’s hospital and clinics,’ said Christensen. “Our team is invigorated to begin expanding healthcare services with this loyal and dedicated staff based in Coahoma County who have been providing exceptional patient care for many years.”

Top priorities of the Delta Health System team are to establish and strengthen physician relationships, enhance emergency room services, provide addi-

superior care given at this facility. “The existing staff has been delivering quality care and our team is thrilled to be able tional primary care with select special- to stabilize and broaden services and ties and increase awareness to the coun- providers,” said Christensen. “It is imty and surrounding areas concerning the perative to amplify communications to the communities concerning the skilled healthcare providers, staff and services performed at this facility.”

Delta Health System has been working closely with the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors about the management of the hospital facility. “The Coahoma County leadership demonstrated the importance of continuing and growing quality healthcare in their community. We are extremely pleased to close this transaction and extend our mission right here at home. Our goal is to continue their Articles are reformatted to fit on either one or two pages with Mississippi long-standing relationships with Business Journal masthead on the top of the page. Article size is 8.5” x 11”. Framed articles take approximately one month to complete. the local community to provide superior care by Delta citizens for Delta citizens,” said Christensen.

Delta Health System staff from various facilities have been working together to ensure a smooth transition. Communication has been ongoing and essential with the same goal of providing excellent patient care.

“On behalf of the Coahoma Frame size 14” x 16.5” Frame size 23” x 16.5” Plaque 9” x 12” or County Board of Supervisors, I $199 $250 8” x 10” - $199 am looking forward to working with the Delta Health System Article or list will be reformatted with Mississippi Business Journal masthead personnel to improve the quality on the top of the page and be provided in PDF format. of health in our county. Everyone has been extremely amicable to Call: 601-364-1044 Fax: 601-364-1007 work with and think this will be Fax or mail: Mississippi Business Journal Attn: Marcia Thompson a good partnership,” said John132 Riverview Dr., Ste E, Flowood, MS 39232 ny Newsom, President Coahoma Email: marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com County Supervisors.

Good News is worth repeating

Framed Article

digital reprint WAYS TO ORDER

Locker manufacturer to open Batesville plant, create 60 jobs Lockers Manufacturing announced that it will open a manufacturing operation in Batesville.

The project is a $5.35 million corporate investment and will create 60 jobs by the end of 2024.

Lockers Manufacturing, based in Piperton, Tenn. near Memphis, produces storage systems, including smart lockers, computer cabinets, storage cabinets and commercial shelving.

It purchased a 62,000-square-foot facility in Batesville’s original industrial zone where it plans to begin new lines of production by Oct. 1.

“After a multiple-state vetting process, we are proud to select and bring manufacturing jobs to the great state of Mississippi,” said Lockers Manufacturing Founder and CEO Keith Dunham.

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing a $350,000 grant for assistance in equipment relocation and installation. Lockers Manufacturing also qualifies for the Advantage Jobs Rebate Program, a rebate program for eligible businesses that create new jobs exceeding the average annual wage of the state or county in which the company locates or expands. Panola County also is assisting with this project.

“The new Batesville facility will contain manufacturing machines from lasers, punch presses, press brakes, welding stations, final assembly and a new seven-stage, state-of -the-art powder coat line. Our [Northwest Mississippi Community College] Concourse Skills Training Center played a deciding factor in their recruitment,” said Panola Partnership Director of Economic Development Joe Azar.

–MBJ Staff

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February 2021 Issue

Oxford pulled together as ice caused havoc in communities W

eathering storms has become normal operating procedure for city governments these days. From pandemics and protests to winter weather storms, we have traveled a lot of ground over the past year. There has got to be a break in store for us sometime in the near future!

Most citizens have no idea what is going on behind the scenes of their local government to make sure city services are provided. I want to take this opportunity to share some of the stories of why the citizens of Oxford can be proud of the employees of our great city.

Emergency Management Director Jimmy Allgood and City Engineer Reanna Mayoral started planning Oxford’s response to the severe winter weather days before it moved into our community. They obtained extra loads of slag for the roads and rented equipment to assist with road clearance. They also let contractors know to be on alert to assist during the storm. Obviously, there is only so much you can do to brace for ice and snow in a town that experiences ice and snow so rarely.

The predictions about how bad the winter storm would be were correct. As I sat in my warm house on Friday night watching temperatures drop to levels we rarely see, I began to think about people in our community who were homeless or did not have heat. I contacted several department heads, and we started planning for a temporary emergency shelter to house people during the cold weather.

With the help of employees from the Oxford Park Commission, Oxford Police Department, Oxford Fire Department and Emergency Management, cots

were set up in the Oxford Activity Center, food was stocked and staff was set up to care for anyone who needed our help by Saturday eveTannehill ning. Volunteers provided blankets, and the Oxford Community Market and Chick-fil-A provided food. We were blessed to serve some people who needed a warm space and snacks for a few hours and others who needed a place to sleep and eat for a few days.

City road crews started putting down slag around 3 a.m. Sunday. Many of these city employees went home for the first time five days later – they could not go home because the roads to their homes were impassable. They worked around the clock on snowplows, motor graders, backhoes and other equipment. They slept a few hours each night on cots at the fire department and then woke up to do it all again.

Oxford’s city shop worked around the clock repairing more tires and blades over the past week than they probably did in the last couple of years. You really see the heart people have in these situations. We had employees from almost every city department show up at the shop to ask what they could do to help.

Our Visit Oxford staff arranged meals for all of those out working in the cold all week. Police officers assisted drivers who were stuck and shuttled hospital

employees to and from work. The fire department responded to more calls than we can count at locations where sprinkler systems freezing caused fire alarms to sound.

Oxford Utilities kept the power on with only minor outages and repaired sewer and water line breaks, spending hours knee-deep in frigid water. Neighbors in those areas affected have been kind enough to reach out and let us know how thankful they were for Oxford Utilities quick work and their great attitude under extreme conditions.

I bragged about some these employees online this week only to have several respond, “[w]ell, that’s their job!” That is clearly true, but when you have employees that do such a great job under such terrible conditions with a great attitude they should be recognized. These men and women are great representatives for our city, and they work hard to serve our citizens – in spite of the conditions.

I have been told stories all week by our crews about businesses that saw them working and came out to give them hot chocolate and coffee. Other businesses have provided meals and snacks throughout the week. Many have sent words of encouragement to the crews clearing roads and have called to just say “thank you.” Citizens from across the community offered to volunteer at the shelter and provide meals.

And that is just a glance at what the city employees were doing! Across our community tow truck drivers were pulling cars out of ditches, grocery store workers were showing up to work and stocking shelves so we all had food, pharmacies were finding ways to be open, and neighbors were helping neighbors. Citizens volunteered to work at the shelter or take groceries to someone without transportation.

I have been reminded of Helen Keller’s quote so many times this week, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” For a small southern town, Oxford came together, and I believe we did pretty darn good.

Thank you, city of Oxford employees.

I could never mention you all, but I am proud to serve with you. Mother Nature is a daunting opponent, but we put up a hell of a fight. » ROBYN TANNEHILL is the mayor of Oxford.

Readers can contact her at robyn@oxfordms.net.

Photo by Robert Jordan

Jackson Foodservice gets $86.1 million military contract Merchants Foodservice in Hattiesburg has been awarded a contract worth up to $86.1 million to provide food to military installations in Mississippi and Louisiana, according to U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.)

The fixed-price contract includes economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity provisions. The contract extends to February 2025.

In May, Hyde-Smith announced that Merchants Foodservice had received a $10.3 million contract through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which provides fresh foods to food banks and other nonprofits hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Southwest Mississippi Mental Health Complex gets $4 million Southwest Mississippi Mental Health Complex has been awarded a $4 million grant by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center.

The grant, one of two awarded in Mississippi, is to increase access to mental health and expand and support services across a region headquartered in McComb that includes Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Franklin, Lawrence, Jefferson, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson counties.

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics provide a community with an all-inclusive range of substance use and mental health disorder services, especially for individuals who have the most complex needs.

Third District U.S. Rep. Michael Guest (Republican, Miss.) assisted in the grant process.

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NEWSMAKERS

February 2021 Issue

Keith Box joins Oak Grove Family Clinic

S. Keith Box, DO, recently joined Hattiesburg Clinic Oak Grove Family Clinic.

At Oak Grove Family Clinic, Box offers primary care for the entire family. His special practice interests include preventative care and sports medicine.

Box received his medical degree from Pikeville College Box School of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Ky., and he completed his residency in family medicine at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Box is board certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Mississippi State Medical Association and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians.

Box is a native of Ripley.

Robinson joins Phi Theta Kappa staff

Brandon Robinson of Bells, Texas, has joined Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s staff as special assistant to the President and CEO. In this role, Robinson will provide administrative, communications, and research support to PTK’s President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, and oversee special events at PTK’s Headquarters in Jackson.

Previously, Robinson was Robinson a training manager for The Massey Organization, which operates multiple quick service restaurants in the Dallas area. He served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Robinson was inducted into PTK at Grayson College in Texas. He served as an officer in his chapter and in the Texas Region, was a finalist for PTK International Office, the highest position of student leadership available, and represents Texas on the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation’s Alumni Advisory Board.

He remains active in the Texas Region, serving as the Director of Sponsorship.

Robinson holds an associate degree in business administration from Grayson College and will complete his bachelor’s degree in management science in the fall of 2021 from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

For full versions of Newsmakers visit www.msbusiness.com

Boys & Girls Club officers announced

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta has announced its slate of officers for the organization’s 2021 operating year.

Leading the organization’s Board of Directors as president will be Bethany Tarpley, an attorney at Jacks, Griffith, Luciano in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Other Board officers include Vice President Allan Michael, Michael Secretary Doreen Muzzi, and Treasurer John Wallace.

Michael is owner and proprietor of Lofts on the Square in Grenada, Mississippi. Muzzi, of Shaw, Mississippi, serves as senior content specialist for the Bader-Rutter Advertising Agency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wallace is the former school board president for the Tarpley Yazoo City School District.

“The Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta provides the leadership and vision for the organization, one of the largest geographically in the national Boys & Girls Club movement, as it works to ensure the Muzzi children in the Mississippi Delta, especially those who need us most, reach their full potential as caring, productive, and responsible citizens,” says CEO David Dallas.

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, or donate your time available resources, Wallace visit bgcmsdelta.org and/or facebook.com/bgcmsdelta.

Van Atter joins PTK headquarters staff

Pattie Van Atter has joined Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s (PTK) Headquarters staff in Jackson as the Chapter Development and Outreach Coordinator.

In her new role on PTK’s Student Engagement Team, Van Atter will focus on targeted, data-driven outreach to PTK chapters.

Van Atter is a Phi Theta Kappa member from Rowan College of South Jersey’s Gloucester Campus, where she received an associate degree in education. She was a chapter officer, was named to the All-New Jersey Academic Team, won her college’s PresVan Atter ident’s Medallion for Service and Leadership, and was named a Distinguished Alumna. She helped charter the award-winning Middle States Regional Alumni Association and served as president in 2003-2004.

Van Atter attended Temple University in Pennsyl-

vania on a Phi Theta Kappa transfer scholarship and completed a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Special Education, and Elementary Education. In her role as the Testing Center Coordinator at Delaware Technical Community College’s Wilmington Campus, she served as advisor to the award-winning Alpha Zeta Kappa Chapter and was named Middle States Regional Coordinator in 2012.

In 2013, Van Atter received PTK’s Board of Directors Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of her support of PTK on the local, regional, national, and international levels. She was appointed to serve on the PTK Board of Directors in 2015 and served as Vice Chair from 2016 until her departure from the Board in 2020.

Wise Carter expands to Michigan with opening of Detroit office

Wise Carter is pleased to announce the opening of its newest office in Detroit, Michigan with the addition of Mary C. O’Donnell as firm shareholder.

O’Donnell will practice with the firm’s Railroad group.

“We are pleased to expand our Railroad practice into Michigan,” said Charles E. Ross, President of Wise Carter. “We believe this expansion will benefit

“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to network and grow with my peers from across the state” said Wiggins. “The skills and relationships I will build over the next year will allow me to be a stronger advocate for Washington County and the Alliance.”

The MEDC Scholarship Committee also recently awarded Wiggins a scholarship to attend The University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. Will Coppage, WCEA Executive Director, is thrilled with the recognition his Wiggins project manager has received.

“By hiring Eric, we recognized his abilities and assets for our organization and community” said Coppage. “These accolades show the state also recognizes the talent and leader that we have. I applaud Eric. Well done.”

MEDC is a professional association of economic development, chambers and associated stakeholders who work together to advance the profession and to advance economic development efforts in Mississippi through advocacy, collaboration, education and by providing resources to its members.

Arriola joins Memorial Physician Clinics

our clients and provide additional depth and resources to our Railroad team.”

O’ Donnell focuses her practice on commercial transportation litigation. She represents several railroad clients in rail accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, FELA, occupations/repetitive stress injuries, grade crossings, property damage, employment, eminent domain, and other commercial matters. She has presented before the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel (“NARTC”), The American Association of Railroads (“AAR”), as well as at Railroad Occupational Claims meetings.

O’ Donnell is a member of the NARTC and the State Bar of Michigan. She received her bachelor’s degree With Distinction from the University of Colorado and her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School.

Wise Carter, including its predecessor firms, has represented railroads in Mississippi for over a hundred years. With the largest and most diversified railroad practice in the state, Wise Carter also represents railroads in other states such as Louisiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Wiggins selected for Emerging Leaders Fellows Program

Eric Wiggins, Project Manager for the Washington County Economic Alliance (WCEA), has been selected to participate in the Emerging Leaders Fellows Program. Created by the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), this year-long program gives Mississippi’s young economic developers an opportunity to grow business and leadership skills.

Memorial Physician Clinics recently welcomed Diana Arriola, MD, in the practice of pediatrics at The Children’s Clinic in Long Beach.

Arriola received her medical degree at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando and completed her pediatric residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.

Arriola is board certified in Arriola pediatrics.

Jones named loan officer at Peoples Bank, Magee

Dennis Ammann, President and Chief Executive Officer at Peoples Bank, has announced the hiring of Yolanda R. Jones as a Loan Officer. She will serve in the bank’s Magee Office.

Ms. Jones comes to Peoples Bank after having served in several previous banking roles including teller, loan processor and most recently as a Financial Services Representative.

She is a graduate of Prentiss High School and Pearl River Community College. Ms. Jones Jones has one son, Crissler (Cris) Griffith, age 7. She enjoys spending time with her son and crafting in her free time.

“I am pleased to welcome Yolanda to our Peoples Bank family,” Ammann said. “She will be actively working to help our community with lending needs of all sizes. We are excited to have her on our team.”

NEWSMAKERS

February 2021 Issue

Bailey Education Group Regions Bank Names Merchant welcomes Leadership Coach as Chief Marketing Officer as Norman Session Elrod announces retirement Bailey Education Group continues to grow as the company strives to improve the lives of all children.

“Our leadership coaching and academies continue to expand, and we are excited to have Dr. Session on board to meet the needs of school leaders,” announced Pat Ross, Vice President of Operations, Bailey Education Group. “Norman will be a great addition to our leadership coaching team.”

Dr. Session joins Bailey following serving as VP of the Jackson Academic and Technical Center and Rankin campuses of Hinds Community College. Prior to Hinds, he was a principal of Pisgah High School in Rankin County for 13 years. Dr. Session has also served as adjunct professor at Mississippi College, as well as a variety of leadership positions in the K-12 environment.

“I want to help students reach their full potential,” Session commented. “The Bailey Education Group is a leader in the field of school improvement. Improving schools and the lives of children is my passion.”

Steinberger named Mid-South Super Lawyer

Pascagoula attorney Karl R. Steinberger has been named 2020 Mid-South Super Lawyer. Steinberger was recognized for excellence in the practice of law and particularly in the field of workers’ compensation.

This distinction is limited to no more than five percent of attorneys in Mississippi.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by this peer review group, and this speaks volumes for the quality of work we provide to our clients,” said Steinberger, who has consistently been recognized by Mid-South Super Lawyers for the past eight years. “The fact that other attorneys recognize our results is an honor and something we hold in high regard.”

Steinberger has been practicing law in Pascagoula since 1976 and is a partner in Heidelberg Steinberger law firm. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi School of Law. He specializes in the areas of employment law and workers’ compensation and also focuses on insurance defense, products liability, personal injury and wills and estates.

Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. A rigorous, multiphase selection process is undertaken which includes a statewide survey of attorneys, independent evaluation of candidates by an attorney-led research staff, a peer review of candidates by practice area and a good-standing and disciplinary check with state bar and licensing authorities. Mid- Steinberger South Super Lawyers publishes a magazine that reaches over 39,000 attorneys.

Regions Bank on Monday announced Abbas Merchant as chief marketing officer, succeeding Michele Elrod in leading the bank’s Corporate Marketing group.

“Michele has been the driving force behind the strategic marketing programs that set Regions Bank apart and deepen our connections with the Merchant people and communities we serve,” said John Turner, president and CEO of Regions Financial Corp.

Merchant is a data-driven marketing leader who comes to Regions after serving at M&T Bank as group vice president of Consumer and Business Marketing and Customer Elrod Analytics and Sciences. There, he developed the company’s marketing and communications vision and strategy. Further, he built new capabilities, including leveraging talent and technology to support modern marketing initiatives and generate proven results. Before his 12 years at M&T, Merchant led analytics and other marketing operations at U.S. Bancorp and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

“People and businesses have many options when they choose where to bank, and it’s the team, the vision and the values here at Regions that give us a competitive edge in growing our business,” Merchant said. “The art and science of connecting with customers continues to evolve. So does banking itself.

The leadership at Regions is dedicated to meeting the needs of customers today, tomorrow and into the future, and I am excited to join colleagues who are laser focused on delivering a superior customer experience while elevating Regions’ name in the minds of consumers and clients.”

During her tenure with Regions and predecessor bank AmSouth, Elrod has been instrumental in creating comprehensive brands, including the successful “Relationship People” brand at AmSouth and the “Expect More” brand at Regions after the two companies merged. Elrod and her team also launched highly impactful campaigns that continue to resonate – including Regions’ signature LifeGreen bicycle, several memorable advertisements, and the company’s approach to leveraging social media to serve and support customers.

While the impact of Elrod’s work is seen in marketing campaigns that are creative, her decisions are always strategic – guided firmly by extensive data, thorough research and a never-ending focus on how the bank can relate better to consumers and help them reach their financial goals.

“The most successful marketing teams take an analytical approach toward understanding people’s needs, and they put the customer first in every decision that is made,” Elrod said. “That’s what we do here at Regions, and I am immensely proud of our accomplishments. I am also excited to see how Abbas and the marketing team will continue Regions’ innovation in marketing and service. Across our

industry and beyond, Abbas is well known as a leader in data-driven, customer-focused marketing. I have admired Abbas and the quality of his work for quite some time, and I am thrilled that Regions and our customers will now benefit from his expertise.”

Elrod’s retirement is effective this month. Merchant officially joined the bank on Jan. 19 working closely with Elrod as he assumed his new leadership role.

Forrester named VP of Sales and Marketing at Consolidated Catfish Producers

Consolidated Catfish Producershas announced that Joe Forrester has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

“After more than two years with the company, Joe has showcased his distinct ability to move Consolidated Catfish Producers, LLC forward. His dedication, and enthusiasm will be a great fit as we continue to grow,” says Jack Perkins, Vice President of Business Forrester Development.

Forrester has over 40 years of experience in sales, sales management, marketing and product management. Joe graduated from Towson University in Baltimore, MD with a degree in Business Administration before working for industry leaders such as Kraft, Dole and Seafood America.

Forrester enjoys entertaining others as an Elvis tribute artist, singer, and participates regularly in performing arts venues. Additionally, he is an active participant in the Wreaths Across America, an organization which honors veterans. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Indianola and have a son and daughter wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants & Marine Bancorp, Inc. (OTC QX: “MNMB”) today announced the selection of Jon Parker to lead client, community and public relatio

First Federal announces 2021 Promotions

The Board of Directors of First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Pascagoula-Moss Point is proud to announce the following officer promotions.

Alan Renfroe, President - Chief Executive Officer.

Longtime CFO and board member, Alan Renfroe, was recently appointed to President - Chief Executive Officer, following Weldon Perkins’ retirement. In his 44 year tenure with the association, Alan has played a significant role in the strategic direction and operations of First Federal. In his position as CFO, Alan has successfully contributed to growing First Federal to over 330 million in assets, being recognized as a leader in mortgage lending on the coast, and also contributed to their national ranking as a leader in outstanding employee satisfaction by American Banker and Mississippi Business Journal. “We are confident that Alan will make Renfroe a wonderful CEO and are fortunate to have planned well for this succession,” said Lance McCarty, Chairman of the Board. “With Alan’s

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leadership we look forward to a continued focus on the vision and values that have made First Federal successful – a strong commitment to our employees and community, while delivering exceptional service to our customers.”

Alan joined the association in 1977 and has served as CFO for the past 23 years. Other community and board positions include serving as Past-National Chairman of the Financial Managers Society, Past-President of the Rotary Club of Moss Point, as well as a former board member of the United Way of Jackson –George County and the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County.

“I am truly honored and privileged to lead such an extraordinary association as CEO,” says Alan Renfroe.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with our leadership team, the Board of Directors, and all employees of First Federal to provide the highest level of service to the communities we serve.” Alan and his wife, Rene’, are the parents of three adult children, John, Mary and Sara.

Elise Bourgeois, Senior Vice President – Chief Financial Officer. Elise joined First Federal in December 2019, with over 14 years’ experience in the banking industry. Elise will be responsible for the overall management and oversight of the association’s Finance Department; which encompasses financial reporting, financial analysis, investment and cash management.

She is a member of AICPA and Mississippi Society of CPAs, previously serving on the board.

Randy Haarala, Senior Vice President - Chief Operations Officer. As COO, Randy will continue to be responsible for the direction of the bank’s customer facing lines of retail banking, as well as bank-wide operational efficiencies including bank security, fraud management, and retail deposit growth. Randy began his career with First Federal in 1986 and has worked in virtually all areas of operations.

Joelyon Holtzman, Vice President - Loan Servicing Manager. Joe has 25 years’ experience with First Federal in bank operations, loan operations, and mortgage lending. As Loan Servicing Manager, she will manage and support the loan servicing functions, monitoring daily processes and making recommendations for improvements.

Richard Perkins, Vice President - Loan Origination Manager. Richard has more than 11 years of experience in financial services and mortgage lending with First Federal. In his new role, he will oversee the origination of all mortgage loan products and directly train and manage the mortgage lending team.

Sam Stauter, Assistant Vice President - Moss Point Branch Manager. Mr. Stauter will be responsible for managing daily bank operations, building customer relationships, assisting customers with a mortgage loans, and ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service in Moss Point.

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NEWSMAKERS MCPP appoints Davis as executive vice president

The Mississippi Center for Public Policy has appointed Lesley Davis as its Executive Vice President.

Davis previously served as the Interim President & CEO, during which time, the organization conducted a global search over multiple months that ultimately led to the selection of Douglas Carswell, Brexit leader and former Member of British Parliament, as the new President & CEO. To this new position, Davis brings a passion for her fellow Mississippians as well as extensive policy, legal, and development experience. She will play a critical leadership role through strategic planning, policy advancement, and development.

Davis Regarding the appointment, Davis said, “I’ve loved and supported this organization for almost 22 years, and to have this chance now to support her mission from the inside with this incredibly talented team is a dream come true.”

She went on to note that, “[a]s a lifelong Mississippian, who went to public school and college here, met her husband here, and raised three sons here, I love this state and its people deeply. Nothing would bring me greater joy than to be able to help make Mississippi freer and more prosperous.”

MCPP’s new President & CEO, Douglas Carswell, stated, “I am absolutely delighted that Lesley will be staying on as our Executive Vice President. Her commitment to our organization and to free market ideals is exemplary. Her energy and enthusiasm are a major asset to our team.”

Davis has also served MCPP as a board member and policy leader since February 2019. Her deep respect and appreciation for the fundamental freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution have fueled a lifelong interest in law, public policy, and political philosophy.

She received her BA in political science with a minor in English from Mississippi State University, where she served as Executive Director of the College Republicans, President of the Pre-Law Society, Student Association Attorney General, and Campaign Director for Senator Trent Lott’s senatorial campaign on the MSU campus. She was a starting guard for the MSU Women’s Basketball team and was voted MSU’s Homecoming Queen.

Davis received her Juris Doctorate from The University of Baltimore, where she was President of the Christian Legal Society and Executive Director of the Republican Law Students. She served as a law clerk to the Honorable Arlin M. Adams, United States Office of Independent Counsel in Washington D.C. (previously U.S. Court of Appeals judge for the Third Circuit) and was later hired as an OIC Prosecuting Attorney. She continued her career as a partner in a well-respected Baltimore law firm, where she focused on toxic tort and medical malpractice defense litigation.

Since returning home to Mississippi, Lesley has served on the Advisory Committee of the Mississippi Justice Institute, the Executive Committee of Bully Bloc, the Board of Directors for the Cline Centers, the MSU Alumni Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of the MSU Shackouls Honors College, the Board of Directors of Delta Gamma— Jackson, the Young Life

February 2021 Issue

Executive Committee, the Jackson Preparatory Global Leadership Institute Board of Directors (currently the Board Chair), and as a small group leader and large group teacher/speaker in women’s ministry at First Presbyterian Church Jackson, where she is a member.

Lesley lives in Flowood with her husband, John, and their three sons: Jack, Charlie, and Will.

Adams and Reese welcomes transactional attorney Kendall

Adams and Reese is pleased to announce Whitaker R. Kendall has joined the firm’s Corporate Services Practice Group in Jackson as an Associate.

Kendall advises clients in real estate transactions and financial services matters throughout Mississippi and the Southeast. His real estate practice focuses on helping clients navigate commercial real estate transactions, as well as the acquisition and sale of timber and agricultural assets.

Kendall’s corporate practice includes working with lenders and borrowers on funding, negotiating leases for clients, or advising clients on other operational issues.

Before joining Adams and Kendall Reese, Kendall worked as Senior Counsel and Legislative Policy Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Kendall received his J.D., cum laude, from the Mississippi College School of Law in 2019 and his B.S., magna cum laude, from Mississippi State University in 2016.

During law school, Kendall served as the Technical Editor of the Mississippi College Law Review and earned his Certificate in Business and Commercial Law along with his Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Bailey passes the ball to Mayo at White Construction

Rob Mayo has become Relationship Manager at White Construction Co., taking the role previously held by Tracy Bailey, Vice-President of Preconstruction, who spearheaded the firm’s business development efforts for years. Mayo joined WCC in July 2020 with a diverse professional background that has resulted in a network of contacts throughout Mississippi and the Gulf states.

Bailey’s early background as a high school football coach Bailey served him well as he matched talent and skills with WCC clients’ construction needs.

He has recently served in leadership positions on both the Florida and Mississippi Economic Development boards, Florida Great Northwest, Madison County Economic Development Authority, and various other community service organizations. Bailey’s retirement will allow him and his wife of 40 years, Susan, to spend more time in service to the non-profits they support.

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3 departments expand at Former Mississippi U.S. Matthews, Cutrer and Lindsay Attorney joins Phelps

The accounting firm of Matthews, Cutrer and Lindsay recently welcomed six new staff members in three departments.

Nola Reddoch joined the firm as an accounting specialist with over four decades of accounting experience.

Her client relationships and personalized knowledge of long-time client preferences benefits clients in the transition from her former firm to MCL. Nola studied accounting at Blue Mountain College and is a long-time resident of Florence.

Ryan Ratcliff is a certified public accountant and graduate of Mississippi College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting followed by his master’s in business administration with accounting concentration. He is a Brandon resident who joined the firm as an accounting specialist. His duties include monthly financial statement preparation, tax planning along with corporate and individual income tax return preparation.

Melody Green joined the firm’s CAS department as an accounting specialist bringing leadership and hands-on involvement in all aspects of general accounting to CAS clients. Her experience includes financial statement preparation and review, cash reconciliations, account payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, sales tax, and payroll. Green, a Madison resident, holds bachelor’s degree in accounting from Delta State University and brings a wealth of experience that began in 1992 to clients.

Andy Wright accepted the position of tax senior with the firm. His duties include the preparation of tax returns and related tax information for individual taxpayers, partnerships, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. Wright earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi with a major in finance and an emphasis in real estate. He went on to earn his certificate of accounting from Mississippi College.

Jason Bright, a Jackson resident, joined as a staff accountant with the tax department after earning his master’s degree in accounting from Millsaps College.

His duties and experience include the preparation of tax returns and related tax information for individual taxpayers, partnerships, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. He has experience with asset management for corporations, IRS correspondence for clients, and tax research.

John Luley joined the firm’s audit department. He holds a master’s degree in public accounting and a bachelor’s in accounting from Mississippi State University, where he was a president’s scholar. He provides audit and attestation services for a variety of industries. Luley is also pursuing his CPA credentials.

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Mike Hurst, the immediate past U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, has become a litigation partner at Phelps, the firm announced today. Hurst, who will work from the Jackson office, joins three other former U.S. Attorneys in Phelps’ acclaimedlitigation group.

Hurst served as U.S. Attorney from 2017 until early this year. Under his leadership, the Southern District of Mississippi increased prosecutions by 178%, almost tripling the number from just three years earlier, while saving American taxpayers over $1.7 million.

Hurst Notable prosecutions during his tenure included some of the largest cases in Mississippi history: the largest health care fraud scheme (Wade Walters, et. al.), the largest Ponzi scheme (Lamar Adams), the largest False Claims Act health care fraud settlement (Region 8), and the largest nursing home False Claim Act settlement (Hyperion). In addition, as Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the Southern District, Hurst oversaw the largest single-state immigration worksite enforcement operation in our nation’s history, involving seven different locations operated by multiple companies. While United States Attorney, Hurst personally argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and, previously as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he handled some of the most complex cases in the office, dealing with white collar crimes, public corruption and financial fraud, including numerous jury trials before almost every federal judge in the Southern District.

At Phelps, Hurst will handle both civil and criminal litigation, putting his years of experience before judges and juries to work. While based in Mississippi, he will be involved in litigation matters for clients throughout the Gulf South.

“Phelps has an incredible reputation in litigation, both in Jackson and throughout the region, and I am excited to join these litigators in helping clients both inside and outside the courtroom,” said Hurst.

“I believe my experience in government, both as a federal prosecutor and as counsel on Capitol Hill, will be invaluable to those who are facing investigations, government enforcement actions, public policy issues, or other complex legal situations.”

Prior to 2017, Hurst served for more than eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, as Director of the Mississippi Justice Institute, as General Counsel for the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, as Legislative Director to a U.S. Congressman, as Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee, and in private practice. He is a graduate of George Washington University Law School, Millsaps College, and East Central Community College.

For full versions of Newsmakers visit www.msbusiness.com

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Tom and Louise Gresham give $301k gift to Delta State University

For Tom and Louise Gresham, an investment in Delta State University is an investment in the Mississippi Delta; it’s this philosophy that led the couple to establish an endowed scholarship at DSU. Recently, the Greshams provided a major boost to their scholarship fund with the addition of a groundbreaking $301,000 gift. Named in their honor, the endowment was established to assist Mississippi students in DSU’s College of Business and Aviation that display financial need.

A well-established businessman as the longtime president of Double Quick, Inc. and member of Gresham Petroleum Company, Tom and his wife both feel strongly about the importance of education.

“Delta State is absolutely vital to the Delta,” said Tom. “When I think about the great people we had on our team at Double Quick and those we have on our team at Gresham Petroleum, so many of them are from the Delta and received their college degree from Delta State. They were such an integral part of the success of Double Quick and our other companies.”

Louise echoed her husband’s sentiments.

“We know that Delta State provides a good quality education, and we want to help people get their college degree from Delta State and stay here in the Delta,” she said.

Delta State President William N. LaForge said the Greshams’ continued support will have positive, long-term effects for DSU students and, in turn, the community at large.

Thompson installed as president of state Realtor Association

NEWSMAKERS

February 2021 Issue

Jackson Realtor Dorothy S. Thompson was installed as President of the Mississippi Association of Realtors on October 14th, 2020 at the association’s annual state convention held virtually this year. Over 200 attended the continuing education, award ceremonies, and membership meetings.

Thompson was installed by past MAR President and current National Association of Realtors Treasurer, Nancy Lane of Brandon, Mississippi. Past MAR President and 2020 National Association of Realtors Thompson Regional Vice President, Pam Powers of Greenwood, Mississippi, swore in fellow Executive Committee Members and Directors.

Thompson and her fellow Executive Committee members will spend 2021 encouraging Realtors statewide to “Invest to be Your Best”. Her yearlong theme focuses on REALTORS® investing in their relationships, health, business, and education.

Thompson entered the real estate industry over 35 years ago in 1984 and is now the President/Broker of DST REALTY, INC. in Jackson. She grew up in Water Valley, Mississippi and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Jackson State University. She is also a graduate of the prestigious LeadershipMAR program and holds numerous real estate designations, including CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), GRI (Graduate of Realtors® Institute), and PMN (Performance Management Network).

Thompson is dedicated to serving the community and has received recognition for her work as the recipient of the Positive Role Model for Young Women and Distinguished Service Leadership awards. She is a Past President of the Jackson Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, as well as a member of Lefleur’s Bluff Chapter

“Delta State is so fortunate to have the generous financial support of the Greshams,” he said. “We are very appreciative to Louise and Tom for believing in the university and for embracing our students’ success with their scholarship dollars. Their gift of education and investment in our students will have a terrific, positive impact for years to come.”

The youngest of four children, Tom is a Delta native and graduate of Indianola Academy. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Journalism from Southern Methodist Uni-

versity in Dallas, Texas—where he met and married his wife, the former Louise Houseman, a graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

As the longtime president of Double Quick, Inc., Tom oversaw the convenience store chain’s growth from humble beginnings in 1984 to 60 locations and roughly 1,200 employees today.

Both Gresham Petroleum and Double Quick have long histories of supporting DSU students through internships and hiring Delta State graduates.

In 2014, the principal owners of the companies joined together to establish the Gresham-McPherson Endowed Scholarships for a total of $225,000 which was, at that time, the largest unrestricted scholarship gift in the history of DSU’s College of Business.

In addition to the Thomas and Louise Endowed Scholarship, other contributors included the Walton & Laura Gresham Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Bill & Draughon McPherson Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“Double Quick operates stores throughout the Delta and this was one way we felt that we could positively impact the community,” Tom said.

Although the Greshams and McPhersons sold the assets of Double Quick in April of 2020, Tom continues to be active in his business activities and civic responsibilities.

He and his wife also remain committed to giving back to the region that has meant so much to their family.

“We should always give back to our community and giving back to Delta State helps the entire Delta.”

Tom and Louise Gresham

of the Links, Inc., Alpha Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Fresh Start Christian Church.

Thompson is the proud mother of two sons, Willie Thompson, Jr., M.D., and Matthew Sanders Thompson, Vice President of DST REALTY, INC. She has one daughter in-law, Jenetta Owen-Thompson, M.D., and two granddaughters, Chloe, and Haley. This year marks her 30th anniversary as a Breast Cancer Survivor

Balch & Bingham elects four attorneys to partnership

Balch & Bingham is pleased to announce the election of four attorneys to the firm’s partnership, effective January 1, 2021.

The new partners represent four practices and include Julia Barber, Steven Corhern, Jonathan Hoffmann from the firm’s Birmingham, Ala. office, and Bea Tolsdorf from the firm’s Jackson office.

“Each of our new partners have demonstrated the talent, Tolsdorf work ethic and commitment that is crucial to the success of our firm, our clients and our communities,” said Stan Blanton, managing partner. “I am pleased to announce the election of Julia, Steven, Jonathan and Bea to our partnership and look forward to their continued success.”

Learn more about our newest attorneys elected to partnership.

Bea Tolsdorf, Health Law Practice, Jackson Bea focuses on healthcare regulatory and compliance matters for clients ranging from individual practitioners to large healthcare systems on a wide variety of issues including Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement, issues related to certificate of need, federal and state licensure and certification, professional board licensure, audits, and compliance issues such as HIPAA, the False Claims Act, Stark and Anti-Kickback.

Julia Barber, Environmental & Natural Resources Practice, Birmingham Julia represents industrial clients, utilities, and other business interests in a wide variety of environmental matters. Julia has experience with all major federal environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). She routinely represents clients in challenges to agency rulemakings in U.S. Courts of Appeals and assists clients with permitting and dayto-day compliance issues.

Steven Corhern, Litigation Practice, Birmingham Steven represents businesses in mass tort cases and commercial disputes. He has defended class actions and mass actions in state and federal courts throughout the United States, including cases involving mold or PFAS exposure, defective products, and violations of the Eighth Amendment. Steven also regularly advises policyholders and carriers on insurance coverage and indemnity issues. He has handled numerous appeals to the Eleventh Circuit and the Alabama Supreme Court.

Jonathan Hoffmann, Consumer Finance Litigation and Creditors Rights & Bankruptcy Practices, Birmingham Jonathan focuses on consumer and financial services litigation, handling hundreds of individual and class action lawsuits under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). He also advises clients on compliance with these statutes and their regulations, as well as Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices (UDAAP). Jonathan also regularly represents clients in bankruptcy litigation, complex business disputes, loan workouts, and collection actions, as well as representing creditors in chapter 11 and chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings.

Mississippi Development Authority chief gets job permanently

The Mississippi Development Authority is giving its interim director the job permanently.

John Rounsaville earned his promotion by buoying Mississippi’s economy during the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Tate Reeves said Tuesday.

The Republican governor said despite the economic challenges Mississippi and other states faced, Mississippi attracted $1.6 billion in new capital investments in 2020.

Mississippi has consistently ranked in lists of states with the most recovered jobs during Rounsaville the pandemic, Reeves said.

“Everyone got hurt, but here in Mississippi, we picked up and we recovered,” Reeves said at a briefing outside the governor’s mansion.

Rounsaville has been the interim Mississippi Development Authority director since May 2020.

Memorial Physician Clinics welcomes Crittenden Memorial Physician Clinics in Bay St. Louis recently welcomed James C. Crittenden, MD, in the practice of Internal Medicine.

Crittenden received his medical degree and completed his internship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He completed his internal medicine residency at Methodist Hospital Central Memphis.

Crittenden is board eligible Crittenden in internal medicine.

NEWSMAKERS Comcast announces completion of upgrade in Jackson

Comcast has announced the completion of a $2 million technology investment in Jackson designed to enhance internet speeds and support the most advanced services to residents and businesses.

Over the course of several months recently, Comcast upgraded its infrastructure across the city.

This included the reconstruction of several miles of existing network. Comcast also upgraded all its power supplies across the city, as well as the cable connections that run directly to several thousand customers’ homes. The city is now 100 percent digital.

“Today’s announcement represents a true technology milestone for residents and businesses across Jackson,” said Jason Gumbs, Comcast’s Regional Senior Vice President. “With these network improvements, we are proud to offer some of the region’s fastest speeds and most advanced technology.”

Comcast also recently launched three new tiers of internet service offerings across Laurel and Meridian: Extreme (400 Mbps), Extreme Pro (600 Mbps), and 1-Gigabit, among the fastest speeds in the region.

» Comcast technicians seen at a construction site installation on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 in Levittown, Pa. (Jeff Fusco/AP Images for Comcast)

Chris Hull joins PriorityOne Bank

Robert J. Barnes, President and CEO of PriorityOne Bank, has announced the hire of Chris J. Hull as Vice President, Loan Officer for PriorityOne Bank in Collins. Barnes stated, “We are very fortunate to have Chris join our team at PriorityOne Bank, he brings a wealth of knowledge and many years of banking experience to our institution and will be a valuable addition to our staff.”

Hull brings to PriorityOne Bank over 42 years of experience in the banking industry, having been most recently employed with Covington County Bank. He has also worked at financial institutions in Scott and Pike counties. Chris who graduated from Taylorsville High School; holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a graduate of School of Banking of the South, American Management Association school, Raymond James Bond School, ABA Compliance and Truth in Lending School and the School of Banking of the South Commercial Lending/ALM. Hull has served his community in multiple leadership roles. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Collins and has served as a past director and pres-

February 2021 Issue

ident of the Covington County Chamber. Chris is a member of First Baptist Church of Collins and a Volunteer Chaplain of Covington Ridge Assisted Living. He and his wife Keena have two children and three grandchildren.

PriorityOne Bank, based in Hull Magee, Mississippi, operates fifteen offices in twelve Mississippi communities: Collins, Seminary, Hattiesburg, Magee, Mendenhall, Richland, Brandon, Ridgeland, Flowood, Pearl, Pelahatchie, and Morton. The bank has assets of approximately $795 million.

has 18 years of banking experience and has been with PriorityOne Bank since August 2019; most recently serving as Sr. Vice President/Commercial Lender.

Fant has also served his community in multiple leadership roles throughout his career and was named as one of Madison County’s 2018 Top 10 Under 40. Sam resides in the Flowood/Brandon area and attends church at the Reservoir campus of Pinelake Church.

New surgeon joins JMS Burn & Reconstructive Center at Merit Health Central

Fant to serve as Rankin Division president for PriorityOne PriorityOne Bank has announced, as part of our overall succession plan, Sam Fant has been named Rankin Division President. Joe Allbritton, who has been serving in this position, will transition into the role of Senior Vice President/Commercial Lender/Relationship Manager and will continue serving our Rankin County customers while supporting and serving as a resource for Mr. Fant.

Robert J. Barnes, President Fant and CEO, PriorityOne Bank, stated, “I am excited for Sam and confident that he will do a great job as the Rankin Division President. I also appreciate the job that Joe has done during his tenure as Division President and look forward to him continuing to contribute to the success of the bank.”

Fant holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Mississippi College. He is a graduate of the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending and Southeastern School of Advanced Commercial Lending, Vanderbilt, TN School of Banking. He

Hugo Palacios MD, specializing in burn and plastic surgery, has joined the Joseph M. Still Burn & Reconstructive Center medical team at Merit Health Central.

Dr. Palacios is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, where he also com- Palacios pleted his residency in general surgery. He finished his fellowship in burn/plastic reconstructive surgery at Jacobi Medical Center in Bronx, NY, followed by a fellowship in plastic surgery of the hand at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Joining the surgical team at Mississippi’s only designated burn, plastic reconstruction and complex hand surgery center is the fulfillment of a career goal to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from life-altering trauma and injuries related to burns or hand injuries. In addition, the center does a wide range of reconstructive surgery unrelated to burns being the only hand replantation center in the state of Mississippi.

“I trained as a surgeon, but quickly realized I had a heart for this specific area,” said Dr. Palacios. “A desire

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to help patients who have suffered severe burns and are critically injured made joining the burn program at Merit Health Central in this vital area of the hospital the perfect fit for me. I am delighted to join a practice that engages such a wide range of my surgical skills and training.”

Dr. Greg Oden, Chief Medical Officer, Merit Health Jackson Market, and interim CEO at Merit Health Central, said Dr. Palacios will be a valuable addition to the surgical staff, adding, “We are very happy to have someone with his training and skills, particularly in the specific area of hand surgery. He is a great addition to our team of professionals that provide specialized, life-changing care to patients in the burn center.”

Nelson joins Neel-Schaffer as Construction Services Manager Neel-Schaffer, Inc., has announced that Wes Nelson, PE, has joined the firm and will serve as the Alabama Construction Services Manager.

Based in the firm’s Birmingham office, Nelson has 19 years of experience and fills a newly created role aimed at helping coordinate and grow Neel-Schaffer’s construction inspection services.

“Wes brings many years of construction management experience, including managing the largest project in ALDOT history, the Central Business District (CBD) bridge replacement in downtown Birmingham,” said Lance Taylor, PE, Neel-Schaffer’s Alabama Operations Manager.

“We are excited to have him Nelson on board and know he will be able to help grow our services across the state of Alabama.”

Nelson is a Registered Professional Engineer in Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Auburn University.

A New

CEO

to continue our

65 YEAR

LEGACY OF SERVICE Congratulations C Conngggrratu ttullattions

Longtime CFO and board member, Alan Renfroe, was recently appointed President ~ Chief Executive Officer.

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