MBJ February 07, 2020 E-Edition by Journal Inc

INSIDE — Sweetie Pie’s’ long road leads it to new location, Page 3 BEN WILLIAMS

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An unofficial Tesla Model 3 review

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020 • Vo. 42 No. 3 • 24 pages

CONSULTING

Bryant quickly ﬁnds a niche in the private sector

— Page 2

MBJ FOCUS

Education

{Section begins P10} » Ole Miss internship program building pipeline to future

{The List P11} » MBA Programs

Photo by The Associated Press

Economic Development {Section begins P12}

Former Gov. Phil Bryant is a founding partner in Bryant Songy Snell Global Partners and will focus on economic development in the Southeast and international trade markets.

» Tourism continues to be huge part of state economy » McCullough’s tenure at MDA marked by record economic growth

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

{The List P14-15} » Economic Dev. Organizations

Former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has found a place in the private sector that has a familiar ring to it. He is a founding partner in Bryant Songy Snell Global Partners and will focus on economic development in the Southeast and international trade markets. Bryant completed his second four-year term as governor on Jan. 14, when former Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves was sworn in as his successor.

He joins Joey Songy, who continues to focus on economic development and strategic planning partners, and new partner Katie Bryant Snell, Bryant’s daughter, who will provide strategic advice and counsel on development opportunities to a variety of industry clients and advocates for policy initiatives on behalf of public and private entities. Bryant Songy Snell is a newly rebranded and expanded version of Songy LLC, a strategy and business development firm launched in September by Joey Songy (pronounced SOHN-GEE), the gover-

See BRYANT, Page 3

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Mississippi Business Journal

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

GOVERNMENT/POLITICS

An unofficial 2020 Tesla Model 3 review

he 2020 Tesla Model 3 clicked past 3,000 miles with the AutoSteer engaged, the Traffic-Aware Cruise Control clocking 75 mph, and Old Dominion’s One Man Band blaring from the stellar sound system. For those in the market, here is an unofficial, unsanctioned 3,000-mile review.

Ordering the Model 3 The Tesla Model 3’s relatively low price, AutoPilot, liberal return policy (7 days or 1,000 miles), and palpable cool factor tipped the scales. On November 9, I ponied up the $100 order fee for one Model 3 Standard Range Plus RearWheel Drive ($39,490) with Midnight Silver Metallic Paint (+$1,000), 19’’ Sport Ben Williams Wheels (+$1,500), and Black & White Partial Premium Interior (+$1,000). The Tesla website optimistically proclaimed the ultramodern car would arrive at my front door in time for me to claim the soon-to-expire federal tax credit. Delivery During what turned into a 5-week wait, Tesla texted, emailed, called and posted website updates with conflicting and erroneous delivery information. After several baffling gaffes, Tesla missed my doorstep but finally delivered the goods at 10:57 pm on a rainy, Friday the 13th, at the Pilot Flying J Travel Center in Pearl, Mississippi. The sleek lines of my Model 3 stood out like a gazelle among barn animals in that congested 18-wheeler stable. “Pops, we have a problem”: Tesla EPA Mile < Mississippi Mile The next morning, my older son Ford and I left Ridgeland (Exit 105 on I-55) headed north to Oxford with a touted range of 200+ miles illuminated on the center-mounted 15” touchscreen. Ford took the wheel of the fully-electric Tesla, and I trailed in a combustion dinosaur spewing 404 grams of CO2 per MDOT mile. We chatted cellularly as the college senior tested the car’s kicky features. Less than an hour into the drive, Ford announced: “Pops, we have a problem.” Although we had traveled only 60 miles, the range on the display had dropped precipitously. Absent a charge along the way, reaching William Faulkner’s hometown on the current tank would be a stretch. We wheeled into the strategically located Tesla Supercharger Center in Grenada (Exit 206 on I-55) coddling a skimpy 50ish

ILLUSTRATION BY FORD WILLIAMS

miles left on the gauge. From one of the open eight portals, the Tesla charged up at an impressive 500+ mph, adding 100+ Tesla EPA miles in 15 minutes for under $5.00. Of course, by then we knew that a Tesla EPA Mile might be about 70% of a Mississippi Mile.

AutoPilot Even without the hard-to-rationalize $7,000 “Full Self Drive” software download which I have not yet purchased, the included AutoPilot (the collective name for AutoSteer, Traffic-Aware Cruise and other auto features) proved a game changer. My family has tested AutoPilot on the interstate, four-lane roads, country twolane roads, and city streets. AutoPilot takes curves like a champ! Darkness, rain and a tornado watch didn’t faze the system. Waterworks Curve in Jackson, the narrow and bumpy Old Agency Pkwy in Ridgeland, and Delta Hwy 448 are all a breeze. Roundabouts not so much. After leaving the interstate in Batesville, AutoPilot steered me to Oxford on Hwy 6. Along the way, the Traffic-Aware Cruise Control slowed me down as I approached hayseeds in the left lane, and then brought me to a complete stop as the forward truck stopped for a red light in the city limits. When engaging AutoPilot, I’m mildly nudged left – perhaps because I hug the right line when I drive. Melissa, my indulgent wife, detects a faint swaying as the car

constantly centers the lane lines.

Battery Anxiety, Charging Locations & Tesla Service Center My base Model 3, rated for 250 EPA miles, might travel 170 miles on a weather friendly, flat drive. The available 322 EPA mile upgrade would have added $9,000 to the price. With Superchargers in Pearl and Grenada, “destination” chargers at numerous local venues, and the low-priced convenience of home charging, I chose the smaller battery. The six Tesla SuperCharger Centers in Mississippi (Tupelo, Grenada, Meridian, Pearl, Hattiesburg, and McComb) cost around $0.22 kWh. Some local charging venues offer free charging, though chargers at McDonalds and Whole Foods are payto-play sites. A standard 110 outlet wall socket adds 5 to 6 mph of charge, and a 220 outlet runs about 22 mph. Tesla encourages installation of a logo clad in-home wall connector that bites the wallet but bumps the charge to 44 mph. Entergy says a kWh costs $0.115 for residences. I’m brushing up on my math skills. As for maintenance, Mississippi has a Tesla Service Center on Airport Road in Pearl. Tesla App, Software Updates, USB ports, Cameras, … The cool Tesla smartphone app uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to supplement two stylish credit card-like keys. I can moni-

tor and partially control the vehicle from a distance. I can also check out my younger son Morgan’s speed and location (unless he reads this column). I’ve already downloaded three software updates. The car comes with voice-activated controls (“Play Jackson Browne Running on Empty”), multiple USB ports, and a bevy of cameras. The absence of the ubiquitous dashboard presents a soothing minimalistic interior. Just think of it as a futuristic test ride with Elon, and the chance of a software malfunction.

Tax Credit The tax credit ended December 31, 2019, but I wiggled in and scored $1,875. Earlier purchasers reaped $7,500. Procrastinators get nada and like it.

My Decision This Boomer is sold. The 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus works for me, but only because of the convenient Tesla Supercharger Centers. I’m calling it an impulse purchase rather than a mid-life crisis. I’m too old for the latter. Saving the ozone layer is just a fortuitous byproduct.

Ben Williams the author, is a Mississippi attorney. Email Ben at Ben39157@gmail.com. Ford Williams the artist, is a senior at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) in Georgia.

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

DINING

JACK WEATHERLY/MBJ

Sweetie Pie’s’ long road leads it to new location Sweetie Pie’s restaurant reopened in a new location last week. The soul-food eatery has changed neighborhoods – moving from the shadow of the Governor’s Mansion on North Congress Street to 110 East South St., adjacent to the south side of Cathead Distillery. Tim Norman, son of Robbie Montgomery, the matriarch of the family business, said Tuesday that there will be a concert at the restaurant on Feb. 4, to kick things off. It will feature his mother, who performed with Ike and Tina Turner back in the ’60s, along with blues legend Bobby Rush. The show, which starts at 8 p.m., will be followed by others in coming weeks, Norman said. Norman, part of the family that operates a Sweetie Pie’s in St. Louis, which was the setting for a successful five-year reality series on the Oprah Winfrey Network. That exposure has given them a brand following that is intense, especially in the African-American community. The South Street property will fit the

Mississippi Business Journal

BRYANT

Sweetie Pie’s Restaurant has moved to 110 East South St., adjacent to the south side of Cathead Distillery.

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

needs of a music venue. It was formerly Club 110 and then South Street Live. An online ad about the latter from 2015 said, that “not only does South Street have a full kitchen and state-of-the-art sound and light systems, but it’s also one of the largest bars in Jackson, holding up to 2,500 people.” Norman said the sound and light equipment are still there. Norman’s former landlord, Plaza Building LLC, is seeking a $110,000 judgment in U.S. District Court for South Mississippi for past-due and contractual future rent and other costs. Sweetie Pie’s moved out on Dec. 7 after the business was given an eviction notice to leave its quarters at 120 N. Congress St., which it occupied in August, only to shut down for a week because of it was in violation of city code by positioning a large smoker in front of the restaurant. The restaurant, which opened on South Street on Martin Luther King Day, was shut down briefly during the lunch hour on Tuesday. Norman said later in a phone interview that a customer had passed out and he was trying to restore order in an overcrowded space. It has been a bumpy road to get to this point.

The family has had other failures in the past, such as an effort in 2014 to open a restaurant on Beale Street in Memphis and the closing of a restaurant in Houston, where Norman was sued last year for $250,000 in back rent and other issues, a matter that he says was settled. Montgomery sued her son several years ago for copyright infringement for opening restaurants by himself but which are named to confuse the public about whether they are part of the original enterprise. Yes, it has been a bumpy road. The original Sweetie Pie’s in St. Louis is no longer open, but another in that city is still open. Norman says he thinks he has solved one problem that contributed to a bad fit in the Plaza Building. The city would not allow him to park his oversized smoker in front of the restaurant. It will be put into a separate building on the South Street property, he said. Another move is to not have a landlord. He said he is in negotiations to buy the 110 South St. property. Norman declined to say who the owner is.

Continued from, Page 1

nor’s former chief of staff and counsel. “When I founded the firm with a vision to help businesses grow and expand, and to advance economic development across the state, a driving force was to have Gov. Bryant join me after he left office to cultivate strategies that will help companies flourish and prosper. Katie brings to our firm vast policy experience and expertise both in the public and private arenas,” Songy said in a release. “Together, their leadership will help us chart future economic expansion across the marketplace.” Bryant’s hallmark as governor was jobs creation, as well as education. He will be able to continue to concentrate on economic development, as well as education, from the private sector. “I’m excited to have a firm where these driving forces can be cultivated, with two great partners for years to come,” Bryant said in a prepared statement. He said in an interview that he would function as a “senior adviser” for the firm, and while he will have an office with the firm, which is seeking new quarters in the metro Jackson area, he will commute from rural Copiah County, where he and his wife, Deborah, have purchased a house. Befitting the new lifestyle, Bryant said he has bought a new pickup. Bryant served two terms as governor, from 2012 till 2020, succeeding Haley Barbour. Prior to that, he was lieutenant governor and auditor of the state. His public sector career started in 1992 when he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Bryant became a drug law enforcement officer. He later received a master’s degree from Mississippi College, where he taught political history for a number of years. Bryant also worked as an insurance claims investigator. Songy spent seven years in the Bryant administration, and brought his numerous years of public and private sector experience to launching the firm. Songy was Bryant’s chief of staff, and as Bryant’s counsel and policy adviser, Songy was responsible for tax policy, economic development, public finance, revenue, workforce and technology. During his tenure, he was appointed by the White House to the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee on Trade to represent state and local governments. Prior to joining Bryant’s administration, Songy was an attorney in Purvis, where he founded the Songy Law Firm. He is on the board of Mississippi Ed/Net and Mississippi Telehealth Association. Snell previously served as an attorney for the Madison County Board of Supervisors. She previously focused her practice on product liability litigation, election and campaign finance, commercial litigation, employment litigation and government litigation at a private law firm.

Mississippi Business Journal

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

DINING

Sal & Mookie’s to open third restaurant Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint will open a third location, this one in Colony Crossing in Madison at the corner of Highway 463 and Bozeman Road in the space that formerly housed Georgia Blue. Founded by Dan Blumenthal and Jeff Good in 2007 with the flagship restaurant located in the Fondren District of Jackson, Sal & Mookie’s has garnered local and statewide awards for its product offerings and service. In September of 2019, the owners of Georgia Blue moved to the opposite side of Highway 463 to expand to a building three times the size of the original space. Renovation for Sal & Mookie’s Madison are slated to start this month, with a target opening date of early May. “We love what we do and are thrilled that so many Mississippians enjoy the creative take on classic New York Pizza that we offer,” Chef Dan Blumenthal, the concept’s menu and theme creator., said in a news release. “Jeff and I are excited to be working with our second licensee – Patrick Munn and Hali Sappington.” Munn and Sappington are two veteran employees of BRAVO! and Sal & Mookie’s. Sal & Mookie’s is a Mississippi-based limited liability company with the company-owned location at 565 Taylor Street in the Fondren neighborhood of Jackson. The company granted its first license agreement to Sal & Mookie’s Biloxi located in downtown Biloxi.

Sal & Mookie’s Biloxi is independently owned and operated by RKBM Restaurant Group LLC.

SPORTS

SEC: Average payout to be $44.6 million per school The Southeastern Conference schools each received more than $44.6 million in total revenue distributed by the league, a seven-figure increase from the previous fiscal year. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said Thursday the league handed out just over $651.0 million of total revenue among the 14 members for the 2018-19 fiscal year, which ended August 31, 2019. It includes $624.2 million distributed from the conference office, as well as $26.8 million schools kept to offset travel and other related bowl expenses The total distributed comes from television agreements, postseason bowl games and the College Football Playoff and the SEC football championship game, among other things.

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

Meridian leaders work on ﬁnancing for street repairs Leaders of a city in eastern Mississippi are debating how to pay for street paving and other infrastructure projects. Meridian public works director Hugh Smith is look-

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ing for city leaders to approve $12 million in bonds, the Meridian Star reported.. “Right now, we don’t have funds in place to do any paving next year,” Smith said Tuesday. Leaders have discussed conducting a study of Meridian’s streets. “Based on the condition of the street, you select the best technology or method to extend the life of that,” Smith said. Councilman George Thomas said he’s doesn’t think the city should on debt until that study is complete. “I don’t want to borrow money, then decide how to spend it,” Thomas said. “I want to decide how to spend it, then borrow the money.” Mayor Percy Bland told the city council he did not think the study had to come first. “The bottom line is, we need the funding source,” Bland said. One source of money for infrastructure improvements could be Mississippi’s new internet sales tax, which can only be used for roads, bridges, water and sewers, according to Nnamdi Thompson of Government Consultants, Inc. Meridian has already received half of about $336,000 expected to come from the tax this year, Thompson said.

OXFORD

Winchester plant lands $75M ammunition order The Olin Corp. Winchester Division plant in Oxford was awarded a $75,782,692 contract extension for

5.56mm, 7.62mm and .50 caliber ammunition. The work will be performed in Oxford, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2021. Olin dedicated its $100 million, 500,000-squarefoot centerfire manufacturing plant in Oxford in 2011. Olin opened its rimfire and military packing operations in Lafayette County in 2005. The company employs more than 1,000 people at its facilities in Lafayette County.

LEE COUNTY

Tupelo-based Hyperion expanding into AI

Sensor and signal processing company Hyperion Technology Group has expanded into artificial intelligence and machine learning research and applications with a new division. According to Hyperion Technology Group CEO Geoff Carter, the new division’s focus on elite AI research and development creates new possibilities for the company’s customers’ missions. The new division is led by nationally renown expert in AI and ML, Dr. Jeffrey Clark. A pioneer in applying AI and ML to defense and intelligence missions, Clark invented deep-learning techniques for classifying electronic warfare signals and building AI algorithms that emulate the speed and processing capacity of the human brain. The new division, called Eos AI Science, is based in Dayton, Ohio. According to Hyperion, it is “well-positioned to serve customers and small business partners at and near Wright Patterson Air Force Base. — MBJ Staﬀ & Wire Reports

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Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Mississippi Business Journal

WORLDCOM

Bernie Ebbers, ex-CEO convicted in WorldCom scandal, dies

A telecommunications company is pThe former chief of WorldCom, convicted in one of the largest corporate accounting scandals in U.S. history, died just over a month after his early release from prison. Bernard Ebbers was 78. The Canadian-born former telecommunications executive died Sunday in Brookhaven, Mississippi, surrounded by his family, according to a family statement. WorldCom Inc. collapsed and went into bankruptcy in 2002, following revelations of an $11 billion accounting fraud that included pressure by top executives on subordinates to inflate numbers to make the company seem more profitable. The collapse caused losses to stockholders, including those who had invested through retirement plans. Ebbers was convicted in New York in 2005 on securities fraud and other charges and received a 25-year sentence. A federal appeals court judge who upheld Ebbers’ conviction in 2006 wrote that WorldCom’s fraudulent accounting practices were “specifically intended to create a false picture of profitability even for professional analysts that, in Ebbers’ case, was motivated by his personal financial circumstances.” Before establishing himself in telecommunications, Ebbers had a diverse career that started in sports. He received a basketball scholarship at Mississippi College, where he majored in physical education. After graduating, he coached high school teams for a year before investing in a hotel; he eventually amassed a chain of Best Westerns in Mississippi and Texas, as well as a car dealership in Columbia, Mississippi. Following the advice of friends and knowing little about the phone business, he invested in a small long-distance company, LDDS, in 1983. He eventually took over the day-to-day operations and bought up competitors, transforming LDDS — which was later renamed WorldCom, based in Clinton, Mississippi — into the fourth-largest long-distance company by 1996. He was considered to be a “no-nonsense” man with a brash attitude who preferred jeans to a suit. One analyst cited in an early profile in the late nineties said Bernie Ebbers was “the telephone equivalent of Bill Gates.” By the time of its collapse over its accounting fraud scandal in 2002, WorldCom was the nation’s second-largest

long-distance business. Ebbers left that year and following his conviction, was imprisoned from September 2006 until Dec. 21, when he was released from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. In the meantime, WorldCom reemerged as MCI, taken over by Verizon, and relocated to Ashburn, Virginia. U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni said late last year that it fell within her discretion to order the early release of Ebbers after a lawyer cited severe medical problems and said that Ebbers had experienced severe weight loss. At over 6 feet tall, he had dropped in weight from above 200 pounds to 147 pounds. Attorney Graham Carner told the judge it was possible his client might not live another 18 months. Among other ailments, Ebbers had heart disease, Carner said. Ebbers was not in court when Caproni announced her ruling on Dec. 18; his lawyers said he was hospitalized. “While Mr. Ebbers is physically alive … his quality of life is gone,” Carner said in December. In court papers in September, his lawyers said Ebbers unintentionally bumped into another prisoner while walking in the facility in September of 2017, only to have the prisoner go to Ebbers’ open cell later in the day and physically attack him.

The papers said the attack fractured the bones around Ebbers’ eyes and caused blunt head trauma and other injuries. They also said Ebbers was put into solitary confinement because his “severely limited eyesight” made him unable to identify the attacker. In July 2019, one of Ebbers’ daughters submitted a request that her father receive compassionate release from a federal prison medical facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Court papers say a Bureau of Prisons official denied that request in August. The

family statement said that the Bureau of Prisons “had no diagnosis or treatment plan in place” and Ebbers experienced a “rapid decline” in October, followed by multiple hospitalizations. While prosecutors agreed that Ebbers’ health had deteriorated in prison, they opposed an early release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Cowley told the judge that such a move would send “a terrible message to the rule of law” because it would cut Ebbers’ sentence in half. — The Associated Press

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MBJ PERSPECTIVE

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020 • www.msbusiness.com • Page 6

» PERSPECTIVE

» OTHER VIEWS

Student achievement at all-time high

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020 Volume 42, Number 3

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JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 364-1016 LYNN LOFTON Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 TED CARTER Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 BECKY GILLETTE Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 NASH NUNNERY Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 LISA MONTI Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 Subscription Services (601) 364-1000 subscriptions@msbusiness.com Mississippi Business Journal (USPS 000-222) is published bi-weekly with one annual issue by MSBJ 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS. Subscription rates: 1 year $109; 2 years $168; and 3 years $214. To place orders, temporarily stop service, change your address or inquire about billing: Phone: (601) 364-1000, Fax: (601) 364-1007, Email: charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com, Mail: MS Business Journal Subscription Services, 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Business Journal, Circulation Manager, 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 To submit subscription payments: Mail: MS Business Journal Subscriptions Services, 2132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent. Editorial and advertising material contained in this publication is derived from sources considered to be reliable, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. It is the policy of this newspaper to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap. The Mississippi Business Journal, is an affiliate of Journal Publishing Company (JPC), Inc. Entire contents copyrighted © 2020 by Journal Inc. All rights reserved.

» INSIDE MISSISSIPPI

Will there really be a ‘coming together’ in Jackson this year?

n his inauguration speech new Gov. Tate Reeves promised, “This will be an administration for all Mississippi,” as reported by the Clarion-Ledger. “Governing is about coming together,” he said and proclaimed a new motto for his first term, “For. All. Mississippi.“ Faced with his first crisis as governor – prison rioting, deaths, and deplorable conditions – Reeves appeared to be on track with his promise. He appointed a bipartisan committee to lead a national search for the next prison commissioner with the Mayor of Vicksburg, former state Rep. George Flaggs, as chairman. He also included a former attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens. Both are Democrats and African-Americans. Other members include retired Leake County Sheriff Greg Waggoner, Harrison County District Attorney Joel Smith, former Parole Board member Kathy Henry, Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing, and Mississippi Court of Appeals Judge Sean Tindell. All are Republicans and white. Meanwhile, new Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann also exhibited some bipartisanship in his appointment of

Senate committee chairs, naming Democrats to chair 13 of the Senate’s 42 committees. Notably, longtime Democratic Sen. Hob BILL CRAWFORD Bryan will head the Public Health Committee and Democratic Sen. Juan Barnett, former longtime African-American mayor of Heidelberg, will chair the Corrections Committee. Republicans will head all other major committees including the money, education, and transportation committees. Hosemann has also touted a bipartisan approach to teacher pay and Medicaid reform. Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn was less bipartisan, appointing two Democrats turned Independent and one Democrat to chair three of the House’s 46 committees. Gunn, who sees himself primarily as the lead Republican in the House, appointed Democratic Rep. Cedric Burnett of Tunica as chair of the Youth and Family Affairs Committee. He also appointed Independent Rep. Angela Cockerham of Magnolia (a Democrat until 2019) as chair See CRAWFORD, Page 7

n 2014, Mississippi’s Board of Education rolled out an ambitious and transparent five-year strategic plan of achievement – and success – for Mississippi’s public school students, setting a road map for every child to succeed. Five years later, the state superintendent of education’s 20182019 annual report shows Mississippi student achievement has reached an all-time high. “The nation now considers Mississippi a leader in education because our students are making faster progress than nearly every other state,” said Dr. Carey M. Wright, state superintendent of education. Along with rising student proficiency levels on state assessments, Mississippi has achieved the No. 1 spot in the nation for gains on the Nation’s Report Card, emphasizing its commitment to higher academic standards. Wright noted that Mississippi students are making faster progress than nearly every other state in the nation because expectations for what they can accomplish were raised. By the numbers • Only state with significant increases in three of the four NAEP tested areas • One of just two states/jurisdictions that improved in three of the four NAEP grade and subject combinations • Fourth–graders scored higher than the nation’s public school average in mathematics and tied the nation in reading • Eighth–grade students outpacing the nation for growth in mathematics, and 8th grade reading holding steady • First in the nation in fourth grade reading • First in the nation in fourth grade math • 4,337 teachers achieved National Board Certification, demonstrating attainment of the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare students for 21st century success • Of 140 districts, 31 school districts received A ratings, including Alcorn School District, Amory School District, Booneville School District, Lafayette County School District, New Albany School District, Oxford School District, Pontotoc City School District, Tishomingo County School District, Union County School District, and Union Public School District • Third–grade reading achievement – 85.6% of students meet the highest reading standard ever required under the Literacy-Based Promotion Act • Achieved an all time high pass rate of 34% on AP exams • Career and Technical education course enrollment rose to 151,000, up 17% • Graduation rate reached all time high of 85% – surpassing national rate of 84.6%

— The Daily Journal

Perspective » OUTSIDE WORLD

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

CRAWFORD

Mississippi Business Journal

Continued from, Page 6

of the Judiciary A Committee and Independent Rep. Kevin Horan of Grenada (a Democrat until this month) as chair of the Corrections Committee. Cockerham and Burnett are African-American. All other committees are headed by Republicans. It will be interesting to see if this kumbaya approach lasts in the face of difficult spending decisions. The prison crisis will require significant money infusion as well as new leadership. Hosemann’s plan to fund teacher pay raises early will require lots of money. Reeves’ plan to spend more on workforce training and take better care of foster kids will take money. That comes as pressure mounts for more funding from pent up demand from community colleges, universities, mental health, health, economic development, emergency management … the list goes on and on. Oh, and don’t overlook the never-ending request for more money to catch up on critical repairs to highways and bridges. (Here’s an interesting side note. An analysis showed today’s vehicles to be far more efficient gas burners than vehicles in 1986. Factoring in both modern fuel efficiency and annual inflation, the analysis suggests the gas tax burden on consumers today is about one-third of that back in 1987 when today’s 18.4 cent a gallon fuel tax was enacted. But no Republican leaders appear willing to up it any to fix roads and bridges.) How will this this varied outreach to non-Republicans by leaders of state government totally controlled by Republicans play out? Sit back and watch. “Live in harmony with one another” – Romans 12:16. » Bill Crawford (crawfolk@gmail.com) is a syndicated columnist from Meridian.

» FROM THE GROUND UP

How to keep your meetings flowing

ear Phil: Your column about the role of business elicited quite a bit of commentary in our organization. Would you be kind enough to expound a little further and perhaps suggest a format for discussing the issue, especially at a staff meeting? Bob M., Ridgeland

Dear Phil: Do you have any suggestions about productive staff meetings? We don’t want to eliminate them, but we seem to be stuck doing the same things at every meeting. Sandra W., Columbus Good questions. My first thought when I read those two emails was “convergence.” That’s the term used to describe two things coming together to one point. Think of your eyes, for example. They are a few inches apart but they converge on one point when you focus on something. Convergence is a term used frequently these days in business articles and in company memos. News organizations, for example, are consolidating separate divisions, such as reporters and IT, into one reporting structure. The European Union is about converging economic and tax policies into a common system. The rise of the independent contractor and the need to cut employee costs have converged so that layoffs are more common. Thus, the role of business and staff meetings were the two points of convergence. With convergence in mind, I present two suggestions for future staff meetings. The first provides a way for those

in attendance at the meeting to discuss the role of business. It can be used with management or employee staff meetings. The second suggestion offers a way for those in attendance to feel more involved in the meeting. In the first instance, divide those in attendance into four groups and ask them to discuss the question: “What should be the primary focus of our business?” Group 1 is to take the position that our customers should be the primary focus. Group 2 is to take the position that our employees should be the primary focus. Group 3 is to take the position that our product or service should be our primary focus. Group 4 is to propound that our stockholders/owners should be the primary focus. Mention that all of these stakeholders are important and none are not to be neglected. Also, point out that there is no correct answer, only the most appropriate answer for the organization. To illustrate, Amazon is primarily a customer-focused organization. LaptopScreen.com, “… an established worldwide trader of laptop screens (notebook computer screens),” states on its website that “… our primary focus is customer service.” On the Dean Foods’ website can be found this statement: “The Company’s primary objective is to maximize long-term stockholder value, while adhering to the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates and at all times observing the highest ethical standards.” The time for group discussion is flexible, depending on how deep you want to get into these subjects. It could be only 15 minutes, which would allow for groups to be spontaneous with their thoughts and ideas. It might even

be overnight or weeklong so that there would be time for research and indepth group discussion. I am partial to breakout group activities such as this for two reasons. First, it forces someone to argue for a position that they might not personally believe. Thus, it has them looking at Phil Hardwick other points of view. This is important in today’s divisive society where people segregate themselves to others who have the same beliefs. For those who have the idea that they should not listen to the other side because they know the other side is wrong, it forces them to be on the other side. Second, breakout groups give individuals who are reluctant to share their thoughts in front of a larger group a comfortable space with a smaller group. The second staff meeting suggestion is to select a business book and have a staff member lead a discussion of each chapter. Let’s say you selected the iconic, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Although it has been around for a long time, it was Amazon’s Prime’s most borrowed book in the 2019 Business and Investing category. Each week a different employee would lead a discussion on a different habit. Now you have seven staff meetings all planned. Here’s to engaged and productive staff meetings. » Phil Hardwick is a regular Mississippi Business Journal columnist. His email is phil@philhardwick. com.

Mississippi Business Journal

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Dec 2019 sales tax receipts/year to date, July 1

MISSISSIPPI STATE TAX COMMISSION Here are cities’ earnings through sales tax collections. Sales tax has a three-month cycle. Month 1 — Tax is collected by the retailer. Month 2 — Tax is reported/paid to the Tax Commission by the retailer. Month 3 — Sales tax diversion is paid by the Tax Commission to the cities. This report is based on the month the tax is collected at the Tax Commission (Month 2). Dec Dec Year to date YTD CITY 2019 2018 2019 2018 Abbeville 4090.89 4218.58 25815.03 28498.21 Aberdeen 70,450.82 65467.95 423047.37 417282.97 23,499.10 Ackerman 23452.55 147022.96 146586.68 Alcorn State University 0 0 3264.25 0 Algoma 3,505.82 3288.09 25432.05 16405.31 Alligator 167.87 373.03 1040.54 2008.71 Amory 173,652.11 171950.58 982570.87 994877.32 1,789.09 Anguilla 1728 10360.19 10601.74 Arcola 916.87 640.38 5973.3 4648.65 Artesia 2,099.90 713.29 20116.4 4245.92 12761.83 73143.81 74934.67 Ashland 14,062.87 Baldwyn 43,133.36 41192.19 266425.99 260011.42 12,249.01 Bassfield 12622.13 75039.48 80121.82 Batesville 384,610.94 369635.88 2275470.72 2269119.14 Bay Springs 58,551.57 59020.84 350914.86 339839.48 Bay St. Louis 126487.42 865328.78 836458.69 132,106.61 Beaumont 8,788.64 8245.2 54374.84 55084.56 334.25 Beauregard 197.13 1941.18 1360.38 Belmont 27,638.27 26646.41 169317.24 165791.64 Belzoni 32,605.70 31935.46 203400.38 205111.31 Benoit 1,593.64 1399.48 11603.21 14627.14 Bentonia 11,260.75 14311.7 65590.83 70022.73 288.01 Beulah 278.35 1596.58 1986.79 173.07 287.1 1484.19 1833 Big Creek Biloxi 967,220.45 945475.79 6360411.94 6520513.26 Blue Mountain 9308.57 61388.7 60847.99 10,134.88 Blue Springs 1,822.59 1770.92 12868.51 12230.74 11,946.57 Bolton 10869.56 86228.18 83912.86 Booneville 162,596.39 164776.95 975018.62 967194.46 Boyle 16,424.50 17903.37 121974.64 131768.47 473,212.70 443458.14 2969434.6 2989977.79 Brandon 976.82 Braxton 1248.94 7597.61 8570.27 498,914.27 Brookhaven 497177.4 2907109.67 2857447.7 9,441.29 Brooksville 7816.84 54607.49 54421.48 39,066.43 Bruce 34129.68 241935.16 235663.25 10,719.36 Bude 11750.26 67011.18 68240.42 13,579.53 Burnsville 14375.86 86096.3 88171.65 Byhalia 70,042.55 68334.61 473683.89 391715.41 243,887.31 Byram 224010.51 1489072.07 1408948.57 14,493.34 Caledonia 14534.05 87093.16 90302.63 Calhoun City 18,548.69 21862.55 132073.47 138186.95 Canton 246,466.36 237907.94 1474102.54 1518233.12 0.00 6027.14 24681.44 39406.35 Carrollton 149,360.03 Carthage 139268.64 869825.44 867694.68 Cary 1,524.24 1322.28 6516.73 9142.82 16,664.08 Centreville 18529.79 101375.17 112836.04 28,328.41 29791.34 170042.97 176857.05 Charleston 460.86 Chunky 619.61 3093.52 4131.14 234,297.04 Clarksdale 196875.42 1332502.86 1263866.87 310699.7 1952983.47 1854299.45 322,959.35 Cleveland Clinton 386,391.38 382556.96 2370798.8 2321198.21 Coahoma 393.96 446.29 2596.51 2796.39 Coahoma Community College 21.53 126.75 973.27 1021.49 Coffeeville 9,271.89 10078.21 58164.26 63276.9 Coldwater 21,443.05 18899.37 124262.41 126890.22 Collins 133,482.36 136477.01 883368.14 848330.62 Columbia 273,025.86 262176.72 1621566.55 1590940.37 807,950.35 792432.3 4809981.81 4721539.26 Columbus Como 16,464.47 14097.78 92369.88 97530.48 Corinth 560,995.10 527648.42 3149359.71 3080234.88 Courtland 950.29 1246.67 6363.22 8002.37 1,377.34 Crawford 1243.39 8613.42 8791.15 Crenshaw 4,270.80 4297.5 30637.74 31528.44 588.15 Crosby 433.36 4475.79 5786.87 Crowder 1,610.95 1979.7 11113.82 12247.1 Cruger 309.80 399.15 1925.49 2187.63 Crystal Springs 63,611.12 61362.03 394152.22 387241.21 715,436.26 D’Iberville 704849.87 4066835.49 3884123.38 D’Lo 1,135.43 1512.01 8035.83 45408.76 Decatur 11,728.76 11740.73 76683.52 77794.95 17,385.18 Dekalb 16231.57 100103.32 110036.53 8,258.98 Derma 7209.1 58043.96 53278.67 Diamondhead 61,823.17 51660.73 347398.31 350262.3 603.34 Doddsville 937.3 3648.05 4179.24 Drew 4,941.20 5988.28 35878.91 39866.05 Duck Hill 3,072.30 3730.78 20093.84 24909.63 2,158.31 Dumas 886.43 12797.05 5752.95 878.80 Duncan 765.03 962.60 5004.58 36,053.40 Durant 33609.01 215425.95 230808.46 East Mississippi CC 27.43 60.14 1334.37 1474.01 10,685.59 Ecru 11554.55 68487.31 62242.95 253.27 73.47 1501.7 497.11 Eden 5,854.69 Edwards 6143.19 37549.96 37686.77 87,957.23 84285.47 520642.27 480531.95 Ellisville Enterprise 5,363.03 4498.74 32425.09 32080.17 2,044.97 Ethel 2120.13 13095.23 13715.54 Eupora 31,780.27 35250.93 205522.5 210302.91 Falcon 34.95 47.84 342.09 986.9 4,897.46 Falkner 5051.59 33542.78 32371.17 Farmington 5,923.05 5409.55 34189.23 33780.74 Fayette 14,480.89 15480.1 97249.17 94054.94 26,041.73 Flora 27981.78 162784.78 188674.75 64,611.88 67707.67 392068.83 441060.66 Florence Flowood 1,128,043.74 967720.84 6064714.86 5923410.77 192,777.35 Forest 185753.63 1153142.85 1135211.9 1,906.77 970.4 10454.78 7638.52 French Camp Friars Point 1,947.78 2591.75 13371.3 21355.49

Fulton 138,781.43 Gattman 86.54 Gautier 185,638.12 Georgetown 3,404.33 Glen 3,963.87 Glendora 328.37 Gloster 14,074.97 Golden 4,035.41 Goodman 4,122.74 Greenville 503,219.74 Greenwood 376,900.25 Grenada 390,195.41 Gulfport 1,907,994.67 Gunnison 798.99 Guntown 15,320.99 Hatley 2,245.71 Hattiesburg 1,927,584.58 Hazlehurst 117,471.26 Heidelberg 15,426.60 Hernando 324,478.44 Hickory 9,377.82 Hickory Flat 6,485.63 Hinds Community College 549.17 14,478.58 Hollandale Holly Springs 113,394.76 Horn Lake 473,811.22 Houlka 8,387.99 Houston 94,637.92 Indianola 148,293.89 Inverness 3,952.56 1,852.75 Isola Itta Bena 11,238.62 Iuka 69,703.84 2,290,945.78 Jackson Jonestown 3,431.76 1,682.75 Jumpertown 5,559.75 Kilmichael Kosciusko 187,523.59 Kossuth 3,479.70 24,638.85 Lake 1,818.63 Lambert Laurel 762,613.99 Leakesville 26,293.13 Learned 813.03 Leland 37,265.10 Lena 1,939.64 30,450.07 Lexington Liberty 21,142.10 Long Beach 123,745.55 Louin 3,239.95 Louise 1,107.03 Louisville 162,432.55 Lucedale 205,285.52 Lula 978.81 11,996.67 Lumberton Lyon 2,115.59 Maben 8,327.82 Macon 49,966.12 Madison 767,847.87 Magee 202,671.34 Magnolia 43,435.16 Mantachie 17,382.91 Mantee 2,465.44 Marietta 4,216.45 Marion 20,638.06 Marks 12,335.80 Mathiston 16,903.40 Mayersville 590.35 McComb 471,221.40 McCool 234.61 McLain 3,609.35 Meadville 11,188.95 54,249.46 Mendenhall Meridian 1,183,692.39 Merigold 8,293.02 Metcalfe 918.48 Mississippi Gulf Coast CC 368.02 Mississippi State University 36,885.91 Mississippi Valley State University 368.58 Mize 5,935.56 40,419.40 Monticello Montrose 546.28 7,301.23 Moorhead Morgan City 428.45 Morton 34,824.10 Moss Point 172,598.73 Mound Bayou 4,561.87 Mt. Olive 8,869.18 Myrtle 4,572.37 437,114.46 Natchez Nettleton 34,631.53 New Albany 306,523.92 10,648.48 New Augusta 5,895.68 New Hebron Newton 85,613.95 North Carrollton 2,510.53 Noxapater 7,586.73 Oakland 6,307.43 Ocean Springs 472,482.26 Okolona 24,290.09 Olive Branch 992,157.05 Osyka 4,945.66 Oxford 832,543.56 Pace 431.48 Pachuta 3,721.32 Paden 146.28

136076.55 116.22 172824.6 3746.75 4810.9 335.08 12758.43 3735.69 2932.2 484122.67 380735.87 328645.98 1816778.74 782.23 16182.24 1576.98 1914925.88 119847.87 14109.91 300719.06 8388.04 6077.82 375.42 14190.13 112152.44 414017.13 7990.42 88903.85 147985.56 3047.39 1778.84 10695.74 80423.79 2371934.84 3013.5 1481.99 6112.63 184458.99 5133.58 22577.89 1954.65 771962.16 26543.27 372.55 42262.92 2065.16 28648.01 20045.21 112185.63 3001.66 2854.2 143496.25 198498.03 1183.54 13406.7 2032.81 7549.19 47795.43 758374.84 186665.09 40998.01 16220.17 2107.26 4431.14 19536.18 15059.36 52620.44 505.38 472663.85 553.75 3470.69 9777.25 49708.25 1169818.68 7378.74 853.56 0 36832.59 537.71 10223.55 41660.62 123.59 6608.64 500.14 38678.94 165877.61 5402.1 8055.85 3913.79 442419.63 29604.9 329820.72 10305.38 5813.8 81451.55 1907.11 7469.54 6446.25 423276.57 24460.4 891712.09 4949.66 880847.51 347.48 3301.81 63.14

785194.83 563.75 1139444.8 22263.02 24854.01 1788.8 81476.39 23470.7 25008.13 2896132.39 2265391.99 2313606.68 11423121.95 4204.33 95842.91 10498.57 11231042.45 697183.37 89840.71 1938872.53 58875.82 39829.52 4546.27 86333.26 668850.77 2843615.9 49538.69 558523.66 928979.41 29248.94 11906.36 73981.21 438210.58 13819158.18 18394.04 10769.37 34469.83 1073318.17 22528.16 148168.13 12807.46 4573250.74 157032.07 6018.26 266864.6 11013.26 188778.82 125698.44 770196.97 18497.22 10615.29 901787.34 1170626.73 5612.24 79210.56 11300.17 45402.7 295133 4509615.44 1155489.49 258364.05 101515.6 12155.75 26507.33 118563.54 86192.86 102299.81 3981.37 2750591.75 1552.97 24665.45 66864.97 357974.75 6989717.21 44283.99 5248.6 2625.6 197372.11 4640.64 46842.68 236894.82 4570.52 44583.54 2794.65 221990.07 1045776.15 24509.54 52298.29 25541.43 2578442.81 207568.64 1741799.29 68753.13 37440.05 502154.15 27638.46 46267.38 39936.11 2697920.52 146810.04 5745320.16 30899.85 4895425.71 2558.79 22411.85 909.32

774722.54 777.19 1112587.16 22305.36 32534.41 2293.65 70649.3 23678.9 20137.42 2952649.37 2255544.67 2206786.04 11196309.09 4623.56 103503.1 10193.63 11277999.69 679784.09 102023.23 1840170.81 48632.62 39852.03 4432.86 88376.48 683825.11 2617603.04 49475.81 535019.38 901407.17 26785.9 11381.5 70023.63 464762.1 14435020.38 17516.76 9937.22 35462.41 1080040.26 28780.48 132871.45 12322.2 4491006.2 158561.58 4860.45 299728.38 13477.72 186655.04 127361.31 742572.78 14672.42 9323.03 887388.89 1128038.51 6668.3 81574.03 11105.66 45567.32 285495.65 4324018.2 1091788.6 256211.53 108243.01 12814.8 27161.13 114777.39 93348.01 132144.76 4196.95 2751001.83 3353.94 23048.29 66045.05 334052.33 6924643.43 41930.24 5711.64 3275.02 193395 4883.05 66593.33 243437.42 1072.39 43755.71 3154.49 237752.99 1057594.72 25008.05 51118.46 25336.74 2579035.42 183031.98 1764481.5 69733.29 36341.03 485627.27 18706.37 48979.5 40971.62 2579568.36 144152.02 5336600.48 30928.45 4965660.99 2599.56 20032.32 387.51

Pascagoula 449,354.49 449928.83 Pass Christian 135,596.63 128952.6 Paulding 35.54 96.67 899,543.98 827990.78 Pearl Pelahatchie 26,417.95 28672.76 Petal 239,648.24 231607.47 Philadelphia 374,622.34 356121.66 Picayune 402,144.98 410003.95 Pickens 5,079.34 5590.44 Pittsboro 1,618.00 1865.33 Plantersville 4,913.43 4194.25 Polkville 1,287.05 1242.82 Pontotoc 228,024.16 206266.29 Pope 4,255.03 4325.79 Poplarville 70,644.10 76308.46 Port Gibson 27,521.72 41425.48 Potts Camp 7,070.85 5758.47 Prentiss 29,885.27 30746.22 Puckett 8,715.64 7417.99 Purvis 71,760.82 66006.23 Quitman 45,800.92 46352.18 Raleigh 17,515.30 18267.17 Raymond 18,127.54 18379.6 Renova 6,896.83 5351.05 Richland 452,809.71 489615.92 Richton 26,902.04 28414.25 Ridgeland 1,111,450.90 1071702.12 Rienzi 3,381.56 3336.63 Ripley 128,249.88 124998.76 Rolling Fork 26,902.59 27304.42 8,843.06 9061.22 Rosedale Roxie 2,959.84 6479.53 Ruleville 19,327.60 18530.06 527.39 1199.45 Sallis Saltillo 85,672.62 69441.64 6,806.27 27337.32 Sandersville 23,883.43 26747.34 Sardis Satartia 103.05 200.13 Schlater 1,304.58 971.73 6,835.02 7328.43 Scooba 16,247.36 16059.58 Sebastopol Seminary 13,435.13 13409.7 Senatobia 194,730.26 189061.69 Shannon 11,285.41 9863.59 6,307.06 7038.48 Shaw Shelby 10,755.87 8971.09 Sherman 40,663.14 34912.42 Shubuta 3,649.98 3304.61 Shuqualak 2,515.43 1854.15 Sidon 296.75 397.47 Silver City 285.07 343.26 Silver Creek 1,746.59 2318.9 Slate Springs 258.31 196.68 Sledge 1,488.37 1690.51 Smithville 5,341.55 5415.72 Snow Lake Shores 113.32 146.41 Soso 8,375.61 9170.17 Southaven 1,285,650.31 1270904.31 Southwest Mississippi CC 78.63 62.22 Starkville 646,494.30 608757.52 State Line 8,379.64 8415.39 Stonewall 5,336.27 5069.78 Sturgis 2,202.35 3980.8 Summit 73,301.31 31462.3 Sumner 1,669.65 2088.88 Sumrall 47,331.89 45301.91 Sunflower 2,321.71 2430.17 Sylvarena 164.31 163.55 Taylor 2,061.73 2872.49 Taylorsville 22,563.94 22669.45 Tchula 5,868.04 6163.36 Terry 20,311.11 28623.96 3,276.37 3354.45 Thaxton Tishomingo 12,407.42 12986.95 Toccopola 613.18 625.24 Tremont 1,879.55 2056.34 Tunica 30,122.10 33364.56 Tupelo 1,825,921.00 1748055.92 Tutwiler 4,893.35 5079.49 Tylertown 54,041.53 53514.21 23,690.68 22503.52 Union University Of Mississippi 81,345.34 16187.51 7,119.80 6990.99 Utica Vaiden 9,108.09 9416.47 Vardaman 11,647.75 11052.58 Verona 19,132.05 19304.04 Vicksburg 646,948.19 622625.94 Walls 7,885.05 6940.22 Walnut 22,138.73 19965.57 4,628.02 4997.67 Walnut Grove Walthall 4,726.06 15607.03 Water Valley 39,165.78 41697.4 213,985.75 210262.82 Waveland 184,780.64 190186 Waynesboro Webb 5,316.40 5328.11 Weir 3,041.09 3067.61 Wesson 13,412.98 13690.53 West 774.60 909.3 West Point 199,999.39 165945.65 Wiggins 167,015.47 157574.71 Winona 73,959.43 74780.27 Winstonville 277.15 227.9 Woodland 8,447.51 4513.8 Woodville 26,346.01 26759.81 Yazoo City 166,625.87 190876.44 Total 37827420.41 36719251.18

2717980.78 2677879.6 784152.67 764674.15 317.5 661.86 5527222.82 5085880.51 180057.86 194976.44 1370124.46 1354463.22 2143529.52 2085679.37 2388577.47 2403025.46 34924.09 39660.56 9443.54 10318.29 38394.33 43466.08 8166.09 7979.74 1285064.46 1233107.19 26926.07 29136.71 490180.24 486735.14 179715.2 182165.74 40973.11 42217.36 186522 193687.56 55290.25 50607.54 449254.87 408131.4 285251.92 278499.93 103987.2 106021.49 120318.53 119873.86 27032.05 25329.95 3244814.85 3015373.21 169836.54 170447.02 6660124.29 6549413.82 21144.46 23784.56 726174.37 732150.52 201087.94 195324.1 55744.16 59599.79 18390.39 22040.55 125193.2 121144.88 3310.98 8416.79 517064 435924.18 76544.45 108462.18 156720.46 163243.16 594.03 1443.86 6999.41 6715.53 44708.47 46669.59 96054.89 98480.72 81063 83983.28 1152526.67 1144668.52 65618.54 65272.06 21,414.97 38569.54 63087.07 58980.62 272875.37 233515.45 21375.54 20540.2 14032.57 10826.86 2314.1 4055.56 1688.95 2128.92 12436.71 14704.91 1103.68 1433.86 8219.75 9077.34 34594.47 35056.17 735.24 837.21 58923.64 62277.77 7441920.46 7461015.93 633.34 639.6 3727912.29 3698269.54 54992.93 58244.35 32371.68 33171.53 15840.78 21202.61 256892.63 219876.02 16041.24 20171.21 299498.09 298442.51 14699.17 16105.98 1142.13 1542.67 12489.69 13593.24 134608.41 143070.23 31314.86 38257.92 136280.26 158988.11 23171.68 23581.34 81010.84 82280.63 3845.09 4165.51 12447.18 11807.12 156422.8 204766.76 10659857.53 10475624.31 32470.42 28830.92 317161.43 323364.52 144612.98 140948.64 328592.11 69377.98 45583.48 47348.62 60439.54 51684.01 68737.4 69453.4 124991.78 119279.19 3846904.93 3884563.93 57882.13 49054.33 129637.35 128404.78 27923.23 30654.56 19999.03 22469.22 246335.57 260362.3 1277411.61 1281217.63 1064199.42 1095022.03 43375.09 42239.82 21984.79 20289.68 85646.84 82077.74 5050.82 5719.62 1172269.09 1015484.66 988827.86 950001.65 445932.12 461163.46 1562.65 1367.2 41685.96 34219.74 160889.79 173921.55 1032137.19 1028197.68 224740790.91 221638929.34

December 2019

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Alcor 4.6 BentonAlcorn Tippah Marshall 4.6 6.2 Benton 4.6Tishomingo 5.8 Tippah Marshall 6.2 4.6 5.8 Tate 5.4 Pren Tunica 5.4 Prentiss 4. 6.4 Union 4.6 Union 4.2 Panola Lafayette 4.2 Lee Panola Lafayette 6.1 3.7 Lee Pontotoc 6.1Quitman 3.7 Itawamba4.2 Coahoma 4.2 4.3 Pontotoc 4.4 Quitman 8.7 Coahoma 7.8 4.3 8.7 7.8 Yalobusha Yalobusha 4.9 Tallahatchie Calhoun Chickasaw 4.9 Mo Tallahatchie 6.3 Calhoun 5.5 Chickasaw 5.3 Monroe 5 5.5 Bolivar 6.3 5.3 Grenada 5.3 Bolivar Grenada 7.7 4.8 Clay 7.7 4.8 Clay 8.3 Webster 8.3 Webster 5.6 Sunflower Leflore Montgomery 5.6 Sunflower Leflore 10.7 7.7 Carroll Montgomery Low 6.1 Oktibbeha 7.7 10.7 Carroll Choctaw Lowndes 6.0 6.1 5 5.0 Choctaw Oktibbeha 6.0 5.3 5.0 5.3 Washington 5.3 Washington 8.3 8.3 Humphreys Holmes Noxube Winston Attala Humphreys Holmes Noxubee 11.1 10.3 Winston 7.7 Attala 5.7 6.5 11.1 10.3 7.7 Sharkey 5.7 6.5 Sharkey 9.5 9.5 Yazoo Issaquena Kemper Leake Neshoba Issaquena 6.1 8.9 Yazoo Kemper Leake Neshoba 7.3 5.5 5.9 6.1 8.9 7.3 5.5 5.9 Madison Madison 4.1 4.1 Warren Warren Lauderdale Scott Newton 5.9 Lauderdale Scott Newton 5.9 5.3 4.1 5.3 5.3 4.1 5.3 Rankin Hinds Rankin Hinds 3.7 4.9 3.7 4.9

Mississippi 5.3 MississippiU.S. 5.3 3.4 n Mississippi Business Journal n U.S. 3.4

MISSISSIPPI’S DEC. UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES Labor force and employment security data

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

Dec ‘19 1,281,500 67,400 5.3 1,214,100

Nov ‘19 1,284,500 70,300 5.5 1,214,200

Dec ‘18 1,278,300 60,200 4.7 1,218,100

‘18 Avg. 1,275,700 60,700 4.8 1,215,000

Moving Avg.** 1,279,000 68,000 5.3 1,211,000

Dec ‘19 164,007,000 5,503,000 3.4 158,504,000

Nov ‘18 164,386,000 5,441,000 3.3 158,945,000

Dec ‘18 162,510,000 6,029,000 3.7 156,481,000

‘18 Avg. 162,075,000 6,314,000 3.9 155,761,000

Moving Avg.** 163,539,000 6,001,000 3.7 157,538,000

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Unemployment Insurance Data •• Initial UI Claims Continued Claims Benefits Paid Weeks Paid First Payments Final Payments Average Weekly Benefit

Dec 2019 6,351 38,188 $5,303,941 25,315 1,615 511 $209.52

Nov 2018 4,508 28,742 $4,220,550 20,218 1,271 412 $208.75

Dec 2018 5,494 34,602 $4,790,637 23,117 1,686 466 $207.23

Claiborne 10.8 Jefferson 16.9 Adams 7.0

Claiborne 10.8 Copiah 6.0 Jefferson 16.9

Adams Franklin 7.17.0

Wilkinson 11.0

DeSoto 4.2 Tunica 6.4 Tate 5.4

Lincoln Franklin 5.6 7.1

Simpson Copiah 6.0 4.8

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

New hotel set for Feb. 20 opening in D’Iberville The new Hampton Inn & Suites in D’Iberville has a target opening date of Feb. 20, when it will unveil the newest design of the popular Hilton brand to the city. The four story, 89 room property in the Promenade Shopping Center is steps away from another Hilton hotel, the Home 2 Suites, which has been open for seven years. Teresa Johnston is director of sales for both. She said Home2 Suites is known for extended stay accommodations and for allowing pets and Hampton is one of the largest of the hotel franchises. Johnston said the soft opening on Feb. 20 will give the staff time to “work the kinks out” After that, a ribbon cutting date will be announced. She said the new inn will employ about 23 people, including food service, maintenance and housekeeping “to keep everything running 24/7.” Amenities include free hot breakfast and wifi, a 24-hour fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Johnston said the Hampton Inn is accepting reservations for March 12 and beyond and will begin group reservations in April. D’Iberville is home to the Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and other properties including a Courtyard by Marriott. Kim Compton, the city’s economic development director, said the new hotel will be another option for visitors, including those who come for various sporting events. “D’Iberville is host city to hundreds of baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments, as well as bass fishing tournaments,” she said in an email. “ The Hampton Inn will provide a high quality property to accommodate the thousands of players and fishermen.” Hilton, which has 17 distinct hotel brands, calls Hampton Inn as its upper-midscale brand

Smith Jasper 5.3 7.2

Clarke 6.3

Jasper Clarke 7.2 6.3

Wayne 6.2

Marion Lamar Forrest Marion Greene Lamar 5.4 Pike Amite Perry Forrest 3.8 Pike Perry Walthall 6.4 5.4 Walthall 3.8 4.6 8.4 6.5 4.6 6.47.2 6.5 7.3 7.3

Wilkinson Amite 11.0 7.2

Unemployment Rates

10.4 - 16.9

Smith 5.3 Simpson 4.8

Covington Covington Jones Wayne 4.6 Jones 4.6 5.2 6.2 Lawrence Jeff Davis Lincoln 5.2 Lawrence Jeff Davis 6.7 6.4 6.7 5.6 6.4

** Average for most recent twelve months, including current month Unemployment Rates Rates •• Unemployment Insurance amounts presented in this section only represent regular UI benefits, federal program amounts areUnemployment not 3.7 4.3 3.7 4.3 included. 3.7 - 4.3 Labor force amounts are produced in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 4.4 - 5.9 4.4 - 5.9 4.4 - 5.9 Note: Unless indicated state and county data presented are not seasonally adjusted. 6.0 - 10.3 6.0 - 10.3

— Mississippi Department of Employment Security

DeSoto 4.2

6.0 - 10.3 10.4 - 16.9 10.4 - 16.9

Pearl River 5.0

Hancock 5.4

Stone Pearl River 5.8 5.0

Hancock Harrison 5.0 5.4

Greene 8.4

George Stone 7.5 5.8

George 7.5

Jackson Harrison 5.9 5.0

Jackson 5.9

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

Mississippi LaborMissis Mark

According to the company, the fast-growing Hampton by Hilton brand has more than 2,500 properties in 29 countries and territories, with more than 700 hotels “in the pipeline.”

RETAIL

GAMING

Twin River completes $51M purchase of 3 casinos A Rhode Island casino company said Jan. 24 it has completed the purchase of three casinos in Colorado. Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc. said it closed on the Golden Gates, Golden Gulch and Mardi Gras casinos in Black Hawk, Colorado. The Lincoln-based company purchased the casinos from Nevada-based Affinity Gaming for $51 million in a deal that also includes three sports-betting licenses. Twin River said the casinos are located along a half mile strip of casinos in the historic mining town, which is about 30 miles west of Denver. Together, the casinos contain 36,000 total square feet of gaming space, nearly 20 table games, about 700 slot machines, as well as restaurants and bars. Twin River now owns and manages seven gambling facilities across the country. Among them are casinos in Mississippi and Delaware, a horse track in Colorado and two casinos near the Massachusetts state line: Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln and Tiverton Casino Hotel in Tiverton. The company says it also has casinos in Kansas City, Missouri and Vicksburg, Mississippi under contract.

Former McDade’s stores sold again For the second time in about 18 months groceries that had begun as McDade’s have been sold again. In July 2018, the Louisiana-based Durnin Group bought the four McDade’s groceries in Jackson and the McDade’s Wine and Spirits in Maywood Mart. The groceries on Duling Avenue and in Maywood Mart had retained their original names in the first sale, while the other took on the name Froogel’s. Now Hattiesburg-based Roberts Co. Inc. has purchased the stores for an unknown amount. Three of the groceries will be renamed Corner Market, while the other will become a Grocery Depot. The Roberts Co. also owns 16 stores in south-central Mississippi.

— MBJ Staff

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020 • MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL • www.msbusiness.com

AN MBJ FOCUS: Education

Ole Miss internship program building pipeline to future By NASH NUNNERY mbj@msbusiness.com No longer are Internships just for college students looking to gain work experience and earn academic credit. They’re also a way for companies to build a pipeline that attracts young talent. Last month, the University of Mississippi School of Business Administration hosted its first-ever Total Internship Management Workshop in Oxford. Conducted by Intern Bridge Inc., CEO Robert Shindell, the workshop attracted 40 company representatives seeking to build Dickens and manage successful internship programs. Through in-depth proprietary research, the six-hour curricula for the program has been tested and proven effective in hiring and retaining entry-level workers, said Wesley Dickens. Dickens, assistant director of experiential education at Ole Miss, said the workshop was extremely successful. “For this being a first-time event, we were very pleased with the turnout,” he said. “Internships are a great opportunity to identify future hires and increase brand awareness on college campuses. “They’re also vital for students to build employability skills. It really is a win-win for everyone.” According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Experiential Education, nearly 40 percent of employers’ full-time, entry-level hires come from their internship programs. Also, nearly two-thirds of interns are offered full-time positions after having interned with an organization. “Hiring a former intern who knows the job and the company landscape is prudent, and increases the return on investment.” said Dickens, a Columbia native who has been at Ole Miss since 2013. Dickens said the workshop included statistics from proprietary research. Qualitative and quantitative responses were shared from the National Internship and Co-op Study, a detailed examination of what makes internship pro-

Courtesy of University of Mississippi

Last month, the University of Mississippi School of Business Administration hosted its first-ever Total Internship Management Workshop in Oxford. Conducted by Intern Bridge Inc., CEO Robert Shindell, the workshop attracted 40 company representatives seeking to build and manage successful internship programs.

grams successful based on the responses of more than 225,000 students from more than 500 universities. “It covered the nuts-and-bolts in starting an internship program and about organizations buying-in to the idea,” he said. “Other topics included the legal aspects, such as paying interns or not. Some employers can pay at least minimum wage, others can’t. But when you pay an intern at least a minimum wage, you’re making a possible future investment in your company.” Attendees also learned internship program structure, what students are seeking, choosing the best supervisor, marketing the opportunity orientation, compensation, benefits and personnel evaluation. A workforce development and diversity specialist for Entergy, Alex Washington said the workshop was a great reminder of the benefits of experiential learning opportunities such as internship programs.

“Understanding the generational characteristics of college students, as it relates to their career and workplace expectations, strengthens our interactions with interns throughout the entire internship experience,” he said. “The workshop helped as we understand what motivates students and their career expectations. “We’ve realized that we must work alongside professors and administrators to ensure the bridge to employment begins with industry/workforce and academic alignment.” Brittney Whittington also attended the workshop and garnered some new ideas about internship management, including the use of a syllabus for future interns at her company. “It was a great reminder to treat others how they want to be treated,” said Whittington, director of business operations for ProMatura Group, an Oxford-based senior living consulting firm. “I appreciated that the information was applicable to all managers of interns. Regardless of

title, it’s important to set expectations and goals, as well as give and ask for feedback.” Dickens hopes to move future internship management workshops to different locales around the state. “We’d like to see it in Jackson and on the Gulf Coast in the next couple of years,” he said. Proper internship management practices might combat so-called ‘brain drain’, the exodus of college graduates and younger workers to other states, Dickens said. A recent study by rethink Mississippi suggests that Mississippi and Louisiana are the only states in the Southeast losing more college graduates than each retains. “Promoting internships to encourage students to stay in-state after graduation is key for Mississippi companies that want to stop or slow down brain drain in our state,” he added.

Education MBA Programs MBA PROGRAMS MBA Programs

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

■

Mississippi Business Journal

■

Institution Address

Website Telephone

Programs

Dean/Director Semester cost

Online Program

Belhaven University 1500 Peachtree St., Jackson, MS 39202

belhaven.edu 601-968-5940

MBA

Chip Mason, III $3,540

Yes

300

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

deltastate.edu/gradbusiness 662-846-4200

iMBA

Billy C. Moore $3,751

Yes

230

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

mc.edu 601-925-3000

Marcelo Eduardo

Yes

170

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

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

J. Bret Becton $4,393

Yes

110

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

alcorn.edu 601-877-6450

Donna M Williams

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

millsaps.edu 601-974-1000

MBA, EMBA, Master of Accountancy and Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics (online)

Kimberly G Burke

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

mvsu.edu 662-254-8374

MBA

Curressia L.M. Brown

Yes

University of Mississippi 320 Holman Hall, University, MS 38677

olemissbusiness.com/mba 662-915-5483

Ole Miss MBA

Ken Cyree

Yes

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

jsums.edu 601-979-2411

Fidelis M. Ikem $4,223

Yes

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

wmcarey.edu 601-318-6199

M.B.A.

Cheryl Dale

Yes

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

MBA

Sharon Oswald

Yes

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

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

Master's in Business Administration

Marty Brock

Yes

Rank

Business Administration MBA

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

TAKE YOUR CAREER TO NEW HEIGHTS GET YOUR MBA FROM ONE OF THE NATION’S LEADING PROGRAMS. Staying competitive in today’s workforce can be challenging. That’s why Mississippi State University is constantly refining its MBA program to help you get ahead. Our accelerated, on-campus curriculum features nationally prominent faculty in a cohort-based learning environment offering the practical hands-on experience you need to succeed in today’s economy. Likewise, our accredited 30-hour online MBA program provides essential networks and resources that are helping busy professionals excel in the next level of their career.

Move forward with confidence and credibility. To learn more about our MBA or other graduate programs, call or visit us online.

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Average Enrollment

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020 • MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL • www.msbusiness.com

AN MBJ FOCUS: Economic Development

Tourism continues to be huge part of state economy By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com It may be surprising to learn that 11 percent of jobs in Mississippi are in the hospitality industry. With 122,850 jobs in tourism, that sector is now the fourth largest private employer in the state. Other impressive numbers include 24.7 million visitors who came to the state and spent $6.7 billion in fiscal year 2019. Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division, marketed as Visit Mississippi, is currently in the middle of fiscal 2020 which ends June 30. Tourism Director Craig Ray is pleased with the way things are going. “We’ve had record numbers,” he said, “and we have a Ray busy time coming up with spring festivals, pilgrimages, baseball games and other events. Although we’ve had some ups and downs due to the economy, right now we’re in a good place.” Ray is hard pressed to name the state’s biggest tourism draw. “It’s not just one. We have a unique portfolio of gaming, resorts, festivals, history, culinary, and heritage tours,” he said. “There is a common theme of culinary and music that we see more and more people following.” Speaking of the rise in heritage and culture travel, he cites the success of the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. “In the two years it’s been open, it has exceeded expectations. It’s bringing in visitors on a stand alone basis.” Sports marketing is growing as cities build sportsplexes and recruit tournaments involving all ages. “It’s booming and is a growth trend around the country,” Ray said. “These tournaments bring in a lot of families. Of course having sports books in the casinos brings in a lot of people too.” Looking ahead, Ray says the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, expected to open April 30, anticipates 400,000 visitors yearly. It will contain more than 80,000 square feet of exhibits connected by landscaped walkways with plants representing all the physiographic regions of the state. There will be indoor and outdoor interactive habitats with more than 200 species of

File / MBJ

The Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

animals from land, water and air. “Guest and animal interactions are taken to the next level through SeaTrek, a helmet diving experience,” says Mississippi Aquarium CEO David Kimmel. “Guests will fully immerse into the main aquatic wonders habitat where they will get up close and personal with fish, sharks, rays and much more. There are only a handful of other aquariums in the nation that offer this experience.” Throughout the state the Blues Trail continues to be successful with visitors, along with county fairs and Cruisin’ the Coast which had record numbers last October. “We’re a drive in/drive through state so we focus our marketing on the neighboring states that circle us,” Ray said. “With digital marketing it’s easier and cheaper to extend that reach. We market our strengths. We have a product people enjoy and we look for continued growth; we’re excited about the opportunities.”

However, all visitors don’t come from neighboring states. “Our international market has grown with 165,000 visitors last year from 12 countries,” Ray said. “When I started in this job, we could track 5 to 10,000. Typically, our international visitors have been to the U.S. four or five times before they come to the South. They come here and then they come back.” The United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Brazil are among the countries represented by visitors. For more than 26 years state tourism has partnered with Memphis to market the two areas in Europe. Since 2005 Visit Mississippi has billed itself as the Birthplace of Music with different slogans. The current slogan is Don’t Miss Out. “From year to year the slogans change, but our numbers speak for themselves. If people choose to come and hear our story, they’ll better understand who we are and they’ll return,” Ray said.

Economic Development

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Mississippi Business Journal

PROFILE

McCullough’s tenure at MDA marked by record economic growth

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com The five years Glenn McCullough, Jr., served as executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) were marked by some of the best economic growth in the state’s history. McCullough, who retired to the private sector at the end of January, credits the success to teamwork. “When I arrived at MDA in 2015, we focused on optimizing the relationship of people, process and product,” McCullough said. “When those three work together, you will be successful. The talented people at MDA work with the governor, economic development oﬃcials, utility partners and workforce development partners, and that’s the process. It’s the culture of teamwork.” That teamwork has led to record capital investment in Mississippi, a record number of people employed who are earning higher salaries, and an increase in the general fund. Area Development Magazine recognizes states for attracting high-value projects that create a significant number of new jobs. States are awarded gold and silver shovels for their economic development achievements by the magazine covering site selection and facility planning. “Mississippi won its first gold shovel in 2017, and Gov. Phil Bryant was proud to hoist a second gold shovel in 2019,” McCullough said. “The state received six silver shovels and two gold shovels during Gov. Bryant’s two terms. That is the result of hard work by Gov. Bryant and teamwork of people across the state. The process of teamwork allows us to achieve milestones like more people working, higher incomes, and record revenue for the state.” Notable projects under his tenure include Continental Tire, Relativity Space and two Amazon fulfillment centers. The state has also achieved record growth in global export trade in recent years. Chad E. Newell, president of the Area Development Partnership, Hattiesburg, said McCullough served Mississippi admirably over the past five years. “Glenn is a proven leader and worked tirelessly to help advance our state,” Newell said. “He was always available and willing to discuss issues, projects, and opportunities impacting our region’s economy. I appreciate his faithful service and wish him the very best.” McCullough worked diligently to implement Gov. Bryant’s agenda to attract jobs and investment to Mississippi, said Pablo Diaz, president and CEO, Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Warren County Port Commission and Warren County Economic Development Foundation. “Under his motto of ‘People, Process, Product,’ Glenn and his team empowered local economic

“When I arrived at MDA in 2015, we focused on optimizing the relationship of people, process and product. When those three work together, you will be successful. The talented people at MDA work with the governor, economic development oﬃcials, utility partners and workforce development partners, and that’s the process. It’s the culture of teamwork.” Glenn McCullough development leaders to prepare their communities and achieve success,” Diaz said. “Under his tenure, we witnessed the attraction of thousands of jobs in the state and the strongest show of support I have seen to adequately fund programs to help increase product availability in industrial parks across the state. Glenn worked to make MDA an open-door agency where local ideas were listened to, given proper attention, and if possible, fully supported. I appreciate Glenn’s service to our state and wish him the greatest success in his new enterprise in the private sector.” Since 2015, MDA partnered with the Community Development Foundation (CDF) to win 52 projects. “These 52 projects accounted for over $498 million in capital investment and created over 3,200 jobs and $106 million in new wages in Tupelo and Lee County,” said David P. Rumbarger, president and CEO of the CDF. “This partnership

with Glenn and the MDA assisted companies, including Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi, a Toyota supplier. Also among those 52 projects are BancorpSouth Tech Center expansion, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company automation expansion, General Atomics, H.M. Richards, Southern Motion, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi-2020 Corolla expansion. Glenn’s leadership, guidance and his sacrifice of service the past four years for our state have been vital to Tupelo and Lee County.” McCullough agrees with experts who say Mississippi’s economy has never been stronger. “If you choose to assess Mississippi’s economy on employment in recent months, a record number of Mississippians are employed,” he said. “In the past two years, unemployment has been at a record low. There is record revenue for the state’s general fund. See MCCULLOUGH, Page 15

Economic Development Economic and Community Development Organizations

14 n

Mississippi Business Journal

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

ECONOMIC ORGANIZATIONS EconomicDEVELOPMENT and Community Development Organization

Address

Phone

Website

Top Officer

Area Development Partnership Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Calhoun Economic Development Association Central Mississippi Planning & Development District Choctaw County Economic Development Foundation Clarksdale-Coahoma Co. Chamber, Industrial Foundation Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce & EDF Community Development Foundation Copiah County Economic Development District Covington County Economic Development Authority Delta Council Delta Strong/Delta Council Development DeSoto County Economic Development Council East Central Planning & Development District, Inc. East Mississippi Business Development Corp. Economic Development Authority of Jones County Golden Triangle Development LINK Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce Greater Starkville Development Partnership Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll EDF Grenada Area Chamber of Commerce Grenada County Economic Development District Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission Harrison County Development Commission Hinds County Economic Development Authority Innovate Mississippi Itawamba County Development Council Jackson County Economic Development Foundation Jasper County Economic Development District Jefferson Davis County Economic Development District Kemper County Economic Development Authority Kosciusko Attala Partnership Lawrence County Community Development Association Leake County Development Association Madison County Business League & Foundation Madison County Chamber of Commerce Madison County Economic Development Authority

One Convention Center Plaza, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 111 Magnolia St., Belzoni, MS 39038 230 S. Whitworth Ave., Brookhaven, MS 39601 P.O. Box 8, Pittsboro, MS 38951 1170 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 55 E. Quinn St., Ackerman, MS 39735 Box 160, Clarksdale, MS 38614 101 South Bayou Ave., Cleveland, MS 38732 398 E. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804 P.O. Drawer 150, Hazlehurst, MS 39083 101 S Elm Avenue, Collins, MS 39428 433 Stoneville Rd., Stoneville, MS 38776 PO Box 257, Stoneville, MS 38776 316 W. Commerce St., Hernando, MS 38632 280 Commercial Drive, Newton, MS 39345 200 22nd Ave, Meridian, MS 39301 153 Base Dr., Ste. 3, Laurel, MS 39440 1102 Main St., Columbus, MS 39701 P.O. Box 22548, Jackson, MS 39225 201 Hwy. 11 N., Picayune, MS 39466 200 E Main St, Starkville, MS 39759 402 Hwy. 82 West, Greenwood, MS 38930 402 U.S. 82 Bypass, Greenwood, MS 38930 95 SW Frontage Road, Grenada, MS 38901 2000 Gateway St., Suite 140, Grenada, MS 38901 14054 Fred and Al Key Road, Kiln, MS 39556 12281 Intraplex Pky., Gulfport, MS 39503 125 S. Congress St., Suite 1500, Jackson, MS 39201 121 N. State St., Suite 500, Jackson, MS 39201 P.O. Box 577, Fulton, MS 38843 3033 Pascagoula St., Pascagoula, MS 39567 P.O. Box 611, Bay Springs, MS 39422 1025 3rd St., Prentiss, MS 39474 14062 Hwy 16, DeKalb, MS 39328 101 N. Natchez St., Kosciusko, MS 39090 517 E. Broad St., Monticello, MS 39654 103 N. Pearl St., Carthage, MS 39051 135 Mississippi Parkway, Canton, MS 39046 1085 Gluckstadt Road, 300-F, Madison, MS 39110 135 Mississippi Parkway, Canton, MS 39046

601-296-7513 662-247-4838 601-833-1411 662-414-8163 601-981-1511 662-285-3778 662-627-7337 662-843-2712 662-842-4521 601-894-4126 601-765-4242 662-686-3350 662-686-3365 662-429-4414 601-683-2007 601-693-1306 601-649-3031 662-328-8369 601-948-7575 601-798-3122 662-323-3322 662-453-4152 662-453-5321 662-226-2571 662-229-9502 228-467-9231 228-896-5020 601-353-6056 601-960-3610 662-862-4571 228-769-6263 601-764-2700 601-792-5903 601-743-2754 662-289-2981 601-587-3007 601-267-7161 601-832-5592 601-605-2554 601-605-0368

theadp.com belzonims.com brookhavenchamber.org calhouneda.com cmpdd.org choctawcountycoc.com clarksdale-ms.com clevelandmschamber.com cdfms.org copiahworks.com covingtoncountyms.gov deltacouncil.org deltastrong.ms desotocounty.com ecpdd.org embdc.org jonescounty.com gtrlink.org greaterjacksonpartnership.com greaterpicayunechamber.org starkville.org greenwoodmschamber.com greenwoodms.com grenadamississippi.com grenadameansbusiness.com portairspace.com mscoast.org selecthinds.com innovate.ms itawambams.com jcedf.org co.jasper.ms.us jeffdavisms.com kempercounty.com kapartnership.org lawrencecountyms.com leakeida.com madisoncountybusinessleague.com madisoncountychamber.com madisoncountyeda.com

Marion County Development Partnership

412 Courthouse Square, Columbia, MS 39429

601-736-6385

mcdp.info

Chad Newell Renee Hawkins Garrick Combs Sheila M. Freely Mike Monk Donna McKay Jon S Levingston Judson Thigpen III David P. Rumbarger Arthur Lee Evans Jr. Guy Easterling Tom Gresham Wade Litton Jim Flanagan John M. Blount William T Hannah Ross Tucker Joe Max Higgins Jr. Jeff Rent Terry Farr Mike Tagert Beth Stevens Angela Curry Wanda Thompson Matthew Harrison Bill Cork Bill Lavers S. Blake Wallace Tony Jeff Vaunita R. Martin George Freeland Jr. Haskins Montgomery Ben Hamby Craig Hitt Darren Milner Dave Nichols Mala Burns Jan Coulter Collins Paige Peterson Joseph P Deason Lori R Watts, Carolyn Burton Justin L. Hall Newt Ishee

Marshall County Industrial Development Authority 520 J.M. Ash Drive, Holly Springs, MS 38635 662-252-3916 marshallcoms.com 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 Golden Triangle Planning and Development Districts P.O. Box 828, Starkville, MS 39760 662-324-7860 gtpdd.com Mississippi Development Authority 501 N. West St., Jackson, MS 39201 601-359-3449 mississippi.org Mississippi Economic Council 248 E. Capitol St., Ste. 940, Jackson, MS 39201 601-969-0022 msmec.com Mississippi Economic Development Council 1675 Lakeland Dr., Ste. 502, Jackson, MS 39216 601-352-1909 medc.ms Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 11975 Seaway Road, Suite B120, Gulfport, MS 39503 228-604-0014 mscoastchamber.com Mississippi Main Street Association P.O. Box 55747, Jackson, MS 39296 601-339-2042 msmainstreet.com Monroe County Chamber of Commerce PO Box 537, Amory, MS 38821 662-369-6488 gomonroe.org Montgomery County Economic Development Partnership 701 Summit St., Winona, MS 38967 662-283-4828 mcedp.ms Natchez, Inc. 100 S. Pearl St., Natchez, MS 39120 601-445-0288 natchezinc.com Newton Chamber of Commerce 128 S. Main St., Newton, MS 39345 601-683-2201 newtonchamberms.com North Central Planning & Development District 28 Industrial Park Blvd., Winona, MS 38967 662-283-2675 North Delta Planning and Development District, Inc. 220 Power Drive, Batesville, MS 38606 662-561-4100 ndpdd.com North Mississippi Industrial Development Association 26853 E. Main St., West Point, MS 39773 662-494-4633 nmida.com Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District 619 E. Parker Drive, Box 600, Booneville, MS 38829 662-728-6248 nempdd.com Noxubee Economic and Community Development Alliance 198 Washington St, Macon, MS 39341 662-726-4456 noxubeealliance.com 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 Panola Partnership Inc. 150A Public Square, Batesville, MS 38606 662-563-3126 panolacounty.com Pearl Chamber of Commerce 110 Lonnie Jenkins Drive, Pearl, MS 39208 601-939-3338 pearlms.org Pearl River County Economic Development P.O. Box 569, Poplarville, MS 39470 601-403-2302 pearlrivercountyeconomicdevelopment.com Philadelphia/ Neshoba County CDP P.O. Box 330, Philadelphia, MS 39350-0330 601-656-1000 neshoba.org Information provided by organization representatives, industry associations and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

Rudy Johnson Scott Waller Mary Swoope Adele Lyons Kevin Stafford Chelsea T. Baulch Sue Stidham Chandler Russ Emily Pugh Steve Russell James W. Curcio William "Skip" Scaggs Sharon Gardner Marti Kauffman Cynthia Dobbs Sutton La Sonja Ivy Vickie DuPree Jon Maynard Joe Azar Kathy Deer Blaine LaFontaine David Vowell

Economic Development Economic and Community Development Organizations Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

ECONOMIC ORGANIZATIONS EconomicDEVELOPMENT and Community Development Organization

Address

Phone

Mississippi Business Journal

Website

Continued from, Page 13

Mississippi’s rainy-day fund is full to the max. It’s the process that has changed for the better across the state. Economic developers, legislators, utilities, community colleges and research universities all are working together to make Mississippi’s economy strong.” McCullough said the best part of the job was working with good people at MDA and other partners across the state. “These people have talent and passion for our state, both in good times and challenging times,” he said. “Gov. Tate Reeves has been a leader in economic development throughout his public life for the past 16 years. Gov. Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Speaker Philip Gunn will set new records. I want this economic momentum to grow. I believe our best years lie ahead.” Former Gov. Bryant said McCullough has been an integral part of Mississippi’s economic success. “I wish him well in his future endeavors and appreciate his commitment to supporting job creation and growth in Mississippi,” Bryant said. Mississippi has long been McCullough’s home. He grew up in Tupelo, graduated from Tupelo High School and then earned a degree in ag economics from Mississippi State University. He was a cheerleader while at MSU. He intends to stay in the state continu-

ing to help with economic development efforts from the private sector, working with people, organizations and companies to help them achieve their goals in Mississippi and beyond. McCullough had a long tenure in politics and economic development prior to being named to lead the MDA in 2015. He was mayor of Tupelo when he was nominated to the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) by former Pres. Bill Clinton in 1999. He was confirmed in that position by the U.S. Senate. Then he was selected by President George W. Bush as chairman of the TVA board of Directors in 2001, a position he held until November 2005. During his tenure with TVA, the utility earned national recognition for its economic development efforts and launched its megasite program. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Mississippi’s second original equipment manufacturer in the automobile industry, is located on a TVA megasite. McCullough also served as executive director of the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership that focuses on economic development in 13 states, from 1993 to 1997. As MDA executive director, McCullough oversaw a staff of about 250 people. He and his wife, Laura, have two sons and four grandchildren. They have homes in Tupelo and Brandon.

Top Officer

Pike County Economic Development District 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666 601-465-0255 gopikems.com Prentiss County Development Association 401 W. Parker Dr., Booneville, MS 38829 662-728-3505 goprentiss.com Rankin County Chamber of Commerce 101 Service Dr., Brandon, MS 39042 601-825-2268 rankinchamber.com Rankin First Economic Development P.O. Box 129, Brandon, MS 39043 601-825-5335 rankinfirst.com Simpson County Development Foundation 176 W. Court St., Mendenhall, MS 39114 601-847-2375 simpsoncounty.biz Smith County Economic Development District P.O. Box 275, Raleigh, MS 39153 601-507-9244 smithcountyms.org South Delta Planning and Development District 1427 S. Main St. Suite 147, Greenville, MS 38701 662-378-3831 sdpdd.com Southaven Chamber of Commerce 500 Main St., Southaven, MS 38671 662-342-6114 southavenchamber.com Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District 10441 Corporate Drive, Ste. 1, Gulfport, MS 39503 228-868-2311 smpdd.com Southwest Mississippi Economic Partnership 100 S. Wall St. , Natchez, MS 39120 601-446-6044 southwest-mississippi.com Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development District 100 S. Wall St., Natchez, MS 39120 601-446-6044 swmpdd.com Stone County Economic Development Partnership 115 Hatten Ave. E., Wiggins, MS 39577 601-928-5418 stonecounty.com Sunflower County Economic Development District P.O. Box 1508, Indianola, MS 38751 662-887-3737 sunflowercounty.ms.gov Tate County Economic Development Foundation 135 N. Front St., Senatobia, MS 38668 662-562-8715 tatecountyms.com Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority P.O. Drawer 671, Columbus, MS 39703 662-328-3286 tenntom.org The Alliance 502 Wick Street, Corinth, MS 38834 662-287-5269 corinthalliance.com The Chamber of Flowood 115 Laurel Park Cv., Ste. 108, Flowood, MS 39232 601-932-8007 flowoodchamber.com The Enterprise of Mississippi P.O. Box 327, Eupora, MS 39744 662-546-0075 theenterprisems.com The Growth Alliance 746 E. Broad St., West Point, MS 39773 662-494-5121 westpointms.org Three Rivers Planning & Development District P.O. Box 690, Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-2415 trpdd.com Tippah County Development Foundation 201 Union Street, Ripley, MS 38663 662-837-3353 tippahcounty.org Tishomingo County Development Foundation 1001 Battleground Drive, Iuka, MS 38852 662-423-9933 tishomingo.org Tunica County Chamber & EDF 1301 Main St., Tunica, MS 38676 662-363-2865 tunicachamber.com Union County Development Association 135 E. Bankhead St., New Albany, MS 38652 662-534-4354 ucda-newalbany.com Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership 2020 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39180 601-631-0555 vicksburgedf.org Walthall County Economic Development Authority P.O. Box 227, Tylertown, MS 39667 601-876-2680 co.walthall.ms.us Washington County Economic Alliance 342 Washington Ave., Ste. 201, Greenville, MS 38701 662-378-3141 wceams.com Wayne County Economic Development District 610 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367 601-735-6056 selectwayne.com Winston County Economic Development District Partnership 70 W. Park St., Louisville, MS 39339 662-773-8719 winstoncountyms.com Yalobusha County Economic Development District P.O Box 10, Water Valley, MS 38965 662-473-8899 yalobushaonline.org Information provided by organization representatives, industry associations and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

MCCULLOUGH

Jill Busby Leon Hays Mandi Arinder Tom Troxler Donnie Caughman Charles Waldrup Tommy Goodwin Carmen Kyle Leonard Bentz Jill Busby Wirt L. Peterson Betsy M. Rowell Frederick Washington J. Britt Herrin Mitch Mays Clayton Stanley Greg Wilcox Lara Bowman Lisa Klutts Vernon R. Kelley III Chris Lewellen Gary Matthews Charles L Finkley Jr Joanne C. Lesley Mrs Pablo Diaz Pam Keaton William Coppage James Snellgrove Glen C Haab Bob Tyler

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Mississippi Business Journal

Newsmakers

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Gulfport Chamber announces board of directors, chair

The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2020 Chair is Ryan Goldin, vice president and director of operations at Florence Gardens, LLC, and a broker associate for Bayou Realty. Goldin is a lifelong resident of Gulfport. After graduating Gulfport High School, he went on Goldin to Florida State University, where he earned degrees in Real Estate and Finance, and later received an MBA from William Carey University. In addition to managing the Florence Gardens neighborhood development and being a broker with Bayou Realty, Goldin continues to serve on various boards throughout the Coast and is currently President of Congregation Beth Israel. He has two children, 13 and 11, that are in middle school at Hope Academy. Some of his hobbies include running, fishing, and being outside. Others serving on the 2020 Gulfport Chamber Board of Directors are: Jonathan Woodward: Past Chair, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Nikki Johns: Chair Elect, AGJ Systems & Networks Inc. Tracy Yanez: Gulfport Chamber Director, Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Johnny Olsen: Vice Chair of Finance, LPK Architects, P.A. Regina Wood: Vice Chair of Education, BancorpSouth Andrew Ratcliffe: Vice Chair of Military Affairs, 1108th TASMG, MSARNG Chris Estrade: Vice Chair of Small Business & Economic Development, Hanock Whitney Bank John Payton Hood: Vice Chair of Governmental Affairs, Hancock Whitney Bank Michael Pocchiari: Vice Chair of Membership, Garden Park Medical Center Emily Sham: Vice Chair of Communications and Marketing, Two Men & A Truck Russell Young: Taste, Rattle & Roll Co-Chair, The First, A National Banking Association Thomas Allen: Board Member, Eley, Guild and Hardy Architects, P.A. Cedric Bradley: Board Member, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Sondra Gayle: Board Member, Allstate Insurance Amy Haygood: Board Member, Trustmark National Bank Brandi Hough: Board Member, Harrison County Economic Development Commission Bryan Jacobs: Board Member, State Farm Insurance Dawn Lieck: Board Member, Speedy Cash Deborah McGhee: Board Member, McGhee Realty Kristina Norton: Board Member, IP Casino Resort Spa Butch Simpson.: Board Member, Negrotto’s Art Gallery Kendra Simpson: Board Member, Mississippi Aquarium Tammy Tynes: Board Member, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Tom Wade: Board Member, Gulf States Engineering Ryan Labadens: Ex-Officio, Naval Construction Battalion Center LaShaundra McCarty: Ex-Officio, City of Gulfport Chris Ryle: Ex-Officio, City of Gulfport

Lambert named chief risk officer for BancorpSouth

BancorpSouth Bank announced the appointment of Ty Lambert as its chief risk officer, effective January 1, 2020. Lambert’s responsibilities include a broad portfolio of functions designed to maintain the integrity of the company’s continued efforts to identify, monitor and mitigate key risks facing the Lambert company and be accountable for enabling the efficient and effective governance of significant risks, and related opportunities. In this role, Lambert will provide executive oversight to the company’s risk management teams. Since joining BancorpSouth as an accountant in 2006, Lambert has held a variety of management positions, including his most recent role as executive vice president and chief data analytics officer. He will continue to have an active role in quantitative analytics, balance sheet management, credit risk management, capital stress testing and corporate planning. In addition, his responsibilities will span all efforts in enterprise risk management, compliance, vendor management and Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering efforts. Lambert earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. He currently serves as an adviser to the Center for Financial Professionals and previously served on the American Banker’s advisory board for stress testing.

Williams joins Smith Shellnut Wilson

D. Dodd Williams, CFA, has joined Smith Shellnut Wilson Investment Counsel and Management in Madison as a senior vice president. Williams has over 27 years of experience in money management and investment portfolio strategy. He has spent Willaims the last 21 years working for investment banks, specializing in institutional fixed income portfolio management. He was previously a portfolio manager for Delta Life and Annuity Company in Memphis and also worked as an analyst with Loomis, Sayles & Company in Memphis and Washington, D.C. He earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 1997 and is a current member of the CFA Society of Mississippi. He graduated from Millsaps College with a BBA in Accounting in 1990.

Merit Health Wesley names employee of the year

Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg has named Anita Nobles, CNA, as 2019 recipient of the Margaret LaFon Employee of the Year Award. This award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Nobles was chosen from among more than 1,000 employees for the honor. Employees are nominated for the award by their

hospital peers, administrators and patients based on their commitment to patient care, their professionalism, and their contributions on the job. Nobles has worked for Merit Health Wesley since August 2015 on the hospital’s Medical-Surgical department as a certified nursing assistant. The hospital also named Clinical Manager of the Year, Julie Roberts, RN, and Non-Clinical Manager of the Year, Fara Bailey. Roberts serves as the Clinical Manager in the Medical-Surgical department, where she manages the day-to-day operations of two units. She has worked at Merit Health Wesley for three years. Bailey is the Patient Access Director in the Admitting Department. She joined Merit Health Wesley in 2004.

Herndon promoted at Waggoner Engineering

Waggoner Engineering has announced that Ryan Herndon has been promoted to strategic services/government relations manager. In his new role, Herndon will manage strategic services and government relations activities, including supporting clients, project managers and Herndon client account managers with strategic services needs. In his prior role as Senior Discipline Manager for Construction, Herndon oversaw the completion of the U.S. Highway 80 Improvements project in Brandon. The project included widening the existing two-lane roadway to 3 lanes, upgrading and installing a new traffic signal, adding sidewalks, and replacing the bridge with a more aesthetic box bridge. He also supervised the Entergy Hinds 2 Black Start Project. Waggoner assisted Entergy Mississippi, Inc. on the installation of a combustion turbine at the existing Hinds Entergy Facility in Jackson. Oversight included safety, interface, and quality. Herndon joined Waggoner in 2018, bringing over 20 years of experience in project management of new construction, including tanks, water line treatment plants, buildings, and water wells in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Seger Morris named AOF board member

The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) has announced the election of Seger S. Morris, DO, as its New Physician in Practice board member for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2020. Board certified by the American Osteopathic Board Morris of Internal Medicine, Morris is Associate Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and an internal medicine physician at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth. He is also Executive Director at the Magnolia Regional Community Care Clinic and Medical Director of its Clinical Documentation Management Program. Morris earned his DO degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012 and an MBA from the University of North Texas in 2008.

Boone joins Bradley’s Jackson office

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP ] has announced that Elizabeth M. Boone has joined the firm’s Jackson office as a partner in the Corporate and Securities Practice Group. Boone focuses her practice on business transactions and corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, real estate and municipal matters. She advises clients on general business law matters domestically and internationally, including contract negotiation, establishment and maintenance of legal entities, establishment of terms and conditions for the sale of goods, employment matters, and real estate transactions. Her work also includes managing trademark portfolios for clients in conjunction with intellectual property counsel and advising regarding protection of inventions. Prior to joining Bradley, Boone was a partner at Watson Heidelberg PLLC, where she focused on business, real estate and municipal law, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Prior to law school, Boone worked in finance and as a chemist. Boone received her J.D. (magna cum laude) from the University of Mississippi School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) from the University of Tennessee.

Terracon promotes Steiner to office manager

Ryan P. Steiner, P.E., has been named a principal of Terracon and promoted to office manager of Terracon’s Ridgeland and Biloxi offices. Steiner is now responsible for daily operations and resource management for environmental, geotechnical and construction materials personnel throughout Mississippi. Steiner is a licensed professional engineer in Mississippi and Tennessee with over 11 years of consulting experience. He is a native of Tennessee and he received his B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Steiner and his family have been Madison residents for the past 10 years. He has provided geotechnical engineering services for transportation, commercial development, schools and infrastructure projects throughout Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region. Terracon is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services for over 50 years. They have 150 offices nationwide, including Ridgeland and Biloxi. For more information, visit www. terracon.com.

SVN | Southgate Realty welcomes Karen Ford

SVN | Southgate Realty, LLC welcomed Karen Ford to the team as Chief Operating Officer. In this position, Ford is responsible for all of the company’s operational units, the alignment and prioritization of company initiatives, and ensuring operational excellence. Ford has thirty years of experience in the FHA Multifamily and Healthcare finance industry. Most recently as the former EVP and COO of Love Funding in Washington, DC, she helped develop and implement their strategic plan, was responsible for the closing and asset management departments, managed corporate contracts, created an internal legal department, and drove pipeline/tracking management for a portfolio of over $3.7 billion and in excess of 600 loans.

Newsmakers Biloxi Chamber announces 2020 board and president

The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce has announced Sam Burke as the chair of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce for 2020. Burke is the Executive Director of the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy in Biloxi, and has served in that capacity since 2011. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and has Burke worked in non-profit management for the past 17 years. He has certifications from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School of Executive Leadership, Portland State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Non-Profit Leadership Development Program, the MS Center for Non-Profits Leadership Institute and Excellence in Action Accreditation Program. Sam currently serves on the Board of Directors for the MS Alliance of Non-Profits and Philanthropies, as well as the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce. He is a past Board Member and Program Chair for Leadership Gulf Coast. He is a member of Rotary Club of Biloxi, having served as President in 2008. He is a 2009 recipient of the Top 10 Business Leaders Under 40. Burke is a life-long resident of the MS Gulf Coast, he and his wife Sarah live in Biloxi with their 4 children: Sam Jr. (13), Cole (11), Alyson (3) and Bennett(3). Others serving on the 2020 Biloxi Board of Directors are: Justin Chance: Chair Elect, Hancock Whitney Bank

Christen Duheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: Past Chair, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bill Raymond: VC of Finance, City of Biloxi Rachael Seymour Kiesling: Director, Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, MS Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce LaWanda Jones: VC of Membership, American Cancer Society Marshall Eleuterius: VC of Economic Development, Community Bank of Mississippi Jerry Taranto: VC of Military Affairs, Retired Jennifer Seymour: VC of Education, Eley Guild Hardy Architects Lauren McCrory: VC of Small Business, Page, Maninno, Peresich & McDermott Carmelita Scott: VC of Diversity, Woodforest National Bank Jessica Gazzo: VC of Marketing, Dukes, Dukes, Keating & Faneca, P.A. Narissa Behrens-Brown: Board of Directors, IP Casino Resort & Spa Leo Manuel: Board of Directors, Balch & Bingham Suzie Brown: Board of Directors, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Natasha Pickett: Board of Directors, Praise Temple of Biloxi John Prentiss: Board of Directors, BancorpSouth Ryan Boudreaux: Board of Directors, BancorpSouth Courtney Jacobs: Board of Directors, IDR Agnecy Board of Directors, Attorney Ryan Canon: Half Austin Coomer: Board of Directors, Shell Oyster House Ashley Grayson Brisco: Board of Directors, Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Briana Dubaz: Board of Directors, Eley Guild Hardy Architects Amber Guess: Board of Directors, Luckies Furniture Arreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Bishop: Board of Directors, City of Biloxi Kevin Kavanagh: Board of Directors Damon Penny: Board of Directors, Retired Lisa Parker: Board of Directors, Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi Windy Swetman: Board of Directors, Swetman Security Jennifer Walker: Board of Directors, Mississippi Power Company Monica Walker: Board of Directors, Hope Credit Union Andy Welter: Board of Directors, The Peoples Bank Terri Gonzalez: Liaison, Keesler Air Force Base Kay Miller: Liaison, The City of Biloxi/Main Street Marnee Losurdo: Liaison, Keesler Air Force Base

Penn, Pujol, and Ritchie promoted to partner

FormanWatkins has announced that Elizabeth Penn, Patrice Pujol, and Spencer Ritchie have been promoted to Partner. Penn joined the Firm in 2016 with over ten years of litigation experience. Penn graduated magna cum laude from Mississippi State University with a degree in Business Information Systems and received her law degree from The University of Mississippi School of Law, where she received the Patrick Michael Magann Public Interest Award and was Associate Mississippi Cases Editor for the Mississippi Law Journal. Penn is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association, the Lou-

Mississippi Business Journal

isiana State Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and she serves on the Firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Technology and Diversity Committees. Elizabeth provides pro bono and community service through Joni and Friends (a disability advocacy and support organization), as well as Mission First Legal Aid Office and Mississippi Center for Justice. Penn is also a Mid-South Rising Stars and Louisiana Rising Stars honoree. Penn works out of the Jackson and New Orleans offices and is admitted to practice in Mississippi, Louisiana, New York, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Ritchie joined the Firm in 2017 having previously been an associate with a major regional law firm and law clerk to two federal judges. Ritchie also has substantial federal and state political experience, including serving as Executive Director of the Mississippi Republican Party. Spencer received his undergraduate degree in History from Texas Tech University and his law degree from The University of Mississippi School of Law. He is a member of the Mississippi Ethics Commission, the Mississippi Bar Professionalism Committee, and the Downtown Jackson Partners Advisory Counsel. He is a recipient of the Pro Bono Award from the Capitol Area Bar Association and is a Mid-South Rising Stars honoree. Ritchie and his wife Mary Mills are the parents of four children and attend Redeemer Presbyterian Church, where Spencer serves as a Deacon. Ritchie works out of the Jackson office and is licensed in Mississippi. Pujol is licensed in Texas and works out of the Houston office. Pujol received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Baylor University and her Master of English degree from the University of Dallas.

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Mississippi Business Journal

Newsmakers

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Merit Health Wesley welcomes three cardiologists

Merit Health Wesley welcomes Karl Duncan, M.D., FSCAI, Kurt Duncan, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, and Alicia Pace, NP, to the cardiology department. Merit Health Wesley welcomes Dr. Karl Duncan who joins us from Jackson, TN, where he dedicated his talents since 2015 to the Mid-South Heart Center and has been treating heart patients since 2006. He is a member of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention, the North American Society of Cardiovascular Imaging, the Association of Black Cardiologists and the American Medical Association. Dr. Kurt Duncan has been serving as an interventional cardiologist at Mid-South Heart Center. He began his career as a hospitalist in 2003 in Detroit, MI, and began practicing cardiology in 2011. He is currently a member of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, the Association of Black Cardiologists and the National Medical Association. Before beginning a career as a Nurse Practitioner, Alicia Pace, NP, gained experience as a Registered Nurse working in Telemetry, Emergency, and Cardiovascular Intensive Care departments. Alicia is an active member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Emergency Nurses Association and the Mississippi Nurses Association.

Delta Regional Medical Center announces executive director

Delta Regional Medical Center (DRMC) announced and welcomed Stephanie Patton to the DRMC leadership team. Patton will serve as Executive Director, Health System Development. Patton comes to Delta Regional Medical Center with health care and communication experience as well as managerial and entrepreneurial skills. As Executive Director, Health System Development, she will be working with Delta-wide community leadership including area physicians, hospitals, clinics, economic developers, elected officials, non-profit organizations, and other Delta stakeholders, to cultivate this initiative and expand Delta-wide healthcare services. Delta Health System is a new healthcare delivery system currently in development and formed with affiliates, partners and sponsors throughout the Delta region. The goal of the initiative is to improve the health of the population served in the Mississippi Delta and support sustainability for our healthcare providers. Benefits of a system include issues of access, expenditures, and resources, including personnel and facilities.

Memorial Physician Clinics welcomes Duncombe

Memorial Physician Clinics welcomes Vanessa Duncombe, MD, in the practice of Family Medicine, in association with Nyron Marshall, MD, at Memorial Internal Medicine - Acadian Plaza, 12261 Highway 49 N., Suite 11, Gulfport. Duncombe received her medDuncombe ical degree from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. She completed her residency in

Jones Walker elects 12 new partners Jones Walker LLP has announced that the firm has elected 12 new partners. The new partners include former special counsel attorneys Brad Davis, Cindy Muller, Jim Noe, Jim Rebarchak, Clint Smith, and Ann Taylor, and former associates Amy Anderson, Sarah Dicharry, Micah Fincher, Andrew Harris, Adam Matasar, and Ford Wogan. Brad Davis is a member of the Corporate Practice Group in the Jackson office. He focuses on advising state and local governments and financial institutions on a broad range of financing transactions for the enhancement of quality of life, public safety, and economic development. Cindy Muller is a member of the Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Industry Team in the Houston office. She represents a broad range of companies, from large multinational EPC contractors to private equity portfolio companies, doing business in the energy and construction industries, on capital projects and commercial transactions, and compliance functions. Jim Noe is a member of the Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Industry Team in the Houston office. He has extensive global experience representing the interests of major multinational corporations and represents energy, oil and gas, and other industry clients in a broad range of transactions, including upstream oil and gas mergers and acquisitions. Jim also maintains a strong governmental affairs practice. Jim Rebarchak is a member of the Litigation Practice Group in the Mobile office. He focuses on business and commercial law, construction law, employment law, maritime law, and insurance defense. Jim represents both large and small businesses as well as insurance companies. Clint Smith is a member of the Corporate Practice Group and the firm’s corporate, securities, and executive compensation team in the New Orleans office. He counsels clients in all areas of corporate securities and capital markets law and represents public and private company clients, both large and small, in a range of industries. Ann Taylor is an attorney in the Jackson office. Ann’s practice consists of real estate matters and advising clients on matters involving acquisitions, sales, leasing, and financing. Ann has experience negotiating, structuring, and documenting complex financing transactions involving all types of collateral, ranging from real estate to inventory and receivables, for borrowers and lenders. family medicine at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Area Health Education Center Northwest in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Duncombe is board certified in Family Medicine.

Keesler Federal promotes Augustine and Curtis Keesler Federal Credit Union has promoted Michelle Augustine to Director of Loan Operation and Thomas Curtis to Director of Indirect Lending. Augustine will be responsible for overall management of loan operations, card services, loan operations, titles/insurance and member records. She has worked 16 years at Keesler Federal, serving as card services manager, credit card manager, administrative assistant to lending management, resolution lender and financial service representative. Prior to joining Keesler Federal she worked as an insurance specialist. A resident of Ocean Springs, Curtis graduated from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Augustine

Amy Anderson is a member of the Litigation Practice Group in the Houston office. Her practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, including advising oil and gas and construction industry clients. Amy has represented clients in numerous multi-million dollar disputes related to breaches of contracts, business torts, and employment claims in state and federal courts as well as alternative dispute resolution tribunals. Sarah Dicharry is a member of the Litigation Practice Group and of the firm’s Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Industry Team in the New Orleans office. She focuses on counseling exploration and production companies regarding the complex statutory and regulatory scheme governing federal oil and gas leases and regularly represents companies in administrative and judicial appeal proceedings and in response to government-initiated enforcement actions. Micah Fincher is a member of the Litigation Practice Group in the New Orleans office. He advises clients on intellectual property and technology matters, counseling in all aspects of litigation, licensing, and compliance. Micah also helps brand owners maintain and protect international IP portfolios, and develops offensive and defensive IP strategies to protect clients’ innovations. Andrew Harris is a member of the Litigation Practice Group in the Jackson office. He represents closely held businesses, publicly traded companies, and entrepreneurs in a broad range of complex commercial concerns. Andrew also assists clients with protection of their intellectual property, such as prosecution and defense of trademark and copyright infringement claims. Adam Matasar is a member of the Corporate Practice Group in the New Orleans office. He focuses on transactional matters, representing a broad range of public and private clients in a wide variety of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity offerings, hospitality and entertainment ventures, corporate governance, public disclosure, and other corporate matters and commercial transactions. Ford Wogan is a member of the Maritime Practice Group in the New Orleans office. He focuses on maritime and oilfield litigation, and he represents clients in a broad range of disputes with a concentration on maritime personal injury/ death, collisions and allisions, and oilfield defense.

In his role Curtis will oversee operations of the Indirect Lending Department by managing and mitigating dealer risk and the indirect loan portfolio, evaluating and analyzing indirect loans requests and establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with dealerships. Curtis has been employed at Keesler Federal for 13 years and previously worked as a financial services representative, resolution//GAP loan officer, credit officer, senior credit officer and manager of indirect lending. A resident of Ocean Springs, Curtis graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Banking and Finance. With assets of $2.9 billion, Keesler Federal is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, the largest credit union in the state. Founded in 1947 to provide banking service to Keesler Air Force Base employees, it now has 38 locations, including branches in the Jackson, Hattiesburg, Mobile and and New Orleans markets as well as the Mississippi Coast. Membership exceeds 240,000.

Pedigo elected to Board of Directors Curtis

Scott W. Pedigo, managing shareholder of Baker Donelson’s Jackson office, has been elected a member of the firm’s board of directors. Pedigo was elected

by shareholders to a second term as a member of the board and will serve for three years. Pedigo represents manufacturing and commercial clients in employment, consumer products liability and commercial litigation matters. Pedigo is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Labor and Employment Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants. He is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management, the American Health Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Institute, and the Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association. A graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. Pedigo is a member of the University of Mississippi Law Alumni board of directors and previously served as president of the board.

Odom joins Hattiesburg Clinic

Royceanne Odom, FNP, joined Hattiesburg Clinic Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Odom has special practice interests in regenerative medicine and rehabilitation. Odom received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Carey University in Hattiesburg and a Master of Science in Nursing from Regis University in Denver, Colo. She is board certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Newsmakers Ocean Springs Chamber announces 2020 Board

The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce – Main Street – Tourism Bureau has selected the Board of Directors for the 2020 calendar year. The Board consists of five executive members, Shirley LeRoy with South Mississippi Living as President, Carole Marie with The Bird House as Vice President, Sandra Carter as Secretary, David Thompson as Treasurer, Brad Cates with Mississippi Power as Ex Officio and Cynthia Sutton as Executive Director. 2020 Officers are Zane Wells with Edward Jones, Marta Williams with Fort Bayou Wine & Spirits, Patrick Miller with St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Tommy Sessum with Chevron, Brandin Brosh with Charisma, Chris Collier with The Office, Dr. Bill Moore with MS Coast OB-Gyn, Lewis Pace with Ingalls Shipbuilding, Georgia Storey with Singing River Health Systems, Mike Streiff with BancorpSouth, and Dr. Nathan Sumner with Keesler Air Force Base.

Palmer Home promotes Anna Brooke Warren

Palmer Home for Children, Mississippi-based leader in providing superior care to children in need, recently promoted Anna Brooke Warren as Vice President of Children’s Services from Director of Social Services. In her role, Warren will focus on the management of the organization’s four current service lines: Campus Care, Foster Care, Family Care, and Transitional Care. With a dedicated background in social work,

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Warren boasts more than 10 years of experience in the community, previously at Mississippi Department of Human Services, North Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi Department of Health. She has also been involved in child welfare for the State of Mississippi and has Warren thoroughly enjoyed working with children and families. Because of this, she instantly felt a strong connection towards the Palmer Home mission. Originally from Mississippi, Warren graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Social Work and University of Southern Mississippi with a master’s degree in Social Work.

medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has taught at UMMC, attaining the rank of clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology in 2011. He has been a member of UMMC’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident Education Committee since 2006. He is on the medical staff of Merit Health Woman’s Hospital and St. Dominic Hospital, where he has served in leadership roles. He has chaired the Mississippi Infant Mortality Task Force and the Council on Legislation for the Mississippi State Medical Association. Tucker is a member of the alumni associations of both Ole Miss and UMMC, and was honored in 2018 as the Distinguished Medical Alumnus of the Year. He is a member of UMMC’s Guardian Society and the Winfred L. Wiser Society, which he has served as president.

Tucker joins UMMC

Jody Moor named president

Dr. J. Martin Tucker, a University of Mississippi Medical Center community and affiliate faculty member for nearly 30 years, has been named chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Tucker, formerly a partner at Jackson Healthcare for Women, is board-certified in both obstetrics-gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine. He has been active in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, serving most recently for two threeyear terms as a member of the executive board and as ACOG secretary from 2016-19. An honors graduate of the University of Mississippi, the Jackson resident completed medical school and ob-gyn residency at UMMC, where he is chief resident. He completed a fellowship in maternal-fetal

Planters Bank announced that Jody Moor has been named President of Planters Bank’s Indianola office. Moor will replace Weldon Aultman, who will retire in March of this year and has served as President of Indianola for 16 years. Moor is a native of Greenwood and graduated from Mississippi State University with a BBA in finance. He completed Moor the Graduate School of Banking at LSU, Southeastern School of Commercial Lending and is a licensed CPA in the state of Mississippi.

Mississippi Business Journal

Moor serves as a board member for the Indianola Historic Preservation Commission, treasurer for Indianola Chamber Main Street, treasurer for Indianola Youth Athletic Association and he serves on the Mississippi Bankers Association Ag Committee. He is a member of Indianola Rotary Club, where he is recognized as a Paul Harris fellow by Rotary International. He has served as president for the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, Indianola Rotary Club, and Indianola Country Club and has served as Chairman of the Indianola Community Fund. Moor is a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and is currently serving on the Finance Committee.

McLaurin elected MPA Chair for 2020

Steve McLaurin has been elected Chairman of the Mississippi Poultry Association Board of Directors for 2020. Poultry is Mississippi’s largest agricultural industry, paying almost $3 billion to growers and generating an $18 billion economic impact. MPA, founded in 1937, represents 1,000 members including poultry companies, growers and allied industries. McLaurin, of Forest, is live operations manager for Peco Foods in Sebastopol. He has 40 years experience. Peco Foods employs 3,300 in Mississippi. McLaurin previously was chairman of the Board for MPA in 2009 and 2015. A graduate of Mississippi State University with a poultry science degree, he is also on the MSU Department of Poultry Science Advisory Committee.

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Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Newsmakers

Carlisle and Craft join Haddox Reid

Josh Carlisle, CPA, has joined Haddox Reid Eubank Betts as an assurance senior manager. Also, Elizabeth Craft joins the tax division of the CPA firm of Haddox Reid Eubank Betts PLLC as a tax staff member. Carlisle has more than six years of public accounting Craft and eight years of municipal government experience. Prior to returning to public accounting, Carlisle spent eight years serving as a City Clerk and Comptroller. In addition to a Certified Public Accountant, Carlisle is a Certified Municipal Clerk-Collector. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Carlisle Accountants (AICPA). Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA), the Mississippi Municipal Clerks and Collectors Association, and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. He also served on the Mississippi Municipal Clerks and Collectors Association board of trustees prior to returning to public accounting. Carlisle is a graduate of Mississippi College with a B.S. degree in Accounting. He is also a Certified Municipal Clerk-Collector. Carlisle is on the board for the Mississippi Center for Medically Fragile Children and is also actively involved in numerous non-profit and community projects in the metro-Jackson area. Craft graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi where she received her Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Professional Accountancy. She grew up in Magee and graduated from Magee High School in 2015. She loves traveling, going to the gym, and spending time with family.

Raborn Media hires Gary Billington

Gary Billington joined Raborn Media of Madison as Director of New Markets. For the last four years, Billington has been the Director of Sales and Marketing for Mossy Oak Golf Club and Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point. Previously, he worked at Vanguard for three years as an investment professional focused on increasing revenue through creative financial and sales strategies.

PSC Commissioner announces staﬀ

Public Service Commissioner Dane Maxwell has announced staff appointments to serve at the Mississippi PSC. Chief of Staff Valerie Moore has over 17 years-experience in Human Resource Management on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and joins the PSC from the City of Pascagoula where she served as Director of Human Resources. She has previously served in leadership positions at Signet Maritime Corporation in Pascagoula as well as Global Financial Aid Services,

Inc. in Gulfport. Moore is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. Senior Advisor Ryan A. Frederic joins the PSC after previously serving as City Attorney as well as City Manager for the City of Pascagoula. He has also worked in roles with the Jackson County Board of Supervisors as well as in private practice roles in Biloxi and Pascagoula. Frederic is a graduate of Mississippi State University and the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson. Director of Policy Daniel Forde is a Starkville native, who began at the PSC in 2016 and has previously held the position of Director of Public Affairs. Prior to working at the PSC, Forde spent time with the Office of Public Affairs of the Mississippi Department of Transportation as well as Sanderson Farms, Inc. in Laurel. Forde received a business degree from Mississippi State University and master’s in public relations and integrated communication from Mississippi College.

Merchants and Marine Bank named to OTCQX Best 50 Merchants and Marine Bank of Pascagoula was named to the 2020 OTCQX Best 50, a ranking of top-performing companies traded on the OTCQX Best Market last year. The OTCQX Best 50 is an annual ranking of the top 50 U.S. and international companies traded on the OTCQX market. The ranking is calculated based on an equal weighting of one-year total return and average daily dollar volume growth in the previous calendar year.

BECC promoted Burford

BECC has announced the promotion of Martin Burford, P.E. as its President. He will assume responsibilities on January 10, 2020. Lisa Morrison, the firm’s founder, will remain Chief Executive Officer of the firm. Marty’s appointment is a clear reﬂection of the company’s current direction: moving forward Burford and ready to take on the future as a growing company that has established great clients and ready to take on more business and more new clients. BECC is poised for additional growth and we are pleased to have Marty at the helm to lead us to continued success. Marty joined BECC in 1993 and over the past 27 years he has established a track record of loyalty, leadership and company growth. As BECC takes on a new decade and new growth opportunities, Marty will work closely with our staff to continue the momentum of BECC. BECC was founded in 1992 by Lisa Morrison as an engineering firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, construction materials testing and special inspection services. BECC’s projects take them throughout the continental United States as well as internationally. At BECC, we build long-term relationships with our clients based on integrity, honesty, open and direct communication, and traditional friendly service. We understand how our services impact a project’s design, construction, and performance and see the big picture and strive to assure that our services contribute positively to both the project’s short-term and long-term outcomes.

Visit Jackson

SALUTES

The 2020 Hometown Hero & Sumitt Winners

HOMETOWN HEROES

FESTIVAL/EVENT ORGANIZERS

TRAVEL & TOURISM INDUSTRY:

Jalesia Duran The Festival of Trees

Linda Ross Jackson Downtown Convention Center Hotel

Susan Branson Mississippi Children’s Museum

Pierre Pryer Sr. The Iron Horse Grill Susan Branson Mississippi Children’s Museum Jalesia Duran The Westin Jackson Billie Burns Hilton Jackson Jeff Hussain The Westin Jackson Charles White Hilton Jackson Sarah Black The Iron Horse Grill Marlina Jenkins Hilton Jackson

MEETING PLANNERS & GROUP TOUR PLANNERS Tiffany Bush Mississippi Municipal League Ashley Wicks Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Todd Kelly Mississippi High School Activities Association Nicole Smith Mississippi Museum of Natural Science LeFleur Museum District Mississippi Science Fest

2020 SUMITT AWARD Attraction of the Year: Two Mississippi Museums Festival/Event of the Year: Mississippi Science Fest Bright Lights Belhaven Nights Friend of Tourism: David Lewis with the City of Jackson Full-Service Hotel of the Year: Hilton Jackson Limited Service Hotel of the Year: Residence Inn at the District of Eastover

Dr. Robert Luckett Association of African American Museums

Restaurant of the Year: Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro

Kenya Washington Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

SHINING EXAMPLES

Mitchell Shears National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators, Inc.

Jakhia Gray, Miss Alcorn State University

Reverend Samuel Boyd, Sr. African Methodist Episcopal Church Kevin T. Wilbert, Sr. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Superintendent David Tipton United Pentecostal Church International

Sonic Boom of the South, Jackson State University

TOURISM VISIONARY AWARD The Refill Jackson Initiative & Refill Café

Chief Willie Owens International Association of Black Professional Firefighters Johnny Mims Mississippi Association of Coaches

visitjackson.com 1.800.354.7695

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Mississippi Business Journal

Newsmakers

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Visit Jackson welcomes full board of directors

The Mayor of Jackson has recommended, and the City Council of Jackson has confirmed, the final seat on the Visit Jackson Board of Directors. Visit Jackson’s completed board is: Carol J. Burger - United Way, ret., Jackson Chamber of Commerce/Business Community Representative and Board Chair Susan Branson - Director of External Affairs & Marketing at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, Attractions Association Representative Blake Brennan - General Manager. Drago’s Jackson/ Hilton Jackson, Restaurant Association Representative Mike Burton - General Manager of Westin Jackson, Hotel & Lodging Association Representative Shawn Cochran - General Mgr. of the Downtown Convention Center Hotel (soon to be rebranded as the Delta by Marriott), Hotel & Lodging Association Representative Monique Davis - Mississippi Museum of Art, Director of the Center for Art & Public Exchange, Education Community Representative Pamela Junior - Director of the Two Mississippi Museums, Arts Community Representative John T. Miller - Owner of Johnny T’s Bistro & Blues, Mayor’s At-Large Representative Enrika Williams - Owner of Fauna Foodworks, Restaurant Association Representative Al Rojas - General Manager. of the Jackson Convention Complex, JCC Representative/Exofficio Member

PRAM Central announces 2020 Board of Directors

Changes in MDAH board; Anderson elected President

Courtesy of PRAM Central

The Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) Mississippi Central Chapter announced the 2020 Board of Directors. The board is (left to right) Bill Moak, vice president of programs, Belhaven University; Liz Hogue Densmore, past-president, LEC, Inc.; Sophie McNeil Wolf, vice president of communications, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning; Mary Margaret Busby, president, Holmes Community College; Robyn Kennebrew, treasurer, Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project and COO of The Bean Path; Jean Cook, vice president of membership, Mississippi Department of Education, and Matt Westerfield, president-elect, Mississippi Division of Medicaid. Not pictured: Kathy Dougan, secretary, Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation; Mara Hartmann, APR, career development coordinator, Entergy Mississippi, and Bonnie Jackson, member-at-large, Jackson State University.

Lewis named Waste Pro 40 SBA Mississippi announces Under 40 honoree deputy district director Waste Pro’s Jackson Division Manager, Stormy Lewis, has received a prestigious Waste360 40 Under 40 Award, a national award that honors the next generation of leaders in the waste and recycling industry. Lewis joined Waste Pro’s Hattiesburg Division as a Lewis customer service representative in 2013 while earning her degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Upon graduating, she transitioned into operational duties as the Hattiesburg Division’s first female route supervisor. During her time in this role, she earned her commercial driver’s license (CDL) through Waste Pro’s Co-Heart Program. In early 2019, she was promoted to Operations Manager, a title she held until she earned another promotion in November to Division Manager in Jackson. She is Waste Pro’s youngest Division Manager at 27 years old. Lewis is a member of Waste Pro’s Leadership Initiative. Also recognized was Vice President of Recycling, Will Howard, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, who now works in Central Florida.

Mitchell Day attorneys join Hagwood and Tipton

The six-person team at M itchell Day Law Firmhas joined Hagwood and Tipton. The Mitchell Day team includes lawyers JulieMitchell, Phillip Chapman, and Ellen Robb. The Mitchell Day team members will move into Hagwood and Tipton’s Ridgeland office this spring.

Whalen noted that the inaugural staff continues to advance up the ladder of leadership within the organization as Harry Lott, Jr. began as City President and now serves as the bank’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and also serves on the bank’s board of directors. Chris Hathcock began as a Vice President and now serves as the City President. All original employees remain with the bank as well as 2 additional ones who have since joined.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Mississippi District Office announced Ashlei N. Donerson as the new Deputy District Director. Joining the SBA in 2018, Donerson worked in the Office of Government Contracting AREA III as a Procurement Center Representative providing contracting Donerson technical assistance to small businesses. Donerson previously held progressive roles in federal government contracting ranging from Contract Specialist to Supervisory Contracting Officer at federal agencies such as the Department of Veteran Affairs, U. S. Army, Corps of Engineers, and the United States Property and Fiscal Office. A Mississippi native, Donerson earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas, a Master of Business Administration from Belhaven University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Tougaloo College. Donerson also holds a Level-III Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Millsaps professor recognized with Award

Dr. David Davis, associate professor of history at Millsaps College, has been recognized by the Mississippi Humanities Council with its annual Humanities Teacher Award. Davis joined the Millsaps faculty in 1988 after four years as a visiting assistant professor at Brown University. He earned a B.A. in history and biblical studies

from William Carey University, an M.A. in history from Baylor, and a Ph.D. in African history from Northwestern University. Davis has served in a variety of roles at Millsaps, including associate dean of arts & humanities, interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the Davis College, director for self-designed majors, and in several other administrative capacities. He is currently working on a manuscript entitled “Heroes of Mercy,” about the politics of humanitarian efforts in the Nigerian Civil War, a very personal and cathartic journey.

Spence Flatgard of Ridgeland, Edmond Hughes of Ocean Springs, and Helen Moss Smith of Natchez were elected to the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Their nominations will be submitted to the Mississippi State Senate for confirmation. Kane Ditto, Valencia Hall, and Roland Weeks have retired from the board of trustees. Reuben Anderson of Jackson was elected president of the board, and Hilda Cope Povall of Cleveland was re-elected vice president. Nancy Carpenter of Columbus was elected to a third term on the board. Ditto joined the board in 2005 and was elected as president in 2008. After the Mississippi Legislature provided initial funding for the construction of the Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Ditto spearheaded the fundraising campaign for the project. Roland Weeks served on the board of trustees for 13 years. Former publisher of the Sun Herald and a civic leader on the Gulf Coast, Weeks was invaluable during the department’s administration of the Hurricane Katrina historic preservation grant program. Valencia Hall joined the board of trustees in 2011. During her tenure, Hall was a supporter of the staff and a advocate for historic preservation. Edmond E. Hughes Jr. is vice president for human resources and administration for Ingalls Shipbuilding. Spence Flatgard is a public finance, public law, and government affairs attorney at Watkins & Eager in Jackson. Helen Moss Smith serves on the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission and has been a leading force for historic preservation in Natchez. Board nominees must be confirmed by the state senate. Members serve six-year terms. The other members of the board are Betsey Hamilton, New Albany; Web Heidelberg, Hattiesburg; and Mark Keenum, Starkville.

Chamber of Flowood names Walker named CAO for Wilcox director Greg Wilcox, retired from the City of Flowood, has Hancock Port Commission been named Executive Director of the Chamber of Flowood. At the City of Flowood, Wilcox had experience in Event Planning/Coordination, Budgeting and Serving the Businesses/People of the Community. He and his wife, Mitzi, have three daughters and a son.

Cleveland State Bank celebrates 10th anniversary Cleveland State Bank celebrated its 10th anniversary of opening a full-service branch in Grenada. This celebration culminated with the unveiling of a new marquee officially renaming the Grenada branch to Grenada State Bank. Danny Whalen, President and CEO of Cleveland State Bank noted that the Grenada branch has been a fruitful and beneficial one for the bank and its customers of the greater Grenada community.

The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission announced that Madeline Walker has been named Chief Administrative Officer. IPrior to joining HCPHC, Walker was an associate at Hilgers Graben PLLC. While there, she aided in numerous contract disputes, governmental investigations, and patent infringement cases. Prior to that, she served as In-house Counsel and VP of Treated Materials and Treated Materials Trucking LLC. Upon graduation from UM Law School, Walker served as staff attorney for Chief United States District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. in the Southern District of Mississippi. Walker received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Mississippi in 2009, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2012. Walker and her husband, Fant, live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

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Mississippi Business Journal

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

TECHNOLOGY

C SPIRE: Mississippi must require computer science classes

A telecommunications company is pushing Mississippi lawmakers to require schools to teach computer science classes.

C Spire ran a TV ad during the Super Bowl with actors portraying economic development officials in other states thank-

ing Mississippi for not requiring computer science. The ad says Mississippi is losing high-paying tech jobs to Georgia and other

places. C Spire spokesman Dave Miller said the Ridgeland-based company has pushed for more computer science training in Mississippi elementary and high schools for several years, sponsoring coding camps and scholarships. “Our future, our growth is really tied to the success and growth of the state,” Miller told the Clarion Ledger. Company officials said legislative action is needed to require the curriculum for Mississippi’s economy to keep pace with other states. “The common denominator with all of our neighbors and the rest of the country is that they understand the importance of computer science and the central role that computing plays in our daily lives, in commerce and virtually every occupation in our modern economy,” C Spire CEO Hu Meena said in a statement. “They’re investing today so that their state and their people can have a brighter tomorrow. We need to do the same thing.” A bill has not yet been filed. House Education Chairman Richard Bennett, a Republican from Long Beach, said he has heard from C Spire and other companies on the issue. “They’re committed,” Bennett said of C Spire. “Now, we just need to all sit down and come up with the right program, the right direction.” Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has proposed a $100 million workforce training program that includes $1.5 million for educating the “next generation of Mississippi coders in software development.” His spokeswoman Renae Eze said improving the educational system would be his “first mission.” “Through his $100 million workforce development plan, every Mississippi student will be exposed to computer science and coding courses before graduation,” Eze said in a statement. “Gov. Reeves is committed to working with our partners in both the public and private sectors to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed.”

— The Associated Press

Jan. 25 - Feb. 7, 2020

Mississippi Business Journal

THE SPIN CYCLE

What readers want in news

s we launch into 2020, it’s a great time to check the presses on what readers seek in the news media. A recent study by The Center for Media Engagement aimed to get the scoop on what readers don’t understand about the news process and how newsrooms can build trust with their audiences. For this study, The Center for Media Engagement asked a diverse group of participants in five focus groups to give feedback on a series of news stories. The improvements fell into four main categories. 1. Dig deeper into stories “Digging deeper” is perhaps an overused news phrase, but it gets to the core of what readers are looking for in a story. Participants in our focus groups often felt the stories presented to them in this study seemed unfinished or superficial. Many readers wanted the reporting to go beyond the basic elements of the story. To address this concern, it’s recommended newsrooms take a critical look at their reporting and make sure it attempts to fully explore all aspects of the story. This might include explaining background information, providing context beyond the facts of the latest update, and taking an investigative approach whenever possible. 2. Explain terminology This is a concern all reporters are aware of, but addressing it thoroughly requires taking a step back and thinking about whether the average reader would have a full understanding of all the terms in a story. This applies to journalistic terms and procedures that are part of your everyday vocabulary but not entirely familiar to your audience. It also extends to the industries discussed in your story. To help with this concern, newsrooms should consider detailing the processes and procedures associated with the story in addition to avoiding industry jargon. 3. Explain source choices Readers don’t have an inside look at your reporting process. They don’t know why you ended up with certain interviews and not others, who declined to speak, or who did not answer your request for an interview. Participants in these focus groups frequently questioned reporters’ decisions to include or exclude specific voices. At times, they felt the people quoted in the story seemed irrelevant while more critical voices were left out. This was an issue reader often associated with a perceived imbalance in the reporting. It’s important for newsrooms to include a variety of voices in the story, and, perhaps more importantly, explain why certain voices were chosen and why others were left out or unavailable. 4. Guard against bias Questions about bias centered on the journalists’ motivations, possible affiliation with the subject of the story, and overall

angle. One way to guard against perceived bias is for newsrooms to provide a statement of independence that makes it clear there is no relationship with story sources. You could also clarify key information about how and why the story was reported upfront or in a box within the story. The Center covered the benefits of providing a box that explains your process in a previous study. Bottom line for newsrooms Readers will always have questions, and there are countless ways newsrooms can go about addressing concerns. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few key improvements The Center recommends: o Provide more context in stories, give background information, and link to previous coverage. o Explain key terminology and government or police processes. o Include a wide range of relevant sources and thoroughly explain source choices. o Provide a statement of independence, stating lack of relationship with sources. o Place key information up-front or in a box within the story. Google Assistant Passes 500 Million Users Google Assistant is now used by 500 million monthly active users, and the search engine giant recently previewed features for 2020 like a new voice that reads articles and web pages aloud to users with a more natural and humanlike voice. Sometime this year, saying “Hey Google, read it” or “Hey Google, read this page” will trigger the assistant to read or translate text from an article or webpage into 42 languages. Longform reading will begin with articles and websites but may expand to reading your emails in the future, a company spokesperson told VentureBeat. Google wants more TV manufacturers to install microphones for far-field voice recognition in order to make TV’s speakers function the same way a smart speaker works today, responding to voice commands to play music, check the weather or ask a question. Google Nest smart displays often share visual content in response to questions, but Google Assistant on televisions will function the same way, and only turn on the television if you say you want to watch TV or video content, according to VentureBeat. Golden Mic: Harold Burson was a PR legend who shaped the industry Harold Burson, cofounder of global agency powerhouse Burson-Marsteller (now BCW) who died last Friday in Memphis, Tenn., was an icon in the public relations industry. He was 98, and still worked three days a

week until late last year. Burson cofounded Burson-Marsteller in New York in 1953, and the agency grew to become a global force with a deep roster of international clients. A Memphis native, Burson attended the University of Mississippi, then joined the U.S. Army where he worked as a reporter for the American Forces Network, writing scripts for radio broadcasts on the Nuremberg trials, notably the proceedings against Hermann Göring. After his stint with the Army, Burson moved to New York and cofounded the firm with Bill Marsteller in 1953. Burson They built it into an industry powerhouse with $4.4 million in revenue by 1969 and then $64 million, with 2,500 employees in 50 offices, nearly two decades later. In 1979, Burson sold the firm to ad agency Young & Rubicam, which was in turn bought by WPP in 2000. He stepped down as Burson’s CEO in 1988. Burson-Marsteller merged with Cohn & Wolfe into BCW in early 2018. Burson – a senior counselor and confidante to CEOs and companies the world over, including the U.S. Postal Service, Coca-Cola and Pan Am – kept a packed schedule of meetings until his death.

He hobnobbed with powerful figures around the globe during his career. He enjoyed good relationships with U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan – with whom he used to have Todd Smith monthly lunches – Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, as well as the late former U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Burson was passionate about mentoring young professionals at his agency and beyond — as well as the more seasoned executives who sought his counsel regularly. His invitations for one-on-one lunches were eagerly sought by all. Even though he rocketed to the word stage, living in New York and traveling the world, he never lost his proud Southern drawl and charm! Burson will always be remembered as the PR man with the Midas touch!

Todd Smith is president and chief communications officer of Deane, Smith & Partners, 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, and follow him @ spinsurgeon.

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