Mississippi Business Journal July 2022 Issue by Journal Inc

MSBUSINESS.COM | JULY 29, 2022 ISSUE

VOLUME 45 • NO. 5 | 44 PAGES

Big Business Page 7 Ingalls Shipbuilding plans to add 2,000 more workers

Meetings, Convention and Tourism Page 10 Charter airline services changing Mississippis’ casino customer-base

Education and Workforce Development Page 17 Nursing shortage seen impacting hospitals, university training

Pages 9, 12, 15, 18, 19

THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN MISSISSIPPI Page 25

Plus: Mississippi marks 30 years of gaming Page 2

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Marking 30 years of gaming in Mississippi

BY LYNN LOFTON

ug. 1 marks the 30th anniversary of legalized gaming in Mississippi, when the Isle of Capri opened with two riverboat-style casinos in Biloxi. It was followed in October with the opening of Splash Casino in Tunica. From a simple beginning, gaming has grown to a multi-billion-dollar industry that provides more than 15,200 direct jobs with wages and benefits totaling $612.5 million. Before gaming came to Mississippi, Nevada and New Jersey were the only states with legalized gaming. Jay McDaniel, executive director of the State Gaming Commission, points to the importance of having the right legislation in place. “It’s crucial to any state that is creating a legalized gaming environment. Most know the history of early Las Vegas and that gaming 80 years ago had some elements of criminal activity attached to it, so Nevada (and later New Jersey) created strict standards as to who could own and operate gaming companies to keep the criminal elements out,” he said. “Most states in operation today have the same type of legislation that requires comprehensive investigations of companies both before they come into a market and continuing during their operation.” Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association President Anthony Del Vescovo praises the Legislature. “I believe they saw the potential to attract customers and investment by eliminating the cruising requirement and building land-type casinos on barges. They had foresight,” he said. Mississippi’s legislation was patterned after Nevada’s laws. “At the time the Gaming Control Act was being drafted, the starting point was to take Nevada’s statutes and regulations and adjust as needed,” McDaniel said. “While we did have some differences such as the geographic limitations to the river and coastal counties, most of the regulatory requirements were the same. “And this was a great idea because it had been working in Nevada for many years and their industry was growing. No reason to change what

TUNICA TIMES

Fitzgeralds Casino in Tunica was among the first casinos in Mississippi. was already working, and many of the people that were going to invest in Mississippi had operated in the Nevada market and were familiar with it.” When gaming came to Tunica County, the overall impact was staggering, according to Webster Franklin, executive director of the Tunica Visitors and Convention Bureau. “Before gaming there was not one stretch of paved road and only one stop light. There were 20 hotel rooms and an unemployment rate of 26.2%,” he said. “The pre-gaming county budget was $3 million. The casinos ran on generators for several years before the infrastructure was in place.” Franklin says the growth has been tremendous with the paving and four laning of Highway 61 and the casino roads. The county budget is now $45 million; there are more than 5,000 rooms and six casinos with 3,000 employees who come from several counties. “Gaming has allowed us to diversify,” Franklin said. “Two German

TUNICA TIMES

Hollywood Casino in Tunica is shown under construction in this file photo. Mississippi’s gaming business has exploded over the past 30 years. manufacturing plants are here now, and our future looks good. “We’re excited with the announcement that the Cherokee Nation is buying the Gold Strike Casino. We’re just 75 miles from the highway inter-

section where a Ford plant is locating and the I-69 corridor will lead to all types of growth.” McDaniel says the early vision TURN TO GAMING, 3

July 2022 Issue

Gaming FROM 2

of making sure gaming companies were operating legally and honestly was important in drawing in large businesses willing to invest in more than just the gaming floor. “But you have to have the right balance of strong regulatory standards mixed with flexibility to let gaming companies operate and adapt,” he added. “Despite the regulatory requirements, we still want to make the experience business friendly to encourage new investment, and customer friendly to drive visitors. In Mississippi we have always tried to regulate in a manner that is strict but fair.” Marlin Torgelson, founder and former CEO of Casino Magic, is credited with developing the floating barge casinos that were the state’s first gaming facilities which evolved into today’s impressive on-land facilities. Del Vescovo, who is vice president and legal counsel for Beau Rivage Casino & Resort in Biloxi, says the industry has changed when needed, such as allowing land-based casinos to get them off the water to safer locations. “The state has maintained the

model with some tweaking but it didn’t change the tax rate and the business friendly rules,” he said. McDaniel, too, applauds the statutory and regulatory scheme that is not overly restrictive and allows adaptation to let the gaming companies grow. “The gaming commissioners through the years put in infrastructure requirements to encourage permanent development–the move after Katrina to allow companies to put structures on shore, these are the kinds of things that you want to be able to implement and adjust to quickly to help the industry grow,” he said. “Also, the fact that we have an open market that allows competition to dictate how the properties perform encourages our operators to stay ahead of the curve and continually enhance their product offerings.” The casino properties continue to re-invest and refresh their facilities and amenities along with exploring new customer bases. Franklin doesn’t foresee any additional casinos in Tunica County now that many states have gaming, but he does see more investing in existing properties and continuing the business-friendly climate.

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Howard Miskelly, business and civic leader, dies at 96 BY SAM R. HALL

Longtime businessman and civic leader Howard Miskelly died July 16, one day shy of his 97th birthday. Miskelly – who often said his greatest achievement was raising children who were strong in their Christian faith – started a retail store in Okolona that would provide as inspiration for his children to found Miskelly Furniture, one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the country. “His passion in life was influencing, inspiring and helping people in any way that he could,” Chip Miskelly, one of his sons and a co-founder of Miskelly Furniture, told WLBT. “That was his legacy that he left for us to continue.” Howard Miskelly showed his aptitude for success at an early age. He selected the mascot and school colors for Falkner High School in Tippah County as class president. In 1943, he was drafted into World War II. He served with the 102nd Infantry Division and fought in Belgium, Holland, Germany. Miskelly earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded two Bronze Stars. When he returned home to Mississippi, Miskelly eventually found himself at Mississippi State University, after transferring from Union University where he played basketball. Mississippi State would become a lifelong passion for Miskelly and his children. He was a donor, supporter and tireless supporter of the school. But family was his truest love. He married the former Letha Ann Street. They were married for 74 years. Together they raised five children who have blessed them with countless grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was 1952 when Miskelly opened Howard’s Department Store in Okolona. The couple ran

the store for more than 40 years. According to his family, Miskelly loved the Okolona community, especially First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for more than 50 years. Miskelly was also a member of the Lions Club and founder of the Okolona Country Club. Miskelly also left his

mark statewide. He served on the Veterans Administration Board, the board for the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind, and was a past president of the Mississippi Retail Association. Miskelly and his wife most recently lived in West Point, where he was an elder at First Presbyterian Church.

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In this Jan. 17, 2014, file photo, Retired Army Staff Sergeant Howard Miskelly thanks attendees during a ceremony at the Capitol in Jackson after being awarded the Bronze Star for his service in WWII..

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

MBJ

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

Mississippi struggles in national rankings

ississippi does not fare well demic, moral or health qualifications.” on most national rankings. Safest states – Mississippi ranked That trend continued as next to last. Notably the state ranked WalletHub.com published 23rd on personal and residential safety a series of rankings on multiple catebut 49th on financial safety, 50th on gories that compared the 50 states and road safety, and 47th on workplace the District of Columbia. Mississippi safety. ranked at or near the bottom Best places to retire – Mison most. sissippi ranked next to last. Innovative states – MissisNotably the state ranked 1st sippi ranked at the bottom. on adjusted cost of living and Among factors considered 2nd on lowest annual cost of the state ranked at the in-home services, but 50th bottom on share of venture on quality of life, 49th on capital spending per capita, health care, and 50th on life BILL CRAWFORD STEM professionals, and sciexpectancy. ence and engineering gradHealth care systems – uates and among the bottom three on Mississippi ranked 48th, barely ahead share of technology companies, eighth of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama. grade math and science performance, The state ranked last on infant morand innovation environment. tality rates and within the bottom five Impact from immigration – Missison percentage of insured adults age 19 sippi ranked at the bottom. The state to 64, physicians per capita, and heart was among the bottom three on brain disease rates. gain, immigrant work force and interGambling addictions – Mississippi national students. ranked fourth worst, behind Nevada, At-risk youth – Louisiana edged out South Dakota, and Montana. The state Mississippi for the state with the most was in the bottom five on gambling at-risk youth. Mississippi ranked at the friendliness and gambling problems bottom on youth labor force particand treatment. ipation rate, third from the bottom Best state to find a job – Mississippi on youth poverty and fifth from the ranked 45th. The state ranked in the bottom on obesity. bottom 10 on job availability, economWallet Hub factoid: “At least 70% of ic environment, and average starting young adults today are ineligible to join salary. the U.S. military because they fail acaQuality of public schools – Missis-

sippi ranked 45th, ahead of Oklahoma, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Louisiana and New Mexico. Early education systems – Mississippi ranked 35th. Notably, Arkansas ranked number one. Most sinful states – Mississippi ranked 27th. The state ranked among the most for laziness and greed, but among the least for vanity and lust. Among other rankings, Mississippi ranked 28th among most patriotic states and 40th among states with most racial equality. Hmmm. Interesting that Arkansas ranked number one on early education systems, an investment that research shows will benefit other rankings significantly over time. Hello, Mississippi. PS: Out of 150 major cities, Hub Wallet ranked Jackson next to worst as a “best run” city, just ahead of Detroit. Among the factors considered, Jackson ranked 146th on financial stability, 98th on education, 120th on health, 141st on safety, 122nd on economy, and 149th on infrastructure and pollution. “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” – Proverbs 13:11. BILL CRAWFORD is a syndicated columnist from Jackson. Readers can contact him at crawfolk@ gmail.com.

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July 2022 Issue | Volume 45, Number 5

TAMI JONES Publisher tami.jones@msbusiness.com • (601) 364-1011 MARCIA THOMPSON Business Assistant marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com • (601) 364-1044 FRANK BROWN List Researcher frank.brown@msbusiness.com • (601) 364-1022 LYNN LOFTON Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • (601) 364-1018 TED CARTER Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • (601) 364-1018 BECKY GILLETTE Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • (601) 364-1018 LISA MONTI Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • (601) 364-1018 SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES (601) 364-1000 subscriptions@msbusiness.com Mississippi Business Journal (USPS 000-222) is published monthly with one annual issue by MSBJ 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS. Subscription rates: 1 year $109; 2 years $168; and 3 years $214. To place orders, temporarily stop service, change your address or inquire about billing: Phone: (601) 364-1000, Fax: (601) 364-1007, Email: marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com, Mail: MS Business Journal Subscription Services, 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Business Journal, Circulation Manager, 132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 To submit subscription payments: Mail: MS Business Journal Subscriptions Services, 2132 Riverview Dr., Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent. Editorial and advertising material contained in this publication is derived from sources considered to be reliable, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. It is the policy of this newspaper to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal op-portunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

THE MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL,

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Big Business Ingalls Shipbuilding planning to add 2,000 more workers to current 11,300-member workforce

BY BECKY GILLETTE

II’s Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, currently has more than 11,300 people on staff, including union-represented craftsmen and women, engineers, planners, supply chain specialists, business management and program management profesWilkinson sionals. The company’s weekly payroll of $14 million has a tremendous economic benefit to the region. Aguillard HII announced July 6 that the Ingalls Shipbuilding division plans to hire more than 2,000 full-time shipbuilders as part of its future Jacobs workforce plans. “The new shipbuilders will join a skilled workforce that delivers critical capabilities to HII’s national security customers, including amphibious warships, destroyers, and national security cutters,” the company said in a press release. “Ingalls Shipbuilding is located on an 800-acre facility, having recently completed a state-of-the-art upgrade that includes covered workspaces to keep shipbuilders dry and cool.” Ingalls President Kari Wilkinson said with a shipbuilding legacy of nearly 84 years, Ingalls offers careers dedicated to a service mission – building ships that protect

Ingalls believes that workforce development programs are critical to the future of shipbuilding and has several no-cost training initiatives underway. Aguillard said they want their workforce to have long, rewarding careers building ships. “Our partnerships with high schools and community colleges across the region also provide training to local students, and expose them to exciting career opportunities,” she said. Aguillard said they are committed to providing their employees with the training, tools and skills needed to start a career and build a successful life. Ingalls actively recruits from all over the Mississippi Gulf Coast and COURTESY PHOTO surrounding areas includAerial view of HII Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. ing Louisiana and parts of and defend our freedoms. have the tools and convephysical plant and infrastruc- Florida. A high percentage of “We are excited to be addniences they need to do the ture. their workforce travels over 40 ing new members to our team hard work well.” Ingalls Shipbuilding is con- miles one-way to be a part of and to be providing a variety Attracting new workers sidered a part of the critical the Ingalls Shipbuilding team. of stable career opportunities is a top priority for Ingalls, infrastructure for the nation Aguillard said they are comto our community,” Wilkinsaid HII’s Ingalls Shipbuildand was able to continue opmitted to maintaining and son said. ing spokesperson Kimberly erations during the COVID-19 strengthening a diverse and Ingalls’ talent acquisition Aguillard. pandemic. Aguillard said inclusive workforce, and there team hosted a hiring event “We go through great throughout the pandemic, are many career opportunities July 9 at the Ingalls Maritime strides to ensure we find and they made decisions that within the shipyard for womTraining Academy located on train the talent we need to focused on the safety and en. She said understanding Jerry St. Pé Highway. Ingalls meet the security requirewell-being of their employees, diversity, equity and inclusion will be hiring pipefitters, pipe ments of our customers,” as well as fulfilling commitis at the core of what makes welders, structural welders Aguillard said. “Our company ments to their customers. Ingalls Shipbuilding great. and ship fitters. It is seeking is committed to delivering “To manage our response, “We gain a key competitive applicants for entry-level capabilities of exceptionIngalls put in place a number advantage by building a comopportunities. The company al quality and safety to our of policies and procedures munity that values contribusaid their competitive starting customers, and to the safety, to mitigate the exposure to tions and perspectives from wages, benefits, 12 paid holhealth, welfare and developand spread of COVID-19 in a variety of backgrounds, idays annually and opportument of our employees.” accordance with guidelines skills, and experiences,” she nities for advancement make Aguillard said as the comprovided by the Centers for said. “We work closely with Ingalls a great place to work. position and expectations of Disease Control and Prevencommunity partners such as “With over 500 different their employees change, so do tion and other state and local Women in Construction, to jobs, there is no limit to what their investments needed in government health agencies. ensure all women have access you can do at Ingalls,” said workforce development. We provided our shipbuilders to our jobs and the opporSusan Jacobs, vice president “Ingalls is investing in with the resources they need- tunity to gain skills that are of human resources and teaching and developing ed to stay safe and healthy valuable within the shipyard.” administration. “Shipbuilding our people,” she said. “Since while also continuing to supFor more information about is hard work, but we strive to 2011, approximately $800 port our customers, suppliers jobs at the shipyard, visit make sure our shipbuilders million has been invested in and communities.” buildyourcareer.com.

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Big Business Employers finding ways to recruit, retain employees

assurance - consulting - tax - technology

BY DENNIS SEID

as safety recognition and monetary awards for team performance and .S. employers have more engagement,” O’Callaghan said. than 11 million job openings, but with an unemployment Why so many openings? rate near a five-decade low, According to the U.S. Chamber of only about 6 million are actually un- Commerce, citing data from the U.S. employed. Even if all the unemployed Labor Department, more than 120,000 people found jobs, more than 5 million businesses temporarily closed during unfilled jobs would remain. the height of the pandemic, leaving That’s the stark reality employers in more than 30 million U.S. workers virtually every industry face – finding unemployed. While job openings have enough workers. steadily increased since January 2020, Companies have ramped up their unemployment has slowly declined. recruiting efforts to help fill the gaps Last year, employers added a 3.8 milbut the results vary. lion jobs. At the Winchester Ammunition plant However, the labor force participain Oxford where some 1,450 people tion rate is lower now than it was in work, veterans are actively recruited. January 2020 – 62.2% compared 63.3% “We constantly strive to bring new in January 2020. people with new points of view into Extended unemployment benefits the company through enhanced adand stimulus checks during the panvertisement of our open positions and demic allowed more workers to stay our employee referral program which at home, and some 68% earned more offers monetary bonuses to employees from jobless benefits than from their who recommend talented additions to jobs. Additionally, retirements carved our team,” said Christin O’Callaghan, out another 3 million adults from thew global communications director for workforce. Just over 50% of adults 55 Olin, the parent company of Winand older left the workforce the third chester. quarter of last year. Additionally, Winchester offers Lack of childcare and low pay were employees a Total Rewards program, other significant factors in people staya competitive compensation package ing out of the workforce. with short- and long-term incentive One of the hardest hit industries opportunities, company sponsored was manufacturing which lost some healthcare and other features. 1.4 million jobs at the start of the “Our recognition platform also offers ways for employees to earn more, such TURN TO RECRUIT, 23F

ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL

David Fernandes, President of Toyota Mississippi, speaks on during the grand opening of the Toyota Experience Center in Blue Springs on June 7, 2022. Although the facility, which serves as an interactive visitors and training center, was completed nearly two years ago, but was closed to the public because of the pandemic.

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July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Big Business Largest Employers Rank

Name Address

Phone

Website

Top Officer Year Founded

Huntington Ingalls Industries Kari Wilkinson 228-935-1122 huntingtoningalls.com 1938 1000 Jerry St. Pe Hwy., Pascagoula, MS 39568 Keesler Air Force Base Col. William Hunter 2 228-377-2783 keesler.af.mil 1941 Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS 39534 Baptist Memorial Health Care Jason Little, Chris Anderson 3 800-422-7847 baptistonline.org 1912 350 N. Humphreys Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120 University Hospitals & Health System LouAnn Woodward 601-984-1000 umc.edu 1955 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216 North Mississippi Health Services Shane Spees 5 662-377-3000 nmhs.net 1937 830 S. Gloster St., Tupelo, MS 38801 Cadence Bank (formerly BancorpSouth) James Rollins, III 6 662-680-2000 bancorpsouth.com 1876 One Mississippi Plaza, Tupelo, MS 38804 Sanderson Farms, Inc. Joe Sanderson, Jr. 7 601-649-4030 sandersonfarms.com 1947 127 Flynt Rd., Laurel, MS 39443 Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians & Pearl River Resort 8 601-656-5251 choctaw.org Cyrus Ben 101 Industrial Road, Choctaw, MS 39350 NASA Stennis Space Center Richard Gilbrech 228-688-3333 nasa.gov/centers/stennis 1961 N/A, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529 Nissan North America - Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant David Sliger 601-855-6000 nissanusa.com 2003 300 Nissan Dr., Canton, MS 39046 Mississippi State University Mark Keenum 11 662-325-2224 msstate.edu 1878 233 Lee Blvd., Starkville, MS 39762 Merit Health Barry Moss 12 601-932-1030 MyMeritHealth.com 2015 1030 River Oaks Drive, Flowood, MS 39157 Memorial Health System Kent Nicaud 13 228-867-4000 gulfportmemorial.com 1946 4500 13th St., Gulfport, MS 39501 Milwaukee Tool 14 662-451-5545 milwaukeetool.com Jack Bilotta 1003 Sycamore Ave., Greenwood, MS 38930 Ashley Furniture Industries 15 662-489-5655 ashleyfurniture.com 1945 447 Hwy. 346, Ecru, MS 38841 Howard Industries Inc. Billy Howard, Sr. 16 601-425-3151 howard.com 1968 36 Howard Drive, Ellisville, MS 39437 Singing River Health System Tiffany Murdock 228-809-5000 SingingRiverHealthSystem.com 1931 2809 Denny Ave., Pascagoula, MS 39581 St. Dominic Hospital Scott Kashman 18 601-200-2000 stdom.com 1946 969 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, MS 39216 Hancock Whitney Corporation John Hairston 19 800-448-8812 hancockwhitney.com 1899 2510 14th St., Gulfport, MS 39501 Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Dolph Baker 20 601-948-6813 calmainefoods.com 1969 3320 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave., Jackson, MS 39157 Koch Foods Of Mississippi, LLC 601-732-8911 kochfoods.com 2001 1080 River Oaks Dr., Flowood, MS 39232 Forrest General Hospital (Forrest Health) Andy Woodard 22 601-288-7000 forresthealth.org 1952 6051 U.S. 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 University of Mississippi Glenn Boyce 23 662-915-7211 olemiss.edu 1848 P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677 Hattiesburg Clinic, P.A. Bryan Batson, MD 24 601-264-6000 hattiesburgclinic.com 1963 415 S. 28th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Brandon Dardeau 25 888-567-6667 beaurivage.com 1999 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530 TempStaff Inc. Carolyn Boteler, Jamie Higdon 26 601-353-4200 tempstaff.net 1981 2282 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39232 Renasant Bank C. Mitchell Waycaster 27 1-877-367-5371 renasantbank.com 1904 209 Troy St, Tupelo, MS 38804 The University of Southern Mississippi Rodney Bennett 28 601-266-5000 usm.edu 1910 118 College Dr., Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Southern Tire Mart, LLC Thomas Duff, Jim Duff 601-424-3200 stmtires.com 29 2003 N/A, N/A, N/A 39429 South Central Regional Medical Center G. Higginbotham 601-426-4000 scrmc.com 30 1952 1220 Jefferson Street, Laurel, MS 39440 Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center Col. Rick Weaver 601-582-0801 campshelby.org 31 1917 U.S. 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center Kai Mentzer 601-362-4471 jackson.va.gov 1957 1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Ave., Jackson, MS 39216 Trustmark Corp./Trustmark National Bank Gerard Host, Duane Dewey 800-243-2524 trustmark.com 33 1889 248 E. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39201 Caesars Entertainment 228-436-2946 caesars.com 1995 34 280 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS 39530 Chevron Pascagoula Refinery Tim Potter 35 228-938-4600 chevronpascagoula.com 1963 250 Industrial Road, Pascagoula, MS 39581 Lane Home Furnishings Todd Evans 662-447-4000 LaneFurniture.com 36 2000 5380 Hwy 145 S, Tupelo, MS 38801 The View Casino Resorts: Beach View and Island View Lindsey Inman 228-314-2100 islandviewcasino.com 37 2006 3300 W. Beach Blvd. , Gulfport, MS 39501 AT&T Mississippi 601-592-6580 att.com/local/mississippi Mayo Flynt 38 4266 I-55 North, Jackson, MS 39201 C Spire Hu Meena 855-277-4732 cspire.com 39 1988 1018 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, MS 39157 Tyson Foods Inc. Donnie King 601-298-5300 tyson.com 40 1948 3865 Hwy. 35 N., Carthage, MS 39051 Information provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com. 1

Type of Business

Full-time MS employees

Shipbuilding

11,300

Military

11,000

Hospitals/Health Care System

9,000

Academic medical center and health system

9,000

Health care

6,950

Financial services

6,600

Poultry

5,798

Tribal Government

5,000

NASA Space Exploration

5,000

Automotive

5,000

Higher Education (university)

4,911

Hospital/Health System

4,720

Health care

4,713

Tool-maker

4,400

Furniture

4,200

Transformers; computers; lighting; transportation Health System/Hospitals/Medical Clinics

4,000

Health care

3,600

Financial Services

3,543

Shell eggs

3,500

Vertically Intergrated Poultry Processor

3,500

Health care system

3,301

Education

2,972

Health care

2,687

Casino Resort

2,600

Employment/Staffing

2,500

Banking, Wealth Management, Trust and Insurance

2,400

Education

2,154

Commercial tire sales and service

2,104

Public not-for-profit health system

2,100

Military training base

2,000

Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC)

2,000

Financial services

1,820

Harrah's Gulf Coast, Horseshoe Tunica, Isle of Capri Lula, Trop

1,625

Energy, refining, oil & gas

1,584

Furniture Manufacturing

1,550

Casino resort

1,512

Video, broadband internet, and voice services- mobile and fixed. Wireless, Internet, IP Voice, data and cloud services Poultry/offices also in Forest and Vicksburg

4,000

1,500 1,400 1,296

10 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Meetings, Convention and Tourism Charter airline services changing Mississippi casinos’ customer-base

BY LYNN LOFTON

aming customers are coming from all over to frequent Mississippi’s 26 casinos. The State Gaming Commission estimates the more than 20 million visitors came to the state’s casinos last year. Of those, more than 50% came from outside the state. Residents from Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee make up the majority of gaming visitors as Mississippi is primarily a drive-in market. However, that is changing as charter airline service grows and brings visitors from all over the country. Clay Williams, CEO of the Gulfport-Biloxi Airport, says the coastal area casinos have a very robust charter program. “It’s incredible how the program has grown. It now accounts for approximately 25% of passengers traveling to our airport,” he said. “Sun Country Airlines, headquartered in Minneapolis, is bringing visitors from 90 cities. It’s a significant program and we feel it generates more travel as visitors return.” The Sun Country charter flights were initiated in 2008 by Beau Rivage Casino Resort. Vice President of Marketing Sean Farrell says that’s when the casino dipped its toes into charter flights but really focused on it in 2009. Since then it’s been a continuous program which was taken to the next level in 2014. “Every single day we have two flights arriving and two departing,” he said.

“The airport has been a fantastic partner.” Farrell points out that passengers do not have to be gamblers to use the service. “We target the company’s database, but we have packages for everyone,” he said. “It can be hard to get here; that’s why we built this program. It’s an amazing destination and once people are introduced to it, they want to come back. We don’t have large metropolitan populations to draw from like some casinos do and we want to be more than just a drive-in market.” Williams points out how the number of visitors flying to the area is growing as other Coast casinos begin to participate. “We’re pleased that Harrah’s Gulf Coast is growing their charter program with 15 to 20 flights a month. Island View Casino and IP Casino are also participating in scheduled service such as Allegiant Air. These ultra-low carriers have made it possible by the gaming industry’s participation to bring visitors here who might not otherwise come here,” he said. “Gaming is vitally important to the air service here. It makes a difference in the services we provide, retail and concession offerings, and the number of jobs created.” But the drive-in market still makes up the majority of gaming visitors to Mississippi. “The growth of Tunica as a regional gaming destination is due to our central location within the United States,” says Tunica Convention & Visitors Bureau

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CEO Webster Franklin. “Located just 30 miles from the intersection of Interstates 55 and 40, two-thirds of the U.S. population is within an easy day’s drive of Tunica. The average overnight visitor to the market comes from our neighboring states of Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Alabama within a three-to-five-hour drive from their home.” Franklin says the five-month period of March 2020 to July 2020 saw a steep decline in visitation to Tunica that was not seen since the casinos were closed during the Mississippi River flood of 2011. “As many Americans were confined to their homes during this time, it created a high demand for travel to destinations closer to home when consumers decided it was safe,” he said. “The Tunica market and our casino industry began to see increased visitation in the fourth quarter of 2020 that carried over into the calendar year 2021 where both visitation and gaming revenue surpassed 2019 levels. “This trend continued into the first quarter of 2022. Unfortunately, the rise in gas prices and the current state of the economy have seen visitation and gaming revenue decline over the past two months as American consumers’ discretionary spending budgets have decreased.” The Beau Rivage’s Farrell says the property reserves 500 rooms each night for fly-in visitors. “Any night you drive by here there are visitors from up to seven different cities,” he said. “We’re very excited that we’ve had more than 8,000 round trips and

filled l.6 million rooms with the charter program. Beyond that, we’re excited to show coastal Mississippi.” The Sun Belt Airlines charter flight program and the Beau Rivage will celebrate a milestone in late August when the one millionth passenger arrives in Gulfport and welcomed in a grand way. Clay Williams points out that visitors who fly stay a longer period of time and have a higher level of discretionary income compared to those who drive. Drive-in and fly-in casino visitors are looking for things to do other than gambling. “Our core customer is the gamer but it’s very important that we offer non gaming amenities that compliment their visit,” says Webster Franklin. “The showrooms within our casino resorts offer a wide range of big name entertainment and the culinary options range from all-you-can-eat buffets to the best in fine dining. Outside of the resorts, our two golf courses and museums dedicated to our rich history serve to enhance our visitors’ experiences and extend their stay in Tunica.” Larry Gregory with the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association said, “One just needs to look at the Las Vegas model to understand that entertainment attracts visitors. We have accomplished this through golf, live entertainment, conferences, local tourist attractions and restaurants. We knew early on that we needed economic development and entertainment to drive visitors to our state in addition to casinos.”

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Meetings, Convention and Tourism Casinos see huge revenues for 2021 BY LYNN LOFTON

umbers don’t lie, and the latest year’s figures reported by the state’s gaming industry are big with all regions mak-

ing gains. For 2021, total state gaming revenue was $3,117,415,506, with gross revenue of $2,669,247,245 – the most since 2008. “The gaming industry is an extremely important part of our state’s economy,” says State Gaming Commission Executive Director Jay McDaniel. McDaniel “In addition to the over $2.6 billion in gaming revenue generated by the casinos last year, there was another $660,000 in non-gaming revenue.” McDaniel said the casinos and hotels employ more than 15,000 people, the majority of whom live in Mississippi. “We estimate that more than 20 million visitors came to the state’s casinos

last year, with more than 50% of those from outside the state,” McDaniel said. Broken down by region, total revenue for the seven casinos of the central region was $398,285,483. Also with seven casinos, the northern region reported $813,763,764. The Gulf Coast region’s 12 casinos had a record-breaking year with $2,117,415,506. Scott Waller, president and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council, said, “Mississippi’s gaming industry continues to serve as a catalyst for driving the state’s economy and creating avenues for boosting tourism. While COVID-19 presented unforeseen challenges, it was an opportunity to double down and demonstrate the industry’s value in providing meaningful careers, growing tax revenue and in being a desirable destination for tourists.” The Mississippi Gaming and Hospitality Association’s Chair Anthony Del Vescovo of the Beau Rivage Casino says he is filled with tremendous pride and hope looking at the past year. “I recognize everyone for rising

Better Together

above adversity and making 2021 in some ways our best year. With Gulf Coast casinos smashing records and other regions reporting huge gross gaming revenue increases compared to 2019, Mississippi has a strong market,” he said. According to McDaniel, the largest casino by square footage and number of hotel rooms in the lower river or central region (Natchez/Vicksburg/ Greenville) is Ameristar Vicksburg with 330,000 square feet and 148 hotel rooms. The largest in the northern region is Gold Strike with more than 1.3 million square feet and 1,100 hotel rooms. For the coastal region, the largest is Beau Rivage with more than 2 million square feet and 1,700 hotel rooms. IP casino is close behind with 1 million square feet and just over 1,000 hotel rooms, followed by Island View in Gulfport with approximately 1 million square feet and almost 1,000 rooms combined in two hotels. “These are the top casinos based on

sheer size, but each of the 26 commercial casinos bring their own amenities and activities that help drive visitors to their properties,” he said. McDaniel explains that the Gaming Commission monitors the spending of each casino on capital investment and reinvestment in their properties, but does not have a mandate that any particular amount be spent on any one area. “We do require that the gaming devices on the floor and the gaming tables and kiosks be in good working order and staffing be adequate to meet internal control standards,” he said. “Keeping the properties in good condition overall in both gaming and non-gaming areas is something the properties must do on their own in order to compete in a highly competitive environment. “We do have conversations regularly with the general managers of each property and work to address any areas where we are seeing quality issues that can be improved.”

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12 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Meetings, Convention and Tourism Casinos

Casinos

Casino Address

Telephone Website

Parent Company General Manager

Employees

Gaming Sq. Ft.

Pearl River Resort 13541 Hwy 16 W. , Choctaw, MS 39530

866-447-3275 pearlriverresort.com

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (& Pearl River Resort) William "Sonny" Johnson

2,000

160,000

The View Casino Resorts: Beach View and Island View 3300 W. Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501

228-314-2100 islandviewcasino.com

Gulfside Casino Partnership Lindsey Inman

1,500

117,500

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530

888-567-6667 beaurivage.com

MGM Resorts International Brandon Dardeau

2,600

85,539

IP Casino Resort Spa 850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530

888-946-2847 ipbiloxi.com

Boyd Gaming Corporation Vincent Schwartz

Hotel, live entertainment, restaurants, pool, spa, sports wagering, retail, convention center.

1,000

81,733

Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort 9380 Central Ave., D’Iberville, MS 39540

228-392-1889 scarletpearlcasino.com

Land Holdings I LuAnn Pappas

Miniature golf, hotel, cafe, steakhouse, buffet, entertainment center, boutique, sports wagering

850

60,445

Isle of Capri Entertainment Resort Lula 777 Isle of Capri Pkwy., Lula, MS 38644

800-843-4753 isleofcaprilula.com

Caesars Entertainment Jim Milne

Dining, concerts, gift shop, RV park, Hotel, sports wagering

200

56,985

Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast 711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520

866-758-2591 hollywoodgulfcoast.com

Penn National Gaming Inc. Michael Pendergast

Golf course, RV park, ballrooms, 4 restaurants, hotel, sports wagering

575

56,300

Hollywood Casino Tunica 1150 Casino Strip Resort Blvd., Robinsonville, MS 38664

800-871-0711 hollywoodcasinotunica.com

Penn National Gaming Inc. Matthew Heiskell

RV park, hotel, restaurants, indoor pool, sports wagering, spa

220

55,000

Golden Nugget Biloxi 151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530

800-777-7568 goldennugget.com/biloxi/

Landry's Inc Chett Harrison

Lounges, hotel, pools, spa, sports bar & grill, steakhouse, marina, live entertainment, sports wagering

690

54,728

Horseshoe Tunica 1021 Casino Center Dr., Robinsonville, MS 38664

800-303-7463 horseshoetunica.com

Caesars Entertainment Derrick Madison

Restaurants, conference rooms, pool, spa, fitness center, bars, lounges, sports betting

975

53,000

Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall 1477 Casino Strip Resorts Blvd., Robinsonville, MS 38664

800-456-0711 samstowntunica.com

Boyd Gaming Corp. Toni Burns

Hotel, pool, RV park, escape rooms, sports wagering

200

53,000

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530

877-877-6256 hardrockbiloxi.com

Bally's Corporation Todd Raziano

Restaurants; gift shops; showroom; lounges; hotel, sports wagering

800

51,374

Gold Strike Casino Resort 1010 Casino Center Dr., Tunica Resorts, MS 38664

888-245-7829 goldstrike.com

MGM Resorts International Max Fisher

32-story MGM resort, 1,133 rooms, sports betting, Topgolf Swing Suite, Chicago Steakhouse, Buffet Americana, Sweet Tea, a Southern Eatery, 800-seat Millennium Theater, spa, and convention center

1,075

50,000

1st Jackpot Casino 1450 Jackpot Blvd., Tunica Resorts, MS 38664

866-422-5597 1stjackpot.com

Penn National Gaming Inc. Matthew Heiskell

Gift shop, steakhouse, buffet, sports wagering

144

46,535

Boomtown Biloxi 676 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530

800-627-0777 boomtownbiloxi.com

Penn National Gaming Inc. Michael Pendergast

Restaurant, grill, buffet, event center, RV Park, sports wagering

350

46,445

Silver Slipper Casino 5000 S. Beach Blvd., Lakeshore, MS 39558

866-775-4773 silverslipper-ms.com

Full House Resorts John N. Ferrucci

Hotel, restaurants, retail, pool, sports wagering

475

38,926

Fitz Casino & Hotel 711 Lucky Lane, Tunica Resorts, MS 38664

662-363-5825 fitzgeraldstunica.com

Foundation Gaming & Entertainment Anthony Scudiero

Steakhouse, buffet, cafe, hotel, sports wagering.

275

38,457

Palace Casino Resort 158 Howard Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530

800-725-2239 palacecasinoresort.com

Palace Casino, LLC Keith Crosby

Hotel, restaurants, pool, bars, retail, spa, nonsmoking, sports wagering.

700

38,000

WaterView Casino & Hotel 3990 Washington St., Vicksburg, MS 39180

877-788-4014 waterviewcasino.com

WaterView Casino & Hotel Penny Bankston

Quick service restaurant, hotel, pool, sports wagering, EV chargers

276

37,130

Harlow's Casino Resort & Spa 4280 Harlows Blvd., Greenville, MS 38701

866-524-5825 harlowscasino.com

Churchill Downs Inc. Roscoe Greene

Hotel, snack bar, buffet, spa, entertainment center, coffee shop, sports wagering

350

33,000

Bally's Vicksburg 1350 Warrentown Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39180

800-503-3777 ballys.com/vicksburg

Bally's Corporation Derrius Morris

Buffet, hotel, bar & deli

150

32,608

Harrah's Gulf Coast Resort & Casino 280 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39530

800-946-2946 harrahsgulfcoast.com

Caesars Entertainment Jonathan Jones

Golf, hotel, fine-dining, cafe, pool, spa, sports wagering, gift shop

500

31,903

Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel 1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS 39535

228-385-6000 treasurebay.com

Treasure Bay, LLC Susan Varnes

2 restaurants; lounge; pool bar; gift shop; hotel, sports wagering

675

28,140

Bok Homa Casino 1 Choctaw Road, Heidelberg, MS 39439

866-447-3275 pearlriverresort.com

Pearl River Resort William "Sonny" Johnson

Event center; quick serve eatery, sports wagering

220

27,000

Riverwalk Casino Hotel 1046 Warrenton Rd., Vicksburg, MS 39182

866-615-9125 riverwalkvicksburg.com

Churchill Downs Inc. Ginny Tzotzolas

Casino & Hotel, restaurant, buffet, gift shop, sports wagering

265

25,000

Trop Casino Greenville 199 Lakefront Rd., Greenville, MS 38701

800-878-1777 tropgreenville.com

Caesars Entertainment Colin Skidmore

Grill, restaurant, sport wagering

130

22,822

Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg 4116 Washington St., Vicksburg, MS 39180

601-638-1000 ameristar.com

Penn National Gaming Inc. Maureen Wasloski

Deli, buffet, steakhouse, blues bar, entertainment, RV park, hotel, lounge; poker room, sports wagering

325

16,032

Magnolia Bluffs Casino 7 Roth Hill Road, Natchez, MS 39121

888-505-5777 magnoliabluffscasino.com

Premier Gaming Group Kevin Preston

Hotel, buffet, restaurant, banquet facilities, salt-water pool, sports wagering

160

16,000

Rank

Amenities 2 casinos, 2 hotels, 2 golf courses, water theme park, restaurants, spa, sports wagering Restaurants, two casinos, one is smoke-free, 2 pools, retail, coffee shop, bars, limo, showroom, banquet facilities, Windance Golf Course, sports wagering. 1,740-room resort, dining outlets, nightclubs and bars, sports wagering, Topgolf Swing Suite, retail promenade, spa & salon, pool, Fallen Oak golf course, arcade, theatre, 50,000 square feet of convention space

Information provided by Mississippi Gaming Commission, casino representatives, MBJ research. Ranked by gaming square footage. Direct comments to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Small Business SBA Mississippi 2022 Award Winners create jobs, vital services, economic development BY BECKY GILLETTE

doors open. They were able to maintain the operation of the childcare facilities in In May, the SBA held an awards cere- the midst of increased overhead and daymony for the 2022 SBA Mississippi Small to-day operational costs. Business Award winners honoring business owners across the state who exem- Minority Small Business Champion plify creating innovative small businesses 2022 SBA Minority Small Business that fulfill vital needs in the community Champion Nelson Haskin Jr. owns an while providing jobs and economic de- impressive string of restaurants on Front velopment. Street in Hattiesburg, the heart of the city’s Small Business Persons of the Year were downtown entertainment district. Haskin Lesia Daniel Hollingshead and William owns the Blu Jazz Café, Southbound BaWalter Daniel Jr., co-owners of Funtime gel and Coffee Shop, Nellie’s Chicken and Afterschool of Clinton, Inc. Daiquiris, and Hattiesburgers and Blues. “Our granddaddy, Herbert Jenkins, Blu Jazz opened April 2017. Nellie’s built and opened Funtime Skateland opened in September 2018. Southbound Clinton in 1971,” Daniel said. “In 2000, began operating in 2004, and was purwe opened the afterschool program in chased by Haskin in December 2018. Hatthe skateland building at 931 Highway 80 tiesburgers and Blues started up in August East in Clinton. As we realized the need 2021. for quality childcare, we expanded opera“Two things we love in tions to include infants and preschoolers. the South are fried chicken In 2007, we built and opened Funtime and frozen drinks,” Haskin Preschool at 400 Clinton Pkwy, Clinton.” said of Nellie’s. “We bring Following the pandemic, there was a them to you in one locahuge need for additional care for infants, tion. Our key to success is Haskin so they leased a facility at 457 E Northside being prepared to serve our Dr. My First Funtime specializes in infant customers at a high level, care for children from birth to 12 months use the best products available, keep our and they have 66 babies enrolled. At the restaurants clean, and be nice to everypreschool and afterschool locations, they one. Downtown is becoming a weekend have about 200 children at each site. destination. Therefore, our customer “As you can imagine, a program this base is in the range of William Carey and size requires a very large staff,” Daniel Southern Miss students, people who live said. “We have 163 active staff members in the downtown area, travelers, and peoat this time. However, some are seasonal ple from West Hattiesburg and Petal.” and only here for the summer. We have Rita Mitchell, a certified counselor with state-of-the-art playground facilities at the USM Small Business Development all locations, as well as secured entrances Center, said Haskin is a veteran and a dyfor safety. We have a fleet of vehicles like namic entrepreneur who is also a great no other in the state for transporting our community leader. children.” “Nelson is an incredible, hardworking, Because one of their sites has a skating humble, phenomenal man,” Mitchell rink, their preschool and afterschool chil- said. “He is a family guy. The whole famdren get to skate for a couple of hours one ily helps with the businesses. Nelson has day each week. Their summer campers literally soared through his tireless efforts are busy with daily field trips and oppor- and community heart, from his 2015 vitunities for cheer, dance, sport and other sion for ‘Hattiesburg’s Best First Date specialty mini camps. Academic achieve- Restaurant’ to his warm, wonderful, and ment is at the forefront of their planning welcoming Front Street array of restauand curriculum. rants and bars.” During the pandemic challenges in 2020, Funtime Afterschool credits SBA’s Women Business Champion COVID-19 programs for keeping the Women will tell their hairdressers

COURTESY

Lesia Hollingshead and William Walter Daniel Jr. things they might not tell anyone else. That can include experiencing domestic violence or having addiction problems. Lisa Cochran, owner of The Studio, LLC, Hattiesburg and Laurel, has worked at The Studio for about 40 years and was owner for 27 of those years. She recently sold her business in Hattiesburg to concentrate more on a non-profit she founded four years ago for women in recovery called Dwell. Cochran, the 2022 SBA Women Business Champion of the Year, loves serving Cochran women. “I have heart for women who are in recovery or who have been abused,” Cochran said. “I think we view abused women as being poor, maybe in a different economic category than middle and upper class. But women of all economic levels can experience these problems. As I have seen in my business as a stylist, we know people’s stories. People will confide in a stylist before family. I just leaned into that. I had family members in recovery. That was the reason for selling one salon so I could focus more on Dwell.” To help the transitional housing com-

munity, she opened a thrift store called Remnant that recently won a Best of Mississippi award from Mississippi Magazine. “Our women work there, and they have created something really special,” Cochran said. “The thrift store is called The Remnant. I took some of the same practices in my salon business, and I implemented them at The Remnant. It is so fun. I feel like if as owners who have done well in our businesses, we need to teach others and steward them. We have financial stewardship classes teaching about budget, credit restoration, savings, paying bills on time, house grocery budgets, and we work with a church that teaches anger management and parenting. We make sure participants are going to the recovery meetings like AA or another meeting called Triage. We work with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation to help find some of the best paths for some of the women without education. We work on getting GEDs, and on finding the right path for job placement.” All women in the transitional program get their hair done in the salon for free. It is a way they train their younger staff TURN TO SBA, 14F

14 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Small Business SBA

Young Entrepreneur of the Year FROM 13F

about philanthropy and serving. “Advice I could give to any owners is you need to have philanthropy as part of your business,” Cochran said. “This generation works for money, but also works for time off and a purpose. Our employees know we are about serving women, lifting people up. They want to be involved in the bigger purpose.” Cochran started in the industry at a time when there were no benefits for stylists. Her company now offers six weeks of maternity leave, a 401k program, up to three weeks paid vacation, and health and life insurance for our employees. “It has led to longevity with our staff,” she said.

Candace Chambers, PhD, CEO of Educational Writing Services, LLC, in Pearl, was named 2022 SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Chambers, 29, works with professionals helping write resumes, cover letters, human resources proposals, and business plans and even provides assistance with publishing children’s books. She also helps high school students to develop their college admissions and scholarship essays. “For both populations of professionals and students, it is important for them to communicate effectively,” Chambers said. “I think a person’s writing has to be developed to convey their message to their intended audience clearly.” When she was in graduate school pursuing a MA in English, she worked at the writing cen-

ter at the University of Alabama helping people develop their writing skills. She decided to adopt the model and bring that kind of writing instruction into the community. “After grad school, I saw there was a need for more community-based literacy and writing instruction,” Chambers said. “I like that I am able to Chambers work with a wide range of professionals and can also help high school students go to the next level in college. Therefore, I am able to use this avenue of writing to help people move forward in life.” In addition to being helpful in winning a scholarship or being admitted to college, Chambers feels her writing assistance helps

CREATE

Northeast Mississippi’s Community Foundation

students build confidence. “The most important part is for them to realize they have a voice and help them articulate their thoughts,” she said. “I am working with their ideas, helping them to brainstorm, and helping them to tell their stories in a creative way. It provides confidence not just in an academic sense, but also in their sense of personal self.” Her business, founded in 2017, also provides community-based workshops for non-profit organizations, including high schools, colleges, and universities. “Our goal is for all writers to learn writing techniques so that they can improve their writing,” she said. “It is our hope that writers benefit from our services as we work to meet the needs of the holistic writer.” Chambers earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in

secondary education from Jackson State University, and a master’s degree in English from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., with a concentration in composition, rhetoric, and English studies. She earned her PhD in curriculum and instruction with a focus in urban literacy-English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Chambers has worked in the field of writing for over 10 years in various capacities. For five years, she served as a public affairs writer/editor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Jackson, where she composed feature stories and video showcases on farmers and landowners across the state. She has been awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships, assistantships, and grants from writing essays and written compositions.

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July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Small Business Main Street Communities

Main Street Communities Organizaton

Address

Phone

Website

Director/Manager

Aberdeen Main Street

319 E. Commerce St., Aberdeen, MS 39730

662-3197183

Facebook

Ann Tackett

Amory Main Street

322 N. Main St.; Box 27, Amory, MS 38821

662-256-8700

amorymainstreet.com

Rebecca Riddle

Baldwyn Main Street Chamber

200 W. Main St., Baldwyn, MS 38824

662-365-1050

baldwynliving.com

Shelby Scott

Batesville Main Street Association

150 A Public Square, Batesville, MS 38606

662-563-3126

batesvillemainstreet.com

Mamie Avery

Biloxi Main Street

P.O. Box 253, Biloxi, MS 39533

228-435-6339

mainstreetbiloxi.com

Kay Miller

Booneville Main Street Association

100 W. Church St., Booneville, MS 38829

662-416-9278

visitbooneville.com

Lori Tucker

Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street

2452 Church St., Byhalia, MS 38611

662-838-8127

byhalia-ms.com

Sarah Sawyer

The Main Street Chamber of Leake County

PO Box 1337, Carthage, MS 39051

601-267-9231

leakems.com

Dakota Killingsworth

Team Cleveland Main Street

101 S. Bayou Ave., Cleveland, MS 38732

662-843-2712

clevelandmainstreet.com

Cade Holder

Main Street Clinton

PO Box 156, Clinton, MS 39060

601-924-5472

mainstreetclintonms.com

Tara Lytal

Main Street Columbia

P.O. Box 1342, Columbia, MS 39429

601-736-0663

Facebook

Nik Ingram

Main Street Columbus

107 5th St. N., Columbus, MS 39701

662-328-6305

columbusmainstreet.com

Barbara Bigelow

Main Street Corinth

P.O. Box 393, Corinth, MS 38835

662-287-1550

Facebook

Angela Avent

Main Street Crystal Springs

Box 289, Crystal Springs, MS 39059

601-717-2645

mainstreetcrystalsprings.com

Felicia Thompson

Itawamba Main Street

107 W. Wiygul St., Fulton, MS 38843

662-862-4571

itawambams.com

Vaunita Martin

Main Street Greenville

504 Central St., Greenville, MS 38701

662-378-3121

mainstreetgreenville.com

Daniel Boggs

Main Street Greenwood, Inc.

P.O. Box 8236, Greenwood, MS 38935

662-453-7625

mainstreetgreenwood.com

Brantley Snipes

Gulfport Main Street

P.O. Box 1780, Gulfport, MS 39502

228-868-3414

downtowngulfport.com

Laurie Toups

Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association

P.O. Box 150, Hattiesburg, MS 39403

601-583-4329

downtownhattiesburg.com

Andrea Saffle

Hernando Main Street Chamber

421 W. Commerce St., Hernando, MS 38632

662-429-9055

hernandoms.org

Sibonie Swatzyna

Holly Springs Main Street Chamber

148 E. College Ave., Holly Springs, MS 38635

662-252-2943

hollyspringsms.org

Christy Owens

Indianola Chamber Main Street

Box 151, Indianola, MS 38751

662-887-4454

indianolachambermainstreet.com

Shelia Waldrup

Kosciusko Main Street

101 N. Natchez St., Kosciusko, MS 39090

662-289-2981

kapartnership.org

Riley Hudson

Laurel Main Street

542 Central Ave Ste 1, Laurel, MS 39441

601-433-3255

laurelmainstreet.com

Caroline Burks

Louisville/Noxapater Main Street

P.O. Box 551, Louisville, MS 39339

662-773-8719

winstoncountyms.com

Amy Hillyer

Meridian Main Street

P.O. Box 790, Meridian, MS 39302

601-693-1306

embdc.org/meridian-main-street

Debbie Mathis

Moss Point Main Street

4320 McInnis Ave., Moss Point, MS 39563

228-474-0160

cityofmosspoint.org

Sue Wright

Downtown Natchez Alliance

101 N. Commerce St., Natchez, MS 39120

512-655-1166

Facebook

Diane DuPont

Nettleton Main Street

124 Short Ave., Nettleton, MS 38858

662-963-2605

nettletonms.us

Dana Burcham

New Albany Main Street Association

135 E. Bankhead, New Albany, MS 38652

662-534-3438

newalbanymainstreet.com

Billye Jean Stroud

Ocean Springs Main Street

1000 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564

228-875-4424

oceanspringschamber.com

Cynthia Sutton

Okolona Main Street

P.O. Box 446, Okolona, MS 38860

662-447-5913

okolonams.org

LaSonja Ivy

Main Street Pascagoula

630 Delmas Ave., Pascagoula, MS 39568

228-219-1114

mainstreetpascagoula.com

Rebecca Davis

Main Street Pearl

2420 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, MS 39208

601-932-3503

cityofpearl.com

Stacy Smith

Philadelphia Main Street

256 W. Beacon St, Philadelphia, MS 39350

601-656-1000

neshoba.org

Tim Moore

Picayune Main Street

P.O. Box 1656, Picayune, MS 39466

601-799-3070

picayunemainstreet.com

Reba Beebe

Pontotoc County Main Street Association

109 N. Main St, Pontotoc, MS 38863

662-489-5042

pontotocchamber.com/main-street

Beth Waldo

Ripley Main Street Association

111 E. Spring St, Ripley, MS 38663

662-512-0226

ripleymsmainstreet.com

Elizabeth Reid Behm

Saltillo Main Street

Box 121, Saltillo, MS 38866

662-322-5245

saltillolife.com

Stephanie Box

Senatobia Main Street Chamber

135 N. Front St, Senatobia, MS 38668

662-562-8715

tatecountyms.com

Jamie Sowell

Starkville Main Street

200 E. Main St., Starkville, MS 39759

662-323-3322

starkville.org

Paige Watson

Sumrall Main Street

9 City Hall Ave., Sumrall, MS 39482

601-516-5331

sumrallmainstreet.com

Sabreya DeLancey

Tunica Main Street

P.O. Box 2654, Tunica, MS 38676

662-357-8010

tunicamainstreet.com

Laura Withers

Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association

108 S. Broadway St., Tupelo, MS 38804

662-841-6598

tupelomainstreet.com

Lucia Randle

Vicksburg Main Street

912 Cherry St., Vicksburg, MS 39183

601-634-4527

downtownvicksburg.org

Kim Hopkins

Water Valley Main Street

207 N. Main St, Water Valley, MS 38965

Facebook

Alyssa Benedict

West Point Main Street

746 E. Broad St., West Point, MS 39773

662-494-5121

westpointlife.org

Lisa Klutts

Woodville Main Street

P.O. Box 1546, Woodville, MS 39669

601-888-3998

woodvillems.org

Whitney Seal

Information supplied by Mississippi Main Street Association. List is ranked alphabetically by city. For questions contact frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

16 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

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July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Education and Workforce Development Nursing shortage seen impacting hospitals, university training BY LISA MONTI

ississippi is experiencing a severe shortage of nurses and personnel who typically work with nurses to provide patient care, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. Annual surveys by the Mississippi Hospital Association’s Center for Quality and Workforce shows the RN vacancy rate in hospitals has almost tripled since 2017. “At the beginning of this year, hospitals reported over 3,000 vacant RN positions, an increase of almost 100 percent over what was reported in 2021,” said Dr. Kim Hoover, chief operating officer of the Mississippi Hospital Association and president and CEO of MHA Health, Research and Educational Foundation Inc. Hoover said during the pandemic nurses left their jobs for a variety of reasons. “Some chose to retire, others went part time and some left the profession, but the majority of nurses who left took travel agency jobs,” Hoover said. Travel nurses – registered nurses who fill in at hospitals and other healthcare facilities for short periods of time – can make higher salaries and even earn benefits such as housing. The departures also have resulted in fewer teachers and mentors for student nurses. “Hospitals are the primary clinical training sites for nursing students, so fewer preceptors means fewer graduates,” Hoover said. “Newly licensed nurses also need preceptors as they transition into their professional roles.” To help stem the nurse shortage, the Mississippi Hospital Association is planning two academies to bring valuable resources to the state to help rebuild the nursing workforce, Hoover said. “A Clinical Faculty Academy will provide training for front line nurses to take on new roles as clinical instructors to augment and expand the current faculty pool. A Nurse Preceptor Academy will provide training for RNs to develop skills needed to guide recent graduates and students,” Hoover said.

A nursing student at the Mississippi University for Women works on a dummy.

MUW

Hoover said, “Rebuilding the hospital workforce will require new models of care, additional training, partnerships with our schools of nursing, and workforce development funding. Some schools of nursing are partnering with their local hospitals and others are increasing class sizes. Unfortunately, schools of nursing are also experiencing faculty shortages.” At Mississippi University for Women, there are between 150 and 200 nursing students plus about 300 studying RNBSN online. The program offers pre-licensure up to a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree. “The demand right now is probably higher than what we have ever experienced,” said Dr. Brandy Larmon, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. MUW

TURN TO NURSING, 18

Nursing students at the Mississippi University for Women listen during a classroom session.

18 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Education and Workforce Development Nursing FROM 17

She said The W has a good working relationship with Baptist Hospital and the North Mississippi Health System, among other facilities that recruit nursing program graduates. “They come here and visit our students and let them know what their hospitals have to offer. The hospitals are definitely trying to see those students before they make a decision where to work. Most of the time if a student is seeking a job, they have one before they even graduate,” Larmon said. Larmon sees an increasing number of men enrolling in the nursing program. In the upcoming class working toward a BSN, she said around 15 of the 90 students are males. The Top 10 list of MUW majors is led by the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Associate Degree in Nursing holds the number six spot. Larmon, an MUW graduate who was named dean in June, said, “Our students are highly sought after and our faculty is dedicated to helping and working with

associate and bachelor degree programs No. 1 out of Mississippi’s 23 programs and in the top eight in the nation. Its Online RN to BSN Program was recognized as one of the best in the nation by Intelligent.com. Larmon said all of MUW’s programs are regularly reviewed internally to assess “what went right and what went wrong,” and that the pandemic experience itself was a learning experience for the university. “We definitely learned how to do some things in different ways and how to reach students differently so now I feel all our programs are a little more open and more creative.” This fall MUW is rolling out the Nursing Living Learning Community program that allows nursing students MUW live and study on campus with their Nursing students at the Mississippi University for Women enjoy a break. peers beginning this fall. our students. Our history speaks for itself students are from Mississippi. The 114“The Nursing Department worked and it definitely is an achievement to acre campus is located in the central with the Housing Department to try to hold that W nursing degree.” historic district of Columbus, and 23 provide some ideas of what our nursing Mississippi University for Women of 60 of its buildings are listed on the Na- students need such as a quiet space, was chartered in 1884 and is the first tional Register of Historic Places. Eudora extra computers. They have access to a state-supported college for women in Welty is among the W’s distinguished Nursing tutor and the resident assistant the country. Total annual enrollment is students. in that dorm is from one of the nursing 3,453 students and nearly 80 percent of Online rankings put university’s programs,” she said.

Colleges and Universities Rank

Institution

Address

Phone

Website

President

Founded

Enrollment

Mississippi State University

P.O. Box 6334, Mississippi State, MS 39762

662-325-2224

msstate.edu

University of Mississippi

P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677

662-915-7211

olemiss.edu

Mark E. Keenum

1878

18,584

Glenn Boyce

1848

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

51 Main St., Perkinston, MS 39573

228-896-2536

16,092

mgccc.edu

Mary S. Graham

1912

Hinds Community College

608 Hinds Blvd., Raymond, MS 39154

11,376

601-857-3536

hindscc.edu

Stephen Vacik

1917

The University of Southern Mississippi

10,802

118 College Dr., Hattiesburg, MS 39406

601-266-5000

usm.edu

Rodney D. Bennett

1910

10,693

6 7

Northwest Mississippi Community College

4975 Hwy. 51 N., Senatobia, MS 38668

662-562-3200

northwestms.edu

Dr. Michael J. Heindl

1927

7,537

Jackson State University

1400 John R. Lynch St., Jackson, MS 39217

601-979-2121

jsums.edu

Thomas K Hudson

1877

7,000

Pearl River Community College

101 Hwy. 11 N., Poplarville, MS 39470

601-403-1000

prcc.edu

Adam Breerwood

1909

5,300

William Carey University

710 William Carey Pkwy, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

601-318-6051

wmcarey.edu

Ben Burnett

1892

5,200

Mississippi College

200 S. Capitol St., Clinton, MS 39056

601-925-3000

mc.edu

Blake Thompson

1826

5,000

Holmes Community College

1 Hill St., Goodman, MS 39079

800-465-6374

holmescc.edu

Jim Haffey

1925

4,923

Jones County Junior College (Jones College)

900 S. Court St., Ellisville, MS 39437

601-477-4000

jcjc.edu

Jesse R. Smith

1911

4,642

Itawamba Community College

602 W. Hill St., Fulton, MS 38843

662-862-8000

iccms.edu

Jay Allen

1948

4,348

East Mississippi Community College

1512 Kemper St., Scooba, MS 39358

662-476-5000

eastms.edu

Dr. Scott Alsobrooks

1927

4,300

Northeast Mississippi Community College

101 Cunningham Blvd., Booneville, MS 38829

800-555-2154

nemcc.edu

Ricky G. Ford

1948

3,300

Copiah-Lincoln Community College

1028 J.C. Redd Drive, Wesson, MS 39191

601-643-8306

colin.edu

Jane G. Hulon Sims

1928

2,800

Meridian Community College

910 Hwy. 19 N., Meridian, MS 39307

601-483-8241

meridiancc.edu

Thomas M. Huebner

1937

2,717

Alcorn State University

1000 ASU Drive, Lorman, MS 39096

601-877-6100

alcorn.edu

Felecia M. Nave

1871

2,533

East Central Community College

275 W. Broad St., Decatur, MS 39327

601-635-2111

eccc.edu

Brent Gregory

1928

2,219

Mississippi University for Women

1100 College St., Columbus, MS 39701-5800

877-462-8439

muw.edu

Nora Miller

1884

2,178

Southwest Miss. Community College

1156 College Dr., Summit, MS 39666

601-276-2000

smcc.edu

Steve Bishop

1929

2,128

Mississippi Delta Community College

Hwy. 3 & Cherry St., Moorhead, MS 38761

662-246-6322

msdelta.edu

Tyrone Jackson

1926

2,086

Delta State University

1003 W. Sunflower Rd., Cleveland, MS 38733

662-846-3000

deltastate.edu

Dr. E.E. Caston

1924

2,041

Mississippi Valley State University

14000 Hwy. 82 W., Itta Bena, MS 38941

662-254-9041

mvsu.edu

Jerryl Briggs

1950

1,714

Coahoma Community College

3240 Friars Point Road, Clarksdale, MS 38614

662-627-2571

coahomacc.edu

Valmadge T. Towner

1949

1,560

Belhaven University

1500 Peachtree St., Jackson, MS 39202

601-968-5940

belhaven.edu

Roger Parrott

1883

1,000

Millsaps College

1701 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39210

601-974-1000

millsaps.edu

Robert Pearigen

1890

700

Blue Mountain College

210 W. Main St., Blue Mountain, MS 38610

662-685-4771

bmc.edu

Barbara C. McMillin

1873

670

Tougaloo College

500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS 39174

601-977-7768

tougaloo.edu

Carmen J. Walters

1869

650

1866

575

Rust College 30 150 Rust Ave., Holly Springs, MS 38635 662-252-8000 rustcollege.edu Ivy R. Taylor Information provided by school representatives and MBJ research. Schools ranked by enrollment. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Education and Workforce Development

DHS ramping up job training, employment efforts for SNAP recipients BY LISA MONTI

he Mississippi Department of Human Services is ramping up efforts to partner with state agencies and community-based organizations to help more SNAP recipients train for and find good paying jobs or advance to the next level of work. MDHS’s Division of Workforce Development is seeking partnerships with nonprofits and community colleges for its expanded SNAP Employment and TrainSmith ing program that now includes the federally funded Skills2Work model, which subsidizes workforce training. The goal is to make career and technical education programs and workforce skills training more accessible to low-income families. The E&T program was rolled out in 2016 but has lost momentum the last few years because of the pandemic. “Pre-COVID in 2019, over 4,000

people were in the program but the numbers dropped during the pandemic. In 2020 there were less than 1,000. What we are trying to do is not just get back to where we were but exceed that amount,” said Nathan Smith, director of Workforce Development and Partnership Management. Smith said the department wants to recruit Skills2Work partners to increase the geographic reach of the program all across the state. “Since we have around 350,000400,000 SNAP recipients across the state, there is a large pool of potential participants,” said Smith. The DWD has two Skills2Work partners: Hinds Community College, which offers virtual training for those outside the area, and Refill Jackson. “We need non-profits and community colleges to partner with us. Their connections to businesses then help move people to training and employment,” Smith said. SNAP E&T reimburses Skills2Work partners 50% of their costs to run an E&T program. They have to match the

federal funds with non-federal dollars such as private grants. “The 50% reimbursement model doesn’t make sense to a lot of people up front. However, most non-profits and community colleges are already serving SNAP recipients and receiving 0% reimbursement from SNAP E&T. For them, why not take advantage of the additional funding?” Smith said. E&T will only pay for technical training up to a two-year associate’s degree. The training is geared to jobs that are in demand and pay well. “This includes most or all of the skilled trades such as welding, LPN, diesel mechanics and electricians. They can all be obtained through a SNAP E&T program,” Smith said. Career navigators are available “to help with those unexpected twists and turns that block the road to success.” To qualify for Skills2Work, a participant must be a SNAP recipient between the ages of 18-59 and enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a career/ technical program of study or workforce skills training program at a participating

Skills2Work provider. Participants also are required to register for work as a condition of SNAP eligibility or a recipient of Unemployment Insurance. According to MDHS, Mississippi is working to increase labor force participation rates. Over the next decade, two-thirds of all jobs created will require some form of postsecondary education and technical proficiency, and only 30% of the state’s workforce has the necessary skills to fill these in-demand jobs. The SNAP E&T program, along with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Work Program, will be valuable resources in helping Mississippi address its workforce needs, said MDHS. “The ultimate goal of SNAP E&T is to provide the opportunity to obtain job training that will lead to fulltime employment with a sustainable wage,” Smith said. “Ultimately, this will allow them to transition off of SNAP benefits and government assistance.” More information is available at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/workforce

Largest Hotels Meeting space (square feet)

Rooms

beaurivage.com

50,000

1,740

goldstrike.com

39,346

1,133

866-447-3275

pearlriverresort.com

39,762

1,100

888-946-2847

ipbiloxi.com

65,000

1,088

228-314-2100

islandviewcasino.com

14,000

974

22,000

706

7,140

700

Rank

Company

Address

Phone

Website

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi MS 39530

888-567-6667

Gold Strike Casino Resort

1010 Casino Center Dr., Tunica Resorts MS 38664

888-245-7829

Pearl River Resort

13541 Hwy 16 W. , Choctaw MS 39350

IP Casino Resort Spa

850 Bayview Ave., Biloxi MS 39530

The View Casino Resorts: Beach View and Island View

3300 W. Beach Blvd, Gulfport MS 39501

Golden Nugget Biloxi

151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi MS 39530

800-777-7568

goldennugget.com/biloxi/

Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall

1477 Casino Strip Resorts Blvd., Robinsonville MS 38664

800-456-0711

samstowntunica.com

Fitz Casino & Hotel

711 Lucky Lane, Tunica Resorts MS 38644

662-363-5825

fitzgeraldstunica.com

8,000

506

Horseshoe Tunica

1021 Casino Center Dr., Robinsonville MS 38664

800-303-7463

horseshoetunica.com

12,000

505

Harrah's Gulf Coast Resort & Casino

280 Beach Blvd., Biloxi MS 39530

800-946-2946

harrahsgulfcoast.com

Hollywood Casino Tunica

1150 Casino Strip Resort Blvd., Robinsonville MS 38664

800-871-0711

hollywoodcasinotunica.com

Isle of Capri Entertainment Resort Lula

777 Isle of Capri Pkwy., Lula MS 38644

800-843-4753

isleofcaprilula.com

9,000

486

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi

777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi MS 39530

877-877-6256

hardrockbiloxi.com

13,000

479

Margaritaville Resort Biloxi

195 Beach Blvd, Biloxi MS 39530

228-271-6377

margaritavilleresortbiloxi.com

Downtown Convention Center Hotel

200 E. Amite St., Jackson MS 39201

601-969-5100

1,800

499

14,000

494

2,500

371

35,000

303

Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

9380 Central Ave., D’Iberville MS 39540

228-392-1889

scarletpearlcasino.com

10,000

300

Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast

711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis MS 39520

866-758-2591

hollywoodgulfcoast.com

14,000

291

20,154

276

1,800

234

Hilton Jackson Hotel

1001 E. County Line Road, Jackson MS 39211

601-957-2800

hiltonjackson.com

Palace Casino Resort

158 Howard Ave., Biloxi MS 39530

800-725-2239

palacecasinoresort.com

Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel

1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi MS 39531

228-385-6000

treasurebay.com

3,600

207

The Westin Jackson

407 S. Congress St., Jackson MS 39201

601-968-8200

westonjackson.com

11,326

203

Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center

2200 Refuge Blvd., Flowood MS 39232

601-936-4550

marriott.com

27,584

196

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Biloxi

940 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi MS 39530

228-546-3100

hilton.com

2,340

195

Hilton Garden Inn Jackson Downtown

235 W. Capitol St, Jackson MS 39201

601-353-5464

hilton.com

7,321

186

Drury Inn & Suites Meridian

112 Highway 11, Meridian MS 39301

601-483-5570

druryhotels.com

3,400

180

Information provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Ranked by number of guest rooms. Direct comments to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

20 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

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22 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

North Mississippi

Business Directory

A PA RT M E N T H O M E S

(662) 891-5000 4348 NORTH GLOSTER ST. TUPELO

Dwayne

Blackmon

1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 662-842-3611

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Technology

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Restaurant

662-534-4448

• FINE FURNITURE • FABRICS • FLOORING

Waste Removal

224 STARLYN AVENUE NEW ALBANY, MS

R ROO E L FIN EE G H W Rooﬁng

Whether You’re Hauling or Delivering, Call Dwayne Blackmon Chevrolet for Your Commercial Vehicle Needs!

www.nemc.edu .nemc.edu www.fmbms.com

Measurable Cleaning. Guaranteed Results.®

Furniture

Commercial Cleaning

Apartments

TRACE RIDGE

Banking

Automotive Commercial

AFFORDABLE LUXURY

1101 West Main - Tupelo 662-842-3774

RES 1-888-893-2830 Ofﬁce: 662-837-4087 Fax: 662-837-9564 1041 CR 549 • P.O. Box 598 • Ripley, MS 38863

TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL

Teresa McDonald • 662-678-1531

A LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MANKIND.

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

Recruit

The 4-10 schedule has graduates to enter the unpaid leave without builders to its 800-acre fa- covered workspaces for its team members work workforce with less edupenalty; they can come cility that builds U.S. Navy shipbuilders to keep them FROM 8F 10 hours a day Moncational debt and more to work, and work will be destroyers, amphibious out of the elements, as pandemic. Since then, day-Thursday, thus giving real-world work experiprovided; or they can take warships and national well as hydration stations. hiring entry level and them a three-day-weekence in subjects including paid time off. security cutters. Attracting new workers skilled workers has been end. electricity, fluid power, The company said is a top priority for Ingalls, a struggle. “That’s been pretty mechanics, fabrication Shipbuilder: ‘No limits’ its competitive starting said HII’s Ingalls Shipamazing,” Fernandes and robotics. wages, benefits, 12 paid building spokesperson to opportunities The Toyota way said. “We’ve had about a “We’ve had to grow our holidays annually, and Kimberly Aguillard. At the Toyota Missis75% reception that they own, and partnering with One of Mississippi’s opportunities for ad“We go through great sippi assembly plant in really like that schedule.” local community colleges, largest employers, HII vancement make Ingalls a strides to ensure we find Northeast Mississippi, an The openings that need the kids within three years Ingalls Shipbuilding in great place to work. and train the talent we optional flexible schedule filling the most compawho enter the program Pascagoula is looking to “With over 500 different need to meet the secuis available to the approxi- ny wide are the skilled in most cases are making add 2,000 more workers. jobs, there is no limit to rity requirements of our mately 2,400 employees. maintenance positions. $39 an hour,” Fernandes The shipyard employs what you can do at Incustomers,” Aguillard “As a company, we Toyota’s highly regarded said. some 11,300 workers galls,” said Susan Jacobs, said. “Our company is have a great package in AMT (Advanced ManToyota has also been which include union-rep- vice president of human committed to delivering total – great pay, great ufacturing Technician) innovative in keeping resented craftsmen and resources and administra- capabilities of exceptional benefits, as well as career program blends tradition- its workers employed. women, in addition to tion. “Shipbuilding is hard quality and safety to our opportunities,” said David al classroom instruction During the pandemic, engineers, planners, work, but we strive to customers, and to the Fernandes, Toyota Miswith on-site work expethe plant had production supply chain specialists, make sure our shipbuild- safety, health, welfare sissippi president. “Even rience offering a unique stops, but no one was laid business management ers have the tools and and development of our with all those great things opportunity for students off. The company had and program manageconveniences they need employees.” we are definitely seeing to earn a wage while the policy in place even ment professionals. to do the hard work well.” Becky Gillette contributchallenges. I like to remind attending college. before the pandemic: The company wants to The company recented to this story. our team here, that our The program provides Team members can take add 2,000 full-time shiply completed building team members are telling us that we have to create more flexibility that what we’ve been able to create in manufacturing.” From the start of production in late 2011, Toyota has has two eightKitchen Supplies • Contract Furniture • Glassware hour production shifts Kitchen Equipment • China • Refrigeration Equipment • Ice Machines – starting at 6:30 a.m. and then at 6:30 p.m. Team members rotate every two weeks between the schedules. With 10 manufacturing ��- �� • �� I�� D�� • J��, MS �� plants across the United L�� C�� D�� • D�� D�� P�� • F�� • D�� • G�� P�� ” TV States, the automaker is looking at different ways to attract workers as well as keeping them. “For almost six months Phone Website now, we’ve had a 4-10 601-352-2004 hnrsupply.com shift in the evening,” Fernandes said. “One of the voices we heard was that rotation for then was @hotelandrestaurantsupply facebook.com/hnrsupply twitter.com/hnrsupply linkedin.com/hnrsupply difficult as far as resting.”

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24 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

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

(662) 231-4262

cshort@trirealestate.net

BARRY REPLOGLE

(662) 321-1201

breplogle@trirealestate.net

CHRIS WINDERS

(662) 255-4404

chris@trirealestate.net

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

July 2022 Issue

2022 WINNERS CATEGORIES

SMALL • MEDIUM • LARGE • MEGA LARGE

Mississippi Business Journal

26 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

SMALL CATEGORY 1ST PLACE

Anytime Cash Solution (DBA Moneyman)

oneyman was established in 2016 with one office in Jackson and has now grown to 29 offices across the state. Moneyman offers payday loans, installment loans, check cashing and bill-pay services. Moneyman doesn’t treat their employees as just a number; they treat their employees as a member of the team and wants to see each employee succeed. Employees get weekends for family, as their motto is “Family First.”

Moneyman has high standards and great values. Moneyman redefines what it means to “Come to Work.” The company cares about and supports their employees while also challenging them to grow with the company. Moneyman promotes positive attitudes, trust, integrity, respect, fairness, good communication and teamwork. The organization has a rewards system and a strong leadership team. Moneyman has 44 employees.

2ND PLACE

Tempstaff

empStaff was founded in 1981 and has always called Mississippi home. Since its inception, Carolyn Boteler has been a vital part of our success. Having worked in many aspects of the company, Boteler became president and CEO in 1991. Her goal is not to be the biggest, but rather the best staffing service in Mississippi. Boteler is still actively involved in leading TempStaff into the future. Tempstaff provides an opportunity to work with a variety of people each day. From individuals who are just starting their work careers to those who are looking to transition to a new opportunity. Tempstaff plays an integral part in helping job seekers

find meaningful work within the state. Tempstaff offers competitive salaries, a full benefit package including 100% paid employee health and dental coverage. By far it is Tempstaff’s social responsibility to give back to the communities that has helped the company grow. Tempstaff currently employs 20 staff members. Tempstaff awards include, Best of Staffing lists in client, talent and employee categories since 2015, presented by Clearly Rated and CareerBuilder, by providing remarkable service to their clients, talent and employees, and honored by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s Best Staffing Firms in 2020, 2021 and 2022 as the #21 firm in the country.

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

SMALL CATEGORY 3RD PLACE

Brasfield & Gorrie

rasfield & Gorrie was founded in 1994. Brasfield & Gorrie is one the nation’s leading privately held construction firms. The company is the successor to the Thos. C. Brasfield company, a general contractor operating as a sole proprietor from 1921. Miller Gorrie purchased the company’s construction assets in 1964 and changed the name to Brasfield & Gorrie in 1967. Brasfield & Gorrie has completed 85 projects totaling approximately $1 billion in value across the state of Mississippi. The company expand-

ed their footprint in 2015 when they established a local office in Jackson, Brasfield & Gorrie’s 12th office overall. Brasfield & Gorrie’s awards include, 2021 Contractor of the Year by ENR Southeast, No. 24 Top Contractor by ENR National, No. 1 Contractor by ENR, ABC National STEP Platinum Award for Safety, Excellence in Construction First-Place Eagle Award (Blue Health Primary Care Clinic- Madison) and Excellence in Construction Second-Place Merit Award (Jackson Preparatory School Junior High Renovations- Flowood), just to name a few.

CONGRATULATIONS

Anytime Cash Solutions DBA Moneyman on winning 1st place in the Small Category Mississippi Best Places to Work

28 n

Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

SMALL CATEGORY FINALIST

ASSET Engineering

stablished in 2000, ASSET Engineering began as a consulting firm specializing in power system design and analysis. The company has grown into an engineer, procure and construct (EPC) firm for substations and other electric infrastructure projects. ASSET provides their clients with decades of experience in specialized electrical engineering design, protection and control systems, and project management services. ASSET Engineering values each contribution made for the betterment and success of the company. ASSET offers employees competitive compen-

sation packages and rewarding career paths in an environment that encourage both professional and personal growth. Career opportunities are created for those individuals who are aspiring to grow and develop both technical, business, and project management skills in the power industry. ASSET employs 30 employees, and is anticipating to grow capabilities by 20% at the start of 2023. ASSET awards include ACEC Award, 2018 & 2021 MBJ Best Places to Work Award, 2008 Nancy T. Grogan Award, and 2005 & 2008 Community Improvement Award.

FINALIST

Babel Street

abel Street pioneered an AI-enabled analytic platform as a single gateway to transform the world’s data into knowledge regardless of language in real time. It democratizes understanding of an unprecedented array of content from around the world from publicly and commercially available information and its customers’ own data. It ingests and enriches data to deliver only what is most relevant and timely to the customers’ mission. And it constantly innovates since the customers’ missions evolve. Finally, it understands a powerful platform comes with great responsibility. It is guided by a strong corporate ethos.

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

SMALL CATEGORY FINALIST

EMI Staffing

MI Staffing was founded in 1998. Since its beginning, the focus has been on placing the right people in the right positions. The team has grown from three internal employees to 25 at three branches across north Mississippi. The teams of dedicated recruiters in Grenada, Greenwood and Batesville are experts in the regions they serve. EMI Staffing is woman-owned and locally operated, and is among the largest independently owned agencies in Mississippi. EMI prides themselves on sustained excellence in service. EMI has 24 years of local corporate experience and an understanding of both the employment challenges of

their clients and the opportunities to optimize workforce performance. The company’s proactive and personalized approach sets them apart from the rest and an industry awareness to assure best practices, EMI commits to the highest levels of excellence for their clients. EMI employees 24 internal employees. EMI awards include 2021, 2022 Best of Staffing Talent, Client, and Employee Satisfaction, 201-2021 Best of the Best Staffing (Panola County), 2019 Ms Business Journal Top CEO, 2015-2022 Best Place to Work, and 2016 Mississippi Business Journal 50 Leading Business Women.

FINALIST

EMC Insurance

he EMC Jackson Branch was founded in 1966. EMC writes both personal and commercial line accounts. Today, EMC is commercial only writing property and casualty operations. The company is projected to finish with $70,000 million in written premiums in 2022. EMC hires great people that are enjoyable to work with and has a fantastic work ethic and skill set. In addition, EMC offers a flexible work environment that allows our

team members to achieve an ideal work/life balance. On top of a flexible work environment, EMC’s benefits package is top notch and offers the best PTO, Health Insurance, fitness reimbursement. EMC Jackson branch has 39 employees. EMC awards include 2019 and 2021 finalist for Best Places to Work, 2019 Healthiest Work Places, awarded two years in the row, Hynes Gunn Award, and Top Partner award from the Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi.

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

SMALL CATEGORY FINALIST

InfusionPlus

ounded in 2013, InfusionPlus has quickly amassed a team of clinicians and staff with over 300 years accumulated infusion pharmacy experience. InfusionPlus has enjoyed rapid growth exceeding expectations over the last four years and enjoys a 100% rating scored by its patients. InfusionPlus provides for its employees a teamwork structure that shares a common goal of patient/customer prioritization. Employee input and perspectives are respected and encouraged in making decisions for the organization. Management also places a high priority on the employees’ personal goals and needs and moves

quickly to meet these needs when possible. Shared values of faith and family provides a strong foundation for InfusionPlus and its employees to grow. A local ownership and local management team allows agility and flexibility in decision making for meeting the needs for patients with ever changing circumstances. InfusionPlus has 31 employees. InfusionPlus awards includes, ACHC Accreditation (June 2013), 2016 Finalist Best Places to Work, placed first in the small business category in 2017 and achieved a 100% patient score when asked if they would utilize the company again if needed.

Our Employees MAKE the difference!

EMI is the premier staffing company serving northern Mississippi! Woman-owned and locally operated, our company is among the largest Staffing With a Personal Touch independently owned agencies in Mississippi and we pride ourselves on sustained excellence in service. With 24 years of local corporate exEMI knows staffing and we know Mississippi. As one of the largest and most successful independently owned perience and an understanding of both the employment challenges of our clients and the opportunities to optimize workforce performance, we staffing services Mississippi, wecompanies pride ourselves on providing excellent service, with a personal touch. have championed the in needs of numerous just like yours across our great state. Having a proactive, personalized approach that sets us apart from the rest andoperated an industrysince awareness to we assure besthelped practices, we commit tolike the yours highest find levelsthe of excellence for our clients! Mississippi owned and 1998, have companies best employees

to get the job done We are invested in Mississippi, operate at the highest level of excellence, and are expePeople come first at EMI Staffing!Our We proactive carefully tailor recruitment efforts facilitate placement of contract,ofﬁce direct to placement, and temporary rienced problem solvers. approach sets us to apart. From professional light industrial, positions across all skill Whether you are looking for ainnew job or talented people to join your team, you will never be treated like “a we’re committed to sets. placing qualiﬁed candidates great jobs. number” here… instead, you will receive the kind of hands-on service that only a specialized local firm can offer. We Recruit for a Wide Range of Contract, Direct Placement and Temporary Positions, including (but With pride,to): we specialize in employment solutions for Upper Management, Professional, Administrative, LightMerchandising, Industrial, Mass Merchannotgreat limited Upper Management, Professional, Administrative, Light Industrial, Mass Indedising, Independent Grocers, Education… and MUCH more! pendent Grocers, Education and Much Much More!

We are proud to call Mississippi home for over 24 years! Grenada Ofﬁce 142 South Main Street (662) 226-9025

Batesville Ofﬁce 103-5 Woodland Road (662) 563-5888

Greenwood Ofﬁce 209 Fulton Street (662) 453-1263

“Handling the Human Side of Business”! www.emistafﬁng.com

k n a h T u o yo

to our employees for making our bank successful!

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

SMALL CATEGORY FINALIST

Matthews, Cutrer and Lindsay

atthews, Cutrer and Lindsay CPAs was founded in Ridgeland in December 1988. Today, the firm operates four offices in the cities of Ridgeland, Clinton and Yazoo City under the leadership of Matt Freeland, managing partner. A second MCL office was established in Yazoo City in 2012. By January 2019, the firm expanded to its third city by adding a Clinton office. A second Ridgeland location followed just 12 months later.

The firm employs just under 50 professionals, who accept change as inevitable and as an opportunity. People – not numbers – are the core passion. Every person and every relationship holds inherent worth. Life’s work is made better by trusted relationships and innovative partnerships. The firm shows a strong desire to meaningfully assist clients. This desire develops its professionals into trusted advisors and innovative partners who share in the accomplishment of compliance or resolution.

FINALIST

The Solutions Team

he Solutions Team was founded in 2007. The Solutions Team started out as a disaster recovery business for critical data for businesses. After seeing the negative effects that Hurricane Katrina had on business who were not prepared to protect their critical data in the event of a disaster, the Solutions Team began focusing in the business of healthcare. The company has grown to become a national player in the ambulatory healthcare space. The Solutions Team is more than just a company, they are a team/family. The company rewards its team for achieving goals, they treat their employees to nights out for dinner, Braves

suites, craw-fish boils, snow cones in the office, luncheons and cook outs. The company likes to celebrate “wins” with their team. The Solutions Team’s Founder and CEO, Todd Gooden, is engaged in the day-to-day activities of the company, and easily approachable. He works just as hard as everyone else. The Solutions Team has 20 employees and are actively growing. Their awards include 2019 CRN MSP 500, CRN PIONEER MSP 250, 20172022 Best Places to Work, 2021 Mississippi Business Journal Top CEO and 2018 CIO 10 Most Promising back-up solutions providers.

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

MEDIUM CATEGORY 1ST PLACE

Origin Bank

rigin Bank has been committed to helping communities grow and prosper since 1912. Charted in Louisiana more than a century ago, Origin’s roots as the Bank of Choudrant evolved into Community Trust Bank in 1987, growing organically to serve more communities across North Louisiana. After expanding into Texas and Mississippi, the bank changed its name to Origin Bank in 2015, and its financial holding company, Origin Bancorp, Inc. At Origin, culture is the foundation of success and soul of the company. Origin defines culture in its attitudes, diversity, core values, and in its interactions with their customers,

communities and each other. Growing the relationships of their employees, customers, communities and shareholders helps the company stay true to their values, vision and purpose. The devotion to their culture is what makes Origin a best place to work. Origin believes supporting their employees leads to team members supporting those around them. Some of Origin awards include 20132021 American Banker Best Banks to work for, 2020-2021 Volunteer LA Champion Service, 2021 Ramsey Solutions Smarty Vision Award, Mississippi Business Journal 2019 Best of Mississippi Businesses and 2018 Healthiest Workplaces finalist.

YOU ARE WHY WE

L VE COMING TO WORK

Origin has been proud to support our customers and communities through everyday business and unexpected challenges for more than 100 years. Your trust in us is something we never take for granted, and we look forward to opportunities to build even greater relationships over the next hundred years.

MEMBER FDIC

www.Origin.bank

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

MEDIUM CATEGORY 2ND PLACE

Blackburn Construction

lackburn Construction, Inc. (formerly known as R.J. Allen & Associates) is a general construction and construction management company that has been serving clients since 1984. In 2006, David Blackburn joined RJAA adding residential and commercial construction in the Texas and Mississippi markets. Since 2006, Blackburn has added dozens of convenience stores, restaurants, multi-family communities, retail space, apartment living and office space projects to this company’s repertoire. Blackburn Construction is a team-oriented company and strives to provide a work environment that

is both challenging and rewarding. Blackburn recognizes that their success lies in the commitment, passion, and integrity of its construction professionals. Employees enjoy great benefits, inspiring leadership, and a company culture that promotes success. Blackburn currently has 110 employees and is owned by The Blackburn Group. Blackburn awards include 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 INC. 500/5000 Fastest growing private companies in America, ranked No. 1 for all companies in the state of Mississippi in 2014, 2015 and six-time finalist of Best Place to Work in Mississippi.

3RD PLACE

BCI

CI was founded in 1993 by Tony Bailey, and for the nearly 30 years since, BCI has been known for their outstanding IT engineering talent and dedicated customer service. BCI has strong cultural values, and recruit employees that fit into the culture to allow the company to continue to evolve as the industry constantly changes. BCI offers IT solutions across the country with over 500 customers in Mississippi. BCI has a strong, family culture and focus on being flexible for employees and customers. BCI leaders and managers make employees feel valued by recognizing, encouraging, promoting,

and rewarding team members for their success. Some rewards include, free breakfast on Fridays, monthly birthday parties and free lunch, quarterly family events, holiday customer contests, and employees of the year award with cash prizes just to name a few. BCI has nearly 100 employees spread across six states, with 80 of those employees in Mississippi. BCI awards include first place Best Places to Work 2021, voted No. 1 IT Company in Mississippi, Top CEO, TOP Tech award for CEO Jonathan Hollingshead, Partner of Year by Fortinet, Top 150 MSPs in the U.S., and was selected as a Top 100 Security Firm in U.S.

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 22 Issue

MEDIUM CATEGORY FINALIST

FBBInsurance

BBInsurance was founded in 1936 and is an independent insurance agency and is ranked as one of the top 100 retail insurance agencies in the United States. As one of the oldest and most well-respected full-service agencies in the Southeast, the company offers innovative client services and products in commercial lines, group benefits, personal lines and bonding. FBBI also offers an array of risk management products and services designed to meet business and individual insurance needs. Serving their communities isn’t just something FBBI does, it defines who they are. The company promotes and supports associates participating in community-oriented organizations and events. FBBI has a family oriented culture that has holiday and social

celebrations, agency outings and more. Management takes a hands-on approach that provides the resources needed to get the job done as well as opportunities to grow with their career. FBBI lives and shares its core values of the their parent company, integrity, service, accountability, relationships and solutions. FBBI has 196 employees with 12 offices located throughout the southeast, with 103 of those associates in Mississippi. Some of FBBI awards include Insurance Journal (6 years in a row), one of the top 100 Independent Retail Insurance Agencies in the U.S., Best Practices Agency by IIABA and Reagan Consulting (6 years in a row), Top 100 Insurance Brokers in the U.S. (3 years in a row), and a 2020 Silver winner by the Insurance Journal.

Mutually Beneficial

for our members AND our team All of us at Mutual Credit Union team up to make this the best place to bank saving our members time and money and offering solutions for their financial lives. Equally important? Making Mutual the best place to work too, through perks like: Support for growth and a healthy work/life balance Fun, collaborative environment that rewards staff ideas Paid time off to volunteer in the community Great benefits [Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) Match] Generous paid time off and casual dress Higher education grants Birthday Vacation Day We have a unified purpose and mission that drives us every day, "People Helping People." Talk to us about a more rewarding career with Mutual Credit Union.

MutualCU.org | (877) 457-3654

Honored to be recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of Mississippi's Best Places to Work 2022 Vicksburg | Columbus | Raymond | Yazoo City

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

MEDIUM CATEGORY FINALIST

First Federal

ounded in 1955, First Federal recently celebrated its 67th year in business in Jackson County and has grown to over $320 million in assets with six branches serving south Mississippi. Their legacy is their service to their customers and that service shines throughout the company. First Federal is a family of employees with an average tenure of over 17 years. Having been in business for 67 years, the company had the privilege of building a strong work family that values its employees, customers and

communities. Creating a good work environment is the first step in providing excellent customer service. First Federal believes in fostering long-term relationships and making decisions with employees and customers in mind. First Federal currently has 56 employees. First Federal awards include 2013 Best Bank to Work For by American Banker, 2016-2021 Best Places to Work and recently named Best Community Bank to Work For in the country by Independent Banker Magazine.

FINALIST

Mutual Credit Union

utual Credit Union was established in 1931, and this year marks 91 years of serving its members and communities. Over the last 91 years, Mutual Credit Union has grown from a credit union with 56 members and assets of $542 to a credit union with over 23,000 members and over $300 million in assets. Mutual Credit Union was the first credit union charter granted in Mississippi. A great work culture starts from the top, and Mutual Credit Union has a unified purpose and mission driving the company everyday: “People helping people.” Mutual fosters a fun, collaborative work environment that

supports career growth and values feedback from the staff. Mutual offers great benefits, including time off to volunteer and casual dress. Mutual’s moto is “Mutual isn’t just where you bank (or work!) – it is where you belong!” Mutual currently employs a combined 75 full-time and part-time staff at their six branch locations. Mutual’s awards include: Best of the Best Vicksburg Reader’s Choice for financial institutions and tellers every year since 2012, Reader’s Choice top financial institution Yazoo City every year since 2015, and SPRF Lantern Award for “Alexander” Financial Literacy Program.”

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

MEDIUM CATEGORY FINALIST

Parish Tractor

arish Tractor was founded in 2012 by Lee Parish. The company has grown to four locations, with three of those locations in Mississippi. Parish is a family business that serves others and equips farmers with the tools they need to provide for their families and communities. Parish offers many benefits to their employees including dental, vision, life, disability, cancer, accident and critical illness, great PTO, 401K, holidays and profit sharing. Parish puts their people first and this is reflected throughout the culture, amazing benefits and great work environment. Parish has 150 employees between its four locations. Parish’s awards include Kubota’s Elite Dealer, 2022 Annual Small Business Leadership award, Mississippi’s Top 100 Privately Owned Businesses, and voted “Best Outdoor Equipment” in the Pine Belt.

FINALIST

Ross & Yerger

ounded in 1860, Ross & Yerger is the oldest independent insurance agency in Mississippi. Its 162-year history is made possible because of its dedication to client needs and an exceptionally talented and caring staff. It is a 100% employee-owned company, which allows all employees to participate in the profits of the agency and creates a family environment where everyone has one unified goal. This family environment is fueled by a strong leadership and a company culture that

promotes a collaborative team approach and an “open door” policy. Caring for its employees is just as important as caring for its clients, which is why Ross & Yerger offers employees great health benefits, a 401(k) matching program, generous vacation and sick leave, plus personal time off, and one “Summer Friday” off during June, July and August. It also provides an on-site exercise room and offers employees cash bonuses annually for participation in its Wellness Program.

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

LARGE CATEGORY 1ST PLACE

Southern Pipe & Supply

outhern Pipe was founded in 1938. Meyer and Sammie Davidson place an emphasis on customer relationships and on creating opportunities for their employees. Southern Pipe continues to be a Mississippi-based company with its corporate office and distribution center based in Meridian. Today Southern Pipe operates 130 locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Southern Pipe hires for attitude first, then trains for skill. It looks for work ethic and drive, and considers character to be every bit as important as an educational background or a long resume. The corporate culture is rooted in relationships and in doing not only what is best for the bottom line but also what is best for our family members, customers and vendors.

Southern Pipe is home to more than 1,100 dedicated family members. Approximately 375 are employed in Mississippi, and approximately 175 of those are based in Meridian at the local branch, distribution center and corporate office. In general, Southern Pipe has a lowkey philosophy regarding awards and recognition. The company does not enter industry contests or award programs or make efforts to promote the company publicly. Their participation in Best Places to Work programs is to receive feedback from their family members on how they are doing as a Best Place to Work. The company was selected as a Fortune “Top 100” medium size Best Place in America since 2016, and recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute as as Certified Great Place to Work since 2017.

 Pre-Development  Pre-Construction  General Construction

Thank you.

We are proud to announce that FBBINSURANCE has been voted as one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. We are humbled and honored to be recognized, and we thank our associates for everything they do to make a positive impact on our customers and communities each and every day.

Blackburn Construction, Inc.

is honored once again to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal

If you enjoy a team-driven environment, want a career where you can learn and grow, and like to be involved in your community, a position with FBBINSURANCE may be for you. Check out our career openings at fbbins.com.

2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 FBBINSURANCE is a subsidiary of Trustmark National Bank.

“You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

LARGE CATEGORY 2ND PLACE

Riverwalk Casino Hotel

iverwalk Casino Hotel opened in 2008 under the ownership of Rush Street Gaming, LLC. Riverwalk was acquired by Churchill Downs, Inc., in 2012. Churchill is a publicly traded company that has evolved from one world-famous venue in Central Kentucky to the United State’s premier racing, gaming and entertainment company with a myriad of holdings. Riverwalk promotes teamwork and communication through their opendoor policy and their Ambassador Round Table Program. The diversity and talent of their workforce is one of their greatest strengths. The company offers a work setting where everyone is treated fairly with

respect and dignity. Riverwalk offers an excellent benefits package which includes: medical, dental and vision insurance, and a 401K plan in which team members are fully vested from day one. Riverwalk employs more than 275 employees, many of whom have been employed since the doors open in 2008. Riverwalk has been a recipient of many awards including People’s Choice Award at the International Gumbo Festival in Jackson, 3rd place People’s Choice Award for their seafood gumbo. They have received numerous marketing awards over the years including Communicator Awards, Telly Awards and Summit Awards.

Southern Pipe & Supply thanks our 372 Mississippi-based employees — who, to us, are family members — for once again voting us the “Best Large Company” to work for in Mississippi. The award says“Southern Pipe,” but it’s you, our dedicated family members, who have earned a place in the spotlight.

It’s our

employees who really

SouthernPipe.com

shine.

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

LARGE CATEGORY 3RD PLACE

PriorityOne Bank

riorityOne Bank is based in Magee exceeds an 111-year history of serving its loyal customers. PriorityOne is proud of the fact that is remains a local independent community-based bank that is expanding and growing to serve the vast financial needs of many customers throughout Mississippi. The back operates 15 offices in 12 Mississippi communities: Collins, Seminary, Sumrall, Hattiesburg, Magee, Mendenhall, Richland, Brandon, Ridgeland, Flowood, Pelahatchie and Morton. The bank has assets of approximately $1 billion. PriorityOne Bank has put in place a Culture Committee apprised of

employees from all job roles, locations and walks of life. The committee helps to put programs and processes in place to increase job satisfaction among employees and make the culture at PriorityOne Bank one that people want to be a part of. Difference Maker (peer nominated), family outings and events, tuition assistance program and a clothing allowance program are some of the more notable things that have been implemented in the last few year. PriorityOne employs 234 employees. PriorityOne Bank awards include 2019 Best Bank in Mississippi and Bauer 5 Star Rated for 31 consecutive quarters.

FINALIST

BancorpSouth Insurance

ancorpSouth Insurance started in 1999 when BancorpSouth made its first insurance acquisition on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Overtime BancorpSouth has continued to grow BXS insurance by acquiring prestigious top agencies throughout the South-Central United States with roots dating back to 1882. Today BXS Insurance is one of the top 40 insurance agencies in the nation, ranking No. 2 for bank-owned agencies. BXS Insurance is focused on empowering its employees to be their very best in both their personal and professional lives. Through recruiting top talent and teammate development,

BXS is dedicated in building its teammates into leaders. BXS offers a variety of in-house universities to ensure its teammates have the opportunity to develop their management and leadership skills. Teammates can earn up to $1,500 for employee referrals who become apart of the team. BXS also offers a competitive benefits package that offers a pension plan, tuition reimbursement and an employee assistance program. BXS employees 200 teammates within the state. BXS awards include 2019-2021 Business Insurance Best Places to Work in Insurance and 2019 and 2021 Mississippi Business Journal Best Places to Work.

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

LARGE CATEGORY FINALIST

East Mississippi Community College

ast Mississippi Community College was organized in 1927 following its beginning in 1912 as Kemper County Agricultural High School. There are two physical locations: the Scooba Campus and the the Golden Triangle campus, both with academic and career-technical centers. EMCC understands that students and employees are being impacted by rising cost of basic necessities. To offset, EMCC has moved to a fourday work week during the summer to ease the cost of work commute. For students, the college offers flexible learning options through online and

hybrid courses. EMCC President Scott Alsobrooks, Ph.D., is committed to investing in employees through multiyear pay raises without increasing student tuition. EMCC employs approximately 275 full-time employees. The employees represent over 44 communities across north and east central Mississippi. EMMC awards include 2021 Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s list of Top 150 community colleges in the nation, 2021 Mississippi Business Journal Top CEO (Dr. Scott Alsobrooks), and named 2021 Five Star Chapters by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

THANK YOU! Once again, you’ve voted us one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Mississippi!

A great place to Play, Stay and Enjoy… is also a great place to Work!

1046 Warrenton Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180 riverwalkvicksburg.com • 601-634-0100

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

MEGA LARGE CATEGORY 1ST PLACE

Viking Range

iking Range introduced professional performance to the home kitchen with their flagship ranges in 1987, and a culinary revolution was born. In 2013, Viking became apart of the Middleby Corporation, the largest commercial kitchen equipment manufacturer in the world. Tapping the resources and technological expertise of Middleby with Viking’s own heritage in the residential market, the company has transformed their products and reached new heights in customer satisfaction. Viking is a community within a community. Even though Viking

products ship around the world, the company has always stayed true to its roots in Mississippi. Viking employees believe in their products and what the company stands for. Their hard-work, determination and elbow grease have helped push Viking to where it is today. Viking currently employees more than 1,000 employees, most of whom are located in Greenwood. Viking awards include 2021 Design Journal (Best of 2021 Nominee for Viking French Door Wall Oven), 2021 Design Journal (Best of 2021 Nominee for Viking Drop Down Door), 2021 Architectural Digest (Top 5 Dishwashers by Ad Designers).

2ND PLACE

Jones

ones began as a family business in 1949 with a simple mission to help communities, provide jobs and enhance lives. Today, Jones carries on that mission by being a growth-oriented, value-added capital partner to businesses and management teams that share its common values and vision for long-, sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders – customers, communities, employees and shareholders. Jones invests in their employees’ personal and professional growth through continued learning programs such as the Jones Leadership Academy. JLA is a tailored program unique

to Jones where employees focus on self-awareness, effective communication and leadership development. Jones offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages which include a 401K with a 5% company match, as well as paid health plan coverage, PTO, maternity and parental leave, and competitive salaries that are above market. Jones awards include 2021 Gold Recognition (Economic Progress, Area Development Partnership), 2020 STEP Gold Award winner, 2019 Top Companies for Women to Work (Women in Trucking), 2017-2021 Mississippi Business Journal Best Places to Work.

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

We’re Here When You Need Us BXS Insurance’s name may be changing, but as we’ve grown, we’ve stayed true to our relationships and focus. At the same time, we’ve created a stronger, more sophisticated and more diversified organization, with a greater range of offerings and depth of expertise. Our longstanding customers look to us for stability and continuity. We are excited to have the opportunity to continue serving you as Cadence Insurance. We’ll be here when you need us, for the long term.

®2022 Cadence Insurance. All rights reserved. Cadence Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cadence Bank. Insurance products are: Not a deposit • Not FDIC insured • Not insured by any federal government agency • Not guaranteed by the bank • May go down in value. Cadence Insurance is an insurance agent and not an insurance carrier. Always review your policy for coverage terms and conditions.

July 2022 Issue

Mississippi Business Journal

MEGA LARGE CATEGORY 3RD PLACE

YAK ACCESS

n 2016, YAK ACCESS was created to unite the expertise and tenure of various matting and service companies under one roof. These companies work closely together at every stage of a project to provide total access solutions to all companies within the construction and energy industries. YAK MAT, NEW SOUTH, BLUROC and KLEIN independently serve the construction and energy industries by providing access solutions. YAK focuses on its people. YAK’s leadership teams and managers work diligently throughout the year to proactively find out what their customers need to be successful. YAK performs Pulse surveys and employee NPS surveys to determine what is working and what is not to better satisfy their employee’s needs. Additionally, company events like craw-fish boils, group community service events and other regional employee engagement activities are held. YAK employs 750 employees. YAK’s awards include Mississippi Business Journal Best Places to Work winner, and Marcom Gold Award winner.

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Mississippi Business Journal

July 2022 Issue

Proud to be chosen as one of the Best Places to Work in Mississippi! Dozens of university transfer programs  50-plus Career-Technical & Allied Health offerings  #opportunityhappenshere