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Blake Wilson
President
| Dear Member:
Missed opportunities. They are hard to get back, once they are gone. So when opportunity knocks, it pays to open the door.
Momentum Mississippi
We have a golden opportunity to position Mississippi to compete more effectively for the bread and butter economic development projects that will build our communities.
But it will take the aggressive involvement
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of leaders across Mississippi to help convey the message that it is a worthwhile effort to make our state more competitive, with the long overdue passage of the Momentum Mississippi incentive package.
It's hard to find anyone who is opposed to the merits of this bill, which was doomed during the last special session, when various unrelated bond bill projects were added to the Momentum Mississippi bill in the House of Representatives, compared to the Senate which passed a version including only the Momentum Mississippi language.
There is clear support for the Momentum package standing on its own merits as a clean bill. The incentive legislation is the result of careful research through the Blueprint Mississippi effort. It had the input at the front end of 1,000 business and community leaders who participated in the Blueprint process. The Blueprint recommendations contained in the Momentum Mississippi incentive package initiatives were supported by the overwhelming majority 1,000 business and community leaders who actually voted on the Blueprint recommendations in MEC Caucus meetings held over the last year in 22 different communities around the State.
You can't get much better buy-in than this. Now it is time for action.
Thanks to Governor Haley Barbour's special session call, bringing the Legislature back on June 28, opportunity will knock once again for Momentum Mississippi incentive legislation -- our best tool for raising Mississippi's tax base and assuring long-term support for our State by bringing in new business…and helping existing industry expand and increase its productivity.
Everywhere we went in the Blueprint process we heard loud and clear that we needed to create incentives for existing industry -- so we can keep the jobs we already have. Blueprint Mississippi recommended it. Momentum Mississippi delivers.
We are behind our competitor States…both for existing and new industry.
Local economic developers in every part of the State tell us we are losing out…losing real projects…with good-paying jobs. But we are losing more than just the jobs. We are losing out on much needed tax revenue to support our communities and our schools…and other state services as well.
It's simple: Economic development raises tax revenue by raising the tax base…without raising YOUR taxes.
Here's an example: It's been reported that in the first 10 years, a large-scale project like SteelCorr will generate over $1 million annually in school tax payments…which would make a huge difference in Lowndes County, which was under-funded by about $950,000 this year when compared to full-funding levels called for in the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. So the benefit of economic development swings into clear view - if this project comes to fruition for Lowndes County…it will bring a real benefit, not only to those who will be employed and who will also pay sales, property and income taxes…but to the community at large.
Clearly every county can't get a single large project -- but with Momentum Mississippi, incentive dollars are targeted for smaller projects that in the aggregate will make a huge difference in creating employment and increased tax base to move the State forward. Plus, it will let us compete more aggressively for some of the supplier locations that research shows can go anywhere in the fast-growing automotive corridor between Texas and Kentucky. We are right in the middle…and well-positioned to compete effectively for the business…if we have the right incentives in place.
One of the greatest ways we can support our communities -- our schools -- and our social infrastructure -- is by building the tax base, boosting economic development and creating good-paying jobs for our people.
Search the Internet -- and you'll see that other states are boosting their incentive packages to assure their competitive position. We need to do so, as well…or run the risk of being left in the dust.
If ever there was a time for speaking out for action -- this is it. And we are counting on MEC leaders across the state to do so.
Adequate Education
By under-funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program this year, our state leaders missed an opportunity this past session to take advantage of philanthropist Jim Barksdale's offer of $50 million in incentives for highly disadvantaged kids to stay in school and to finish college at an in-state school. But it may still on the table -- and we may have another shot to meet this challenge, next year, the Barksdale Reading Institute's Claiborne Barksdale says, if it appears there is some concerted effort on the part of State leaders over the coming months to make a real commitment to improving our education funding levels, by demonstrating this commitment at the front end of the budget process, which begins in September.
If we meet the education funding challenge, next year, we will gain the benefit of putting some real momentum behind an education system that is significantly under-funded in almost every category compared with our competitor states (you can make your own comparison very quickly on-line at http://www.schoolmatters.com). We also may gain the added benefit of the Barksdale grants to highly disadvantaged kids…those that are most at risk of dropping out of the potential of becoming contributing members of society and staying in a cycle of welfare, since Barksdale has not completely removed this option from the table, pending evaluation of state leader commitments to education.
Opportunity will knock again. Will we take make a long-range commitment to a sensible, sustainable and supportable funding formula for providing an adequate education for all?
It will also take efforts MEC leaders in every county to make adequate education funding a priority for next year - and then to make it happen.
| Seniors recognized as Mississippi Scholars |
| Graduating high school seniors in communities across the state are being recognized as Mississippi Scholars for successfully completing a specific and demanding sequence of academic courses in math, science, language arts, and social studies. |
| The Mississippi Scholars Program is managed by the Public Education Forum of Mississippi in partnership with the Mississippi Economic Council. It is designed to be a simple, low- | 
Mississippi Scholars in Simpson County prepare for the graduation ceremony. |
South Pike High School Scholars are, from left, Jasmine Wilkinson, Brandon Dillon, Brittany Hall, and Keoka Eubanks. | cost, high-impact strategy to motivate students to complete high school courses that prepare them for college and careers.
"With a Scholar's background, a graduate is a more attractive |
job candidate and is more likely to complete training or education that leads to better jobs and better pay," said Lisa Jones, Mississippi Scholars state director. Scholars in more than 25 participating school districts have earned Mississippi Scholars medallions provided by BellSouth.
 for a list of participants.
for more on Mississippi Scholars. |
| Mississippi PRIDE to choose 50 Visionaries |
Mrs. Marsha Barbour
First Lady
| Nominations are being accepted to select 50 famous Mississippi visionaries who have contributed to the state and who will be honored with profiles in a book "Proud To Call Mississippi Home" published later this year that will be a positive story of Mississippi.
First Lady Marsha Barbour is honorary chair of the Mississippi PRIDE Committee that will make the selections, according to Duane O'Neill, president and CEO of the MetroJackson Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Mississippi PRIDE Committee. |
Members of the selection panel include David Dennis of Gulfport, chair of MEC's Leadership Mississippi program and president, Specialty Contractors & Associates, Inc., and Jeff Dahl of Biloxi, member of the MEC Board of Governors and president/CEO of Beau Rivage Casino.
"The book is designed to tell the positive story of Mississippi and reflect the pride all Mississippians feel for their home state," O'Neill said. Mississippi PRIDE Committee members from MEC member firms include Bill Brown of Jackson, president/CEO, Brown Bottling Group; Jim Flanagan of Hernando, president/CEO, DeSoto County Economic Development Corporation; Scott Hamilton of Jackson, communications director, MDA; Mayor John Robert Smith of Meridian; David Rumbarger of Tupelo, president/CEO, Community Development Foundation; Maggie Wade of Jackson, news anchor, WLBT-TV; and Scott Waller of Jackson, business editor, The Clarion-Ledger.
The nomination deadline is June 13. for a copy of the nomination form.
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| Philip Teel to become president of state's largest private-sector employer -- NG Ship Systems -- July 1 |
Philip Teel
| Northrop Grumman Corporation has announced that its board of directors has elected Philip A. Teel corporate vice president and president of the company's Ship Systems sector, effective July 1, to succeed Philip A. Dur. Teel will report to Ronald D. Sugar, Northrop Grumman's chairman, chief executive officer and president.
Dur, who turns 61 this month, has announced his intention to retire at the end of the year and will continue to serve Northrop Grumman until his retirement as a corporate vice president assisting the
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CEO on the transition and other matters. Teel is currently sector vice president, Airborne Early Warning & Electronic Warfare Systems, at Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector in Bethpage, NY.
"We greatly appreciate the contributions made by Phil Dur to Northrop Grumman since he joined the company in 1999," Sugar said. "As president of Ship Systems, Phil successfully integrated our shipbuilding assets in Mississippi and Louisiana, enhancing their efficiency and competitive position. On behalf of the entire senior management team, we look forward to his continued support through the end of the year and I wish him well in his pending retirement."
Teel, 57, joined Northrop Grumman in 2000. He previously served as Integrated Systems' sector vice president of materiel, and before that assignment, he was sector vice president of program operations. Prior to joining Northrop Grumman, Teel was vice president of Navy and maritime programs for Raytheon's Aircraft Integration Systems. From 1987 to 1993, he served Raytheon as program manager, program director, and integrated technical and management team leader for various large defense systems. |
| Irby wins top service award from association |
Stuart M. Irby
| The National Association of Electrical Distributors has awarded its 2005 Distinguished Service Award to MEC member Stuart M. Irby, president of MEC member Stuart C. Irby Co. in recognition of his outstanding and dedicated service to the association and the electrical distribution industry.
"It is quite an honor to be recognized in this way," Irby said. "Stuart C. Irby Co. has been a key player in the electrical wholesaling industry for more than 75
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years, and NAED has played a big role in our success." As the third generation in his family's business, Irby has led his company from $35 million in revenue to $380 million, from 9 branches to 33, and from 232 employees to 664. During his 27 years in the electrical distribution industry, Irby has served the industry in a variety of ways. His company was one of the founders of Industry Data Exchange Association, and Irby has consistently been a champion of the initiative throughout its development. He has served as chair (2002-2004), vice chair (2000-2002) and director (1997-2001).
In addition, Irby also has participated as a member of the NAED Foundation's Channel Advantage Partnership council (2004 - present), NAED Board of Directors member (2002-2004), NAED Membership Committee member (1991) and NAED area chairman (1988). Irby is also active in his community as a volunteer on the boards of numerous organizations. |
| Beau Rivage donates $50,000 to Southern Miss |
Jeff Dahl, right, president of Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, presents a $50,000 check to Dr. Jay Dean, music director of The University of Southern Mississippi's symphony orchestra. (Southern Miss Public Relations photo by Steve Rouse) | In the final encore of the partnership that brought world-famous tenor Placido Domingo to the Gulf Coast in April, Jeff Dahl, president of MEC member Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, has presented a $50,000 check to MEC member The University of Southern Mississippi. The proceeds will be used to support the Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and arts activities on the |
Mississippi Gulf Coast.
"Beau Rivage actively supports the arts and is pleased to have partnered with The University of Southern Mississippi in presenting a cultural opportunity of this magnitude," Dahl said.
"As a result of our unique public/private partnership, nearly 10,000 people got to experience the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra performing on stage with Placido Domingo, one of the top tenors in the world. Beau Rivage is pleased to present a gift of $50,000 to support the SMSO and future Southern Miss arts activities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast."
Calling the students the "future of music," Domingo praised the SMSO from the stage and said he hopes Mississippi appreciates "how amazing it is to have an orchestra of this caliber." |
| Baptist-GT opens $34M tower expansion |
 | MEC member Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle has opened its new bed tower, a $34-million project expanding and upgrading the hospital campus and enhancing patient accommodations. The 167,000-square-foot tower adds 151 patient rooms. |
Baptist-Golden Triangle's labor and delivery department moves to the second floor of the new structure. The tower also features an automated prescription delivery and tracking system, and an integrated communication network that can reach nurses and other healthcare staff anywhere in the hospital, allowing them to speak directly to their patients.
"We are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to the communities we serve, and upgrading our facility is an important part of that," said Jason Little, CEO and administrator of Baptist-Golden Triangle. "We designed this bed tower with our patients' health and comfort in mind."
Since joining the Baptist Memorial Health Care system in 1993, Baptist-Golden Triangle has undergone several expansion projects. The original 35-year lease called for an investment of $40 million during the length of the contract. Baptist has surpassed that requirement in fewer than 10 years, investing more than $100 million into the facility. |
| Fast-paced growth the focus of Fast 40 program |
| One of the state's most prestigious recognition programs for business -- Fast 40 -- will once again honor Mississippi's fastest-growing private companies. Nominations are currently being accepted, and the awards luncheon is slated for October 20. |
 | "If amazing success stories are what you like, the Fast 40 awards luncheon will be the place to be," said Joe Jones, publisher of MEC member the Mississippi Business Journal, which is co-sponsoring the event. "These are companies that aren't just growing; they are literally bursting at the seams and are models for other privately-held businesses in our |
state. They are the best of the best."
Qualifying companies' rankings are based on revenue growth over a three-year period. All revenue figures are subject to verification and will be held in the strictest confidence by the accounting firm KPMG, LLP, and the law firm of Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC -- both these MEC members are co-sponsors of this year's Fast 40 program.
To be eligible for the bi-annual Fast 40 program, companies must be independent and privately held, have revenue of at least $1 million in 2004 and have three complete years of operations, and have their home offices and principal places of business in Mississippi.
The nomination deadline is June 17, 2005. Nomination forms are available on the MBJ Web site - http://www.msbusiness.com. Select "Special Events" from the menu, then choose "Fast 40." |
OTHER STORIES
  BancorpSouth moves up insurance ranking
MEC member BancorpSouth is one of the top bank holding companies in the nation for insurance brokerage revenue, according to a study done by Michael White Associates, a bank insurance consulting and research company. The study is based on data sent to the Federal Reserve.
New Coast Guard cutter passes milestone
According to MEC member Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ship Systems sector, the U.S. Coast Guard's 140-foot fast-response cutter has reached a systems milestone. The cutter is being built by Integrated Coast Guard Systems, a joint venture between Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, under the Integrated Deepwater System Program.
Charles Stokes president of North Mississippi Medical Center
MEC member North Mississippi Medical Center has hired Mississippi native and senior healthcare executive Charles D. "Chuck" Stokes as president, effective July 11.
NOAA commissions VT Halter-built ship
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has commissioned its newly constructed fisheries survey vessel Oscar Dyson at the ship's home port in Kodiak, Alaska, built by MEC member VT Halter Marine, Inc.
MCIA named best state concrete association
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association recently presented a State Association of the Year Award to MEC member the Mississippi Concrete Industries Association. Robert Varner, P.E., executive director of the MCIA, accepted the award during a ceremony held in Las Vegas at the NRMCA's convention.
Fischer named director at Ole Miss SBDC
MEC member The University of Mississippi's Small Business Development Center is under the leadership of new director Donald Fischer.
Senatobia Bank changes name to Sycamore Bank
The boards of directors of Tate Financial Holding Company and MEC member Senatobia Bank have voted to change the name of Senatobia Bank to Sycamore Bank.
Grant brings new equipment to Jones County Junior College
MEC member Jones County Junior College's radiologic technology department has purchased new digital imaging equipment that the college says has transformed the department. The equipment, which is used by hospitals, was funded by a grant of $394,619 from the Ashbury Foundation awarded last December.
SBA to implement women-owned small business contracting program
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it has concluded its review of a recently issued report on a study it received from the independent National Academy of Sciences and will begin the necessary steps to implement the Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Program in a manner consistent with the recommendations contained within the study.
Free credit reports are now available
Mississippi consumers are now able to get a free copy of their credit report, thanks to a 2003 federal law to provide more credit information to consumers. Consumers can sign up for the free report at http://www.annualcreditreport.com
  
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