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M O M E N T U M! 
Governor Haley Barbour, flanked by Momentum Mississippi Chair Anthony Topazi and president/CEO, Mississippi Power Company, left, MEC President Blake Wilson, right, and surrounded by political, business and community leaders, signed the Momentum Mississippi bill -- approved during a special legislative session -- at a Capitol ceremony. Photo courtesy The Sun Herald.
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Blake Wilson
President 
| Dear Member:
The Momentum Mississippi legislation has been signed into law by Governor Barbour -- and the results are already apparent, as reflected in the article below about Omega Protein's expansion.
But what is important to remember is that the Momentum Mississippi incentive legislation is just one step down the road to success for Mississippi.
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Momentum Mississippi was conceived of by Governor Haley Barbour as a launching platform for various sources of ideas and research, including the broad-based MEC-initiated Blueprint Mississippi strategic planning effort, so capably chaired by University of Mississippi Chancellor Robert Khayat -- as a means of turning process into progress.
In this regard, Anthony Topazi, CEO of Mississippi Power, in his role as Chair of Momentum Mississippi, is providing truly outstanding leadership to a volunteer steering committee of top business and community leaders and a board of more than 130 leaders from around the State who are working on other projects -- Mississippi's image and business climate, economic development, existing industry, tourism, technology development, workforce development, international trade and more. Topazi also donated hundreds of hours of volunteer service to advance the Momentum Mississippi legislation -- and he continues taking the lead in cooperation with both public and private sector leaders, including many MEC members, who are also making significant volunteer commitments in their work on various committees to keep the Momentum Mississippi effort on track.
So when people ask me: now that Blueprint and Momentum Mississippi are finished, what is MEC going to do? The answer is simple: these projects aren't nearly finished....this is an ongoing effort. The business community and MEC will continue to work on the goals and recommendations as outlined by Blueprint by engaging in and championing the Momentum Mississippi effort -- because the work has really just started, and this is a major accountability for MEC. We have many mileposts to pass in the effort to help our state emerge as the next jewel in the crown of the South. (To check out the entire Blueprint Mississippi agenda, go to http://www.mec.ms and click on the Blueprint Mississippi logo). |
Momentum Mississippi Chair Anthony Topazi, CEO of Mississippi Power shares a moment with Gov. Haley Barbour, and with George Schloegel, CEO of Hancock Bank and Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat, each Momentum Mississippi Steering Committee members.
| It is important to note that MEC is really just one player in this whole process. Everyone has a part. Trade and professional organizations like the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC), the Mississippi Association of Realtors, and the Mississippi Technology Alliance -- among others --played key roles in helping build support and win passage of Momentum Mississippi. Your local |
Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development organizations around the state also played a huge role. And the volunteers serving on the Momentum Board and committees as well as other private sector leaders around the state were significant in their contributions.
This whole approach is a partnership among private sector leaders and organizations and the public sector, as well. For instance, without the capable leadership of the Mississippi Development Authority and its Executive Director Leland Speed, the incentive legislation could not have been advanced. Speed's leadership and involvement of his MDA management team also made the difference. The incredible on-the-ground technical resources that Deputy Director and COO Gray Swoope brought to the table focused the effort. The valuable expertise in assuring that proper financial oversight is provided that Deputy Director and CFO Terri Hudson lent to the effort improved the legislation. And Deputy Director Bill Crawford's community input added momentum to the process.
Many can and should claim victory in the Momentum Mississippi incentive package passage -- and with the leadership of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House and each chamber of the legislature, we can keep passing Momentum Mississippi mileposts in building a more competitive and prosperous state. |
| Momentum Mississippi signed in Capitol ceremony |
| The updating of the state's economic development incentives has its roots in the careful research conducted through the MEC-initiated Blueprint Mississippi effort that had the input at the front end of | 
From left: Gray Swoope, deputy director/COO, Mississippi Development Authority; Jay Moon, CEO, Mississippi Manufacturers Association; Pam Beard, BrokerSouth GMAC Real Estate of Vicksburg and president-elect, Mississippi Association of Realtors; Angela Cain, CEO, Mississippi Association of Realtors; MEC President Blake Wilson; and Governor Barbour. |
| Political satire will spice MEC's 4th Hobnob meeting |
| The Capitol Steps, a political satire ensemble, will be one of the highlights at MEC's 4th annual Hobnob meeting on Tuesday, October 25 on the Agricultural and Forestry Museum grounds in Jackson. |
 | Founded in 1981 by three ex-Congressional staff members -- even today most have worked on Capitol Hill -- the troupe has recorded 25 albums and appeared in 48 states. There is no shortage of material. As one cast member put it: "Typically the Republicans goof up and the Democrats party; then the Democrats goof up and the Republicans party. That's what we call the two-party system." |
| According to former President George Bush, "The Capitol Steps make it easier to leave public life." |
| They've been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS, and can be heard four times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their "Politics Takes a Holiday" radio specials. The material is updated constantly, whether to include George Bush's latest malapropism, in |  |
 | "Don't Go Fakin' You're Smart" sung to Elton John's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" to other ditties. No matter who's in the headlines, The Capitol Steps are equal opportunity offenders.
Hobnob 2005 will have much more on the program -- details will be coming soon -- and include a fantastic lunch of barbeque |
chicken, barbeque pork from the award-winning Ubon's cooking team of Yazoo City, and fried catfish with all anticipated trimmings.
Clear Tuesday, October 25 on your calendar and plan to attend this most informal of MEC's meetings. |
| Momentum Mississippi key to Moss Point relocation |
| Passage of Momentum Mississippi has been cited in MEC member Omega Protein Corporation moving its regional administrative offices from Hammond, Louisiana, to Moss Point and bringing 50 new managerial and administrative jobs where Omega Protein employs 240 people at its existing plant and shipyard facilities. |
 | "Of key importance to the location decision was the recent passage of the Momentum |
Mississippi legislation," Leland Speed, executive director of Mississippi Development Authority commented. "With passage of the incentives legislation, the State of Mississippi was able to assist the company with various relocation costs cementing their decision," Speed said.
"Omega's decision to expand its already important presence in our community reflects the strength and stability of the company's future market and the competitive advantages of doing business in Jackson County", said Jerry St. Pe', chair of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation.
George Freeland, executive director of the JCEDF said, "Omega Protein's decision to relocate its regional operations center to Jackson County is a continued positive reflection on our community and on the effectiveness of Jackson County's united effort to attract new investments".
Omega Protein Corporation is the nation's largest manufacturer of heart-healthy fish oils containing Omega-3 fatty acids for human consumption, as well as specialty fish meals and fish oil used as value-added ingredients in aquaculture, swine and other livestock feeds. Omega Protein makes its products from menhaden, an Omega-3 rich fish that is not utilized as seafood, but which is abundantly available along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coasts. |
| Nissan brings star-powered national leadership program to Tougaloo College |
MEC member Nissan North America helped make history again at the historic campus of MEC member Tougaloo College as it launched its first Student Government Leadership Program, inviting 60 Student Government Association presidents from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to participate in an innovative leadership program, held recently at the Mississippi college.
The three-day Nissan Student Government Leadership Program offered student participants leadership development and training at a level generally reserved for senior executives of Fortune 500 companies. The leadership sessions, conducted by four of the nation’s premier leadership training specialists, enhanced the students’ self-awareness, self-management, social-political awareness and interpersonal relationships. |
Nissan's Senior Vice President of Administration and Finance Jim Morton moderates a panel discussion with speakers Dr. Michael Lomax, President of UNCF, Brent Clinkscale, Attorney, and NBA Hall of Famer Julius Erving at Nissan's Student Government Leadership Program. | “This program was designed to provide students with valuable leadership training and networking opportunities which will dynamically enhance their service as leaders on their respective |
campuses, in their communities and ultimately in their future career endeavors,” said Jim Morton, senior vice president of administration and finance of Nissan North America.
A stellar list of guest speakers offered suggestions and personal experiences on how to build a solid foundation for success in corporate America and in life. The list of national speakers included: Tavis Smiley, author and media personality; Julius Irving, NBA Hall of Famer; Dr. Michael Lomax, president and CEO of United Negro College Fund; Stedman Graham, motivational speaker and author, and Gwendolyn Sykes, NASA’s chief financial officer.
“A well-prepared, well-educated population makes America strong, and at Tougaloo we produce leaders. So it is in keeping with both these beliefs that we are pleased to host this prestigious event,” said Dr. Beverly Hogan, president of Tougaloo College.
Nissan executives were on-hand to provide executive coaching, mentoring and encouragement to the students participating in this inaugural session. |
| Cal-Maine buying Florida egg company |
| MEC member Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. has reached an agreement to acquire the operations of Hillandale Farms, Inc. and Hillandale Farms of Florida, Inc. |
| Fred Adams, chairman and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., stated: "We are pleased to welcome the Hillandale group to the Cal-Maine |
| team. We believe there are a number of important synergies between the two companies. This acquisition will allow us to give superior service to our customers located in the southeast." Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is primarily engaged in the production, grading, packing and sale of fresh shell eggs. The company currently is the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States and sells the majority of its shell eggs in approximately 28 states across the southwestern, southeastern, mid-western and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. |
| MAMA awards first engineering scholarship |
| The Mississippi Automotive Manufacturing Association has awarded a $5,000 scholarship to John Sappington of Ripley, a graduating senior at the Mississippi School of Math and Science. |
David Boyer, left, member of the MEC Board of Directors, MAMA president, and vice president of manufacturing - Canton, Nissan North America, Inc.; and John Sappington. | The association earlier this year instituted a $5,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior majoring in engineering from the Mississippi School of Math & Science in Columbus.
Sappington plans to attend Mississippi State University in the fall and major in aerospace engineering and physics. In high school, he was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, |
the French Club, the mathematics honor society, and a member of soccer and baseball teams.
MAMA is an association for companies or plants engaged in the manufacture of vehicles, suppliers and/or distributors of parts to equipment manufacturers and/or after-market distributors; and companies, organizations or advisors that have demonstrated experience with manufacturing trends, techniques, or services to the automotive industry. It was formed to provide a forum for interaction among automotive manufacturing companies in Mississippi. The organization serves its members by promoting the growth, development and improvement of the automotive industry. |
| Mississippi Scholars completes second year |
| Approximately 1,150 graduating high school seniors in 25 school districts across the state have been recognized as Mississippi Scholars for successfully completing the Mississippi Scholars Course of Study. |
COVINGTON COUNTY -- from left: Marie Shoemake, executive director, Covington County Chamber of Commerce; Julian Sanson; Ike Sanford, superintendent, Covington County School District; Kimberly Flynt; Babette Duty, principal, Collins Elementary School and chair of the Covington Mississippi Scholars steering committee; and Byron Magee. | Community-sponsored senior recognition events included receptions, luncheons, dinners, recognition at local festivals, and even a Gulf Coast schooner trip.
The Mississippi Scholars program, completing its second year in the state, is managed by the Public Education Forum of Mississippi in partnership with the |
Mississippi Economic Council. The program is locally sponsored in each participating community and is designed to be a simple, low-cost, high-impact strategy to motivate students to complete high school courses that prepare them for college or the workplace. Approximately 280 trained volunteers from local businesses completed presentations to 8th grade students in their local school districts earlier in the year. The presentations motivate students to select rigorous courses as they make their high school course selections.
 for more on Mississippi Scholars.
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OTHER STORIES
  Ergon to build condos near Mississippi State
MEC member Ergon Properties Inc. of Jackson has unveiled plans to develop Cotton Mills at Starkville, a condominium project designed for alumni and fans of Mississippi State University. The cost of the construction was not disclosed.
Parkway buys office project in Memphis
MEC member Parkway Properties Inc. has purchased Forum I, a 162,000-square-foot office project located in the East Memphis sub-market adjacent to Germantown and Collierville. The property was acquired for $19.25 million plus $1.92 million in closing costs, anticipated capital expenditures and leasing commissions during the first two years of ownership, for a total purchase price of $21.17 million, or $130 per square foot.
Terra modifying plant for Orica contract
MEC member Terra Industries Inc. has entered into a 10-year, renewable agreement to supply industrial grade ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate solution to Orica USA Inc. Terms were not disclosed.
Delta State aviation department lands simulators
MEC member Delta State University's Department of Commercial Aviation has welcomed three new flight simulators to campus, and according to department chair Dr. Tommy Sledge, the innovative simulators have already become an instrumental and integral part of the program.
Pilot SBA loan program creating jobs
The U.S. Small Business Administration's Mississippi District Office has improved almost 20 positions from a year ago on a system SBA uses to score and rank its offices nationally. The Mississippi District Office is standing at 44th agency-wide (compared to 63 of 68 field offices last year) and holding at number four in its region which includes Alabama, Georgia, North and South Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
  
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saving Mississippi jobs by providing incentives for existing businesses and manufacturers to make significant investments in equipment that will boost productivity;
