Business Journal 20120803

BusinessJournal A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF JOURNAL PUBLISHING AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

AUGUST 2012

Tupelo reinforces Elvis ties. INSIDE

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

Tupelo to commemorate 35th anniversary of Elvis’ death STAFF REPORTS

TUPELO – The city’s tourism industry is gearing up for Tupelo’s annual fan appreciation day.

The fan day, Aug. 9, is Tupelo’s way of commemorating the 35th anniversary of Elvis’ death.

TheTupelo Convention andVisitors Bureau kicks the day off at 9 a.m. with a free screening of the Shake Rag documentary at the Lyric Theatre.

Shake Rag, a predominantly black neighborhood, was one of the places inTupelo where Elvis was exposed to the gospel music and rhythm and blues music he eventually blended into his own musical style.

Later, the Elvis Presley Birthplace will officially open its new $4.3 million expansion to the public. The expansion added a 120seat theater, a mini amphitheater, special event space, more bathrooms, more parking, additional display space, a larger gift shop, a board room and a mini snack bar.

Birthplace officials will start their fan day ceremony at 10:45 a.m. Musicians and storytellers will be on the property entertaining fans until about 3 p.m.

The festivities continue that night with a free community concert in the Fairpark

District of Tupelo’s downtown area. The free concert, part of the Down on Main concert series, will be held near where Elvis performed at the Tupelo fairgrounds in 1956.

Mississippi artists Eden Brent and Marty Stuart will perform at the concert.

A larger-than-life statue of Elvis Presley, based on the 1956 photograph by Roger Marshutz, will be unveiled during the Down on Main event.

The concert begins at 6 p.m. and the statue unveiling is expected around 8 p.m.

Activities for Friday, Aug. 10, begin at 9 a.m. at the LyricTheater.TheTupelo Diversity Choir will perform some of Elvis’ favorite gospel songs. Plus, Roy Turner will moderate a panel discussion of childhood friends of Elvis.

“The culture of Tupelo was instrumental to Elvis and the success that he had,” said Neal McCoy, executive director of the Tupelo CVB. “Elvis is now instrumental to Tupelo and the success that we have. It’s an honor to celebrate him in his birthplace.”

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo on Jan. 8, 1935, where he grew up around his extended family. In the 13 years Elvis spent in Tupelo, he was exposed to many different kinds of music that played an important role throughout his career.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, AUG. 9 • 9 a.m. – Shake Rag documentary at the Lyric, plus a Q&A with filmmaker Wsir Johnson • 10:45 a.m. – Fan appreciation day ceremony at the Elvis Presley Birthplace. Ribbon cutting and dedication of the expansion, followed by music until 3 p.m. and storytellers in the chapel from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• 6 p.m. – Down on Main concert in the Fairpark District • 8 p.m. - Elvis statue unveiled in Fairpark

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Tenn., to see Elvis in concert. Judy Hopper was with them and she’s the girl who jumped on stage and is in the Fox Movietone Newsreel. Reasons was at the foot of the stage with her camera and took photos from a fan’s perspective that day.

Sam Bell: Was Elvis’ childhood friend in Tupelo when he lived at 1010 N. Green. He has interesting stories of growing up playing with Elvis.

Barbara Mallory and Linda Hankins: Mallory started the Tupelo Elvis Fan Club in 1956 when she was 15 years old. She and her cousin, Linda, went to Elvis’ concert and have fun stories to tell about the day they saw Elvis perform.

Allyson Adams: Her father, Nick Adams, accompanied Elvis from Hollywood to Memphis and on to Tupelo for the homecoming concert.

Allyson found a box marked “Nick’s Stuff” among his things. In the box were the photos he took that day and a manuscript titled “8 Days with Elvis.”

FRIDAY, AUG. 10 • 9 a.m. – Panel, with Roy Turner moderating, featuring: Sara Patterson Gunter: Worked for Tupelo photographer Robert Kingsley. He got her back stage in the tent to meet Elvis. She placed one of the souvenir hats on him and he bent down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Her photo came out the next month in all the movie magazines and she received letters from across the country asking, “What was it like to kiss Elvis? Can you help me meet Elvis?”

• 11 a.m. – Fan appreciation day ceremony at Gloria Wedgeworth Reasons: Gloria’s mother Elvis Presley Birthplace followed by music chauffeured seven girls to Tupelo from Alamo, until 3 p.m. |

SPECIAL EXHIBIT

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THE “EMBROIDERED EAGLE” and “Black Vine” jumpsuits were both worn by Elvis in the early 1970s. Both suits are displayed in the CVB lobby. The CVB is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 399 East Main St., next door to the Hilton Garden Inn. The exhibits are free.

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INFORMATION

BIRTHPLACE ACTIVITIES – www.elvispresley birthplace.com DOWN ON MAIN CONCERT – www.tupelo downonmain.com TUPELO – www.tupelo.net TUPELO AND ELVIS – www.welovetupelo.com

THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

Business Journal A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF JOURNAL PUBLISHING AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION For Advertising Information Contact Your Advertising Consultant or Call

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662.842.2614

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AUGUST 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

Evolution of Elvis’ birthplace

BY CARLIE KOLLATH BUSINESS JOURNAL

Elvis has been at the heart of the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Park since the beginning. He donated funds from his 1956 and 1957 concerts in Tupelo to buy the land that is now home to the park.

In 1963, the life center opened on the property. The building later was converted to hold a collection of Elvis-related

items from Elvis fan and friend Janelle McComb.

Later, Elvis’ childhood home was opened to the public, followed by a chapel for meditation.

Over the years, the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation has expanded the birthplace in an effort to give fans more reasons for repeat visits.

The foundation on Aug. 9 will unveil its latest expansion – a $4.3 million project that more than doubles the covered area.

It adds a 120-seat theater, event space, larger gift shop, additional bathrooms, additional parking, a 75-seat outdoor amphitheater, mini snack bar, a board room, a dressing room for performing artists, picnic areas and multiple display and exhibit spaces.

Next up is a project that will upgrade the overlook where Elvis used to go and dream as a boy. Officials with the foundation hope to raise money to build an interpretive trail and commission a

sculpture that showcases the transformation of Elvis the boy to Elvis the performer.

Plus, they want to add a larger outdoor stage and amphitheater that will hold at least 700 people.

“It’s just unlimited to what we’re going to be able to do and what the community is going to be able to use it for,” said Dick Guyton, executive director of the birthplace. “Elvis felt he had to share and now we feel we need to share.”

1971

1977

Elvis Presley’s childhood home opens to the public in June.

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL FILE

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL FILE

The Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel opens. It is a quiet space for fans to reflect and meditate. It features stained glass windows on two walls.

1992 The museum opens to the public. The building previously was the life center.

The “Walk of Life” and the story wall open to the public. Each plaque on the Walk of Life highlights an event in Elvis’ life. The story wall displays memories of Elvis during his time in Tupelo.

2005

2002 The Elvis at 13 statue is unveiled.

It is a lifesize version of Elvis when he left Tupelo with his family for Memphis. The sculpture includes his guitar.

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL FILE

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL FILE

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English tourists Karen Bolton and Beverly Tatlock, right, walk along the story wall at the Elvis Presley Birthplace during the Elvis 75th birthday celebration. The story wall is filled with stories from people who knew Elvis when he lived in Tupelo.

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2011

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL FILE

The Mississippi Country Music Trail marker honoring Elvis is unveiled. It’s the second marker at the birthplace. His Blues Trail marker was unveiled in 2008. Elvis also will have markers on the Mississippi Gospel Trail and the Mississippi Rock and Roll Trail. Elvis Presley will be the only person included in all four trails.

2012

2010

2008

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL FILE

Crews prepare the 75-seat outdoor amphitheater. Officials hope to have afternoon and evening performances of a musician with a guitar or other stringed instrument.

2012

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL FILE

Elvis’ childhood church opens to the public. The church was moved up the hill in the neighborhood and restored.

It previously had been converted to a house.

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL FILE

Crews install the marquee sign for the new theater at the birthplace. The theater and the rest of the expansion will be unveiled Aug. 9.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

State’s tourism industry is growing Sandy Bynum is the Mississippi Development Authority’s communications bureau manager for its tourism division.

She emailed last month with reporter Carlie Kollath about what’s coming up for the state’s tourism industry.

of the MississippiLouisiana state line.

Another new addition is the Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center and Gift Shop. It is located in a restored 1895 Q: ANY NEW TOURISM attractions on the vintage train depot; the Bynum horizon for the state? visitors’ center is now A: WHAT AN OUTSTANDING SPRING we open in Tunica. Today, have had for Mississippi tourism. Misthis new facility is home to a Tunica sissippi’s tourism product continues to Blues-themed gift shop and a visitor grow. center complete with travel counselors In April, Infinity Science Center at ready to arm visitors with all the inforNASA’s Stennis Space Center opened on mation they need to enjoy their time in the Mississippi Gulf Coast, celebrating Tunica and along the Mississippi Blues the intertwining of science, space explo- Trail. ration and fun. Infinity Science Center, Now under construction is the Gateaffiliated with NASA’s John C. Stennis way to the Blues Museum that will be Space Center, is designed to challenge accessible from the new center. This and educate visitors of all ages on the 4,000 square foot museum will utilize role of science and math in exploration the collection once housed in the Blues across history. Infinity also showcases & Legends Hall of Fame Museum inside Stennis Space Center’s part in the the Horseshoe Casino Tunica. This colUnited States’ space programs – from lection will be retooled to tell the story the Saturn V rocket for the Apollo of The Blues and serve as the gateway to manned lunar landing program to the Mississippi Delta Region’s Blues space shuttles and beyond. Infinity is lo- product. cated at exit 2 on Interstate 10 just east The Margaritaville Casino is Biloxi’s

newest casino resort. Partnering with musical sensation Jimmy Buffett, the themed casino offers a giant indoor volcano, marina and other outdoor amenities while capturing the essence of Buffett’s famous song.

The Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Center is nearing completion. The museum is scheduled to open Aug. 24 and will be located aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi IV in Vicksburg. This center will offer stories from the vessel’s years in operation from 1960-1993 and will help chronicle and preserve this unique slice of maritime history for future generations.

Plans are to build a world-class Pascagoula River Audubon Center. The educational facility will celebrate the unique natural resources of the area for residents and nature tourists. Located walking distance from Pascagoula’s downtown district, the facility will focus on engaging people in conservation and expanding the state’s ecotourism offerings.

And of course, The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo is headed

toward an August completion of a $4.3 million expansion.

Q: WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED about in the state’s tourism industry?

A: OVER THE PAST COUPLE of months, MDA Tourism has partnered to host the Southeast Tourism Society’s Spring Conference in Tunica and will bring travel media, outdoor and golf writers in for media tours.

We’ve hosted pre-tours to the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic and the True South Classic.

We have worked with our partners to continue to place Blues Trail, County Music Trail and Freedom Trail markers in our communities.

Just recently, the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association (more than 115 restaurant members) partnered with us to showcase the Find Your True South brand logo on their packaging.

We were also delighted to be a part of recent openings and events impacting our tourism industry…such as Infinity TURN TO STATE TOURISM, 7

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State tourism FROM 6

Space Center, the return of the American Queen and the 8th Annual Passions Event coordinated by the University of Southern Mississippi’s department of casino, hospitality and tourism management … our future tourism industry professionals and leaders.

Q: WHAT CHALLENGES do you think the state’s tourism industry will face in the next year or so?

A: THE MDA TOURISM STAFF has a very positive outlook for our efforts and our statewide industry partnerships. Continuing collaborative initiatives and the partnerships we have created/and cultivated will help us weather any challenges and certainly will give us the momentum for success.

doubling expectations to visit in the next year and with a return on investment of $6.46 to the general revenue fund per advertising dollar. And our partners and state are truly embracing Find Your True South.

Q: ANY TOURISM TRENDS you see across the state?

A: THE GROWTH OF DESTINATION WEDDINGS has been a trend as couples increasingly look for more economical ways to marry, with smaller weddings being the most obvious. Guest lists are inevitably smaller for couples choosing to marry away from home. And the intrinsic and natural beauty of a beach destination such as our Mississippi Gulf Coast could help to control décor costs.

Couples looking for a True South immersive wedding will make Natchez, Columbus and Vicksburg destinations of choice. And some will love the bluesy pull of the Delta.

Q: WHAT’S THE FUNDING SITUATION at MDA Tourism this year? How does it compare with previous years?

A: AS MDA TOURISM begins a new fiscal year, we are operating on a level budget Q: PARTS OF MISSISSIPPI currently are scenario, which allows us to continue classified as being in a drought. Do existing programs while always working drought conditions impact tourism? to be effective and efficient with the A: WEATHER can impact the industry. funds appropriated.

Mississippi is open for business and we will continue to focus on delivering Q: WILL MARY BETH WILKERSON’S forthat message. mer position of director of tourism be filled?

Q: MDA/TOURISM has discussed the deA: WHEN THE RIGHT CANDIDATE is found. velopment of several tourism trails, including the culinary and literary trails.

Q: HOW ARE VISITOR COUNTS so far this How are those going? year compared with last year?

A: WE ARE CONTINUING to place Blues A: WE ARE CONTINUING to experience Trail, Country Music Trail and Freedom steady growth. According to our ecoTrail markers in the ground. Our culinomic contribution report, in FY 2011 nary, literary and agritourism trails are Mississippi had 20.8 million total visivirtually developed and evolving on tors including overnight leisure, day www.visitmississippi.org. leisure and business travelers. That was up from the year FY 2010 when the Q: TUPELO IS PLANNING a big August total was 19.5 million total visitors. celebration centered around Elvis. Are there any other plans statewide to Q: HOW IS the “Find Your True South” commemorate Elvis’ death? campaign going?

A: THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE declared A: MDA TOURISM POSTS very favorable Aug.16 as Elvis Aron Presley Day in results from its FY 2012 advertising recognition and appreciation of his campaign, based on results from its ad- many contributions, international recogvertising effectiveness survey, connition and the rich legacy he left to us. ducted May 3-18 this year. According to Mississippi Tourism will help prothe study, MDA Tourism advertising mote Tupelo and other communities in clearly helps Mississippi’s tourism, their commemoration of Elvis.

Spend it here, it stays here.

For every $100 spent locally, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.

Spend it online or out of town and nothing comes home.

Think about it. Shop local!

Encouraging Christian business leaders to seek, understand, and fulfill God's plan and calling for their life, using Christ-centered biblical truths as our guide. The Fellowship includes all denominations, races, and genders.

LUNCH MEETINGS & SPEAKERS Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012

Dr. Paul Tashiro Professor of Old Testament Wesley Biblical Seminary

Thursday, Sep. 27, 2012

Rev. Raigan Miskelly Sr. Pastor, Columbus First United Methodist

TIME

12:00 noon-1:00 p.m. (buffet opens at 11:30 a.m.)

LOCATION

Summit Conference Center 852 North Gloster Street • Tupelo, MS

RESERVATIONS

Reservations are required by the Monday prior to meeting date. Please call Mary Alice at (662) 844-8989 or email at maryalice@createfoundation.com to make a reservation.

COST

$15.00 per person at the door (check or cash) OR pay by phone by calling Mary Alice at (662) 844-8989 OR pay online at www.createfoundation.com. Click the donate online button. Select The Fellowship from the drop down menu & follow the directions.

Mont Berry Mark Burleson Tillmon Calvert Mike Clayborne Julianne Goodwin

STEERING COMMITTEE Lisa Hawkins John Heer Ed Holliday Shane Hooper Trentice Imbler

Octavious Ivy Zell Long David Rumbarger Heywood Washburn Mitch Waycaster

www.thefellowshiptupelo.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

S

BUSINESS JOURNAL

‘Shop local’ campaigns have pitfalls

hop local” campaigns can have dangerous side effects for the local business. All have seen the eponymous campaigns urging us to shop at locally owned businesses before nationally owned chains.

Before I begin, I must state that I try to support local businesses first.

However, it bears stating that “shop local” can have dangerous pitfalls.

The main drawback of such a campaign is there is rarely a direct consumer benefit tied to it. Many have come to believe that shopping local in and of itself is a benefit to the consumer. The danger is the consumer doesn’t necessarily see this on his/her own.

Shopping local has many benefits, but all too often the only idea that is communicated in such campaigns is just “shop local.”

Shopping local benefits the buyer in one obvious way: convenience.

There are many other benefits as well: keeping convenient (local) businesses in business, increased local tax revenue and others. The strongest of these benefits must be communicated clearly in any ad-

vertisement and marketing efforts.

Another pitfall is the general sentiment surrounding the campaign. I have spoken with many merchants in many markets JOSH who believe it is MABUS the local citizens’ responsibility to shop local. This expectation can be very dangerous. The truth is that most don’t see shopping anywhere as a personal responsibility – it is a necessity to some and a treat to others.

This points back to clearly communicating a benefit. You must give a greater benefit to the consumer than “you should shop local because it is the right thing to do.” You cannot expect a consumer to shop with you just because you are in the same town.

This expectation can lead to another problem: lack of advertising. If

you expect consumers to shop with you because you are local, you might have the penchant to spend less on advertising. The national chains and others put up such a strong fight because they outspend locals in their own markets. Lack of advertising many times equals lack of awareness.

If consumers, local or not, are more aware of you competitors, you likely will find your potential customers visiting said competitors.

The point of this column is not to blast “shop ‘local,” but to unveil some problems associated with leaning on such a plan too much. More often than not, local consumers are comparing the appearance, merchandising, pricing, advertising, online presence and many other aspects of your business to national brands. Make sure your company meets consumers’ expectations.

Make certain you give the consumer a reason to choose your company.

JOSH MABUS is the owner of The Mabus Agency, a marketing and advertising company in Tupelo. Contact him at (662) 8232100 or josh@mabusagency.com.

AUGUST 2012

Oxford tourism taxes continue record levels ASSOCIATED PRESS

OXFORD – Oxford tourism-related taxes hit an all-time high in April.

Figures presented at Wednesday’s Oxford Tourism Council meeting showed the hotel and motel tax for April 2012 climbed 27 percent compared to the month of April in 2011 with $22,838 in taxes collected.

April tends to be one of the community’s biggest months for tourism in the spring due to two local events, according to The Oxford Eagle.

The annual Grove Bowl and the Double Decker Arts Festival draw thousands of visitors to Oxford and the University of Mississippi.

The already-strong tax figures could jump even higher in coming years with the addition of several new hotels.

Chan Patel, the owner of the Hampton Inn in Oxford, is building a new hotel near the Oxford Conference Center and he has purchased land to build a boutique-style hotel.

On West Jackson Avenue, Bruce Patel of Tupelo plans to build a small, boutique hotel.

Council member Jim McCauley said a 50 to 60 percent occupancy rate year-round is a pretty good number.

“At 50 or 55, it pays your bills and you’re making some money,” he said.

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PAGE 8

ChamberConnection A publication of Journal Publishing and the CDF Chamber Division – August 2012

CDF First Friday debuts new format Networking is an important part of cultivating a successful business. As Tupelo/Lee County’s Chamber of Commerce, the Community Development Foundation (CDF) offers an array of networking opportunities throughout the year to engage businesses and foster relationships. First Friday is a premier networking opportunity for Northeast

Mississippi. The 2012-2013 First Friday program has been overhauled and redesigned to encourage networking and offer relevant speakers.

“The First Friday Networking Committee has listened to the suggestions of the CDF membership and we have revamped First Friday to truly be a premier networking event,” said Julianne Goodwin, chair-

FIRST FRIDAY 2012-2013 PROGRAMS Friday, October 5, 2012 • Speaker: Mr. Hu Meena, President, C Spire Wireless • Sponsor: C Spire Wireless Friday, November 2, 2012 • Speaker: Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, State of Mississippi • Sponsor: Watkins Uiberall Friday, December 7, 2012 • Speaker: Major General Augustus Collins Friday, January 4, 2013 • Speaker: TBA

man of the First Friday Networking Committee. “By hosting nationally recognized speakers, providing quality member-tomember networking, and a tasty breakfast, First Friday will be a great start to the day for all business professionals.”

First Friday will be held at the BancorpSouth Conference Center at 7:00 a.m. the first Friday of each month, September

through April. Robinson & Associates and SnyderMedia will again serve as corporate sponsors of the networking breakfasts.

Both corporate and event sponsorships are still available.

For more information on First Friday or how to become a sponsor for this event, please contact Tommy Green at (662) 8424521 or tgreen@cdfms.org.

First Friday Friday, September 7, 2012 7:00 A.M. BANCORPSOUTH CONFERENCE CENTER

Friday, February 1, 2013 • Speaker: Mr. Sid Salter, Journalist in Residence, Mississippi State University Friday, March 1, 2013 • Speaker: TBA Friday, April 5, 2013 • “Hobnob with the Candidates” • Sponsor: CDF

FIRST FRIDAY CORPORATE SPONSORS

Speaker: Mr. Thomas H. Klier Senior Economist Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Sponsor: Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association

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A CDF

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Chamber Focus Dear Friends, Tony Robbins said, “By changing nothing, nothing changes.” Well, we are changing First Friday! While the Mall at Barnes Crossing has served us well over the years, it is time to revamp this event. Thanks to Jeff Snyder and his Mall team for all of their help in the past.

We truly appreciate your commitment to CDF. Beginning September 7, First Friday will be held at the BancorpSouth Conference Center. The First Friday committee has been meeting and many of their great ideas are being implemented. Basically the same format will be followed, but a different location, engaging speakers, and more opportunities to network will make First Friday even better. If your business is interested in sponsoring First Friday, please contact me at tgreen@cdfms.org or (662) 842-4521. We hope to see you there!

Applications are being accepted for the 2014 class of the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute (CLI). The Selection Committee will meet this month to determine who will be a member of this class. The Opening Dinner will be held September 25.

A special invitation is extended to all CLI Alumni to attend the first CLI Alumni Recep-

New CDF Members

tion. This come-and-go event will be held Tuesday, August 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the CDF Boardroom. The 2012 graduating class will be recognized and the new 2014 class will be introduced.

Green Thanks to Bill Cassilly, our summer intern, for his hard work and enthusiasm during the past few months. We wish Bill the best as he continues his studies at Mississippi State University. Bill is a shining example of the outstanding students that are products of the Tupelo Public Schools. I know that he will be a success in whatever path he takes. He will certainly be missed at CDF. As always, thank you to our members. We appreciate you and your continued support of CDF. Sincerely,

Board of Directors for 2012-2013

CDF is governed by a 60-member Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is composed of the CDF Officers and eleven additional members of the Board. CDF’s goals and objectives are accomplished through the efforts of members appointed to committees operating under one of CDF’s three divisions: Chamber Division, Economic Development Division, and Planning and Property Management Division.

2012-2013 Executive Committee Steve Altmiller Mark Burleson Tillmon Calvert Scott Cochran Blair Hughes

Guy Mitchell Harry Rayburn Barry Smith Jane Spain Buddy Stubbs

2012-2013 Board of Directors Mike Armour Bernard Bean Jim Beane Roger Bland David Brevard Gary Carnathan Mike Clayborne V.M. Cleveland David Cole Joe Estess Clay Foster Tom Foy Sue Gardner Julianne Goodwin Frank Hodges

Doodlebugs Paint & Party Place Ms. Kathy Poston 115 N Thomas St., Ste. I Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 680-5222 Arts Fashionista Ms. Catonyia Steen 101 Industrial Rd., Ste. E Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 842-3411 Retail & Specialty Shops Glenn Shepard Seminars, Inc. Ms. Cindy Shepard 6953 Charlotte Pike, Ste. 303 Nashville, TN 37209 (615) 353-7125 Education

Lodging Solutions Ms. Shauna O’Nan 2122 W Jackson St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (513) 827-2073 Hotels & Motels Mass Mutual – Creative Wealth Solutions Ms. Andrea McMichael 111 E Troy St., Ste. C Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 213-4321 Financial Nail E! Ms. Kristy Le 3952 B N Gloster St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 680-8660 Barber Shops, Salons, and Spas

Neveda’s On Main Ms. Neveda Hollingsworth 1205 W Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 297-4530 Retail and Specialty Shops ServiceMaster Clean Fire & Water Recovery Mr. Chris Scribner 2720 S Gloster St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 841-7773 Restoration Tupelo Battery Service LLC Mr. Larry Ezell 813 E Main St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 844-7454 Automotive

Vice President Chamber of Commerce

Community Development Foundation’s

David Copenhaver, Chairman Chauncey Godwin, First Vice Chairman Shane Hooper, Second Vice Chairman David Rumbarger, President/Secretary David Irwin, Immediate Past Chairman

AUGUST 2012

Trentice Imbler Octavius Ivy Michael James Jamie Kennedy Jeff King Gearl Loden Jerry Maxcy Neal McCoy Larry Michael Paul Mize Phil Morgan Mabel Murphree Mary Pace Jim Pate Greg Pirkle

Fred Pitts Jack Reed, Jr. Scott Reed Eddie Richey Cathy Robertson Drew Robertson Tom Robinson Ty Robinson Chris Rogers Kenny Smith Kiyoshi Tsuchiya Gabriela Ungo Mitch Waycaster Jimmy Weeks Dick White

2012-2013 Ambassadors Club

Mr. Enrique Amador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plexus Slim Mr. Jesse Bandre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exceed Technologies Ms. Britni Beasley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BancorpSouth Ms. Kelly Jo Brewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gentiva Hospice Ms. Stephanie Browning . . . . . .Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo/Barnes Crossing Ms. Cindy Childs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mall at Barnes Crossing Ms. Molly Crews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Express Employment Professionals Ms. Kim Crump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LIFT, Incorporated Ms. Shirley Curry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crye-Leike, Realtors Ms. Sheila Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PPI, Inc. Ms. Karen Dickey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Bank Ms. Barbara Doles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trustmark National Bank Ms. Becki Duffie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Services Ms. Patty Forsyth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vista Ridge Apartments Ms. Cheryl Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sleep Inn and Suites Ms. Dwana Golliday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Renasant Bank Mr. M.O. Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Water Depot of Tupelo, Your Culligan Dealer Mr. Toby Hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shelter Insurance Ms. Daphene Hendricks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tupelo Park and Recreation Ms. Shirley Hendrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .R&B Specialty Printing Mr. Jim Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Ms. Carman Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BancorpSouth Ms. Melonie Kight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tupelo Radio Broadcasting Ms. Tracy Lauderdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BancorpSouth Ms. Dana Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crye-Leike, Realtors Ms. Bea Luckett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TRI, Inc Realtors Mr. Brad McCully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sportsman Lawn & Landscape Ms. Katie McMillan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Key Staff Source Mr. Bill McNutt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Tupelo Insurance Agency Ms. Haley Monaghan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Collection Service, Inc. Ms. Carolyn Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Comfort Inn Mr. Ricky Orr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M&F Bank Mr. Allen Pegues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium Productions Ms. Rachael Potts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gum Tree Mortgage Mr. Jon Paul Rhea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First American National Bank Ms. Torrie Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SnyderMedia Ms. Mary Sue Tudor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lamar Advertising Ms. Carla Vancamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SnyderMedia Mr. Kevin Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JaK's Services and Vending Mr. Greg Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exceed Technologies Ms. Tammy Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Comcast Spotlight

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PAGE 10

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NAIL E!

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the grand opening of Nail E! in Tupelo. A full-service nail salon, Nail E! is located at 3952-B N Gloster St. in Tupelo, and can be reached at (662) 680-8660.

Networking Tips • Networking takes effort and work.

Showing up at an event without a plan to meet new people will get you nowhere.

• Be sincere when someone is talking to you. The more relatable you are, the better they will remember you.

• Think of where the people you need to meet hang out and join that group or sponsor that cause.

• Stop selling and start listening.

• If attending an event, try and get the list of people or vendors that will attend.

Do your homework before you get there.

• Ask someone you know who knows

more people than you to meet you at an event and introduce you to 10 people.

• Follow up within 48 hours of meeting someone.

• Don’t forget to use social networks as a tool for networking (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest).

• Look good, smile, and appear confident.

• One of the main ways to network is to get out and do it.

Snyder & Company Dynamic Selling,Marketing, & Networking 1241 Cliff Gookin Blvd.Tupelo, MS 38801(Physical) P.O. Box 7007 Tupelo, MS 38802 (Mailing) 662.231.8646 First Friday Corporate Sponsor:

Tips provided by: Carey A. Snyder

TYP Networking Social at Busylad Thursday, August 16, 2012 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

1818 McCullough Blvd.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.TYPS.BIZ

Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute Alumni Reception Tuesday, August 28 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

CDF Boardroom 398 E Main St., CDF Center The 2012 graduating class of the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute will be recognized and the new class of 2014 will be introduced.

All Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute Alumni are invited to attend.

Please RSVP to Tommy Green at tgreen@cdfms.org or (662) 842-4521.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

AUGUST 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

AUGUST 2012

ServiceMaster Clean: Striving for excellence What began in 1929 as a moth-proofing company is now ServiceMaster, a corporation with 24,000 corporate associates, 31,000 employees, and a family of franchises designed to simplify and improve the everyday lives of its customers. The company is built on four objectives: to honor God in all they do, to help people develop, to pursue excellence, and to grow profitably. Tupelo/Lee County is home to two ServiceMaster Clean franchises, both of which strive for excellence in everything that they do.

Chris Scribner purchased the ServiceMaster Clean Fire &Water Recovery business in October 2011.With six employees, he operates a 24-hour emergency service, seven days a week. The company specializes in fire and water restoration, mold, air duct cleaning, trauma, odor control, carpet cleaning, and tile and group cleaning.

“ServiceMaster is someone you can depend on 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Disaster never takes a day off,” said Scribner. “When we enter a home, we treat is as if it is our own. I can relate to what homeowners are going through because I have been a victim of fire and water disaster. I know what if feels like to

have your life turned upside down.”

Scribner recently received a Service of Excellence award for his work with the company. His business is a certified Quality Restoration Vendor. This certification requires extra training, and that all service calls must be responded to within two to four hours of receiving the call. Scribner’s business is run on the guiding objectives of ServiceMaster, and this is evidenced by the myriad letters of thanks and cards of appreciation for a job well done that adorn his walls.

“We strive for excellence every day,” said Scribner. “We are meek and humble, and at the mercy of our customers. We want to make sure that every single customer we serve is treated fairly and impartially, with the same service and level of respect.”

Thurmond Montgomery and Matt Copeland acquired the ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning Services franchise in 2010. This company that also features a 24-hour live answering service focuses on business and commercial cleaning, as well as post-construction commercial cleaning. They specialize in window washing; carpet, tile, and grout cleaning; and vinyl composite tile floor stripping and refinishing, all for commercial business.

“Anybody can clean,” said Copeland.

“The reason people go with ServiceMaster is because we have a task list by which we train our people to abide. Our supervisor does a rigorous inspection after every job. We really like taking care of our clients.”

A specialty of ServiceMaster Commer-

cial Cleaning Services is their “green cleaning.” Except for the hospital-grade sanitizer, the company uses all “green” cleaning products. For example, they utilize a special vacuum rather than a simple dust mop that would move dust around in the air their clients breathe.

ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning Services is also run on the objectives set forth by ServiceMaster. They are humble about what they do, and have very low turnover because their employees love what they do.

“I am a third rate man, in a second rate task, doing a first rate job,” said Montgomery.

Two other local CDF member businesses are part of the ServiceMaster family: AmeriSpec Home Inspections – Butch Cobb, and TruGreen MidSouth.

ServiceMaster Clean Fire & Water Recovery is located at 2720 S Gloster St. in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 8417773. For more information, please visit www.servicemasterfireandwaterrecovery.com. ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning Services is located at 704 N Gloster St. in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 842-5301. For more information, please visit www.4clean.biz.

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SOUTHERNCARE, INC

To celebrate SouthernCare’s new location at 408 B Council Circle in Tupelo, a ribbon cutting was held. SouthernCare provides hospice services to patients who reside in private homes, group homes, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities. For more information about SouthernCare, please call (662) 753-9228 or visit www.southerncareinc.com.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

AUGUST 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

AUGUST 2012

Beadles Elected to NAWDP Board of Directors

Beadles

Todd Beadles, vice president of workforce development for the Community Development Foundation, has been elected to serve on the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals

“How to Supervise People & Lead a Team”

(NAWDP) Board of Directors.

“It is an honor to be chosen to the NAWDP board as a Regional Director,” said Beadles. “ There are so many different aspects to workforce development and I look forward to learning and sharing knowledge to advance the profession and in turn, capitalize on the opportunity to move Tupelo / Lee

County forward.”

The mission of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals is to be the national voice for the profession and meet the individual professional development needs of the membership. The NAWDP Board of Directors identifies, implements, and promotes policies and programs that

will improve the effectiveness and professionalism of the workforce system.

Members of the NAWDP Board of Directors serve without compensation or reimbursement. They contribute their time and resources to advance the profession of workforce development, both for the benefit of the NAWDP members and society as a whole.

CLOVERHAVEN ANIMAL HOSPITAL

with Glenn Shepard,

best selling author and world renowned management expert

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon CDF Boardroom $129 members $149 non-members

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of Cloverhaven Animal Hospital. Located at 1839 Eason Blvd. in Tupelo, Cloverhaven Animal Hospital provides complete care for dogs, cats, small pets, and horses, and can be reached at (662) 840-0110. www.cloverhavenanimalhospital.com

FASHIONISTA

Register online www.cdfms.org/events “Glenn’s messages resonate with my values and those that have made Staples so successful. Clear, direct, and right on target. Highly recommended.”

Ron Sargent, CEO Staples

*This program has been approved for 3.25 (General) Recertification hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.

Fashionista, located at 101 Industrial Rd., Ste. E, held a ribbon cutting as part of its grand opening. Fashionista offers trendy styles for women sizes 14 and up, as well as jewelry, handbags, scarves, and more. For more information, please call (662) 8423411.

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PAGE 14

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WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY AND SMALL BUSINESS

How a smartphone, tablet can help grow your business Five tips for boosting business using just your wireless device For a small-business owner, a smartphone or tablet can be your lifeline. It can help boost productivity, make on-the-go transactions easier, monitor location security, and so much more.

Consider these five tips from Verizon Wireless to boost your business’ productivity and potentially increase sales: BE MORE VERSATILE WITH MOBILE PAYMENTS. (It’s easier than you think.) No cash? No problem. Any size company can take credit card payments.Coupling a smartphone or tablet with a mobile payment-system, such as the Intuit GoPayment accessory and app, can make an impact on a small business’ sales by enabling it to accept plastic, no matter where business is conducted.

APP-CESSORIZE! Apps have become a way of mobile life. For an entrepreneur, they are often the livelihood of their workflow. With literally thousands of apps for all types of business operations, small-business owners no longer have to sift through the app market endlessly. Regardless of which wireless carrier you use, tools like the free and easy-to-use Small Business Advisor from Verizon Wireless can identify top-rated apps for your in-

dustry and are tailored for your device’s operating system (Apple or Android). … OR MAKE YOUR OWN. Many businesses are creating custom apps to better interact with employees and clients and to streamline everyday tasks. Creating and deploying your own app can also strengthen your company’s brand image.

HIT THE ROAD WITH CONFIDENCE. For entrepreneurs, traveling is often a necessity.

The availability of a high-speed Internet connection is invaluable. With mobile Hotspots such as the Novatel or ZTE Jetpacks in their pocket, business owners can easily work remotely off site or while on-the-road and remain connected to email, documents, employees and clients while out of the office.

GET EXPERT ADVICE WITHOUT PAYING A

JULY TYP

PENNY. Small-business owners shouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of free resources in their communities, such as Verizon Wireless’ in-store business specialists or wireless workshops, which inform smartphone and tablet owners about how to get the most from their devices.

Regardless of what industry you work in or what issues you may face in daily communications with the world around you, today’s mobile business practices require the most advanced wireless technology in order to be efficient. Verizon Wireless offers the only 4G LTE network in Mississippi and continues to expand its network to more communities across the state and nationwide. By the end of 2013, the company’s entire wireless network, coast-to-coast, is projected to offer 4G LTE speed and connectivity.

As a small-business owner in Tupelo, having access toVerizon’s reliable 4G LTE network means you can operate at the speed of today’s business environment. If you’re traveling to Oxford, Starkville or Columbus, and several other communities across Mississippi, Verizon’s 4G LTE network will also allow you to conduct

business efficiently from your wireless device.

Verizon’s 4G LTE network allows you to work wirelessly and at the same speed, or faster, than a desktop computer; advantages many businesses and individuals have longed for.

For Tupelo, 4G LTE means new opportunity. In health care, it means enhanced doctor-patient video interaction, X-rays and MRI remote consults in medical emergencies. Machine-to-machine (automated communication between electronic devices) capabilities will be faster and more “intelligent” – affecting almost every business industry that exists.

We are all dependent, more or less, on the rapid changes occurring today in communications. As businesses leaders, this is our opportunity to use faster, more reliable technology to work with optimum efficiency so that our individual businesses and the Tupelo economy will benefit.

For more wireless technology info or tips on how Verizon’s 4G LTE technology can help your business grow, visit the Tupelo store at 3945 Gloster St. or visit VerizonWireless.com.

JOIN CDF FOR THE AUGUST BUSINESS BOXED LUNCH & LEARN

“YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE” Two TYP events were held in the month of July. The inaugural Lunch with Leaders event was attended by 73 young professionals and featured speaker, Jack Reed, Jr. Also, TYPs enjoyed a business social at Elite Medical.

PRESENTED BY MR. GREG WORD, NMIDA WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 11:45 A.M.- 1:00 P.M. CDF BOARDROOM $10.00-CDF MEMBERS $20.00-NON-MEMBERS Register online at www.cdfms.org/events

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

AUGUST 2012

CHAMBER CONNECTION

AUGUST 2012

Are you taking advantage of ChamberAdvantage?

See below for a list of participating businesses and visit www.cdfms.org/chamberadvantage to view all of the great discounts available.

45 Wrecker Service Abner’s of Tupelo AdvanceStaff, Inc. Alliance Collection Service American Flooring, Inc. Any Lab Test Now Anytime Fitness – E Main St. Anytime Fitness – W Main St. ARAMARK Uniform Services Auto Spa Inc AvonLea Assisted Living and Retirement Community B & B Concrete Co., Inc. Baby’s Kickin’ Ultrasound Back Bay Auto Repair & Custom Exhaust BancorpSouth Bar-B-Que by Jim Barnes & Noble Barnes Crossing Hyundai Mazda Bekins-Morgan Moving & Storage, Inc. Billie’s Catering, Inc. and Mt. Vernon Place Bishop’s BBQ Grill Bishop’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc. Brad’s Electronics Celebrity Coaches Central Segway of Mississippi Chick-fil-A (Mall at Barnes Crossing) Chick-fil-A (Thompson Square) Children’s Dental Clinic (CDC) Classic Finishes Clayton O’Donnell, PLLC Comfort Suites Confortaire, Inc. The Cotton Bolt Country Flooring Creative Cakes & Supplies The Dance Studio Darlin’s Plants DB’s Floral Designs N More Dillard Enterprises, Inc. Direct Auto Insurance The DJ Don Julio Tex-Mex Restaurant Dossett Big 4 Dwayne Blackmon Chevrolet, Inc. Elite Automotive, Inc. Exceed Technologies Fairfield Inn & Suites Firestone Complete Auto Care Go Box of Tupelo

Goo Goo Express Wash Great American Cookie Gum Tree Mortgage, LLC Gum Tree Museum of Art Hampton Inn New Albany The Hannahouse Adult Daycare Center Head Over Heels Salon & Day Spa Hilton Garden Inn – Great American Grill His Hers Antiques & Collectibles Hodges Orthodontics Holder Accounting Firm Holiday Inn Express & Suites Honda of Tupelo HoneyBaked Ham & Café Innovative Landscape JaK’s Services & Vending Jody’s Flowers and Fine Gifts Journal, Inc. Kay’s Kreations La Vino Wine & Spirits LaQuinta Inn & Suites Link Centre Lisa Browning Photography Little’s Jewelers Loar Service Company, Inc. Luxe M&F Bank Magnolia BBQ & Fish Magnolia Business Systems Margarete’s Fine Chocolates Martin Dental Clinic, PA Marty Pettit Photography Maurices McAlister’s Deli Dr. Rebecca S. McDougald McKinney’s Hair & Unique Fashions MEA Drug Testing Consortium Meineke Car Care Center Melange on the Boulevard Midnite Pottery Mississippi Trailblazers MLM Clothiers Mr. Rooter of Tupelo MS. CONCIERGE, LLC Nails City of Tupelo New Beginnings Adoption and Family Services NEWMS NMMC Wellness Center North Mississippi Orthodontic Associates, PA

Look for this sticker in the window of participating CDF member businesses to receive your special discount. To be a participating partner of ChamberAdvantage, call the CDF office at (662) 842-4521.

North Mississippi Periodontal Clinic Northwestern Mutual Financial Network – Wesley Jones Old Venice Pizza Company Oscar’s Fine Wine Papa John’s Pizza Party Works Outlet Penske Truck Leasing/Rental PHI Fabric Warehouse Plan House Printing & Graphics Plexus Slim World Wide Premier Prints Presley Eye Care, PLLC Presley’s Flowers Pro Golf of Tupelo Pro Oil Shop, Inc./Xpress Lube Rebelanes, Inc. Renasant Bank Room to Room Safestore of Tupelo, Inc. Scrubs & More Select Staffing

ServiceMaster Clean Fire & Water Recovery Servpro of Tupelo Sherwin Williams Floor Covering Skybox Sports Grill & Pizzeria SNAP Fitness Snelling Staffing Southern Home Solutions, Inc. Sportsman Lawn & Landscape SprintPrint of Tupelo Stone’s Jewelry & Gifts Inc. Swirlz Teacher’s Pet Tigrett Steel Tony Barber Wrecker Service, LLC TRI Inc Realtors TruGreen Midsouth Tupelo Academy of Cosmetology Tupelo Automobile Museum Tupelo Christian Preparatory School Tupelo Diamond Brokers Tupelo Diesel Service, Inc.

Tupelo Eye Center Optical Tupelo Manufacturing Company Tupelo Smiles Tupelo Tint/The Blind Side Tupelo Trophy Tutti Frutti U.S. Lawns of NE MS UniFirst Corporation Vanelli’s Varsity Vacuums Village Frame Shoppe, Inc. Voe’s Boutique Water Depot of Tupelo, Your Culligan Dealer Way-Fil, Inc. Wellness Solutions 84 Wheeler Roofing, Inc. Whitetail Ridge Outdoors Wicks n’ More Wiese Material Handling Wild Hogs Biker Gear Williams Transfer & Storage Yellow Lovebirds

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Corinth Area CVB preparing audio tour for Civil War visitors

BY LENA MITCHELL

DAILY JOURNAL CORINTH BUREAU

CORINTH – “History is only half our story” is a theme for Corinth’s tourism campaign.

Corinth attracts visitors for many different reasons: downtown festivals and special events, shows or rodeos at the Crossroads Arena, symphony performances, live theater productions, sports events, restaurants and more.

But history – particularly Civil War history – is a very important part of Corinth’s story.

The city’s name when it was founded in 1854, Cross City, was drawn from the very critical junction of the two railroads that were at the heart of the Battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Corinth.

A new Civil War Driving Tour CD and map, produced by the Corinth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, gives visitors another way to experience that aspect of the city’s history.

“The maps we have can be used alone or in conjunction with the CD,” said Anne Thompson, former CACVB communications director. “Anyone can do the driving tour at their own leisure without the CD.”

|

|

CORINTH CIVIL ‘It was very difficult to select a certain number WAR DRIVING TOUR of spots because practically everywhere you put your foot in this area is historic. More than 300,000 troops assembled here, • What: Map and CD narrating a 22-stop tour • When: Available now • Cost: Free so Corinth was a very significant place.’

Anne Thompson

former Corinth Area CVB communications director about choosing which stops to include in the driving tour The map includes mileage between stops, GPS coordinates and includes 22 stops that are divided up by topic.

“The first portion is the Battle of Corinth, the second portion the Battle of Farmington and the third portion the Siege of Corinth,” Thompson said.

“Some of the sites are off the road and must be accessed by walking.”

Putting it all together was Thompson’s project, and the first task was to narrow down the stop locations.

“It was very difficult to select a certain number of spots because practically everywhere you put your foot in this area is historic,” she said. “More than 300,000 troops assembled here, so Corinth was a very significant place.”

The goal was to produce something that would appeal to visitors who are not particularly versed in Civil War detail and simply want an overview experience.

Then came the details of writing a script, choosing voices for the characters being portrayed in various segments of the CD and finding a narrator to link it all together.

“To break up the narrator’s voice I thought it was very important to do original stories or first-hand accounts that would probably bring in another voice,” Thompson said. “We were fortunate to get local businessman Greg Cooley as our narrator. He was already trained for radio before going into his current pro-

• Where: Pick up at the Corinth Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 215 N. Fillmore St., and at the Crossroads Museum, 221 N. Fillmore St.: (662) 287-8300 or toll-free (800) 748-9048, www.corinthcivilwar.com, www.corinth.net. fession and he has such a good voice.”

She listened everywhere she went for voices that would work – a genteel lady, soldiers at various ages, some nonSouthern voices, and others.

“Sometimes I would hear a person speaking conversationally and think, that’s the perfect person for one of the roles,” Thompson said, and Corinth Civil War music group Lost Cause gave permission to use their CD. Technical specialist Ernie Welch recorded the CD for Lost Cause and the first recordings on the project, and Bill Terry completed that aspect. lena.mitchell@journalinc.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

Tupelo to add second Elvis statue

BY CARLIE KOLLATH BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Visitors to Tupelo soon will be able to see statues of Elvis as an unknown teenager and Elvis as an international heart throb.

In 2002, the Elvis Presley Birthplace unveiled a statue of Elvis as a 13-year-old musician.

Next week, the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Center and the Tupelo Elvis Fan Club will unveil an 11-foot-tall statue and base in Fairpark.

The Tupelo Elvis Fan Club pitched in $25,000 for the statue. The Tupelo CVB is contributing $50,000.

The statue is going in front of City Hall

by Main Street. It’s near where Elvis did his comeback concerts in the 1950s.

Bill Beckwith was commissioned last fall do make the sculpture.

“In March, it finally had taken form,” said Sean Johnson, marketing director for the CVB. The statue is seven feet tall and replicates a 1956 photo by Roger Marshutz of

Elvis performing at a Tupelo homecoming concert.

The statue will be on a four-foot-tall platform and reaches down to the crowd.

“The point is so the visitors can reach up and touch his fingertips,” Johnson said.

The attraction also is geared for tourist photo opportunities.

“The way the statue is situated, people can take pictures with Tupelo City Hall in the background or with Tupelo Hardware in the background,” Johnson said.

In July, city workers changed the signage on the north side of City Hall from “City Hall” to “Tupelo City Hall.”

The statue also includes interpretive plaques and a brick pathway. Fans from around the world bought bricks and had them engraved.

The new statue will be unveiled Aug. 9 at 8 p.m.

“I think it’s going to be a fantastic, beautiful night for Tupelo,” Johnson said.

‘The point is so that visitors can reach up and touch his fingertips.’

Sean Johnson

marketing director for the CVB about the height of the new Elvis statue being placed in Fairpark

carlie.kollath@journalinc.com

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Shadrick Bowden, left, and Ray Slayton of Slayton’s Concrete Construction install the foundation for the Elvis Presley statue to be installed Aug. 9 in Fairpark.

The base of the sculpture and the paved area around it are taking shape. The statue will be unveiled Aug. 9 at 8 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY TODD NICHOLS

Bill Beckwith was commissioned to sculpt the 7-foot tall Elvis statue.

THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL

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PAGE 18

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Licensed Real Estate Broker & Auctioneers Full Time Professional Auction Service

Call Robin Barnett today!

Free Auction Consultation Alabama • Mississippi • Tennessee Auction Types: Call or email to be placed Court Ordered, Foreclosures, Houses, on our mailing list.

Land, Buildings, Business, Personal or

Family Estates, Business Inventory, Vehicles, Equipment, Personal Collections (i.e. guns, coins, gold, silver, jewelry, rugs, collectibles, antiques, furniture, primitives)

662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

bandb@sonet.net • 800-890-5130

1480 EAST MAIN ST. TUPELO, MS 38804 Email: discountrentcar@gmail.com

PH: 662-842-5404 FAX: 662-842-0909

Apartments Homes

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

111 Grand Ole Oaks Drive Belden, MS 38826 Carey Wilson Manager

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

Automotive Services

Bank

BRAKE & SERVICE REPAIR • Brakes • Front End Alignment • Air Conditioning OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE STARTERS, TIRES, OIL CHANGES, BATTERIES, ALTERNATORS, DRIVESHAFTS, AND CUSTOM WHEELS.

Cooper Service

662-844-1852

• 4006 West Main • Tupelo

www.GrandOleOaks.com

Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm • Sat 7:30am - Noon

Apartments Homes

Automotive Services

Bank Of Okolona

Okolona P.O. Box 306 Okolona, Mississippi 38860

(662) 447-5403

Nancy Oliver Site Manager

Bank

by Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings

We take care of your money.

Jason Lee Shelton

RICK’S CHASSIS WORKS

218 N. Spring St. P. O. Box 1362 Tupelo, MS 38802-1362 Phone (662) 842-5051 Res. (662) 842-5321 Toll Free 1-888-537-5051 •

Fax (662) 841-1941

Email: jshelton@dixie-net.com Licensed In Mississippi & Alabama

Automotive Commercial Vehicles

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET for your commercial vehicle needs!

1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611

Bank

Tupelo Lending Office

Foreign - Domestic

431 W Main Suite 201

• Insurance Claims Welcome • Free Estimates • Body & Paint Repair “We Specialize in Frame Work”

Jamie Osbirn Ron Roper Leslie Stacy

1875 Nelle St. Tupelo, MS

844-0260

662.844.3419 fanb.net

Member

FDIC

Automotive Services

NEED A CAR? Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call

We take care of you.

“You pay the premiums, you choose the shop.” www.ratliffbodyandglass.com

Automotive Services

Shelton & Associates P.A.

Your 5-Star, A Rated Bank

Ratliff Body and Glass 365-8245

Attorney

Attorney-At-Law

(662) 456-3347

www.bankofokolona.com

Body Repair • Auto Glass •Insurance Claims

508 Lumpkin Avenue Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 Telephone: (662) 844-2370 Fax: (662) 844-2345 E-mail: oakcreeka@comcast.net

Houston Banking Center 321 W. Madison St. Houston, Mississippi

Dashmond Daniel 346-3222

L E E M OTO R S 2710 SOUTH GLOSTER

I CAN HELP!

Equal Housing

LENDER

Blinds Budget

Blinds a style for every point of view

Budget Blinds of Tupelo

FREE In-Home Consultation Shutters, Wood Blinds, Draperies and more! www.budgetblinds.com An Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

Tupelo: 662.823.6455 Oxford: 662.281.0586 cell: 662.380.0958 fax: 662.281.0585 rlloomis@budgetblinds.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

Business Directory Building Supplies Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Concrete

Event Venue

Ph: (662) 365-7021 Fax: (662) 365-8902

H Y N ARD W WA & L D SUPPLY, RE A INC. B • Full Service • Hardware • Building Supplies • Plumbing • Hydraulic Hoses

• Electrical • Glass • Valspar Paints • Welding Supplies • Portable Carports

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305

1187 North 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS 38824

Meetings • Weddings Sanctuary Space • Reception Hall • Catering Concerts • Special Events 1800 West Main St. • Tupelo • 662-690-4011 • www.link-centre.org

Framing

Dentist

Building Supplies

Lumbe ville r Boone Company

NORTH MISSISSIPPI

Periodontal Clinic

Full Line of Lumber & Hardware

403 Church St. • Booneville • 728-0032

J. Michael Robertson, D.M.D. (662) 842.2448 / 800.840.2449

Booneville Supply

www.northmsperio.com

For all your plumbing needs

103 Parkgate Ext. / Tupelo

2300 E. Chambers Dr. • Booneville • 728-0094

Booneville Hardware & Supply For all your hardware needs

400 E. Church St. • Booneville • 720-1102

Engineering

Commercial Cleaning Services

From The Delta to The Heart of The Hills Still Serving Mississippi After 14 Years!

Janet L. Branch, owner 662/538-5551

145A W. Bankhead Street New Albany, MS 38652

Furniture

DABBS ENGINEERING CO., INC.

Tupelo, MS

Land Surveyors ■ ■

Boundary ■ Topo ■ Alta Construction Layout ■ Subdivisions

Engineers

224 Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652

662-534-4448

Civil

■

Environmental-Testing

■

inc.

heavyonthemr.com

Helping To Keep Northeast Mississippi Clean and Beautiful David Stephens President mrjanitor1984@yahoo.com 1835 Nelle Street • Tupelo, MS 38801 Fax 662-844-7169 Cell 662-321-0275

Computer & Data

at affordable prices.

Thomas R. Dabbs, P.E. Fax 662-841-0431

E-mail: tdabbs@dabbsengineering.com P.O. Box 7064 / 1050 N. Eason, Tupelo, MS 662-841-0162 www.dabbsengineeringinc.com

Blacks Hauling Serving North Mississippi for over 30 Years

Carpet • Upholstery • Oriental/Natural Fiber Rugs Hardwood Floors • Ceramic Tile and Grout Cleaning All Your Indoor Cleaning Needs!

662-844-7713

home furnishings

Geotechnical

Dump Truck

Commercial Cleaning Services

MR. JANITOR

■

We’ve got all your

662-489-1176

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

Gifts

Okolona Drug Co.

Complete Prescription Service

We Accept All Medicare Part D Plans

Specializing in Gravel, Lime & Sand 1652 Highway 9 North • Baldwyn, MS 38824

662-415-1838

blackshauling@yahoo.com

Event Venue

• • • • •

Gifts & Fenton Glass Tyler Candles Aromatique Arthur Court Lenox & Gorham China

210 West Main Street Okolona, MS (662) 447-5471

Glass & Overhead Doors

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

Great Employment Opportunities

T h e G o o d l e tt M a n o r

Available for Weddings, Receptions, Parties and Meetings For Information Call 844-2772

219 N o r t h B ro a d way • Tu p e l o

• Adora Dolls & Lee Middleton Dolls • Ole Miss & Miss. State Collegiate Items • NEW Casseroles to Go!

24 Hour Emergency Service

Store Fronts • Mirrors Shower Doors • Garage Doors Commercial Doors Hollow Metal Doors

662-844-4540 FAX:662-620-7754

711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS

“Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations” “Experience Is The Difference”

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Business Directory Hair

Moving

Locksmith

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

NEW & USED SAFES Completely Confidential Free Consultations

Creative Hair Replacemenent t 1443 East Main Street Tupelo, Mississippi

• Safes Serviced & Installed • Locks Installed • Locksets • Combinations Changed • Locks Rekeyed • Lost Keys Replaced • Master Key Systems • High Security Keys AUTO RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL

Call for a Free Estimate

Bronzie Morgan Relocation Specialist

662-842-1120

(662) 842-7720

www.tupelohairloss.com (662) 842-1222

“The Morgan Family has been moving families like yours for over 50 years”

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

Home Improvement

Manufactured Homes For Sale

WHEEL ESTATE HOMES TUPELO • SALTILLO • NEW ALBANY

Tour!! to Tour Reposs to and Repo Used,, and New, Used 90 New, Over Over 90 Family Owned & Operated Since 1967

(662) 963-2825

rafcomhs@gmail.com

800-846-6670

Insurance

WOOD RECYCLING OF MISSISSIPPI Wholesale & Retail

Colored Mulch • Custom Grinding Chicken Litter Fertilizer Delivery Available

SOUTHERN JOHNNY Port-A-John Rentals

www.wheelestate.net Windows, Doors, Tubs, Skirting, Fixtures, and More!!

Installation available!!!

Mulches/Port-A-John

1300 Industrial Park Rd. Pontotoc, MS 38863

662-488-9108 662-419-2142

Medical

Paint

Medical

Pet Grooming

Hancock Insurance Agency INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ATV • Life • Health Annuities • RV • Automobile Motorcycle • Home Mobile Home Medicare Supplements

Scott Hancock

Allen Hancock

Monthly Rates Available

662-534-2661 720 W . Bankhead St. New Albany

Lawn & Garden

, PA

Plants • Flowers • Trees • Shrubbery Decorative Outdoor Planters & Pots Gift Registry • Yard Art • Pottery 662.534.8800 • Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

816-1/2 W. Bankhead St. • New Albany

Livestock

WE GE

ICE T THE BEST PR Owner, Ron Herndon

PONTOTOC STOCKYARD SATURDAYS

FOR ALL LIVESTOCK NEEDS

568 RockyFord Rd. • Hwy 76 West, Pontotoc 489-4385 or 213-7080

Goats, Hogs, and Horses at 11:00 am, Cattle at 1:00 pm

Comprehensive Medical Care For Your Family or Business Appointments & Walk-Ins Welcome

Mon-Fri. 8 - 6:30 Sat. 9 - 6 Sun. 1 - 6

1154 Cross Creek Dr. (Next to Home Depot)

840-8010

Lee Wallace, CFNP David W. Bell, MD

Metal Buildings

Lil’ Darlins Grooming

By Appointment Only

Call for your appointment today!!

347 South Thomas St. Tupelo, MS 38801

662-205-4302

Call for Weekly Specials lildarlinsgroomin@comcast.net

Plumbing

RH PLUMBING, INC. Post Frame Buildings And Supplies

Metal Siding • Roofing & Trim • Engineered Wood Trusses • Metal Building Insulation • Pre-Cut Building Kits 273 Road 1178 Tupelo, MS (662) 844-9576 Mon - Fri 8:00-5:00 • Sat 8:00-12:00

www.econopostframe.com • Email: jeff@econopostframe.com

Commercial Plumbing, Gas & Industrial Piping RICHARD HANLON (662) 447-3213

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

BUSINESS JOURNAL

AUGUST 2012

Business Directory Salon Services

Restaurant

Real Estate

Hair Care, Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Skin Care, Micro-Dermabrasion, Massage, Color Analysis & Correction

at

• Max 2 FREE Kids with Adult Entree • 12 Years and Under

The Creative Touch • Drink Not Included • Kid's Menu Only

Tupelo • Tuesdays 3 - 9 pm • 495 S. Gloster • 680-3354 New Albany • Thursdays 5 - 9 pm • 534-2700 Corinth • Tuesdays 4 - 9 pm • 286-9007

662-844-3734 • 844-6204

2613-A TRACELAND DR. • TUPELO, MS 38801

Septic Tanks & Systems

Restaurant

Restaurant

D AY S P A & S A L O N

Bill’s Septic Tank Service Since 1979

Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Pizza Spaghetti • Salad Bar • Sandwich

WE Roast, You Boast

365-7059

• Dining • Carryout • Catering

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

203 Commerce St. • Tupelo, MS • 840-8800 Mall at Barnes Crossing • Food Court • 690-8009

Mon.-Thurs. 11-10 • Fri.-Sat. 11-11 • Sun. 12-10

Restaurant

Restaurant

The Rib Shack

Country Store (2) Can Eat for 18 Specializing in Ribs & BBQ! MS Farm Raised & Restaurant C(2A) 2TPc.FWhole ISH PLATES Come See Us at

$

Hwy. 6, 4.5 mi. from Nettleton & Plantersville In front of Pettigrew Cabinets

Thu., Fri. & Sat. Nights 5:00 – 9:00 pm

99

Served w/salad & potato.

Price includes drinks & tax.

Lunch Specials & Pizza

Call 591-2900 for take-out orders

- Pumping & Repairs - Field Line Installed -

662-767-3105

Cell# 662-231-1941

4810 Pontocola Rd., Shannon, MS

Technology Achieve greater network per for mance with less.

It's time to get more performance from your network with far less. As in less bandwidth utilization, fewer resources, and less cost.

Fried Pickles, Cheese and Sausage Plate, Cheese Steaks, Hoagies, Chicken Salad, Fish, Steaks, Kid Menu, BBQ Nachos, Homemade Desserts and much, much more.

We’re a family owned business and appreciate all of our customers

3061 Tupelo Commons • Tupelo, MS • 840-1700 920 Hwy 72 East • Corinth, MS • 284-4646

ADVANCED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FACILITY

Road Side Service

Tobacco & Beer

Restaurant

Party Trays for all Occasions!

SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION CLEANING & CLASS ONE TREATMENT PLANTS

CR Diesel Service 24 Hour Road Side Service Jumpstarts • New & Used Tires • Flat Repairs Truck & Trailer Repair • Fuel Delivery

1150 SOUTH GREEN ST • BUILDING 1, SUITE E • TUPELO,MS 662-821-2500 • www.circadence.com

2 LOCATIONS

Monday-Saturday 7 am -10 pm • Sunday 10 am -6 pm

Town Creek Center

2546 Hwy 145 #A Saltillo • 662-869-0086

Chris Roach – 662-610-5604 Monday-Saturday 7 am -10 pm • Sunday 1 pm -8 pm

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

204 Starlyn Avenue • New Albany, MS

662-534-4500

Restaurant

W 499 Gloster Creek Village, Tupelo, MS 38801 Phone: (662) 844-4888 Fax: (662) 844-3006

Uniforms

Roofing

HE

EL

ER

RO

INC.

OF

ING

“A Family Business Since 1946” • Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

411 CLARK ST. ❖ TUPELO ❖ 844-4481

Keeping Professional People Looking Professional 795 S. Gloster, Tupelo • (662) 844-4272 2316 Hwy. 45 N. Columbus • (662) 328-7777 1151 D. Frontage Rd. Oxford • (662) 513-0341

www.scrubsandco.com

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Consultants encourage tourism leaders to focus

BY CARLIE KOLLATH BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Tourism leaders from around the region met in June to help drill down what makes Northeast Mississippi special to travelers.

The overarching themes for the region – as identified by a preliminary report from consultants – were black history, the Civil War, the Arts and architecture.The board of the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance also discussed an itinerary themed around the region’s Native American history.

The board is responsible for overseeing the Hills national heritage area, a federally recognized region that gets local, state and federal funding. |

Trace makes bike safety a priority

As part of the national heritage area program, the board must develop a management plan. It’s paying Phil Walker of Nashville-based Walker Collaborative $150,000 to do the research and put together the plan.

The board is made up of representatives from member communities throughout Northeast Mississippi. Attractions include everything from Elvis’ birthplace to the contraband camp in Corinth to William Faulkner’s house in Oxford.

“It’s tricky because there are a lot of stories,” Walker told the group. “But you have to focus if you want to market it. ... If you have a visitor from San Diego, you can’t throw everything at them.You have to have an elevator speech that you can sum up why people should come here.”

BRIEFING

TUPELO – Officials on the Natchez Trace Parkway continue to focus on cyclist safety.

Superintendent Cam Sholly said the parkway is researching why the Mississippi portion of the Trace has more fatalities than Alabama and Tennessee.

“We’re working on total safety measures on the Trace, for motorists and cyclists,” Sholly told the board of the Natchez Trace Compact, the marketing association for the Trace, at its annual meeting in July. “Every fatality is a tragedy.”

The parkway has had three biking fatalities in the past three years, he said.

They were all in Mississippi, with two in Northeast Mississippi.

Dr. Gary Holdiness of Kosciusko was killed in May while riding his bike around Kosciusko. David Allison was killed in 2009 in Prentiss County. In April 2009, Esther Hagemen of the Netherlands was killed in Chickasaw County.

All three were hit by a vehicle.

Sholly said Mississippi has more miles of the Trace, but he noted that cyclists frequently ride around Nashville. However, the Nashville cyclists haven’t had any problems so far, he said.

The parkway has made a bike safety brochure that will be widely distributed.

Terry Wildy, the parkway’s chief of interpretation, said the brochure will be available soon at the visitors center.

Plus, it will be distributed to cyclists groups and a PDF will be posted on the parkway’s website.

Among other things, the brochure reminds parkway users that bicycles are considered vehicles, and bicyclists

|

have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

Downtowns win state awards

TUPELO – Several Northeast Mississippi towns won state awards for efforts made in their downtown areas.

Amory, New Albany, Tupelo and Water Valley were among the winners at the annual awards meeting of the Mississippi Main Street Association. The luncheon was held at the Old Capitol Inn in downtown Jackson.

Tupelo’s Haire Wealth Management Green Space won the best public improvement project. The park, which opened this year, rehabbed an empty lot on Court Street and turned it into a space with plants, sculptures, benches and a small picnic space.

Landscape architect Shipman Sloan led the efforts.

Other awards: • Best new signage: Bill Warren’s Signs in Water Valley • Best creative fundraising project: Postcards & Pizza in Water Valley • Best image or branding promotion: Open for Business in Tupelo • Best newsletter (population over 5,000): Amory Main Street Newsletter • Best retail promotion: Downtown Tupelo Cash Mob • Spirit of Main Street Award: Pep Rally in the Park in Amory • Best arts event: Arts, Beats and Eats in New Albany • Best special event: Second Annual Community Sing-Along in Water Valley • Charles O. Beasley Scholarship Award: Mickey Howley in Water Valley The association has 51 active Main Street communities throughout the state.

Daily Journal reports

Consultant Randall Gross is working with Walker on the plan.

He said the region has many strengths and weaknesses.

The region has a wonderful diversity of attractions, he said, but the size of the region and the many attractions make it challenging to market one message to visitors.

According to his research, almost 60 percent of the region’s visitors to heritage sites came from the South, with many signing in from small towns.

International travelers make up 5 percent of the area’s tourists, he said.

He encouraged the board to use the research to help market to the appropriate segments.

For example, his research found that the music heritage attractions, such as Elvis

and the Blues, draw more affluent, international and big-city visitors.

His research shows that festivals have the fastest growing audience of heritage events and the board should market to festivalgoes in Memphis, Jackson and throughout the immediate region.

He also found that the fastest growing audience support is for art/music/design venues, followed by Native American museums, then science and industry and history.

He reiterated that much of heritage tourism is driven by education. The more education a person has, the more likely he or she is to visit a museum or a historic site. carlie.kollath@journalinc.com

Trace superintendent leaving for Washington

BY CARLIE KOLLATH BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Cam Sholly is leaving for a new job in the nation’s capital.

Sholly has held the parkway’s highest title for the past three years. He has been promoted to the National Park Service’s associate director for visitor and resource protection. The job is based in Washington.

An interim superintendent will be appointed until the position is filled on a full-time basis. Sholly said the interim person may be a senior staff member of the parkway’s team or someone from elsewhere in the National Park Service.

Sholly said the search typically takes about three months for a full-time superintendent.

During his time directing the operations of the parkway, Sholly won over many fans in the tourism industry and was an active member of several organizations, including the Natchez Trace Compact and the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance.

During his tenure, the parkway completed a multimillion dollar rehabilitation of the Meriwether Lewis death and burial site. The parkway took part in the largest Native American repatriation in the Choctaw Nation’s history and energized dormant plans for a joint tribal heritage center with the Chickasaw Nation. The heritage center will be built in Tupelo, if funds are raised.

Sholly also oversaw completion of a new resource management mapping system and completed the parkway’s

first business and operations plan.

In 2011, he was named superintendent of the year for the Southeast region of the National Park Service.

At his new job, Sholly Sholly will manage a $125 million annual budget and a portfolio that includes 20 service-wide program areas including law enforcement, security and emergency services, fire and aviation management, risk management and occupational safety, public health services, regulations and special park uses, wilderness stewardship and the National Park Service component at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

“Serving as the associate director is a tremendous privilege,” Sholly said in a news release. “I look forward to working closely with the incredible National Park Service team, both in Washington and around the service.”

Sholly began his NPS career in Yellowstone National Park in 1990 and entered his first supervisory position in 1994 in Yosemite National Park. carlie.kollath@journalinc.com

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AUGUST 2012