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MARCH 2014

Elvis birthplace continues expansion

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

CVB launches new Tupelo ‘brand’

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – For almost two years, the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau had been putting a little Elvis in what it did, but officials felt it was time to introduce a more unified message that better represented the CVB and the city.

Last year, it commissioned the Cubic Creative branding agency of Tulsa, Okla., to come up with a brand to do just that.

The CVB introduced its new brand Thursday, with a logo featuring a lowercase “Tupelo” with a four-color “crown” – no doubt reminding everyone that the city is the birthplace of the King of Rock n’ Roll.

It’s an image that fits quite nicely, said Neal McCoy, the CVB’s executive director.

“The Cubic Creative team spent extensive time in Tupelo delving in to what Tupelo’s brand is through focus groups with our industry partners, reviewing our research findings conducted by Young Strategies, and interviewing meeting planners, sports planners and tour group opera-

tors,” he said. “What they found is that the environment that influenced Elvis, making him believe that anything was possible, still resonates today. The opportunity for inspiration is what we are selling as we invite guests to visit us in the ‘Center of Positivity.’”

Previously, the CVB had been using “put a little Elvis in what we do,” but McCoy said that didn’t carry over into other areas like direct sales, motor coaches, sports or film.

Using the new brand will enable the CVB to pull everything under one umbrella.

Initial concepts of the new branding included “Can’t help falling in love with us” and “More than just rock & roll.”

Said McCoy: “The resounding theme each time Cubic Creative conducted a meeting or focus group was that Tupelo is a progressive, happy community.

“From overcoming the devastation of the 1936 tornado, to recruiting the world’s top automotive manufacturer and creating musical history with the purchase of one $7.90 guitar, Tupelo believes that anything is possible when you share an idea, and we want our visitors to be inspired by that same principle.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The new branding comes on the heels of what McCoy deemed a “very successful” year in terms of revenue and attendance at Tupelo’s major tourist attractions.

“Our hotel numbers were really good, and we also saw signs of a little more confidence in the economy picking up, so that was good,” he said.

Private investment, namely in the construction and renovation of hotels, is another positive sign.

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opened a Candlewood Suites last year, and a new 121-room Holiday Inn & Suites will open later this year. The former Microtel Inn was renovated last year and became a Comfort Inn. The opening of the Holiday Inn will take Tupelo’s hotel and motel room inventory to about 2,000, a record.

“We’ve been at that 1,700-1,800 mark for several years, so this establishes a new benchmark,” McCoy said. “But what we’ve also seen is a little compression. Looking at it from a five-year standpoint, you’ve taken some rooms out of the market: the Howard Johnson, the old Ramada Inn – the front part that was most recently Travelodge – and the Quality Inn have been taken out of service. So, we’ve replaced older properties with properties like the BestWestern Plus, the Hampton Inn & Suites, the Fairfield Inn & Suites; they account for what we took out of the market. With the newest hotels, we’re finally getting a net gain.”

The new $12 million Aquatic Center also is an added feature that should bring additional visitors to the city. It already has ac-

complished a significant feat with its first swim meet.

“It’s going to be big,” McCoy said of the center’s future. “The first meet we had was as big as any meet we had at the old facility. So we will double, sometimes triple what we were able to do at the old pool. But what I think where it will pay off for us is that it will be open 12 months. Before, we had the bubble, and we were limited by where we could spread out to. We don’t have that limitation anymore.

“I know of two events that we have that we would never have been under consideration before.

I think it can do whatever the community wants to support and how it will support it. Obviously, the CVB is invested in it to see it be a big success.”

McCoy also said the Aquatic Center is under consideration to be the site of the state swimming championships.

“It’s very much like anything, whether it’s a hotel, or baseball or football or whatever. … people want to go to the newest facilities, and right now we’re the newest and the best and we want to make hay with it.”

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For the fans

Elvis Presley Birthplace continues expansion venues in town.

“We used to have maybe one or two very small weddings in the chapel, which only holds 36 people,” he said. “Now we do weddings all the time.”

BY SHEENA BARNETT DAILY JOURNAL

TUPELO – The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a different place than it was when Priscilla Presley first visited it with her husband in the 1960s.

Then, it was a two-room house; today, the grounds hold a museum, theater, amphitheater, chapel, church, gift shop and statue, and it will soon be home to two more statues, a pavilion and a cleanedup lake.

The birthplace completed the first phase of its expansion – which included the theater and amphitheater – in August 2012, and birthplace officials hope to have phases two and three – which includes a pavilion, two statues and the lake clean-up – finished by August 2015.

“We’re on 15 acres, and we’re trying to use all 15 acres,” said Blair Hill, assistant director at the birth-

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The first phase expansion of the birthplace included a new theater. place. “You used to put a quarter in a machine at the house and see two rooms.

We can keep people here for two hours now.”

The total cost of the expansions should cost about $6.3 million, with the first phase totaling to about $4.3

million and the second and third phases costing another $1 million to $2 million.

Birthplace officials wanted to have phase one completed before moving on to the other phases, and they’ve had a very soft kick-

off for fundraising for the second and third phases.

The birthplace’s calendar has become busy since the first expansion. Events and shows take place in the amphitheater and theater, and now they’ve become one of the most popular wedding

Hill believes they can complete fundraising and the two phases of work in time for the anniversary of Elvis’ death in August 2015, especially since much of the work is dirt work and light construction.

The birthplace had a pavilion, but it was removed to make way for a bigger parking lot, with parking spaces for busses.

The new 56-seat pavilion will be on the overlook behind the birthplace and will include a story wall, much like the one now in front of the museum.

Michiel VanderSommen sculpted the Elvis at 13 statue that now stands on the grounds, and he’s already working on the two

statues that will stand near the new pavilion.

The statues, called “Becoming,” will include a statue of Elvis at 11, holding his guitar and sitting on a milk crate, as well as a 7foot statue of Elvis the entertainer, in full regalia, looking up to the sky.

A seating area and walking path, along with a bridge, will be installed in at the lake once it’s cleaned.

COMPLETING THE PICTURE

The birthplace ties into Graceland in Memphis and the efforts made by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

“We have a great partnership with them.We all work well together. They’re moving ahead with projects, and it’s a win-win for both.

Anything they do helps us, and anything we do helps them,” Hill said.

And the expansion should help the Tupelo TURN TO ELVIS, 6

Mississippi Tourism Association Q&A Rochelle Hicks has Q. WHAT’S THE DIFbeen executive director of FERENCE between the the Mississippi Tourism MTA and the MDA Association since NovemTourism Division? Is ber 2012. there a duplication of She joined MTA with efforts? more than 15 years of exA. MDA TOURISM DIVIperience in the tourism SION is the marketing industry and was the arm of the state – its deputy director of Ridgegoal is to bring visitors ROCHELLE land Tourism Commisto Mississippi. They HICKS sion. Before her stint in do that through adverRidgeland, she had sales tising and marketing and marketing experiefforts such as TV, ence in the hotel and casino inprint, social media, radio and dustries in Jackson and Natchez. web advertising.

Hicks majored in business adMississippi Tourism Associaministration at the University of tion is a membership-based orLouisiana. She is a certified ganization comprised of travel industry specialist tourism officials, attractions, hoand a travel marketing profestels and restaurants. We strive to sional. be the voice of the tourism industry in the state through our Q. BRIEFLY DESCRIBE the role of lobbying efforts and events. the MTA. A. THE ROLE OF OUR association Q. BESIDES ADDITIONAL funding is to educate legislators and offi- for the tourism industry, what cials about the tourism industry are other key issues for the MTA? and its impact on our state and A. RIGHT NOW, FUNDING for our to lobby for advertising and industry is our number one primarketing dollars and other ority. tourism related legislation.

We support other issues as they arise or are brought to our

attention, but our focus is to fund MDA Tourism so that they can attract more visitors through advertising and marketing and encourage them to stay longer and spend more.

is that this funding would allow MDA Tourism Division to reinstate a matching grant program.

This program allows our local tourism offices to match their advertising dollars. The local offices struggle to have the dollars Q. IN REGARDS TO FUNDING, necessary to promote their area tourism officials are asking for and the grant funds could po$15 million from MDA, which is tentially double their advertising a 150 percent increase from cur- budgets. The grant program rent funding. How did official ar- would be beneficial to each and rive at that figure? every tourism area in MissisA. MISSISSIPPI IS BEING outsippi. spent 3 to 1 by our surrounding states on advertising.

Q. WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS of Florida being the highest and the funding request going Mississippi the lowest, our surthrough? Is there support in the rounding states such as legislature?

Arkansas and Tennessee both A. WE HOPE THAT THE legislators spend more than $10 million will strongly consider our reand Alabama more $15 million. quest and see that it will be a To be compeititive, we not huge benefit to us all. Tourism is only need to be matching their the fourth largest private sector spend but exceeding it. We feel employer and is one of the few that $15 million is that number industries that actually conwe need to be a strong competi- tributes money back to the gentor in the market. eral fund.

We do feel like we have supQ. WHAT ARE THE ARGUMENTS for port of our legislators as I think additional funding – what would we all agree that tourism is an the money be used for? economic driver. However, we A. ONE OF THE BEST ATTRIBUTES also realize that they have many

other requests to consider. Our hope is that they will invest in our state and give us the opportunity to bring more back to the general fund.

Q. WHAT WOULD YOUR ARGUMENTS be for the general public, which might not understand why tourism funding is important.

A. IF YOU PAY TAXES in the state of Mississippi, tourism results in a $578 tax relief per household.

Tourism provides $406.8 million dollars to the state’s general fund. Those numbers speak for themselves and will only get higher uf we invest in this industry.

Q. WHAT CAN CITIZENS, businesses, organizations, etc., do to get involved, if they wish?

A. WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE to talk to your legislators in support of more funding for tourism. We have to be competitive and currently we are not.

Tourism can make an even bigger impact on the state’s economy with everyone’s help and support.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

Hedges: Selling the charm of Oxford

BY ERROL CASTENS DAILY JOURNAL

OXFORD – Mary Allyn Hedges spends her days essentially selling a “product” a lot of customers already want.

She’s the new director of tourism in Oxford, with a mission to bring people to Oxford to have fun, explore, learn – and maybe spend a dollar or two along the way.

“Oxford is easy to promote, in obvious ways: You’ve got the University (of Mississippi) here; you’ve got a thriving downtown square,” the Greenville native said. “A lot of people around the state are envious of the shopping and dining we have.”

After graduating Ole Miss with a degree in hospitality management, Hedges worked tourism-

related jobs in Jackson Hole, Wyo., a n d Nashville, Tenn. Fielding comp l a i n t s Hedges full-time at a resort in Jackson Hole convinced her she’d be happiest in the marketing side of the hospitality industry.

Since returning to Oxford in 2008, Hedges held several different posts with the Tourism Council – now rebranded as Visit Oxford – before she moved into the top job earlier this year, succeeding Mary-Kathryn Herrington.

“Mary-Kathryn was here 10 years, and I feel like I’ve got big shoes to fill. I try to call her only once a week now,” Hedges said with a laugh.

Visit Oxford, city officials

Visit Oxford, city officials and the hospitality industry are working to implement recommendations of a year-long study by travel consultant Berkeley Young including upgrades of the Conference Center to a significant increase in advertising. and the hospitality industry are working to implement recommendations of a year-long study by travel consultant Berkeley Young, including upgrades of the Conference Center to a significant increase in advertising.

Football, Faulkner, festivals and freshman are among the easy ways to get visitors to Oxford. The Double Decker Arts Festival attracts an estimated 55,000, and on game days upward of 75,000 find their way to campus. The Faulkner and Yoknapatawpha Conference draws in-

ternational crowds far smaller but no less devoted, and his home is a year-round attraction.

New-student orientation at Ole Miss is a tourism event in itself.

“The university does a great job of planning those orientation sessions during the week, which is great to get hotel rooms filled,” Hedges said. “You can definitely see then that the Square is filled with families, so June has become a busy time in Oxford.”

One of Visit Oxford’s chief missions is attracting

more visitors between such marquee events.

“We want people to come enjoy Oxford when there’s not all the traffic and crowds, when they can go through Rowan Oak at their own pace and get into their favorite restaurant and drink coffee on the balcony at Square Books,” Hedges said.

Among other reasons to visit are dozens of eateries from fine dining and eclectic-ethnic to original locations of such popular chains as McAlister’s, Newk’s, Abner’s and Old Venice Pizza Co.

“You can eat your way through Oxford,” she said.

“There are so many great restaurants in addition to chef John Currence’s that you can eat somewhere new and different through an entire long weekend.

We’re really proud of our culinary tradition.”

Oxford’s tourism development often works in cooperation with nearby towns, Hedges said.

“A lot of our visitors come from the Delta, where they’re doing the Blues Trail, or from Tupelo, where they’re visiting the Elvis birthplace,” she said.

“When people are doing a road trip through Mississippi, Oxford’s a nice place to stop overnight. We’ve got the live music and the restaurants. You can park, and it’s safe, and you can walk everywhere.” errol.castens@journalinc.com

Brice’s Crossroads looks to honor black soldiers

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESSJOURNAL

BALDWYN – Brice’s Crossroad Battlefield continues working to add a stop on its tour to honor black soldiers who fought in the battle.

The tour stop could add three markers – or “waystops” – plus a monument, perhaps a statue, of some kind to mark units of the United States Colored Troops.

Last November, officials met to talk about the markers “Nothing has been decided; it’s still only a concept at this point,” said Edwina Carpenter, the di-

rector of the Mississippi’s Final Stands Interpretive Center, which includes the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads and the Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg.

The concept was put together

by Phil Walker of the Walker Collaborative of Nashville, which also put together the management plan for the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area.

“The area covers 30 counties, focused on key themes, including the Civil War, Native American heritage, African-American heritage and the arts,” Walker said.

“We wanted to find one key site and apply our principles, and

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Brice’s Crossroads hits two of those themes.”

The role of the USCT is noted inside the interpretive center, but the new tour stop would place a bigger emphasis on its role Walker said only 141 markers nationwide mention the USCT’s role in the Civil War, and only 65 give it a primary focus. Mississippi has two markers.

The proposed memorial would honor the solder of the 55th and 59th U.S. Colored Infantry and Company F of the 2nd United States Colored Artillery.

The tour stop would sit on about five acres set aside off County Road

166 in Union County, near the site of the Holland House and the first line of defense they formed during the battle.

The units served as a rear guard to protect some 250 wagons and ambulances.

“The memorial would honor these brave soldiers; it’s something we’ve talked about for a long time,” Carpenter said.

The next step is to take the concept plan to the battlefield commission and get their input, she said.

“We estimate the cost would be around $25,000 to $30,000,” she said.

Some funding would be available through the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program for planning and design, but most of the money would have to be raised privately.

Carpenter said interpretive center staff have spoken to some of the families of the soldiers to let them know about their plans.

She also said the center will renew its efforts on the project once the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Brice’s Crossroads and the Battle of Harrisburg/Tupelo in June. dennis.seid@journalinc.com

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Battles of Iuka, Farmington begin alternate years

BY LENA MITCHELL

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DAILY JOURNAL CORINTH BUREAU

IUKA – The 2014 Battle of Iuka re-enactment will be the city’s third in three years, planned for Sept. 19-21, to mark the 1862 battle.

It will be produced with the help of Farmington volunteers, who have conducted annual re-enactments of their town’s battle for a number of years.

Going forward, Iuka and Farmington each will hold a battle on alternate years, with Iuka battles on even-numbered years and Farmington battles on odd-numbered years, said Harold Lomenick, president of the Iuka Battlefield Commission.

“This year there are only two major Civil War re-enactment events in North Mississippi – Brices Crossroads and Iuka,” Lomenick said. “Everyone really wants to take a breath after events throughout the 150th anniversary commemorations of the CivilWar. Our first and second year were nonstop and that will wear you out. Now, going into the third year, we’re working with Farmington and planning on every other year.”

BATTLE OF IUKA/ FARMINGTON RE-ENACTMENTS

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WHEN: Sept. 19-21, 2014 WHERE: Iuka FOR MORE INFORMATION: Harold Lomenick, president of the Iuka Battlefield Commission, (662) 423-1231 COURTESY Lomenick said.The plan is to hold The Battle of Iuka/Farmington re-enactment is one of two major re-enactments in Northeast Missis- Battle of Iuka and Battle of Farmsippi this year. ington re-enactments at the Iuka battlefield site on Sept. 20 and 21, Farmington Mayor Dale Forten- has been held during Labor Day “Once you’re programmed into and also the Ambush at Eastport, berry’s words mirrored weekend, in conjunction with the the reenactment schedule you will if possible.

Lomenick’s during his recent pres- Iuka Heritage Festival. This year have those dates going forward,” The Battle of Iuka was the first entation to the Corinth Area Con- and in future years the two events Lomenick said. “It won’t conflict battle in the Iuka-Corinth Camvention and Visitors Bureau will be separate, Lomenick said. with other groups holding re-en- paign, when Union General board.

“The past two years it’s been just actments.”

William Rosecrans’ forces de“Many re-enactors are retiring too much packed into one weekA parade of Confederate and feated the troops of Confederate now,” Fortenberry said.“We’re not end,” he said.“Some of our histor- Union soldiers from downtown General Sterling Price, who sought having a re-enactment in Farm- ical events will be in downtown Iuka to the battlefield will be part to prevent Rosecrans’ troops ington this year but are helping Iuka, but the battles will be the of the weekend of events, as well reaching Tennessee where they Iuka. We plan to do it alternate focus.” as a service honoring the Confed- would reinforce Union troops at years now, because it’s getting Iuka and Farmington both will erate dead at the mass grave at Nashville. The battle was considharder and harder to get re-enac- use the Sept. 19-21, dates in future Shady Grove Cemetery. ered one of the bloodiest of the tors.” years to avoid conflict with other School day for the Iuka re-enTURN TO IUKA, 6 In previous years the Iuka event longstanding re-enactment dates. actment weekend is Sept. 19,

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

Battlefields ready for 150th

Elvis

Iuka

FROM 3

FROM 5

Civil War ball and several educational components.

A “town” will be set up to represent the era, with visitors able to see how life was like during the Civil War. For more information about the Mississippi’s Final Stands sesquicentennial celebration, visit the website at www.finalstands.com, or contact Carpenter at (662) 365-3969 or edwina@gmail.com.

economy, he said.

The more time fans spend at the birthplace, the more likely they are to eat, shop and stay the night in Tupelo.

While fans are in town, they’re encouraged by birthplace staff to visit other Tupelo attractions, like the Automobile Museum and Buffalo Park, Hill said.

All in all, Hill said, the birthplace expansion should make for happier Elvis fans.

“It goes back to the fans,” he said.“If you don’t change, you go stale.”

Hill, whose grandmother was close friends with the Presleys, was especially proud to show off the birthplace and its expansion to Elvis’ biggest fan, Priscilla, last month.

“She really liked the church and the museum,” he said. “She liked his clothes. She looked at them and said, ‘That looks familiar.’”

war at that time, with casualties that totaled 790 of Rosecrans’ 4,500 Union troops and 1,516 of Price’s 3,179 Confederate troops.

Though Price was defeated, he escaped to join up later with Confederate General Earl Van Dorn in Memphis, and their joint troops fought the Battle of Corinth Oct. 34, 1862.

On April 6-7, 1862, north of Farmington, the Battle of Shiloh brought the survivors of the Confederate armies trekking back through Farmington on the way to Corinth. On May 35, skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces were fought at Farmington.

“We want to keep a presence of these battle re-enactments going because the tourism impact is so great in both Iuka and the Corinth area,” Lomenick said. “The cost of a re-enactment makes it more practical for us to begin sharing and alternating the event.”

dennis.seid@journalinc.com

sheena.barnett@journalinc.com

lena.mitchell@journalinc.com

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

BALDWYN – The Battle of Brice’s Crossroads and the Battle of Harrisburg/Tupelo were the final battlegrounds in Mississippi during the Civil War, and the area will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the battles this summer.

Registration for re-enactors and sutlers is available online at www.finalstands150th.com.

Last fall, several travel and Civil War writers and bloggers from across the country took a two-day tour of the area to find out more about the sesquicentennial celebration.

“We wanted to have people help us explain, interpret and promote what we’re doing and our celebration,” said Edwina Carpenter, curator/director of the Mississippi’s Final StandsVisitor’s and Interpretive Center and battlefields.

The Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau sponsored the media familiarization tour, taking the group to various sites related to the battles that were part of the Union’s Atlanta campaign.

The Final Stands celebration will be June 13-15, highlighted by a reenactment on the 1,500-acre Brice’s Crossroads battlefield.

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Bill Cooper speaks as William Witherspoon of the 7th Tennessee Infantry to the group on the Mississippi’s Final Stands Sesquicentennial Media Familiarization tour last fall at at Brice’s Crossroads National Battlefield.

“I’d like to see 10,000 people,” said Bill Cooper, who portrayed Confederate infantryman William Witherspoon, describing the core area of fighting to the writers.

An Arkansas native, Cooper now lives in New Albany but travels around the country to be part of Civil War re-enactments.

“I’ve been doing this since 1968,” he said.

This summer’s three-day celebration will feature a children’s day, a

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PAGE 6

ChamberConnection A publication of Journal Publishing and the Community Development Foundation Chamber Division – March 2014

2014 Economic Forecast My work as chairman this year has given me numerous opportunities to observe and review our local economy. After five years of recession, North Mississippi has adapted by seeking a better way to find progress, economic stability, and prosperity, all in the pursuit of a higher level of economic success. As a result, I believe our future is bright. Sharing in my optimism, CDF will spend this year working with great anticipation. I am excited to announce that Tupelo and Lee County have been named by Site Selection Magazine as the country’s number two micropolitan.

We have lots of work to do to live up to the standard we have set this year. In the year ahead, CDF will continue to focus on creating more and better jobs in Tupelo/Lee County through its business retention and recruitment efforts, workforce development partnerships, and site development strategies.

Locally, 2013 was a year of hard work, celebration, and excitement from our established industries as they continued to grow and invest in our community. This year, we were fortunate to announce the largest num-

ber of expansions in recent h i s t o r y.

Just as in 2012, 2013 was another year of “our Community own,” with Development over 901 Foundation new job opportuChairman nities created by 78 CHAUNCY m i l l i o n GODWIN, dollars in capital inJR. vestment from local existing companies. This diverse list includes Cooper Tire, Ashley Furniture Industries, Tecumseh Products Company, General Atomics, H.M. Richard’s, among others. Site Selection Magazine recently wrote, “…[Tupelo/Lee County] has proved attractive enough to secure and retain corporate investment. It has people who know what it means to work. And it has infrastructure whose potential is just beginning to glow.” This potential increases each time a company choses to reinvest in the Tupelo/Lee County economy all while shining a light on those truly respon-

MICROPOLITAN AWARD Site Selection magazine named Tupelo/Lee County the No. 2 Micropolitan for new and expanded industry in the country. CDF Chairman Chauncey Godwin presents the award to Lee County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darrell Rankin.

sible in their decisions to stay: the local workforce.

The development of a higher skilled and more flexible workforce will continue to attract new and existing industries in the manufacturing sector.

Working towards this goal, Itawamba Community College is preparing graduates for its first class of Advanced Manufacturing Technicians (AMT). Partnered with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, the AMT program is designed as an innovative manufacturing degree that will span five semesters of classroom instruction and provide paid, hands-on experience at Toyota's Blue Springs automotive assembly plant.

Candidates who earn an AMT degree will be prepared to compete for skilled positions across the country. They may continue their education in engineering, technology or business or pursue employment opportunities in the open job market. As manufacturing becomes even more automated and complex, those areas that will continue to attract capital investment are those that can also provide these highly skilled workers.

Local high schools are an

integral part of the effort in moving our area forward through workforce development programs. This year high school students in Lee, Union, and Pontotoc counties will have the opportunity to explore various health care careers in a pilot program organized through the Toyota Wellspring Education Fund. In partnership with Northeast Mississippi Community College and North Mississippi Medical Center, students will learn about the U.S. health care system through a duel enrollment course combining online classes and job shadowing at the hospital. These life-changing opportunities for our children will expose high school students to lifelong professions with a hands on learning environment.

Working to bring new products to the market place in 2013, CDF capitalized on an opportunity to attract new business with the construction of its board-approved 75,000 square foot shell building.

German automotive supplier GRAMMER Inc. announced the opening of its newest U.S. operations in the Tupelo/Lee Industrial Park South. The project represents a $30 million

capital investment that will create up to 650 jobs in two phases over the next five years. With the success of Lee County’s first shell building, CDF will continue to enhance the marketability of our area with the construction of our second shell, a 50,000 square foot building located in the Tupelo/Lee Industrial Park North.

Today’s economic development requires a broad and proactive approach to job creation.

The Renasant Center for IDEAs has been one of our strategies to grow our own businesses. Since the Tupelo/Lee County regional business incubator's opening in 2006, 15 graduate companies have created 370 jobs in the community with 26 current client companies employing a total of 140 workers. The Center recently completed an expansion of 3,000 square feet of flexible office space that now provides a working environment to five more tenants and their entrepreneurial visions.

All of these new tools – 1) our workforce development programs, 2) The Wellspring Education Fund, 3) a new shell build-

ing, and 4) filling the Renasant Center for IDEAs will help Lee County attract and retain businesses in 2014.

Finally, our most important tool is the dynamic relationship we have with our partners in development; our friends at The Mississippi Development Authority, Tennessee Valley Authority, North Mississippi Industrial Development Association, Appalachian Regional Commission, Three Rivers Planning and Development, Lee County Board of Supervisors, and the many municipal public officials in our nine Lee County communities. Steel sharpens steel and there is a true spirit of cooperation that binds this region and offers prosperity for the people of Lee County. Our can-do, hardworking and innovative spirit of cooperation and collaboration is the key to our region’s economic future. We are in good hands, our own hands, so with a positive and eventful year in our past, it is now time for us to build upon that success, in order to achieve our goal of creating jobs, developing communities, and fostering business in 2014.

U.S. Economic Outlook Remains Positive

BY DR. DANIEL BACHMAN

SENIOR MANAGER FOR U.S. MACROECONOMICS, DELOITTE SERVICES LP

The federal government’s fiscal crisis dominated economic news for much of the past couple of months. The 16-day shutdown of “nonessential” government services reflected severe political problems, but it ultimately had little impact on the wider economy.

Despite a hit to government productivity – some agencies have lost a month to the shutdown and the need to address budget uncertainty – most U.S. economic actors were not affected. The economy continues to grow at a

moderate 2.0 percent underlying rate, and circumstances continue to point to an acceleration of growth in the medium term.

The fundamentals of the U.S. economy did not change before or after the fiscal crisis. U.S. households still have much stronger balance sheets than they have had for many years. U.S. businesses still have cash, and they will spend it once they see business picking up. The scary confidence numbers that came out in the weeks after the financial crisis told us little about actual behavior. The steep drop in consumer confidence in October was followed by a strong in-

crease in retail sales in the next two months.

The attention span of economic agents in the United States can be relatively short, and in this case, that would be a smart reaction to the outcome of October’s fiscal crisis. The main political outcome now appears to have been an agreement to avoid such problems in the future, reflected in the December Ryan-Murray budget agreement. That’s a plus for the economy, as it removes one source of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Europe and China are still finding their way out of their respective sets of problems.

It’s pretty messy in both places,

but the chance of a serious financial crisis seems to be fading – although it’s not gone. The Deloitte economic forecast includes a lowprobability scenario in which another financial crisis generates a recession in the United States, but the probability is only 5 percent.

Don’t be distracted by huge arguments over small changes in economic policy. With mediumterm fundamentals still looking good, and the resolution to the budget crisis allowing a little more government spending, the U.S. economic outlook remains very positive.

To read Deloitte's full U.S. economic outlook, visit dupress.com.

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A Community Development Foundation

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Chamber Focus You may have noticed that this issue features several articles about forecasts for the 2014 economy.

The intent is to give you written version of the annual Economic Forecast Conference. Geddie In the January Business Journal, the conference sponsors announced they had decided to delay the 2014 event for another year in order to focus on a new format to be launched in January 2015.

The Economic Forecast Conference, which originated in the 1970’s, has historically featured not only regional and state forecasts, but also national perspectives by guest speakers such as Mr. Fred Barnes, executive editor of “The Weekly Standard,” and Dr. Peter Ricchiuti of the Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.

Technological advances over the past forty years have dramatically changed the way information is disseminated, making the typical confer-

ence format a thing of the past. Our conference sponsors discussed these changes and challenged themselves to create an event that will offer the audience a creative twist and a different perspective on the economy.

I would like to offer a special thank you to our sponsors for their spirit of innovation as they develop a new tradition in 2015: • BancorpSouth • BNA Bank • Community Bank • CB&S Bank • First American National Bank • Hardy Reed, LLC • Journal, Inc. • Regions Bank • Renasant Bank • Trustmark National Bank We look forward to seeing you at the new 2015 Economic Forecast Conference.

Baby’s Kickin’ Ultrasound Ms. Janaya Thomas 1600 W Main St., Ste. B Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 844-2229 www.babyskickin.com Retail & Specialty Shops BFAC Merchant Solutions Ms. Belinda Brooks 165 CR 766 Corinth, MS 38834 (662) 664-0981 www.bfacmerchantsolutions.com Financial Cigar Lounge of Starkville Mr. Auston Nolan 100 Maxwell St. Starkville, MS 39759 (662) 268-4566 Retail & Specialty Shops

Karen Geddie

Vice President Chamber of Commerce

New CDF Members

Earnest B’s Barbeque 206 Troy St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 840-3690 www.earnestbsbbq.com Restaurants & Catering

Covenant Community Development Ms. Patricia Ross 146 S Thomas St., Ste. B-II Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 690-4009 Counseling

Jordan Flooring and Kitchen Gallery Mr. Scott Brazile 2002 W Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 844-0800 www.jordanflooring.com Retail & Specialty Shops

Dismas Charities, Inc. Ms. Rebekah King 100 Tishomingo St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 620-2124 www.dismascharities.org Organizations

Key Fire Protection Mr. Jerry Key, Jr. 252 Hwy 412 E Jackson, TN 38305 (731) 424-0130 www.keyfireprotection.com Fire Services & Equipment

CDF’s goals and objectives are accomplished through the efforts of members appointed to committees operating under one of CDF’s three divisions: Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Planning and Property Management.

2013-2014 Executive Committee Mr. Tillmon Calvert Mr. Scott Cochran Mr. Clay Foster Mr. Bryan Hawkins Ms. Blair Hughes

Mr. Guy Mitchell, III Mr. Barry Smith Ms. Jane Spain Mr. Buddy Stubbs Dr. Dick White

2013-2014 Board of Directors Nettie Davis Mike Eaton Clay Foster Chauncey Godwin, Jr. Julianne Goodwin Bryan Hawkins Lisa Hawkins Reed Hillen Frank Hodges Shane Hooper Blair Hughes Trentice Imbler David Irwin Jamie Kennedy Bob Kerley

Jeff King Gearl Loden Neal McCoy Robin McGraw Larry Michael Guy Mitchell Ted Moll Mabel Murphree Mary Pace Jim Pate Aubrey Patterson Darrell Rankin Harry Rayburn Jack Reed, Jr. Scott Reed

Reed’s – Mall at Barnes Crossing Mr. Claude Clayton, III 1001 Barnes Crossing Rd. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 842-5287 www.reedsms.com Retail & Specialty Shops

Mr. Reed Hillen P.O. Box 409 Tupelo, MS 38802 (662) 842-1721 Individuals

2013-2014 Board of Directors

Mike Armour Bernard Bean Jim Beane Roger Bland David Brevard Mark Burleson Bo Calhoun Tillmon Calvert Gary Carnathan Grace Clark Mike Clayborne V.M. Cleveland Scott Cochran Fred Cook David Copenhaver

Oscar’s Wine & Spirits Mr. Oscar Connell 1203 N Gloster St., Ste. D Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 269-2483 www.oscarstupelo.com Liquor & Wine

Goodwin Chiropractic Dr. Erik Goodwin 1444 Cliff Gookin Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 489-5366 www.goodwinchiro.com Chiropractors

Community Development Foundation’s

Mr. Chauncey Godwin, Jr., Chairman Mr. Shane Hooper, First Vice Chairman Ms. Lisa Hawkins, Second Vice Chairman Mr. David Rumbarger, President/Secretary Mr. David Copenhaver, Immediate Past Chairman

MARCH 2014

Eddie Richey Drew Robertson Chris Rogers David Rumbarger Jason Shelton Barry Smith Rex Smith Jane Spain Gary Sparkman Buddy Stubbs Sean Suggs Kiyoshi Tsuchiya Jimmy Weeks Dick White Tollie White

Rumor Chanin Ms. Rhonda Chrestman 108 E Main St., Ste. B Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 812-1500 Interior Design Spring Street Cigars Mr. Dalton Healy 208 N Spring St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 842-6777 Retail & Specialty Shops Stroffolino Wine & Spirits Ms. Ruth Erar 3526 McCullough Blvd.

Belden, MS 38826 (662) 419-9933 Liquor & Wine

ThyssenKrupp Elevator Company Mr. Chip Morris 1650 Shelby Oaks Dr. N, Ste. 6 Memphis, TN 38134 (901) 377-1993 www.thyssenkruppelevator.com Contractors, Construction Companies, & Building Materials Trost und Prost Mr. Mark Fancher 1295B N Eason Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 844-5000 Retail & Specialty Shops Tupelo Endodontics PA Ms. Gina Earwood 210 E Main St., Ste. 2E Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 823-3636 www.tupeloendo.com Dentistry Tupelo Engraving and Specialty Products Mr. Tom Collins 605 W Main St., Ste. 15 Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 842-0574 www.tupeloengraving.com Engraving

2013-2014 Ambassadors Club Don Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mutual of Omaha Jesse Bandre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exceed Technologies Betty Baxter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop's BBQ Grill Belinda Brooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BFAC Merchant Solutions Stephanie Browning . . . . . . Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo/Barnes Crossing Cindy Childs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mall at Barnes Crossing Shirley Curry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crye-Leike, Realtors Sheila Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PPI, Inc. Barbara Doles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trustmark National Bank Demetria Donelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Hannahouse ADC Becki Duffie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Services Romanda Hampton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilton Garden Inn M. O. Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Water Depot of Tupelo Toby Hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelter Insurance Jim Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Dana Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crye-Leike, Realtors Bea Luckett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRI, Inc. Realtors Brad McCully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sportsman Lawn & Landscape Katie McMillan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Staff Source Holley Meriweather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Bank Leigh Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Street Family Dentistry Carolyn Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quality Inn Ricky Orr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renasant Bank Allen Pegues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium Productions Mendy Ramey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renasant Mortgage Lending Torrie Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scruggs Lawn Care/Romie's Grocery Mary Sue Tudor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamar Advertising Lisa Wadley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvan Learning Center Ross Weems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BancorpSouth Stephanie West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best Western Plus Grady Wigginton . . . . . . . . . . Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates June Wigginton . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates

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GREEN METALS

A ribbon cutting was held recently at Green Metals, Inc. (GMI) to celebrate the grand opening of their new facility. GMI specializes in the scrap disposal needs of all its customers while meeting the ecological needs of the environment. GMI is located at 1034 Corolla Ln. in Blue Springs and can be contacted on the web at gmiky.com

TUPELO WATER & LIGHT

State economist indicates improvement in sight State economists and business leaders have a positive outlook for the Mississippi economy. Recent reports focusing on economic trends and forecasts predict a gradual improvement for the state over the next few years.

At the University of Southern Mississippi’s annual Economic Outlook Symposium, state economist Dr. Darrin Webb reported encouraging trends taking place on the national forefront. According to Webb, economic fundamentals, including consumer spending, business investments, and housing, are reportedly sound at the national level going into 2014. Webb believes that will put the state on firm footing going forward.

Both the state and the nation experienced a gradual increase in jobs in 2013. Employment in Mississippi grew 1.7 percent, and Webb

said that's the largest growth rate since 1999.The national average was 1.6 percent.

At January’s State of the State address, Governor Phil Bryant said the unemployment rate has gone from 9.4 percent when he took office to 8.3 percent today. While that is still higher than the national average of 6.6 percent, decreasing percentages are a good thing.

At the annual Legislative Economic Briefing, Webb reported that the state’s largest employer is government. Twenty years ago manufacturing held the top spot in the state, until the North American Free Trade Agreement of the 1990’s caused the state to lose manufacturing jobs in textiles and other industries. According to Webb, government employment in Mississippi has grown from about 200,000 jobs in 1990 to almost 250,000 in 2013, which includes

teachers and employees of local, state and federal agencies.

The increase in government jobs was accompanied by an increase in retail jobs, which grew from about 120,000 in 1990 to about 140,000 in 2013. On the other hand, these increases have been offset by a decrease in the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing jobs in Mississippi declined from approximately 225,000 jobs to about 140,000 during the same period.

Webb also pointed out that Mississippi has seen a 1.8 percent growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and that is expected to pick up to 2.4 percent this year.

All said, there are several bright spots in recent numbers, giving hope that the economy is generating significant forward momentum.

Celebrating the grand opening of its new location at 333 Court St. in Tupelo, a ribbon cutting was held at Tupelo Water & Light. Tupelo Water & Light provides reliable and competitive services to residential customers in order to better manage their utility needs and requirements. Contact Tupelo Water & Light at (662) 8416470.

Interested in starting a business? Let the Renasant Center for IDEAs and the MS Small Business Development Center help you get started.

‘Starting a Business – First Steps’ March 11 1:00pm – 2:30pm

‘How to Develop a Business Plan’ March 20 1:00pm – 2:30pm

‘Disaster Recovery’ March 27 1:00pm – 2:30pm

To register for a workshop or for more information, contact Dana Cawthon at 1-800-725-7232 or (662) 680-6988.

Does your business have exciting news to share?

Contact Mallory Rutledge at mrutledge@cdfms.org or (662) 842-4521 to have it published in CDF’s monthly e-newsletter, Chamber Connection 2.0.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

MARCH 2014

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Mississippi State University Distance Education Helping Improve State’s Workforce

BY DR. STEVE TAYLOR

DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION, MSU

Sheila Davis, sales representative with PPI, was awarded Ambassador of the Month for January. Sheila participated in six of nine CDF ribbon cuttings and events, recruited one new CDF member, and mentored one CDF member.

Congratulations, Sheila!

MARCH 2014

A company must have a workforce that is both well trained and well educated in order to succeed in the today’s highly competitive business world. Training helps employees perform better in their current jobs, but a college education makes them better able to handle today’s diverse and increasingly complex work environment. Unfortunately, for most employees the idea of giving up their jobs, uprooting their families, and moving to a college town is out of the question. Fortunately, in our technologically driven world college can come to the student instead of the other way around.

This is exactly what Mississippi State University (MSU) is doing.

MSU is making it easier than ever for Mississippians who don’t live near a university or can’t take time off from their jobs to earn a 4-year college degree. The University offers 24 fully online undergraduate and graduate academic degrees, and six online certificate programs. These programs serve pri-

marily non-traditional students-adults working full-time. And while distance students are always welcome to come to campus, usually they can earn the degree without ever leaving their home community.

An MSU degree offered by distance carries the same accreditation as do campus degrees. The prestigious organizations that accredit MSU require online and face-to-face courses to be equally rigorous, and almost all are taught by the same MSU faculty members who teach on campus. So while the format is different, the content and rigor of the programs are identical.

Just because they are at a distance doesn’t mean distance students are at a disadvantage. These students receive hands-on assistance from the Center for Distance Education throughout their academic career. Most distance students are working adults who don’t have time to find answers to their questions. If the coordinators at the Center can’t answer those questions, they’ll put the student in touch with the people

who can. At all times the emphasis is on quality customer service to ensure all distance students receive the support they need to succeed.

Distance students also have the opportunity to complete a free online student orientation that introduces them to their departments, the University, and to the array of support services that are available to them. The MSU Library even has a librarian whose sole job is to assist distance students. Because they are Mississippi State students, distance students can get an official MSU identification card at no cost.

Obtaining a college education can be expensive, but MSU is an affordable option. Distance students have access to the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as main campus students. Just like main campus students who served in the military, distance students who are veterans are afforded the full range of services and assistance offered by the MSU Center for America’s Veterans.

Certainly having a college de-

gree benefits the individual in terms of higher income. But the employer also benefits by having a more productive and flexible workforce. In fact, distance education can be an excellent economic development tool for our state.

Less than 19% of Mississippi’s citizens have a 4-year college degree.

Given the never-ending change and complexity of 21st century jobs, such a low percentage simply isn’t acceptable. Yet some employers are reluctant to provide educational opportunities to their workforce. They say that, “If I help an employee become better educated, they’ll leave.” But as people involved in Mississippi’s workforce development have countered, “Suppose they don’t get educated and they stay?” Think about it – will your company be better off with an educated or uneducated workforce? Today, higher education, just like skills training, is a workforce development issue.

For more information, visit distance.msstate.edu or call tollfree at 1.844.362.3706. A“live chat” is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For All Your Industrial Recycling Needs!

At Tupelo Recycling, we serve a diverse list of clients – ranging from small grocery stores to Fortune 500 Companies.

CONTACT US TODAY To See How We Can Help You with All Your Recycling Needs!

We gladly accept cardboard, plastics, newspaper and magazines from the public.

669 WESTMORELAND DRIVE / TUPELO / 662-407-0708

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ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: REFRESH YOUR BUSINESS APPEARANCE

SOUTHERN ROOTS

COMMERICAL & RESIDENTIAL PAVEMENT SEALING & STRIPING 662.567.8100

· · · ·

ASPHALT SEAL COATING PATCHING CRACK FILLING PARKING LOT STRIPING

ATTENTION HOME OWNERS: BEAUTIFY THE WELCOME MAT OF YOUR HOME

Let Us Cater Your Next Event.

Southern Roots Boutique recently held a ribbon cutting. Located at 1135 W Main St. in Tupelo, Southern Roots Boutique offers contemporary regular and plus size women’s clothing. Southern Roots is open Tuesday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and can be contacted at (662) 269-2260, online at shopsouthernrootsboutique.com, and on Facebook.

A division of BBQ by Jim

SPRING STREET CIGARS

furniture market • office lunches onsite breakfast meetings • annual staff events charity fundraisers • reunions wedding receptions • rehearsal dinners

662-840-8800 • bbqbyjim.com Tupelo, Mississippi

Spring Street Cigars held a ribbon cutting in celebration of its grand opening at 208 N Spring St. in Tupelo. Tupelo’s new premium cigar shop boasts a walk in humidor featuring brands such as Ashton, Padron, Rocky Patel, La Flor Dominicana, and more.

Contact Spring Street Cigars at (662) 842-6777 or on Facebook or Twitter.

TUPELO AQUATICS

Join us for

New Member Networking New CDF members and new employees of current CDF members are invited to attend.

Tuesday, March 18

Bring your business cards 4:00 p.m. and co-workers, and come network with other new CDF 398 E Main St. II CDF Center members. Each member CDF Boardroom in attendance will have the opportunity to give This event is free for CDF members • Registration required at cdfms.org/events For more information, contact Emily Addison at (662) 842-4521. a 20-second introduction.

JBHM Architecture Will Lewis, AIA, Principal 105 Court St, Tupelo www.jbhm.com

JBHM

Architecture

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

MARCH 2014

CHAMBER CONNECTION

ABOUT THE SOUTH

In celebration of its new downtown location, About the South held a ribbon cutting. About the South is a gifts & interiors shop offering products made by Southern vendors and is now located at 120 W Main St. in Tupelo. Contact About the South at (662) 844-2689, online at aboutthesouth.net, or on Facebook.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Business Roundtable Wednesday, March 26 4:00 p.m.

398 E Main St. CDF Boardroom CDF Center February’s Business After Hours event was recently held at Carlock Toyota of Tupelo. Over 90 business professionals enjoyed networking, refreshments, and musical entertainment.

For more information or to appear on the agenda, contact Karen Geddie at (662) 842-4521 or kgeddie@cdfms.org.

Battling Social Media Fatigue Using Content Marketing to Turn Friends and Fans into Customers

Speaker: Hilary Hamblin

Advertising and Marketing Consultant, Momentum Consulting

Lunch provided.

Registration required.

Space is limited.

Register online at cdfms.org/events

Wednesday, March 12 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

398 E Main St. II CDF Center CDF Boardroom $10 for members • $20 for non-members

MARCH 2014

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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MARCH 2014

PAGE 13

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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PAGE 14 MARCH 2014

PAGE 15 Enjoy true Southern grace, charm & hospitality while visiting these Bed & Breakfast Establishments...

BRIGADOON FARM RETREAT COUNTRY GOOSE INN

MEADOW VIEW FARM

COURT SQUARE INN We have three luxury suites on the second floor of our recently renovated building located on the Courthouse Square in the National Historic District of Holly Springs.

RELAX · RECONNECT · REJUVENATE

Brigadoon Farm is a mini resort, with a country inn, having 9 rooms, beds for small group functions to accommodate 2-20 guests. We have a small petting zoo, fishing lake, a hot tub at the Country Goose & a picnic grounds.

Inn & food services are provided for group functions, both day trips or overnight.

We can accommodate family reunions, business or church meetings, or just provide a nice getaway.

Completely renovated farm house on 8 rural acres. Butterfly & Hummingbird gardens surround the house.

Stocked pond for leisure fishing. Each cottage style guest room has private entrance & private luxury bath. A full breakfast made from whole natural ingredients is served in the “Morning Room” which has views that overlook the front meadow, or you may enjoy in the privacy of your room.

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE 10% OFF A RELAXATION PACKAGE!

350 HWY 305 · OLIVE BRANCH, MS | 38654 662.895.3098

3501 HWY 305 SOUTH · HERNANDO, MS | 38632 1.901.289.4677

132 EAST COLLEGE AVENUE · HOLLY SPRINGS, MS | 38635 662.252.3686 OR TOLL FREE AT 1.800.926.3686

THE 5 TWELVE

THE OLD PLACE

THE CARTNEY-HUNT HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST

HOLLYSPRINGSINN.COM

The 5 Twelve Bed & Breakfast is tucked away between the Oxford Square and the Ole Miss campus. Formerly OliverBritt House, the 5 Twelve offers the quaint architecture of the old South.

Once you step inside you will be greeted by a world where Southern charm meets modern comfort and elegance.

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE THE OLD PLACE. A perfect country setting with cozy furnishings and tranquil environment. Step back in time and experience this American craftsman/bungalow-style tastefully restored farmhouse.

Owners Jimmy & Theresa Glenn

the512oxford.com

cartney-hunthouse.com

theoldplacebandb.com

408 SEVENTH STREET SOUTH · COLUMBUS, MS | 39703 662.244.7232

512 VAN BUREN AVENUE · OXFORD, MS | 38655 662.234.8043

60036 COUNTY BARN ROAD · AMORY, MS | 38821 662.256.4707

MOON LAKE FARM & BED & BREAKFAST A quiet, relaxing lake house setting awaits guests just 12 minutes from downtown Tupelo, 10 minutes from the Natchez Trace, and 5 minutes off Highway 78. Unwind and enjoy your stay while you fish off the pier, visit down at the barn, or just sip on a cup of coffee, while bird watching, and enjoy the peace and quiet. Guests will enjoy any of our 5 guest rooms, each with outside entrances on to the decks overlooking the lakes and pastures. A delicious breakfast will be served at your leisure. Horse stalls and RV hookups are available for those traveling with horses.

Conveniently located near the Tanglefoot Trail, Oxford and Memphis.

3130 ENDVILLE ROAD · BELDEN, MS | 38826 662.420.1423

· INNKEEPERS · MICHAEL & JOANN CUNNINGHAM WWW.MOONLAKEFARM.COM

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

Business Directory Apartments Homes

Bank

Automotive Commercial Vehicles

Barley Court Apartments Accepting applications for 1, 2, 3, & 4 bedroom Affordable Housing

840 Barley Court • Tupelo, MS 38801

662-566-2553

Bank Of Okolona

Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET

M-F 9am - 12pm • 1 pm - 5 pm Office Manager: Melissa Phelps

1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611

Apartments Homes

Automotive Commercial Vehicles

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes

for your commercial vehicle needs!

1608 S. GLOSTER TUPELO

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

Carey Wilson Manager

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

THE FAST LANE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

www.GrandOleOaks.com

CALL JIM BROWN 662.231.2392

Apartments Homes

Automotive Services

HILLDALE APARTMENTS

Body Repair • Auto Glass •Insurance Claims

Now Accepting Applicants These units are subsidized through HUD and are based on income.

320 Monument #106 • Tupelo, MS Office Hours: M-F 9am-5pm 842-4267 or TTY711 or 1-800-582-2233 for the hearing impaired

(662) 447-5403

(662) 456-3347

Bank of Mantee 54 1st Street Mantee, Mississippi

(662) 456-5341

www.bankofokolona.com

Bank

Your 5-Star, A Rated Bank

by Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings

111 Grand Ole Oaks Drive Belden, MS 38826

for 1,2,3,4 bedroom apartments.

Okolona Houston Banking Center P.O. Box 306 321 W. Madison St. Okolona, Mississippi 38860 Houston, Mississippi

We take care of your money.

We take care of you.

Bank

Ratliff Body and Glass 365-8245

Call Robin Barnett today!

662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

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

Apartments Homes

Automotive Services

Cleaning Services

RICK’S CHASSIS WORKS Foreign - Domestic

Apartment Homes

• Insurance Claims Welcome • Free Estimates • Body & Paint Repair

1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Ask about our Military & Law Enforcement Discount

Call 662-891-5000

3260 Hwy 145 N. • Tupelo, MS 38804

“We Specialize in Frame Work”

Appraisals & Realty

DILLARD RICHARDSON Realty & Appraisals

844-0260

Advertising

Tupelo Lending Office

To Advertise in this spot call Classified Sales at

662-842-2622

Jamie Osbirn Ron Roper Leslie Stacy

email rdillardrealty@bellsouth.net Veterans Blvd. just north of Highway 78 www.dillardrichardson.com

662.844.3419

State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser ~ MS License #RA-830 Member

FDIC

Janie Wilkerson 662.871.7406 janiewilke@comcast.net facebook.com/janiewofalltrades

Bank 431 W Main Suite 201

1359 CR 811 Saltillo, MS 38866

Bus. (662) 842-6531 Cell (662) 231-2784 Fax (662) 841-1104

“Appraising Properties Since 1997”

1875 Nelle St. Tupelo, MS

Cleaning, Organization, Special Jobs, Flower Garden Planting & Maintenance Painted Furniture - Custom Work

fanb.net

Equal Housing

LENDER

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Business Directory Bath Remodeling

Boats & ATV’s

Blinds Bath Remodeling Shower Remodeling Tub-To-Shower Conversion Bathroom Accessories Handicap Accessible

Amory Marine Sales

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE

www.bathfitter.com Give Us One Day… We’ll Give You A Beautiful New Bathroom!

• Bayliner Boats • Crestliner Boats • Yamaha Motorcycles & ATV’s • Honda Power Equipment

Licensed And Insured

662-205-8548

662-256-5656

2015 McCullough Blvd. • Tupelo, MS 38801

We Service What We Sell

Building Supplies Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Chiropractic

IN PAIN? HERNDON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

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

662-256-9721

Collision Repair

We take care of all types of back injuries including Work & Car Accidents!

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

New Patients Welcome Most Insurances Accepted

2087 Cliff Gookin Blvd. • Tupelo, MS

1187 North 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS 38824

842-8413

Dr. Ron Herndon

Commercial Cleaning Services

24 Hour Wrecker Service

◆ Junior Burns - Cell 662-728-0524 ◆ David Denson - Cell 662-416-5591 100 W. Veterans Drive • Booneville, MS 38829

Phone 662-728-4459 • Fax (662) 728-4150

Concrete

Commercial Plumbing

RH PLUMBING, INC. 224 Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652

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

662-534-4448

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305 Event Venue

Engineering

Employment Opportunities

DABBS ENGINEERING CO., INC.

Tupelo, MS

Land Surveyors ■ ■

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

Great Employment Opportunities

Building Supplies

Boundary ■ Topo ■ Alta Construction Layout ■ Subdivisions

Engineers ■

Civil

■

Environmental-Testing

■

Geotechnical

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

Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring

Lumbe ville e n o o r B Company

"For all your hardware needs"

JOURNAL PUBLISHING COMPANY ONLINE

INTERACTIVE

TERESA HARRIS Classified Advertising Consultant teresa.harris@journalinc.com

2300 E. Chambers Dr. • Booneville • 728-0094 403 Church St. • Booneville • 728-0032

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

PRINT

Full Line of Lumber, Hardware, Plumbing and Electrical Supplies Booneville Hardware & Supply

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

903 Varsity Dr. Tupelo, MS

Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5pm

Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring

PO Box 909 Tupelo, MS | 38802-0909 1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804

Phone 662.678.1530 or 1800.270.2614 ext.530 Fax 662.620.8301

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

Business Directory Foundation Repair & Problem Flooring

All

Home Improvement

Livestock

types of floor and slab footing problems.

• Concrete Bell Bottom Pier System • Helical Steel Pier System • Conventional Flooring Leveling • Sill, Joist and Beam Repairs • Totally Rebuild Floor Foundation • Wood Floor Deterioration mold, mildew, fungi, dry rot, brown rot - wet rot • Specializing in Bathroom Repair • Moisture Proofing Airvents - improper ventilation & additional foundation vents Force Air Blower fans, (increase circulation)

WE GE

ICE T THE BEST PR Owner, Ron Herndon

Roger Rakestraw

1-877-288-7395 662-534-6698

(662) 963-2825

rafcomhs@gmail.com

Furniture

Windows, Doors, Tubs, Skirting, Fixtures, and More!!

Installation available!!!

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

Locksmith

Insulation

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

NEW & USED SAFES We’ve got all your

home furnishings at affordable prices.

662-489-1176

Member of the QCN Network. Saving You Money And Making You More Comfortable For Over 38 Years Residential & Commercial Insulation, Installation Blown-In Attic Insulation - Blown-in Wall Insulation - Batting www.nsul8or@att.net www.nsul8or.com

662-844-1306

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

3166 West Jackson, Tupelo, MS

Gifts

Insurance

Okolona Drug Co.

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

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

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

Medical

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

We Accept All Medicare Part D Plans Gifts & Fenton Glass Tyler Candles Aromatique Arthur Court Lenox & Gorham China

(662) 842-7720

Hancock Insurance Agency

Complete Prescription Service

• • • • •

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

Scott Hancock

Allen Hancock

662-534-2661

Monthly Rates Available

720 W . Bankhead St. New Albany

Kennels

Glass & Overhead Doors

Medical

, PA

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

24 Hour Emergency Service

Comprehensive Medical Care For Your Family or Business

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

662-844-4540

“Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations”

711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS

“Experience Is The Difference”

FAX:662-620-7754

Appointments & Walk-Ins Welcome

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

Landscaping

Healthcare Serving Lee, Chickasaw, Monroe, Pontotoc, Union, Calhoun, Itawamba, & Lafayette Counties.

SCRUGGS

LAWN

CARE

LANDSCAPING IRRIGATION FREE ESTIMATES REASONABLE RATES

Call 601-427-5973 Between 8am - 1pm

397-6486

1154 Cross Creek Dr. (Next to Home Depot)

840-8010

Lee Wallace, CFNP David W. Bell, MD Leigh Ann Weatherly, CFNP

Medical

FRIENDSHIP MEDICAL CLINIC, LLC. Walk-Ins Welcome

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00 pm

5482 Hwy 15 N. • Ecru, MS 38841

662-488-8799

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Business Directory Advertising

To Advertise in this spot Call Classified Sales at 662-842-2622

Real Estate

Restaurant

Thinking of Selling Your Home or Property?

We Have Six Full-Time Agents Pontotoc Ridge Realty, Ltd. Who Call MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES OFFICE Pontotoc Home. ISEACH INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

• Pizza Spaghetti • Salad Bar • Sandwich • Pasta Special Every Thursday

Call Us Today 662-489-2848

Moving

365-7059

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

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

Real Estate

Roofing

Residential Rentals Call for a Free Estimate

W

Bronzie Morgan Relocation Specialist

662-842-1120

HE

EL

ER

RO

INC.

OF

ING

“A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates

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

renttupelo.com Call 662.844.2772 • Hoyet & Helen Pitts

411 CLARK ST. ❖ TUPELO ❖ 844-4481

Office Furniture

Restaurant

Storage Building

LICENSED & INSURED

Mooreville

30,000 SQUARE FT. WAREHOUSE QUALITY PREOWNED OFFICE FURNITURE

277 Community Dr. • Tupelo • 662.871.0568 www.whittingtonofficefurniture.com

Paint

BAIT SHOP

LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS

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

Minnows Available Live Bait, Tackle, Rod & Reels

397-2907 662-680-6916

Restaurant

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.

at

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

Printing

arber Printing, Inc.

• 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

ADVANCED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FACILITY

Restaurant

Uniforms

Party Trays for all Occasions!

Keeping Professional People Looking Professional

PRINTING • GRAPHIC DESIGN • SIGNS BANNERS • BLACK & WHITE/COLOR COPIES 811 A Varsity Dr. • Tupelo, MS • 662.841.1584 8am - 4:30pm • goodimpressions@barberprinting.com

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

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

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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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2014

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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