Business Journal 20150102

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

Williams Transfer & Storage marks 75 years Page 2

January 2015

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 2015

Diamond dealings

Williams Transfer & Storage marks 75 years in business

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – If it can be boxed, crated or shipped, Williams Transfer & Storage can handle the job.

The company, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in November is an agent for United Van Lines.

The family owned company, led by James Williams and his brother, Mike, will go anywhere a customer needs to go.

And by “anywhere,” it means just that, whether it’s in the state, out of state or even out of the country.

“We’ve been to all 50 states,” said Mike. “We’ve also been to Japan, Germany, Canada and even Hong Kong. ... wherever people need to go, we’ll go.”

Or course, the distinctive white and yellow United trucks bearing the Williams name in blue don’t cross overseas, but the contents are loaded into containers and sent via freighter.

“It’s more expensive, but if the customer is willing to pay for it, we’ll do it,” James said.

ONE TRUCK

The company was founded by James’ and Mike’s father, John R. Williams.

He worked at a service station on Main Street in Tupelo and helped the owner deliver. Later, Williams worked with B.C. Kennedy, and they started with a moving van. Their company, K&W, was formed prior to World War II, and Williams later went off on his own.

In 1939, Williams founded his own moving company. Ten years later, Williams joined

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Albert Chaves, above, loads a truck for a recent move. On the cover: Mike and James Williams.

American Red Ball as an agent.

The company became an agent for United in 1995.

It’s been a successful partnership through the years, as Williams has nabbed several of United’s President’s Award, which recognizes the company’s most successful performers.

Even though Williams Transfer & Storage has its roots deep in Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi, much of its business is done outside of the state.

“But we’ve moved a lot of people with a lot of companies over the years to Tupelo and the area,” James said. “Cooper Tire, Tecumseh, FMC, Toyota – and we still do a lot of that.”

FAMILY TIES

In 1958, James, the oldest son of John R. Williams, joined the company. Mike joined in 1973.

In addition, James’ son, Jeff, also works in the company.

Over the years, Williams Transfer & Storage has grown from one truck and one employee to 56 vehicles and 49 full-time employees.

Many have been with the company for years, forming a dedicated core group of workers that the Williamses consider a family as well.

“We’ve been lucky,” Mike said. “All of our drivers and loaders have been here a long time. And we have some customers who ask for some of

them specifically... they do a vey good job and they always take care of the customer.”

Williams also has a distribution and logistics division, which handles distribution services, warehousing, freight transportation, inventory control, cross-docking and thirdparty warehouse management.

JUST ANOTHER MOVE

It’s not uncommon for Williams Transfer & Storage to move a customer more than once. One loyal customer who moved to Colorado years ago recently was moved again by Wiiliams.

That customer also referred a Colorado banker friend to use

Williams as his mover. Until the move, neither Williams or the banker had met. The agreement was made over the phone, sight unseen.

That’s a testament to the trust, confidence and loyalty customers place in Williams.

“We get a lot of repeat business and referrals,” James said.

Williams Transfer & Storage has worked with company executives and average citizens, but a few celebrities also have used its services.

When actress Joan Crawford visited in the 1960s, it was a Williams delivery truck that carried her luggage. Fast forward a few decades, and it was Williams that helped move a famous author.

Mike said several Williams employees were sent to Oxford a few years ago to help pack and load a truck for the author, who was moving to Charlottesville, Virginia.

The workers didn’t pay much attention to who they were moving, but by the time they got to Virginia, they quickly found out. It was none other than John Grisham, who sent back autographed books with them.

“They said, ‘why didn’t you tell us who it was?’” Mike said with a laugh.

The famous and not-so-famous have used and appreciated Williams Transfer & Storage over the years, and the business is forging ahead to another 75 years of success.

“It all comes down to taking care of your customer,” James said. “The rest takes care of itself.” dennis.seid@journalinc.com

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Robbins Oil has played vital downtown role

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – At Papa V’s on the corner of Main and Elizabeth Streets, brothers John W. and Ben Robbins can look across the street at the Renasant Center for IDEAs business incubator and see history.

It was there in 1938 that their grandfather,Vardaman Robbins, founded the company as a Sinclair distributorship.

Seventy-six years later, Robbins Oil still sells and distributes petroleum products, but it has also branched out into other ventures, like its three Papa V’s convenience stores. This spring, it will open its first full-service restaurant, a Mugshots Grill and Bar, in downtown Tupelo.

The family business was moved to South Gloster Street in the mid-1960s, and in the early 1970s, the oil company became a Phillips 66 distributor and located to Verona.

Vardaman Robbins was called “Papa” by the family, and he and his wife, Elsie, had three sons – James, Joe and John.The latter is the father of JohnW. and Ben. “All his customers called him Mr.V,” said JohnW. of his grandfather.

The company that Vardaman Robbins founded was named V. Robbins & Sons and later incorporated as Robbins Brothers Inc. In 1992, the oil company got into the retail market, and opened its first convenience store five years later in Verona.

“That store is where my grandfather’s house was,” John said.“That was the first PapaV’s.”

John and Ben named the retail store PapaV’s to honor their grandfather, and in 2009, the Papa V’s at Main and Elizabeth opened. A third store is located on Cliff Gookin Boulevard inTupelo.

The Papa V’s on Main Street is the flagship location and serves as the headquarters of the retail operations.

And it’s no accident that the location was chosen. Not only does it hold historical significance, it also was the last open parcel of land available for sale at the time.

“We couldn’t build within the official Fairpark District, but we’re outside it,” John

said.“It took about five years for it to come together, but we started talking about building in 2004.”

JohnW. also played a large role in how the store came into existence.

He had been at a Boy Scouts meeting at a downtown church, and afterward was looking for a place to buy a bottle of water.

“There really wasn’t anything nearby – you had to go to Crosstown basically,” he said.“I just wanted a bottle of water, but I really couldn’t find one between Crosstown and east Tupelo.

But the Robbins brothers saw more than just a convenience store. They also saw a place that could provide hot food, seating and some office space. Thus, Papa V’s was born in downtown Tupelo.

DOWNTOWN RESURGENCE

Another reason to locate in downtown was the plans to revitalize the area. During the past 25 years, new shops, restaurants and services have opened.

Apartments and homes have been added as well.

The Robbins brothers could see the future, and knew an amenity filled store would draw plenty of traffic.

“We wanted to be a part of what was going on downtown and to help contribute to its growth,” John W. said.

Mugshots, the restaurant chain that started in Hattiesburg, also caught his attention not long after the idea of building a new Papa V’s store. After talking to the company’s founders, the Robbins brothers decided Tupelo would be an ideal location for a Mugshots.

After a couple of years of stops and starts, ground was broken on the site this fall, and the restaurant is expected to open in April.

It’s located just west of the Renasant Center and faces Main Street.

“It’s going to be one of the biggest Mugshots around, seating 210 people,” John W/said.

GENERATIONAL CUSTOMERS

John W. and Ben represent the third generation of the family running the business, and the brothers

Ben and John W. Robbins are the third generation of the family business.

THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

still have customers their grandfather served.

Said Ben, “There are customers before John and I were ever born that we still have. We’ve had loyal customers, we have third-generation customers” “It’s the relationship with the customers,” John said.

“This business was built on relationships, and we plan to continue that, in every aspect of the company.” dennis.seid@journalinc.com

Business Journal THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF JOURNAL PUBLISHING AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 2015

BUSINESS JOURNAL

Cautious optimism still for the economy

A

fter a glowing goes up must come down.

GDP report for the And there’s still the conthird quarter, flict in the Middle East and along with ebola in Africa that present cheaper gas and employglobal challenge. ment gains, the U.S. econFor small business ownomy seems to be in good ers, their focus is on how the shape.

Affordable Care Act will imThe 5 percent growth pact their businesses. Also, DENNIS during the July-September the push for a higher miniperiod was the strongest of mum wage is another conSEID any quarter in 11 years. cern.

The stock market hit a The ACA, otherwise record. Overall inflation is known as Obamacare, has low. mandated benefits that have been a Recession? What recession? major factor in driving up health inBut while the U.S. economy apsurance premiums. pears to be firmly back on track, the Many small businesses that offer rest of the world is trying its best not health benefits may not be doing so to derail. soon.

Japan is back in recession, and the About a third of small businesses economic growth of the 18 countries likely will eliminate health benefits. comprising the eurozone is flat.

Obamacare requires companies China – the world’s second-largest with 100 or more full-time workers economy, and closing fast on the to offer “affordable” coverage or pay U.S. – has seen its growth drop to a a fine. Starting in 2016, companies five-year low of 7.3 percent. Those with 50 to 99 workers will be subject heady double-digit growth rates of to the act. Smaller businesses will rethe past are all but over for the Mid- main exempt. dle Kingdom.

Data from Mercer shows that inThen there’s Russia, which has surance costs for small companies seen its currency, the ruble, hamjumped 20 percent from 2010 to mered by economic sanctions and 2014, compared with 15 percent for falling oil prices. companies with more than 500 emCloser to home, Northeast Missis- ployees. sippi in November recorded the lowSo, while the economy is improvest monthly unemployment rate ing and consumer confidence is up, since April 2008. Despite some busi- small businesses still feel a bit under ness closings and downsizing, the the gun. region has seen new and existing Small businesses generate the businesses add jobs during the year. bulk of the jobs, and it will be interIn Lee County, the economic hub esting to see if “affordable” healthof the region, 965 jobs were created care becomes an unaffordable in the past year, with some $230 mil- expense – and job growth becomes lion in capital investment. a casualty.

But even with all the good news, Good intentions backed by bad there is still a level of discomfort. legislation is never a good idea.

While our 401(k) plans and retire- Maybe the improving economy can ment portfolios haven’t looked this overcome it. good in a while, not everyone is ready to declare victory.

Contact DENNIS SEID at (662) 678-1578 As the saying goes, everything that or dennis.seid@journalinc.com.

JANUARY 2015

T&L Specialty finds niche

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – What began as a small industrial cleaning company in the All-America City has blossomed into an integrated chemical process company with global reach.

Its name, T & L Specialty Company, doesn’t reveal much, but company president Tim Overton – the “T” in the business – said calling it simply a chemical company wasn’t quite right either.

“We do specialize in what we do, so T&L Specialty works,” he said.

T&L manufactures and sells cleaning agents, coolants, rust preventatives, metal-forming lubricants, paint stripping and other products for a variety of manufacturing concerns.

Tim’s sister, Lisa, is the company’s marketing manager and is the other half of the business’s name.

And it was their father, Cecil, who founded T&L Speciality in 1983, years after moving to the city.

“I was working with another company in Birmingham, and I was sent toTupelo to survey the businesses,” he said. “It was good enough that he wanted to build a plant, and he wanted me to run it.”

Cecil Overton oversaw the paint thinner plant for 13 years.

His boss wanted him to move to Nashville, but Overton’s family was comfortably settled in Tupelo.

So he left the company and began selling industrial cleaners. He was blending, selling and distributing the cleaner himself the first three years. Tim and Lisa, meanwhile, also learned a little about the business as well, working with their father during school breaks and summer.

“I was happy and cheerful

LAUREN WOOD | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Tim Overton, Lisa Robinson and Cecil Overton lead T&L Specialty Company about it,” Lisa said with a laugh.

“Tim, not so much.”

The company didn’t take long to get on its feet. It soon outgrew its original 800-square-foot space. Over the years, it has expanded three times and now occupies some 60,000 square feet on Airpark Road. There is room – and there are plans – to expand.

With the heavy manufacturing presence in Northeast Mississippi,T&L Specialty found an ideal customer base. But its reach goes far beyond the region. T&L Specialty also serves clients throughout the South, across the country and even in China and India.

“One of our very best customers is in India,” Cecil said.“It started with a email several years ago, and the first order was four barrels. ... now we ship him by containers.”

T&L Specialty’s customers cover a wide range, from automotive suppliers to heavy equipment manufacturers to everything in-between.

“We make industrial chemicals, and we can sell to just about any manufacturer that has a need for cleaning,” Cecil said. “Originally it was made for metal fabrication, but now it’s

for any manufacturer.”

T&L Specialty further diversified its operations in 1992, creating a division that does paint stripping, de-rusting and cleaning of equipment for customers.

And the company also has its own custom shop and chemistry lab to ensure it can meet customers’ special requests and demands.

To raise the company’s profile,"we’re going to be making a big push on our branding,” Tim said.

As part of that initiative, the company will be using a new slogan, “Innovation through technology and chemistry.”

T&L’s current customers know this, but it’s new customers the company is seeking.

And the company’s approach will never change, Cecil said.

“We always want to take care of our customers because they’ve taken care of us,” he said.

“We still have customers from day one, and that was 31 years ago.”

Said Tim, “It’s all about relationships with our customers.

And it’s also why we work so well together, too. We all know each other.”

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dennis.seid@journalinc.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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JANUARY 2015

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PAGE 6 JANUARY 2015

ChamberConnection A publication of Journal Publishing and the CDF Chamber Division – January 2015

2015 Outlook Symposium illustrates political landscape The 2015 Outlook Symposium is set for Wednesday, January 28 at the BancorpSouth Conference Center in Tupelo. The event offers an entertaining and insightful look at issues, trends and the political landscape for the upcoming year. The free event begins at 3:00 p.m. followed by a cocktail reception at 4:30 p.m.

This year, Pulitzer Prize winner and journalist George Will will deliver the event’s keynote address followed by a special Q&A session, moderated by Charles Overby, former chairman of the Freedom Forum, Newseum and Diversity Institute.

George Will writes a twiceweekly column on politics and domestic and foreign affairs. He began his column with The Post in 1974, and he received the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1977. He is also a contributor to FOX News’ daytime and primetime programming. His books include: “One Man’s America: The Pleasures and Provocations of Our Singular

Nation ” (2008), “Restoration: Congress, Term Limits and the Recovery of Del i b e ra t i ve Democracy” (1992), “Men at Overby Work: The Craft of Baseball” (1989), “The New Season: A Spectator’s Guide to the 1988 Election” (1987) and “Statecraft as Soulcraft” (1983).

Will attended Trinity College and Oxford University and received a Ph.D. from Princeton.

Charles Overby served as Chief Executive Officer of the Freedom Forum, a non-partisan foundation educating the public about the Press and the First Amendment. Before joining the Freedom Forum, Overby was a reporter and editor for 17 years. As a reporter, he covered Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, the White House and presidential campaigns for Gannett Co., the nation’s largest newspaper company. He was

CEO of the Newseum from 1997 to 2011 and supervised the building of the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue in WashWill ington, D.C. He also was CEO of the Diversity Institute from its beginning in 2001, a journalism school aimed at increasing diversity in newsrooms. Overby has traveled to six continents speaking about media issues and promoting First Amendment freedoms.

The 2015 Outlook Sympsosium sponsors include Bancorpsouth; BNA Bank; CB&S Bank; Community Bank;Community Development Foundation; First American National Bank; Hardy Reed, LLC; Journal, Inc.; The Mize Foundation; Regions Bank; Renasant Bank and Trustmark National Bank.

For more information, contact CDF at (662) 842-4521.

OptimComfort, Inc. locating manufacturing operations in Plantersville

OptimComfort, Inc., a medical furniture design and manufacturing company, announced it is locating its manufacturing operations in Plantersville. The company will locate in the 27,000-square-foot facility formerly occupied by J. Ivy Industries. The project represents a $500,000 corporate investment and will create 70 jobs over the next three years. OptimComfort co-owners Judith DeShong and Angela Howard are pictured with the OptimComfort lift chairs designed for people affected by musculoskeletal and neurological impairments.

OptimComfort, Inc., medical furniture design and manufacturing company, is locating manufacturing operations in Plantersville. The company will locate in the 27,000-squarefoot facility formerly occupied by J. Ivy Industries. The project represents a $500,000 corporate investment and will create 70 jobs over the next three years.

OptimComfort’s Hybrid lift chair is designed for individuals affected by musculoskeletal and neurological impairments. The company currently has a showroom in Tupelo. Prior to OptimComfort officials’ decision to locate a manufacturing operations in Plantersville, they outsourced the operations to contractors.

“I appreciate the OptimComfort team for choosing to locate the manufacturing of its innovative medical lift chairs in Lee County and for creating 70 new job opportunities for the area’s workforce,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “The company could have located these operations out of state, and the fact they selected to locate in an existing facility in Plantersville serves as a testament to the strong business climate and workforce found in Mississippi. I wish

the company many years of continued success.”

“OptimComfort could have chosen to do business anywhere in the country, and in fact, was recruited to, but they have put their trust in the people of Plantersville and Lee County. This decision is a testament to our quality workforce and I commend Optim for their investment in our community,” said Lee County Board of Supervisors President Darrell Rankin.

“My business partner Judith DeShong and I are committed to designing furniture that significantly improves the quality of life for physically challenged individuals and their caregivers. Our lift chairs not only maintain those individuals’ integrity, they are designed to ensure maximum comfort and support,” said OptimComfort President Angela Howard.

“We are proud to begin manufacturing our furniture in Lee County and are grateful for the opportunity to employ 70 individuals from the town of Plantersville and the surrounding areas.”

“Congratulations to the entire Turn to OptimComfort, 12

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A CDF

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Business Boxed Lunch & Learn Wednesday, January 14 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Interview Techniques for Employers Presented by: Katie McMillan, Key Staff Source Camellia Home Health & Hospice Ribbon Cutting Thursday, January 15 12 noon 499 Gloster Creek Vlg., Ste. I-7 Event Rentals Ribbon Cutting Tuesday, January 20 11 a.m.

308 Hwy 15 N, Pontotoc

Handyman McMahan Mr. Jeremy McMahan 3353 Jeff Homan Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 871-5448 Contractors, Construction Companies, & Building Materials

CDF Calendar of Events Wake Up! Tupelo/Lee County Friday, February 6 7 – 8:30 a.m.

Elvis Presley Birthplace Event Center Guest Speaker: Motohiko Kato, Consul-General of Japan

Children’s of Mississippi Ribbon Cutting Wednesday, January 21 1 p.m.

240 Service Dr., Bldg. 2, Ste. D Business Roundtable Wednesday, January 21 4 p.m.

CDF Boardroom

Business After Hours Thursday, February 12 5 – 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by: Community Bank 1317 N Gloster St.

2015 Outlook Symposium Wednesday, January 28 3 p.m.

BancorpSouth Conference Center Featuring Political Analyst George Will and Journalist Charles Overby

Health Help Mississippi (Hernando) Mr. Jerry Lee 2560 Hwy 51 S Hernando, MS 38632 (662) 298-0136 www.healthhelpms.org Health Care

Business Boxed Lunch & Learn Wednesday, February 18 Excel Presented by: Cole McCarty, Trustmark National Bank

New CDF Members Hometown Healthcare Ms. Kim Kilgore 797 S Gloster St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 840-5202 www.hometownhealthcarems.com Health Care

Community Development Foundation’s 2014-2015 Board of Directors 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.

2014-2015 Executive Committee Mr. Chauncey Godwin, Jr., Chairman Ms. Lisa Hawkins, First Vice Chairman Mr. Barry Smith, Second Vice Chairman Mr. David Rumbarger, President/Secretary Mr. David Copenhaver, Immediate Past Chairman

Mr. Tillmon Calvert Mr. B.J. Canup Mr. Scott Cochran Mr. Clay Foster Ms. Julianne Goodwin Mr. Bryan Hawkins

Mr. Jerry Maxcy Mr. Guy Mitchell, III Dr. Dick White Mr. Tollie White

2014-2015 Board of Directors Mike Armour Roger Bland David Brevard Mike Bryan Mark Burleson Bo Calhoun Tillmon Calvert B.J. Canup Gary Carnathan Grace Clark Mike Clayborne V.M. Cleveland Scott Cochran Fred Cook David Copenhaver Beverly Crossen

JANUARY 2015

Jay Dey Mike Eaton Joe Estess Clay Foster Chauncey Godwin, Jr. Julianne Goodwin Bryan Hawkins Lisa Hawkins Skipper Holliman Blair Hughes David Irwin Wesley Jones Jamie Kennedy Bob Kerley Gearl Loden Jimmy Long

Zell Long Derek Markley Jerry Maxcy Robin McGraw Larry Michael Guy Mitchell Ted Moll Mabel Murphree Mary Pace Aubrey Patterson Darrell Rankin Harry Rayburn Jack Reed, Jr. Scott Reed Eddie Richey Drew Robertson

Ty Robinson David Rumbarger Jason Shelton Barry Smith Rex Smith Jane Spain Gary Sparkman Buddy Stubbs Sean Suggs Aaron Washington Jimmy Weeks Dick White Tollie White

Business Roundtable Wednesday, March 25 4 p.m.

CDF Boardroom

New Member Networking Tuesday, March 31 4 p.m.

CDF Boardroom Business Boxed Lunch & Learn Wednesday, April 8 Who’s In Your Flock? How to identify various personality types in your workplace Presented by: KC Grist, KC Grist Consulting

Office Depot Ms. Pam Sacharin 2188 Old Lake Cv. Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 487-4761 www.officedepot.com Office Supplies & Equipment

Business After Hours Thursday, April 16 5-6:30 p.m.

Hosted by Hilton Garden Inn 363 E Main St. Business Roundtable Wednesday, May 27 4 p.m.

CDF Boardroom

OSA – One Stop Advertising, LLC Ms. Sheila Davis 1389-B Cliff Gookin Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 269-2066 Promotional Items

2014-2015 Ambassadors Club Jennifer Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flawless by Jennifer Allen Jesse Bandre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exceed Technologies Rashni Barath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trustmark National Bank Betty Baxter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop's BBQ Grill Stephanie Browning. . . . . . . . . . . . . Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo Sheila Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OSA – One-Stop Advertising Becki Duffie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Services Cheryl Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wingate by Wyndham Romanda Hampton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilton Garden Inn Dianne Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summit Group Companies, LLC Toby Hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelter Insurance Jim Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Denise Kennedy-Brown . . . . . . . . . . . Special Occasions by Denise Justin Kirk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Lawns of Northeast Mississippi Charlise Latour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sprint Print Molly Lovorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C Spire Bea Luckett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRI, Inc. Realtors Brad McCully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sportsman Lawn & Landscape Chuck McIntosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McIntosh Creative Services Katie McMillan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Staff Source Scott Medlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elite Pro Wash Holley Meriweather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Bank Leigh Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Street Family Dentistry Kelsey Norrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renasant Bank Allen Pegues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium Productions Fred Pitts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safestore of Tupelo, Inc. Ashley Hardy Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . local MOBILE Torrie Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Cotton Bolt Jacob Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C Spire Mary Sue Tudor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamar Advertising Pam Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monts Paper & Packaging Lisa Wadley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvan Learning Center Ross Weems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BancorpSouth Mary Werner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robinson & Associates Stephanie West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best Western Plus Grady Wigginton . . . Legal Shield – Grady Wigginton & Associates June Wigginton . . . . Legal Shield – Grady Wigginton & Associates

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MSSBDC

Shirley Hendrix of R&B Sepciality Printing offers a variety of items for customers. Visit her at 398 East Main St., Tupelo or call her at (662) 213-8135.

Tenant Spotlight R&B Specialty Printing Each month, we sit down with a tenant of the Renasant Center for IDEAs and talk ideas, opportunities and business. This month, we caught up with Shirley Hendrix of R & B Specialty Printing.

TELL US ABOUT your business.

R&B SPECIALTY PRINTING is a screen-printing company specializing in custom tshirt design. Additionally, we offer a variety of services including embroidery, transfers, lettering, rhinestones, and do some promotional items for schools, business, family reunions, corporations, church, non-profit organizations and more.

job is to ensure maximum exposure for my client’s marketing message, while maintaining their vision for the project.

WHAT MARKETING IDEAS do you have for someone who would like to personalize a product, but does not necessarily want a t-shirt?

THERE ARE LOTS of options – huggies, calendars, pens, baseball caps, and more.

But there is something special about a t-shirt. The plain and simple t-shirt we used to know has come a long way. Companies now are opting for colored, longsleeved, or V-neck tees to stand out from the crowd.

It’s important to stand out DO YOU OFFER original de- for the right reasons besign work for your clients? cause after all, whatever YES. Typically a client you put on that t-shirt is gives me an idea of what your brand. they have in mind and I work to create a design that IN TERMS of creating a builds on their original idea. marketing design, what As a creative person, I al- works and what doesn’t ways want to be different from a visual stand point? from the next person, so I IT’S IMPORTANT to create apply that ideology to my designs that are relevant to design work. Ultimately, my today. Be sure to design your

During its holiday open house, the Mississippi Small Business Development Center (MSSBDC) held a ribbon cutting at its Renasant Center for IDEAs office located at 398 E Main St., Ste. 102. The MSSBDC provides free management, marketing, financial and other technical assistance to existing business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The MSSBDC holds monthly workshops and one-on-one meetings available by appointment. Workshops are free to the public. To register for counseling, visit mssbdc.org or call 1-(800)-725-7232.

SOUTHEASTERN FREIGHT LINES

About the Renasant Center for IDEAs Operated by the Community Development Foundation, the Renasant Center for IDEAs (RCFI) serves as Tupelo/Lee County’s business incubator by lowering startup costs for new businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition to an affordable office space, services are available to tenants including assistance with business basics, management and financial training, technical, accounting and research. Since its construction in 2006, 16 businesses have graduated from the Center, creating 374 jobs in Lee County. Currently, 27 RCFI tenants employ 126 workers. work with that in mind; do lots of research. Most importantly, be original.

For more information about working with R & B Specialty Printing, call Shirley Hendrix at (662) 2138135.

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.

Southeastern Freight Lines recently held a ribbon cutting at its Tupelo Service Center located at 150 George T. Thompson Dr. A leading provider of regional, lessthan-truckload (LTL) transportation services, Southeastern Freight Lines shipping solutions include partnerships with other regional carriers, Internet connectivity for full shipment visibility and accelerated guaranteed services. For more information, contact Southeastern Freight Lines at (662) 690-9871 or online at sefl.com.

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’ January 13 January 27

‘How to Develop a Business Plan’ January 16 January 28

All classes are from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

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

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JANUARY 2015

CHAMBER CONNECTION

JANUARY 2015

Gov. Phil Bryant Recognizes Four Mississippi Companies at 2014 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Exporting Event Jackson – Gov. Phil Bryant presented four Mississippi companies with awards yesterday at the 2014 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Exporting event, which was held at the Country Club of Jackson. Designed to recognize Mississippi companies for their success in maintaining or increasing export sales, the awards recognized two companies in the service sector and two companies in the manufacturing sector.

“I am proud to honor these four homegrown companies for their excellence in exporting. Not only did these companies and their leaders think outside of the box when creating their innovative, high-tech products and services, they thought internationally,” Gov. Bryant said. “They are showing the world that Mississippi has what it takes for companies to grow and be successful while helping create jobs and improving

Gov. Phil Bryant visits Hyperion Technology Group at its Tupelo facility after presenting the firm with a certificate of achievement at the 2014 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Exporting event. Designed to recognize Mississippi companies for their success in maintaining or increasing export sales, the awards recognized companies in both the service and manufacturing sector. the quality of life for individuals right here at home and around the globe. I thank them for their dedication to the state of Missis-

sippi and congratulate them on this exciting day.”

Columbus-based BankTEL Systems, provider of financial accounting and

BNA BANK

cash management software, received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting in the service sector. Hattiesburg-based

BioSoil Enhancers, the sole manufacturer of SumaGrow, received the award in the manufacturing sector.

SumaGrow increases crop quality and yields while decreasing chemical fertilizer inputs.

Gov. Bryant also presented the Governor’s Award for Export Achievement to Jackson-based Navagis and Pearl-based Trilogy Communications, Inc. Navagis, provider of Enterprise Visualization Management software, received the award in the service sector. Trilogy Communications, manufacturer of advanced technology coaxial cables, received the award in the manufacturing sector.

Nine additional companies received certificates of achievement at the event for their successes in exporting. These include Horn Lake’s Shannon Lumber International; Hyperion Technology Group from Tupelo; Flathau’s Fine Foods

from Hattiesburg/Petal; Wood Industries, Inc., from Belmont; DeBeukelaer Cookie Company from Madison; Goldin Metals, Inc., from Gulfport; Inc., from Byhalia; Quality Plywood, Inc., fromWaynesboro; and TJ Beall Company of Greenwood.

“The companies honored with these awards play a large role in strengthening the state’s economy, as well as that of their local communities. Additionally, they epitomize the talent, innovation and pioneering spirit found in Mississippians throughout the state,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Brent Christensen. “We congratulate these companies on their achievements and look forward to watching their continued growth and success.”

The 2014 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Exporting were sponsored by MDA and the Mississippi District Export Council.

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH Fred Pitts, president of Safestore of Tupelo and Safeguard of Mississippi, is November’s Ambassador of the Month. Fred attended eight CDF events and ribbon cuttings and contacted 27 CDF members through the member mentor program. Congratulations, Fred!

BNA Bank celebrated the grand opening of its Barnes Crossing branch with a ribbon cutting and as the host of CDF’s December Business After Hours event. Located at 2919 Tom Watson Dr. in Tupelo, BNA Bank-Barnes Crossing offers a variety of personal and small business financial services including mortgage lending, insurance and investment services. BNA Bank-Barnes Crossing can be contacted at (662) 8424618 or online at bnabank.com.

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PAGE 10

CHAMBER CONNECTION

PAGE 11

Start the New Year with a CDF Chamber membership

“

“

CDF membership provides invaluable resources for any small business looking to become a part of the community it serves. As a small business owner, I am proud to be a member of this Chamber.

Chauncey Godwin, Jr., 2014-2015 CDF Chairman

Located in historic downtown Tupelo, the Chamber of Commerce is the central hub of business development and growth for Tupelo and Lee County, Mississippi.

.

Did you know?

CDF is made up of three divisions: the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development and Planning and Property Management.

Our team

CDF was named to Site Selection Magazine’s 2014 Top Ten Economic Development Groups in the country

As a division of CDF, the Chamber provides you and your business with programs and services to assist in your success while working to sustain a strong and vibrant community.

As an engaged Chamber member, you’ll provide business leadership for the entire community. You’ll also benefit from discounts, services, and opportunities designed to help ensure your success.

Dues are an investment, not a contribution. In fact, your investment helps create jobs, improve education, and continue efforts in improving the quality of life in Tupelo/Lee County.

Join our more than 1,200 members in this meaningful work. Become a partner. You can make a difference in making this great city even better.

Join us by calling (662) 842-4521.

Recent research by The Shapiro Group has shown that by being a member of a Chamber of Commerce, consumers are 80% more likely to purchase goods and services from your business.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES The Chamber provides business development seminars, networking opportunities, community leadership classes, publicity for your business, and much more.

Chamber Connection 2.0 (CC 2.0) e-newsletter With nearly 3,000 subscribers, members are encouraged to submit awards, announcements, advertisements, etc. for the monthly publication.

ChamberAdvantage CDF’s ChamberAdvantage affinity program features exclusive chamber member discounts, products, or services offered by program participants.

Business After Hours Business After Hours offers members the opportunity to meet other business representatives, exchange ideas, and make important long-lasting bonds in a relaxed social setting.

Business Roundtable Join fellow CDF members at this bi-monthly networking meeting as they give brief, informative reports. Over 50 member businesses are represented at each meeting.

Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute The Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute is a two-year program designed to enhance community leadership development and to encourage personal and professional growth.

Livability Tupelo/Lee County Magazine Advertise in this award-winning, CDF-sponsored quality of life magazine distributed to all CDF members, including area hotels, health care facilities, restaurants, and more.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Take advantage of this ‘photo opp’ gaining publicity for your business with a picture and brief business profile published in an upcoming issue of the Daily Journal’s Northeast MS Business Journal.

Taste of Tupelo As the Chamber’s largest event of the year, this regional trade show and premier business networking event for the entire community features over 100 exhibitors and draws a crowd of over 1,300 attendees.

Tupelo Young Professionals (TYP) The TYP’s mission is to bring together a group of young, active and civic-minded individuals who have a clear vision of Tupelo/Lee County’s future as a great place to live and work.

Wake Up! Tupelo/Lee County Wake Up! Tupelo/Lee County features experts, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions addressing issues that directly impact our communities and our businesses- all over breakfast.

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JANUARY 2015

CHAMBER CONNECTION

OptimComfort

GAIN BUSINESS EXPOSURE AT CDF ROUNDTABLE EVENTS

FROM 7

OptimComfort family on your decision to continue growing this company right here in Lee County. We look forward to the future and wish you many more years of success,” said Community Development Foundation Chairman Chauncey Godwin.

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) provided assistance in support of the project for building renovations. The TennesseeValley Authority provided assistance, as well.

“OptimComfort is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit found in Mississippi, and we are glad to have assisted the company as it prepares to begin manufacturing its Hybrid lift chair in Plantersville,” said MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen. “We thank our partners at the Community Development Foundation, Tennessee Valley Authority, the town of Plantersville and Lee County for their efforts in bringing this project to fruition.”

“This is a great day for our community. We welcome OptimComfort to our community and we look forward to watching Optim grow right here in the Town of Plantersville,” said Plantersville Mayor Gloria Holland.

OptimComfort, Inc. is focused on maintaining the physical and emotional integrity of individuals affected by musculoskeletal and neurological impairments. The company strives to promote optimal quality of life for physically impaired individuals and their caregivers. The company’s Hybrid lift chair offers custom enhancements to the familiar lift chair and are designed to fit and support the human body in comfort and style. The Hybrids are custom produced to satisfy specific needs resulting from neurological impairments and movement disorders such as cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

For more information, visit optimcomfort.com.

Interview Techniques for Employers

Best practices for recruiting the right staff

Many employers miss the mark when hiring the best applicant costing themselves time, energy and money due to a lack of basic interview techniques. Join Key Staff Source as they guide you through the interview process with best practices for recruiting the right hire. Tips include interview preparation, asking the right interview questions and basic dos and don’ts of the hiring process.

Wednesday, January 14 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Whether you represent a Fortune 500 company or are a sole proprietor, collaborating with CDF by sponsoring a Chamber event is one of the best investments your business can make. Want to sponsor but not sure of which program or event? With a variety of sponsorship opportunities available, let us help you find the right fit.

AVAILABLE IN 2015: CDF Membership Cup Industry Education Day Taste of Tupelo Wake Up! Tupelo/Lee County

COMING SOON: Annual Meeting Business Roundtable Chamber Connection 2.0 e-newsletter Banner

Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute New Member Networking Outlook Symposium

Sponsorships range from $150 - $10,000+ For more information, contact Karen Geddie at (662) 842-4521 or kgeddie@cdfms.org

What is a business roundtable?

The Chamber's free Business Roundtable offers an important educational, promotional, and networking opportunity to businesses of all sizes. The event agenda features brief, informative reports given by 10 CDF Chamber member businesses to over 50 members at each meeting.

By joining these roundtable discussions, CDF members facilitate the growth of our business community and local economy, as well as gain exposure while making effective connections throughout the Chamber network.

“As the advertising director for the Daily Journal, attending CDF’s BusiHow can business roundtable ness Roundtable is important in order events help my professional netto find out about new or expanding work grow? businesses in our area. I also have Business Roundtable meetings offer a time to network with area business variety of discussions encouraging owners, including existing and active engagement between CDF prospective clients, before and after Chamber members representing a the meetings. The meetings are cawide range of occupations from con- sual and fun. Come join us.”

Richard Crenshaw, CDF Business tractors, medical professionals, nonRoundtable Chairman profits, retail, restaurants, and more.

Please join us for CDF Business Roundtable

Event Sponsor:

Already a CDF member? Sponsor an event.

Ambassadors Club Business After Hours Business Boxed Lunch & Learn

JANUARY 2015

Registration fees for each seminar: Members: $15 Non-members: $30 Registration limited to first 60.

Location 398 E Main St., CDF Center CDF Boardroom Register online at cdfms.org/events

Wednesday, January 21 4:00 p.m.

CDF Boardroom 398 E Main St., CDF Center

Free for CDF members.

For more information, contact Emily Addison at (662) 842-4521 or eaddison@cdfms.org.

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PAGE 12

PAGE 13

VISTA RIDGE

HOMETOWN HEALTHCARE

Vista Ridge Apartments celebrated its grand reopening after sustaining damage in the April 28 tornado. Vista Ridge Apartments offers affordable housing complete with a salt-water swimming pool, clubhouse, 24-hour fitness center and business center equipped with complimentary Internet. To set up an appointment, visit 699 Nation Hills Dr. in Tupelo or contact Vista Ridge Apartments at (662) 841-8500 or at vistaridgetupelo.com.

Hometown Healthcare celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at its 797 S Gloster St. location in Tupelo. Hometown Healthcare offers quality home healthcare medical products and supplies to individual patients and caregivers. For more information, contact Hometown Healthcare at (662) 840-5202 or online at hometownhealthcarems.com.

HONORED TO SERVE ALL WHO HAVE SERVED 335 East Main Street • Fairpark District Historic Downtown Tupelo 662-842-5665 www.parkheightsrestaurant.com

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

JANUARY 2015

CHAMBER CONNECTION

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PAGE 14

PAGE 15

Two generations work side-by-side at Moore’s Jewelry

BY LENA MITCHELL BUSINESS JOURNAL

IUKA – Another generation of loyal customers returned to Front Street in Iuka to find the perfect Christmas gift, knowing they’d receive personal service and expertise at Moore’s Jewelry.

The business’s excellent reputation with its customers and among other gem and watch professionals is what Bill Moore envisioned when he and his wife Judy started the business more than 55 years ago.

Their son Philip and his wife Paula joined them to carry on the tradition a number of years ago, and Judy has now retired. But at age 75, Bill said he’s not quite ready to give it up.

“I like to do things with my hands, and I like to see my finished work,” Bill said. “I like to see my customer’s eyes light up when they see it.”

When he was in high school Bill’s father, a railroader, encouraged him to follow in his footsteps, saying he’d “seen people starve to death” trying to start a business.

But Bill had other ideas and

school closed its watch repair program, so he went on to complete his training at the Tennessee Valley State Vocational Technical School – now Calhoun Community College – located in Decatur, Alabama.

Though his career began in watch repair, Bill Moore has through the years taken many courses in diamonds and diamond grading through the Gemological Institute of America in Los Angeles. The business’s main focus now is diamonds and jewelry design.

“My slogan is ‘The Store that Love Built’,” he said. “Just about everything we sell is something someone is going to give to someone they love, and the emotion associated with jewelry is what we like to emphasize.”

Working alongside the Moores in the store for more than 30 years is Bill Moore’s high school classmate Walter ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM Wynn, and their other store asBill Moore and son Philip run “the store that love built” in Iuka. sociate is Lexi Curtis.

“We really don’t try to make a began investigating what field he business and gave him a watch After graduation from Iuka sale, we try to make a cusmight pursue after high school. mechanism to take home and High School, Bill went to tomer,” Bill Moore said. “If you He was given a direction with work on.

Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. do that, the sales will come.”

Iuka jeweler Charles Robbins “I knew right away that’s what I To study horology, the science talked with him about the jewelry wanted to do,” he said. of timekeeping. However, the lena.mitchell@journalinc.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 2015

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 2015

Ag values set to top $7B for third year

BY KERI COLLINS LEWIS MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

STARKVILLE – Despite low prices for many commodities, the overall projected totals for Mississippi’s crop values should top $7 billion for the third straight year and essentially match the record set in 2013.

John Michael Riley, agricultural economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said his preliminary estimate of 2014’s agricultural production values, excluding government payments, is over $7.7 billion.

“The row crops sector of the agricultural economy took a bit of hit, but there were pockets of that sector that saw improvements, such as cotton and rice,” Riley said. “On the bright side, the livestock sector is doing well with all three segments of that industry – beef cattle, dairy cattle and hogs – showing double-digit improvements, percentage wise, from the previous year.”

POULTRY

Poultry remained solidly in first place on the list, with a $3.13 billion projected total value. At $2.88 billion, broilers showed a slight increase from 2013.

Egg values were up nearly 10 percent, reflecting strong demand and price.

A rise in pork and beef prices led to a slight increase in consumer demand for poultry.

“The poultry industry is doing well,” said Tom Tabler, Extension profes-

sor in the MSU Department of Poultry Science.

“Beef cattle numbers are reduced nationwide and the pork industry has been fighting a virus this year, pushing those prices up at the grocery store.”

FORESTRY AND SOYBEANS

Forestry, the state’s No. 2 commodity, saw a 13.8 percent increase in value, driven by an improvement in housing starts. At $1.28 billion in 2014, the state’s forest harvest value has increased 48 percent since 2009, when the effects of the recession first began to hit the industry.

James Henderson, an associate forestry professor with the MSU Exten-

sion Service, said he expects this positive trend to continue.

“Expectations are for a nearly 20 percent increase in total U.S. housing starts in 2015 as more first-time buyers enter the housing market,” Henderson said.

Soybeans, Mississippi’s top row crop, remained in third place with a preliminary estimated value of $1.17 billion. Producers harvested about 200,000 more acres more than the previous year, for a total of about 2.19 million harvested acres. The projected yield of 52 bushels per acre, if realized, would set a record.

Looking to 2015, Riley said the current price points for corn, cotton

and soybeans are rela“Mississippi producers tively equal. dropped from 830,000 to 520,000 harvested acres of COTTON corn and saw about a Cotton moved up a spot $1.73 drop per bushel in in the rankings to No. 4, price. With a current produe to a combination of jected price of $3.62 per high yields and increased bushel, it’s the lowest price acreage. The estimated we’ve seen since 2006.” value for this year’s cotton Riley said the 55.3 percrop is $403.6 million. cent drop in corn from Darrin Dodds, cotton 2013’s values was more of specialist with the MSU an issue of lower acres Extension Service, said than lower prices, but producers planted 420,000 both combined for corn to acres in cotton in 2014, up have its lowest overall from 295,000 last year– an value since 2009, at $349.6 increase of about 47 per- million. cent.

Dodds said yields were CATFISH AND RICE high, but not as high as the While the catfish indus2013 records. try has declined for several “The U.S. Department years, production has of Agriculture estimates been steady since the sigthe crop at 1,143 pounds nificant decrease in water of cotton lint per acre, and acres in 2010-2011. last year we were at 1,203 “The price has come up pounds. But anytime you 20 cents per pound based can average 1,143 across on the lower supply, and the state, that’s a pretty that has kept those who good yield,” he said. decided to stay in the industry going,” Riley said.

CATTLE AND CORN “The drop in soybean Mississippi producers price has helped this incut back on corn planting dustry as well.” significantly in 2014, Soybean meal is a key which ultimately resulted ingredient in catfish feed. in an interesting change in Total production of catthe typical ranking of the fish is down 13.4 million state’s commodities: cattle pounds in 2013 to 156.9 overtook corn to grab the million total pounds in No. 5 spot.

2014. The combined total The estimated produc- value for catfish, stockers, tion value for cattle is fingerlings and fry is $396.7 million, up 33 per- $197.3 million, up 11.1 cent from 2013. percent, which puts catRiley said cattle remain fish in the No. 7 spot. in short supply after Rice was a positive segdrought-inspired sell-offs. ment in the row crops secWith consumer demand tor in 2014. Prices and remaining strong and feed acres were up, which drove costs remaining low, the the value up significantly. outlook for 2015 looks Producers harvested promising.

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Rice clinched the No. 8 spot with an estimated value of $174 million.

HOGS AND SPECIALTY CROPS

Hog producers saw a 21.5 percent increase this year, with an estimated production value of about $153 million. This moved hogs from No. 11 to No. 9 in 2014.

Rounding out the rankings at No. 10 is the specialty crops industry, which includes nursery and ornamental plants.

This commodity moved up two spots this year in spite of a 2.3 percent decline, with a preliminary value of $113.6 million.

HAY AND SWEET POTATOES

Hay fell three spots to No. 11, with a $105.3 million production value, down 11.4 percent.

The No. 12 crop, sweet potatoes, saw increased acres and prices, resulting in a preliminary crop value of $96.2 million. This is a 68.1 percent increase over 2013 and the highest value in five years.

Other 2014 crop values and their percentage changes compared to 2013 are wheat at $66.9 million, down 57.2 percent; milk at $44.6 million, up 10.1 percent; grain sorghum at $39.3 million, up 37.8 percent; and peanuts at $20.8 million, down 30.7 percent.

Final figures will be available in May 2015.

Mark 16:15

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PAGE 16

PAGE 17

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Employment Opportunities

Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring

RH PLUMBING, INC. Commercial Plumbing, Gas & Industrial Piping RICHARD HANLON (662) 447-3213

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

www.newcorp.com/careers Great Employment Opportunities

Furniture

Gifts

Okolona Drug Co.

We’ve got all your

home furnishings at affordable prices.

662-489-1176

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

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

Complete Prescription Service

We Accept All Medicare Part D Plans • • • • •

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

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

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

Advertising

903 Varsity Dr. Tupelo, MS

Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5pm

Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring Glass & Overhead Doors

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

24 Hour Emergency Service

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 Insulation

Journal, Inc. Newspaper • Magazine • Interactive • Commerical Print

Crystal Gray

Inside Sales Consultant

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

Insurance

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

1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804 djournal.com

Phone 662.678.1530 (o) Fax 662.620.8301(f) crystal.gray@journalinc.com

Kennels

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

3166 West Jackson, Tupelo, MS

Locksmith

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

NEW & USED SAFES

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

(662) 842-7720

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

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Business Directory Journal, Inc.

Moving

Furniture 30,000 SQUARE FT. WAREHOUSE QUALITY PREOWNED OFFICE FURNITURE

Newspaper • Magazine • Interactive • Commerical Print

Crystal Gray

Call for a Free Estimate

Inside Sales Consultant

Bronzie Morgan Relocation Specialist

Phone 662.678.1530 (o) Fax 662.620.8301(f) crystal.gray@journalinc.com

1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804 djournal.com

662-842-1120

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

Paint

Printing

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

Restaurant

365-7059

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

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

Roofing

Restaurant at

W 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

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.

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

Newspaper • Magazine • Interactive • Commerical Print

Crystal Gray

Inside Sales Consultant

1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804 djournal.com

Phone 662.678.1530 (o) Fax 662.620.8301(f) crystal.gray@journalinc.com

Thinking of Selling Your Home or Property?

HE

EL

ER

RO

INC.

Call Us Today 662-489-2848 Restaurant

OF

ING

“A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

411 CLARK ST. TUPELO 844-4481

Journal, Inc.

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

Uniforms

Newspaper • Magazine • Interactive • Commerical Print

Crystal Gray

Inside Sales Consultant

ADVANCED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FACILITY

Journal, Inc.

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

• Drink Not Included • Kid's Menu Only

www.whittingtonofficefurniture.com

Real Estate

Restaurant

Party Trays for all Occasions!

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

277 Community Dr. • Tupelo • 662.871.0568

1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804 djournal.com

Phone 662.678.1530 (o) Fax 662.620.8301(f) crystal.gray@journalinc.com

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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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JANUARY 2015

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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