Business Journal 20160304

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March 2016

Elvis Birthplace begins Phase III expansion

BY ZACK ORSBORN BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – When Dick Guyton, executive director of the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum, began working at the attraction 13 years ago, it was in the early stages of beginning what was called “Phase One.” Phase One, a parking lot expansion, led to other projects like upgrading the museum and the gift shop before heading on to Phase II, which included adding an overlook with two Elvis statues and a story wall.

Now the Birthplace is about to begin work on Phase Three, a phase one and a half years in the making. Near the overlook with the two recently crafted Elvis statues, a small lake sits on the backside of the property, but it is in poor condition.

Phase Three includes landscaping the area around the lake, building a picnic pavilion and building handicap ramps.

The lake will include a waterfall on the south end with two TURN TO ELVIS, 3

Dick Guyton looks over the plans of the Phase 3 expansion at the Elvis Presley Birthplace.

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

M

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

Tourism brings dollars, needs more dollars

ore than 85,000 Mississippians are directly employed in the tourism industry, putting it behind only manufacturing, retail and healthcare in terms of employment in the Magnolia State.

Tourism contributes about $6 billion to the state’s economy, including $400 million to the general fund.

Last year, 22 million people visited the state, following nationwide trend.

That was a 1.3 percent growth rate, which trails other states, said Daron Wilson, the interim director of Visit Mississippi, the state’s tourism division, which is a part of the Mississippi Development Authority.

“It’s slow but steady, but we would like to see that grow at about a 3 percent rate,” he said.

To do that, Mississippi has to

attract more visitors by getting the message out to them about what the state has to offer.

From the Delta to the Gulf Coast, from the Hills to the Pine DENNIS Belt, Mississippi SEID has a rich cultural history.

No, it has not always been pretty or pleasant, but we have to own what we have. We take the bad with the good.

In Tupelo, there’s Elvis, of course, that’s the tourism driver.

In Vicksburg, it’s the Civil War battlefield. Across the state is a plethora of visitor-driven attractions that include music, literature, Civil Rights, African-American culture, Na-

tive American culture and even Chinese culture.

But to reach more people means marketing what Mississippi has.

And that takes money.

But we’re being outspent by neighboring states two, three, even five times as much.

“The way you promote tourism is evolving, and has for several years,” Wilson said. “But the state has only about half the resources of the states surrounding us. We’re behind the curve in terms of resources today. We need additional dollars because we need to promote the state.”

Wilson said promotional and marketing efforts are only one component of increasing tourism.

And he said his agency has to focus on better using what resources it does have.

“Our job from a state perspective is to bring people here that haven’t been here. Tourism, though, happens at a local level, so all of the tourism stakeholders we have across the state have to promote their attractions, those elements of tourism they have within their communities. But we have to do a better job of working together to collectively package the state and get tourism opportunities here.”

Tourism leaders not only want more visitors, they want the visitors to stay longer, spend more and eat more.

Wilson said the state has expanded its marketing efforts to a 500-mile radius, rather than the 300-mile radius it has long targeted. It also is expanding its reach to international visitors – something Tupelo has been doing for years.

WestPark Project on West Main Street in Tupelo

The expression, “You have to spend money to make money” doesn’t always hold up, but in Mississippi, for every dollar invested in tourism, it gets back about $13.

Imagine if we were able to spend just a little more to reach more people.

Visit Mississippi is asking for $5.1 million this year, with $3.6 million earmarked for expanding its marketing message. The remaining money would be used for co-op needs, helping smaller communities get their message out.

Yes, the state budget pie can be sliced up only so many ways.

But if you expand the pie by bringing in more people to spend more money, those slices are bigger for everyone.

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Elvis FROM 1

water features that pour out into the lake and new walking paths and benches along the way.

Since completing Phase II in August 2015, foot traffic in that part of the Birthplace has increased.

“By having traffic up there, it's just a natural flow to come to the area, the picnic pavilion and there you are at the lake,” Guyton said. “It was not an attractive area on the property so we plan to make it look a lot better than it does now.”

In 2014, the Birthplace asked for state funding. With the help of state representatives Steve Holland and Randy Boyd, the Birthplace received $1 million to start working on Phase Three.

The Birthplace contracted Haizlip Studios and landscape architect Ritchie Smith since most of the phase will be landscaping type work, including dirt moving and planting.

“We'll be meeting with the contractor this week, and hopefully begin some work out there in the next two weeks,” Guyton said. “I'm hoping that we can have it completed by the latter part of July because want to showcase it on our Fan Day on Aug. 6 of this year.”

ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Workers for the city of Tupelo remove debris out of the lake on the northeast property of the Elvis Presley Birthplace Tuesday. The lake has been drained as part of the Phase 3 construction.

goal of keeping visitors in Tupelo overnight.

“We've impacted a lot of visitors, and what we're trying to accomplish is to have enough attractions on the property to keep the visitor here a half a day or more so that they'll, in turn, PHASE ELVIS decide to spend the night in TuThe “Phases” came out of the pelo.”

Birthplace's and Tupelo ConThat requires the visitors to vention and Visitors Bureau's eat a couple of meals and buy

fuel in Tupelo, Guyton said.

In the 1970s, the Birthplace remodeled Elvis's birth home and opened it to the public, which was the beginning of the larger crowds that would come every year on anniversaries.

“People have come to the Birthplace even before Elvis died,” Guyton said. “We had international visitors that would come and visit. Once he died,

that number increased as did Graceland's.”

For the last 12 years, the Birthplace has been in building mode. The number of visitors have gone up and down due to the economy, Guyton said.

“You have to realize how the Elvis world works,” Guyton said.

“Lots of fans save their money and come every five years on every fifth anniversary of his

birth or death.”

More than half of the visitors are international visitors, primarily from the U.K. Through the months of November and March, the Birthplace experiences a down time with fewer motor coaches driving up on the property.

Three weeks ago, however, two international companies parked their motor coaches, with 45 people on board each vehicle, on the property.

The Birthplace averages 250 to 300 motor coaches a year.

“We've booked 50 to 75 motor coaches already this spring,” Guyton said. “That makes a big difference. A loaded motor coach of about 45 people will bring us $600 in ticket sales and hopefully another $1,500 in gift shop sales.”

With Phase Three, Guyton hopes to increase these numbers and give locals another option for recreation.

“It's not just for bringing tourists to Tupelo, it's giving the citizens of Tupelo more options to have picnics and outdoor events,” Guyton said. “Come bring a quilt, and throw it down in the shade.”

Mainly, Guyon wants people to spend the day on the property and enjoy the scenery once roamed through by the King of Rock 'n Roll.

“At one point in the future, I could see kids fishing out in the lake,” he said. zack.orsborn@journalinc.com Twitter: @thedaily_zack

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

Just a click away

Tupelo, New Albany take advantage of social media to attract tourists

BY ZACK ORSBORN BUSINESS JOURNAL

Tasked with promoting the city, Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau's online content manager, Lance Ingram, spreads the message of an “upbeat, happy city” with a quick click.

The CVB tested its social media message with trial and error at first. Officials combed through research, targeting a specific audience they wanted to reach.

“We've been able to target some demographics easily,” Ingram said. “Tupelo is the Northeast Mississippi hub for shopping and dining, so it's easy to

attract what I call the 'locals,' which are the 50m i n u t e - a w a y day-trippers.”

With a free Facebook post, Ingram has reached more than 100,000 people with only 15,000 likes on the MyTupelo account.

Veering away from traditional marketing – magazine, television and radio advertisements - social media has enabled CVB to save money.

“With traditional marketing, you are paying to reach an X number of people, and it cost a whole lot more,” Ingram said.

“We've boosted some posts and seen engagement as low as a penny

per engagement. It's a more effective means per dollar. You can see the result directly.”

Ingram stays two months ahead, scheduling posts and keeping up with the CVB master calendar for specific types of posts.

On a white board in his office, Ingram keeps tabs on events coming up and what type of content to put out each month.

In the morning, he checks all social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat – to make sure their audience “is playing nice and engaging properly.” He often answers questions about restau-

rants and hotels.

“Depending on what type of post or content, I'll create that content,” Ingram said. “I'll spend a lot of time video editing and creating video content.

Typically, I spend the rest of my day making posts.”

To stay up with the social media trends, Ingram receives marketing tip emails and follows posts on LinkedIn. He visits other cities' websites and social media accounts from Visit Philadelphia to Visit Georgia to gain inspiration.

Since he joined social media as a freshman in high school, he's seen the need for content to be shorter.

Shorter is always going to be better, Ingram said.

“We'll see a video that's 15 seconds, and the majority of the people are only watching 12 seconds,” Ingram said. “People are looking for something short, so we feature a lot of 10- to 15second videos for that reason.”

Ingram predicts Snapchat will make waves in the next year because of the way they've restructured and reworked their app to provide the means for businesses to market.

To set themselves apart, Ingram and CVB focus on the story told through social media to promote Tupelo. Users can tag their photos on social media using the #MyTupelo hashtag to submit to a bank of photos.

CVB uses a program called Lens, provided by Crowdriff, that creates auto-engagements to like all the photos they favor.

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau attracts tourists with its Twitter account, @MyTupelo.

Through this system, Ingram found photos of a young woman who used the #MyTupelo hashtag for her first date and engagement. Ingram posted the story on Valentine's Day to get user engagement.

“If we, Tupelo, tell you to come visit us, it's like, 'Of course, you want us to visit,' but if Sally down the road that's your former college friend tells you to come, you're a lot more likely to visit her,” Ingram said.

TELLING A STORY

Like Tupelo, New Albany uses user-created content to tell the story of the city.

With Instagram, Sean Johnson, director of New Albany Marketing and Tourism, promotes the image of New Albany.

“We try to tell a story with our images that we put out there,” Johnson said. “That theme is that this is a quaint, pretty Southern small town with quality shopping and great recreational oppor-

tunities. It's an easy sell because people can wrap their heads around it. Who doesn't like strolling down a quaint downtown and window shop?”

To attract outside visitors, Johnson uses keywords on social media like cycling, Tanglefoot Trail, bicycle trail, antiquing, Rails to Trails, vacation in Mississippi, Mississippi schools, hiking trails, William Faulkner, where to live in Mississippi, Mississippi towns and more.

Right now, Johnson focuses on two platforms: Facebook and Instagram.

With a small staff, Johnson only has time to tap into the larger platforms.

New Albany's demographic is the Boomer generation, with more users on Facebook than Snapchat or Vine.

“These are the things that the media and demographic consumes the most,” Johnson said. “If I have to reach out to younger people, I'm kind TURN TO SOCIAL, 13

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MARCH 2016

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

A Storied Trail

CVB captures three eras of Tupelo history through historic markers, trail

BY ZACK ORSBORN BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Three years ago, the Mississippi Development Authority sent an all-call to communities in Mississippi asking to submit historical information – people, places or events – from the Mississippi Freedom Riders' Trail to commemorate the civil rights movement.

Neal McCoy, director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, reached out to the black community, including Ward 4 Councilwoman Nettie Davis, to start collecting facts in Tupelo.

After submitting snippets of information, CVB found out that MDA didn't include any of Tupelo's history in the top 25 events, people or places.

“You can look at that in one of two ways: we've done things the right way here or you could say that they are not recognizing our history,” McCoy said.

Talking with Davis, they came to the conclusion that they didn't have to depend on anybody to tell Tupelo's story.

The Heritage Trails Enrichment Program was born.

McCoy wanted to dig deep in Tupelo's history, marking and interpreting the history as it re-

HERITAGE TRAIL MARKER LOCATIONS |

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CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT TRAIL F.W. Woolworth: 185 Troy St. Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church: 684 N. Green St. Carver School: 810 N. Green St. Robins Field: 566 N. Madison St. R.C. Cola Plant/Dixie Bell Theater: 198 W. Franklin St.

CIVIL WAR TRAIL

Battle of Kings Creek: 513 S. Spring St. Iron Furnace: 105 S. Front St. Plank Road: 4696 E. Main St. Town Creek Encampment: N. Veterans Blvd.

Younger Cabin: 261 N. Broadway Tupelo Baptist Church: 300 N. Church St.

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM The Spring Hill Missionary BapThe Plank Road Civil War Heritage tist Church Civil Rights MoveTrail Marker located at 4696 E. ment Heritage Trail Marker Main St. across from Savings Oil. located at 684 N. Green St.

CHICKASAW TRAIL

To be placed in Summer 2016 lates to the Chickasaw Nation, the Civil War and the civil rights movement.

“We have gone through an extensive process where we found the foundational stories that shape Tupelo through those three eras,” McCoy said. “We've got probably less than 10 markers to place and put in the ground to finish.”

McCoy and others on the

The Robins Field Heritage Trail Marker located at 566 N. Madison St.

The Younger Cabin Civil War Heritage Trail Marker located at 261 N. Broadway St.

HTEP board sat down with Robinson and Associates to form a committee of community volunteers that either had historical interest or they brought significant interest in

the three genres.

They worked with those that lived through the civil rights era, Civil War historians and the Chickasaw Nation to write up enough copy to fit on markers.

Located primarily in Tupelo proper, the markers form a core group in downtown Tupelo with some reaching outside of the city.

The Chickasaw Nation markers are scattered throughout the city, as Tupelo was formerly its tribal homeland. The Civil War markers, concentrated in downtown Tupelo, stand outside of a couple of battlefields and campsites.

“East Main Street was an integral part in Tupelo's story of the Civil War,” McCoy said. “It used to be a swamp, and they would have to lay down planks in the wintertime in order to cross the swamp. It was referred to as Old Plank Road.”

The civil rights movement markers are along downtown and up North Green Street into what was then the black business central district.

Currently, CVB is working on placing markers for all the Chickasaw sites, but they have to be sensitive about the placement.

“We've been very sensitive about if the Chickasaws do or don't want a lot of traffic there,” McCoy said. “You have a lot of people searching for relics on TURN TO TRAIL, 15

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

A

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

Disney: customer service and customer experience

s a member of the Agency Management Institute, I have opportunities to travel to learn about industry trends and meet other marketing consultants. My most recent trip was to the convention center at Walt Disney World, and while I was learning about technology trends and tools in the marketing world, I was witnessing customer service and customer experience.

The last time I was on the Walt Disney World property was a year after Epcot opened. I was a young teenager, and while I saw what was going on around me, I wasn't observing. Now, 33 years

later, I was at Disney with the discerning eye of a marketer.

The one word TY often ROBINSON used at Disney other than their name is "magic." I heard, "Have a magical day" a lot. Disney relies on exceptional customer service and technology to make this happen for their guests.

So, as you read my narrative, you'll notice "magic" a lot.

I made the reservation

for my room over the phone. I was very fortunate to be using a special group rate. The Disney property is a distance from the Orlando airport.

"Would you like complimentary transportation to your hotel?" Complimentary? Of course! I rode the Disney Magical Express motor coach to the Grand Floridian. At the hotel, I was met by a gentleman with an iPad who recognized me by name – probably because my luggage is well-marked – and walked with me to the reception desk. I was given a Magic Band, a rubber bracelet with a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip in it. The Magic Band was the key

For Your Next Event ...

From Golf Outings To Receptions.

It will be a great experience for you.

to my room. It was also tied to my credit card so that I could use it to check out at Disney stores without having to remove my wallet. I was asked to key in a personal identification number so that when I used the band only I would know the code to complete the transaction.

If I purchased a ticket into any theme park, the band would allow me entrance.

George Orwell, Big Brother wasn't watching me. Mickey Mouse was.

And, Mickey was interested that I have a good time.

I didn't need a paper map. The My Disney Experience app I downloaded to my iPhone showed me where I was, and I could use it to find wherever I need to be. I always like to find the conference room ahead of time so that I know how far it is from my room and so that I'm not searching for it at the last minute. I was using the app for this while standing in the lobby of an empty convention center the afternoon I arrived, and I heard a friendly voice say, "May I help you find something?" Disney, you've not lost the per-

sonal touch even with all your technological advances.

I can't imaging the training that the "cast member," the Disney employees, must go through.

Every cast member I met was friendly and engaging. Many companies claim they have customer service; Disney makes it an experience. When you hear the cliche "taking it to the next level," experience is the next level of customer service.

Disney is an incredible marketer. It has managed to stay relevant. I've asked those who I know who are in their teenage years now if they've ever seen a Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck cartoon. Mostly they have not. But, Disney has managed to keep their attention with other characters and in other communication channels. In marketing, we talk about the life cycle of products and services, and to stay in the forefront, a company must renew the product or service to keep from going obsolete. Obviously, Disney has found the secret to this.

While my trip to Disney was short and my confer-

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ence was a full two days, I did have the opportunity to visit the Disney World Park for a few hours. I went with a group from the conference. I am just over six feet tall, and I noticed a lot of the merchandise was in display cases shorter than my eye level. The characters that used to roam the park freely are now in specific locations at certain times for photo opportunities. I was told that one of the complaints Disney received about its characters that they were difficult to find for a magic moment. Disney adjusted its model, and now characters are on a schedule. And, they still will stop to have magic moments with guests on the way to their appointed photo op time.

So during my trip for technology trends and tools, I have been reminded to stay relevant in the mind of the consumer, adapt itself, refresh itself and renew itself. Thanks for the refresher, Mickey.

TY ROBINSON is president and COO of Robinson and Associates, a Tupelo-based marketing, advertising and public relations agency.

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CDF AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH

PAGE 9

GUM TREE MORTGAGE

In celebration of its new office space and expansion, Gum Tree Mortgage held a ribbon cutting. Located at 218 S Thomas St., Ste. 105 in Tupelo, Gum Tree Mortgage is committed to helping you find the right mortgage product for your needs. For more information about Gum Tree Mortgage, visit gumtreemortgage.com or call (662) 844-4833.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI RETINA CENTER June Wigginton, independent associate with Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates, was awarded CDF's January Ambassador of the month. Serving her third term as Ambassador, June attended three ribbon cuttings and events, contacted 32 CDF members through the member to mentor program, and recruited one new member. Congratulations, June!

Business Roundtable Wednesday, March 23 4:00 p.m.

398 E Main St. CDF Boardroom CDF Center For more information, contact Emily Addison at (662) 842-4521 eaddison@cdfms.org.

North Mississippi Health Services celebrated the grand opening of its newest clinic, North Mississippi Retina Center with a ribbon cutting. Located at 606 Brunson Dr. in Tupelo, North MS Retina Center’s Dr. Khushboo K. Agrawal, M.D., is the region’s first full-time retina surgeon. For more information about the Retina Center, visit nmhs.net or call (662) 377-3340.

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

MARCH 2016

CHAMBER CONNECTION

PLANET FITNESS

Planet Fitness celebrated its grand opening at 1800 N Gloster St. in Tupelo with a ribbon cutting. Planet Fitness has revolutionized the fitness industry with extremely low prices at $10 or $19.99 a month and offers a variety of benefits including a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment called the Judgement Free Zone®, state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions, unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the pe @ pf ® program, and much more. For more information visit planetfitness.com or call (662) 269-0880.

MARCH 2016

DEX MEDIA

Dex Media celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Dex Media is a fullservice media company offering integrated marketing solutions that deliver measurable results. As the marketing department for hundreds of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across the U.S., Dex Media has the knowledge, experience and expertise to help them “get found, get chosen and get talked about.” For more information about Dex Media, visit dexmedia.com or call (662) 871-9799.

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PAGE 10

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New CDF Members Ackia Golf Club Mr. Andy Graf 60007 Birchwood Ln. Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-3419 Golf

Gumtree Gutters LLC Ms. Joyce Siddall 2080 Cliff Gookin Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 269-0405 www.gumtreegutters.com Contractors, Construction Companies, & Building Materials

Anthony’s Pizza Mr. Vince Rapisarda 206 Troy St. Tupelo, MS 38804 www.anthonystupelo.com Restaurants & Catering Bogey Boys Golf Carts, LLC Mr. Josh Abraham 502 Air Park Rd. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 620-7242 www.bogeyboysgolfcarts.com Golf Dex Media Ms. Jenifer Bond (662) 871-9799 www.dexmedia.com Advertising Farrell Calhoun Paint Mr. Kelly Guthrie 1289 N Gloster St., Ste. C Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 844-0240 www.farrellcalhoun.com Contractors, Construction Companies, & Building Materials Goodman Law Firm Ms. Jennifer Summers 117 N Broadway St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 407-0695 Attorneys

James Riley Hunter

662.871.8658

jrhunter@tmcommercialgroup.com

North MS Retina Clinic Ms. Beth Riley 606 Brunson Dr. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 377-3340 www.nmhs.net/retina_center.php Health Care

Herod Surgical LLC Mr. Chad Herod 1261 Hwy 355 Etta, MS 38627 (662) 316-5533 Health Care

Omada Sports Management, LLC Ms. Peggy Hodges 398 E Main St., Ste. 103 Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 432-1700 www.omadasports.com Consulting

Maurices Ms. Lisa Harkey 893 Kings Crossing Dr. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 680-9964 www.maurices.com Retail & Specialty Shops

Planet Fitness Mr. Steve Goguen 1800 N Gloster St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 269-0880 www.planetfitness.com Fitness & Wellness

Mathews Chiropractic & Healthy Living Dan & Brandi Mathews 800 Robert E. Lee Dr. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 840-3393 www.danmathewschiropractor.com Chiropractors

Plantersville Family Clinic Ms. Debra Hill 2464 Main St. Plantersville, MS 38862 (662) 842-4877 Health Care

Murphree Paving Company, LLC Mr. Harrison Gregory 1211 Nelle St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 844-2331 www.murphreepaving.com Contractors, Construction Companies, & Building Materials

Rich Potter State Farm Insurance Ms. Sonya Marbry 71 S Thomas St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 842-8112 www.statefarm.com Insurance Ron Robinson State Farm Mr. Ron Robinson

153 City Market Dr. Saltillo, MS 38866 (662) 869-3424 www.ronarobinson.com Insurance Sharfs Plus Ms. Mimi VanDevender (727) 480-0464 www.facebook.com/sharfplus Retail & Specialty Shops Smith & Riles Agency, LLC Mr. Chris Riles 1600 W Main St., Ste. C Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 842-9670 www.mississippiins.com Insurance StorageMax Tupelo on Main Ms. Tari Ross 106 Parkgate Dr. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 205-6107 www.stomax.com Moving & Storage StorageMax Tupelo North Ms. Ruth Williams 2109 McCullough Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 205-8523 www.stomax.com Moving & Storage StorageMax Tupelo South Ms. Charlotte Crump 4850 Cliff Gookin Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 205-8519

LOTS OF BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

www.stomax.com Moving & Storage Storage Park Development Mr. Nick Newcomb 40 Northtown Dr., Ste. 100 Jackson, MS 39211 (601) 977-0733 www.stomax.com Moving & Storage TNR Showroom Shoes Ms. Joan Junearick 131 City Market Dr. Saltillo, MS 38866 (662) 346-4185 Retail & Specialty Shops Village Realty, Inc. Mr. Max Miller 144 S Thomas St., Ste. 105 Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 269-6761 www.villagerealty.ms Real Estate, Appraisers, & Property Development Voice56Studio Mr. Terry Smith 316 Spring St. Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 690-8101 www.voice56studio.com Telecommunications Westside Family Medical Clinic Ms. Debra Hill 65 S Thomas St. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 205-4475 Health Care

Good location for retail or office space on Main Street in Tupelo. Over 17,000 sq. ft., 22 ft. ceiling height, 7 bays, loading dock on rear, all on almost 1.5 acres near the Midtown District. A great value & recently reduced to $469,000. MLS# 15-1487. Call or text James Hunter at 662-871-8658.

662.842.3844 210 E. Main St., Tupelo tmhomes.com

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CHAMBER CONNECTION

MARCH 2016

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

Center highlights battles of Brice’s Crossroads, Tupelo

BY JOSH MITCHELL CORINTH TODAY

BALDWYN – The Mississippi's Final Stands Interpretive Center does an excellent job of telling the stories of two key Civil War battles, said Edwina Carpenter, the center's director.

The center opened in 1998 to interpret the battle of Brice's Crossroads, which happened June, 10, 1864. It was expanded in 2011 to interpret the Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg, which was fought July 1315, 1864.

The Brice's Crossroads Battlefield site near Baldwyn on Highway 370 is covers 1,500 acres, and there also is a 12-acre site in Tu-

pelo called Old Town Creek located on Mount Vernon Road.

Confederate Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest was injured at the Old Town Creek fight, which essentially ended the Battle of Tupelo.

The interpretive center in Baldwyn includes two films, a battlefield model and a flag exhibit, and the fee is $5 for adults. The center also has much explanation about life in the 1860s.

The Battle of Brice's Crossroads was a significant victory for Forrest, but its long-term effect was costly for the Confederates.

That's why it is known as a good example of winning the battle and losing the war.

Near the Brice’s Crossroads National Battlefield site is the Bethany Historic Cemetery that includes a Confederate mass grave.

The cemetery has markers with the names of the 96 Confederate soldiers who were listed as being mortally wounded in the battle. Not all of them are actually buried there, however..

There are also trails with interpretive signs related to the battle. The battlefield site includes 11 tour stops.

Tupelo and Brice's Crossroads were part of the Atlanta Campaign fought in the summer of 1864 and served as a last stand for the Confederate calvary in Northeast Mississippi, Carpenter said.

S U P E R E F F I C I E N T H E AT & A I R S Y S T E M F O R

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The Civil War Trust and the History Channel are sponsoring a Nationwide Park Day at Civil War attlefields on April 2. It starts at 9 a.m. at the Brice's CrossdRoads Battlefield and Tupelo-Harrisburg Battlefield at Old Town Creek. Volunteers can bring weed trimmers and saws to help clean “hallowed” ground.

Other events for the spring and summer include Civil War School Days at Brice's Crossroads Battlefield April 29. It will include a Civil War-era town, interactive music and other demonstrations.

On April 30, the 19th Alabama Civilian Re-enactors will demonstrate civilian and military life in the 1860s.

There will also be a town showing life in the 1860s.

Those events will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a $5 admission and $20 cap for a family. The event will be located at County Road 833 on the Brice's Crossroads Battlefield.

On Saturday, July 16, from 3-6 p.m. a living history day will be held at Old Town Creek, which was the second day of fighting in the Battle ofTupelo-Harrisburg.

Site for Brice’s Crossroads black soldiers still in works

BY JOSH MITCHELL CORINTH TODAY

Efforts are still underway to get a site dedicated for black soldiers at Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield near Baldwyn.

A conceptual plan for the site has been provided by the Mississippi Hills Heritage Alliance.

It would be an interpretive site on the battlefield for the U.S. Colored Troops who who fought at Brice’s Crossroads, said Edwina Carpenter, director of the Mississippi’s Final Stands Interpretive Center and Battlefields.

The property for the interpretive site has not been purchased, Carpenter said.

The location would be the site where the 54th and 59th U.S. Colored Troops provided a last rear action for the Union Army as they left the battlefield in 1864.

Carpenter said the black soldiers did not begin to fight for the Union until

after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863.

The interpretive site is a way to honor the black soldiers who fought for the Union at Brice’s Crossroads, she said.

Brice’s Crossroads is one of the most pristine battlefields left intact in the United States where black soldiers fought, Carpenter said.

The site dedicated to the black soldiers could include interpretive signage and possibly a monument. But it is unclear when it may come to fruition as the purchase of the land is in negotiation. The interpretive signage and monument would be paid for with private donations or a grant, which are not yet secured.

At the Mississippi’s Final Stands Interpretive Center there is a film along with exhibits that feature the action of the black soldiers.The interpretive center is located at 607 Grisham St., Baldwyn.

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PAGE 12

Ways to stay sane when the market is insane

C

arnage, sheer carnage."

These were the words used by a reporter on an evening news broadcast. He wasn’t describing an armed conflict somewhere in the world, but instead the activity in the stock market during the day’s trading. Not too many years ago, such a day would have garnered maybe a 5-minute report in the middle of the broadcast, but in today’s media world where there are no fewer than three 24-houra-day financial channels, and a half dozen or so news channels that have a stock ticker going all day, it was the item No. 1.

There are many reasons for the increased interest in the financial markets. Topping the list is the fact that through retirement plans and other savings instruments, more people than ever are invested in the stock market. The question then becomes, in an age where stocks are reported as not going up and down but surging and plunging, how does the average investor keep his sanity when it would appear that the markets are acting insane?

• Make sure you know what you own and why you own it: During times of great volatility, it is important to know

and understand the investments that make up your portfolio and why it is in your portfolio.

CHRIS Proper diCOLE versification of both equity type investments and fixed income can go a long way to riding out market downturns and set you up for the times when market conditions are more favorable.

• Review your overall financial plan: What are you investing for? What is your timeframe? These are questions that you should always have an answer for. If your portfolio is set up properly, fluctuations should be looked at as normal.

• Remember markets are cyclical and this too will pass: Markets have ebbed and flowed historically and with different reasons. While the reasons may be different than before, all seem to fade over time. Today, with information from the past as easy as a click of a mouse away, it can be calming to read the news at the time of past market turbulence. In recent history, we have had the S&L

crisis, oil embargos and the dot com bubble bursting. All these events were met with increased volatility in the financial markets, but are barely mentioned today as having any long term market affect.

• If you are a stock investor, dividends are your friend: Dividends, which are a portion of the earnings of the company you are invested in, have a very positive long term benefit to your portfolio. Most of your most successful investors have pointed to them as the reason for long-term success in the market. If you are not using them for present income, they can be reinvested in most cases and provide opportunity to acquire additional shares of profitable companies.

• Discipline yourself to be a saver: Over the long term, being a systematic saver can smooth out the dips in the markets. This process, known as dollar-cost averaging, can allow investors to accumulate additional assets at times when the price is up or down and over the long term average it out. This can be especially true if you are investing in a company retirement plan such as a 401(k) where the company may match what you are sav-

ing.

• Chart your progress over time: Look back on where you were not just recently, but over five years, 10 years etc. Though past performance is no guarantee of future returns, historically the stock market’s long term direction has been up. It’s like walking up a set of stairs with a yo-yo in your hand.

• Remember, not all the news is bad: In the recent past, Americans have had tremendous advances in technology, energy production and overall productivity.

All of these are very positive for the long term.

• Keep ready cash on hand: Everyone should work towars or have some cash available to take care of emergencies (home or car repair, medical, etc.). Having a ready reserve can ease nerves when it seems the markets have gone insane.

While no one can predict when the present headwinds to the markets will change, remembering these fundamentals will help make the present conditions more tolerable. One other piece of advice: Turn off the TV and pick up a good book.

CHRIS COLE is a Chartered Wealth Advisor and vice president of Hilliard Lyons in Tupelo.

PAGE 13

Social FROM 4

of at a loss because there are so many new things coming on almost weekly.”

Johnson said figuring out new platforms can be overwhelming. There are ways to promote on Snapchat or Vine, he said, but he doesn't want to spend his efforts on those platforms due to the demographic he's trying to reach.

“I know that those are powerful, but I don't think 24-year-olds are in the mindset that they want to come antique shopping in New Albany,” Johnson said.

On New Albany's website, visitnewalbany.com, Johnson set up a pop-up for first time viewers with pictures that have been taken around New Albany, using the #ILoveNA or #TanglefootTrail hashtag.

“It's allowed me to see a snapshot of who is coming to visit, and I've been really surprised with how many international visitors we have, whether they are just passing through or if they are coming through the trail.”

Social media has allowed Johnson to reach out to international travelers to contact them about their visit on Facebook. He can get feedback from visitors while also promoting the city at a low cost.

“It's very cost-effective and very targeted,” Johnson said. “Not only can I interact with people, I can find out their ages, where they are from. It's just a fantastic tool of getting a good idea of what people are looking for in a destination.”

Zack.orsborn@journalinc.com Twitter: @thedaily_zack

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

BUSINESS JOURNAL

Tippah County: Creating a welcome environment

L

ast year was a year of results for Tippah County. The Tippah County Development Foundation worked diligently with our valued partners and it paid in job growth dividends. Let me give you a quick snap shot of why our community is excited about the future.

Announcements like these: • 263 new jobs from announcements like Bauhaus Inc., Warco Biltrite, CECA Industries, Oil Dri and others.

• Over 300-plus new Jobs from construction labor, contract labor and retail development.

• $10 million in economic development incentives for local manufacturing, city and county infrastructure up-

grades.

• Based on economists' expertise, Tippah County can expect to experience a $70 million increase in economic impact over the next five years from this past year's success.

None of this would have been possible without dedicated community involvement. The board of supervisors has worked as visionaries with the TCDF to continue the pursuit of excellence in advancing a Tippah County that we, our children and future generations will be proud of.

Tippah County has seen a resurgence of local entrepreneurial, millennial leadership from small manufacturers, nurseries, boutiques shops and even mom and pop restaurants.

As an economic developer,

I am always excited to see the next generation creating an exciting career in the small business environment.

There have always been challenges for rural communities, and it takes innovation, strategic planning, partnerships and leadership to have decisive growth. It takes breaking barriers and working across communities to foster a collaborative environment.

Fortunately, Tippah County has a progressive economic development mindset. I have had the privilege of seeing community leaders like Ripley Mayor Marsalis and Walnut Mayor Skinner come along the side of the Tippah County board of supervisors and work together as a team to bring in new op-

BUSINESSES NEEDED Youth Baseball/Softball Team Sponsorships

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portunities for the hardworking citizens.

I've been impressed with Blue Mountain College's commitment to economic development and Mayor Doug Norton working hand-in-hand to create new opportunities for the students that come from the surrounding counties and from all over the country. Education may be at the forefront, but we all can agree that an educated workforce brings new opportunities not just for the students but for the employers located in Tippah County. Blue Mountain College, NEMCC and our local schools are working diligently to prepare a workforce that brings economic advantages to our community.

These partnerships are just a few of the many examples that have allowed Tippah County to be seen by our prospects as a great place to do business. Tippah County is becoming visible again and new opportunities come our way every week. Why? Because we are ready and prepared to bridge the gaps and create an environment where industries and families thrive.

Maybe I sound a bit too optimistic, but I believe that Tippah County is turning a new page in the community book. We have decided that growth comes to those who work hard and work as a team. It comes to those who look for new ways to bring new results. It comes to those who plan and stick to the plan. Success came last year for Tippah County and we expect to see greater success in the year to come.

MATTHEW HARRISON is the executive director of the Tippah County Development Foundation

MARCH 2016 |

|

WHAT CORPORATE AMERICA IS READING 800-CEO-READ 1. “The Lucky Years: How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Health” by David B. Agus, Simon & Schuster 2. “The Confidence Effect: Every Woman’s Guide to the Attitude That Attracts Success”

by Grace Killelea, Amacom 3. “Abundance Now: Amplify Your Life & Achieve Prosperity Today” by Lisa Nichols and Janet Switzer, Dey Street Books 4.“The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage” by Daymond John and Daniel Paisner, Crown Business 5. “Organize Tomorrow Today: 8 Ways to Retrain Your Mind to Optimize Performance at Work and in Life” by Jason Selk, Tom Bartow, and Matthew Rudy, Da Capo 6. “It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy” by D. Michael Abrashoff, Business Plus 7. “Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life” by Glennon Doyle Melton, Scribner Book Company 8. “The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg, Random House 9. “Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges” by Amy Cuddy, Little Brown and Company 10. “The Power of Understanding People: The Key to Strengthening Relationships, Increasing Sales, and Enhancing Organizational Performance” by Dave Mitchell, Wiley 11. “Becoming the Best: Build a World-Class Organization Through Values-Based Leadership” by Harry M. Kraemer, Jossey-Bass 12. “The Career Playbook: Essential Advice for Today’s As-

piring Young Professional” by James M. Citrin, Crown Business 13. “Above the Line: Lessons in Leadership and Life from a Championship Season” by Urban Meyer and Wayne Coffey, Penguin Press 14. “Never Fly Solo: Lead with Courage, Build Trusting Partnerships, and Reach New Heights in Business” by Rob “Waldo” Waldman, McGrawHill 15. “The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy”

by Jon Gordon, Wiley 16. “X: The Experience When Business Meets Design” by Brian Solis, Wiley 17. “Train Your Brain for Success: Read Smarter, Remember More, and Break Your Own Records” by Roger Seip, Wiley 18. “Data Driven: How Performance Analytics Delivers Extraordinary Sales Results” by Jenny Dearborn, Wiley 19. “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful” by Marshall Goldsmith, Hyperion Books 20. “Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction” by Philip Tetlock and Dan Gardner, Crown 21. “Marketing for Financial Advisors: Build Your Business, Bring in Clients, and Establish Your Brand” by Eric T. Bradlow, Keith E. Niedermeier and Patti Williams, McGraw-Hill 22. “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable” by Patrick M. Lencioni, JosseyBass 23. “The Go-Giver: A Little Story about a Powerful Business Idea” by Bob Burg and John David Mann, Portfolio 24. “Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day” by Todd Henry, Portfolio 25. “Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to Transforming Performance at Work” by David Rock, HarperBusines

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PAGE 14

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PAGE 15

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH start a business. Topics include: regsearch, description of company 9 – HOW TO DEVELOP A BUSINESS ulations such as licenses and perproducts and services, identifying PLAN, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Univermits; legal forms of business target customer groups and a marsity of Mississippi Small Business ownership; basic marketing conketing plan. Financial components Development Center. The parts of cepts to help analyze the revenue discussed are start-up costs and the business plan are explained, i.e., potential; lending terminology; outpreparation of a projected cash flow industry research, description of line for a business plan and other statement. Register by phone at 1company products and services, resources to assist in starting a 800-725-7232. identifying target customer groups business. Register by phone at 123 – DISASTER MITIGATION, 1 p.m. and a marketing plan. Financial 800-725-7232 to 2:30 p.m., University of Missiscomponents discussed are start-up 16 – STARTING A BUSINESS-FIRST sippi Small Business Development costs and preparation of a projected STEPS, University of Mississippi Center. cash flow statement. Register by Small Business Development Cenphone at 1-800-725-7232. ter, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register by APRIL 15 – DISASTER MITIGATION, Small phone at 1-800-725-7232 6 – HOW TO DEVELOP A BUSINESS Business Assistance Center, Renas- 16 – STARTING A BUSINESS-FIRST PLAN, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m, Renasant ant Center for IDEAs, Tupelo 1 p.m.

STEPS, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m, RenasCenter for IDEAs, Tupelo. This semito 2:30 p.m. To register call 1-800ant Center for IDEAs, Tupelo. Regisnar is designed to assist in prepar725-7232 ter by phone at 1-800-725-7232. ing a business plan. The parts of the 16 – STARTING A BUSINESS-FIRST 16 – HOW TO DEVELOP A BUSINESS business plan are explained, i. e., STEPS, Marshall County Library, 1 PLAN, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., MSU Busiindustry research, description of p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Are you interested ness Incubator Building, That company products and services, in starting your own business, but Cochran Research & Technology identifying target customer groups don’t know where to begin? This Park The parts of the business plan and a marketing plan. Financial seminar outlines the basic steps to are explained, i. e., industry recomponents discussed are startup

Trails FROM 6

the grounds. We've been working closely with them on where we want to move the visitors to.”

McCoy hopes to attract tourists who want to know more about a city in detail.

Cultural heritage tourism is a growing niche in the travel and tourism world, he said.

“People are wanting

those authentic experiences and stories told to them,” McCoy said. “As more Boomers enter retirement, they are the ones that are seeking out these stories. A lot of them lived through the civil rights movement and want to know those stories.”

The Heritage Trails Enrichment Program is now designing collateral material to distribute and reach markets now that the trail is built out. In the future, they hope to develop a program

for school groups.

McCoy said the trail preserves Tupelo's history and stories.

“That's the number one thing that it does,” he said.

“The tourism piece is a byproduct of that. People want to know more about the city's history and their story. I think that's the main thing. You preserve the story to be told for the next generation and the next.” zack.orsborn@journalinc.com Twitter: @thedaily_zack

New customers are searching for you online!

Are you being found? http://thrive.ms

|

costs and preparation of a projected cash flow statement. Register by phone at (662) 915-5001 or 1-800725-7232. You may also register online at www.mssbdc.org.

20 – STARTING A BUSINESS – FIRST STEPS, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Renasant Center for IDEA Are you interested in starting your own business, but don’t know where to begin?

This seminar outlines the basic steps to start a business. Topics include: regulations such as licenses and permits; legal forms of business ownership; basic marketing concepts to help analyze the revenue potential; lending terminology; outline for a business plan and other resources to assist in starting a business. Register by phone at (662) 915-5001 or 1-800-725-7232 21 – MANAGING A BUSINESS/ENTREPRENEUR BASICS, 10 a.m. to noon, Tippah County Administration Building, Entrepreneur Basics, Rip-

ley. Have a business idea? Wonder how to analyze the idea for revenue potential? This seminar helps entreprenenurs understand the processes to use to conceptualize and analyze a business idea into a business venture. Once an entrepreneur understands the process of analyzing a business venture, they are able to repeat the process until they find a successful business venture.

Register online at www.mssbdc.org or call (662) 680-6988.

21 – MANAGING A BUSINESS, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Northeast Mississippi Community College 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Have a business idea? The seminar is taught by a person who has analyzed hundreds of business ideas.

Register online at www.mssbdc.org or call (662) 680-6988.

IF YOU HAVE a business-related event in the coming months, email dennis.seid@journalinc.com.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

CHAMBER CONNECTION

MARCH 2016

Business Directory A PA R T M E N T S

A PA R T M E N T S

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes

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PAGE 16

PAGE 17

Business Directory COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES

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COMMERCIAL PLUMBING

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I N S U L AT I O N

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at affordable prices.

Mon.-Fri. 9am - 5pm

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

Are You SURE It Can’t Be Fixed?

$ 1255 Nelle Street Tupelo, MS

8 4 4 - 0 2 70

25

OFF

Heating or Cooling System Repair Please present coupon at the time of service. Expires 3/20/16

KENNELS

$

250

OFF

Complete Heat & Air System 15 Seer or Higher

Please present coupon at the time of billing. Expires 3/20/16

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

BUSINESS JOURNAL

MARCH 2016

Business Directory LOCKSMITH

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

MOVING

arber Printing, 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

Call for a Free Estimate

Bronzie Morgan Relocation Specialist

662-842-1120

(662) 842-7720

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

R E A L E S TAT E

PRINTING

PRINTING • GRAPHIC DESIGN • SIGNS BANNERS • BLACK & WHITE/COLOR COPIES

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

811 A Varsity Dr. • Tupelo, MS • 662.841.1584 8am - 4:30pm • goodimpressions@barberprinting.com

R E S TA U R A N T

R E S TA U R A N T

Party Trays for all Occasions!

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

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JOURNAL PUBLISHING COMPANY PRINT

ONLINE

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

R E S TA U R A N T

Alternatives to Cigarettes

Multimedia/Inside Sales Consultant jessica.hunter@journalinc.com Phone 662.678.1538 or 1.800.270.2614 ext.538 Fax 662.620.8301

ROOFING

EL

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R E TA I L

INTERACTIVE

JESSICA HUNTER

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

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

RO

INC.

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

365-7059

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

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

TECHNOLOGY

OF

Ecigs, Mechanical Mods, Vapor Smokes, Tanks/Cartomizers, Ejuice, Blu, V2, Century 21 Ecigs

TRUCKING

Achieve greater network per for mance with less.

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E H W “A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

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3637 Peppertown Road Fulton, MS 38834 (662) 862-6497

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MARCH 2016

BUSINESS JOURNAL

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MARCH 2016