Business Journal 20160603

BUSINESS JOURNAL BIZBUZZ.DJOURNAL.COM

INSIDE: THE STEADY GROWTH OF GOLF, page 10

JUNE

FEATURE: Semi-professional indoor sports returning to the BancorpSouth Arena has its pros and cons. Derek Russell looks back at its indoor sports history.

page 4

COLUMN: Josh West, director of industrial development for Three Rivers Planning, gives his take on the region's economy.

page 16

INVENTOR: MSU student invents product to hold hunting gear in water and dry land. Find out his next step.

page 8

CONNECT WITH US

STORY & PHOTOS BY ZACK ORSBORN

THE BIG SPLASH Tupelo Aquatic Center continues generating economic impact

D

uring the first month the Tupelo Aquatic Center opened its doors, Amy Kennedy, executive director, remained in awe.

She tried to take as many breaths as possible because everything was happening so fast.

It took about a year for the Aquatic Center staff to get a grasp on everything.

“We were so busy. It was nonstop. I only had two other fulltime employees,” Kennedy said. “I remember carrying membership applications home and entering them in the

computer at my house trying to keep up with the data entry.”

Since the soft opening in December 2013, nearly 220,000 members have splashed in the two state-of-the art swimming pools located in the $12 million facility.

More than 340 members have Splash Passes, a $25 monthly fee to access the facility at any given open hour.

On top of that, Shockwave Aquatics rents office space with a $60,000 a year commitment to the city.

Before the construction groundbreaking in 2012, sev-

eral driving forces came together to brainstorm on exactly how they would open and manage such a huge facility.

Seniors who participated in water aerobics at Rob Leake City Pool, Shockwave members, Tupelo Parks and Recreation, Barbara Aguirre and Don Lewis wanted to see the idea come to fruition.

Isaac Sporting Group, a consulting firm, completed a feasibility study that looked at what type of programs the facility could offer and where the facility could be located. They looked at other cities’ swim-

ming facilities to review the risk.

“This was on such a bigger magnitude than installing a splash pad,” said Alex Farned, director of Parks and Recreation. “It’s about a $11 to $12 million building that’s generating revenue from all of these people coming, schools coming in. It’s amazing.”

The 50/50 Budget

But how does the city afford this massive facility?

TURN TO SPLASH, 12

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL BIZBUZZ.DJOURNAL.COM

INSIDE: THE STEADY GROWTH OF GOLF, page 10

JUNE

FEATURE: Semi-professional indoor sports returning to the BancorpSouth Arena has its pros and cons. Derek Russell looks back at its indoor sports history.

page 4

COLUMN: Josh West, director of industrial development for Three Rivers Planning, gives his take on the region's economy.

page 16

INVENTOR: MSU student invents product to hold hunting gear in water and dry land. Find out his next step.

page 8

CONNECT WITH US

STORY & PHOTOS BY ZACK ORSBORN

THE BIG SPLASH Tupelo Aquatic Center continues generating economic impact

D

uring the first month the Tupelo Aquatic Center opened its doors, Amy Kennedy, executive director, remained in awe.

She tried to take as many breaths as possible because everything was happening so fast.

It took about a year for the Aquatic Center staff to get a grasp on everything.

“We were so busy. It was nonstop. I only had two other fulltime employees,” Kennedy said. “I remember carrying membership applications home and entering them in the

computer at my house trying to keep up with the data entry.”

Since the soft opening in December 2013, nearly 220,000 members have splashed in the two state-of-the art swimming pools located in the $12 million facility.

More than 340 members have Splash Passes, a $25 monthly fee to access the facility at any given open hour.

On top of that, Shockwave Aquatics rents office space with a $60,000 a year commitment to the city.

Before the construction groundbreaking in 2012, sev-

eral driving forces came together to brainstorm on exactly how they would open and manage such a huge facility.

Seniors who participated in water aerobics at Rob Leake City Pool, Shockwave members, Tupelo Parks and Recreation, Barbara Aguirre and Don Lewis wanted to see the idea come to fruition.

Isaac Sporting Group, a consulting firm, completed a feasibility study that looked at what type of programs the facility could offer and where the facility could be located. They looked at other cities’ swim-

ming facilities to review the risk.

“This was on such a bigger magnitude than installing a splash pad,” said Alex Farned, director of Parks and Recreation. “It’s about a $11 to $12 million building that’s generating revenue from all of these people coming, schools coming in. It’s amazing.”

The 50/50 Budget

But how does the city afford this massive facility?

TURN TO SPLASH, 12

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THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

I

JUNE 2016

Plenty of peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jack and more

n Oxford and Starkville this weekend, thousands of baseball fans will be cheering on their teams.

Along the way, they’ll be paying for hotel rooms, buying food and shopping at stores.

Neither city is a stranger to hosting NCAA tournaments – Mississippi State has been an NCAA Regional host 12 times through the years, while Ole Miss has hosted six times.

And both venues – Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville and Oxford-University Stadium/ Swayze Field – are accustomed to having plenty of fans.

For nine consecutive years, Ole Miss has ranked in the top 5 in average attendance at home games, including second in 2015.

State holds 11 of the top 10 on-campus college baseball

crowds (three are against Ole Miss, including a record 15,586 two years ago).

The Bulldogs have 14 of the top 20 attendance figures, DENNIS SEID in fact. Five of the top 20 have happened at Dudy Noble in the last three years.

This weekend, the Rebels and Bulldogs should each attract at least 30,000 to 40,000 fans during their respective regional tournaments.

In 2014, during Ole Miss’ run to its first College World Series appearance in 42 years, the Rebels drew more than 49,000 fans to the regional in Oxford, the second-most of any regional that year.

While many fans will be driv-

ing in this weekweekend, said end, others will Jennifer Gregbe spending In Oxford and ory, the CEO of their time and the G re a t e r money in the Starkville this weekStarkville Develend, thousands of cities. opment PartThe teams in- baseball fans will be nership, which clude players, cheering on their includes the coaches and ascity’s chamber sistants, plus a teams. of commerce contingent of and tourism offans. Television fices. and o t h e r dennis seid “We’ve had non-local media business editor good communiwill be bringing cation between staff that inthe city, the unicludes not only on-air person- versity and us as we’ve always alities, but production had in putting these events topersonnel for the duration of gether for the community,” she the tournament. said. “We want to be sure to Starkville was host to some show our hospitality to everyNCAA women’s basketball one who’s coming.” games earlier this year, as well The boost in business will be as the recent SEC softball tour- felt most by the hotels and nament. restaurants, but the ripple efThat was a warm-up to this fect will be felt by many sur-

rounding businesses.

The regionals also bring more people in town during a slower time in the schedule.

Most of the major festivals are hosted during the spring and football doesn’t start until the fall.

So the influx of visitors is a welcome development.

There’s plenty of peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack to be sold this weekend, along with hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, barbecue, drinks, souvenirs and more.

And should MSU win, it will host a Super Regional, which means another opportunity to reel in more fans.

As the saying goes, “Just win, baby.”

Contact DENNIS SEID at (662) 678-1578 or dennis.seid@journalinc. com

We Also Sell, Lease, and Manage Warehouses of All Sizes in Northeast MS Various sizes available from 1,500 to 200,000 square feet.

600 MAIN STREET, SUITE B • TUPELO • 662-842-8283 www.trirealestate.net

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at TRI Commercial Real Estate

Document: A002CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:06:34;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

2

I

JUNE 2016

Plenty of peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jack and more

n Oxford and Starkville this weekend, thousands of baseball fans will be cheering on their teams.

Along the way, they’ll be paying for hotel rooms, buying food and shopping at stores.

Neither city is a stranger to hosting NCAA tournaments – Mississippi State has been an NCAA Regional host 12 times through the years, while Ole Miss has hosted six times.

And both venues – Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium in Starkville and Oxford-University Stadium/ Swayze Field – are accustomed to having plenty of fans.

For nine consecutive years, Ole Miss has ranked in the top 5 in average attendance at home games, including second in 2015.

State holds 11 of the top 10 on-campus college baseball

crowds (three are against Ole Miss, including a record 15,586 two years ago).

The Bulldogs have 14 of the top 20 attendance figures, DENNIS SEID in fact. Five of the top 20 have happened at Dudy Noble in the last three years.

This weekend, the Rebels and Bulldogs should each attract at least 30,000 to 40,000 fans during their respective regional tournaments.

In 2014, during Ole Miss’ run to its first College World Series appearance in 42 years, the Rebels drew more than 49,000 fans to the regional in Oxford, the second-most of any regional that year.

While many fans will be driv-

ing in this weekweekend, said end, others will Jennifer Gregbe spending In Oxford and ory, the CEO of their time and the G re a t e r money in the Starkville this weekStarkville Develend, thousands of cities. opment PartThe teams in- baseball fans will be nership, which clude players, cheering on their includes the coaches and ascity’s chamber sistants, plus a teams. of commerce contingent of and tourism offans. Television fices. and o t h e r dennis seid “We’ve had non-local media business editor good communiwill be bringing cation between staff that inthe city, the unicludes not only on-air person- versity and us as we’ve always alities, but production had in putting these events topersonnel for the duration of gether for the community,” she the tournament. said. “We want to be sure to Starkville was host to some show our hospitality to everyNCAA women’s basketball one who’s coming.” games earlier this year, as well The boost in business will be as the recent SEC softball tour- felt most by the hotels and nament. restaurants, but the ripple efThat was a warm-up to this fect will be felt by many sur-

rounding businesses.

The regionals also bring more people in town during a slower time in the schedule.

Most of the major festivals are hosted during the spring and football doesn’t start until the fall.

So the influx of visitors is a welcome development.

There’s plenty of peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack to be sold this weekend, along with hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, barbecue, drinks, souvenirs and more.

And should MSU win, it will host a Super Regional, which means another opportunity to reel in more fans.

As the saying goes, “Just win, baby.”

Contact DENNIS SEID at (662) 678-1578 or dennis.seid@journalinc. com

We Also Sell, Lease, and Manage Warehouses of All Sizes in Northeast MS Various sizes available from 1,500 to 200,000 square feet.

600 MAIN STREET, SUITE B • TUPELO • 662-842-8283 www.trirealestate.net

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at TRI Commercial Real Estate

Document: A002CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:06:34;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

2

Tupelo deeply vested in sports tourism

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Casinos and Croatia helped spark Tupelo's foray into sports tourism.

Sport Tourism refers to travel which involves either watching or participating in a sporting event, staying apart from their usual environment. It's a multi-billion-dollar segment of the tourism industry, a small piece of which communities like Tupelo take part.

And in the All-America City, it was the introduction of riverboat casino gambling in the 1990s, plus the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 that got the ball rolling.

"The casinos really started taking away convention business from us, and Tupelo was really strong in the convention business," said Neal McCoy, executive director of the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau. "It got to the point they were giving away room nights and meeting space in order to get folks to the casino tables. That forced us to explore other markets."

Tupelo's travel market is dictated by the transient business traveler, people who come through the city and county Monday through Thursday.

In order to capture more people and get them to spend money in hotels and restaurants during the weekends, the CVB and city leaders looked for events and activities to get them here.

"That's when we identified sports tournaments, particularly youth tournaments, as to what could drive that," said McCoy, who led the CVB's sports development efforts before becoming the bureau's top executive.

The other jumping point was the 1996 Olympic Games.

Community leaders met to discuss having the city host a visiting team to help them prepare for the Southern heat.

"They could do their training here, we'd get good exposure, we'd get goodwill, all of

that," McCoy said. "It exposed us to a high communities in that it doesn't have to worry level of sports." about maintaining the facilities – those big That team was from Croatia. tasks are left to the Parks and Recreation de"It was very successful," McCoy said, "with partment. several on the team winning medals."

"Tupelo Parks and Rec has been a wonderIn 1998, a dedicated staffer was hired to go ful partner, which has allowed us to go after out and recruit sporting events to Tupelo, these tournaments," McCoy said. like basketball, baseball, softball and socBaseball is the biggest market Tupelo purcer." sues, and even with Oxford and New Albany "We've had the Gulf South Conference also competing for hosting events, McCoy basketball championships, the MHSAA said they all work together.

Grand Slam tournament, state golf tournaOxford's FNC Park hosts some two dozen ments. ... we've hosted a wide variety of baseball and soccer tournaments a year. events," McCoy said. "What we saw early on The facility, built in 2009, includes 10 basein the sports recruitment process was that ball fields, five soccer fields, flu softball you can't be one thing. You fields. have to be very diversified The BNA Sportplex is basein what you go after and ball, softball, soccer and Tupelo also has the what we offer from a facilmulti-purpose complex in advantage over some ity standpoint."

New Albany with eight fields.

Tupelo had been hosting communities in that it The adjacent BNA Tennis some national softball doesn't have to worry Complex has 10 courts. tournaments in the 1990s, "We sit down with them and about maintaining the look allowing the city to dip its at the calendar and don't toes in hosting large com- facilities – those big schedule on top of another," petitive sporting events. he said. "There's plenty of tasks are left to the A 10-year master plan Parks and Recreation business to go around. Our was developed, which infields needs break to recover. cluded the construction of department.

We all have events in our cities the nine-field Baseball we have to work around. So we Sportsplex at Ballard Park. sit around and look at the The $4.8 million facility Neal Mccoy weekends we need to stay tupelo cvb opened in 2008. away from each other. We work "That allowed us to to together, and it works well." convert two baseball field at Veterans Park to The calendar might work out where a softball fields, which then gave us eight soft- baseball tournament will work best in Tuball fields to host tournaments," McCoy said. pelo on a certain set of dates, then the CVB The Baseball Sportsplex was built near the will plug in other events around that date, soccer fields, which had been in place since from softball, soccer, triathlons, runs and the 1980s. other events that will fill holes during the The city also has 14 tennis courts to host rest of the year. events, which doesn't include the courts at "We don't try to go after ticketed events, the Tupelo Country Club, which also can because we've seen it just doesn't work come into play. out," McCoy added. "We felt like we could The Aquatic Center, which opened in late use those dollars to go after youth events 2013, was the last piece of the puzzle. and get a better return on the dollar, and "Now we can host anything throughout that's what's happened." the year," McCoy said. "We're also able to go But McCoy said even with all the events after events we can have in the Bancorp- and activities planned, there's always room South Arena and the conference center. We for more events the city can host. can accommodate just about any sport, "The next big thing for nontraditional We've even done lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, sports is cheerleading, archery, volleyball, rugby on the soccer fields." even gaming," McCoy said. "Those are the Tupelo also has the advantage over some things we're looking at now."

3

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

Tupelo deeply vested in sports tourism

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – Casinos and Croatia helped spark Tupelo's foray into sports tourism.

Sport Tourism refers to travel which involves either watching or participating in a sporting event, staying apart from their usual environment. It's a multi-billion-dollar segment of the tourism industry, a small piece of which communities like Tupelo take part.

And in the All-America City, it was the introduction of riverboat casino gambling in the 1990s, plus the Summer Olympics in Atlanta in 1996 that got the ball rolling.

"The casinos really started taking away convention business from us, and Tupelo was really strong in the convention business," said Neal McCoy, executive director of the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau. "It got to the point they were giving away room nights and meeting space in order to get folks to the casino tables. That forced us to explore other markets."

Tupelo's travel market is dictated by the transient business traveler, people who come through the city and county Monday through Thursday.

In order to capture more people and get them to spend money in hotels and restaurants during the weekends, the CVB and city leaders looked for events and activities to get them here.

"That's when we identified sports tournaments, particularly youth tournaments, as to what could drive that," said McCoy, who led the CVB's sports development efforts before becoming the bureau's top executive.

The other jumping point was the 1996 Olympic Games.

Community leaders met to discuss having the city host a visiting team to help them prepare for the Southern heat.

"They could do their training here, we'd get good exposure, we'd get goodwill, all of

that," McCoy said. "It exposed us to a high communities in that it doesn't have to worry level of sports." about maintaining the facilities – those big That team was from Croatia. tasks are left to the Parks and Recreation de"It was very successful," McCoy said, "with partment. several on the team winning medals."

"Tupelo Parks and Rec has been a wonderIn 1998, a dedicated staffer was hired to go ful partner, which has allowed us to go after out and recruit sporting events to Tupelo, these tournaments," McCoy said. like basketball, baseball, softball and socBaseball is the biggest market Tupelo purcer." sues, and even with Oxford and New Albany "We've had the Gulf South Conference also competing for hosting events, McCoy basketball championships, the MHSAA said they all work together.

Grand Slam tournament, state golf tournaOxford's FNC Park hosts some two dozen ments. ... we've hosted a wide variety of baseball and soccer tournaments a year. events," McCoy said. "What we saw early on The facility, built in 2009, includes 10 basein the sports recruitment process was that ball fields, five soccer fields, flu softball you can't be one thing. You fields. have to be very diversified The BNA Sportplex is basein what you go after and ball, softball, soccer and Tupelo also has the what we offer from a facilmulti-purpose complex in advantage over some ity standpoint."

New Albany with eight fields.

Tupelo had been hosting communities in that it The adjacent BNA Tennis some national softball doesn't have to worry Complex has 10 courts. tournaments in the 1990s, "We sit down with them and about maintaining the look allowing the city to dip its at the calendar and don't toes in hosting large com- facilities – those big schedule on top of another," petitive sporting events. he said. "There's plenty of tasks are left to the A 10-year master plan Parks and Recreation business to go around. Our was developed, which infields needs break to recover. cluded the construction of department.

We all have events in our cities the nine-field Baseball we have to work around. So we Sportsplex at Ballard Park. sit around and look at the The $4.8 million facility Neal Mccoy weekends we need to stay tupelo cvb opened in 2008. away from each other. We work "That allowed us to to together, and it works well." convert two baseball field at Veterans Park to The calendar might work out where a softball fields, which then gave us eight soft- baseball tournament will work best in Tuball fields to host tournaments," McCoy said. pelo on a certain set of dates, then the CVB The Baseball Sportsplex was built near the will plug in other events around that date, soccer fields, which had been in place since from softball, soccer, triathlons, runs and the 1980s. other events that will fill holes during the The city also has 14 tennis courts to host rest of the year. events, which doesn't include the courts at "We don't try to go after ticketed events, the Tupelo Country Club, which also can because we've seen it just doesn't work come into play. out," McCoy added. "We felt like we could The Aquatic Center, which opened in late use those dollars to go after youth events 2013, was the last piece of the puzzle. and get a better return on the dollar, and "Now we can host anything throughout that's what's happened." the year," McCoy said. "We're also able to go But McCoy said even with all the events after events we can have in the Bancorp- and activities planned, there's always room South Arena and the conference center. We for more events the city can host. can accommodate just about any sport, "The next big thing for nontraditional We've even done lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, sports is cheerleading, archery, volleyball, rugby on the soccer fields." even gaming," McCoy said. "Those are the Tupelo also has the advantage over some things we're looking at now."

3

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

JUNE 2016

Playing ball at the arena Semi-professional indoor sports returning to area has its pros, cons

BY DEREK W. RUSSELL BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – The BancorpSouth Arena has had many changes since it opened its doors to Northeast Mississippi – and the world – in 1993. Then named the Tupelo Coliseum, the venue hosted acts like The Eagles, Aerosmith and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

It wasn’t until 1997 that the arena got its first taste at a consistent sports presence on its schedule with the Tupelo Hound Dogs indoor soccer team, which lasted from June to August of that year. While the Hound Dogs didn’t return, more changes came to the venue, which switched names to the BancorpSouth Center (and later

Arena) and installed ice within the facility in the summer of 1998, making it possible to add new events to the schedule.

The Tupelo T-Rex professional ice hockey team was formed that same year – part of the Western Professional Hockey League – and played their home games at the arena from 1998 until 2001. After that, the T-Rex became part of the America West Hockey League and continued playing until it went defunct in 2003. Within those years, the arena also became home to professional indoor football with the Tupelo FireAnts playing home games at the facility until 2005, followed by the Mississippi Mudcats football team and the Mississippi Hound Dogs indoor soccer team in 2012.

While there’s always a fair share of activ-

A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G S YST E M I N STA L L E D F O R F R E ET E S A S E TIM

AS LOW AS

65

00

$ Scott Mattox, Owner

1255 Nelle Street ■ Tupelo

8 4 4 - 0 2 70

per month

* All financing requires an approved credit application $65/month is based on a complete 3 ton system, duct work not included.

$

25

00 $ OFF

Service call upon completion of repairs.

expires: 5/31/16 Expires 8/30/16

Coupon must be presented at time of service.

250

00

OFF

Air Conditioning or Heat Pump Installation 16 Seer or Higher

expires: Expires5/31/16 8/30/16

Coupon must be presented at time of estimate.

ities going on behind the scenes at the BancorpSouth Arena, even when concerts or events aren’t happening, executive director Todd Hunt said that the break from sports leagues residing within isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“We’re happy to host indoor sports, but we don’t really think Tupelo is a great market over the long term for minor league sports, simply due to the size of the population in our local market,” Hunt said. “In the first season, there’s always a novelty that people come out to support. Where our challenge lies is when you try to have an event for an entire season. It’s much harder to get that support up later in the year, even when the team is fielding a winning product, which is what the Mudcats did in 2007 and 2008.”

Hunt said that while people come out in droves for the first few games, the dwindling numbers don’t help much by the 34th or 35th game of the season.

“It just doesn’t work,” he said. “On the plus side, it gobbles up dates on the calendar and it’s great entertainment events for our area, but that can also be a con. It limits our availability for touring shows in the market. Unfortunately, Tupelo isn’t a destination market much like New York or Los Angeles where tours route their dates around playing in Tupelo. We’re a fill-in play, so the more open dates we have on the calendar, the better chance we have at landing more events.”

VENUE DESIGN

Venues like the FedEx Forum in Memphis were designed specifically with sports events in mind like the Memphis Grizzlies, whereas the BancorpSouth Arena was originally built for concerts and the sports came later.

“They (the FedEx Forum) will slot shows in around the Grizzlies schedule and that’s just how it works for them. For us, if we had 60 dates taken up it would be bad for us to work under that model. But also, there are a lot of more people living in Memphis than Tupelo,” Hunt said.

“It’s just not something we’re aggressively pursuing right now. We’ll have ownership groups contact us two or three times

JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

A large crowd fills the stands to watch the opening night of the Mississippi Mudcats at the BancorpSouth Arena.

a year wanting to talk terms and look at available dates but the reality of it is our busiest time of the year is Nov. 1 through the end of April and that’s when most of these events take place. We just don’t have enough available weekends to have everyone peacefully coexist.”

The moving parts and shifting dates makes the arena’s calendar a sliding scale when it comes to a permanent home for a sports team. That’s why Hunt and his staff look to host outside sporting events as much as possible, like the Harlem Globetrotters or Mississippi State University and University of Mississippi hockey.

“We still do hold collegiate hockey and that fills some holes for us,” he said. “I think we have found that we can be successful hosting six to eight hockey games a year, especially with that collegiate tie-in.

People love to go cheer for Ole Miss or MSU or Alabama or whatever college team we’re able to bring in. There’s that built-in loyalty factor that helps, and it’s the right number of events.”

The arena has been home to high school basketball tournaments in the past, as well as the Gulf South Conference Basketball tournament from 2001 until 2005, and Hunt said they’re always looking for new opportunities to host guests into the facility.

“We always love having MSU or Ole Miss basketball here,” he said. “We like to do things that our special events and that aren’t occurring every year. We would love to host a collegiate game every year, whoever that is, we’d love to be in a rotation there.

We always want to be more involved there.

We’ve had some conversations about boxing and MMA fights and if we can make the dates work and the deals work, we’ll pursue those in the future.”

For now, Hunt continues to find quality entertainment to bring to the area that will fill seats and have people smiling as they exit.

“That’s always our goal and what we’re here to do,” Hunt said. derek.russell@journalinc.com Twitter: @wderekrussell

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

4

JUNE 2016

Playing ball at the arena Semi-professional indoor sports returning to area has its pros, cons

BY DEREK W. RUSSELL BUSINESS JOURNAL

TUPELO – The BancorpSouth Arena has had many changes since it opened its doors to Northeast Mississippi – and the world – in 1993. Then named the Tupelo Coliseum, the venue hosted acts like The Eagles, Aerosmith and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

It wasn’t until 1997 that the arena got its first taste at a consistent sports presence on its schedule with the Tupelo Hound Dogs indoor soccer team, which lasted from June to August of that year. While the Hound Dogs didn’t return, more changes came to the venue, which switched names to the BancorpSouth Center (and later

Arena) and installed ice within the facility in the summer of 1998, making it possible to add new events to the schedule.

The Tupelo T-Rex professional ice hockey team was formed that same year – part of the Western Professional Hockey League – and played their home games at the arena from 1998 until 2001. After that, the T-Rex became part of the America West Hockey League and continued playing until it went defunct in 2003. Within those years, the arena also became home to professional indoor football with the Tupelo FireAnts playing home games at the facility until 2005, followed by the Mississippi Mudcats football team and the Mississippi Hound Dogs indoor soccer team in 2012.

While there’s always a fair share of activ-

A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G S YST E M I N STA L L E D F O R F R E ET E S A S E TIM

AS LOW AS

65

00

$ Scott Mattox, Owner

1255 Nelle Street ■ Tupelo

8 4 4 - 0 2 70

per month

* All financing requires an approved credit application $65/month is based on a complete 3 ton system, duct work not included.

$

25

00 $ OFF

Service call upon completion of repairs.

expires: 5/31/16 Expires 8/30/16

Coupon must be presented at time of service.

250

00

OFF

Air Conditioning or Heat Pump Installation 16 Seer or Higher

expires: Expires5/31/16 8/30/16

Coupon must be presented at time of estimate.

ities going on behind the scenes at the BancorpSouth Arena, even when concerts or events aren’t happening, executive director Todd Hunt said that the break from sports leagues residing within isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

“We’re happy to host indoor sports, but we don’t really think Tupelo is a great market over the long term for minor league sports, simply due to the size of the population in our local market,” Hunt said. “In the first season, there’s always a novelty that people come out to support. Where our challenge lies is when you try to have an event for an entire season. It’s much harder to get that support up later in the year, even when the team is fielding a winning product, which is what the Mudcats did in 2007 and 2008.”

Hunt said that while people come out in droves for the first few games, the dwindling numbers don’t help much by the 34th or 35th game of the season.

“It just doesn’t work,” he said. “On the plus side, it gobbles up dates on the calendar and it’s great entertainment events for our area, but that can also be a con. It limits our availability for touring shows in the market. Unfortunately, Tupelo isn’t a destination market much like New York or Los Angeles where tours route their dates around playing in Tupelo. We’re a fill-in play, so the more open dates we have on the calendar, the better chance we have at landing more events.”

VENUE DESIGN

Venues like the FedEx Forum in Memphis were designed specifically with sports events in mind like the Memphis Grizzlies, whereas the BancorpSouth Arena was originally built for concerts and the sports came later.

“They (the FedEx Forum) will slot shows in around the Grizzlies schedule and that’s just how it works for them. For us, if we had 60 dates taken up it would be bad for us to work under that model. But also, there are a lot of more people living in Memphis than Tupelo,” Hunt said.

“It’s just not something we’re aggressively pursuing right now. We’ll have ownership groups contact us two or three times

JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

A large crowd fills the stands to watch the opening night of the Mississippi Mudcats at the BancorpSouth Arena.

a year wanting to talk terms and look at available dates but the reality of it is our busiest time of the year is Nov. 1 through the end of April and that’s when most of these events take place. We just don’t have enough available weekends to have everyone peacefully coexist.”

The moving parts and shifting dates makes the arena’s calendar a sliding scale when it comes to a permanent home for a sports team. That’s why Hunt and his staff look to host outside sporting events as much as possible, like the Harlem Globetrotters or Mississippi State University and University of Mississippi hockey.

“We still do hold collegiate hockey and that fills some holes for us,” he said. “I think we have found that we can be successful hosting six to eight hockey games a year, especially with that collegiate tie-in.

People love to go cheer for Ole Miss or MSU or Alabama or whatever college team we’re able to bring in. There’s that built-in loyalty factor that helps, and it’s the right number of events.”

The arena has been home to high school basketball tournaments in the past, as well as the Gulf South Conference Basketball tournament from 2001 until 2005, and Hunt said they’re always looking for new opportunities to host guests into the facility.

“We always love having MSU or Ole Miss basketball here,” he said. “We like to do things that our special events and that aren’t occurring every year. We would love to host a collegiate game every year, whoever that is, we’d love to be in a rotation there.

We always want to be more involved there.

We’ve had some conversations about boxing and MMA fights and if we can make the dates work and the deals work, we’ll pursue those in the future.”

For now, Hunt continues to find quality entertainment to bring to the area that will fill seats and have people smiling as they exit.

“That’s always our goal and what we’re here to do,” Hunt said. derek.russell@journalinc.com Twitter: @wderekrussell

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

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ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Stephanie Nettles, owner of Domestic Divas, began selling organic soaps and natural cleaners in May.

BY ZACK ORSBORN BUSINESS JOURNAL TUPELO – After having an allergic reaction to Tilex, Stephanie Nettles began researching alternative ways to create cleaning products.

Nettles, the owner of Domestic Divas in Tupelo, mixed castile soap, water and tea tree oil to make an all-natural, organic antibacterial spray.

“I started Domestic Divas, which was originally a cleaning business,” Nettles said. “I had a few houses I cleaned, and I would send girls out to clean. I decided to start making my own cleaning product – all natural.”

From there, she opened her storefront business in May, also called Domestic Divas, to sell her organic-based cleaning products and an array of Mississippi-made products including bars of soap from Bartlett’s Soap Company in Southhaven.

Nettles drives to Southhaven every two months to pick up new soaps. Some of the 50 scents include Sweet Tea, Merlot and Peppermint.

For kids, Nettles stocks fun scents and colored soaps like Zombie Repellent, Fruit Loops and Chocolate Cake.

Other products include bees-wax based products from local beekeeper Edward Montgomery, lotion bars, air-purifying candles, chalk paint, Bridgewater Candles, animal soaps for fleas and ticks and jewelry and art from local artists.

She also began developing her own air fresheners along with shaving cream in the back of the store located on South Industrial Road.

“I just make the products when I have an idea,” Nettles said. “The other night I was sitting there, and I was like, “I think I want to make some shaving cream.’ I named it Guns and Roses because it

smells like roses.”

It usually takes her a day to make the organic antibacterial spray and the air fresheners, but for her bath bombs, she needs about two days.

So far, the customer reactions have been positive, Nettles said.

“They say that they don’t know of anybody in Tupelo with products that are all-natural,” she said.

“There’s nobody else that sells plant-based soap in Tupelo. You can go into any store and products will say they are organic, but every single product I put in here is all-natural.”

Down the road, Nettles hopes to turn the back room into part of the store.

“I want to expand,” she said. “I want to have a good clientele. I wish people would find out about our products. I give samples so I can show people just how good it is.” zack.orsborn@journalinc.com Twitter: @thedaily_zack

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JUNE 2016

BUSINESS JOURNAL

5

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Stephanie Nettles, owner of Domestic Divas, began selling organic soaps and natural cleaners in May.

BY ZACK ORSBORN BUSINESS JOURNAL TUPELO – After having an allergic reaction to Tilex, Stephanie Nettles began researching alternative ways to create cleaning products.

Nettles, the owner of Domestic Divas in Tupelo, mixed castile soap, water and tea tree oil to make an all-natural, organic antibacterial spray.

“I started Domestic Divas, which was originally a cleaning business,” Nettles said. “I had a few houses I cleaned, and I would send girls out to clean. I decided to start making my own cleaning product – all natural.”

From there, she opened her storefront business in May, also called Domestic Divas, to sell her organic-based cleaning products and an array of Mississippi-made products including bars of soap from Bartlett’s Soap Company in Southhaven.

Nettles drives to Southhaven every two months to pick up new soaps. Some of the 50 scents include Sweet Tea, Merlot and Peppermint.

For kids, Nettles stocks fun scents and colored soaps like Zombie Repellent, Fruit Loops and Chocolate Cake.

Other products include bees-wax based products from local beekeeper Edward Montgomery, lotion bars, air-purifying candles, chalk paint, Bridgewater Candles, animal soaps for fleas and ticks and jewelry and art from local artists.

She also began developing her own air fresheners along with shaving cream in the back of the store located on South Industrial Road.

“I just make the products when I have an idea,” Nettles said. “The other night I was sitting there, and I was like, “I think I want to make some shaving cream.’ I named it Guns and Roses because it

smells like roses.”

It usually takes her a day to make the organic antibacterial spray and the air fresheners, but for her bath bombs, she needs about two days.

So far, the customer reactions have been positive, Nettles said.

“They say that they don’t know of anybody in Tupelo with products that are all-natural,” she said.

“There’s nobody else that sells plant-based soap in Tupelo. You can go into any store and products will say they are organic, but every single product I put in here is all-natural.”

Down the road, Nettles hopes to turn the back room into part of the store.

“I want to expand,” she said. “I want to have a good clientele. I wish people would find out about our products. I give samples so I can show people just how good it is.” zack.orsborn@journalinc.com Twitter: @thedaily_zack

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JUNE 2016

JUNE 2016

FROM TINY ACORNS Camo company sinks roots throughout broad spectrum of outdoor markets

BY KEVIN TATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

WEST POINT – Born from a dream of invisibility and founded in 1986 to supply camouflaged clothing for direct hunting applications, Haas Outdoors Inc., and its Mossy Oak brand enter their 30th year of business this summer with interests that touch many more aspects of the land.

“The brand is about connecting people with the outdoors,” said Toxey Haas, the company’s founder and CEO. “We want to help people live their best life possible, and that means a close connection to nature in every aspect of life.”

Today, the company does business worldwide and touches virtually every facet of the outdoor experience, but 30 years ago, it got its start by first helping hunters be more effective in the woods.

Haas grew up following at the heels of his father, Carl Fox Haas, where he learned early on the passions found listening to turkeys gobble in the spring and to the soft whistle of wingbeats as ducks circle close overhead in the fall.

He found the connection to the land that comes from bowhunting whitetail deer, where closer is always better, and he knew the camouflage patterns and clothing available at the time were not nearly what they might be.

It was a realization that came to him in childhood, and grew into an obsession as seasons went by.

Thirty years ago, Haas was an employee of the

marketing department at Bryan Foods in West Point.

He and his wife, Diane, were in their 20s. She taught school at Heritage Academy in Columbus, a fact that would become very important because two weeks before their first child was born, Toxey walked out the door at Bryan Foods for the last time.

The camouflage on the market then was Vietnam-era U.S. Army surplus. It was printed with a bright shine in unnatural hues. It was better than nothing, but it begged for improvement. The patterns Haas imagined were complex, natural shapes in subtle hues. In hardwood bottoms or along pine-covered hillsides, at a distance or up close, his patterns would look like they belonged where they were, would seem a part of the trees and leaves, not apart from them.

The first textile mill Haas found that would bring the first of his dreams into being was in Chickamauga, Georgia.

He landed on that one partly because of his initial budget. Most mills didn’t want to print a run of cloth that didn’t measure 10,000 yards or more. He could afford to print 800. In Chickamauga, Crystal Springs Print Works wanted a minimum of 10,000 yards, too, but the people were friendly and the mill manager was a hunter and they found a way to make 800 yards work. From those 800 yards were sewn the first examples of Mossy Oak camo the world would ever see.

COURTESY | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Toxey Haas, from left, founded Haas Outdoors in 1986 and was soon joined by Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland and Bill Sugg, who today are the company’s senior vice president and president

respectively.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Every hunter and every retailer who spoke hunting who saw the first Mossy Oak camo loved it. But first they had to see it, which meant lots of miles behind the wheel, showing the clothing at every opportunity to be found.

The first field sales team included Bill Sugg, Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland and the late Bob Dixon. Cindy Cliett kept the books and Carsie Young oversaw order fulfillment. Ads in national outdoor magazines promoted a toll-free number that rang to a phone in Toxey’s parents’ house. His dad would answer the phone as Haas Outdoors or as Mossy Oak sales. Anyone who asked for customer service would be passed to Toxey’s

mom, Evelyn.

Today, Haas Outdoors has roughly 150 employees spread across the country and around the world. Ultimately though, the company’s core mission statement remains the same: to bring together a team that becomes as close as family, that stays together and works hard because their jobs are what they’re most passionate about doing.

“We’ve been successful, not because of our achievements, but because of our people,” Haas says. “In the beginning, a lot of people believed in me. Over time, we’ve all come to believe in each other. That’s what’s made this special for me.”

Still headquartered in West Point, still privately held, the company long

ago got out of the garment manufacturing business.

Today, roughly 1,000 companies are licensed to put Mossy Oak’s patterns on their products. In addition to innovating camouflage patterns and marketing the brand, Haas Outdoors has developed an array of other business interests, all laterally expanded from the core mission the camo began 30 years ago.

• BioLogic creates seed blends whose planting promotes the growth and management of wildlife.

• Nativ Nurseries produces potted seedlings that grow into trees that do the same.

• Nativ Living is a comprehensive line of furniture and accessories for those who are drawn to the beauty of nature and whose passion for the outdoors inspires them to bring those elements indoors.

The variety of products includes designs to complement any cabin, home or lodge.

• Mossy Oak Properties is a national network of rural and recreational real estate-oriented brokers who specialize in representing the sort of land outdoor enthusiasts want to buy.

• Mossy Oak Productions creates more than 75 original episodes of broadcast-length programming every year that air nationally on Outdoor Channel and Pursuit, and internationally on WildTV throughout Canada.

• MOOSE Media, which stands for Mossy Oak Outdoor Sports and Entertainment, produces a number of other series for industry partners on a turnkey basis,

and is the agency of record for the privately-held Pursuit Network, representing that company’s air time sales.

• Mossy Oak Gamekeepers is an in-depth, coordinated business that helps land managers improve the enjoyment of their property by promoting and improving wildlife habitat.

• Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Kennels is a newly-launched business specializing in the breeding, training and sales of retrievers.

• In 2017, Mossy Oak, in partnership with the George Bryan family and Old Waverly Golf Club, will open to the public Nature’s Golf, a 7,400-yard, par-72 course, complete with clubhouse and guest cabins, sited adjacent to the world-renowned Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point. The course, designed

by Gil Hanse, whose credits include courses in seven states plus Brazil, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates, will capitalize on features nature already built, allowing the public to experience world class golf on land already predisposed to host it.

“Everything we do is an opportunity to bring people closer to nature, more often, and in more ways,” Haas said. “It’s a stewardship of what God made and charged us to care for.

That’s what makes it a pleasure to get up and go to work every day. There’s no other place I’d rather be.”

Kevin Tate is Vice President of Media Productions for Mossy Oak in West Point.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

6

JUNE 2016

FROM TINY ACORNS Camo company sinks roots throughout broad spectrum of outdoor markets

BY KEVIN TATE BUSINESS JOURNAL

WEST POINT – Born from a dream of invisibility and founded in 1986 to supply camouflaged clothing for direct hunting applications, Haas Outdoors Inc., and its Mossy Oak brand enter their 30th year of business this summer with interests that touch many more aspects of the land.

“The brand is about connecting people with the outdoors,” said Toxey Haas, the company’s founder and CEO. “We want to help people live their best life possible, and that means a close connection to nature in every aspect of life.”

Today, the company does business worldwide and touches virtually every facet of the outdoor experience, but 30 years ago, it got its start by first helping hunters be more effective in the woods.

Haas grew up following at the heels of his father, Carl Fox Haas, where he learned early on the passions found listening to turkeys gobble in the spring and to the soft whistle of wingbeats as ducks circle close overhead in the fall.

He found the connection to the land that comes from bowhunting whitetail deer, where closer is always better, and he knew the camouflage patterns and clothing available at the time were not nearly what they might be.

It was a realization that came to him in childhood, and grew into an obsession as seasons went by.

Thirty years ago, Haas was an employee of the

marketing department at Bryan Foods in West Point.

He and his wife, Diane, were in their 20s. She taught school at Heritage Academy in Columbus, a fact that would become very important because two weeks before their first child was born, Toxey walked out the door at Bryan Foods for the last time.

The camouflage on the market then was Vietnam-era U.S. Army surplus. It was printed with a bright shine in unnatural hues. It was better than nothing, but it begged for improvement. The patterns Haas imagined were complex, natural shapes in subtle hues. In hardwood bottoms or along pine-covered hillsides, at a distance or up close, his patterns would look like they belonged where they were, would seem a part of the trees and leaves, not apart from them.

The first textile mill Haas found that would bring the first of his dreams into being was in Chickamauga, Georgia.

He landed on that one partly because of his initial budget. Most mills didn’t want to print a run of cloth that didn’t measure 10,000 yards or more. He could afford to print 800. In Chickamauga, Crystal Springs Print Works wanted a minimum of 10,000 yards, too, but the people were friendly and the mill manager was a hunter and they found a way to make 800 yards work. From those 800 yards were sewn the first examples of Mossy Oak camo the world would ever see.

COURTESY | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Toxey Haas, from left, founded Haas Outdoors in 1986 and was soon joined by Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland and Bill Sugg, who today are the company’s senior vice president and president

respectively.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Every hunter and every retailer who spoke hunting who saw the first Mossy Oak camo loved it. But first they had to see it, which meant lots of miles behind the wheel, showing the clothing at every opportunity to be found.

The first field sales team included Bill Sugg, Ronnie “Cuz” Strickland and the late Bob Dixon. Cindy Cliett kept the books and Carsie Young oversaw order fulfillment. Ads in national outdoor magazines promoted a toll-free number that rang to a phone in Toxey’s parents’ house. His dad would answer the phone as Haas Outdoors or as Mossy Oak sales. Anyone who asked for customer service would be passed to Toxey’s

mom, Evelyn.

Today, Haas Outdoors has roughly 150 employees spread across the country and around the world. Ultimately though, the company’s core mission statement remains the same: to bring together a team that becomes as close as family, that stays together and works hard because their jobs are what they’re most passionate about doing.

“We’ve been successful, not because of our achievements, but because of our people,” Haas says. “In the beginning, a lot of people believed in me. Over time, we’ve all come to believe in each other. That’s what’s made this special for me.”

Still headquartered in West Point, still privately held, the company long

ago got out of the garment manufacturing business.

Today, roughly 1,000 companies are licensed to put Mossy Oak’s patterns on their products. In addition to innovating camouflage patterns and marketing the brand, Haas Outdoors has developed an array of other business interests, all laterally expanded from the core mission the camo began 30 years ago.

• BioLogic creates seed blends whose planting promotes the growth and management of wildlife.

• Nativ Nurseries produces potted seedlings that grow into trees that do the same.

• Nativ Living is a comprehensive line of furniture and accessories for those who are drawn to the beauty of nature and whose passion for the outdoors inspires them to bring those elements indoors.

The variety of products includes designs to complement any cabin, home or lodge.

• Mossy Oak Properties is a national network of rural and recreational real estate-oriented brokers who specialize in representing the sort of land outdoor enthusiasts want to buy.

• Mossy Oak Productions creates more than 75 original episodes of broadcast-length programming every year that air nationally on Outdoor Channel and Pursuit, and internationally on WildTV throughout Canada.

• MOOSE Media, which stands for Mossy Oak Outdoor Sports and Entertainment, produces a number of other series for industry partners on a turnkey basis,

and is the agency of record for the privately-held Pursuit Network, representing that company’s air time sales.

• Mossy Oak Gamekeepers is an in-depth, coordinated business that helps land managers improve the enjoyment of their property by promoting and improving wildlife habitat.

• Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Kennels is a newly-launched business specializing in the breeding, training and sales of retrievers.

• In 2017, Mossy Oak, in partnership with the George Bryan family and Old Waverly Golf Club, will open to the public Nature’s Golf, a 7,400-yard, par-72 course, complete with clubhouse and guest cabins, sited adjacent to the world-renowned Old Waverly Golf Club in West Point. The course, designed

by Gil Hanse, whose credits include courses in seven states plus Brazil, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates, will capitalize on features nature already built, allowing the public to experience world class golf on land already predisposed to host it.

“Everything we do is an opportunity to bring people closer to nature, more often, and in more ways,” Haas said. “It’s a stewardship of what God made and charged us to care for.

That’s what makes it a pleasure to get up and go to work every day. There’s no other place I’d rather be.”

Kevin Tate is Vice President of Media Productions for Mossy Oak in West Point.

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JUNE 2016

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7

JUNE 2016

FOR THE LOVE OF DUCK HUNTING

&ENGINEERING MSU student invents product to hold hunting gear in water, dry land

BY ZACK ORSBORN BUSINESS JOURNAL

COURTESY

Gerald Williams invented the Dry Wetland Gear Holder under his company TreeTop Outdoors. The gear holder is made from steel and allows hunters to carry equipment into water.

Experience And Integrity With Dependable Electrical Services You Can Trust!

Timmons Electric was formed in 1988 by Mike Timmons, who has over 32 years experience, and is a family-owned business providing electrical services for

• Commercial • Industrial

customers in Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi For more info call

(662) 844-4053 www.timmonselectricms.com

STARKVILLE – Growing up, Jerald Williams tore apart old cell phones apart to see what the insides looked like, built model cars and duck hunted with his family.

His inventive mind led him to major in mechanical engineering at Mississippi State University, where he merged his two loves – engineering and hunting – to create his award-winning recreation product, the Dry Wetland Gear Holder.

“I’ve always been a hunter,” said Williams, a junior at MSU and owner of TreeTop Outdoors.

“I’ve hunted since I was about 5. When I was duck hunting, I’d be out wading, and all my stuff is about 40 yards behind me on dry ground. I got tired of walking back and forth, so I came up with something that could hold my stuff near me while I was in the water.”

Williams juggled all of his gear including a shotgun, blind bag, shell bag, duck calls, duck tote and binoculars.

In his Uncle John’s hydraulics shop in Grenada, Williams played around with a design in 2014 to make carrying hunting gear easier: an extendable pole with an inner and outer stage made of 16-gauge steel.

“It has four spikes on the bottom that you press into the ground,” he said.

“The spikes are what give it support to keep it from tipping over when you hang gear on it. You press it down into the ground and you adjust the height to however deep the water is.”

It’s not just for duck hunting, he said. Users can hold their bow hunting gear as well. The four hooks on the top are staggered at different heights so gear doesn’t get tangled.

When he first made the holder, it was just for him, but he talked to some folks at State who told him that he should capitalize on his invention.

That’s when he entered MSU’S E-Week in 2015 and won $13,000 in funding.

So far, he has a total of $16,000 in funding.

Something to Prove

Williams plans to focus on finishing his patent for the Dry Wetland Gear Holder with his award monies.

“Right now, I have a provisional patent, so I’m going to use that to pay for the full non-provisional patent,” he said.

“I’m also looking into starting a market with it, and then I’m going to sink some money into the prototype to make it lighter without losing any

of its sturdiness.”

So far, Williams hasn’t sold any units, but Lakeway Outdoors, a recreation store in Grenada, plans on selling his product.

He’s spoken with several CEOs of well-known recreation businesses like Mobile Outdoors and Tangle Free.

“They both liked the idea, but I have no sales to show that people will buy it,” he said. “They both told me that right now it’s too big of a gamble to make these without sales proof. Right now, I’m trying to prove they’ll sell.”

Eventually, he wants his product in Bass Pro Shops, Walmart or Cabella.

He also would like to keep inventing products to make hunting easier, but he’s focusing on building relationships with companies to sell his holder.

“As far as things that hold your hunting gear, there’s one or two items out there,” Williams said.

“I’ve done research, and I think it’s $38 billion a year spent on hunting, and 41 percent is on gear and equipment. You have a huge percentage spent on gear, and there’s not any items out there that hold it for hunters.” zack.orsborn@journalinc.com Twitter: @thedaily_zack

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

8

JUNE 2016

FOR THE LOVE OF DUCK HUNTING

&ENGINEERING MSU student invents product to hold hunting gear in water, dry land

BY ZACK ORSBORN BUSINESS JOURNAL

COURTESY

Gerald Williams invented the Dry Wetland Gear Holder under his company TreeTop Outdoors. The gear holder is made from steel and allows hunters to carry equipment into water.

Experience And Integrity With Dependable Electrical Services You Can Trust!

Timmons Electric was formed in 1988 by Mike Timmons, who has over 32 years experience, and is a family-owned business providing electrical services for

• Commercial • Industrial

customers in Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi For more info call

(662) 844-4053 www.timmonselectricms.com

STARKVILLE – Growing up, Jerald Williams tore apart old cell phones apart to see what the insides looked like, built model cars and duck hunted with his family.

His inventive mind led him to major in mechanical engineering at Mississippi State University, where he merged his two loves – engineering and hunting – to create his award-winning recreation product, the Dry Wetland Gear Holder.

“I’ve always been a hunter,” said Williams, a junior at MSU and owner of TreeTop Outdoors.

“I’ve hunted since I was about 5. When I was duck hunting, I’d be out wading, and all my stuff is about 40 yards behind me on dry ground. I got tired of walking back and forth, so I came up with something that could hold my stuff near me while I was in the water.”

Williams juggled all of his gear including a shotgun, blind bag, shell bag, duck calls, duck tote and binoculars.

In his Uncle John’s hydraulics shop in Grenada, Williams played around with a design in 2014 to make carrying hunting gear easier: an extendable pole with an inner and outer stage made of 16-gauge steel.

“It has four spikes on the bottom that you press into the ground,” he said.

“The spikes are what give it support to keep it from tipping over when you hang gear on it. You press it down into the ground and you adjust the height to however deep the water is.”

It’s not just for duck hunting, he said. Users can hold their bow hunting gear as well. The four hooks on the top are staggered at different heights so gear doesn’t get tangled.

When he first made the holder, it was just for him, but he talked to some folks at State who told him that he should capitalize on his invention.

That’s when he entered MSU’S E-Week in 2015 and won $13,000 in funding.

So far, he has a total of $16,000 in funding.

Something to Prove

Williams plans to focus on finishing his patent for the Dry Wetland Gear Holder with his award monies.

“Right now, I have a provisional patent, so I’m going to use that to pay for the full non-provisional patent,” he said.

“I’m also looking into starting a market with it, and then I’m going to sink some money into the prototype to make it lighter without losing any

of its sturdiness.”

So far, Williams hasn’t sold any units, but Lakeway Outdoors, a recreation store in Grenada, plans on selling his product.

He’s spoken with several CEOs of well-known recreation businesses like Mobile Outdoors and Tangle Free.

“They both liked the idea, but I have no sales to show that people will buy it,” he said. “They both told me that right now it’s too big of a gamble to make these without sales proof. Right now, I’m trying to prove they’ll sell.”

Eventually, he wants his product in Bass Pro Shops, Walmart or Cabella.

He also would like to keep inventing products to make hunting easier, but he’s focusing on building relationships with companies to sell his holder.

“As far as things that hold your hunting gear, there’s one or two items out there,” Williams said.

“I’ve done research, and I think it’s $38 billion a year spent on hunting, and 41 percent is on gear and equipment. You have a huge percentage spent on gear, and there’s not any items out there that hold it for hunters.” zack.orsborn@journalinc.com Twitter: @thedaily_zack

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

8

9

Golf still finding ways to grow

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

agrees.

"With the young players like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Rickey Fowler coming up, there is interest again in the sport again," she said From Masters weekend in April to September, play is at its speak.

"Once college football and hunting starts, it really slows down," Cobb said.

Soward said the 250-acre course she and her late husband, John, bought in 2000 is wide and has two roughs that aren't too high for golfers to find their golf balls, making it a popular course.

"For that reason, it's more of a flatter course, but we have a lot of sand traps and a lot of water," she said. "The water is in play really on just one hole. Every hole has a nice fairway and a nice rough, and water is on one side or the other."

Soward is trying to get younger players in the game. Monday through Thursday, she school-age students are encouraged to play golf for free.

"If they're 16 or older, they have to pay for a golf cart, but any student can come out and play for free," she said. "I think that encourages enthusiasm."

To encourage more golfers at Big Oaks, seniors 60 and over can play the course with a cart for $20.

Various specials are available throughout the year as well, particularly during the summer.

New amenities have been added over the years, with one large goal in mind "We're always tweaking our plans to make it better here," Soward said. "But I'm not satisfied where we are yet. I want to be named one of the best golf course in the state."We'll get there."

When Tiger Woods was at his prime, interest in golf soared. In 2000, a record 2.4 million people in the U.S. tried the game for the first time. The number of golfers peaked at 30 million five years later.

As Woods' career has taped off, so have those golf industry figures.

Still, some 25 million people played golf in 2014, the latest numbers available. About 20 percent – 5 million – are women, who spent about 20 percent of the $2.5 billion in buying equipment.

"And when the weather is good, you ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM will get a lot of people playing golf, and even people learning to play golf using Terry Atkinson watches Riley Mayhew, 13, at the ninth hole at Big Oaks Golf Course. our large driving range and putting putting and chipping green," said Debbie comfortable. Then when they do play, The National Golf Foundation says Soward, the owner of Big Oaks golf they might play just nine holes." core golfers – those who play eight course in Tupelo. They come from all Customized clubs sends prices into rounds per year – played two more over to start their game four-figure territory. rounds per year (32) in 2014 than they and practice their game."

Most players, regard- did in 2005 when golf participation (in For those getting less of experience, will terms of numbers of golfers) was at its started, necessary equipalso rent a golf cart, peak. ment includes a set of • $2.5 billion – annual equipwhich, when paired with An NGF survey that included 40,000 irons, a driver, a putter, a ment sales "green fees" to play is people tracked interest in the game • 465.5 million – rounds of sand wedge and a bag for around $30. Fees will among latent golfers, what it calls "indigolf played in the U.S. in 2013. the clubs. vary by course and time viduals who did not play golf during the • 25 million - par cipants Equipment can be each year of play. survey year but expressed interest in bought at a specialty golf • 5 million - golfers who were Golf is still big busi- playing golf now." The number of latent store, a sporting goods women ness, even with a small golfers – 32 million – has grown every store or even a depart- • 15 million - people who decline in numbers. year since 2011, when it was 27 million. ment store.

Equipment sales in the Soward said the interest in golf has used a driving range A set of irons will cost • 4 million - number of people U.S. topped $2.5 billion held steady in recent years, at least in about $500, a used driver who started playing or rein 2013, down from $2.62 Northeast Mississippi. In fact, she said, can be bought for $100 turned to golf billion in 2010. But the she's seeing an increase in the number and putters can cost less. • 15,000 - number of golf figures are for golf course of people playing.

Boxed sets with irons courses pro shops and golf speCissie Cobb of Golf First in Tupelo and drivers can be ciality stores and exclude Source: Na onal Golf bought for about $300 at sales at sporting goods Founda on, Golf DataTech WHERE A GREAT PERFORMANCE... a department store – and stores and big box retailless online – if you're not ers like Walmart and Is An Everyday Event! quite ready to make that big of an invest- Dick's Sporting Goods. ment starting out.

About 25 million people play at least Built in the heart of the Mid-South, the BancorpSouth Arena "You'll also need plenty of golf balls one round of golf each year. Some 20 & Conference Center is designed to accommodate events and golf tees, gloves and shoes, although million are "committed golfers" who say you necessarily have to start right away the plan to be part of golf in the next that demand comfort, convenience, and flexibility. with golf shoes," said Tim Williams of three to five years. According to the Golf First in Tupelo.

World Golf Foundation, 90 percent of the A dozen balls will cost $20-$30, gloves spending in golf and 90 percent of the around $8 and bag of golf tees around rounds played are done by these com$4. mitted golfers.

375 East Main • Tupelo "As players advance, they night trade Non-committed players also contribthose starter clubs in and play more," ute their dollars. About 15 million people 841-6573 • 718-5555 fax Soward said. "But when they first start use a driving range, with 4 million of www.bcsarena.com out, they practice a lot before they feel them non-golfers.

GOLF IN THE U.S.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

9

Golf still finding ways to grow

BY DENNIS SEID BUSINESS JOURNAL

agrees.

"With the young players like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Rickey Fowler coming up, there is interest again in the sport again," she said From Masters weekend in April to September, play is at its speak.

"Once college football and hunting starts, it really slows down," Cobb said.

Soward said the 250-acre course she and her late husband, John, bought in 2000 is wide and has two roughs that aren't too high for golfers to find their golf balls, making it a popular course.

"For that reason, it's more of a flatter course, but we have a lot of sand traps and a lot of water," she said. "The water is in play really on just one hole. Every hole has a nice fairway and a nice rough, and water is on one side or the other."

Soward is trying to get younger players in the game. Monday through Thursday, she school-age students are encouraged to play golf for free.

"If they're 16 or older, they have to pay for a golf cart, but any student can come out and play for free," she said. "I think that encourages enthusiasm."

To encourage more golfers at Big Oaks, seniors 60 and over can play the course with a cart for $20.

Various specials are available throughout the year as well, particularly during the summer.

New amenities have been added over the years, with one large goal in mind "We're always tweaking our plans to make it better here," Soward said. "But I'm not satisfied where we are yet. I want to be named one of the best golf course in the state."We'll get there."

When Tiger Woods was at his prime, interest in golf soared. In 2000, a record 2.4 million people in the U.S. tried the game for the first time. The number of golfers peaked at 30 million five years later.

As Woods' career has taped off, so have those golf industry figures.

Still, some 25 million people played golf in 2014, the latest numbers available. About 20 percent – 5 million – are women, who spent about 20 percent of the $2.5 billion in buying equipment.

"And when the weather is good, you ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM will get a lot of people playing golf, and even people learning to play golf using Terry Atkinson watches Riley Mayhew, 13, at the ninth hole at Big Oaks Golf Course. our large driving range and putting putting and chipping green," said Debbie comfortable. Then when they do play, The National Golf Foundation says Soward, the owner of Big Oaks golf they might play just nine holes." core golfers – those who play eight course in Tupelo. They come from all Customized clubs sends prices into rounds per year – played two more over to start their game four-figure territory. rounds per year (32) in 2014 than they and practice their game."

Most players, regard- did in 2005 when golf participation (in For those getting less of experience, will terms of numbers of golfers) was at its started, necessary equipalso rent a golf cart, peak. ment includes a set of • $2.5 billion – annual equipwhich, when paired with An NGF survey that included 40,000 irons, a driver, a putter, a ment sales "green fees" to play is people tracked interest in the game • 465.5 million – rounds of sand wedge and a bag for around $30. Fees will among latent golfers, what it calls "indigolf played in the U.S. in 2013. the clubs. vary by course and time viduals who did not play golf during the • 25 million - par cipants Equipment can be each year of play. survey year but expressed interest in bought at a specialty golf • 5 million - golfers who were Golf is still big busi- playing golf now." The number of latent store, a sporting goods women ness, even with a small golfers – 32 million – has grown every store or even a depart- • 15 million - people who decline in numbers. year since 2011, when it was 27 million. ment store.

Equipment sales in the Soward said the interest in golf has used a driving range A set of irons will cost • 4 million - number of people U.S. topped $2.5 billion held steady in recent years, at least in about $500, a used driver who started playing or rein 2013, down from $2.62 Northeast Mississippi. In fact, she said, can be bought for $100 turned to golf billion in 2010. But the she's seeing an increase in the number and putters can cost less. • 15,000 - number of golf figures are for golf course of people playing.

Boxed sets with irons courses pro shops and golf speCissie Cobb of Golf First in Tupelo and drivers can be ciality stores and exclude Source: Na onal Golf bought for about $300 at sales at sporting goods Founda on, Golf DataTech WHERE A GREAT PERFORMANCE... a department store – and stores and big box retailless online – if you're not ers like Walmart and Is An Everyday Event! quite ready to make that big of an invest- Dick's Sporting Goods. ment starting out.

About 25 million people play at least Built in the heart of the Mid-South, the BancorpSouth Arena "You'll also need plenty of golf balls one round of golf each year. Some 20 & Conference Center is designed to accommodate events and golf tees, gloves and shoes, although million are "committed golfers" who say you necessarily have to start right away the plan to be part of golf in the next that demand comfort, convenience, and flexibility. with golf shoes," said Tim Williams of three to five years. According to the Golf First in Tupelo.

World Golf Foundation, 90 percent of the A dozen balls will cost $20-$30, gloves spending in golf and 90 percent of the around $8 and bag of golf tees around rounds played are done by these com$4. mitted golfers.

375 East Main • Tupelo "As players advance, they night trade Non-committed players also contribthose starter clubs in and play more," ute their dollars. About 15 million people 841-6573 • 718-5555 fax Soward said. "But when they first start use a driving range, with 4 million of www.bcsarena.com out, they practice a lot before they feel them non-golfers.

GOLF IN THE U.S.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

10

Coming together, right now, over you

I

am ver y seldom asked what sport I played in college. I like to use that information for a trivia question with the Boy Scouts as I get a kick out of the answers they come up with. No one ever guesses that I fenced at Georgia State University.

Most of my collegiate exercise came from the Georgia Tech marching band. I started playing the trumpet in seventh grade, and thanks to the patience of band directors Walter Burns, Walter Partlow and Floyd Stevens, I played trumpet for six years in the Tupelo Public School District.

A band is an interesting animal. Players work as individuals to master their craft, then instruments cluster together – trumpets, trombones, flutes, clarinets, etc. – all with their own personalities.

And the band is still subdivided by brass, woodwind and percussion before it forms a

TY ROBINSON whole unit.

I received some good advice being a band member, and I’m not ashamed to admit it makes more sense today than it did at the time.

“Your best performance will never be as good as your best practice.” True. I’ve found that’s why practice is so important, particularly when giving a speech or making a pitch.

I remember the high school competitions we had and the nervousness before we began. Once we were out on the field, it was like autopilot took over.

That’s what it is like giving a talk. Do I make mistakes? Sure. But, I play through them and keep them in mind so that I don’t make the

same mistakes later.

“Never assume anything!” OK, Mr. Stevens.

You said that to us almost daily.

I’ve now turned it into how I check facts before making statements.

I may not have an immediate answer, but I know where to find it.

This helps me to keep from jumping to conclusions, and it also helps me from spreading incorrect information.

After spending six years in band, I was hesitant to get involved in a college band.

I took a recruitment letter I received from the band captain at Georgia Tech and met with Walter Burns at his office at Milam Junior High School.

Mr. Burns said, “Try it.

You won’t know if you like it until you do. And, if you don’t, you don’t have to continue.” I accepted his advice, and I have lifelong friendships from Georgia Tech only because I was in the band.

Yes, this is a marketing column. And yes, I do have a point.

“Your best performance will never be as good as your best practice” has kept me on my toes to learn as much as I can about my craft so that I can stay relevant in the business. We rarely performed the same marching band show twice. It was similar, but the show evolved over the course of a season. As does business.

Yours and mine. Do you remember your business without the use of a cellphone? Do you remember the last operating system for your computer? Things change.

We all have to adapt to stay relevant. We don’t want our audience getting bored.

“Never assume anything!” I’d rather tell you that I don’t know than make up something that I have to amend later. I check facts. Did I write the phone number down correctly? Forgive me for asking you to spell your

Marketing is just one part of the band.

Without it, the band doesn’t have the rich full sound it should. And all the players get a kick out of it too. This is no different from a business. name, John Smith, but Jo h n Sm y t h e pronounces his the same way. And, the mayor of Norcross, Georgia, may be the Honorable James G. Johnson, but when I was at Georgia Tech he was a band director named Bucky Johnson.

And Mr. Burns’s advice about trying reminds me

of “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Sometimes opportunity knocks softly.

Sometimes I have to chase opportunity down.

And what advice did I get from Walter Partlow?

Mr. Partlow didn’t tell us – he showed us that with any good job, you need to have fun.

For a band to assemble its parts and perform, the goal is to entertain the audience. We all have our individual parts to play. Marketing is just one part of the band. Without it, the band doesn’t have the rich full sound it should.

And all the players get a kick out of it, too.

This is no different from a business. We all have parts to play to satisfy the customer, and if we follow Mr. Partlow’s example, we have fun while we do it.

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

Century 21 Sue Gardner Realty Agents are

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. We help you make the impossible, possible.

There is a difference when choosing Century 21 Sue Gardner Realty. Visit our website or download our app to see properties for sale or receive alerts on the place you’re interested in.

662.842.7878

www.SueGardnerRealty.com

OFFICE HOURS: M–F 8–5, SAT 9–NOON

Document: A010CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:09:35;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

10

Coming together, right now, over you

I

am ver y seldom asked what sport I played in college. I like to use that information for a trivia question with the Boy Scouts as I get a kick out of the answers they come up with. No one ever guesses that I fenced at Georgia State University.

Most of my collegiate exercise came from the Georgia Tech marching band. I started playing the trumpet in seventh grade, and thanks to the patience of band directors Walter Burns, Walter Partlow and Floyd Stevens, I played trumpet for six years in the Tupelo Public School District.

A band is an interesting animal. Players work as individuals to master their craft, then instruments cluster together – trumpets, trombones, flutes, clarinets, etc. – all with their own personalities.

And the band is still subdivided by brass, woodwind and percussion before it forms a

TY ROBINSON whole unit.

I received some good advice being a band member, and I’m not ashamed to admit it makes more sense today than it did at the time.

“Your best performance will never be as good as your best practice.” True. I’ve found that’s why practice is so important, particularly when giving a speech or making a pitch.

I remember the high school competitions we had and the nervousness before we began. Once we were out on the field, it was like autopilot took over.

That’s what it is like giving a talk. Do I make mistakes? Sure. But, I play through them and keep them in mind so that I don’t make the

same mistakes later.

“Never assume anything!” OK, Mr. Stevens.

You said that to us almost daily.

I’ve now turned it into how I check facts before making statements.

I may not have an immediate answer, but I know where to find it.

This helps me to keep from jumping to conclusions, and it also helps me from spreading incorrect information.

After spending six years in band, I was hesitant to get involved in a college band.

I took a recruitment letter I received from the band captain at Georgia Tech and met with Walter Burns at his office at Milam Junior High School.

Mr. Burns said, “Try it.

You won’t know if you like it until you do. And, if you don’t, you don’t have to continue.” I accepted his advice, and I have lifelong friendships from Georgia Tech only because I was in the band.

Yes, this is a marketing column. And yes, I do have a point.

“Your best performance will never be as good as your best practice” has kept me on my toes to learn as much as I can about my craft so that I can stay relevant in the business. We rarely performed the same marching band show twice. It was similar, but the show evolved over the course of a season. As does business.

Yours and mine. Do you remember your business without the use of a cellphone? Do you remember the last operating system for your computer? Things change.

We all have to adapt to stay relevant. We don’t want our audience getting bored.

“Never assume anything!” I’d rather tell you that I don’t know than make up something that I have to amend later. I check facts. Did I write the phone number down correctly? Forgive me for asking you to spell your

Marketing is just one part of the band.

Without it, the band doesn’t have the rich full sound it should. And all the players get a kick out of it too. This is no different from a business. name, John Smith, but Jo h n Sm y t h e pronounces his the same way. And, the mayor of Norcross, Georgia, may be the Honorable James G. Johnson, but when I was at Georgia Tech he was a band director named Bucky Johnson.

And Mr. Burns’s advice about trying reminds me

of “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Sometimes opportunity knocks softly.

Sometimes I have to chase opportunity down.

And what advice did I get from Walter Partlow?

Mr. Partlow didn’t tell us – he showed us that with any good job, you need to have fun.

For a band to assemble its parts and perform, the goal is to entertain the audience. We all have our individual parts to play. Marketing is just one part of the band. Without it, the band doesn’t have the rich full sound it should.

And all the players get a kick out of it, too.

This is no different from a business. We all have parts to play to satisfy the customer, and if we follow Mr. Partlow’s example, we have fun while we do it.

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

Century 21 Sue Gardner Realty Agents are

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. We help you make the impossible, possible.

There is a difference when choosing Century 21 Sue Gardner Realty. Visit our website or download our app to see properties for sale or receive alerts on the place you’re interested in.

662.842.7878

www.SueGardnerRealty.com

OFFICE HOURS: M–F 8–5, SAT 9–NOON

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

JUNE 2016

Common financial wisdom: reality vs. perception

I

In our ever-expanding world of financial gurus, certain rules seems to permeate throughout all the different texts out there. While they all may sound reasonable, in reality they may not be so easy to attain, let alone follow. Let’s look at several of these so called financial rules.

• One of the first things a young couple hears when a child is born is they should start saving large amounts of money for college the moment their child is born. Unquestionably, college costs are rising and there does not seem to be anything keeping them from continuing to rise. However, new parents face many other financial burdens with having a child. Inc re a s e d medical c o s t s, baby-related products, daycare costs and a possible decrease in income if one of the parents stay

American Furniture CEO to retire on June 30 ECRU – After more than 4 1/2 years at the helm of American Furniture Manufacturing, Al Wiygul will retire as CEO of the company on June 30.

The news was first reported

by Furniture Today.

home all contribute to inability to put aside large amounts of savings for college.

One of the CHRIS COLE best solutions for this is to be reasonable and understand putting aside large amounts of money for college expenses may be impractical at first. A better solution is to set aside small amounts, say $25 a month, and add as you can.

Also, when family members ask what they can give your child for birthdays or holidays, you will have an answer. Most modern savings plans for college expenses have very small monthly minimums that also allow savers to put funds into them anytime they become available.

• Another common piece of advice is the establish an emergency fund of at least three to six months' worth of living expenses before saving for anything else. While this sounds reasonable, it too can be difficult to establish with other needs, both emergency and non-emergency that can pop up. Such expenses can cause individuals to have to dip into the account before it is fully funded. Getting back to the three to six month level then can cause you to decrease or possibly stop saving for other goals such as retirement, college savings or a down payment on a house.

Again, a more prudent course is to be reasonable and understand that while establishing an emergency fund is important, it should not come at the

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

Randy Spak, the senior vice president of sales, merchandising and marketing, will become president. Spak will keep those responsibilities in addition to assuming his new role.

Wiygul joined American after spending six years as president of Bauhaus USA in Saltillo. He replaced Mike

expense of ignoring long term goals. If after a year or two of diligent saving, you have amassed only two or three months’ worth of reserves, consider it a good base to build on and start concentrating on other more long-term needs.

Add to your emergency funds with small amounts if possible.

• Probably the most common piece of advice is that you should start saving the maximum for retirement in your 20s. The obvious reason is that you have more time to let your money grow and amass. It sounds good, and is very sensible if you can do it. The problem is how many people just entering the work force have the ability to save large amounts in their retirement plan vehicle of choice. A more prudent course is for a person

just starting out to learn how to do a personal budget. Live within your means or below your means, and as part of that budget, figure in a small portion of your salary, say 3 percent, as your contribution to your retirement plan. Set a goal to increase this number each year or as your salary increases.

While certain so-called financial rules sound good, the reality is that each and every one of us have unique circumstances that require individual planning. What is right for one person may not be right for you. If there was one rule to follow, it would be to be flexible and be persistent. In the end, that is what really works.

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

(more on pg. 16)

Thomas, who retired at the end of 2012; Thomas has been CEO of American since 2004.

Spak joined American in late 2012 after a two-year stint at Albany Industries. From 2008 to 2010, he was president and CEO of China-based Cozzia LLC. Before that he was with Lane Furniture Industries for

25 years and was promoted to president and CEO in 2004.

Stable Talent launches job posting website Executive search firm The Logan Development Group and creative media company Gibens Creative Group have

partnered to launch a new online job posting company, Stable Talent Inc. The website, www.stabletalent.com, is a job posting service that connects employers with candidates that have a proven track record of stability and longevity in their respected careers.

Document: A011CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:09:39;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

11

JUNE 2016

Common financial wisdom: reality vs. perception

I

In our ever-expanding world of financial gurus, certain rules seems to permeate throughout all the different texts out there. While they all may sound reasonable, in reality they may not be so easy to attain, let alone follow. Let’s look at several of these so called financial rules.

• One of the first things a young couple hears when a child is born is they should start saving large amounts of money for college the moment their child is born. Unquestionably, college costs are rising and there does not seem to be anything keeping them from continuing to rise. However, new parents face many other financial burdens with having a child. Inc re a s e d medical c o s t s, baby-related products, daycare costs and a possible decrease in income if one of the parents stay

American Furniture CEO to retire on June 30 ECRU – After more than 4 1/2 years at the helm of American Furniture Manufacturing, Al Wiygul will retire as CEO of the company on June 30.

The news was first reported

by Furniture Today.

home all contribute to inability to put aside large amounts of savings for college.

One of the CHRIS COLE best solutions for this is to be reasonable and understand putting aside large amounts of money for college expenses may be impractical at first. A better solution is to set aside small amounts, say $25 a month, and add as you can.

Also, when family members ask what they can give your child for birthdays or holidays, you will have an answer. Most modern savings plans for college expenses have very small monthly minimums that also allow savers to put funds into them anytime they become available.

• Another common piece of advice is the establish an emergency fund of at least three to six months' worth of living expenses before saving for anything else. While this sounds reasonable, it too can be difficult to establish with other needs, both emergency and non-emergency that can pop up. Such expenses can cause individuals to have to dip into the account before it is fully funded. Getting back to the three to six month level then can cause you to decrease or possibly stop saving for other goals such as retirement, college savings or a down payment on a house.

Again, a more prudent course is to be reasonable and understand that while establishing an emergency fund is important, it should not come at the

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

Randy Spak, the senior vice president of sales, merchandising and marketing, will become president. Spak will keep those responsibilities in addition to assuming his new role.

Wiygul joined American after spending six years as president of Bauhaus USA in Saltillo. He replaced Mike

expense of ignoring long term goals. If after a year or two of diligent saving, you have amassed only two or three months’ worth of reserves, consider it a good base to build on and start concentrating on other more long-term needs.

Add to your emergency funds with small amounts if possible.

• Probably the most common piece of advice is that you should start saving the maximum for retirement in your 20s. The obvious reason is that you have more time to let your money grow and amass. It sounds good, and is very sensible if you can do it. The problem is how many people just entering the work force have the ability to save large amounts in their retirement plan vehicle of choice. A more prudent course is for a person

just starting out to learn how to do a personal budget. Live within your means or below your means, and as part of that budget, figure in a small portion of your salary, say 3 percent, as your contribution to your retirement plan. Set a goal to increase this number each year or as your salary increases.

While certain so-called financial rules sound good, the reality is that each and every one of us have unique circumstances that require individual planning. What is right for one person may not be right for you. If there was one rule to follow, it would be to be flexible and be persistent. In the end, that is what really works.

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

(more on pg. 16)

Thomas, who retired at the end of 2012; Thomas has been CEO of American since 2004.

Spak joined American in late 2012 after a two-year stint at Albany Industries. From 2008 to 2010, he was president and CEO of China-based Cozzia LLC. Before that he was with Lane Furniture Industries for

25 years and was promoted to president and CEO in 2004.

Stable Talent launches job posting website Executive search firm The Logan Development Group and creative media company Gibens Creative Group have

partnered to launch a new online job posting company, Stable Talent Inc. The website, www.stabletalent.com, is a job posting service that connects employers with candidates that have a proven track record of stability and longevity in their respected careers.

Document: A011CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:09:39;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL

11

12

Splash: Tupelo Aquatic Center sees growth, adds new programming for more kids

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

A swimmer takes a leap from the diving board at the Tupelo Aquatic Center. The aquatic center spends $848,000 a year to manage the two pools, and to pay for maintenance, chemicals and more.

FROM 12 Kim Hanna, city of Tupelo CFO, worked on the budget so half of the funds come from sponsorships and membership revenues. The other half comes from a general fund from the city budget.

The total? $848,000 a year.

“The budget this year may not be the budget next year,” Hanna said. “If it went up to $1 million, I’m not anticipating the revenues (from the Aquatic Center) to cover 50 percent anymore but it would depend on other things like salaries.”

Currently, salaries of three full-time employees and 45 part-time employees – including life guards and water safety instructors – total $389,605.

Hanna said crafting the budget for a swimming facility took time to flesh out.

“With the chemicals, we didn’t budget at a high enough level the first year,” she said. “There was so many different aspects of us getting acquainted with an indoor facility. On the mechanical side – what it takes to operate and the salaries – it’s all been a learning curve.”

But now, she said, the budget rests at a good number.

The enhanced quality of life can’t be measured, Hanna said.

“It keeps us ahead of other towns in this area,” she said. “We strive to be a little bit different. The quality of life aspect is like a walking trail. It’s there, and it cost to put it in and maintain, but in the end, so many people use it that

you really can’t measure it.”

However, the economic impact of visitors from swim meets can be measured.

According to Neal McCoy, executive director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, visitors from the seven hosted swim meets have spent $1,306,130 in the city of Tupelo since April 2015.

“This number does include any multipliers, rather it is a formula that we used based on research we have conducted on average spending by sports participants in Tupelo,” McCoy said.

The Aquatic Center has the same number of events on the books for 20162017, so McCoy anticipates that number to be consistent for next year.

He hopes the number will grow as more people hear how great the experience is while swimming in Tupelo.

“Without the Aquatic Center, we wouldn’t be hosting what we do now,” he said.

“Before we would do around $150,000 for our larger swim meets. It’s had a significant impact. It’s opened the doors to host more state meets and more invitational meets.”

pool with the mechanics, the pool, the chemical balance, the pumps – that’s a constant deal back there,” Farned said.

“Jane works back there and does a fantastic job, but you almost need another person to help.”

If Kennedy could increase a line item in the budget, she’d bump up the salary line.

“I think we are still trying to figure out how to staff it the way we need, especially with these large meets and being open 70 plus hours a week,” she said.

Right now, Kennedy is focusing on Summer Rec Swim, in which anybody can come to swim for $3 and take advantage of both pools, a rock climbing wall, a diving board and basketball goals.

She recently got approval to extend the Little Ripples program to the Lee County programs which will bring in 1,198 students.

In the next couple of years, Farned and Kennedy will work on adding more parking and constructing a memorial area for John Servati, former Shockwave swimmer who died saving his girlfriend’s life in Tuscaloosa, Alabama two years ago.

“We want this Aquatic Center not only for every Tupelo citizen to use but also to get more events here,” Farned said.

The big splash “It’s vital we get these different swim Thousands of gallons of water come meets and keep hosting state meets and with many challenges – one being the individual meets.” maintenance of the technology overseen by pool manager Jane Tonos. zack.orsborn@journalinc.com “Keeping up with the backside of the Twitter: @thedaily_zack

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Jane Tonos, pool manager, checks the readings for the Tupelo Aquatic Center.

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

The Tupelo Aquatic Center opens its door in the summer for $3 all-access swimming.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

12

Splash: Tupelo Aquatic Center sees growth, adds new programming for more kids

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

A swimmer takes a leap from the diving board at the Tupelo Aquatic Center. The aquatic center spends $848,000 a year to manage the two pools, and to pay for maintenance, chemicals and more.

FROM 12 Kim Hanna, city of Tupelo CFO, worked on the budget so half of the funds come from sponsorships and membership revenues. The other half comes from a general fund from the city budget.

The total? $848,000 a year.

“The budget this year may not be the budget next year,” Hanna said. “If it went up to $1 million, I’m not anticipating the revenues (from the Aquatic Center) to cover 50 percent anymore but it would depend on other things like salaries.”

Currently, salaries of three full-time employees and 45 part-time employees – including life guards and water safety instructors – total $389,605.

Hanna said crafting the budget for a swimming facility took time to flesh out.

“With the chemicals, we didn’t budget at a high enough level the first year,” she said. “There was so many different aspects of us getting acquainted with an indoor facility. On the mechanical side – what it takes to operate and the salaries – it’s all been a learning curve.”

But now, she said, the budget rests at a good number.

The enhanced quality of life can’t be measured, Hanna said.

“It keeps us ahead of other towns in this area,” she said. “We strive to be a little bit different. The quality of life aspect is like a walking trail. It’s there, and it cost to put it in and maintain, but in the end, so many people use it that

you really can’t measure it.”

However, the economic impact of visitors from swim meets can be measured.

According to Neal McCoy, executive director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, visitors from the seven hosted swim meets have spent $1,306,130 in the city of Tupelo since April 2015.

“This number does include any multipliers, rather it is a formula that we used based on research we have conducted on average spending by sports participants in Tupelo,” McCoy said.

The Aquatic Center has the same number of events on the books for 20162017, so McCoy anticipates that number to be consistent for next year.

He hopes the number will grow as more people hear how great the experience is while swimming in Tupelo.

“Without the Aquatic Center, we wouldn’t be hosting what we do now,” he said.

“Before we would do around $150,000 for our larger swim meets. It’s had a significant impact. It’s opened the doors to host more state meets and more invitational meets.”

pool with the mechanics, the pool, the chemical balance, the pumps – that’s a constant deal back there,” Farned said.

“Jane works back there and does a fantastic job, but you almost need another person to help.”

If Kennedy could increase a line item in the budget, she’d bump up the salary line.

“I think we are still trying to figure out how to staff it the way we need, especially with these large meets and being open 70 plus hours a week,” she said.

Right now, Kennedy is focusing on Summer Rec Swim, in which anybody can come to swim for $3 and take advantage of both pools, a rock climbing wall, a diving board and basketball goals.

She recently got approval to extend the Little Ripples program to the Lee County programs which will bring in 1,198 students.

In the next couple of years, Farned and Kennedy will work on adding more parking and constructing a memorial area for John Servati, former Shockwave swimmer who died saving his girlfriend’s life in Tuscaloosa, Alabama two years ago.

“We want this Aquatic Center not only for every Tupelo citizen to use but also to get more events here,” Farned said.

The big splash “It’s vital we get these different swim Thousands of gallons of water come meets and keep hosting state meets and with many challenges – one being the individual meets.” maintenance of the technology overseen by pool manager Jane Tonos. zack.orsborn@journalinc.com “Keeping up with the backside of the Twitter: @thedaily_zack

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

Jane Tonos, pool manager, checks the readings for the Tupelo Aquatic Center.

ZACK ORSBORN | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM

The Tupelo Aquatic Center opens its door in the summer for $3 all-access swimming.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

AMBASSADOR

JUNE 2016

Domestic Divas

OF THE YEAR

DIANNA HARRIS Dianne Harris, VP Public Relations with Summit Group Companies, was awarded CDF's 2016 Ambassador of the Year. Serving her second term as Ambassador, Dianne attended 75 ribbon cuttings and events, made 452 member contacts through the member to mentor program, volunteered ten additional hours at CDF events, and recruited ten new members. Dianne was previously awarded Ambassador of the Month and 2015 Ambassador of the Year.

In celebration of its grand opening at 142 S Industrial Rd. in Tupelo, Domestic Divas held a ribbon cutting! Domestic Divas carries a variety of all-natural cleaning supplies and home goods including Bridgewater Company products, Belle Craie chalk paint, 100% organic plant-based Bartlett Soaps and much more. For more information, contact Domestic Divas at (662) 269-3284 or on Facebook. Community Development Foundation ribbon cutting events are presented by Mississippi Alarm.

Sunbelt Rentals

Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

In celebration of its new dealership located at 966 Cross Creek Dr., Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram held a ribbon cutting. With a quality selection of new and pre-owned vehicles in its inventory, Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience to satisfy its customers' needs. For more information, contact Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at (888) 815-2469 or online at carlockdodgetupelo.com. Community Development Foundation ribbon cutting events are presented by Mississippi Alarm.

Sunbelt Rentals celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Sunbelt’s extensive fleet includes general construction equipment, industrial tools, pumps and power generation equipment, trench shoring, scaffolding, remediation and restoration equipment and more. Sunbelt Rentals is located at 1408 D L Collums Dr. in Tupelo and can be contacted at (662) 350-6980 or online at sunbeltrentals.com. Community Development Foundation ribbon cutting events are presented by Mississippi Alarm.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

14

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

AMBASSADOR

JUNE 2016

Domestic Divas

OF THE YEAR

DIANNA HARRIS Dianne Harris, VP Public Relations with Summit Group Companies, was awarded CDF's 2016 Ambassador of the Year. Serving her second term as Ambassador, Dianne attended 75 ribbon cuttings and events, made 452 member contacts through the member to mentor program, volunteered ten additional hours at CDF events, and recruited ten new members. Dianne was previously awarded Ambassador of the Month and 2015 Ambassador of the Year.

In celebration of its grand opening at 142 S Industrial Rd. in Tupelo, Domestic Divas held a ribbon cutting! Domestic Divas carries a variety of all-natural cleaning supplies and home goods including Bridgewater Company products, Belle Craie chalk paint, 100% organic plant-based Bartlett Soaps and much more. For more information, contact Domestic Divas at (662) 269-3284 or on Facebook. Community Development Foundation ribbon cutting events are presented by Mississippi Alarm.

Sunbelt Rentals

Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

In celebration of its new dealership located at 966 Cross Creek Dr., Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram held a ribbon cutting. With a quality selection of new and pre-owned vehicles in its inventory, Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience to satisfy its customers' needs. For more information, contact Carlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at (888) 815-2469 or online at carlockdodgetupelo.com. Community Development Foundation ribbon cutting events are presented by Mississippi Alarm.

Sunbelt Rentals celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Sunbelt’s extensive fleet includes general construction equipment, industrial tools, pumps and power generation equipment, trench shoring, scaffolding, remediation and restoration equipment and more. Sunbelt Rentals is located at 1408 D L Collums Dr. in Tupelo and can be contacted at (662) 350-6980 or online at sunbeltrentals.com. Community Development Foundation ribbon cutting events are presented by Mississippi Alarm.

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

14

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

15

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

AMBASSADOR

AMBASSADOR

Barbara Doles, Assistant Vice President with BNA Bank, was awarded CDF's April Ambassador of the month.

Serving her fourth term as Ambassador, Barbara attended four ribbon cuttings and events and contacted 28 CDF members through the member to mentor program. Congratulations, Barbara!

Ashley Prince, marketing specialist with local MOBILE, was awarded CDF's March Ambassador of the month. Serving her second term as Ambassador, Ashley attended six ribbon cuttings and events, and contacted 19 CDF members through the member to mentor program. Congratulations, Ashley!

OF THE MONTH

OF THE MONTH

New CDF Members Air Force Recruiting Office

607 W Main St., Ste. C

(662) 321-1001

Mitchell & Cunningham

126 W Main St., Ste. B

Sgt. Andrew Hayden

Tupelo, MS 38804

Warehousing

Ms. Kimberly Bowling

Tupelo, MS 38804

3885 N Gloster St., Ste. C

(662) 844-5153

112 N Broadway St.

(662) 397-4504

Tupelo, MS 38801

www.cancer.org

Hooks Diabetes & Medi-

Tupelo, MS 38804

www.willowbride.com

(662) 842-1840

Organizations

cine Clinic, PLLC

(662) 407-0408

Retail & Specialty Shops

Dr. Nancy Hooks

www.mcdebtfree.com

BMW Warehouse

2625 Traceland Dr., Ste. A

Attorneys

Mr. Rusty Waterer

Tupelo, MS 38801

American Cancer Society

103 Triangle St.

(662) 260-4708

Willow Bride

Ms. Paige Kelly

Tupelo, MS 38801

Health Care

Ms. Liz Rose

www.airforce.com Government

We Keep Your Business Going.

• Serving Tupelo & North Mississippi Since 1988 • Local Sales, Service, Parts, Supplies & Billing • In House Lease Program

Authorized dealer for

Cindy Sappington

Talmadge Ray

Konica Minolta

and their award winning Bizhub products.

Tupelo- 662-842-9410 | Columbus 662-687-0689

Talmadge Ray, Tupelo Cindy Sappington, Tupelo Chris Carter, Columbus

jtrayco.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

15

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

AMBASSADOR

AMBASSADOR

Barbara Doles, Assistant Vice President with BNA Bank, was awarded CDF's April Ambassador of the month.

Serving her fourth term as Ambassador, Barbara attended four ribbon cuttings and events and contacted 28 CDF members through the member to mentor program. Congratulations, Barbara!

Ashley Prince, marketing specialist with local MOBILE, was awarded CDF's March Ambassador of the month. Serving her second term as Ambassador, Ashley attended six ribbon cuttings and events, and contacted 19 CDF members through the member to mentor program. Congratulations, Ashley!

OF THE MONTH

OF THE MONTH

New CDF Members Air Force Recruiting Office

607 W Main St., Ste. C

(662) 321-1001

Mitchell & Cunningham

126 W Main St., Ste. B

Sgt. Andrew Hayden

Tupelo, MS 38804

Warehousing

Ms. Kimberly Bowling

Tupelo, MS 38804

3885 N Gloster St., Ste. C

(662) 844-5153

112 N Broadway St.

(662) 397-4504

Tupelo, MS 38801

www.cancer.org

Hooks Diabetes & Medi-

Tupelo, MS 38804

www.willowbride.com

(662) 842-1840

Organizations

cine Clinic, PLLC

(662) 407-0408

Retail & Specialty Shops

Dr. Nancy Hooks

www.mcdebtfree.com

BMW Warehouse

2625 Traceland Dr., Ste. A

Attorneys

Mr. Rusty Waterer

Tupelo, MS 38801

American Cancer Society

103 Triangle St.

(662) 260-4708

Willow Bride

Ms. Paige Kelly

Tupelo, MS 38801

Health Care

Ms. Liz Rose

www.airforce.com Government

We Keep Your Business Going.

• Serving Tupelo & North Mississippi Since 1988 • Local Sales, Service, Parts, Supplies & Billing • In House Lease Program

Authorized dealer for

Cindy Sappington

Talmadge Ray

Konica Minolta

and their award winning Bizhub products.

Tupelo- 662-842-9410 | Columbus 662-687-0689

Talmadge Ray, Tupelo Cindy Sappington, Tupelo Chris Carter, Columbus

jtrayco.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

Good problems to have in the region

W

e’ve had problems since Genesis 3 and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere. Even so, I’m convinced that some problems are better to have than others.

The problems we face in economic development have drastically changed in North Mississippi over the last few years. From 2008-2010 the U.S. shed more than 8 million jobs, and some of those were in North Mississippi. In the counties I serve, we saw a glut of empty industrial property for sale while unemployment rates crept into the double digits for the first time in over a decade.

The furniture industry laid off more than 1,000 people in 2009, and the much anticipated Toyota project was on hold. We had empty buildings

and growing unemployment. Much like the problem of an empty stadium and a losing team, we knew that if we JOSH WEST could remedy the latter, the former would take care of itself.

During the second quarter of 2010 things began to change.

Southern Motion announced a large expansion at their Pontotoc location and one month later Toyota announced it was resuming operations in Blue Springs. Projects like these became more prevalent, and although the region wasn’t back to pre-recession numbers the economy of North Mississippi was shifting in the right direction.

Today, more job creation and than five years capital investlater, an eco- We are now seeing de- ment by both nomic snapshot mand outpace supply existing and of North Missis- in the industrial real new employers sippi shows a are the primary estate market and strong manureasons our refacturing sector. employers are needing gion stabilized For example, more workers trained while some Union County’s with specific skills for communities in unemployment U.S. are still advanced manufactur- the rate in the seclanguishing. ond quarter of ing.

Reveling in 2010 was 10.2 any success will percent and have to wait betoday that num- JOSH WEST cause in the ber is 3.9 per- THREE RIVERS PLANNING business of cent.

The business develindustrial real opment even a estate market has seen a simi- positive economic turnaround lar turnaround. In August 2009 brings another set of problems. the Pontotoc City Industrial We are now seeing demand Park was 29 percent occupied; outpace supply in the industoday that same park is 99 per- trial real estate market and emcent occupied. Private sector ployers are needing more

REGIONAL ROUNDUP cont.

Insituopennewcenter at MSU, to hire 25

STARKVILLE – Officials from Insitu, Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Development Authority participated in a ceremonial lease signing to mark the opening of Insitu’s new facility at MSU. The partnership between the company and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems at MSU will create 25 jobs.

At MSU, Insitu will support a combination of engineering, software development and business development/customer service support functions.

The university leads the Federal Aviation Administration’s 22-member Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) coalition.

Babcock & Wilcox ends production, 165 affected WEST POINT – Babcock & Wilcox, in West Point since 1952 and once one of the city’s largest employers, ended production at its plant on May 18.

About 165 production workers are affected by the move, which was initially discussed last fall. The North Carolina-based company said increased global competition and energy regulation forced it to review all of its operations.

Some 50 workers are helping with the wind down of the operations, including getting remaining orders finished and sent.

Afterward, about 30 sales jobs will remain to sales and service, company spokesman Ryan Cornell said.

The boiler and related operations will be shifted to a B&W plant in Monterrey, Mexico, Cornell said.

Mississippi Hills to grant additional $50,000 TUPELO – An additional Mississippi Hills grant round with $50,000 available is open until June 30.

The education grants – formerly called transportation grants – can be used to help defray some of the costs associated with school field trips during the 2016-17 school year.

To apply for an education grant go to www.mississippihills.org and download the education grant application. Once the application is completed, email it to grantinfo@ mshills.org or mail a hard copy to 398 E. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804.

16

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

workers trained with specific skills for advanced manufacturing.

Building great products with great people is something North Mississippi has been doing successfully for a long time. It seems now the market is asking more from us. These issues can’t be solved overnight and a lot of smart people on both the state and local levels are working toward solutions.

The problems of a growing economy are as real as those of a shrinking one. Having dealt with both, I am happy to report that our current problems are the good kind.

JOSH WEST is the Director of Industrial Development for Three Rivers Planning and Development District. He serves Union, Pontotoc, Chickasaw and Itawamba Counties.

Good problems to have in the region

W

e’ve had problems since Genesis 3 and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere. Even so, I’m convinced that some problems are better to have than others.

The problems we face in economic development have drastically changed in North Mississippi over the last few years. From 2008-2010 the U.S. shed more than 8 million jobs, and some of those were in North Mississippi. In the counties I serve, we saw a glut of empty industrial property for sale while unemployment rates crept into the double digits for the first time in over a decade.

The furniture industry laid off more than 1,000 people in 2009, and the much anticipated Toyota project was on hold. We had empty buildings

and growing unemployment. Much like the problem of an empty stadium and a losing team, we knew that if we JOSH WEST could remedy the latter, the former would take care of itself.

During the second quarter of 2010 things began to change.

Southern Motion announced a large expansion at their Pontotoc location and one month later Toyota announced it was resuming operations in Blue Springs. Projects like these became more prevalent, and although the region wasn’t back to pre-recession numbers the economy of North Mississippi was shifting in the right direction.

Today, more job creation and than five years capital investlater, an eco- We are now seeing de- ment by both nomic snapshot mand outpace supply existing and of North Missis- in the industrial real new employers sippi shows a are the primary estate market and strong manureasons our refacturing sector. employers are needing gion stabilized For example, more workers trained while some Union County’s with specific skills for communities in unemployment U.S. are still advanced manufactur- the rate in the seclanguishing. ond quarter of ing.

Reveling in 2010 was 10.2 any success will percent and have to wait betoday that num- JOSH WEST cause in the ber is 3.9 per- THREE RIVERS PLANNING business of cent.

The business develindustrial real opment even a estate market has seen a simi- positive economic turnaround lar turnaround. In August 2009 brings another set of problems. the Pontotoc City Industrial We are now seeing demand Park was 29 percent occupied; outpace supply in the industoday that same park is 99 per- trial real estate market and emcent occupied. Private sector ployers are needing more

REGIONAL ROUNDUP cont.

Insituopennewcenter at MSU, to hire 25

STARKVILLE – Officials from Insitu, Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Development Authority participated in a ceremonial lease signing to mark the opening of Insitu’s new facility at MSU. The partnership between the company and the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems at MSU will create 25 jobs.

At MSU, Insitu will support a combination of engineering, software development and business development/customer service support functions.

The university leads the Federal Aviation Administration’s 22-member Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) coalition.

Babcock & Wilcox ends production, 165 affected WEST POINT – Babcock & Wilcox, in West Point since 1952 and once one of the city’s largest employers, ended production at its plant on May 18.

About 165 production workers are affected by the move, which was initially discussed last fall. The North Carolina-based company said increased global competition and energy regulation forced it to review all of its operations.

Some 50 workers are helping with the wind down of the operations, including getting remaining orders finished and sent.

Afterward, about 30 sales jobs will remain to sales and service, company spokesman Ryan Cornell said.

The boiler and related operations will be shifted to a B&W plant in Monterrey, Mexico, Cornell said.

Mississippi Hills to grant additional $50,000 TUPELO – An additional Mississippi Hills grant round with $50,000 available is open until June 30.

The education grants – formerly called transportation grants – can be used to help defray some of the costs associated with school field trips during the 2016-17 school year.

To apply for an education grant go to www.mississippihills.org and download the education grant application. Once the application is completed, email it to grantinfo@ mshills.org or mail a hard copy to 398 E. Main St., Tupelo, MS 38804.

16

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

JUNE 2016

workers trained with specific skills for advanced manufacturing.

Building great products with great people is something North Mississippi has been doing successfully for a long time. It seems now the market is asking more from us. These issues can’t be solved overnight and a lot of smart people on both the state and local levels are working toward solutions.

The problems of a growing economy are as real as those of a shrinking one. Having dealt with both, I am happy to report that our current problems are the good kind.

JOSH WEST is the Director of Industrial Development for Three Rivers Planning and Development District. He serves Union, Pontotoc, Chickasaw and Itawamba Counties.

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Apartment Homes 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms

MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, & FIREFIGHTER DISCOUNT Ask about our Military & Law Enforcement Discount

17

ART SUPPLIES

A PAR TMENTS

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

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

Call 662-891-5000

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

3260 Hwy 145 N. • Tupelo, MS 38804

www.GrandOleOaks.com

AUTOMOTIVE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

BANK

HANDMADE GIFTS ARE THE BEST GIFTS.

Located at 107 North 13th Street

(behind Something Southern on the square)

236-9798

BANK

Call Robin Barnett today!

662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call

ART SUPPLIES AND PAINT-YOUR-OWN POTTERY SHOP.

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET

Bank Of Okolona Okolona

321 W. Madison St. • Houston, Mississippi

Bank of Mantee

Calhoun Banking Center

(662) 447-5403

54 1st Street • Mantee, Mississippi

(662) 456-5341

for your commercial vehicle needs!

Houston Banking Center

P.O. Box 306 • Okolona, Mississippi 38860

(662) 456-3347

200 S. Pontotoc Rd. • Bruce, Mississippi

(662) 983-3700

www.bankofokolona.com 1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611 Assisted: Residents will have two room options, serene setting with quick access

BLINDS

B ATH R EMODELING

BANK

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

“The Sign of Service” Baldwyn • Booneville • Marietta Mantachie • Mooreville • Tupelo

Your Financial Cornerstone.

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

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE Licensed And Insured

662-350-3175

www.fmbms.com

2015 McCullough Blvd. • Tupelo, MS 38801

BUILDING SUPPLIES

BUILDING SUPPLIES

Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Ph: (662) 365-7021

N H A R Fax: (662) 365-8902 Y DW W & AR LD A E SUPPLY, INC. B • Full Service • Hardware • Building Supplies • Plumbing • Hydraulic Hoses

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

1187 North 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS 38824

C O L L I S I O N R E PA I R

Lumbe ville r Boone Company Full Line of Lumber, Hardware, Plumbing and Electrical Supplies 2300 E. Chambers Dr. • Booneville • 728-0094

Booneville Hardware & Supply 403 Church St. • Booneville • 728-0032 "For all your hardware needs"

24 Hour Wrecker Service

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

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

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BUSINESS JOURNAL Business Directory

JUNE 2016

A PAR TMENTS

Apartment Homes 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms

MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, & FIREFIGHTER DISCOUNT Ask about our Military & Law Enforcement Discount

17

ART SUPPLIES

A PAR TMENTS

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

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

Call 662-891-5000

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

3260 Hwy 145 N. • Tupelo, MS 38804

www.GrandOleOaks.com

AUTOMOTIVE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

BANK

HANDMADE GIFTS ARE THE BEST GIFTS.

Located at 107 North 13th Street

(behind Something Southern on the square)

236-9798

BANK

Call Robin Barnett today!

662-841-8743 rbarnett@trustmark.com

Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call

ART SUPPLIES AND PAINT-YOUR-OWN POTTERY SHOP.

DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET

Bank Of Okolona Okolona

321 W. Madison St. • Houston, Mississippi

Bank of Mantee

Calhoun Banking Center

(662) 447-5403

54 1st Street • Mantee, Mississippi

(662) 456-5341

for your commercial vehicle needs!

Houston Banking Center

P.O. Box 306 • Okolona, Mississippi 38860

(662) 456-3347

200 S. Pontotoc Rd. • Bruce, Mississippi

(662) 983-3700

www.bankofokolona.com 1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611 Assisted: Residents will have two room options, serene setting with quick access

BLINDS

B ATH R EMODELING

BANK

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

“The Sign of Service” Baldwyn • Booneville • Marietta Mantachie • Mooreville • Tupelo

Your Financial Cornerstone.

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

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE Licensed And Insured

662-350-3175

www.fmbms.com

2015 McCullough Blvd. • Tupelo, MS 38801

BUILDING SUPPLIES

BUILDING SUPPLIES

Rex & Diannah Coggins, Owners

Ph: (662) 365-7021

N H A R Fax: (662) 365-8902 Y DW W & AR LD A E SUPPLY, INC. B • Full Service • Hardware • Building Supplies • Plumbing • Hydraulic Hoses

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

1187 North 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS 38824

C O L L I S I O N R E PA I R

Lumbe ville r Boone Company Full Line of Lumber, Hardware, Plumbing and Electrical Supplies 2300 E. Chambers Dr. • Booneville • 728-0094

Booneville Hardware & Supply 403 Church St. • Booneville • 728-0032 "For all your hardware needs"

24 Hour Wrecker Service

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

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

Document: A017CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:07:45;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL Business Directory

JUNE 2016

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES

18

C ONCRETE

C OMMERCIAL P LUMBING

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

662-534-4448

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

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305

FURNITURE

FURNITURE

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

www.careers.asurion.com Great Employment Opportunities

G IFTS

formerly Okolona Drug Co. • Tab Boren Pottery • Collegiate Items • Hobo Purses • Ronaldo • Baby Gifts & More

210 W. Main Street • Okolona, MS • (662)447-3711

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

We’ve got all your

home furnishings

at affordable prices.

Mon.-Fri. Pointe: 9am - 5pm Tenants talk benefits

903 Varsity Dr. Tupelo, MS

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

GLASS & OVERHEAD DOORS

H E AT I N G & C O O L N G

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

24 Hour Emergency Service

662-844-4540 711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS

“Experience Is The Difference”

FAX:662-620-7754

INSURANCE

Hancock Insurance Agency INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

662-844-1306

3166 West Jackson, Tupelo, MS

ATV • Life • Health Annuities • RV • Automobile Motorcycle • Home Mobile Home Medicare Supplements

Scott Hancock

Allen Hancock

Monthly Rates Available

HEATER ON THE FRITZ?

Store Fronts • Mirrors Shower Doors • Garage Doors Commercial Doors Hollow Metal Doors “Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations”

I N S U L AT I O N

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

662-489-1176

Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring

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 5/30/16

KENNELS

$

250

OFF

Complete Heat & Air System 15 Seer or Higher

Please present coupon at the time of billing. Expires 5/30/16

Document: A018CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:07:50;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL Business Directory

JUNE 2016

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES

18

C ONCRETE

C OMMERCIAL P LUMBING

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

662-534-4448

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

Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business

401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo 662-842-7305

FURNITURE

FURNITURE

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

www.careers.asurion.com Great Employment Opportunities

G IFTS

formerly Okolona Drug Co. • Tab Boren Pottery • Collegiate Items • Hobo Purses • Ronaldo • Baby Gifts & More

210 W. Main Street • Okolona, MS • (662)447-3711

P.O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860

We’ve got all your

home furnishings

at affordable prices.

Mon.-Fri. Pointe: 9am - 5pm Tenants talk benefits

903 Varsity Dr. Tupelo, MS

7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863

GLASS & OVERHEAD DOORS

H E AT I N G & C O O L N G

Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations

24 Hour Emergency Service

662-844-4540 711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS

“Experience Is The Difference”

FAX:662-620-7754

INSURANCE

Hancock Insurance Agency INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

662-844-1306

3166 West Jackson, Tupelo, MS

ATV • Life • Health Annuities • RV • Automobile Motorcycle • Home Mobile Home Medicare Supplements

Scott Hancock

Allen Hancock

Monthly Rates Available

HEATER ON THE FRITZ?

Store Fronts • Mirrors Shower Doors • Garage Doors Commercial Doors Hollow Metal Doors “Serving Tupelo for 3 Generations”

I N S U L AT I O N

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

662-489-1176

Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring

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 5/30/16

KENNELS

$

250

OFF

Complete Heat & Air System 15 Seer or Higher

Please present coupon at the time of billing. Expires 5/30/16

Document: A018CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:07:50;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL Business Directory

JUNE 2016

L OCKSMITH

PRINTING

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

(662) 842-7720

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

R E A L E S TAT E

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

19

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

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

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

Call Us Today 662-489-2848

R E S TA U R A N T

R E S TA U R A N T

R E S TA U R A N T

Party Trays for all Occasions!

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

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

365-7059

405 S. Gloster Street Tupelo, MS 38801 Phone: (662) 844-4888 Fax: (662) 844-3006

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

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

ROOFING

R E TA I L

Alternatives to Cigarettes

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

W

E E H

R E L

RO

INC.

TECHNOLOGY

OF

Achieve greater network per for mance with less.

ING

“A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

411 CLARK ST. TUPELO 844-4481

TRUCKING

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

Y OUR B USINESS C ATEGORY

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

JOURNAL PUBLISHING COMPANY PRINT

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE EACH MONTH

ONLINE

INTERACTIVE

VERONICA BENCH

Multimedia/Inside Sales Consultant veronica.bench@journalinc.com PO Box 909 Tupelo, MS | 38802-0909 1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804

Phone 662.678.1566 or 1.800.270.2614 ext.566 Fax 662.620.8301

Document: A019CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:07:54;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL Business Directory

JUNE 2016

L OCKSMITH

PRINTING

MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.

(662) 842-7720

1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO

R E A L E S TAT E

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

19

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

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

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

Call Us Today 662-489-2848

R E S TA U R A N T

R E S TA U R A N T

R E S TA U R A N T

Party Trays for all Occasions!

1101 W. Main • Tupelo 842-3774

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

365-7059

405 S. Gloster Street Tupelo, MS 38801 Phone: (662) 844-4888 Fax: (662) 844-3006

709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS

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

ROOFING

R E TA I L

Alternatives to Cigarettes

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

W

E E H

R E L

RO

INC.

TECHNOLOGY

OF

Achieve greater network per for mance with less.

ING

“A Family Business Since 1946”

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial FREE Estimates LICENSED & INSURED

411 CLARK ST. TUPELO 844-4481

TRUCKING

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

Y OUR B USINESS C ATEGORY

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

JOURNAL PUBLISHING COMPANY PRINT

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE EACH MONTH

ONLINE

INTERACTIVE

VERONICA BENCH

Multimedia/Inside Sales Consultant veronica.bench@journalinc.com PO Box 909 Tupelo, MS | 38802-0909 1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804

Phone 662.678.1566 or 1.800.270.2614 ext.566 Fax 662.620.8301

Document: A019CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:07:54;JPC 72 DPI

BUSINESS JOURNAL Business Directory

JUNE 2016

Document: A020CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:09:56;JPC 72 DPI

Document: A020CDF060316.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 254.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jun 01, 2016 15:09:56;JPC 72 DPI