MBJ E-Edition — January 30, 2021

Law and Accounting P. 16

MSBUSINESS.COM

January 30, 2021 ISSUE

Vo. 43 • No. 11 • 48 pages

Jury trials during Covid Byars' love of the outdoors gives him perspective Tax experts trying to keep things normal

Technology P. 21 IT certifications a ticket to good jobs in a dynamic and expanding field McIntosh able to think on the fly for C Spire

Banking and Finance P. 27 Banks and the stimulus BancorpSouth acquiring Alabamabased bank in $108.4M deal Steady growth the goal for state's oldest bank

Health Care P. 34 Most health care workers felt great sense of relief from getting vaccinated for COVID-19 Hospital fitness centers add options for a community’s healthy pursuits

» Douglas Carswell to put down roots and lend support

$1 BILLION INVESTMENT FOR 5G DEPLOYMENT P.4 – Page 7

Pages 20, 26, 32 & 38

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January 2021 Issue

She stoops to kill in an ancient sport

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Some falconers use radio signals to keep up hawk drifts overhead on the with the falcons. Leslie prefers the sound of air currents, eyes on the the bells, which hark back to the beginnings ground. of the sport millenia ago, though he adds teA free bird. lemetry in case a bird gets lost.

But the two birds I will soon see are He offers his three guests vignettes of histonot free. ry, including Frederick II, emperor of the Holy They are at the beck and release of Roman Empire, who wrote a book on falconry in their master, Harvey Leslie of Grenada.

JACK WEATHERLY the 13th century, after the Crusaders ventured to the Leslie, a dentist, took up hunting with Holy Land and discovered the sport the Arabs adopted. birds of prey four decades ago as an undergradHe notes that falconry is found on a tapestry in Bayeux, uate at Ole Miss.

He started by using redtail hawks to hunt rabbits and France that chronicles the Battle of Hastings in 1066, in squirrels. Over the next four decades, he graduated to el- which William the Conquerer defeated Anglo-Saxon King Harold. egant peregrine falcons.

In Mississippi, the sport dates to the mid-1970s, when “I always wanted the long-wings,” Leslie said. the few but ardent devotees finally got legislation passed He has two peregrines in his backyard aviary.

Peregrines were an endangered species till the late to regulate it.

The terms of falconry go deep into the English lan1960s because of the overuse of DDT, banning of which guage. The high-speed dive from hundreds of feet is saved the birds.

Both of his peregrines were captured in Mississippi. called a stoop, as in She Stoops to Conquer, an 18th cenHe gave them Choctaw names to honor the tribe that tury British comic play.

But in this case, Mata and her birds of a feather, “stoop” had been endangered after it was driven from the state in large part, though some avoided the Trail of Tears by to kill.

Leslie's guests on this day --Oxford author and pubstaying and creating their own nation. The birds, both lisher Lawrence “Larry” Wells, his friend Kathleen female, are Hata, who is five, and Lakna, one year.

We will see the veteran raptor in action on a clear and Wickham, author and journalism professor at the Uniwarm December day in the high, rolling hills of Grenada versity of Mississippi, and this observer – bounce along County.

He untethers Mata, but leaves her bells on and gets her hooded for the trip.

» Harvey Leslie releases the falcon so that it can scan the skies for ducks.

Photos by Kathleen Wickham

in Leslie's Jeep on this dirt road high on a ridge overlooking the beautiful winter landscape, bare of cattle, which have been moved to winter pastures.

» Hata perches atop her kill.

(In a sense, Wells is a falconer already. His latest book, “In Faulkner's Shadow,” makes him just that in an etymological way. “Faulkner,” or the original family spelling, Falkner, derives from the word falconer.

Leslie pauses every few minutes to scan with binoculars the distant ponds for ducks.

There is one with a few on it.

See FALCONER, Page 3

January 2021 Issue

FALCONER

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After teasing us about how we plan to get through, over or under the barbedwire fence, he drives up to a locked gate, for which he has a key.

We ride into the pasture.

He gets out and creeps up a hill and disappears over the crest. He reappears shortly with a fist pump.

The hunt is on.

We excitedly pile out of the cramped vehicle that had caged us.

We are cautioned to be quiet. He leads us in a wide gyre well below the pond.

Mata rides on his gloved left hand. She is wearing a hood with a tuft of duck feathers. Her bells jingle, but she makes not a shriek, which could spook the waterfowl.

We are to be “lackeys” – to use another word that found its way into common parlance, though it no doubt has fallen from favor in our hyper-egalitarian world – who will act like beaters on a big-game safari in Africa.

I joke that I have always aspired to lackeydom.

Leslie leads us to the base of the pond's levee, out of the ducks' sight.

He takes off Mata's hood and releases her, as he gives us the signal and we hoot and holler for all we're worth.

She circles the area as her master keeps an eye on her.

Finally, there is a hoorah.

Weighing less than two pounds and with her talons closed into fists, she has struck one of the ducks after diving from hundreds of feet above the pas» Harvey Leslie and his falcon of five years, Hata, prepare for a flight across the tures at up to 200 Grenada County countryside. miles per hour – and dangerously close to Leslie pitches her a pigeon breast (harthe ground.

The duck is down and Mata is on top vested from the coop at his house) to apof it, first breaking its neck and then pull- pease her – she wasn't going to go hungry ing off its feathers in what is becoming a no matter what.

Then he takes the duck and removes its bloody mess.

Red in beak and talon, as Tennyson heart and cuts off its legs to give Mata her might say. Indeed, there is poetry in this earned reward.

And we three also have our reward for just genteel blood sport. following along and watching the spectacle.

Leslie is ecstatic.

“The first one of the season!” he exclaims. “It's a great first day!” » JACK WEATHERLY is the senior writer at the We are appreciative as best we can be Mississippi Business Journal. He can be reached at in our unwashed ignorance. jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com.

Mata keeps tearing at her limp prey.

Starbucks to open at County Line, Ridgewood; Shrimp Basket won't reopen Hart said Tuesday that “all I know is that Hardees backed out and later on Starbucks came along.”

Greg Moore, vice president of BranStarbucks restaurant is under don-based Beyond Group, a general conconstruction on County Line tractor and developer, said the Starbucks Road at its intersection with will open in May. Ridgewood Road.

Moore, who said Beyond Group is The development is a bit of a surprise, co-developer with Dyess Development as the site — formerly the location of of New Orleans, observed that “you rarely see a Starbucks close the doors.”

That was not the case with the Shrimp Basket restaurant, which opened in December 2018, and closed some time in 2020.

It had been a Shoney's and was vacant for several years.

Sterling McCool of Overby Commercial real Photo by Jack Weatherly estate said that the Shrimp » The Starbucks along County Line Road in Ridgeland is expected to open in May. Basket, located adjacent to the adjacent to the Shrimp Ralph and Kacoo's, which had been vaBasket site and on the south side of cant for more than 20 years — had been County Line, went on the market in July scheduled to be a Hardee's.

Alan Hart, director of community de- 2020, The restaurant closure was the result velopment for the city of Ridgeland, told of the bankruptcy of its parent, accordthe Mississippi Business Journal in Auing to Michael Carro, adviser and pringust 2018 that the hamburger chain was cipal with SVN/SouthLand Commercial planning to build on the site.

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

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Photo by Jack Weatherly

» The Shrimp Basket in Ridgeland opened in December 2018 and closed its doors in 2020.

Real Estate.

Harren Equity Partners of Charlottesville, Va., bought the assets of the Pensacola, Fla.-based Shrimp Basket assets and decided to close 10 of the 30 operations, including the one in Ridgeland, Carro said.

Carro said the performance of the Ridgeland store was not a factor. In fact, it set a company record for performance for its first six months, he said.

But nine months later the coronavirus pandemic struck Mississippi and the rest of the country, leading local and state governments to institute “lockdowns.”

Restaurants have suffered in particular and had to operate on limited seating capacity and rely on more on takeouts and delivery.

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Signify to close Tupelo manufacturing plant, cutting 135 jobs Signify – still known by many locally as Day-Brite – will shutter its lighting manufacturing facility on Green Street by December, eliminating approximately 135 local jobs.

In a letter sent to Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton and other officials last week, the company said all manufacturing positions in Tupelo will be eliminated. Job cuts are expected to begin in April and be completed

by December.

Some other jobs associated with sales, marketing, IT and research and development will remain here in the city, said a company spokesperson.

Manufacturing work previously done in Tupelo will transition to facilities in San Marcos, Texas, and Monterrey, Mexico, according to the same company spokesperson. This includes the DayBrite and Chloride indoor lighting products as well as some research and development.

“The decision has not been taken lightly but is necessary with the ongoing transformation in the lighting industry,” said Beth Brenner in a statement to the Daily Journal on behalf of the company.

“Signify will support its affected employees through the transition, and provide resources and training to assist them through this difficult period and set them up for future success.”

Local leaders promised efforts to aid impacted workers.

“We are working with our partners in economic development to make this transition as easy as possible for the employees and community,” Shelton told the Daily Journal.

According to Community Development Foundation President and CEO David Rumbarger, some employees at the facility “are eligible for rehiring at other positions across the community, and we have a number of companies in a hiring mode.”

Three Rivers Planning & Development District will also play a key role in efforts to assist workers, according to Gary Golden.

Three Rivers will coordinate efforts among Itawamba Community College and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to assist workers with the unemployment process, search for new jobs, or to seek training or education for new work as desired.

CDF has also set its sights on the future – including the future of the manufacturing building itself, which is owned by the city of Tupelo.

“We’re actively seeking another tenant for that facility,” Rumbarger said.

The announcement marks the end of a long and storied presence in Northeast Mississippi. What was then known simply as Day-Brite was the first major manufacturing facility to locate in Tupelo after World War II, opening in 1947.

The company has since been through a number of corporate transformations and its parent ownership has shifted.

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January 2021 Issue

C Spire invests $1 billion to speed deployment of 5G, fiber broadband in Mississippi, Alabama » History-making project promises to create jobs, grow economy and improve region’s quality of life

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Spire is ramping up an unprecedented growth project with a $1 billion investment over the next three years– the largest capital spend in company history - to accelerate the deployment of ultra-fast 5G wireless technology and all-fiber Gigabit broadband internet in key parts of its service area in the southeastern U.S. The project will result in faster delivery of 5G wireless technology in Mississippi markets and provide ultra-fast, all-fiber broadband services to over 200,000 homes and businesses by 2025 in Mississippi and Alabama, where the diversified telecommunications and technology services firm recently expanded its broadband internet availability.

When completed, the project is expected to bring all-fiber infrastructure to within 1,000 feet of half of Mississippi’s residential premises, deliver game-changing 5G service – the next generation of mobility – to nearly 600 sites representing over 60% of the state and expand next-generation, ultra-fast broadband services to over two dozen Alabama markets.

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“We have a strong reputation of providing world-class products and services to consumers and businesses and this investment signals that we intend to deliver these benefits faster than ever before,” said C Spire CEO Hu Meena, noting that the firm will make the initial investment in three years with another $500 million in capital spending over a five-year period.

Meena said the investment is expected to result in fiber within reach for half of all Mississippians – a record for the Southeast and 12th best in the U.S. – and millions of dollars in secondary economic benefits for both states through contracts and agreements with firms who will help C Spire with the massive infrastructure deployment and construction efforts.

“I’m thrilled to see that C Spire is investing so much to build out its highspeed internet infrastructure to support the future of education, health care, technology, and small business in Mississippi,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker,

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R-Mississippi. “Because we live in a digital world, better, faster internet connections are critical to keeping our state competitive and boosting our $100 billion-plus economy,” he added.

Wicker said C Spire’s commitment to rapidly deploying 5G fast service means that virtually every major part of Mississippi will be able to leverage the next-generation technology with the activation of more than 300 sites by the end of this year. He also praised the company for its continuing commitment to roll out more broadband in more places.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said the infrastructure initiative will reap immediate dividends in a state where so many of its key priorities and initiatives rely on robust broadband technology infrastructure, including education, workforce development, health care and economic growth.

“We need companies like C Spire stepping up to the plate to move our state forward.”

Business executives also expressed support for the C Spire investment initiative, including the 10,000-member Mississippi

Business Council and the Mississippi Development Authority. “It is essential we close the digital divide in Mississippi,” said MEC President and CEO Scott Waller.

“We wholeheartedly support efforts by C Spire to continue to develop the 5G and broadband infrastructure for a competitive 21st century economy in our state.”

“With its extensive 5G and broadband infrastructure in our state and a commitment to invest extensive capital resources on an accelerated timeframe, C Spire is well positioned to become an even more substantive contributor to the state’s emerging technology leadership,” said MDA Executive Director John Rounsaville.

Meena said C Spire plans to move quickly and aggressively in 2021 to bring the cutting-edge technology benefits to consumers and businesses in both states, leveraging several recent acquisitions, including Teklinks and Harbor Communications, to accelerate its growth and expansion efforts.

To learn more about C Spire 5G and fiber broadband internet, visit www.cspire. com/5GFast. For more information about C Spire products and services, visit www. cspire.com.

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Apartment Surge — Jackson stakes new-housing future on upscale units around the city

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

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ackson is not an urban center that has nowhere to build but up.

For that, one thinks of cities such as Chicago and New York, where tall buildings abound like modern high-rise pueblos.

Yet, in recent years, Jackson is becoming more of a city for people wanting the amenities of home life but not the upkeep.

Which may suggest transiency to some, but, like the multi-unit dwellings Spanish explorers discovered in the American Southwest, and dubbed pueblos, they were places of permanency.

In that light, Jackson is becoming no less permanent.

Since 2016, upwards of 1,500 apartments have been built, are under construction, or are on the drawing board to be added to the tax rolls of the city, which has lost population in recent decades.

The city hit a population high of 202,900 in the 1980 census and the 2020 population was 157,484, according to World Population Review.

At the same time, there have been no appreciable developments of single-family homes in the city.

What does that tell us?

It says that there simply is not any room to build a free-standing homes development and realize a reasonable return, according to James O. “Jim” Turner II, a managing director for the Ridgeland office of Integra Realty Resources, a commercial property valuation and consulting firm.

Turner agrees that the last major residential development site in the city is the former Colonial Country Club property.

That 152-acre site was to be redeveloped as a $250 million mixed-use project, 60 percent of which would be single-family detached upscale houses, along with 15-percent single-family attached houses, along with apartments for sale and 24 percent apartments to rent. The city approved the plan in 2016.

Thus far, the only residential development on the site are 220 upscale rental units on 14.4 acres called the Tapestry NorthRidge, built and managed by Arlington Properties of Birmingham and which started leasing in September.

Arlington Properties says the current lease rate is 44 percent. Leases range from $1,180 to $1,725 for one- to three-bedroom apartments.

The emphasis for the site has shifted dramatically. Luke Gurasico, managing partner for the investment group that bought the old course, plans a 12-hole pub-

» The four-story Quarter House apartments are rising behind The Quarter on Lakeland Drive near the Pearl River./Photo by Jack Weatherly

lic golf layout.

The design group King-Collins of Chattanooga has a highly sought team that is making waves with reworking existing courses.

When he announced the plan in September, he said that capital raising and approval of the plan had not begun. He said that beyond the 100-acre course, there would be 38 acres, and he “may elect to keep many areas around the course green.”

Turner said he could see the feasibility of some free-standing houses of the Traditional Neighborhood Development style, like the ones planned initially for the larger site.

Gurasico said that capital raising is underway, but gave no further details or than he expects that aspect to be done in the first quarter.

Crossing the finish line first in the apartment-building surge was The Meridian at Fondren, a 241-unit high-rise, whose primary investors were the State Street Group and Leaf River Corp. It was completed in 2016. It is located at 803 Lakeland Dr. across from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Arlington Properties confirmed the market and added fuel to the apartment-building engine with its District Lofts at the District at Eastover, a 21-acre mixed-use development between between Meadowbrook Road and Eastover Drive on the east side of Interstate 55. The 261unit luxury project was completed in June 2017 and quickly filled up.

State Street Group's Quarter House, 138-unit, is rising like a four-story mountain behind The Quarter on the eastern fringe of the city.

State Street bought The Quarter in 2019, refurbished and expanded it, including addition of 12 loft apartments. The New Orleans-influenced Quarter was built in the 1970s and survived the 1979 Easter Flood, which ravaged it and much of Jackson.

The Quarter House is due to be completed in the summer. Its studio apartments start at $595; four-bedroom units start at $2,750.

The Walthall Lofts, a 154-unit conversion of the old Walthall Hotel on Capitol Street, opened last July; it will be followed this month by 101 units in the Courthouse Lofts at the Walthall Lofts.

Occupancy in the Walthall Lofts is “55 percent and growing,” Scott Sledge, vice president of hotel operations for Certified Hospitality LLC of Canton, said in an email.

Studio and one-bedroom units are offered in the Walthall building, ranging from studios, $850 to $1,100 for 450-squarefoot units to 600 and one-bedroom units, 456-square feet to 770, leasing for $1,300 to $1,650.

There are studios and one-bedrooms in the Courthouse, starting at $1,100 and topping out at $3,000 for the largest one bedroom. They are in the old federal courthouse building adjacent and east of the old hotel. Sledge said funding for the two projects was provided by Texas investors with local ties, declining to reveal their identities.

Twenty-three loft apartments in the 11-story gothic revival-style Lamar Life Building farther east on Capitol went on the market in January 2019 and occupancy is “usually 100 percent,” though two

were available last week because of lease expirations, according to Jan Mattiace, marketing communications director for Jackson-based Mattiace Properties, which owns and manages the building and developed the lofts.

Monthly rent ranges between approximately $990 to $2,925, Mattiace said, adding that those figures include utilities, parking and other amenities.

A proposed 200-unit conversion of the seven-story curvilinear Landmark Center at Capitol and Lamar streets, much discussed over a period of several years, has yet to be realized. Efforts to contact Baton Rouge-based Weinstein and Nelson Developers for this article were unsuccessful.

A Weinstein and Nelson website states: “This property was acquired as a speculative project in 2015 with the purpose of meeting the area’s immediate need for more modern, energy-efficient residential housing and the prospect of the area’s first fully functioning grocery store.”

Before the recent trend, downtown underwent a flurry of conversions, with the creation of the Standard Life Flats and the King Edward Apartments, but it has taken more than a decade to match that achievement.

Downtown has received most of the attention on revitalization since it is the center of the city.

Obviously, that has not stopped planning and investment elsewhere in the city.

Chico Patel, president and co-founder of the Wealth Hospitality Group, an aggressive builder of lodging, (formerly Heritage Hospitality Group), revealed a plan in July for Fondren Landing, a $40 million to $42 See APARTMENT SURGE, Page 6

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January 2021 Issue

Group commits $1M for Mississippi computer science education

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n organization has announced that it is committing $1 million to help Mississippi school districts start computer science classes.

The money is coming from C Spire Foundation, a charity connected to the Mississippi-based telecommunications and technology company C Spire.

A C Spire news release said the company will ask Mississippi legislators this year to consider making computer science classes available in all elementary schools, middle schools and high schools by 2024-25.

APARTMENT SURGE

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million condominium or apartment and retail project.

There will be 140 to 150 loft-style units, along with about 10,000 square feet for bars, restaurants and retail, plus underground parking in the project, he said.

He made the announcement as his 125-room Homewood Suites hotel was about to open in July 2019 across State Street from Fondren Landing, construction of which likely won't start till 2022 because the lease on a post office on the property must first expire.

Several factors also work against new single-family house developments in the city, Turner said.

Mississippi has no shortage of developable land, he said, noting that the suburbs surround Jackson have cheaper land, though the market for existing homes in the city for resale is “very strong.”

Still, the new-home prices in the suburbs have risen “rather dramatically” in the past two years, making them not as attractive to young professionals, who are the primary target for the upscale apartments in the city, and might not have the downpayment needed for higher-priced

The release said 48% of Mississippi high schools currently teach computer science.

“Now more than ever, we need to be equipping all of our children to master the digital tools of the 21st century and providing them with educational opportunities to hone their knowledge and skills on the building blocks of meaningful and relevant learning that will form the foundation of our state’s economic future,” Hu Meena, president and CEO of C Spire, said in the statement.

houses, Turner said.

Also, many of the outlying communities have moratoria on new apartments, he said.

Of the new-generation developments, the District Lofts at Eastover sold to California investors at a top-dollar, big-market price one year after they opened and maintained a high occupancy rate, Turner said.

That helped to “[prove] the concept and demand,” Turner said.

The U.S. housing bubble that burst and contributed largely to what some have called “the Great Recession,” from late 2007 till mid-2009, primarily because of “subprime lending” on houses that were not worth the investment, caused an adjustment in what homebuyers wanted.

There was an oversupply of large-lot single-family houses in almost every major market, according to Ed McMahon, senior fellow of the Urban Land Institute.

A shortage of apartments, as a possible alternative, compounded the crisis, McMahon said.

A trend of building upscale apartment developments in such cities as Austin, Texas and Charlotte, N.C. grew out

The release said that Mississippi employers have more than 1,475 unfilled jobs because of a shortage of trained, qualified information technology and computing workers.

C Spire has been promoting computer science education in Mississippi since 2015 with coding challenges, coding academies and accelerated degree programs.

» The Tapestry NorthRidge has leased 44 percent of its 220 units since it opened in September./Photo by Jack Weatherly

of the recovery, McMahon said.

Secondary cities such as Jackson have caught the wave still packing plenty of energy, he said.

January 2021 Issue

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An Englishman in Mississippi

» Carswell to lead Mississippi Center for Public Policy

It has been misapplied or not applied at all in certain instances – most notably for deouglas Carswell played nying African-Ameria key role in helping cans their rights – but Great Britain leave the the document itself is European Union and reassert not to blame for that, its economic independence. he stressed.

At about the same time, at At the state level, the end of 2020, he arrived much can be done to in America when its economy, raise the well-being government and culture were of Mississippians, acunder the thrall of unmitigatcording to Carswell. ed turmoil.

“The beauty of “It's very easy for people in America is you don't America to be despondent,” have to wait on Washgiven recent events such as ington,” he said. “the shocking scenes at the Especially since, Capitol” when some memCarswell, predicted, bers of a rally protesting the “the federal governoutcome of the presidential ment is going to be election in which President doing things to underDonald Trump lost, on Jan. mine American excep6 breached the building and tionalism – more taxoverwhelmed security forces. es, more regulations . .

That occurred after months . .” of strife – fiery destruction Those are obstacles of businesses, police facilities to innovation such as and deaths in a number of U.S. the smart phone, decities, which erupted during veloped by American Black Lives Matter protests » On the Vote Leave bus in 2016 with Douglas Carswell are Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Gisela Stuart, who was chairwoman of entrepreneur Steve after the death at the hands the campaign committee.

Jobs, which has helped of police of George Floyd in to promote globalizaMinneapolis in May and rean officer who succumbed to injuries and “I believe in American exceptionaltion, he said. luctance by Democratic mayors and a protestor who was shot by an officer. ism. Americans flourish when they are At the state level, Texas and Florida governors to take strong action to calm Carswell is now in Jackson as the pres- free. The U.S. is the greatest republic the are realizing the fruits of not having an the waters. ident and chief executive of the Mis- world has ever known because she is the income tax as businesses emigrate from A special target was the unauthorized sissippi Center for Public Policy, which most successful experiment in freedom states such as California to the Lone Star tearing down of public statues of famous was established nearly 30 years ago and that there has ever been,” he said. and Sunshine states, respectively, he said. heroes to most Americans. Those in- whose mission is: Just as the American Revolution arose Mississippi, of course, does have an include Christopher Columbus, Thomas “To advance the constitutional ideals from the colonies, the best of America come tax on individuals and businesses.

Jefferson, U.S. Grant and Francis Scott of liberty and justice for all Mississip- rises from the bottom, rather than comMississippi would benefit from inKey. Even a statue of Abraham Lincoln, pians by employing an evidence-based ing from the top down, he said in an inthe Great Emancipator, has been dis- approach to public policy whereby we terview at the center's headquarters in creased competition in health care, such as broadening telemedicine to allow cussed for possible removal. In some advocate for and advance real conserva- downtown Jackson. out-of-state physicians to practice telecases local governments approved of the tive ideas with policy makers, members Mississippi perennially stays at or near medicine without being licensed in Misremovals. of the media, business leaders, the aca- the bottom in key categories, such as in- sissippi, he said.

The movement spread beyond the demic community, and private citizens.” come and health care.

Another area that could benefit from U.S. borders, including the defacing of a Carswell knows something about efDespite the upheaval of Jan. 6, the competition is increasing the number of statue in London of Winston Churchill, fecting public policy. transfer of power – orderly and peaceful charter schools, of which there are only World War II prime minister who stood He was the co-founder of the Vote – as prescribed in the Constitution, was about a half-dozen in the state, Carswell against the Nazi regime, and, many be- Leave movement while he was a member carried out Wednesday, Jan. 20, when said. lieve, saved democracy. of Parliament for 12 years, succeeding in Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th presOn a personal note, Carswell said he Of the Capitol mayhem, Carswell 2016 in getting a majority of British vot- ident. He called for an end to “the unhopes his wife, Clementine, daughter said: “I would say to American friends, ers to support what became known as civil war.”

Kitty, 11, and schnauzer Crumble will 'Don't be down-hearted. Events show “Brexit,” or British Exit, a move that was Carswell said the document created be in Mississippi by March so the family that your constitution works. The sys- finalized on Jan. 1 of this year. “in that hot courthouse in Philadelphia can put down roots in the soil of their tem works. The republic held.'”

That same desire for independence in 1787.. . is the most sublime, magnif- new country.

Nevertheless, five people died during explains why he chose America, and spe- icent constitution ever created by huand as a result of the upheaval, including cifically Mississippi. mankind.”

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

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January 2021 Issue

» Analysis

Health care, education, incentives on 2021 agendas

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incentives and create simpler rules that are easy to unith the Mississippi legderstand. islative session just “If you’re moving a company with 100 employees beginning, officials to Mississippi, you can sit at your desk and calculate are starting to reveal their public what the salaries are, how much it’s going to cost policy wish lists, including proyou and (get) an exact quote of what your benefits posals to increase teacher pay and will be,” Hosemann said. improve the availability of health The MFLEX proposal would require companies care services.

The Senate Democratic Caucus EMILY WAGSTER that receive incentives to provide health insurance for their employees. Those offering higher salaries would chairman, Derrick Simmons of Green- PETTUS ville, repeated last week what he and many other Dem- get more favorable treatment from the state. And the ocrats have said for years — that Mississippi should companies would be required to file annual reports so expand Medicaid to cover tens of thousands of people people could know whether the companies are fulfilling who earn modest salaries and don’t receive health in- the promises they made to the state, Hosemann said.

Hosemann’s legislative wish list this year also includes surance through their jobs. Expansion is optional under the 2010 health care overhaul signed by then-President creating a state tourism agency. He wants to break tourBarack Obama, and Mississippi is one of 12 states that ism promotion away from the Mississippi Development Authority, the agency that pushes for job creation. It’s have not chosen the option.

The federal government pays most of the Medicaid unclear whether his idea will get support from House tab, and Democrats say enrolling more people would leaders or from Reeves. boost Mississippi’s economy by supporting hospitals The governor has said little about his own legislative and other health care providers. agenda. When he released his state budget Expansion is a longshot, though, because Reproposals in November, Reeves did not publican Gov. Tate Reeves and Republicans who include a teacher pay raise, but he said “Mississippi control the state House and Senate have long he would ask legislators to put $3 milshould expand said that they believe it could become a budget lion into a “patriotic education fund.” buster, and they don’t want to put more people “Across the country, young chilmedicaid to cover on a government program. dren have suffered from indoctritens of thousands nation in far-left socialist teachings Republican Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann has released more details about his legislative agenthat emphasize America’s shortcomof people...” da than many others in the Capitol, and a teacher ings over the exceptional achievepay raise tops his list. ments of this country. Revisionist hisHosemann also told reporters last week that he tory has aimed to tear down American wants Mississippi to revise the tax breaks and other institutions, and it is poisoning a generation,” Reeves’ incentives it uses to attract new businesses. Hosemann budget document said. said the Senate will propose an incentive program called During a Senate Education Committee hearing last MFLEX — think, Mississippi and flexible. week, Democratic Sen. David Blount of Jackson quoted He said the state needs to eliminate some rarely used that document and asked state Superintendent of Ed-

» Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, outlines the 2021 legislative priorities of the Mississippi Senate Democratic Caucus to reporters during the first day of the 2021 Mississippi Legislature, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

ucation Carey Wright whether such indoctrination is happening in Mississippi schools.

“Let me put it this way: That’s not in our standards to be taught,” Wright said.

Wright said if she were to receive a complaint about such teaching, she would contact the local superintendent.

Although $3 million is a relatively small amount of money in a $6 billion state budget, Blount’s questions show that the governor’s request will not be fulfilled without scrutiny — and it might not be fulfilled at all. » EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS has covered Mississippi government and politics for the Associated Press since 1994. Follow her on Twitter: http:// twitter.com/EWagsterPettus.

Sal & Mookie's to move to District at Eastover

S

al & Mookie's New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint, which served customers for 14 years in Fondren, will relocate to The District at Eastover.

Sal & Mookie's will join Fine & Dandy and the Cultivation Food Hall in The District. Renovation has begun, with completion targeted for early April, according to a news release.

The established eatery stands to stabilize the spot that began with the Cafe Laredo in 2017 and was followed by The Sophomore Spanish Club.

The Spanish Club opened in September 2019 in the Jackson mixed-use property, about seven months after the Cafe Laredo closed in less than two years.

Breck Hines, co-developer of The District, said after the Cafe Laredo closed that the spot was better suited for “independent, local restaurant concepts are better for this market and more closely aligned with our vision for the District at Eastover.”

The Cafe Laredo was a joint effort with the Dallas- based chain and the District, a 21-acre, mixed-use development encompassing 585,000 square feet.

The Spanish Club was owned and operated by locally based MH Ventures, which opened and has operated Fine & Dandy, which is positioned across the green space from what will be the new location for Sal & Mookie's.

January 2021 Issue

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Yazoo Backwater flood control project Biewer Lumber building new approved: But will it ever get built?

sawmill, creates 150 jobs

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T

he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Friday gave the green light to long-debated flood control project in Mississippi. But the project still needs federal funding, and the start of construction could be years away — if it happens at all.

Conservation groups sued the Environmental Protection Agency this week to try to block the project. They argue that the EPA last year improperly reversed its own 2008 veto of massive pumps for the rural Yazoo Backwater Area. The expanse of rural flatlands is between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers, north of Vicksburg. Much of it is used for farming.

Supporters of the project say the current proposal is significantly different from the one the EPA previously vetoed, because the pumps would be in a different location miles away from the original plan. The current proposal would put them at Deer Creek.

Conservation groups that oppose the pumps say the new plan largely mirrors the old one, and that the project would hurt the environment to help agribusiness.

The document that the Corps of Engineers published Friday was a final en-

vironmental impact statement by Maj. Gen. Diana Holland. She wrote that the current proposal is “technically feasible, environmentally justified ... and in the public interest.”

Members of Mississippi’s congressional delegation, including the lone Democrat, Rep. Bennie Thompson, have been pushing President Donald Trump's administration to act on the project that’s estimated to cost at least $400 million.

Republican Sens. Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith issued statements Friday praising the Corps of Engineers' action.

“Today is a monumental day for the

south Delta," Wicker said. “For too long, residents have suffered losses and damages from preventable backwater flooding. The Yazoo Backwater Pumps will bring much-needed relief and certainty."

Hyde-Smith said: “Completing this project will improve public safety, the environment and the economy for Mississippi and the nation."

The lawsuit against the EPA was filed Tuesday by American Rivers, National Audubon Society, Sierra Club and Healthy Gulf. It said the pump project could hurt “hemispherically significant wetlands.”

-The Associated Press

new sawmill is coming to Winona and will create 150 jobs.

Biewer Lumber is expanding its business in Winona.

“My family’s passion for the lumber industry has prompted this expansion in the south. There is no better place to grow the business than the fiber-rich state of Mississippi” Tim Biewer, President & CEO of Biewer Lumber, said in a news release.

The $130 million investment will have the ability to produce 350 million board feet of lumber per year, WTVA-TV reported.

Biewer Lumber, headquartered in St. Clair, Michigan, operates five sawmills: two in Michigan, two in Wisconsin and one in Newton, Mississippi. The facility in Newton employs 175 people, operates two saw lines and produces 350 million board feet per year.

The new sawmill is expected to be complete and operational by January 2022.

“The growth of companies like Biewer Lumber in Mississippi sends a strong message that our state has a supportive business environment and a skilled workforce,” Gov. Tate Reeves said.

PERSPECTIVE January 2021 Issue • www.msbusiness.com • Page 10

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Destructive politics scorns truth telling

I

on WLBT. Here are nsurrection in the world’s key excerpts: greatest democracy. What a “Vice President way to start the New Year!

Mike Pence, performSo have we learned any lesing his constitutional sons? I fear not. duty as President of But our politicians should the Senate, announced take heed of what has occurred. the outcome of the NoWhen you cater to the worst in us BILL CRAWFORD vember 2020 election deto advance your ambitions, you will claring Joe Biden as the next President ultimately reap our worst behaviors.

We saw this on the left with the riots of our country after receiving the votes in Portland. We saw this on the right of 306 electoral college members while with the attempted coup in Washington. Donald Trump received 233. This brings Nothing suggests this year will be better. to a close the 2020 election.

“While Trump exercised his right to President Abraham Lincoln warned us that “America will never be destroyed question the validity of the results by filfrom the outside.” Instead, he said, “it ing more than 60 court cases in multiple judicial jurisdictions, none of those judiwill be because we destroyed ourselves.”

That has become the politics of today cial filings provided any factual evidence – destroy the opposition, which means that there were any errors made that destroy each other. Cable news, blogs, would have resulted in a different outsocial media posts, and tweets are the come. Despite the fact that the judicial findings did not change the results, our carriers of this self-destruction.

One really sad feature that this poli- nation incurred one of its darkest days – tics of hate and division has given us is certainly the darkest day of (almost) evthe scorn and contempt so many show eryone living today.

“In our republican democracy, we for truth tellers, often resulting in threats of violence against them and their fami- should expect a peaceful transition of lies. Others have revealed they dodge the power following any and every election.

Instead, our citizens and people around truth to avoid such threats.

All the more reason to admire Hinds the world saw the storming of our naCounty Republican Chairman Pete Per- tion’s Capitol, attacks on law enforcery, who issued a truth telling statement ment officers sworn to protect it and its

occupants, and the disruption and suspension of our Congress while its members were performing their sworn duty.

“Violence is always wrong. Political violence even more so. There is no excuse, no justification, for the insurrection that we endured.”

“The proper constitutional avenues to follow in questioning the electoral process had all been exhausted. Operating outside those avenues expose individuals and groups for their true self.”

“Personally, I denounce anyone who participated in the illegal mob riot and insurrection. And further, I denounce anyone who supports it.”

“I will continue to fight for the conservative movement, to fight for better government and better leaders. I hope I will do so joined by all who care about the ideas and principles that can keep our nation and its institutions alive and viable.

And I will disagree and denounce anyone that supports the type (of ) insurrection we witnessed Wednesday with the attack on those institutions and principles.”

Truth from a true conservative.

“The truth will set you free” – John 8:32. » BILL CRAWFORD is a syndicated columnist from Meridian. Readers can contact him at crawfolk@gmail.com.

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PERSPECTIVE

January 2021 Issue

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Mississippi Business Journal

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The seismic shift in Real Estate

D

id you watch “It’s a Wonderful a dilemma. Most borrowed money to buy their Life” this holiday season? If properties. Many are individual investors, not so, you saw Jimmy Stewart giant real estate corporations. playing the role of George Bailey, According to the 2015 American Housing manager of the Bailey Brothers Survey, of the 48.5 million rental units in the Building and Loan, the local lender U.S., 22.7 million are owned by mom-and-pop that was the source of mortgage loans. landlords. They have a payment to make as well.

My, how mortgage lending has changed.

And then there is the lender. To foreclose or not In 1946, the year the movie was filmed, phil hardwick to foreclose if payments are not received, that is the the local savings and loan was the primary source question. Most believe it is better to try to work with of residential mortgages. Up until 1970, the model was individual borrowers and tenants than to foreclose or that banks offered individual and business loans while evict, as the case may be.

“S&L’s” offered home mortgages. In this highly-reguThe pandemlated financial world, savings and loans were allowed ic toll on small to pay one-half percent more in savings rates thanks to businesses has Regulation Q, which went into effect in 1966. Howev- been profound. er, they were not allowed to offer checking accounts. These businessOver the years, the home mortgage industry has un- es pay rent as dergone a series of small progressive tremors to be- well. One good come what it is today. source of data Nowadays, most parts of obtaining a mortgage can be on this subject done on-line. It’s even easier for refinancing. Yours truly is the Alignable refinanced not long ago and never had to leave home. A Rent Poll because representative even came to my house for me to sign the it is so current. documents and for them to notarize my signature.

Its latest report The evictions situation is a seismic shift in process. shows the followWhere it will end is anybody’s guess. Hardly a day goes ing: “Overall, 35% by that there is not a news story about someone who has of small business lost their job and has not paid rent in several months. owners reported These are complicated stories. For every tenant, there is that they couldn't a landlord. In most states, Mississippi included, a land- make rent in Delord-tenant act defines the rights and responsibilities of cember (up 3% the parties. But in many cases, current executive orders from 32% in Noand regulations at several levels prohibit evictions. And vember). And for they can be confusing. Many tenants believe that they minority-owned cannot be evicted, but that is not always the case. Local businesses, the judges decide and rulings are inconsistent struggle is even more pronounced: nearly half (49%) reOwners of residential rental properties are also in port being unable to cover their rent in December. That figure jumped 5% from 44% in November. » RICKy NOBLE And for women-owned businesses, 35% couldn't make rent in November and now that percentage is up to 38% in December.

These findings are based on the most recent Alignable Rent Poll conducted among 9,204 small business owners from 11/21-11/23/2020.”

Another seismic shift is occurring in the use of commercial office space. It is occurring rapidly. Here’s the latest on that subject: More than 80% of company leaders surveyed by research and advisory firm Gartner said their organizations plan to permit em-

ployees to work remotely at least part of the time upon reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gartner announced July 14.

The survey of 127 HR, legal and compliance, finance and real estate professionals also found that 47% of respondents said they intend to allow employees to work remotely on a full-time basis, while 43% would grant flex days and 42% would provide flex hours.

The majority of respondents said they were not worried about maintaining productivity under a "hybrid workforce" model, according to Gartner, but nearly one-third (30%) were most concerned about maintain-

ing corporate culture. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they had implemented more frequent check-ins between employees and managers.

In a recent FlexJobs survey, 65% of respondents report wanting to be full-time remote employees post-pandemic, and 31% want a hybrid remote work environment—that’s 96% who desire some form of remote work. On the other hand, Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings says there is “no positives” from working at home.

What’s more, 27% of workers say that the ability to work from home is so important to them that they are willing to take a 10% to 20% pay cut to work remotely.

And, 81% say they would be more loyal to their employer if they had flexible work options.

It isn’t all bad news. Companies, such as Amazon, are causing increased demand for warehouse and distribution space.

Like most everything else in business, the real estate world continually evolves. It will be fascinating to observe the next seismic shifts. » PHIL HARDWICK is a regular Mississippi Business Journal columnist.

His email address is phil@philhardwick.com

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PERSPECTIVE

January 2021 Issue

» the spin cycle

Colors of the year paint a rosy picture for 2021

P

aint me a picture of hope!

Despite the crazy year, insane pandemic and economic challenges in 2020, there is light on the horizon – and Pantone's two Color of the Year picks for 2021 are here to remind us of the opportunity a new year brings. todd smith Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a cheery butter yellow, were selected as "two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day," Pantone announced.

After an unpredictable, unprecedented year, Ultimate Gray symbolizes a quiet reassurance and resilience, while Illuminating reflects sunshine and optimism about a better tomorrow.

“The selection of two independent colors highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one color or one person, it’s about more than one," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a news release.

“Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

Since 2000, Pantone's team of color experts have analyzed color trends and influences from entertainment, art, fashion, design, travels and other lifestyle inspirations to arrive at a color – or in this year's case, two – that highlights top global trends.

Pantone's 2020 pick, Classic Blue, was meant to represent stability, constancy and connection. Recent years' winners include Living Coral, Ultra Violet and Greenery. The last time Pantone chose two colors in

one year was 2016, with Rose Quartz and Serenity, a calming periwinkle.

This year, Pantone partnered with immersive digital art space Artechouse in New York City to submerge guests into the Color of the Year through a Classic Blue-themed interactive exhibit. They plan to do so again next year with a "unique augmented reality experience" inspired by Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.

Trends Driving Social Media in the COVID Era

The pandemic certainly threw us communicators a curve ball and our world shifted to crisis management and reputation management as the leading horses in the PR race.

The COVID economy brought waves of layoffs and budget cuts, making it increasingly likely PR pros also pivoted to using social media to build brands in challenging times.

As communicators take stock of their existing social media toolkit and prepare for first quarter plans for 2021, let’s reflect on the top trends driving social media.

The PRNEWS editorial team – and the PR community at large – have identified five social media developments that will drive strategy in 2021 and beyond.

TikTok Brings Back Organic Content

Remember the “death of organic”? The dark ages for those without a paid social media budget may be over, said Patrick Pho, senior content producer and production manager at Volkswagen. “What makes TikTok the social media platform of 2020 isn’t just the escape it provided everyone. It is also about the algorithm (love it or hate it) that gives anyone the opportunity to become ‘TikTok Famous.’

In 2020, anyone – no matter their follower count – could riff off a meme, tell a story, or do a little dance, and it as long as it was entertaining enough it would reach more and more people.” That’s the difference that makes TikTok stand out in a world where organic reach is all but dead-on legacy platforms. The content that goes viral on TikTok isn’t all that different from what worked back in the early days of social media, Pho adds, “but now you don’t need a media buy in order to reach hundreds, maybe even thousands of people.” And, TikTok is on its way to television after sealing a deal with Samsung, potentially challenging the dominance of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. wNEWS. He notes that both platforms have “flexed their muscles” in response to TikTok’s social media darling status. “The legacy platforms know how to compete with new upstarts,” Pho argues, pointing to the tradition of copycat moves from Facebook (Stories, Reels) and Twitter (Fleets). Still, Pho notes, brand boycotts of Facebook and increased scrutiny over the 2020 election cycle indicate cracks in the armor of the elder platforms.

Pho also hints that legacy social platforms’ regulatory woes are far from over: “A new administration will certainly make things interesting and keep the spotlight on Facebook and Twitter alongside TikTok.”

The Year of Remote Connection

Locked indoors for nine months as the virus has continued to rage, consumers have yearned for meaningful contact with friends and family. “2020 was the year we were all sent home and not allowed to come out,” summarizes Justin Buchbinder, director of social media at Finn Partners. In response, he said “social networks jumped into action and provided us with new opportunities and upgrades that allowed us to connect See THE SPIN CYCLE, Page 13

PERSPECTIVE

THE SPIN CYCLE

Continued from Page 12

digitally.” Buchbinder points to Instagram and Facebook's live video updates, which have included:

• Re-introducing joint Facebook Live videos and the ability to share Messenger Groups to Facebook Live • New Instagram Live stickers • Beta tests allowing for more than two participants in an Instagram Live In addition, says Buchbinder, Facebook, LinkedIn and other platforms offered ways to monetize events, “providing us with sorely needed functionality that will only continue to help us make the best of a bad situation in the year to come."

LinkedIn Live Expands the Corporate Communications Toolkit

Kelly Stone, senior director of global social media at CompTIA, told PRNEWS LinkedIn Live’s growing feature set in 2020 has proved invaluable for her company. And, Stone says, LinkedIn Live showed promise, even before COVID-19 devastated the globe.

“Getting in early on this, before the pandemic, gave us an edge in speaking directly to our audience,” Stone shares.

“We've since done nearly 100 live broadcasts and recordings using the software behind LinkedIn Live with phenomenal engagement and conversion rates to match.” LinkedIn may not have made quite the splash that shiny new platform TikTok has but has quietly armed communicators with organic success and a high potential for conversions.

Short-form, Passive Content Grows in Popularity

2020 was the year of at-home crafts, and many consumers got hooked on feel-good, “passive” content. Forget emotionally-gripping TV or celebrity video – audiences have gone for a mood boost by watching DIY crafts from paint mixing to origami, play dough art to cake decorating. Content that can run in the background has proven soothing to the media-weary masses. Given the high

January 2021 Issue

engagement metrics, it’s likely communicators will employ more crafty creators for branded video in 2021, seeking to entertain without selling.

The Spin Cycle is ready to put 2020 in the rear-view mirror – and press the pedal to the medal in 2021! » TODD SMITH is co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Deane | Smith, a full-service branding, PR, marketing and advertising firm with offices in Jackson. The firm – based in Nashville, Tenn. – is also affiliated with Mad Genius. Contact him at todd@dean-

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esmithpartners.com, follow him @spinsurgeon and like the ageny on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/deanesmithpartners, and join us on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/ deane-smith-&-partners.the ageny on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deanesmithpartners, and join us on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/company/deane-smith-&-partners.

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January 2021 Issue

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Mississippi Unemployment Rates by County

Mississippi Business Journal

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June 2020

» Mississippi - 6.4 | u.s. - 6.0 Mississippi U.S.

DeSoto 7.6

9.7 11.2

Marshall 9.6

Benton 10.3

MISSISSIPPI’S NOVEMBER 2020 UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES Tunica 17.5

Tate 9.2

Panola 12.4

Yalobusha 10.4

Tallahatchie 8.5

Labor force and employment security data Bolivar 9.8

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Labor Force Data Civilian Labor Force Unemployed Unemployment Rate Employed

November ‘20 1,280,500 76,500 6.0 1,204,000

October ‘20 1,289,500 90,000 7.0 1,199,500

Sunflower 11.5

November ‘20 160,468,000 10,264,000 6.4 150,203,000

STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Unemployment Insurance Data •• Initial UI Claims Continued Claims Benefits Paid Weeks Paid First Payments Final Payments Average Weekly Benefit

October ‘20 161,053,000 10,620,000 6.6 150,433,000

November 2020 14,757 165,310 $18,024,709 102,616 2,089 7,739 $175.65

Leflore 12.6

November ‘19 ‘19 Avg. Washington 1,279,800 1,276,100 12.2 65,900 69,200 Humphreys 15.9 5.1Sharkey 5.4 11.5 1,213,900 1,206,900 Issaquena 7.2

UNITED STATES Labor Force Data Civilian Labor Force Unemployed Unemployment Rate Employed

Grenada 8.7

Jefferson 20.3

Montgomery

Yazoo 12.2

November ‘19 Warren ‘19 Avg. 164,386,000 10.7 163,539,000 Hinds 5,441,000 6,001,000 11.7 3.3 3.7 Claiborne 158,945,000 157,538,000 18.6

Carroll

Copiah 9.4

Madison 8.2

Moving Avg.** 161,075,000 Rankin 12,539,000 6.3 7.8 148,536,000 Simpson 7.7

Choctaw 7.1

Noxubee 14.7

Winston 11.0

Neshoba 13.4

Scott 6.9

Newton 9.6

Kemper 12.5

Lauderdale 9.0

Clarke 9.8

Jasper 10.1

Covington

Jones 8.8 October 2020 November 2019 8.4 Lawrence Jeff Davis Lincoln Adams 14,844 Franklin 11.5 8.5 4,508 9.6 12.4 8.7 208,579 28,742 Marion Lamar Forrest $25,299,099 $4,220,550 Wilkinson Pike Walthall Amite Perry 8.3 7.3 9.9 14.1 147,293 10.4 9.4 9.3 20,2189.9 4,530 1,271 12,548 412 Stone Pearl River 9.0 $171.76 $208.75 8.4 Unemployment Rates

Hancock 9.6

7.2 - 9.6

•• Unemployment Insurance amounts presented in this section only represent regular UI benefits, federal program 9.7 -the 14.7 amounts are not included. Labor force amounts are produced in cooperation with Bureau of Labor Statistics.

14.8 - 20.3 Note: Unless indicated state and county data presented are not seasonally adjusted.

— Mississippi Department of Employment Security

Lowndes 10.7

Oktibbeha 9.9

Wayne 10.3

6.1 - 7.1

** Average for most recent twelve months, including current month

Monroe 11.3

Clay 14.5

Leake 9.5

Smith 6.1

6.5 - 10.3 10.4 - 16.4

Itawamba 7.9

Chickasaw 12.7

Webster 8.7

9.2 Moving 9.0 Avg.** 1,252,100 Holmes 97,500 Attala 20.2 7.8 9.5 1,154,600

3.7 - 4.3 4.4 - 6.4

Lee 10.3

Pontotoc 8.9

Calhoun 8.7

Tishomingo 7.2

Unemployment Rates

Prentiss 8.0

Union 8.2

Lafayette 8.1

Quitman 12.6

Coahoma 14.1

Alcorn 7.0

Tippah 8.0

Harrison 10.9

Greene 10.4

George 10.0

Jackson 10.9

Source: Labor Market Data Publication Design: Labor Market Information Department, MDES

Mississippi Labor Market Data — 3

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law and accounting January 2021 Issue • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

Jury trials during Covid

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com

W

ith guidance from the Mississippi Supreme Court and the arrival of funds through the CARES Act, jury trials are taking place around the state in compliance with the state's constitution and health safety protocols. From March through December 2020, Chief Justice Mike Randolph, in his capacity as chief administrative officer of all courts in the state, issued 18 Emergency Administrative Orders, each addressing an aspect of court operations. Judges around the state looked to alternative venues such as auditoriums and arenas or rearranged their courtrooms as they pushed to resume jury trials after months of delays due to COVID-19.

Chief Justice Randolph commended trial judges for going above and beyond the call of duty to keep Mississippi’s courts open and serving citizens during the ongoing pandemic. “I want to congratulate each and every one of you for leading this state in protecting the judicial system and all of the people that we collectively represent,” he said. “It’s because of you and the work you have done in fulfilling the responsibility that we all share under the constitution to ensure that people get justice night and day. There’s not a region in our state and not a judge in this state, that hasn’t

stepped up and done more than required.”

Beverly Kraft, the Supreme Court's public information officer, said, “All emergency orders balanced the constitutional and statutory duties of keeping courts open with safety concerns for preventing the spread of the virus."

CARES Act funds enabled courts to make electronic upgrades after inadequate

equipment hindered efforts to conduct virtual court proceedings in some courtrooms during the pandemic.

First District Senior Chancellor Jacqueline Mask of Tupelo said, “The CARES Act has provided an excellent opportunity to fund improvements to the court system. These funds are arriving at a time when there is a need to make the courts

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In Hinds County, Circuit Judge Faye Peterson says the four circuit judges figured out how to hold jury trials and resumed them last July. “The hardest part See JURORS, Page 18

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LAW AND ACCOUNTING

January 2021 Issue

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Mississippi Business Journal

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Profile

» Trey Byars PRESIDENT, Daniel Coker law firm

Byars' love of the outdoors gives him perspective

By NASH NUNNERY mbj@msbusiness.com

A

uthor Izaak Walton once wrote in his 17th century tome The Compleat Angler that “God never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling”.

You’d get no argument from Trey Byars, Daniel Coker law firm president and fly fishing extraordinaire, regarding Walton’s keen observation about the art and spirit of the sport.

“I do a lot of fly fishing when I get free time,” said Byars. “My father-in-law has a place in the North Carolina mountains right outside Asheville, and my wife and I go there several times a year. It’s very relaxing.

“Plus, you can’t catch a trout in an ugly setting.”

A highly successful trial attorney for 28 years, Byars was installed as Daniel Coker president in January 2020. One of the state’s most established law firms, Daniel Coker has a 70-year history and has offices in Jackson, Oxford and Gulfport.

Based in the Oxford location, Byars assumed his presidency of the firm a year ago with an eye toward enhancing communications within the firm, especially with his team of lawyers spread around the state.

Two months into his tenure, however, COVID-19 and the pandemic took center stage.

“I had (strategic) plans but they went out the window,” he said, wistfully. “Starting in late March, the bulk of my time was devoted responding to the pandemic. It was so unknown what was going to happen in March and April. People weren’t used to working remotely – we had very few people in the office”. The pandemic gobbled up a lot of my time, for sure.”

Cloud-based software platform Zoom became a lifesaver for Byars and the firm.

“Zoom-meetings, Zoom-hearings, Zoom-depositions, Zoom everything,” he added. “But our lawyers and staff made the adjustments and have worked well remotely. We’re just trying to get back to where we were (preCOVID-19).”

One other aspect of the pandemic Byars laments is staying connected in-person with his colleagues, especially inexperienced lawyers.

“Young lawyers need mentoring,” he said. “When we are working remotely at home, it’s hard to have those connections that are so important to development. I know I benefited greatly from the mentoring I received.”

Since he joined the firm after graduating from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1992, Byars has successfully tried cases ranging from simple vehicle accidents to complex products liability and insurance disputes.

He enjoys high profile jury trial cases –

the higher the stakes, the better.

“Trial work is my forte – I love the products liability side the most,” he said. “(Daniel Coker) is a litigation firm. After a few years, you have the actual (legal aspects) down pat. You learn so much in product liability.

“If you don’t understand the product

or issue, it’s hard to defend the case.”

Whether deftly working a courtroom jury or a Pheasant Tail Nymph fly on a pastoral Carolina trout stream, the 53year old litigator plays to win.

“I’m a competitive person, and I’d always planned to go to law school since I was nine or 10 years old,” Byars said. “My grandfather was a county attorney for Calhoun County and a member of the Mississippi Senate in the 1950s. He was so kind and intelligent, and I learned so much about his legal career. I knew from a young age that law was for me.”

During his 28-plus year legal career, Byars has taken note of several impactful changes in the practice of law.

“I’d say when tort reform came along in 2003-2004, the numbers and types of cases we saw declined and greatly impacted the legal field in MIssissippi ”, he said. “Secondly, the cost of litigation has

gone up substantially. Clients today are very in-tune about how much litigation costs. And thirdly, technology has really changed the practice of law for the better, in my opinion. Technology is a game changer.”

In addition to his litigation practice, Byars is actively involved in several legal organizations that focus on competence and professionalism. Those include the Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions and the William C. Keady American Inn of Court.

“The key word is ‘active’ in actively involved – I believe every lawyer should be actively involved in legal organizations,” he said.

“With the Board of Bar Admissions, nothing is more important than making sure we admit lawyers that are both competent and ethical.”

Born in Jackson, Byars moved with his family to Greenville as a six-year old. He says Greenville, and the Mississippi Delta, is still near and dear to his heart.

“We stayed outside all the time, riding bikes, hunting and fishing,” he said. “In fact, I learned to fly fish catching bream on poppers at Lake Ferguson and Lake Jackson (in south Washington County).”

One of Byars’ fondest memories was visiting his maternal grandparents in the tiny Delta community of Panther Burn.

“You don’t get more ‘outside’ then Panther Burn, Mississippi.” he said, smiling.

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LAW AND ACCOUNTING

Continued from Page 16

for us is jury qualification with a big group of people,” she said. “We could not do it at the court house. In late August we called in 4,000 people and did not know how many would show up.”

The qualification process was held at the pandemic-compliant Westin Hotel and everyone wore masks.

The court created 32 panels of 12 jurors who are required to call each Friday to see if they must come in person. Because the trials are held in larger court rooms, only three trials can be held at the same time. Court ends at 4:30 p.m. so court rooms can be cleaned.

At the trials, Peterson explains, the jurors sit in the spectator area to allow spacing, and anyone wishing to observe can sit in the jury box or watch via live streaming. “The spectators must be seated before the trial starts and can not leave after it starts,” she added. “Also, I give each juror an individual sanitary pack that they can take home.”

Peterson is pleased that no one has gotten infected participating in her court room. “It's really not harder to hold jury trials now. I've been surprised that a lot of people do participate,” she said, “although people still ask to be excused for various reasons.”

She has suspended three trials for January and February. “I don't want people coming to court if they don't have to, but we will start again in March,” she said. “How will we get caught up? It is a challenge.”

Peterson stresses that the most powerful thing the courts have now are the benefits of technology. Maybe witnesses will testify via live stream and inmates can use a virtual platform to testify from prison without the security issues of transporting them to court. “The new technology is the most powerful thing we have and I hope we continue to use it,” she said.

However, Peterson does not go so far as to say that jurors should not be physically present in court rooms. “We have to secure the trial and make sure they're not receiving other information. But overall, people need to know that jury trials are continuing.”

LAW AND ACCOUNTING

January 2021 Issue

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Tax experts trying to keep things normal

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

T

ax matters, like just about every other aspect of life, have been complicated by the COVID-19 outbreak. From disruptions in business to myriad new government regulations, the challenges have been multiplying for employees, business owners and their tax preparers as they tap into programs in the CARES Act of March 2020 and other pandemic relief packages tied to the pandemic.

Jan Lewis, a Tax Partner with Haddox Reid Eubank Betts in Jackson, sees layers of difficulties brought on by COVID. One is working with clients who were used to doing business on a more personal level before social distancing “Not having as much face to face client interaction is diffe re nt.

It’s not bad, it’s just different.”

She said by counseling clients virtually or by phone, “we can handle Lewis social distancing.”

A larger concern is that IRS service centers are swamped by the pandemic.

Callers sometimes have to wait an hour or more to speak to someone and mail isn’t getting processed, she said. “The IRS has been tasked with sending out the stimulus payments. They are overwhelmed.” It will be several months before the IRS catches up, but Lewis is optimistic that those issues will eventually clear up.

In addition to regular changes to the tax rules, there are the COVID relief

programs that are helping employees and business owners but are difficult to maneuver. According to the Tax Foundation, the new COVID-19 relief package contains approximately $900 billion of programs for individuals and businesses. It includes renewal of many programs created in the CARES Act, including the Paycheck Protection Program, the Employee Retention Tax Credit, direct payments to individuals, unemployment insurance expansion, and more.

With those programs come challenges. “Taxpayers are frustrated,” Lewis said.

“Small businesses in particular have struggled through this and they need our help more so than other groups to navigate the programs and learn how to take advantage of them.”

Lewis, who is an active member of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and serves as vice chair of the American Institute of CPA’s Tax Executive Committee, said professional groups are there to help.

“CPAs have been fortunate. We’ve got a lot of guidance from our state and national groups. They have worked really hard to get training and resources to the practitioners so we can help our clients,” she said.

While social distancing can be overcome with phone calls and virtual meetings with clients, Lewis said, “I do think the greatest challenge has been dealing with the relief packages. We just have to stay on top of all of these programs and stay aware of all the things going on that might impact taxpayers so that we can help them."

Last summer tax preparers were dealing with tax returns due on the extended deadline of July 15 and at the same time were helping their clients with business relief and payroll tax credits.

Tax filing season usually starts the third week in January, when tax preparers are finishing up quarterly tax returns but the IRS has announced that the 2021 tax fil-

ing season will start Feb. 12, putting another wrinkle in the process. “It’s later than normal, so a lot of people who are used to doing taxes early will have to wait a while,” she said.

At this writing, the IRS has not extended the April 15 tax deadline that some taxpayers favor, but that could change due to the pandemic or some other unexpected issues. “Filing returns is going to be a little

different like last year,” Lewis said. “The next few months will be very busy but we’ll get back to normal sooner or later.

For now we are going to try to make this as normal a filing season as we can. We’re going to make it through this. We’ll navigate one way or the other and figure this out.”

TAGGART, RIMES & GRAHAM, PLLC IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT

Mark D. Herbert

HAS JOINED THE FIRM AS SENIOR COUNSEL

100 Renaissance Building 1022 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 101 Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 Tel: 601-898-8400 | Direct: 601-707-3811 | Fax: 601-898-8420 www.trglawyers.com

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Largest Law Firms n

Largest Law Firmslargest law firms Rank

Firm Name Address

Phone/Website

Top Officer Year Founded

Butler Snow LLP 601-948-5711 Christopher R. Maddux butlersnow.com 1954 1020 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ste. 1400, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Watkins & Eager PLLC 601-965-1900 Paul H. Stephenson, III, James J. Crongeyer, Jr., C. Joyce Hall 2 watkinseager.com 1895 400 E. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39201 Wise Carter Child & Caraway, P.A. 601-968-5500 Charles E. Ross, George H. Ritter 3 wisecarter.com 1941 401 E. Capitol St., Ste. 600, Jackson, MS 39201 Balch & Bingham, LLP 601-961-9900 M. Stanford Blanton, Tara P. Ellis 4 balch.com 1945 188 E. Capitol St., Suite 1400, Jackson, MS 39201 Phelps Dunbar 601-352-2300 W. Thomas Siler, Jr. 5 phelpsdunbar.com 1986 4270 I-55 North, Jackson, MS 39211-6391 Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz 601-351-2400 Scott Pedigo bakerdonelson.com 1995 One Eastover Center, 100 Vision Dr, Ste 400, Jackson, MS 39211 Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP 601-948-8000 Margaret Oertling Cupples 7 bradley.com 2001 One Jackson Place, 188 E. Capitol St., Ste. 1000, Jackson, MS 39201 Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A. 601-856-7200 John H. Geary, Jr. copelandcook.com 1985 1076 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ste. 200, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC 601-948-3101 Samuel C. Kelly 9 brunini.com 1891 190 E. Capital St., Ste. 100, Jackson, MS 39201 Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP 601-960-8600 Trey Watkins, Edwin Gault, Joshua Metcalf 10 formanwatkins.com 1986 210 E. Capitol St., Suite 2200, Jackson, MS 39201-2375 Daniel Coker Horton & Bell, P.A. 601-969-7607 Wilton V. Byars, III 11 danielcoker.com 1946 4400 Old Canton Rd., Ste. 400, Jackson, MS 39215-1084 Jones Walker LLP 601-949-4900 William H. Hines 12 joneswalker.com 1937 190 E. Capitol St., Ste. 800, Jackson, MS 39201 Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, P.A. 662-842-3871 John Wheeler 13 mitchellmcnutt.com 1904 105 S. Front St., Tupelo, MS 38802 Burr & Forman, LLP 601-355-3434 Cheri T. Gatlin 14 burr.com 2003 190 E. Capitol St., Suite M-100, Jackson, MS 39201 Wells Marble & Hurst, PLLC 601-605-6900 Kenna L. Mansfield, Jr. 15 wellsmarble.com 1871 300 Concourse Blvd., Ste. 200, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Adams and Reese LLP 601-353-3234 M. Scott Jones 16 adamsandreese.com 1996 1018 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ste. 800, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A. 601-988-8888 Richard B Schwartz 17 1call.ms 1981 162 East Amite St., Jackson, MS 39201 Maron Marvel Bradley Anderson & Tardy LLC 601-812-6630 Thomas W. Tardy, III 18 maronmarvel.com 2015 1020 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Upshaw, Williams, Biggers & Beckham, LLP 662-455-1613 J. L. Wilson, IV 19 upshawwilliams.com 1971 309 Fulton St., Greenwood, MS 38930 Currie Johnson & Myers, P.A. 601-969-1010 Lisa W. McKay 20 curriejohnson.com 1994 1044 River Oaks Dr., Jackson, MS 39232 Page Mannino Peresich & McDermott PLLC 228-374-2100 Ronald G. Peresich pmp.org 1972 759 Howard Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530 Anderson Crawley & Burke, PLLC 601-707-8800 Daniel Culpepper acblaw.com 2003 216 Draperton Court, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC 662.234.7447 Milton "Dee" Hobbs, Jr. 23 harrisshelton.com 1956 829 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 2, Oxford, MS 38655 Biggs, Pettis, Ingram & Solop, PLLC 601-713-1192 Christopher Solop bpislaw.com 2006 111 E. Capitol St., Ste. 101, Jackson, MS 39201 Young Wells Williams P.A. 601-948-6100 James H. Neeld, IV 25 youngwells.com 1962 141 Township Ave., Ste 300, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Hagwood and Tipton PC 601-608-6300 Michael E. Phillips 26 hatlawfirm.com 2013 213 Draperton Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39211 Holcomb Dunbar Attorneys 662-234-8775 R. Bradley Best 27 holcombdunbar.com 1885 400 Enterprise Drive, Oxford, MS 38655 Taggart, Rimes & Graham, PLLC 601-898-8400 Andy Taggart 28 trglawyers.com 2010 1022 Highland Colony Parkway, Ste. 101, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Jernigan Copeland Attorneys, PLLC 601-427-0021 Arthur Jernigan, Jr, Clyde X Copeland, III jcalawfirm.com 1999 970 Ebenezer Blvd, Madison, MS 39110 Franke & Salloum, PLLC 228-868-7070 Fred Feeney frankesalloum.com 1981 10071 Lorraine Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 Burson Entrekin Orr Mitchell & Lacey, PA 601-649-4440 Romney H. Entrekin 31 beolaw.com 2007 535 N. Fifth Ave., Laurel, MS 39440 Christian & Small LLP 601-427-4050 Greer B. Mallette csattorneys.com 2019 409 W. Parkway Place Suite 200, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Campbell Delong, LLP 662-335-6011 Robert N. Warrington campbelldelongllp.com 1861 923 Washington Ave., Greenville, MS 38701 Lake Tindall, LLP 662-378-2121 Heath S. Douglas 34 laketindall.com 1919 127 S. Poplar St., Greenville, MS 38701 Page, Kruger & Holland, P.A. 601-420-0333 Stephen P Kruger pagekruger.com 1996 10 Canebrake Blvd., Ste. 200, Flowood, MS 39232 Wilkins Patterson 601-366-4343 William A. Patterson, Joe Wilkins, Casey Younger wilkinspatterson.com 1985 4735 Old Canton Road, Suite 108, Jackson, MS 39211 Alexander Law, P.A. 601-968-8571 Amanda Green Alexander 37 alexanderlawpa.com 2005 P.O. Box 1664, Jackson, MS 39215 Barry, Thaggard & May LLP 601-693-2393 John Richard Barry btmlegal.com 1946 505 Constitution Ave., Meridian, MS 39301 McGlinchey Stafford 769-524-2300 G. Dewey Hembree, III 39 mcglinchey.com 1995 1020 Highland Colony Parkway, Ste. 702, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Ranked by number of attorneys. Information provided by companies and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

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Partners in Miss.

Attorneys in Miss.

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TECHNOLOGY January 2021 Issue • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

IT certifications a ticket to good jobs in a dynamic and expanding field

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

I

n information technology (IT), obtaining industry certifications is part of securing a good-paying job in a field that is rapidly expanding and changing. While there are many varieties of IT certification training, a lot of students tend to learn better in a classroom setting over a longer period versus a short-term (one, two, or four week) session, said David Rose, curriculum coordinator and lead online instructor for Information Systems Technology, Hinds Community College.

“Our focus is to provide education based on concepts aligned with hands-on activities to develop an understanding and quality skill set that employers desire and experts use in the IT industry,” Rose said. “Along with skill sets, industry certifications are key for IT professionals.”

Hinds has several courses that prepare students for certifications.

“Hinds offers both face-to-face information and science technology classes on three of our campuses and online courses,” Rose said.

“Every community college in the state offers courses differently. Most distance learning students take their classes online because of their circumstances, such as job, family, and location.

Less experienced online students may struggle on occasion to apply what they are learning without being in a classroom setting with direct supervision. For this reason, many students choose to take classes face-to-face based on the delivery method and access to in-person guidance. A student’s success, including passing certifications, is directly correlated to the selection of the correct learning environment for the student.”

IT courses and degrees are popular not just with traditional college age students, but with a diverse group of individuals, some with little skills and others already in the field seeking to upgrade their credentials.

“Someone working 20 years in the field may enter the program to earn the Associate in Applied Science degree because the degree is required for a higher-level job,” Rose said.

Career and technical educators in community colleges work closely with industry leaders to make sure the training being provided is up-to-date and prepares students for industry-ready jobs.

“On a semester basis, we hold advisory board meetings where industry leaders discuss our program and provide feedback and recommendations toward industry movements, changes and needs,” Rose said. “Our IT curriculum changes at least every five years.”

The Mississippi Community College Board coordinates statewide curriculum writing for community colleges. The process involves MCCB supervision of community college instructors and administrators across the state working with industry representatives to produce a comprehensive curriculum. The process is used by all career and technical community college programs including aviation technology, business office technology, marketing technology, film and video technology, etc.

While many courses have objectives that align closely to a national certification, not every IT course follows a specific certification. Rather, students may take several courses before covering enough content to be prepared for a certification, such as a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification, CompTIA certification (A+, Network+, Security+)--often considered the starting point for certifications in one’s IT career--and Cisco

certification (CCNA).

Students may return for one or more courses if their field starts to shrink and/or they want to apply what they have already learned to another area in the IT arena to improve job prospects and pay. Some students want training in specific areas. In some cases, individuals can receive workforce development grants to gain an enhanced skillset.

“Workforce development and college education offer a team approach to provide individuals options that meet their needs,” Rose said. “We strive to meet our community needs in a variety of ways, including workforce training, college courses, and many others.”

Rose advocates helping Mississippi residents achieve more in IT fields by focusing on increased technology inSee IT CERTIFICATIONS, Page 24

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January 2021 Issue

Profile

» Allen McIntosh c spire business

McIntosh able to think on the fly for C Spire

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com

A

s general manager of CSpire Business, Allen McIntosh has a feeling of satisfaction on being involved with a growing and constantly evolving sector of this diversified technology company. He has been with the company 18 years and two years in his present position.

“My favorite part of the job is that I get to be involved in something that's growing and will improve the entire economy of Mississippi,” he says. “I'm in a position to help businesses win through new technology. We all win when businesses and students win. That's what keeps me going. We're about growing fast and also about making businesses successful.”

Cspire's Senior Media Relations Manager Dave Miller points out that businesses have had to think on the fly during the pandemic on how to give customers what

they need. “We've helped them succeed during this very difficult time.”

While being enthusiastic about his work, McIntosh, like everyone, is dealing with the new normal. “In 2020, we had the same challenges as everyone to continue our business and help others. We've been extremely busy,” he said. “We've helped businesses, churches and schools work remotely and communicate as many of our employees also worked remotely, but we've been blessed.

We've all learned how important technology, automation and all different forms of communication are as we cope with COVID.” McIntosh, 47, grew up in Clinton and is a graduate of Mississippi State University where he majored in industrial technology. He's committed to trying to make the implementation of technology easy and efficient.

“We have to continue to be productive,” he said. “I'm fortunate to work with some of the brightest engineers I know; a good mix of people old and young.”

Every day there's a challenge, which he says is what being an industrial engineer is all about, “looking at something and making it better.”

Because of his interest in making things better, McIntosh enthusiastically supports the CSpire Foundation's focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). “That's the future of Mississippi and critical to success,” he said. “We're pursuing computer education for all schools and have pledged $1 million to support teacher training.”

But even an industrial engineer doesn't work all the time. In addition to spending time with his family — wife Vicki and children Reed, 21, and Mary Allyn, 18 — McIntosh loves the outdoors, especially bass fishing and travels to competitions around the state. “I enjoy being on the water, being in a boat and bass fishing,” he says.

“I love to fish competitively; it mixes my DNA with my hobby.”

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cspire.com/business

Š2021 C Spire. All rights reserved.

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Continued from Page 30

struction at the grade school level.

“Technology is changing our lives, especially the way jobs are being done now,” Rose said. “Our state government leaders understand and have made initiatives to try to improve education. High schools across the state are increasing technology programs. C Spire and others in industry have been a tremendous help with software development initiatives. Overall, you see a group effort within industry, state and local leaders, secondary education, and community colleges to provide our communities and citizens expanding learning opportunities in arenas that will in part lead our growth and future prosperity.”

One company that offers IT certifications is TechSherpas 365. Della Wyler, managing partner, said right now with the pandemic, they are almost 100 percent online unless they have a specific request for a private client to deliver to onsite classrooms.

“Typically, even pre-Covid, we would require a given number of students to deliver classroom instruction,” Wyler said.

“Most people are signing up for virtual.”

While an advocate for college education and education in general, Wyler said a lot of degrees don’t necessarily prepare you for what you end up doing on the job.

“Our certifications are role-based, and they are really geared toward preparing IT professionals to gain the knowledge they need to be successful in their given career, gaining the real-world skills to do the various jobs,” Wyler said. “For people just getting into IT, we recommend CompTIA certification, because CompTIA is vendor neutral unlike Microsoft, Cisco, other technology-specific trainings we offer. CompTIA is more universal and will prepare the students to go on whichever path and technology they choose to specialize in.”

Wyler, whose company is based in Florida, said they primarily work with corporate and government enterprises to provide training to people who are already employed, and are taking the courses in order to move up the career ladder. With a lot of government agencies and contractors, technology certifications are required to earn certain contracts.

“Certifications typically change every couple of years,” Wyler said. “With Microsoft, for example, technology is always changing. As software is retired and a new version released, new classes and certifications are rolled out to follow the trends.

The Microsoft world is about 80 percent of our business.”

There is a huge gender gap in IT with few women going into the field.

“I think a lot of people have the perception that it is getting better,” Wyler said.

“That is not the case. Surprisingly, the gap is actually growing. It is one of our passion projects trying to get more women into IT. A lot of young women aren’t even thinking about getting into IT. I never would have considered IT for a career path for myself. I just kind of fell into it.”

Wyler advocates making IT training more accessible to females at an earlier age including education on the different types of jobs available.

“As technology moves more and more to the cloud where it is accessible to everyone, there are just a lot of job roles out there,” Wyler said. “It is a really exciting career field. It is constantly changing and there is a huge demand for certified professionals in the marketplace.”

Wyler said there are a lot of programs out there associated with the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act that can help people who are unemployed or transitioning obtain grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to be applied to IT certifications.

Having a four-year degree doesn’t necessarily prepare you for specific job roles.

“It is unfortunate people go into debt to get expensive educations,” Wyler said.

“It puts them in a compromised situation with student loans whereas, with these IT certifications, as opposed to tens of thousands for four-year degree, for $5,000 to $10,000 you get real world skills that dramatically increase your chances of getting hired or getting a promotion.”

TECHNOLOGY

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January 2021 Issue

Information Technology Services

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Information Technology Services Company

Address

Phone

Website

1

AT&T Mississippi

209 E. Capitol, Jackson, MS 39201

601-592-6580

att.com/local/mississippi

2

Vertex Aerospace

555 Industrial Dr. S., Madison, MS 39110

601-856-2274

vtxaero.com

1975

John "Ed" Boyington, Jr.

700

3

TEC

700 S. West St., Jackson, MS 39201

601-353-9118

tec.com

1923

Joey Garner

250

4

C Spire Home Services

855-438-1009

cspire.com/home

2013

Ashley Phillips

200

5

C Spire Business

855-277-4732

cspire.com/business

2012

Allen McIntosh

150

6

Beyond Trust

877-826-6427

beyondtrust.com

1985

Matt Dircks

135

7

Business Communications Inc.

1018 Highland Colony Pwy, #500, Ridgeland, MS 39157 1018 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, MS 39157 578 Highland Colony Pkwy., Suite 200, Ridgeland, MS 39157 442 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-898-1890

bcianswers.com

1993

Cathy Bailey, Jonathan Hollingshead

8

ConvergeOne

860 Centre' St., Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-956-5440

convergeone.com

1986

9

Franklin Telephone Company

877-422-1212

ftcweb.net

1959

Wesley Goings, Tom Griffin

70

10

Synergetics DCS Inc.

662-323-9484

synergeticsdcs.com

1992

David Palmer

55

11

Pileum Corporation

1094 Monroe Rd, PO Box 446, Bude, MS 39630 501 Hwy. 12 W., Ste. 100 , Starkville, MS 39759 190 E. Capitol St., Ste. 175, Jackson, MS 39201

601-352-2120

pileum.com

2002

Jill Beneke

30

LEC, Incorporated

110 Excell Drive, Pearl, MS 39208

601-939-8535

lecinc.com

1989

Justin Hogue, Robin Price, Brian Rosema, Liz Densmore, Brian Dykes, Raymond Weaver

30

13

Sound & Communications

1014 N. Flowood Dr, Flowood, MS 39232

601-957-5830

soundcomav.com

1955

Keith Lofton

25

14

AGJ Systems & Networks Inc.

228-392-7133

agjsystems.com

2002

Brian Alford, Bud Jones

24

15

Fuse.Cloud

14257 Dedeaux Rd., Ste. A, Gulfport, MS 35903 1510 N. State St, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201

601-926-6000

fuse.cloud

2006

Gary Watts

23

16

Upchurch Telecom & Data Inc.

10394 Hwy. 82 East, Greenwood, MS 38930

662-455-1510

uptel.com

1992

Ron Upchurch, Anthony Upchurch

20

Jackson Communications Inc.

309 A Airport Rd., Pearl, MS 39208

601-932-7030

jacksoncom.com

1957

Bill Roberts, Jay Cole

20

18

NetLink Cabling Systems, LLC

102 Plantation Cove, Madison, MS 39110

601-856-0600

netlinkms.com

1998

Clint Gideon

19

19

CDE Integrated Systems Inc.

6 Twelve Oaks Cir., Jackson, MS 39209

601-960-8500

cdelink.com

1982

Phil Hutchins

18

20

U.S.NEXT

6360 I-55 North, Jackson, MS 39211

601-956-4770

usnx.com

2001

David Crawford, Buddy Sharp

17

TechSource Solutions Inc.

359 Towne Center Blvd, #602, Ridgeland, MS 39157 193 Business Park Dr, Suite C, Ridgeland, MS 39157 100 Research Blvd Suite 213, Starkville, MS 39759 629 Lakeland East Drive, Flowood, MS 39232

601-914-6888

techsource.ms

2004

Ken Ivey, Jared Grant, Jerry Watts

17

601-956-8909

InCareTechnologies.com

2013

Brian Walker, Aaron Allan

15

662-268-5007

hornecyber.com

2015

Mike Skinner, Brad Pierce

15

601-939-7533

BeTheGeek.com

2003

W. Gauthier

13

Burton Computer Resources

400 N 16th Ave, Laurel, MS 39440

601-426-8123

burtoncomputer.com

1995

Stan Burton

13

Lane Tedder & Associates Inc.

5578 Hwy. 18, Brandon, MS 39042

601-824-9007

www.lane-tedder.com

1990

Bert Usry

10

Telpro Communications Co.

105 Lone Wolf Dr., Madison, MS 39110

601-856-1070

telpro.biz

1990

Ron Windom

10

HiComp, LLC

618 Crescent Blvd. Suite 102, Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-672-9284

hicompllc.com

2006

Gary Crain, Mark Wakefield

10

29

Matrix Solutions Inc.

117A Millcreek Corners, Brandon, MS 39047

601-992-6789

matrixsolutions.com

1992

Michael Lenoir

9

30

BeCloud

3000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39216

601.398.6770

becloudit.com

2011

James Phipps

8

thinkWEBSTORE.com

655 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, MS 39157

601-856-2000

thinkwebstore.com

2008

Bryan Carter

8

Service Plus Communications

P.O. Box 420, Clinton, MS 39060

844-898-8647

serviceplus.net

2004

Steve Williams

6

NetBase Technologies

5296 Old Hwy 11, Suite 3, Hattiesburg, MS 39402

601-264-1606

nbtol.com

1986

Kenny Lance

6

Active DataComm Inc.

1203 Nelle St., Tupelo, MS 38801

662-620-7996

adcmsp.com

2001

Johnny Fears

6

Infinite Concepts

1365 E. Reed Road, Greenville, MS 38703

662-335-3513

infiniteconcepts.com

1998

Mark DiBiase

4

Infoware Inc.

509 Cobblestone Ct., Suite 1, Madison, MS 39110 4714 Northcentral Way #105, Olive Branch, MS 38654

601-853-2301

infowareinc.com

1994

Karen Lenow

4

662-667-7796

netsecuris.com

2000

Leonard Jacobs

4

22

InCare Technologies HORNE Cyber

24

26

32

35

SCS, LLC

Netsecuris LLC

Founded

Top Officer

Mississippi Employees

Rank

Mayo Flynt

2,000

93 80

38

Trinity Wave, LLC

P.O. Box 505, Ridgeland, MS 39158

601-856-5514

trinitywave.com

2008

Kevin Sims

3

39

Prominent Technologies

PO Box 5089, Jackson, MS 39296

6014271001

prominenttech.com

1999

Jackie Meck

2

40

Shamrck Software LLC

4300 Shenandoah Rd, Vicksburg, MS 39180

6786079330

shamrck.com

2015

Sheffie Robinson

1

Ranked by Mississippi employees. Data provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

BANKING AND FINANCE January 2021 Issue • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

banks and the stimulus

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com

A

s Mississippi banks deal with the second round of federal stimulus package, they feel they're better prepared and that this new round will help the economy. Also, along with the latest round of help, banks are continuing to work through the first Payroll Protection Program loan forgiveness with many borrowers. There's a change this time. To qualify for a second draw PPP loan, businesses have to show a 25 percent reduction in gross revenue.”

“This new requirement will have an impact on the pool of eligible applicants,” says Gordon Fellows, CEO and president of the Mississippi Bankers Association. “We think these loans will certainly be helpful to businesses that continue to struggle, but we anticipate a more targeted impact than we experienced last spring.”

Fellows explains that banks continue to process the new statutorily mandated loan forgiveness form for loans of $150,000 or less. “More than 90 percent of PPP loans made to Mississippi businesses will qualify for this new forgiveness form. So, on one hand there’s certainly a greater sense of understanding and familiarity with the program from the lender point of view now, but there are also more things to consider. Lenders and borrowers will have to work together to weigh options and determine the best path forward for each borrower.”

Bankers in Anguilla, Oxford and Hattiesburg agree that banks are more prepared this time. Ray (Hoppy)

Cole, CEO, The First, Hattiesburg, said, “We have a lot more experience with the overall design and purpose of the program and there is a better understanding on how to originate and document these loans this time. In the first round, the SBA was designing the program and the requirements Cole while loans were being approved and funded — sort of 'building the plane while flying it.'

“This uncertainty was compounded by what was thought to be limited funding and caused almost a sense of panic with banks and our clients to get their loans approved before the funding ran out. Most banks' internal policies and procedures will only have to be modified slightly to accommodate the new requirements, rather than build from the ground up.”

Kit McCoy, vice president of the Bank of Anguilla, says bankers worked long hours and dedicated a significant number of resources to inject the much-needed funds into their communities.

“Bank of Anguilla is the only financial institution located in Sharkey and Issaquena counties. We were able to put back nearly $3 million in our rural community,” she said. “With no Wal-Mart and no stop light in the two counties, being able to inject that amount of capital back to our small businesses was significant.”

McCoy believes the most challenging thing for bankers is to be sure they are following the guidance from the SBA properly. “The new legislation that authorized the second round of PPP funding also clarified and streamlined the forgiveness process for loans originated in round one, particularly loans of $150,000 or less. Those loans now have a simplified forgiveness application with limited documentation requirements.”

Mitch Waycaster, Renasant Bank president and CEO, says, “During the first round of PPP, Renasant booked more than 11,000 loans at approximately $1.3 billion. We will build upon this previous experience to once again assist our clients. Like many banks, we partnered with a Fintech application solution to make the experience much more efficient and automated for our clients.”

Waycaster is optimistic about the effect on the economy “With many businesses losing their Waycaster ability to operate at full capacity, or even operate at all, due to the pandemic, the expectation is for the PPP to serve as a bridge until the COVID-19 virus starts to subside and we return to a more normalized operating environment,” he said. “We are optimistic See STIMULUS, Page 28

28 n

Mississippi Business Journal

STIMULUS

n

January 2021 Issue

Continued from Page 27

that this round will again serve as a stop gap, save jobs and keep our economy moving in a positive direction.”

McCoy says the second round of PPP will help those most in need. “With the added qualification of 25 percent in revenue loss from 2019 to 2020, this should single out the businesses that have suffered the most,” she said.

“Unfortunately for my clienMcCoy tele, this added requirement will hinder a lot of small business customers from being able to qualify for this round.

“In 2019, the Mississippi Delta experienced severe flooding with over 550,000 acres under water because of heavy rain over a six-month period.

This flooding had a devastating impact on farmers and many other Bank of Anguilla customers. The loss sustained to our small businesses will disqualify many from the second round of PPP based solely from not seeing the

25 percent revenue drop. Small mom and pop stores suffered tremendously because of the flood, and now will be ineligible for the additional assistance because of it.”

Fellows says the Mississippi economy is in a better situation now. “The PPP was intended to keep the country from falling off an unemployment cliff. Our state’s unemployment rate in April topped out at 16.3 percent. The most recent Bureau of Labor and Statics numbers has it at 6.4 percent.”

Because the employment situation is better now than last spring, he predicts that banks will see less demand, or at least less urgency, for new PPP loans this cycle. “We think that businesses that participate in the new round of PPP borrowing will be concentrated in some of the segments most economically harmed by COVID-19 such as the hospitality industry.”

BANKING AND FINANCE

Rooted in the past.

Ready for the future.

Search for MFBankHS Mobile from your device at the Apple Store for iPhone and iPad, Google Play Store for Android Smartphones and Tablets and Amazon for Kindle.

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BANKING AND FINANCE

January 2021 Issue

n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

29

BancorpSouth acquiring Alabama-based bank in $108.4M deal A

little more than a month after announcing its as acquiring a Texas-based bank, BancorpSouth Bank announced Wednesday it was acquiring Scottboro, Alabama-based FNS Bancshares Inc., the parent company of FNB Bank.

FNS, founded in 1900 operates 17 full-service banking offices in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. The merger will expand BancorpSouth's presence in Jackson, DeKalb and Marshall counties in Alabama and the Chattanooga, Tennessee-Georgia and Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Tennessee metropolitan statistical areas.

Once completed, the merger also marks BancorpSouth's entrance into Georgia.

As of Sept. 30, 2020 FNS reported

total assets of $786.5 million, total loans of $492.5 million and total deposits of $665.9 million.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, BancorpSouth will issue 2.975 millions shares of common stock, plus $18 million in cash in exchange for FNS shares. The agreement is value at about $108.4 million, or $90.04 per share of FNS common stock.

"We are excited about this partnership

and look forward to welcoming FNS's teammates and customers to BancorpSouth," said BancorpSouth Chairman and CEO Dan Rollins. "FNS is a 120-year-old institution with deep ties in its local markets and is an ideal fit with our culture as a relationship-driven community bank. We're looking forward to working with its experienced team of bankers to assist even more families and businesses with their banking needs."

Upon completion of the merger, FNS CEO Steve Rownd will serve as a BancorpSouth division president.

The merger, expected to close in the first half of this year, has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors.

Last month, BancorpSouth announced it was acquiring the six branches of Gatesville, Texas-based National United Bancshares, adding total assets of $748.6 million, total loans of $450.6 million and total deposits of $672.5 million. That merger is expected to be completed by the first half of this year as well.

The merger and acquisition of FNS is BancorpSouth’s 10th since January 2018.

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BANKING AND FINANCE

Profile

January 2021 Issue

n

Mississippi Business Journal

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31

» BANK OF HOLLY SPRINGS

Steady growth the goal for stateʼs oldest bank

By NASH NUNNERY mbj@msbusiness.com

C

onsidered the start of the Gilded Age, the year 1869 launched an era of rapid economic growth in America. It also marked the beginning of the women’s suffrage movement and the inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant as the nation’s 18th president.

That same year, the Bank of Holly Springs opened its doors on the town square and haven’t closed since, making the Marshall County financial institution the state’s oldest. Its catchy slogan says it all – “The Oldest Bank in Mississippi and as Modern as the Newest”.

Bank of Holly Springs president Steve Gresham is only the bank’s fourth president since 1946. He started his banking career in 1983 and has been associated with the bank in some capacity ever since. In fact, Gresham’s father served as president of the bank from 1973 until Steve took over in 1997.

“My father’s dad and grandfather worked at the Ashland branch, so the Bank of Holly Springs is ingrained in me,” said Gresham. “I received good training and learned a lot about banking from my dad, who’s still on our board.

We enjoy a great family atmosphere here – many of our employees have been with us 20, 30, even 40 years in some cases.”

According to Gresham, the bank was

first chartered by the Legislature in 1866 as Mississippi Savings & Insurance Company. Five years later, the name was changed to Bank of Holly Springs officially.

Today, the Bank of Holly Springs boasts nine locations and 85 employees. In addition to two branches in the city, there are branches in the northeast Mississippi communities of Abbeville, Ashland, Potts Camp, Slayden, Byhalia, Barton and Victoria.

The bank’s original building on Holly Springs’ cozy town square dates back to the early 1900s and remains the flagship branch.

The building, identified in the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s Historic Resource Inventory, was constructed in Beaux Arts style, which features large arches and columns.

“We’re proud to be the oldest bank in Mississippi,” Gresham said. “Most of our customers are aware of our history and appreciate where we’ve been and where we’re going”.

Local ownership and employees are the keys to the bank’s longevity, Gresham said.

“The bank has always had local ownership and we’ve always strived to take care of our customers,” he said. “We like hiring local people, folks that we live around and see all over the community.”

Though the oldest bank in the state, the iconic financial institution also has kept up with modern banking practices

“We’re proud to be the oldest bank in Mississippi”

and trends. Banks around the world are investing in digital banking technology such as mobile banking, and the Bank of Holly Springs is no different.

“If I’m not mistaken, I believe we were one of the first banks (in Mississippi) to utilize the new technology like mobile banking,” said Gresham. “At the forefront of anything we do is to offer the very best service to our customers,

» Bank of Holly Springs president Steve Gresham.

whether in person or online.”

One of the most common trends in the banking industry is the business of mergers and acquisitions. Gresham emphasizes that the Bank of Holly Springs board of directors has deftly avoided being merged or acquired by a mega-bank.

“Our board likes that we are an independent bank,” he said. “We just feel like we can do more for our customers as an independent.”

Late last year, however, the Bank of Holly Springs made an acquisition of its own.

Citizen’s Bank of Byhalia was purchased in November 2020.

“They decided due to new banking regulations, and the fact that it’s just harder for the smaller banks to be cost-effective, that they’d sell,” he said.

“We put in a bid and were fortunate to be chosen.”

Expansion or not, Gresham is pleased with the bank’s position in the industry.

“We’re happy with where we are and not actively seeking to expand,” he said. “It would have to be a good fit like Citizen’s Bank was for us. “(The Bank of Holly Springs) wants steady growth. We’re not going to ‘go big’ just to get bigger.”

32 n

Mississippi Business Journal

n

BANKING AND FINANCE

January 2021 Issue

Oldest Banks

Oldest Banks Rank 1 2

4 5

7

9 10 11 12 13

15

17

20 21 22

oldest banks

Holding Company/Bank Address

Telephone Website

Holly Springs Bancshares/Bank of Holly Springs 970 Hwy 7 N, Holly Springs, MS 38635 Yazoo Capital Corp./Bank of Yazoo City 104 N. Main St., Yazoo City, MS 39194 BancorpSouth Bank 201 South Spring St, Tupelo, MS 38804 Bank of Winona 312 N. Applegate, Winona, MS 38967 BankFirst Capital Corporation 900 Main St. , Columbus, MS 39701 Citizens National Banc Corp./Citizens NB of Meridian 512 22nd Avenue, Meridian, MS 39301 Trustmark Corp./Trustmark National Bank 248 E. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39201 Cadence Bank 3399 Peachtree Rd NE, Ste 1900, Atlanta, GA 30326 RiverHills Capital Corp./RiverHills Bank 1400 Highway 61 N., Vicksburg, MS 39183 Copiah Bancshares/Copiah Bank 101 Caldwell Drive, Hazlehurst, MS 39083 Mechanics Bank 319 N. Main St., Water Valley, MS 38965 First Southwest Corp./First Bank 100 S. Broadway, McComb, MS 39648 Peoples Financial Corporation 152 Lameuse St., Biloxi, MS 39530 BNA Bancshares 133 E. Bankhead St, PO Box 811, New Albany, MS 38652 M & F Bancorp/Merchants & Farmers Bank 650 Craft, Holly Springs, MS 38635 Hancock Whitney Corporation 2510 14th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 First Forest Corp./Bank of Forest 211 W. 3rd Street, Forest, MS 39074 Tate Financial Corp./Sycamore Bank 301 E. Main St, Senatobia, MS 38668 Pontotoc Bancshares Corp/First Choice Bank 19 S. Main St., Pontotoc, MS 38863 Great Southern Capital Corp/Great Southern Bank 218 22nd Ave. S., Meridian, MS 39301 Bancorp of Lucedale/Century Bank 4282 Main St., Lucedale, MS 39452 Pyrimid Financial Corp./Bank of Anguilla 130 Holland St., Anguilla, MS 38721 Morton Bancorp/Bank of Morton 366 S. 4th St., Morton, MS 39117 Kilmichael Bancorp/Bank of Kilmichael 120 North Depot Ave., Kilmichael, MS 39747 Renasant Corp./Renasant Bank 209 Troy St., Tupelo, MS 38804

662-252-2511 bankofhollysprings.com 662-746-5421 bankofyazoo.com 662-680-2000 bancorpsouth.com 662-283-3231 bankofwinona.com 662-328-2345 bankfirstfs.com 601-693-1331 yourcnb.com 800-243-2524 trustmark.com 800-636-7622 cadencebank.com 601-636-1445 riverhillsbank.com 601-894-2831 copiahbank.com 662-473-2261 mechanicsbankms.com 601-684-2231 firstbankms.com 228-435-5511 thepeoples.com 662-534-8171 bnabank.com 662-252-1341 mandfbankhs.com 800-448-8812 hancockwhitney.com 601-469-3663 bkforest.com 662-562-8201 sycamorebank.com 662-489-1631 www.firstchoice.bank 601-693-5141 gsnb.com 601-947-7511 centurybank.net 662-873-4346 bankofanguilla.com 601-732-8944 bankofmorton.com 662-262-7844 bankofkilmichael.com 662-680-1601 renasantbank.com 662-453-4142 bankcom.com

Commerce Bancorp Inc./Bank of Commerce 310 Howard St, Greenwood, MS 38930

Additional Locations

Steven M. Gresham

Abbeville, Potts Camp, Slayden, Holly Springs, Ashland, Byhalia, Barton, Victoria

1869

Van K. Ray, Philip C. Williams

Yazoo City, Flora, Flowood, Crossgates West

1876

James D. Rollins

310 full service branch locations in 8 states

1876

Eddie Hammond Moak Griffin Archie R. McDonnell, Hampton D. Thames Gerard R. Host, Duane A. Dewey

1885 15 Mississippi and 15 Alabama branch

1888 1888

190+ Systemwide (AL, MS, FL, TN, TX)

1889

Jerry Toney

11 locations in Mississippi; 88 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas

1889

Robert D. Gage IV

Madison, Port Gibson, Vicksburg

1890

Steve Bozeman

Byram, Clinton, Crystal Springs, Florence, Richland, Wesson, Hazlehurst, Flowood

1891

Cam Tyler

Oxford

1892

James W. Covington

McComb, Liberty, Magnolia, Osyka, Summit, Madison, Hattiesburg, Brookhaven, Monticello

1895

Chevis C. Swetman

18 branches in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties.

1896

James R. "Bo" Collins

Belden, Myrtle, Saltillo, New Albany, Oxford

1896

H. Gregory Taylor

Byhalia, Ashland, Hickory Flat

1899

John M. Hairston

204 locations, including 38 in Mississippi

1899

Allen Breland

Flowood; Walnut Grove

1900

Jay Tindall, Mike Webb

Coldwater, Hernando, Southaven, Independence, Oxford

1900

Buddy R. Montgomery, Shane Clayton

Pontotoc, Ecru

1900

Jeff McCoy

Decatur, Enterprise, Hattiesburg, Quitman, Waynesboro

1902

Peter D vanLingen

Ten regional and statewide locations in Mississippi and Alabama

1903

Andy C Anderson

Cary, Rolling Fork, Mayersville

1904

Martha J Rogers

None

1904

Bertram (Buddy) Mortimer, Kent Mortimer

Winona, Mathiston, Eupora, Kosciusko

1904

C. Mitchell Waycaster

More than 200 statewide and regional

1904

Bryan E. Thornhill, Zach S. Luke, Clifton Thach, Mark Vemer

Greenwood, Oxford, Starkville, Columbus, Charleston, North Carrollton

1904

PriorityOne Capital Corp./PriorityOne Bank 601-849-3311 Magee, Ridgeland, Flowood, Richland, Pearl, Mendenhall, Collins, Robert J. Barnes priorityonebank.com Seminary, Hattiesburg, Morton, Pelahatchie, Brandon 220 N. Main Ave., Magee, MS 39111 Community Bancshares/Community Bank 601-825-4323 Charles W. Nicholson 51 statewide and regional locations communitybank.net 1255 W. Government St., Brandon, MS 39402 Merchants & Planters Bank 601-857-8044 T. H. Kendall, Henry A. Logue Bolton, Clinton 29 mpbank.net 308 Raymond Square, Raymond, MS 39154 Independent Bancshares /Community Spirit Bank 256-356-4445 Bradley M Bolton Belmont, MS, Red Bay, AL, Russellville, AL, Vina, AL 30 communityspirit.bank 200 4th Ave. SW, Red Bay, AL 35582 Peoples Bancshares/Peoples Bank 601-847-2210 Dennis A Ammann Collins, Magee, Mendenhall, Richland, New Hebron (video teller) peoplesbank-ms.com 160 E. Maud Ave., Mendenhall, MS 39114 Cleveland State Bancorp/Cleveland State Bank 662-843-9461 Daniel F Whalen, Harrry L. Lott Grenada, Merigold clevelandstatebank.com 110 Commerce Ave, Cleveland, MS 38732 Citizens Holding Co./Citizens Bank of Philadelphia 601-656-4692 Greg McKee 27 branch locations thecitizensbankphila.com 521 Main St, Philadelphia, MS 39350 BancPlus Corp./BankPlus 601-898-8300 William A. Ray Located in MS, AL and LA 34 BankPlus.net 1068 Highland Colony Pkwy., Ridgeland, MS 39157 First National Holding Co./FNB Oxford 662-234-2821 John L. Barrett Tupelo, Oxford 35 fnboxford.com 101 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 Franklin Bancshares/Bank of Franklin 601-384-2305 Bradley B Jones Brookhaven, Bude, McComb, Meadville 36 bankoffranklin.com 9 Main St. E., Meadville, MS 39653 Citizens Corp./Citizens Bank of Columbia 601-271-8517 U.S. 98 Columbia, Hattiesburg, Tylertown, Magnolia, Sumrall, Lee H. Fedric 37 citizensbk.com Seminary, Laurel 814 Main St., Columbia, MS 39429 Commercial Capital Corp./Commercial Bank 601-743-5871 Michael J. Dudley Collinsville, Meridian, Philadelphia 38 commercialbankms.com 175 Hopper Ave., De Kalb, MS 39328 Planters Holding Co./Planters B&T Company 662-887-3363 Alan H. Hargett 19 locations statewide 39 planters-bank.com 212 Catchings Ave., Indianola, MS 38751 Bancorp of Okolona 662-447-5403 40 John A Herrod Houston, Mantee, Bruce bankofokolona.com 227 W. Main St, Okolona, MS 38860 List ranked by year founded. Information provided by individual banks and holding companies and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

27

Founded in Miss.

Top Officer

1905 1905 1906 1908 1908 1908 1908 1909 1910 1912 1913 1914 1920 1931

FOR SALE

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health care January 2021 Issue • Mississippi Business Journal • www.msbusiness.com

Most health-care workers felt great sense of relief from getting vaccinated for COVID-19

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

H

ealth care workers were first in line for vaccination shots to protect against COVID-19.

Yet, partly because of safety concerns, across the country more health-care workers than expected declined to get the shot when first available. But, overall, there has been good acceptance at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs.

“We originally received about 3,900 doses of Pfizer vaccine, and were able to administer 4,200 because we were able to get more than five doses out of each Pfizer vial,” Jones said. “We used all the vaccine we received.

We vaccinated frontline workers first, followed by other health care workers and students who have clinical contact. There was a sense of relief.”

As of late January, the initial personnel vaccinated had received their second doses, and additional employees who weren’t in the first round were requesting the shot. Jones said those workers will be given shots when the vaccine becomes available.

“We will get them when other tiers are released,” Jones said. “While we generally saw good acceptance, there was some resistance. We made it voluntary. We felt that was important because of the visibility in the media and some of hesitation if the new vaccines were fully tested. We do mandate flu vaccine, but that uses a methodology that has been around a long time and is generally accepted as safe and usually effective. We didn’t want employees to get sense they were being forced to take something they had some skepticism about. But we did strongly encourage it.”

Jones said that the vaccine was particularly welcome for health-care workers taking care of COVID patients frequently, as well as workers with chronic health conditions associated with poorer outcomes from COVID-19.

Jones said it has literally been “a shot in the arm,” a huge sense of relief and hope that hasn’t been seen since the pandemic nightmare began in March 2020.

“At same time, health care workers realize vaccines are not a magic bullet,” Jones said. “You still have to mask and socially distance. Until we move to a better point in the pandemic, everyone will have to continue

to be vigilant and comply with some of the basic safety precautions that have been recommended throughout the pandemic.

“Honestly, the quickness with which this vaccine was developed does seem like a miracle. But a lot of research went into the similar technology with the SARs and MERS epidemics. The technoloDr. Alan Jones gy was probably already 80 percent done, but the funding had dried up. It just so happened we were able to take that framework and utilize it for this situation.

People need to understand that important safety and development steps were observed.”

Different strains of viruses are unique and there are always going to be various methodologies best for different types of viruses in creating a vaccine. But Jones See VACCINES, Page 36

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Continued from Page 30

said while these are the first mRNA vaccines to be developed and come into widespread use outside of clinical trials, he expects them to prove to be an effective methodology in the future.

“It adds another arrow in the quiver in ways to develop a vaccine that are safe and effective,” he said.

There is hope that vaccinations for health-care workers will help assure the general public that the vaccines are safe and can save many lives and lead to the end of the pandemic. The Mississippi State Department of Health has numerous outreach campaigns to promote COVID-19 vaccinations as safe and effective. As of late January, there were 19 sites open where MSDH was vaccinating 200-400 people each day.

State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said at an online press conference Jan. 21 that there are concerns about racial disparities in acceptance of the vaccine. Only about 17 percent of Mississippians who had received the vaccine so far were Black, while Blacks make up about 38 percent of population and have represented 72 percent of deaths from COVID. Dobbs said they have seen some reluctance early on with African Americans, but after people have seen their friends and colleagues, including leaders in the Black community, showing faith in the vaccine, that has helped. MSDH has met with leaders of some Historically Black Colleges and Universities and vaccinated some eligible in their ranks, and is working with Black preachers to help get a better message out. He said a steady approach is needed to reach folks who have some hesitancy.

Dobbs said twin challenges are trust and the other availability, which they will try to tackle simultaneously. Many Blacks want to get the shot from their doctor or clinic.

Forrest General Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Farrell said they have vaccinated all of their staff who desired to be vaccinated. He said acceptance was reasonable.

“It can always be better,” Farrell said.

But as staffers have seen others take the vaccine without any ill health effects, Farrell said more employees of the hospital and its clinics have confidence to get the vaccination themselves.

One rural hospital in Mississippi was later receiving initial vaccines for health care workers than most urban hospitals that received doses starting in mid-December. Delta Health Center Chief Program Planning and Development Officer Robin Boyles, Mound Bayou, wrote in an email in mid-January that they had just received the first vaccines

» Jessica Bass, R.N., an ICU nurse at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, has been on the frontlines working with COVID-19 patients since March 2020. She was the first employee at the South Mississippi hospital to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

for their workers.

“We do not require our staff to be vaccinated,” Boyles wrote in an email in mid-January.

“However, we are finding that most of our staff does want to be vaccinated.

We feel that making the vaccine more accessible is very importKelly ant because of the disproportionate share of illnesses and death from COVID-19 in the Delta. However, at this time, there is nowhere in Bolivar County that people can get the vaccine. The closest Department of Health sites are in Greenwood and in Greenville. And at this time, new appointments are not being made until mid-February, according to the Department of Health's website.

The state's vaccine supply has already been allocated through January, according to the website.”

Ryan Kelly, executive director, Mississippi Rural Health Association, said people in rural areas may lack transportation to vaccination centers, which adds to the problem. The highly contagious nature of COVID-19 makes it more difficult for people to share transportation. And he said there was a lot of vaccine hesitancy even before COVID as reflected in the number of people who don’t take flu shots.

“I understand vaccine hesitancy especially with this delivery system being different,” Kelly said. “The vac-

cine has been abundantly tested through all safety and independent bodies certified to assure the safety of vaccines. The Trump Administration cut through red tape and shot approval through quickly, but no corners were cut.”

Kelly suspects that when April and May come around, and people see that those who have taken it earlier are fine, most people will be willing to get vaccinated.

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HEALTH CARE

January 2021 Issue

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Mississippi Business Journal

Hospital fitness centers add options for a community’s health pursuits

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

H

ospitals have been operating their own fitness centers for years, offering their patients, staff and the public another option to improve and maintain their health and recover from illness or injury.

At Mississippi hospitals the fitness facilities offer an impressive selection of exercise and training equipment and a wide menu of classes including yoga, pilates and Zumba. Some centers have special features for aquatic activities.

The Madison Healthplex Performance Training Center lists a six-lane lap pool and a heated therapy pool in its Aquatics Center. Fees are available For individuals, couples and Families.

January is a prime month for new memberships at the hospital affiliated fitness

centers just as it is at commercial gyms.

“Usually our best enrollment is in January and February. We do see it drop off a bit but or the most part they’re sticking with it, lot of employees signing up as well.” said Rick Hartley, an exercise technologist at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport’s fitness Center. "Since COVID we have had a lot of new members join.”

Some of the older population though are not coming back as quick as he would like to see. “They’re anxious and concerned about COVID,” he said.

Hartley said the Fitness Center takes every step possible to keep patients safe, including wearing masks and constant cleaning. A professional cleaning service is used as well. Also, classes are smaller now to adhere to social distancing guidelines. “Pre-COVID we had 10 patients in a class, but now we have four or five,” See FITNESS CENTERS, Page 38

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FITNESS CENTERS

Continued from Page 37

he said.

Hartley alternates between working with the hospital’s cardiovascular patients and members at the fitness center. Once cardiovascular patients are released from the hospital, they are eligible for two free months at the fitness center. “We encourage them to keep exercising and stay on it so we don’t see them again,” he said. The hospital has operated a fitness center for around 20 years and it continues to encourage its employees and the general public to take advantage of its treadmills, elliptical, weight and step machines in addition to its classes.

“We cater to an older population.

They feel comfortable in here, and enjoy getting out and visiting with friends while exercising.” Those who want to focus on just exercising are accommodated as well. “One lady likes to come in in the morning to walk on the treadmill and then she comes back in the afternoon for another 30 minutes,” he said.

Hours at fitness centers tend to accommodate all sorts of schedules. At

Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, the center opens at 6:30 a.m. Fees at some centers aren’t tied to a contract and some have special membership deals with reduced costs.

Anderson Health and Fitness Center in Meridian bills itself as the area’s only health club experience of its kind in the region, where members can focus on their total well-being including day-to-day health maintenance, weight loss programs and special medical and clinical programs.

The center gives members a place where they can “focus on lifetime fitness goals and individual achievement, plus find opportunities to improve their health and well-being.” Features include a cushioned walk/jog track, two racquetball courts, a basketball court and Whirlpool and steam room in each locker room Classes of all kinds are especially popular with its members. “A lot of people come just for our classes,” said Savannah Gonzalez who works on the front desk at the center. There are two exercise studios where popular classes include

yoga and stationery bike sessions. More members are learning about newer classes such as the one using foam rollers, which is less well known than yoga

or pilates. One added feature offered at the fitness center is child care. The Kid’s Club is a supervised area for children ages 3 months to 7 years

Cardiovascular Care Centers

Cardiov Cardiovascular Care Centers ascular Care Centers Rank

Name & Address

Telephone

Website

1

Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, 7601 Southcrest Pkwy., Southaven, MS 38671

662-772-4000

baptistonline.org

1988

2

University Heart, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216

601-984-2280

ummchealth.com/heart

3

Mississippi Heart and Vascular Institute, 969 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, MS 39216

601-200-2000

stdom.com

4

6 7

9

Founded

Top Officer

Cardiologists 38

1999

Cheryl Berry, Brian Hogan Camille Richards, Mark McMullan

1972

Delon Thornhill

22

Terri Diffy, James Warnock

18

35

Baptist Heart, 501 Marshall St, Jackson, MS 39202

601-969-6404

baptistheart.org

2008

Jackson Heart Clinic. P.A., 970 Lakeland Dr., Ste. 61, Jackson, MS 39216

601-982-7850

jacksonheart.com

1973

Stephanie Carr

18

1981

T. J. Adams, Jackie Soden

17

North Mississippi Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute, 830 S. Gloster St., Tupelo, MS 38801 Singing River Center for Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery , 3603 Bienville Blvd Ste 103 , Ocean Springs, Singing River Center for Heart & Vascular Services, 3603 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Forrest General Hospital Heart & Vascular Services, 6051 U.S. Hwy. 49, Hattiesburg, MS 39404

662-377-3477

nmhs.net/heart_institute.php

228-762-3000

SingingRiverHealthSystem.com

N/A

Tim Neese

16

228-762-3000

singingriverhealthsystem.com

N/A

Laurin St Pe

16

601-288-7000

forrestgeneral.com

1952

Joe Marcello

14

10

Hattiesburg Clinic Heart & Vascular , 415 S. 28th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401

601-268-5800

hattiesburgclinic.com

1963

John Weems

13

11

Memorial Hospital Heart Services, 4500 Thirteenth St., Gulfport, MS 39501

228-575-2445

gulfportmemorial.com

1986

Holly Rodriguez

12

Dennis McDill

10

Anderson Regional Health System, 2124 14th St., Meridian, MS 39301

601-553-6000

andersonregional.org

1928

Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, 1100 Belk Blvd., Oxford, MS 38655

662-636-1000

baptistonline.org

1989

Cardiovascular Institute of the South, 4909 Great River Dr., Meridian, MS 39305

601-282-8980

cardio.com

15

Merit Health Central , 1850 Chadwick Dr., Jackson, MS 39204

601-376-1000

16

Merit Health River Oaks, 1030 River Oaks Drive, Flowood, MS 39232

601-932-1030

merithealthriveroaks.com

17

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, 2520 5th St. N., Columbus, MS 39705

662-244-1000

baptistonline.org

1969

18

Magnolia Regional Heart & Vascular, 611 Alcorn Dr., Corinth, MS 38834

662-293-1000

mrhc.org

2007

OCH Cardiology with University Heart, 400 Hospital Rd., Starkville, MS 39759

662-615-3711

och.org/cardiology

2020

South Central Regional Medical Center Catheterization Lab, 1220 Jefferson St., Laurel, MS 39440

601-426-4494

scrmc.com

1952

Scott Smiley

5

21

Delta Health-The Medical Center, 1400 E. Union St., Greenville, MS 38703

662-378-3783

deltaregional.com

1953

Scott Lloyd

4

22

Merit Health Wesley, 5001 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402

601-268-8000

MeritHealthWesley.com

1900

Matthew Banks

3

23

Cardiovascular Institute of Mississippi, 303 Marion Ave., McComb, MS 39648

601-249-1350

smrmc.com

2003

Wendy Sasser

2

Merit Health River Region , 2100 Hwy. 61 N., Vicksburg, MS 39183

601-883-5000

1998

Ben Richaud

2

12

10

N/A 1996 N/A

10 Barry Moss

8

Dwayne Blaylock

7

Paul Cade

6

Kim Hardwick

5 5

Memorial Coast Cardiology Center, 1203 Broad Ave, Gulfport, MS 39503 25 228-868-5555 N/A 1988 Manoj Shah List is ranked by cardiologists on staff. Information provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to frank.brown@msbusiness.com.

1

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January 2021 Issue

Innovation keeps Lazy Magnolia successful L azy Magnolia, the oldest brewery in Mississippi and the first packaging brewery built since Prohibition, could also be considered the most innovative. Faced with sudden disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Lazy Magnolia owners Leslie and Mark Henderson managed to come up with new customers and “We’ve product lines that have nothing to do with beer. packaged a good The big shift in their Hanamount of Zombie cock County operations came last March when bars and Brain-Juice and restaurants shut down and Unicorn Yack” 40 percent of Lazy Magnolia’s business dropped off overnight.

Facing uncertainty about when business would return, the Hendersons decided to shift gears and diversify. “We had to get smart,” Mark Henderson said.

They set about making hand sanitizer, which was in huge demand at the outset of the pandemic, using raw materials that was stockpiled as part of their ongoing development of new products. With help from state and federal officials and agencies, Lazy Magnolia quick- all year on the Mississippi Coast, which records around ly went into production. “Leslie said we can just make five inches a month. “They were looking for co-packers it and that’s what we did. Within days, we were set up who had the rainfall and the capacity and we have both to be FDA approved,” Henderson said. The new pro- of those,” Henderson said. “We started a relationship duction allowed the Hendersons to expand work shifts and in 2020 things ramped up.” Sales of the popular to seven days a week. They also added a new canning bottled rainwater has since topped beer sales. line in 2020.

Another new partnership formed last year was with Also last year, Lazy Magnolia joined with Richard’s Avery’s Sodas, which has been making soda for more Rainwater of Dripping Springs, Texas, to capture, puri- than 100 years in Connecticut. Lazy Magnolia packages fy and package rainwater in bottles and cans. Richard’s varieties of Avery’s Totally Gross Sodas known for colRainwater opened in 1998, selling bottled raindrops, in orful names. “We’ve packaged a good amount of Zombie an area where rain is seasonal. Rainwater is plentiful Brain-Juice and Unicorn Yack,” Henderson said.

Lazy Magnolia remains focused on its original product. “We continued to innovate on the beer side as well, launching several new brands, and packages (cans mostly). We also delayed some of our seasonal, very high end beers, that were aging in barrels, and those are just being released now,” Henderson said. One of the new beers is aptly named “New Normal.”

In spite of all the obstacles and complications, the Hendersons say 2020 overall was a good year for Lazy Magnolia, thanks to their successful diversification. “We’ve had a record year for package sales,” said Henderson.

Oxford mayor drops Democratic label as she seeks new term A Robyn Tannehill

prominent Democratic mayor in north Mississippi said she’s seeking a second term this year but is running as an independent.

Robyn Tannehill had served as a Democrat on the Oxford Board of Aldermen before being elected mayor in 2017. She was chosen in 2020 to serve on a commission that designed a new Mississippi state flag.

“I believe with all of my heart that at the local level we need to be as bipartisan as possible to be able to achieve our greatest potential,” Tannehill said Monday, according to the Oxford Eagle.

She said that garbage pickup, potholes, clean water, fire protection and police protection “aren’t Democrat or Republican issues.”

“If we tune out politics and the rhetoric we hear on the national news, our neighbors are just that.

They’re our neighbors,” said Tannehill, who was the only candidate to enter the Oxford mayor’s race on the first day of qualifying.

Most Mississippi cities are having elections this year. Party primaries are in April and the general election is in June. New four-year terms begin July 1.

January 2021 Issue

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Staks announces new location in Southaven S taks Pancake Kitchen has announced its newest location in Southaven, Mississippi, set to open in the spring. The fast-casual restaurant’s third location will join a developing lineup of local businesses confirmed for the new Silo Square and will be the first restaurant concept to open in the space.

Staks’ original location is in the Laurelwood Collection in East Memphis, with the second located in the Germantown Village Square shopping center.

rants, half a dozen boutiques, investment firms, a mortgage company, a law office and more at the new Silo Square, a $300 million, 309-acre mixed-use development, featuring both commercial and residential properties.

“Staks Pancake Kitchen is the perfect

addition to our growing roster of tenants,” said Brian Hill, owner and developer of Silo Square. “This area is meant to be a hub for local businesses, so the partnership just made sense. I feel this is exactly the kind of family-owned establishment that Southaven residents will love.”

Staks Pancake Kitchen’s Southaven location is set to begin construction February 2021.

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“We couldn’t have asked for a better spot to expand Staks’ footprint,” said Brice Bailey, owner of Staks Pancake Kitchen. “The Silo Square is going to be a game-changing development for Southaven, and we look forward to bringing our high-quality, locally sourced breakfast and lunch offerings to the scene.”

Southaven residents and visitors can expect the menu to include the restaurant’s original, well-known food features: an impressive selection of pancakes, create-your-own omelets, shareables and several other classic breakfast staples – with a growing menu of lunch offerings.

The beverage selection at Staks Pancake Kitchen mimics the food menu’s versatility, with fresh-squeezed juices, a dozen different coffee drinks, speciality cocktails and more. The restaurant will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The space is a nod to the aesthetics of the East Memphis and Germantown locations, with a bright, fresh and modern interior. As a fast-casual breakfast and lunch restaurant, Staks visitors order at the counter, and a server brings the food to the table. Guests will have the option to dine in a booth, at a table or at one of the interactive griddle tables, where patrons can make their own pancakes.

Staks will join four to six other restau-

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Mississippi Economic Council

Hol-Mac Corporation Ivey Mechanical Jumpstart Test Prep Keesler Federal Credit Union Key Constructors, LLC Magnolia Health Maris West & Baker Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Mississippi Hospital Association Mississippi REALTORS® MyHRConcierge Neel-Schaffer, Inc. North Mississippi Health Services Norbord Northrop Grumman Corporation Nucor Steel Jackson •

Penn National Gaming, Inc. Phelps Dunbar LLP Ports America Raytheon Technologies St. Dominic Health Systems Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company Tennessee Valley Authority Tyson Foods United Healthcare of Mississippi Verizon W.K. Kellogg Foundation Westlake Chemical Woodward Hines Educational Foundation WAPT TV 16 WJTV News Channel 12 WLBT 3 On Your Side

601-969-0022 | 1-800-748-7626

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Mississippi Business Journal

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January 2021 Issue

Income tax one more thing Mississippi should leave behind

mericans have been drowning But the state’s opportunity is more than symin a sea of COVID-19, social bolic. For generations, Mississippi has been last unrest, and election turmoil. in the things you would want to be first in, and The waves have not yet calmed, but first in the things you would want to be last in. shore is in sight. A day is approachTake, for instance, our labor force participation ing when vaccines will be distributed, rate, which at 56.4 percent is one of the worst election contests cease, and we can in the nation, or our lowest in the nation per take stock of frayed lines across the capita income. russ latino country.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann has made clear that Leadership can come from unlikely places. raising the labor force participation rate is one of his top Mississippi has a moment to prove it. The state’s prob- priorities. Both Gov. Tate Reeves and Speaker Gunn lems are well documented. But in recent months, Mis- have voiced support for elimination of the income tax. sissippi leaders have also shown flashes of vision.

There is evidence to suggest that these goals could be Mississippi’s streets held protests in the wake of intertwined.

George Floyd’s death, but didn’t see the violence and deThe nine states without income taxes have experistruction experienced elsewhere. Lawmakers responded enced both population and economic growth that has in courage by retiring the state flag. In November, over resulted in dramatic personal and household income in70 percent of Mississippians voted in support of a new creases over the last decade, particularly in comparison flag design. to Mississippi. Each of the nine states also has a substantially higher labor force participation rate.

The idea is simple. The more money Mississippi workers can keep in their pockets, the more they can invest in their families, their communities and their businesses. Increased consumption in the economy drives new jobs and higher wages.

But tax policy isn’t the only path to expanding opportunity. Sec. of State Michael Watson has launched an effort to “Tackle the Tape,” a reference to looking at how regulations impact the ability of Mississippians to earn a good living.

Economists have estimated that if regulation had been frozen at 1980s levels, the U.S. economy would be over $4 trillion larger than it currently is. That’s over $13,000 for every man, woman, and child in America. And

regulatory accumulation has a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged populations, who can neither navigate the complexity nor afford the price of entry.

It’s not just federal regulations. There are 9.3 million words worth of regulations in Mississippi created by unelected government officials. They make up nearly 118,000 regulatory requirements.

“Red Tape” reduction efforts like the one proposed by Watson have been demonstrated effective in other places. In the last decade, lawmakers in British Columbia worked with public sector workers to streamline, reducing regulations by over 40 percent. In Idaho last year, Gov. Brad Little led an effort to repeal the entire regulatory code and replace it with a smaller package.

One particularly impactful area of regulation relates to occupational licensing – essentially a set of government permission slips to work. In 2017, I worked with then-Gov. Phil Bryant to design a system of review for new occupational regulations to ensure that the state was not discouraging entrepreneurship. It was the first law of its kind in the country. Last year, the law was expanded to allow additional review. Commission members, including Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Watson and Reeves have all shown support for using the tool to help Mississippi’s workers.

There will be time to delve into and debate each idea.

Each necessitates thoughtful planning, good data, and a willingness to listen and compromise. At a minimum, Mississippi leaders have signaled awareness that it is not enough to nibble around the edges when you’re in last place. You have to set audacious targets that inspire people to action.

This is Mississippi’s moment. » RUSS LATINO is president at Empower Mississippi, where he oversees the organization’s public policy work. He can be reached at russ@ empowerms.org.

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January 2021 Issue

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43

ROBERT HAND — How Covid-19 affected Jackson commercial real estate C

ovid-19 dramatically affected commercial real estate in the Jackson market, but not in the way you might expect. There were several trends that emerged in just the last 6 months, from online shopping driving retail store rent down 22 percent, to skyrocketing retail sale prices which increased 40 percent due to a freefall in supply. This article examines the January 2021 Jackson MSA commercial property prices, including industrial, office and retail sectors.

Industrial Space For Lease

In the industrial category, lease prices only fell 6% to an average of $3.70/ SF even though a 30 percent increase of 250,000 square feet was added to the market. The strong industrial market is driven by the e-commerce trend requiring more inventory storage and faster delivery times. There are 43 properties for lease totaling 1.1 million square feet and last month 2 spaces were leased above market, averaging $3.83/SF. The average time on the market is 454 days.

The Jackson commercial real estate market totals 4 million square feet of property for sale, a 30 percent increase of 800,000 square feet in just 12 months, with industrial as the largest sector in square footage but the office sector as the highest value. Sale prices in the last 12 months dropped 17% in the office and industrial sectors but increased 64 percent in the retail sector.

Retail Space For Sale

Office Space For Lease

The Jackson commercial real estate market is divided into industrial, office, retail, shopping centers, land and apartment sectors and totals 6.8 million square feet of space valued at $326 million. There is 2.8 million square feet for lease and 4 million square feet for sale.

How Does Additional Space Affect Prices?

Economics 101 states prices should fall since more space has come on the market over the last 12 months, but that only holds true if demand stays constant.

Covid-19 affected each sector's demand differently, and we also experienced unique demand changes for sale properties compared to properties for lease.

Let’s drill down into the trends and drivers of both sale and lease prices for the various sectors.

In the office sector, there are 285 office spaces for lease, totaling 1.2 million square feet averaging $15.53/SF. Space for lease increased 80,000 square feet over the last 12 months yet prices increased 8% due to steady demand. There is a transition away from leasing large spaces as businesses integrate work from home, so as leases mature over the next few years, there will be reduced demand for office space which should cause prices to fall dramatically. This will result in declining office values which will also affect bank loans and cause more office properties to come up for sale. Last month, one office space was leased at $16.50/SF which was 6% above market.

Retail Space For Lease

There are 63 retail properties on the market totaling 366,000 square feet averaging $9.21/SF. In the last 30 days, no retail space was leased or sold. Approximately 25,000 square feet have been added to the market the last 12 months and prices declined 13 percent.

In just the last 6 months, lease prices fell 20 percent as landlords struggle to keep their tenants.

Sale Prices

In the office sector, there are 64 properties for sale totaling 1.1 million square feet, averaging $66.31/SF. Properties for sale increased 250,000 square feet (30 percent) over the last 12 months causing prices to drop 17%. Last month, 4 office properties sold for $126/SF which was 10 percent below their list price. They were on the market 314 days. In the future as rents fall so does the valuation, which combined with additional property coming up for sale should lead to a perfect storm of a freefall in prices.

Industrial Space For Sale

In the industrial category, sale prices only fell 17% to an average of $21.30/ SF even though 75 percent, a whopping 800,000 square feet, was added to the market. There are 40 properties for sale totaling 1.9 million square feet. This month, 2 properties sold for 50 percent higher than the market, averaging $36/SF.

Office Space For Sale

There are 34 retail properties for sale totaling 669,000 square feet averaging $61/ SF but in the last 30 days no retail space was sold. Approximately 220,000 square feet (25 percent) has been removed from the market the last 12 months causing sale prices to increase 64 percent.

In summary, Covid-19 brought several surprises to the Jackson commercial real estate market. In the lease sector, prices declined the last 12 months in the retail and industrial markets but increased in the office market despite 80,000 SF added to the market. This strength in the office market is expected to reverse course as lease periods come to an end.

Among properties for sale, prices fell 17 percent in the office and industrial sectors, but skyrocketed 64% in the retail sector due to 220,000 square feet taken off the market. Âť ROBERT HAND is the only commercial real estate broker in Mississippi with both top commercial designations, CCIM and SIOR, and also an MBA. He can be found at mscommercialrealty.com and louisianacommercialrealty.com.

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NEWSMAKERS Edwards joins Bank of Yazoo as Vice President

Bank of Yazoo has announced that Misty Rachell Edwards has joined its team as Vice President and Loan Officer and will be located at the Bank’s Flowood branch in Rankin County. Edwards, a native of Pelahatchie, has more than 20 years of banking experience in commercial and consumer lending, retail services, operations, credit, and compliance in the Jackson Metropolitan market.

“Misty brings a wealth of experience to our institution, and we are thrilled that she has joined our Metro team,” said Ben Aldridge, Chief Operating Officer and Metro President. “Her broadbased experience in banking, particularly in Rankin County, allows her to provide valuable financial insight and solutions to our clients. We also Edwards appreciate her ongoing desire to contribute to her community through civic service. We are excited to see what the future holds for Misty at our Bank.”

Edwards earned her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration for Belhaven University, as well as her Associate of Arts from Hinds Community College. She is a candidate for graduation from the Mississippi School of Banking in 2021. In 2020, she was a recipient of Rankin County’s Top 40 Under 40 Award. She is active in the Rankin County community, including through her work as a lifetime member of Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County, having served as Finance Chair, as an Ambassador for the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce, and as a volunteer with the Stewpot.

Edwards and her family are members of the Crossroads Baptist Church in Pelahatchie.

Merit Health Wesley announces 2020 employee recognition awards

Merit Health Wesley has named Infection Control Coordinator Patty Cabana, RN, 2020’s Employee of the Year. This award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Cabana was chosen from among more than 1,000 employees for the honor.

“Patty has been an invaluable resource to us as we have faced the multi-faceted challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Vice President of Quality and Clinical Transformation, Debbie Johnson. “She has answered every request to lend a helping hand, Cabana give guidance, or research with eagerness, humbleness, confidence, and competency.

Patty's approach to leading our organization to success during this challenging period has demonstrated her true servant's heart.”

Employees are nominated for the award by their hospital peers, administrators and patients based on their commitment to patient care, their professionalism, and their contributions on the job.

Cabana has worked as a registered nurse for Merit Health Wesley since May 2015, and has served as

January 2021 Issue

the organization’s Infection Control Coordinator since January 2018. Additionally, she serves within the Sepsis Management Team, helping lead Merit Health Wesley to become the first hospital in Mississippi to receive the Sepsis Certification designation from The Joint Commission. She is actively involved in the hospital’s Patient Safety Committee, Infection Control Committee, Environment of Care Committee, Emergency Management Freeman Committee, and many more.

The hospital also named Clinical Manager of the Year, Angel Freeman,RN, and Non-Clinical Manager of the Year, Steve Branton, MSHA. Freeman serves as the Surgical Services Director, where she manages the day-to-day operations of the hospital’s operating rooms. She has worked for Merit Health Wesley for since December 2008.

Branton is the Materials Management Director in the Purchasing Department.

He joined Merit Health Wesley in 2013.

“Providing excellent healthcare to the people of the Pine Belt takes every member of our staff performing their unique and invaluable role,” said Matthew Banks, Chief Executive Officer. “We are Branton happy to be able to honor our 2020 award winners for their outstanding service, and would like to thank all of our employees for their dedication to our patients and organization.”

Gates named legal policy adviser for PSC Central District

The Mississippi Public Service Commission Central District has named Davis Gates as the district’s legal and policy adviser.

Gates will report to Commissioner Brent Bailey of the Central District. In his new role, Gates will work alongside Commissioner Bailey in evaluating policy issues impacts on utility customers and utilities and how they might be enacted by the full Commission. Gates On the legal side, Gates will advise Commissioner Bailey on legal matters pending in front of the Central District and the Commission as a whole.

Gates is a licensed attorney and he’s sworn into practice in every state court as well as the US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has experience in private practice drafting motions, writing pleadings, researching and attending various hearings. Gates also has experience working with state agencies including the Mississippi Department of Human Services and the Mississippi Personal Service Contract Review Board serving as a hearing officer, legal consultant, conducting legal research and drafting policy recommendations.

Gates is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law where he was a member of the Trial Advocacy Board, Secretary of the Law School Student

Body, member of the Pro Bono Initiative and heavily involved with the transactional law clinic. He is also a graduate of the University of Mississippi where he was inducted into the Academic Hall of Fame, a member of the Honors college, a member of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and a Luckyday Scholar. He has studied law at The University of Cambridge, policy at the Jordan University of Science and Technology and Spanish at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito.

Bueno joins Butler Snow

Trial attorney Kim Bueno has joined Butler Snow LLP, expanding the firm’s bench of nationally-recognized first-chair trial attorneys.

Bueno represents companies in personal injury actions and complex commercial litigation. Nationally, she is recognized as one of the preeminent pharmaceutical and medical device trial attorneys, having served as trial Bueno counsel in high-profile cases throughout the country. Bueno will work in Butler Snow’s Austin office.

Bueno received her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Southern Methodist University and Juris Doctor with high honors from the University of Texas School of Law. Bueno is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She is a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) and a foundation fellow for the Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association. When not in trials, she is on trails running ultramarathons.

Bueno joins an already busy trial team in Butler Snow’s pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare group. In the last six years alone, Butler Snow has tried more than 30 pharmaceutical and medical device cases to verdict, including bellwether trials in some of the most challenging jurisdictions in the country. In addition to serving as lead counsel at trial, Butler Snow assists clients at all stages of litigation in a broad array of pharmaceutical and medical device cases, including initial strategy, expert development, fact discovery, motions practice, resolution negotiations, and appellate practice. The team has been responsible for managing, and actively manages, several mass torts in both the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, including one of the largest mass tort litigations in history that totaled over 62,000 active cases across the country.

Blackwell relocates to Oak Grove Family Clinic Kory W. Blackwell, MD, has relocated his practice to join Oak Grove Family Clinic, located at 5192 Old Hwy 11, in Hattiesburg.

Blackwell will provide family medicine services to both new and established patients at his new location.

He received his medical

Blackwell

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degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Miss., and completed an internship and his residency in family medicine through the Forrest General Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program in Hattiesburg. His special practice interests include chronic care and health maintenance.

Hancock Whitney names Ethridge as Chief Marketing Office

Hancock Whitney has named veteran brand and marketing strategy executive Laura Sullivan Ethridge as the company’s new Chief Marketing Officer.

As Hancock Whitney’s CMO, Ethridge is the executive vice president responsible for leading the company’s marketing strategy and execution across a Gulf South region that includes Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Ethridge, who has more Ethridge than 20 years’ experience launching breakthrough marketing campaigns and client experience initiatives, has managed strategy and development for numerous Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits, focusing most of her career in financial services. Before joining Hancock Whitney, Ethridge was with Wells Fargo in San Francisco, California, serving in two senior vice president roles: first, as the customer excellence leader for the consumer credit card group; then, as the leader of strategic insights and marketing for commercial banking. She has also served as a marketing strategy consultant for companies such as Proctor and Gamble, Disney, Costco, Schiff Nutrition, and Fitbit. Ethridge started her financial services career at American Express, where she spent a decade in various marketing leadership roles and won the Chairman’s Award for Innovation for the Entertainment Access Platform.

She also has a long-standing passion for developing public and private partnerships that help strengthen local communities. Ethridge was part of the inaugural class of AmeriCorps, where she built a volunteer program at Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore to help low-income women learn business skills critical to becoming successful entrepreneurs.

Ethridge holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. She earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, New York. Raised in Massachusetts, she has spent much of her professional career in Washington, DC, New York, and San Francisco.

For full versions of Newsmakers visit www.msbusiness.com

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Aug. 21 - Sept. 5, 2020

Spake joins Hattiesburg Clinic

Joshua L. Spake, DO, recently joined Sumrall Medical Center.

Spake provides family medicine care and management of acute and chronic conditions. He has special practice interests in preventative medicine, wellness visits and skin cancer screenings.

Spake received his medical degree from William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg. He completed his residency through the Forrest General Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program Spake in Hattiesburg.

Spake is board certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and Wilderness Medical Society.

Memorial Physician Clinics welcomes Thames

Memorial Physician Clinics welcomes Amilie T. Thames, MD, in the practice of internal medicine at Memorial Internal Medicine Clinic in Gulfport.

Thames received her medical degree at University of South Alabama College of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Thames is board certified in internal medicine.

Sowell elected to Main Street Board of Directors

Jamie Sowell, the Tate County Community Development Director and the Director of the Senatobia Main Street Chamber of Commerce has been elected to the Mississippi Main Street Association Board of Directors.

Main Street directors representing the local programs in Mississippi elected Sowell to serve on the board beginning in January 2021 through June 2022. She replaces Judi Holifield who is retiring.

She started her role with Senatobia Main Street in 2016. Sowell MMSA awarded Sowell the 2020 Heart of Main Street Award, a special award given to a local Main Street Director who goes over and beyond to help his or her fellow directors and community and exemplifies the character and qualities it takes to lead and manage a successful Main Street program. This award is selected by fellow Main Street directors of designated communities.

MMSA provides two positions on the statewide board for Directors' Representatives who are elected to represent the 45 designated Main Street programs in Mississippi. Sowell will serve with Brantley Snipes of Main Street Greenwood, who is serving on the board through June 2021.

Jones Walker Attorneys Busby and Cook named Southern Southern AgCredit recognized in 2020 Mid-South Public Relations Federation promotes Landry Southern AgCredit recently promoted Paul Landry Super Lawyers List Senior Practitioners to director of portfolio risk and compliance. He

Jones Walker LLP has announced 13 attorneys in Alabama and Mississippi have been named in the 2020 Mid-South Super Lawyers list. Additionally, two attorneys in the Jackson office were selected as 2020 Mid-South “Rising Stars.”

The following attorneys were listed in the Jackson office: Jeffrey R. Barber – Bankruptcy: Business Neville Boschert – Business Litigation Chad J. Hammons – Creditor Debtor Rights Kristina M. Johnson – Bankruptcy: Business Kaytie M. Pickett – Business Litigation Keith R. Raulston – Business Litigation Thomas B. Shepherd, III – Gaming The following attorneys were listed as “Rising Stars”: Blake M. Fulton – Business/Corporate Andrew S. Harris – Business Litigation The following attorneys were listed in the Birmingham office: Emily Sides Bonds – Professional Liability: Defense C. Ellis Brazeal, III – Business Litigation Steven F. Casey – Environmental Litigation Mac B. Greaves – Employment & Labor William W. Horton – Health Care Daniel J. Martin – Criminal Defense: White Collar

69 Baker Donelson attorneys named to 2020 Mid-South Super Lawyers list

Sixty-nine attorneys with Baker Donelson have been named to the 2020 edition of Mid-South Super Lawyers, which recognizes attorneys in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Seven of the Firm's Mississippi attorneys were named to the list: Sheryl Bey Robert E. Hauberg, Jr. Leonard C. Martin William S. Painter William N. Reed Frederick N. Salvo III J. Carter Thompson Jr. William N. Reed was also named among the top 50 attorneys in Mississippi by Mid-South Super Lawyers.

The publication also honored 38 Baker Donelson attorneys in its 2020 list of Mid-South Rising Stars, including seven attorneys in the Firm's Jackson office: C. Tyler Ball Nakimuli Davis-Primer Wendy Huff Ellard Charles Weil Goldberg Jr. Samuel Gregory H. Lee Hill II Sterling Kidd The selections for this list are made by the research team at Super Lawyers, which is a service of Thomson Reuters, Legal Division.

Mary Margaret Busby, APR, and Jean Gordon Cook, APR, have been named Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) Senior Practitioner recipients for 2020. Busby serves as president and Cook as vice president of membership for the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) Central Chapter based in the metro Jackson area.

SPRF is a network of public relations professionals from Alabama, North Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi who share a common interest in the public relations profession. The Senior Practitioner designation honors SPRF members who are recognized by their peers as veteran public relations professionals with high ethical standing.

Busby is a public relations specialist and journalism instructor at Holmes Community College in Ridgeland and has been employed with the college since 2014. Prior to Holmes, she served as a public relations associate and public speaking instructor at Busby William Carey University in Hattiesburg.

She has served on the Board in several other positions and received the President’s Award in 2019.

Busby has also served in various roles, including as president, for the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi Board, and has earned several awards in public relations competitions.

Busby holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi and a master’s in public relations from The University of Southern Mississippi.

She and her husband Ross reside in Brandon and are expecting their first child.

Cook is the director of public relations for the Mississippi Department of Education, which she joined in 2014. She began her career in public relations in 2008 at Jackson State University after working as a reporter at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson and The News-Star in Monroe, La. Cook Cook also taught communication and journalism courses at Jackson State University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Cook has earned more than 40 national, regional and state awards for public relations and journalism, including honors from the National School Public Relations Association, SPRF and PRAM. In addition to serving on the PRAM Central Board, she has also served on the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Board and the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board.

Cook earned her bachelor’s degree from New York University and her master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She lives in Clinton with her husband and two children.

works in the administrative office in Ridgeland.

A native of West Monroe, La., Landry has worked for Southern AgCredit since 2011.

Landry holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi College. Before joining the rural lending cooperative, Landry was a senior Landry auditor at a local accounting firm.

Southern AgCredit is a full-service co-op lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana.

MSU’s Gholson promoted to NCAAR coordinator

Dr. Steve Martin, the interim Head at Mississippi State University’s Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Drew Gholson as the Coordinator of the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research (NCAAR). NCAAR is a jointly created and cooperative organization established

by MSU and USDA/ARS. The mission of NCAAR is to conduct research and provide information for issues surrounding water-use for agriculture and natural resources in the Lower Mississippi River Gholson Basin (LMRB).

Dr. Gholson received his undergraduate degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Texas A&M University, and his masters in Water Management and Hydrological Sciences from Texas A&M. Dr. Gholson also received his Ph.D. from Texas A&M in Soil Science. In his new role, Gholson and his team will coordinate closely with the ARS faculty and staff to further the mission of NCAAR. “Dr. Gholson was the excellent choice for this position. Not only does he have the perfect background and experience, Drew is also highly respected among his peers,” said Dr. Martin. “Water quality, the sustainability of the alluvial aquifer, our ecology, and their preservation, are some of the most pressing issues we are currently studying at NCAAR. Not only does this research help our local producers, but it also touches all stakeholders of the LMRB. Dr. Gholson is highly qualified and positioned to address these issues in the short- and long-term”, added Martin.

For full versions of Newsmakers visit www.msbusiness.com

Aug. 21 - Sept. 5, 2020

Cal-Maine says meals prepared at home cause spike in earnings

C

al-Maine Foods Inc. reported that its net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 was up, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic forcing more people to prepare meals at home.

Net income was $12.2 million, or 25 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $10.1 million, or 21 cents per share for the year earlier period, the Jackson-based firm, the largest shell-egg producer in the nation, said in a release.

“Demand from food

service customers . . . remains well below pre-pandemic levels, due in part to various restrictions on restaurants in place for different areas of the country,” Dolph Baker, chairman and chief executive, said in the release.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2021 were $347.3 million, an 11.5 percent increase compared with $311.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Shares of CalMaine Foods jumped 5.3 percent in Wednesday's pre-market trading session as the company crushed analysts’ estimates.

The shares stood at $39.32 in midday trading on Wednes-

day, up $2.04 on the NasdaqGS market.

They have ranged from $30.74 to $46.66 in the past 52 weeks.

"Specialty eggs remain an important focus of our growth strategy,” Baker said.

“For the second quarter of fiscal 2021, sales of specialty eggs totaled $134.1 million, accounting for 39.7 percent of our egg sales revenue, compared with $115.9 million, or 38.2 percent of egg sales revenue, in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

"A growing number of states have passed legislation requiring cage-free eggs by specified future dates, we are working closely with our customers who are transitioning to meet expected requirements. Over the past twelve years, we have invested approximately $405 million in facilities, equipment, and related operations to expand our cage-free production. In addition, we have committed another $57.8 million towards the production of cage-free facilities.”

Sanderson championship donates record $1.45 million to Friends of Children

T

he Sanderson Farms Championship presented a record $1.45 million donation to Friends of Children’s Hospital, the fundraising arm for Batson Children’s Hospital, part of Children’s of Mississippi.

The record was set despite the championship being played under the handicap of the coronavirus pandemic.

From 2013, when Sanderson Farms became the title sponsor, through 2019, more than $7.6 million, or less than $1.09 million per year, had been donated to Friends.

“We are truly grateful for the way our community, state leaders, sports icons, and celebrities came together like never before to support the 2020 Sanderson Farms Championship, and the Mississippi children who benefit from its proceeds,” Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., CEO and Chairman of the Board, said in a release.

“While we weren’t able to gather in person for this year’s event, I look forward to the day when we can stand side-byside again in celebration of this hospital and the amazing work done here.”

This year’s donation to Friends of

Children’s Hospital will go toward completing the funding of the seven-story Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi, the state’s only children’s hospital.

In addition to the contribution to Friends, the championship donated $250,000 to other deserving Mississippi charities, resulting in a total charitable impact of $1.7 million across the state.

The tournament has on the PGA tour since 1968. Sanderson Farms, based in Laurel, is the nation’s third-largest poultry producer.

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LUBA Workers’ Comp acquires Florida-based FHM Insurance Services

T

he Board of Directors of LUBA Workers’ Comp, a 30-year-old regional casualty insurance company insuring businesses across the Gulf South, has approved the acquisition of Florida based FHM Insurance Services. FHM Insurance Company, founded in 1954, provides workers’ compensation coverage through independent agents across seven states, including Florida, where it is domiciled. “This alignment will enable us to offer competitive options across a combined geographical footprint,” said David Bondy, Founder and CEO of LUBA Workers’ Comp. “The joining of LUBA Workers’ Comp and FHM Insurance Company means we will be offering nearly a century of combined industry knowledge and expertise to the policyholders and agents we serve.”

LUBA Workers’ Comp and FHM Insurance Company will provide workers’ comp coverage in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. FHM Insurance Services and FHM Insurance Company will remain domiciled in Florida.

“FHM Insurance Company’s operations, commitment, and high level of service to our agents and policyholders will continue with the added strength, stability and management experience of LUBA Workers’ Comp,” said Matthew Lupino, Vice President of Business Development of FHM Insurance Company. “The LUBA team brings 30 years of workers’ compensation experience to FHM Insurance Company and the Florida market.”

“Through operational efficiencies and our long-standing history of unparalleled service we hope to bolster FHM Insurance Company’s marketplace presence and provide added services for policyholders and agents,” said Steve Werner, CFO of LUBA Workers’ Comp.

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