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2019 SPONSORED BY

SPECIAL MAGAZINE EDITION: » INCLUDES SMALL BUSINESS AND EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRAINING FOCUS

Our Employees MAKE the difference!

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FROM THE EDITOR

Rating the best workplaces in Mississippi

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his issue of the Mississippi Business Journal is dedicated to the Best Places to Work in Mississippi.

This event dates to 2005, beginning with a simple idea — to develop an awards program that honors those businesses in Mississippi that go the extra mile in providing their employees with the finest possible workplace and work experience.

What made this concept unique was how the companies would be ranked. It was decided early on that the very best source for the judging would be the companies’ employees themselves. As managers and owners, we all of course like to feel that we’re one of Mississippi’s best employers, but that feeling means a lot more when our employees and associates agree. That would clearly be a true measure of just how effective our companies are at providing a safe, productive, worker-friendly environment.

These honorees range from small to mega-large businesses.

Our special thanks to Research Logics for their work in conducting and tabulating the surveys for Best Places to Work. As you know, you’ll receive a special

A member of the Mississippi Press Association www.mspress.org

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.com • July 26, 2019

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report on the results for your company.

Having said all of that, the MBJ’s Best Places to Work edition is not all you will be seeing in this edition.

One of the things the MBJ is Ross Reily known for is its lists. We print a business list associated with almost every Focus we print in each edition.

There is also lots going on in the typical business world and we aren’t letting that slip through the cracks.

You are still getting the best business news from the only full-time, state-wide business publication in Mississippi, This includes, stories, profiles, newsmakers, lists, ribbon cuttings, columns and more.

SPECIAL MAGAZIN E EDIT

» INCLUDES SMALL ION: BUSINESS AND EDUCATION & WORKF ORCE TRAINING FOCUS

» Contact Mississippi Business Journal editor Ross Reily at ross. reily@msbusiness.com or (601) 364-1018.

SELECTION PROCESS: Best Places to Work recognizes area companies on the employees’ perceptions of their workplaces. Eligible companies must have a human resources office in Mississippi and have operated here for at least one year. Rankings are based on results of questionnaires returned by the nominees, as well as a sampling of employees. Research and selections are completed independently by Research Logics for the MBJ.

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Website: www.msbusiness.com July 26, 2019 Volume 41, Number 28

TAMI JONES Associate Publisher tami.jones@msbusiness.com • 364-1011 ROSS REILY Editor ross.reily@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 FRANK BROWN List Researcher frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 364-1022 JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 364-1016 TACY RAYBURN Production Manager tacy.rayburn@msbusiness.com • 364-1019 CHARINA RHODES Circulation Manager charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com • 364-1045 MARCIA THOMPSON Business Assistant marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com • 364-1044 Subscription Services (601) 364-1000 subscriptions@msbusiness.com Mississippi Business Journal (USPS 000-222) is published weekly with one annual issue by MSBJ 132 Riverview Drive, Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS. Subscription rates: 1 year $109; 2 years $168; and 3 years $214.

To place orders, temporarily stop service, change your address or inquire about billing: Phone: (601) 364-1000, Fax: (601) 364-1007, Email: charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com, Mail: MS Business Journal Subscription Services, 132 Riverview Drive, Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Business Journal, Circulation Manager, 132 Riverview Drive, Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232.

To submit subscription payments: Mail: Mississippi Business Journal Subscriptions Services, 132 Riverview Drive, Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232.

No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent. Editorial and advertising material contained in this publication is derived from sources considered to be reliable, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities.

It is the policy of this newspaper to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

The Mississippi Business Journal, is an affiliate of Journal Publishing Company (JPC), Inc. Entire contents copyrighted © 2019 by Journal Inc. All rights reserved.

Mississippi Business Journal – 3

Mississippi Business Journal July 26, 2019 Volume 41, Number 28

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2019 CLASS BKD CPAs & Advisors .............................................................20 Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLC Medium Category Third...........13 Brown Group Large Category Second ............................................. 9 BXS Insurance Medium Category Second .......................................12 EMC Insurance Co. ...................................................................21

SPONSORED BY

EMI Staffing Small Category Third ................................................ 17 First Federal Savings & Loan Medium Category First ......................12 Fleet Feet Jackson Small Category Second .....................................16 Forman Watkins & Krutz ..........................................................13 Guaranty Bank & Trust Co. ....................................................... 11 Harrah’s Gulf Coast Resort & Casino .......................................... 7 Hol-Mac Corp. Mega-Large Category Third ..................................... 6 Infusion Plus ...........................................................................19 Jones Companies ...................................................................... 7 Mississippi Interactive ............................................................. 22 Next Gear Solutions, LLC .........................................................14 R.J. Allen & Associates Small Category First .................................16 Riverwalk Casino Hotel Large Category Third ............................... 10 Ross & Yerger ..........................................................................15

NEWS » BRIAN ESTES COLUMN: Real estate investment strategies for high net-worth individuals ............................................24 » Srictly Business ..............................................................25 » DMR: the fish are ok to eat, but beaches remain closed26-27 » Newsmakers .............................................................28-29 » TODD SMITH COLUMN: State of the news media report released from Pew ..............................................................39

Southern Pipe & Supply Large Category First .................................8 Synergetics............................................................................. 22 TempStaff ............................................................................... 17 The Solutions Team .................................................................18

Education & Workforce Training » Mississippi education gains good news for students, parents and employers ....................................................................35

Tindall Corp.............................................................................15 Viking Range Mega-Large Category First......................................... 5 YAK Access, LLC Mega-Large Category Second ................................ 6

LIST » Colleges and Universities ................................................38

Zavation..................................................................................14

Small Business NOMINATE YOUR COMPANY FOR THE 2020 BEST PLACES TO WORK www.msbusiness.com/best-places-to-work

4 – Mississippi Business Journal

» Small business thrive with help from Mississippi Main Street Association ....................................................................... 30 LIST » Main Street Communities ......................................... 33-34 www.msbusiness.com

CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE FIRST PLACE

Viking Range

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roducing the world’s most sought-after luxury kitchen appliances in Mississippi has earned Viking Range status as an American icon. After all, the Greenwood company’s success spawned The Alluvian Hotel and Spa and the famous Viking Range cooking schools.

Founded by Fred Carl, Jr. in the 1980s, Viking Range was sold to The Middleby Corporation in 2012. However, the company has continued its aggressive new product development initiatives and has expanded with offerings that encompass the entire kitchen, both indoors and outdoors.

Since the acquisition, Viking Range has introduced more than 60 new products that incorporate proven commercial kitchen technology from

Middleby into the Viking residential line, further enabling true restaurant results in a home kitchen. The company provides top-notch employee benefits, including an on-site health clinic and generous employee product discounts.

Collaboration. ulture.

Co itment. C Crawfish Boil 2019

EMC is honored to be one of Mississippi’s best places to work.

R.J. Allen & Associates, Inc.

To learn more, visit: www.emcins.com/careers ©Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2019. All rights reserved.

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is honored to be recognized for the fourth consecutive year as one of the Best Places to Work in Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal.

“It’s our people that make our company what it is today!”

2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 5

CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE SECOND PLACE

YAK Access, LLC

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uccessful long term businesses, YAK MAT, Blu Roc and New South, had all been separately serving the construction or energy industry for years.

In 2017, YAK ACCESS was created to unite the expertise and tenure of the three service companies under one roof.

These three companies work closely together at every stage of a project to provide total access solutions to all companies within the construction and energy industries.

Together, the team of skilled professionals have years — even decades — of experience working on a variety of difficult access projects in diverse industries.

YAK ACCESS offers its employees company paid life insurance, short term disability, paid holidays and vacation time. It also has a 401k program. Partnered with a local gym, it hosts

two Boot camp workout classes per week after work. In addition to health and wellness benefits the company also sponsors many year round activities for the employees such as Book Club with the CEO, planting and harvesting the lively employee garden and popsicle days, among many more.

THIRD PLACE

Hol-Mac Corp.

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ounded in 1963 by Charles B. Holder, Jr., Hol-Mac Corp. is a major supplier of steel fabrications, cylinders and, most recently, tanks. Hol-Mac has over 50 years in steel fabrication with three manufacturing facilities in Bay Springs, one in Winona, and one in Gulfport. It employs over 750 workers at those sites.

Hol-Mac has a goal of creating a culture of wellness within the workplace. Its wellness program represents a commitment to a results-oriented lifestyle management program, and is a joint collaboration of Hol-Mac Corp.’s management team, participants, beBetter health and UMMC centers for telehealth and ACT Center.

The program involves surrounding the participant with wellness opportunities. All employees have access to the fitness center, telehealth appointments, flu shots, financial education and

6 – 2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi

tobacco cessation classes. Those who participate receive health insurance premium discounts and have the opportunity to complete a few required wellness activities.

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CATEGORY: MEGA-LARGE

Jones Companies

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ones Companies is one of the best place to work because of its employees. Jones promotes personal and professional growth through free boot camps, book clubs lead by leadership, lunch and learns, internships, as well as ample continuing education opportunities designed to empower employees to achieve mental, physical, nutritional, and financial excellence.

Jones Companies was founded in 1949 as a small lumber business in south Mississippi. During several logging expeditions, a need emerged for temporary access ways to transport heavy equipment through wetlands. This prompted the design of construction mats, which then led to the discovery and development of products and services for the energy industry, as well as other related businesses.

Today, Jones is composed of ten privately owned entities serving a variety of industries and end markets including: lumber, construction mats, pipeline materials, fuel, storage containers, logistics and recycling.

Harrah’s Gulf Coast Resort & Casino

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arrah’s Gulf Coast is an intimate resort and casino vacation destination centrally located on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

It inspires grown-ups to play by creating memorable experiences at its casino, hotel, spa, golf course and restaurants. Its award winning teams of employees strive every day to offer its guests a relaxing, comfortable experience where they can play as hard as they want or relax as much as they need.

It lives by three pillars within its Code of Commitment: People — Supporting the well-being of its team members, guests and local communities; Planet — Caring for our planet, so the guests don’t need to worry and Play — Creating memorable experiences for its team members and guests and lending responsible gaming practices int he industry.

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Caesars Entertainment Corp. is the world’s most geographically diversified casino-entertainment company. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 79 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of resorts, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on three continents.

2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 7

CATEGORY: LARGE FIRST PLACE

Southern Pipe & Supply

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t Southern Pipe & Supply, employees are called ‘family members’ and offered the opportunity to ‘live the pipe dream’. Since 1938, the Meridian company has been redefining the plumbing supply industry’s idea of how to do business, placing the emphasis on customer service and creating opportunities for the Southern Pipe team. In fact, the company culture is rooted in relationships and doing what’s best for clients, vendors and ‘family members.’ Today, Southern Pipe is one of the nation’s largest privately-held, independent wholesalers of plumbing , heating and air conditioning , water and sewer, and industrial materials. The company operates 102 branches in seven states, and its state-of-the-art

Central Distribution Center processes nearly four million items annually. Southern Pipe employs more than 800 “family members,” with approximately 260 of those working in Mississippi.

Congratulations VIKING RANGE B E S T PLAC E S TO WORK MEG A LAR G E WI N N ER

V IK IN GR A N GE. COM

8 – 2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi

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CATEGORY: LARGE SECOND PLACE

Brown Bottling Group

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rown Bottling Group’s vision is to be the best of the best, contributing to the success of all stakeholders: its team, customers, suppliers/partners, owners, communities and consumers. Employees become part of the Brown Bottling family when they join the team, and there are several employees who have been part of the Brown Bottling family for more than 30 years. Brown Bottling Group employees also enjoy a generous benefits package.

In 1971, Ken Brown purchased the franchise rights to Dr Pepper and Pepsi products for 29 counties, covering Jackson, Meridian, and Hattiesburg. In 1989, Brown Bottling Group expanded to cover McComb and Natchez, adding 16 more counties to the company’s service area.

As a third-generation, family-owned business, Ken’s son Bill Brown serves as the President and CEO of Brown Bottling Group, and Bill’s daughter Shelley Brown Floyd serves as Executive Vice President.

THANK YOU to our employees and clients for helping us to be one of

Mississippi’s Best Places to Work.

bxsi.com 1. BXS Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of BancorpSouth Bank. 2. Insurance products are • Not a deposit • Not FDIC insured • Not insured by any federal government agency • Not guaranteed by the bank • May go down in value. 3. BXS Insurance is an equal opportunity employer.

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2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 9

CATEGORY: LARGE THIRD PLACE

Riverwalk Casino Hotel

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iverwalk Casino Hotel opened in Vicksburg in October 2008 under the ownership of Rush Street Gaming, LLC. Riverwalk was acquired

by Churchill Downs, Inc., in 2012.

CDI is a publicly traded company that has evolved from one world-famous venue in central Kentucky to the United States’ premier racing, gaming and entertainment company with a myriad of holdings.

Riverwalk Casino Hotel promotes teamwork and communication through our open door policy and its Ambassador Roundtable Program. The diversity and talent of its workforce is one of our greatest strengths. The company offers a work setting where everyone is treated fairly and with respect

and dignity. It is committed to giving back to its community.

Riverwalk Casino Hotel is committed to being the “premier place to play” and the “preferred place to work” in Vicksburg. It is a happy team.

It’s the people that make First Federal a special place to work. Whether it’s employees or customers, First Federal is all about long-term relationships and understands that taking care of employees is essential in keeping customers First With Us! When we make decisions, we always ask, “Is this the best thing for our employees and customers?” That alone breeds a positive and successful work environment. With 57 full-time employees and an average tenure of over 16 years, First Federal enjoys a family-style work environment where holidays and milestones are celebrated with meals and community service is encouraged. For over 60 years, our business strategy has remained unchanged…know your customers, provide sound products, and always strive to exceed your customers’ service expectations.

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CATEGORY: LARGE

Guaranty Bank & Trust Co.

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uaranty Bank and Trust is a community bank that values its most important asset, its employees.

Celebrating its high-performing team is important. Important enough, that it closes its bank branches early twice a year to reward and celebrate individual and team successes. Guaranty Bank is dedicated to acknowledging each goal reached by its employees by recognizing leadership and positive actions and creating a warm environment.

Locally owned and operated since 1943, Guaranty Bank delivers top-notch services and products to Mississippi and the surrounding areas. With humble beginnings, Guaranty Bank has grown from offering only the basic banking services and products to serving customers with a comprehensive, complete line of expertise and products

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only expected at much larger institutions. We are proud to be your local, big-time bank!

As a responsible leader in economic development, it strives to be an instrumental member of its local communities through its actions and the involvement of its employees.

2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 11

CATEGORY: MEDIUM FIRST PLACE

First Federal Savings & Loan

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ong-term relationships with both customers and employees are the bedrock of First Federal Savings & Loan Association. Making decisions that are best for both fosters a positive and successful work environment, according to First Federal management. With 57 fulltime team members, the average employee tenure is 15 years. Founded in Pascagoula and Moss Point in the mid-1950s, the institution has grown to over $285 million in assets with six branches serving south Mississippi. For sixty years, the corporate strategy at First Federal remains the same – know the customer, provide sound products and always strive to exceed the customer’s expectations. Providing unmatched service on mortgage loans and deposit accounts, and resi-

dential lending is First Federal’s specialty. Active in its Gulf Coast communities, First Federal supports the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and the United Way.

SECOND PLACE

BXS Insurance

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XS Insurance traces its roots in Mississippi to 1905, when John B. Sneed, established The Sneed Agency. In 1931, The Sneed Agency merged with the Hewes-Washington Co. Inc. and B. Havard Insurance Agency to form Stewart Sneed Hewes Inc. Under the guidance of John Thompson, who assumed the role of president in 1967, the organization grew to be the largest independent agency in Mississippi.

BancorpSouth purchased Stewart Sneed Hewes in 1999, as part of BancorpSouth Insurance Services, and changed the subsidiary’s name to BXS Insurance at the beginning of 2018. Composed of 31 offices across an eight-state footprint, BXS Insurance ranks among the top 50 largest insurance agency/ brokerage operations in the United States and in the top five among bank-owned

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institutions. Its seven Mississippi branch offices are made up of more than 185 employees.

While its employees are concentrated in the Southeastern United States, BXS Insurance is a member of the Worldwide Broker Network (WBN) and provides insurance.

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CATEGORY: MEDIUM THIRD PLACE

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLC

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radley places a premium on good communication and creating a work environment where everyone feels valued. It offers the ability to work on interesting matters, and we emphasize integrity, relationships, diversity, inclusion and mutual respect in the workplace. Our attorneys and staff enjoy a supportive work atmosphere that encourages employee feedback and charitable involvement in the local community.

“Bradley’s Jackson office joined the law firm in April 2001 as the first Bradley location outside of Alabama. It offers a full range of legal services for our clients, largely focused on construction, litigation, healthcare, insurance, life sciences, labor and employment, real estate, banking and financial services, environmental, product liability, and class actions. Its attorneys have earned a sterling

reputation in Mississippi’s capital for exceptional client service, integrity, and dedication to their community.

“The Jackson office is a proud sponsor of the International Ballet Competition, which comes to our city every four years. It also supports the Mississippi Museum of Art and Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, and works with the new Mississippi History and Civil Rights Museum.”

Forman Watkins & Krutz

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ike all of its clients, Forman Watkins is composed of people. Being people oriented permeates our approach to the law and to its work place. From parental leave for new parents or the open bright environment of its new office space, it is always aware of things that can make its team happier and provide better service and work product to clients. Its office has many areas for people to congregate and talk, or catch a brief respite from a busy day. The café includes coffee especially created for Forman Watkins, fresh fruit, and free soft drinks complete with Sonic ice. This area has become a place where people meet intentionally or by chance and laughter and conversation are heard throughout the day. In addition to creating and maintain a positive environment and culture for work, it strives to make sure that it is at the cutting edge

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of employee benefits including low cost healthcare options for all upon day 1 of employment, 401k matching, subsidized parking costs, flexible and generous PTO schedules. The goal is to make the office upbeat and vibrant. It believes it has created a place that people are excited about coming to each day.

2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 13

CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Next Gear Solutions, LLC

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fter starting in 2008 as a consulting company to the restoration industry with only 3 employees, Next Gear recognized a lack of technology options for its clients managing their jobs

and contacts.

It launched its software, DASH, in 2009.

After selling products to a few franchisers in the industry, it quickly became one of the leaders in restoration job and work-flow management software. Because of its dedication to not only innovative software but also excellent customer service, Next Gear grew exponentially in the following years in software solutions, customers, and employees. In 2016 Next Gear announced both an investment by a private equity firm and the first acquisition of a competing software company.

2017 saw two more acquisitions of industry software companies, and the fourth acquisition took place in early 2018. Next Gear now has more than 150 employees with the majority located in its home office in Oxford

Zavation

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stablished in 2011 by Jeffrey Johnson, Zavation began as a small medical device company with just a few employees. In 2012, the first sale was recorded, and momentum picked up.

Zavation quickly outgrew the facility and moved into a larger one. To better meet customer demand, manufacturing equipment was purchased, and internal production began in 2014.

From there, Zavation moved into the current headquarters in Flowood. It has been a process of continual improvement and growth, from partnering with LongueVue Capital for capital investment to acquiring another company based in Tampa, Florida. Zavation products are now being used internationally and in 42 states and counting.

Zavation is 100 percent employee-owned and values its employees to the highest degree; in turn, customer service flows naturally. Every

14 – 2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi

employee is a part of the family and cares about the future of the company. This is seen and felt everyday through the charismatic smiles and acts of service for customers/patients and other coworkers. The company culture is rooted in hard work, integrity, respect, and fun. Management takes interest in every employee and strives to help them reach their goals.

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CATEGORY: MEDIUM

Tindall Corp.

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indall Corp. got its start in 1932 as a small concrete manufacturing business based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina. When the Lowndes family purchased Tindall in 1963, it had six employees and primarily manufactured concrete utility pipes. Today, Tindall is one of the largest precast, prestressed concrete manufacturers in the United States with over 1,200 employees across five facilities in five states.

Tindall’s Mississippi Division has been in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for more than 10 years. This location overcame major obstacles over the past decade, most notably a rebuild following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The original Mississippi plant was located on the back bay in Biloxi. The production facility suffered considerable damage after Ka-

trina made landfall. A storm surge of nearly 35 feet carried nearly 50 boats, casino barges, and debris onto the property. Thanks to the support of the surrounding community the plant was able to get back up and running quickly.

Tindall chose to relocate to higher ground in Moss Point. There they were able to rapidly construct a new facility on a 100-acre site.

Ross & Yerger

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he name Ross & Yerger is synonymous with insurance in Jackson.

Since the mid-1800s, the firm has earned a solid reputation as an independent insurance firm that delivers quality customer service. For generations, dedicated professionals have labored under the Ross & Yerger brand to help the Jackson-based agency become a leader in both the insurance industry and the community. The firm is 100 percent employee-owned and 401 (k) match contributions are made in the form of company stock. This creates a family environment, where employees have one goal and are in it together.

The company provides an on-site exercise room, and all employees are given 30 minutes two

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days a week during business hours to visit the exercise room or go for a walk. Ross & Yerger also offer quarterly stress management seminars to help team members better manage both personal and work-related stress.

2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 15

CATEGORY: SMALL FIRST PLACE

R.J. Allen & Associates

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.J. Allen & Associates, Inc. has general construction experience dating to 1970. Incorporated in the State of Mississippi in 1984, RJAA provides professional construction management for every sector of the construction market throughout the southern United States.

R.J. Allen recognizes that its success lies in the commitment, passion, and integrity of its construction professionals. For these reasons, it strives to provide an environment that is both challenging and rewarding. R.J. Allen is a team-oriented company, sharing the goals and

core values that have made the company a success. RJAA offers great benefits, inspiring leadership, and a company culture that facilitates employee loyalty and commitment.

SECOND PLACE

Fleet Feet Jackson

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he epicenter for running and exercise denizens in the Jackson metropolitan area, Fleet Feet Jackson encourages employees to be physically active with incentives for free shoes and other running gear. Additionally, Fleet Feet team members enjoy a corporate membership with the Madison Healthplex, and reimburse $25 of the monthly membership fee. Lesley and Matthew Holleman acquired the popular store in 2008. The two recently expanded its footprint adding a second store in Flowood.

Originally from Baton Rouge, Lesley attended Delta State University and walked-on the cross country team her senior year. An active runner and exercise enthusiast, she and her husband have helped Fleet Feet become Jackson’s hub for

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the running community. Specializing in training programs that help customers learn how to properly run, walk and participate in triathlons, the franchise received the Pinnacle Award at Fleet Feet’s annual conference in 2008.

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CATEGORY: SMALL THIRD PLACE

EMI Staffing

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lacing skilled professionals in workplaces where they will truly excel requires understanding on how people think and act on the job. It also requires a strong team of dedicated recruiters who fully comprehend the local, national and regional marketplace. At EMI Staffing, mission accomplished. The Grenada-based company provides exactly the kind of hands-on service that companies expect from a staffing provider. Since 1998, EMI Staffing’s team of seasoned staffing professionals has helped countless companies in Mississippi and the surrounding states find both contract and permanent employees. They also assist hundreds of talented professionals in their search for a new position, and recruit for a wide range of contract

and direct positions. EMI Staffing prides itself on a family-friendly environment where people’s voices can be heard. It is also a strong supporter of Leadership Grenada.

TempStaff

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he plaudits and honors keep rolling in for TempStaff, a proud Mississippi staffing service based in Jackson. In 2014 and 2015, the company was named to Inavero and Career Builder’s “Best of Staffing” lists in both Client and Talent categories. A woman-owned business certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the company’s hard-earned reputation for quality service and commitment to clients has allowed it to become one of the largest independently-owned services in the South. Last year, TempStaff created the Sprout Initiative to help grow Mississippi through charitable giving, with employees and staff donating via payroll deductions, with the company matching to benefit numerous non-profit organizations. In addition, team members teach job search and interviewing

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skills through local high schools and community colleges. In 2014, TempStaff employed nearly 4,000 workers throughout central and southwest Mississippi.

2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 17

CATEGORY: SMALL

The Solutions Team

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ounded in 2007, with locations in Jackson and Carrollton, Ga., The Solutions Team is a Managed Cloud Solutions Provider offering a proven suite of hosting and managed services to businesses of all sizes seeking greater functionality, security and flexibility to work remotely from anywhere via the Internet.

The Solutions team believes it creates a culture, where everyone is appreciated as a member of The Solutions Team family – from top management to the newest hire.

The Solutions Team’s Founder and CEO, Todd Gooden, is engaged in the day-to-day activities of the company, and easily approachable. He works just as hard as everyone else.

Everyone is appreciated and valued for the

18 – 2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi

individuality they bring to the team. Employees are rewarded with competitive salaries, company paid health care, three weeks of paid leave, bonus plans, professional training and company sponsored lunches and other periodic team-building events.

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CATEGORY: SMALL

InfusionPlus

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nfusionPlus is an infusion pharmacy providing medications and nutrition in the home setting and alternate sites for patients in Mississippi and Louisiana.

InfusionPlus provides for its employees a teamwork structure that shares a common goal of patient/customer prioritization.

Employee input and perspectives are respected and encouraged in making decisions for the organization. Management also places a high priority on the employees’ personal goals and needs and moves quickly to meet these needs when possible. Shared values of faith and family provides a strong foundation for InfusionPlus and its employees to grow.

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A local ownership and local management team allows agility and flexibility in decision making for meeting the needs for patients with ever changing circumstances.

2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 19

CATEGORY: SMALL

BKD CPAs & Advisors

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ive years after World War I, three enterprising CPAs opened Baird, Kurtz & Dobson with $1,700 in the bank.

Today, BKD is one of the largest CPA firms in the U.S. with 37 offices in 16 states and serving clients in all 50 states and internationally.

In 2008, BKD acquired three local accounting firms in Jackson, Mississippi: Smith, Turner & Reeves; Johnson, Bruce & Host and Shearer, Taylor & Co.. In doing so, BKD became the second-largest CPA and advisory firm in Jackson and the third-largest in Mississippi. BKD Mississippi is led by Managing Partner, Peder Johnson.

BKD CPAs & Advisors is ranked as the 12th largest firm by revenue on Inside Public Accounting’s list of Top 25 Firms in 2017.

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Better Together At Bradley, we know that our staff is essential to the firm’s success. Our attorneys count on our staff to consistently provide exceptional service so we can meet — and exceed — the needs of our clients.

Bradley is proud to have been named one of the MBJ’s “Best Places to Work” for the fourth consecutive year.

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20 – 2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi

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CATEGORY: SMALL

EMC Insurance Co.

E

mployers Mutual Casualty Co. was organized in 1911 to write workers’ compensation protection in Iowa.

Today, EMC provides property and casualty insurance products and services throughout the United States and writes reinsurance contracts worldwide.

EMC distributes products solely through the independent agency system and operates under the philosophy that its partnership with independent agents brings a superior level of personalized service to the insurance process. To show its support of independent agents, EMC is part of the Trusted Choice® brand initiative.

The EMC Jackson Branch was formed in 1966 and currently serves Mississippi and Louisiana.

Today, the Jackson branch employs 45 team members.

Southern Pipe & Supply thanks our 312 Mississippi-based employees — who, to us, are family members — for once again voting us the “Best Large Company” to work for in Mississippi. The award says“Southern Pipe,” but it’s you, our dedicated family members, who have earned a place in the spotlight.

It’s our

SouthernPipe.com

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employees who really shine.

2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi – 21

CATEGORY: SMALL

Mississippi Interactive

M

ississippi Interactive believes happy employees are motivated to produce high-quality work and to provide great customer service which is why they’ve built a work environment centered on trust, transparency, and employee engagement. Other benefits that MSI offers that make it a great place to work include A casual and fun office environment, Competitive compensation program, a no-cost group medical/dental insurance, a Stock purchase plan and matching 401(k) contributions with 100 percent vesting, paid state holidays and vacation and tuition reimbursement, among many more.

Incorporated in 2010, Mississippi Interactive, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NIC, is the State of Mississippi’s eGovernment provider. Responsible for the development of innovative ser-

vices for state agencies, boards and commissions, MSI services positively transform the relationships between citizens and government by using technology to provide a more efficient method for obtaining information and services.

Synergetics

C

ustomer service is the core value at Synergetics, a full service IT consulting company. Launched in 1992 by President and CTO Jim Raines, Synergetics has a widerange of technology solutions that enable clients to concentrate on what’s important – ensuring the success of their businesses. The Starkville-based company offers network design and management, and provides network infrastructure, including fiber optic, copper cabling, and wireless solutions. Synergetics management believes in the value of hard work, and in the importance of striking a healthy balance between the job and one’s personal life. Providing team members the ability to ‘flex’ their work sched-

22 – 2019 Best Places to Work in Mississippi

ules in order to maintain this healthy work-life balance is a priority at Synergetics. Employees also are encouraged to participate in continuing education, training and professional certifications opportunities.

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Real estate investment strategies for high net-worth individuals

M

ost of my day is filled with conversations about commercial and investment real estate and the majority of the time I am discussing investment strategies with high net-worth individuals. Our discussions are mainly about which markets to invest in and what property type offers the best returns. However, toward the end of the conversation I always try to steer the subject matter to investment strategy.

To the majority of investors, especially passive investors, investment strategy is something that is decided after putting a property under contract. Examples of investment strategies could be to buy for long term cash flow; purchase underperforming properties; purchase large tracts of land and subdivide. There is a wide variety of investment strategies that are not property type specific, but how a property is purchased and the type of exit strategy will be implemented. Not all investment strategies are for long-term “cash flow” and many passive investors have found several other strategies to more lucrative.

I guess now is the best time to mention that employing different kinds of investment strategies can increase risk in investment real estate. Truly understanding the risk/reward scenario is imperative.

During my career I have found three (3) primary types of investment strategies most “passive” high net-worth individuals search for when making commercial or investment real estate investments.

Again, these are not the only three (3), but they seem to be the most common.

Buy properties in high growth markets.

There’s no doubt that most passive investors prefer to be in growing areas with newer construction. It’s not only a “strategy”, but obviously a herd mentality.

Residents, investors, tenants and others like new things and no doubt there is a buzz when a market is seeing new housing and commercial buildings being built.

24 – Mississippi Business Journal

The strategy is to purchase the property and let market appreciation grow rents and value. Many investors see this as an opportunity to purchase a property with a higher demand and less property related issues since the properties are newer. Again, most of these high netters are passive investors and not in the property management business so it only makes sense for them to be more comfortable with fewer problems. In addition, these type investments tend to be more predictable & safe. The downside to these types of properties is that they are highly competitive and typically bring lower returns than other strategies. However, if the market is growing, the investor should enjoy increasing rents and ultimately a higher valuation.

Land banking. Yeah…I know I said these investment strategies were not property type specific; however, there is just something tempting to high netters about buying land. This strategy is similar to purchasing in a high growth area, Land Banking assumes appreciation over time as growth and developments occur. Typically, an investor has a bulk of cash to park and doesn’t want the day to day management headaches of other investments so they will purchase a tract of land on the outside of a growing area. In addition, there would possibly be some type of zoning change from agricultural to residential or residential to commercial. Some investors get into this strategy through inheritance of family land and others have a real sense of which direction a community is shifting. The appeal of land banking is that it involves very little management and you can possibly enjoy the land while you wait on an exit strategy. The downside of this type of investment strategy is that timing of an exit or disposition is not predictable. However, many investors I have worked with that have utilized this strategy have made above-average returns with what they feel was little risk and very

Brian Estes

little work.

Buy & revitalize underperforming properties. This is the most commonly requested investment strategy of all investors, not just high netters. This is also the most common investment strategy for novice investors who are purchasing single-family homes to syndicators who are purchasing large apartment complexes. In reality, this is a very good strategy and does reduce the risk of investing by purchasing at a discount and handling the serious issues of the property on the front end. Some HNWI investors will use this strategy for long term cash flow and appreciation and others will “add value” and then sell the property for a profit over a 2 to 3 year period. The downside to this strategy is obviously this is not “passive” and requires a lot of market knowledge and execution of the strategy once the property is acquired.

Most passive high net investors will joint venture with a more active developer or property management companies who are familiar with the property type. This investment strategy typically yields the highest returns; however, as previously mentioned, involves more risk and certainly more work as the strategy requires execution after purchase.

Overall, there are a myriad of additional investment strategies used by high net-worth individuals and other investors in commercial & investment real estate.

Which strategies investors should utilize should depend on investment experience, cash position, and relationships within the industry. In addition, certain strategies work better for specific property types and markets. It’s always best to consult with a real estate professional who understands the investment markets before implementing any of these strategies.

Brian E. Estes is president and investment advisor with the Estes Group and can be reached at brian@estesgroup.net.

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GAMING

Developer gets approval for casino on Gulf Coast A plan to build a casino on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast is one step closer to becoming reality.

WLOX-TV reports the Mississippi Gaming Commission gave site approval to the Cure Land Co. The local developer plans to build the casino in Lakeshore, a community near Bay St. Louis.

In March , the developer submitted a legal notice to build the casino with 40,000 square feet of gambling space, 1,100 slot machines and 22 game tables as well as a 300-room hotel.

Cure Land is one of the largest landowners in Hancock County. The company is building a boutique hotel in downtown Bay St. Louis — and also is the landlord of the Silver Slipper Casino.

Coast Mental Health offers such a variety of services that cover such a vast number of needs for the community, the absence of that will leave a tremendous gap.”

In addition to counseling services, the agency provides substance abuse treatment, case management for residents with psychiatric disorders, day programs for the chronically mentally ill, work activity centers for the developmentally delayed and an array of services for children with behavioral and learning problems.

“There is nothing else like it. People who are uninsured and underinsured have no other options,” Walker said.

Gulf Coast Mental Health also accepts Medicare and Medicaid, which is often not the case with private providers. Walker said mental health professionals are unsure what will happen to some of their clients.

“We really worry about that,” Walker said. “We don’t know. We don’t know.”

The loss of services comes at a time when the U.S. Justice Department is suing the state for failing to provide adequate community mental health services.

HEALTH

Mental health services ending for thousands in Mississippi Mental health services will soon end for thousands of adults and children in four Mississippi Gulf Coast counties because of a lack of funding.

The Gulf Coast Mental Health Center notified the boards of supervisors in Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River and Stone counties that the grant-funded agency will be unable to fund services after Aug. 11, news outlets reported. And, officials said they will inform the state’s chancery courts that the agency will be unable to accept involuntary commitments after Aug. 1.

In a letter to county supervisors, the clinic’s board of commissioners said it will begin referring all clients to community providers. Because the clinic receives state and federal funds, the Department of Mental Health will be notified to provide assistance with placing the residents in the two supervised living group homes.

The letter also said assistance will also be requested on how to discontinue the other services, including the crisis stabilization unit.

Employees were notified Thursday of the pending closure.

“It’s going to be devastating,” said Cori Walker, a licensed clinical social worker in private practice who previously worked at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and has dealt with involuntary commitments. “Gulf

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CBL Properties completes sale of Madison’s The Forum at Grandview for $31.75M CBL Properties announced on July 16th that it has closed on the sale of The Forum at Grandview, a 216,000-square-foot shopping center in Madison.

The center was sold to Hendon Properties for $31.75 million, all cash. Proceeds from the sale were used to reduce outstanding balances on the Company’s line of credit.

“The sale of The Forum at Grandview is an excellent example of our continued access to attractively priced capital,” \ Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL Properties, said in a news release. “Proceeds from this disposition will supplement our significant free cash flow, providing liquidity to fund our redevelopment opportunities and debt reduction.”

The Forum at Grandview is anchored by Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, HomeGoods, Michaels, HomeGoods, Stein Mart, Petco and ULTA. The center was originally developed in 2010 in a 75/25 joint venture with Mattiace Development. CBL received 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale.

MONEY

Mississippi sales tax holiday includes school supplies Mississippi will have its annual sales tax holiday but this year there’s more to celebrate.

School supplies are officially on the tax exemption list for the holiday, which is on July 26 and 27. All clothing, footwear and school supplies under $100 can be purchased minus the 7 percent state sales tax.

Sen. Chuck Younger co-authored the bill that passed last year and said it’s long overdue.

Younger says if there’s a tax-exempt holiday for firearms, then there should be one to help parents and teachers with school supplies.

The Mississippi Department of Revenue website has a description of items that are eligible for the two-day tax break.

GAMING

Eldorado selling casinos in Mississippi, Missouri Casino company Eldorado Resorts Inc. says it is selling two of its 26 properties and will use the proceeds to help it buy Caesars Entertainment Corp.

Reno-based Eldorado announced that Rhode Island-based Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc. will buy the Lady Luck Casino in Vicksburg,, and the Isle of Capri property in Kansas City,, for a combined $230 million.

The cash sales are expected to close early next year.

Union Gaming analyst John DeCree told the Las Vegas Review-Journal the deal with Twin River could help fund Eldorado’s $17.3 billion plan to buy Caesars and its more than 30 casinos in the U.S. The purchase of Las Vegas-based Caesars, announced June 24, followed pressure from activist investor Carl Icahn.

It needs approval by gambling regulators and shareholders.

— MBJ Staff & Wire Reports

Mississippi Business Journal – 25

TOURISM

DMR: the fish are ok to eat, but beaches remain closed

By JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com It’s okay to eat seafood from the Mississippi Sound.

That statement to the Mississippi Business Journal by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is the first good news that the coastal counties have had this summer.

Another agency, the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), closed near-shore water at all 21 beaches, starting with some in late June to protect the public from blue-green alga that can cause rashes, vomiting and diarrhea.

“The seafood is safe to eat,” Joe Spraggins, executive director of the DMR, told the Journal.

Spraggins said that public fisherman simply must use common sense and avoid exposing themselves to the alga.

State epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said in a prepared statement to the Journal last week that he “would imagine if there had been an outbreak we would have heard about it.”

The absence of an outbreak evidently is the result of the state agencies’ continuous testing and the closing of the beaches.

The algal bloom has been caused by an abundance of non-saline water dumped into the Gulf from the Bonnet Carre Spillway, which has been open since Feb. 27 to protect upstream land from flooding. The spillway is dumping water from the swollen Mississippi River into Lake Pontchartrain and then into the Gulf of Mexico.

The nonsaline water is also contaminated by fertilizer runoff from farming operation all along the national river.

Restaurants and dealers are providing safe seafood because it is “monitored and tested regularly,” Coastal Mississippi, which promotes tourism, said in a release.

26 – Mississippi Business Journal

Photo by MSU Ag Communications/Kevin Hudson

Shrimp caught in the Mississippi Sound are not nearly as plentiful this year.

The tourism industry in the three coastal counties -- Hancock, Harrison and Jackson – amounted to $2 billion spent in 2017, the most recent year figures are available, or 32.2 percent of the tourism market of $6.4 billion for the whole state, according to Coastal Mississippi.

The Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association has received “mixed reports” from the coastal eateries, said Pat Fontaine, executive director. A lot of restaurants get their seafood from other states, Fontaine said.

The impact on beach vendors – such as jet skis, beach chairs and umbrellas – has been “severe,” Fontaine said.

Restaurants that specialize in seafood are reaching out beyond the Gulf Coast for their fish.

Mary Mahoney’s Old French House in Biloxi co-owner Tony Cvitanovich said, “It really hasn’t affected us that much.”

The restaurant gets crabs from Bayou La Batre in Alabama, tuna, red snapper and

speckled trout from offshore and farmraised redfish from Texas.

The ripple effects have been felt far from the coast.

Bob Crechale, owner of the venerable “Crechale’s Cafe” in Jackson whose weathered sign dating to 1956 features a leaping fish, says he gets his flounder and scallops from the East Coast and his shrimp from Texas.

“It’s tough and it’s fixin’ to get real tough to get seafood from down there,” he said, referring to the approaching Hurricane Barry, which dumped a lot more rain on the coast and far inland.

In a prepared statement, Spraggins said: “Thus far, the water samples tested

by MDMR and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have not shown toxin levels high enough to warrant concern for consumption of local seafood.

See BEACHES, Page 27

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BEACHES Continued from, Page 26

The DEQ beach closure extends only so far into the water, roughly waist deep, said Robbie Wilbur, spokesman for the agency.

The charter captains said that they do not fish that close to shore regardless.

The DEQ has advised the public not to consume seafood from the sound.

Whether that position changes based on the Marine Resources findings was not clear as of last week.

And whether the DMR position leads to the lifting of the beach closures remains to be seen.

The statement from Spraggins elicited a noncommital response from Wilbur: “You’ll have to speak to ... Spraggins and DMR about this.”

Fishing along the barrier islands has not been disrupted, as their beaches remain open. They are under the authority of the National Park Service.

“Recreational and commercial fishing off-shore in Mississippi waters remains

unaffected by the algal bloom and is safe for consumption,” Spraggins said.

Spraggins said that “we don’t have to worry about them eating oysters, because there’s not any” due to the nonsaline water killing them because they cannot move.

Shrimp numbers are down considerably, he said. The five-year average for the Mississippi shrimp harvest in June is 2 million pounds. This year, it’s about 500,000, Spraggins said.

The finding on seafood is good news for charter boats, whose business has been dramatically affected by the bacterial contamination.

Several charter operations interviewed for this article, are adamant that their livelihoods have been crippled by the publicity surrounding the freshwater contamination.

Sonny Schindler, who heads up the Shore Thing Charters out of Bay St. Louis, said that “we haven’t missed any work.

We’ve just worked a lot harder. Every aspect of the business has changed.”

Schindler said the seven-boat opera-

tion has even turned to birding tours to supplement its business.

Mike Foto, owner of Fish Finder Charters out of Biloxi said that his business, which offers in-shore and deep-water service, during the summer is 25 percent of what it normally is.

Foto and other charter captains maintain that the downturn in their business is primarily because of widespread perception that doesn’t match reality.

But the reality is that the coast is suffering its worst economic calamity since the BP oil spill of 2010.

The company paid $750 million to the state, with 75 percent of it going to six coastal counties, for damages and loss of tax revenues.

Gov. Phil Bryant and the Mississippi congressional delegation has asked for federal disaster aid due to the fresh-water intrusion and its consequences.

The Army Corps of Engineers had been expected to start the shutdown of Bonnet Carre in mid-July, but Hurricane Barry’s soaking from the Gulf to far inland changed that outlook.

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Mississippi Business Journal – 27

NEWSMAKERS

TEC of Bay Springs hires Jones

can call on throughout their lives, whether they pursue a career in music, or they simply wish to enrich their lives and communities by sharing their talents,” Hoitt says.

TEC announced the appointment of Kimbra Jones as Customer Relations Representative at TEC of Bay Springs, Inc., in Bay Springs.

Jones will be responsible for assisting with promoting, marketing, selling and supporting of TEC products and services.

Rehearsals for the choir and its new Artistic Director will begin in August for both locations - Jackson and Vicksburg. Hoitt is hopeful to start the fall term with a full complement of singers.

The core group that makes up the Mississippi Boychoir is between eight and 15 years of age, with a few younger and older additions. To schedule an audition or learn more, visit Mississippi Boychoir online at www.msboychoir.org.

Jones

Jones received a Bachelor of Public Relations from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Jones currently resides in Sylvarena with her son, Kane Davis Blakeney.

Mississippi Boychoir announces new leadership Mississippi Boychoir has announced the promotion of Katherine Hoitt to the role of Artistic Director. She brings Youth Choir Experience for Boychoir’s 25th Season.

Hoitt, a public school choral director, joined the Boychoir last year as an assistant. She Hoitt brings a lifetime of musical experience to the podium, having spent eight years as a chorister with Mobile’s Singing Children in her Alabama hometown before earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education and choral conducting at the University of Southern Mississippi. She is currently the choir director at the Academy of Innovation in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

For Hoitt singing is about more than the academic development of Boychoir members.

“Making music with other human beings can give a person an important sense of self and personal identity,” says Ms. Hoitt. “I believe boys today, more than ever, need an artistic outlet where they can explore their emotions through learning a craft and creating something of which they can be proud.” She is convinced the Mississippi Boychoir experience can be a life-changing one for the young men of our state. “The role that Boychoir can play in the life of a young singer is limitless.

It provides young men with a skill set that they

28 – Mississippi Business Journal

The Cirlot Agency promotes three employees The Cirlot Agency announced the promotion of three of its employees, each of whom joined Cirlot at its Jackson headquarters in 2015.

Lauren Hegwood has been promoted to Brand Manager. A former Public Relations Specialist, Hegwood has executed multiple public relations and marketing initiatives, managed integrated communications efforts for various clients, including public relations efforts and media relations for the Sanderson Farms Championship, an annual stop on the PGA TOUR. As Brand Manager, Hegwood will specialize in increasing brand recognition, lead in the development and distribution of marketing materials, and work with regional and national media outlets to optimize client positioning.

Diane Dickard has been promoted to Video & Graphics Director for The Cirlot Agency. For the past four years, Dickard served as Graphic Designer, concepting and executing corporate logos, print ads, brochures, magazines, tradeshow displays and collateral, as well as interactive design elements.

Her storytelling expertise has been featured among dozens of brands. In her new role, Dickard will develop and produce of motion graphics and videography for the agency’s wide spectrum of clients.

E.B. Martin III has been promoted Account Manager. As Social Media Manager, Martin developed and managed digital advertising, generated analytical data, and measured “big-picture” industry trends. In 2016, Martin played a crucial role in managing the award-winning “Better Me, Better Mississippi” campaign for the Mississippi Department of Human Services. As Account Manager, Martin will lead various business development

initiatives, augment integrated communications tactics, and generate client growth strategies.

JBHM elevates Ryan Florreich to Principal JBHM Architecture has elevated Ryan Florreich, AIA, NCARB, to principal in recognition of his outstanding performance across a wide range of sectors, most notably education, civic and healthcare.

A 13-year veteran of the Florreich architecture and design industry, Florreich joined the firm in 2006 soon after graduating from Mississippi State University’s School of Architecture.

Florreich has extensive experience in designing K-12 educational facilities, working with the Jackson Public School District, Madison County School District, Moss Point School District, and Pascagoula-Gautier School District. His award-winning work also includes Central Nephrology Clinic and Fresenius Medical Care in Flowood, Hinds Community College Allen-Dukes-Whitaker Women’s Residence Hall and Riggs-Virden Men’s Residence Hall in Raymond, Long Beach City Hall, Long Beach Fire Station No. 2 and Jackson Imports.

Baldock and Crozier join Peterbilt Truck Centers Randy Baldock joined Peterbuilt Truck Centers as Chief Financial Officer. He has more than 30 years of accounting and finance experience, the last 12 in automotive parts distribution with AAHC Inc. Baldock is a graduate of the University of Memphis. He is married with 4 children and 2 grandsons.

Carey Crozier joined Peterbilt Truck Centers as Marketing Coordinator. She previously directed the merchandising and marketing for the Metairie Country Club, and most recently was the Head Senior Page for the Mississippi State Senate. Crozier is a 2018 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and enjoys watching and playing sports, gardening, traveling and family.

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NEWSMAKERS

Cooper elected president of state newspaper media association Kevin Cooper, Senior Vice President/Digital and Special Projects for Boone Newspapers, Inc., has been elected to lead the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Press Association.

Cooper, 48, is the former longtime publisher and editor Cooper of The Natchez Democrat and has served on the MPA Board since 2012. A Gulf Coast native, he is a 1993 journalism graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and member of its School of Communication Hall of Fame.

Cooper, was a staff photographer for The Natchez Democrat after graduating, and eventually moved to Biloxi as a photographer for The Sun Herald. He rejoined Boone Newspapers in 1998 as a management trainee and returned to Natchez before being named its managing editor in 1999.

He later served as publisher of the Boone-owned Ironton (Ohio) Tribune and once again returned to Natchez as publisher in 2006.

Cooper and his wife, Julie, a former editor for The Natchez Democrat and Natchez the Magazine, have two children, Anna and James.

Cooper will also a serve concurrently as president of Mississippi Press Services, an advertising and marketing subsidiary of MPA. Amanda Sexton Ferguson, the publisher of The Winona Times and The Conservative in Carrollton, was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board. She started her newspaper career at her hometown newspaper, The Southaven Press, where she was eventually named editor. She also spent five years as the Communications Coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South, directing the organization’s marketing, public relations, and brand development. She joined the Times in 2007.

Lisa Bryant of The Pontotoc Progress was elected to fill a two-year unexpired term. Bryant began working in the newspaper industry in 1991 at the Progress as an advertising consultant. She

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later served as advertising manager and general manager before being named Associate Publisher/ Community Newspapers for Tupelo-based Journal, Inc., the parent company of the Progress.

Also elected to officer positions were First Vice President Jack Ryan of the Enterprise-Journal in McComb, Second Vice President Stephanie Patton of The Leland Progress, and Treasurer George R. “Russell” Turner of The Greene County Herald in Leakesville.

Paul Keane, publisher of The Wayne County News in Waynesboro, becomes Immediate Past President of the Association and Chairman of the Board for the Mississippi Press Association Education Foundation.

The Skills Foundation of Mississippi elects new leaders for 2019 The Skills Foundation of Mississippi, Inc., announced that Amy Walker, Area Sales Manager for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions has been elected to Chair the organization for 2019-2020, succeeding Amy Tate, Government Relations Manager for Tennessee Valley Authority. Subsequently, Ed Gardner, Director of Business and Economic Development for Entergy Mississippi was elected Vice Chairman for the organization. The Skills Foundation of Mississippi is a Mississippi based non-profit focused on growing the quantity of in-demand skilled labor across the state.

The Board of Directors also elected a new Director, John Brent (J.B.) Swanson, Director of Continuous Improvement at Stribling Equipment and Empire Truck Sales.

The 2019-2020 Board of Directors: Christa Bishop - Senior Vice President Communications - Cooperative Energy Carol Burger - Past President/CEO - United Way of the Capitol Area Ashley Edwards - President/CEO - Gulf Coast Business Council Ed Gardner - Director of Business & Economic Development - Entergy Mississippi Jennifer Johnson - Policy Director - Southern Bancorp Community Partners

facturers Association George Schloegel (Chairman Emeritus)- Former Mayor of Gulfport, Former Director State Workforce Investment Board, Retired CEO of Hancock Bank J.B. Swanson - Director of Continuous Improvement, Empire Truck Sales, LLC Amy Tate (Immediate Past Chairman) - Government Relations Manager - Tennessee Valley Authority Curnis Upkins - Vice President, Human Resources - Mississippi Hospital Association Brian Useforge - Economic Development Director - Mississippi Power Company Amy Walker - Area Sales Manager - Ergon, Inc.

Saindon joins Neel-Schaffer Neel-Schaffer, Inc., announced that Ken Saindon, PE, SE, has joined the firm in the newly created position of Senior Bridge Discipline Practice Leader.

Saindon has nearly 25 years of consulting engineering experience and has Saindon worked on dozens of large projects across the country, from a $2 billion rail transit project at the Honolulu Airport to an 8.7- mile, $1 billion light rail project in New York City that serves Kennedy Airport.

Saindon has also managed or provided design services for major bridge projects in Oregon, California, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, North Dakota, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

Saindon will be responsible for helping grow the Bridge Design Discipline across Neel-Schaffer’s nine-state footprint and beyond.

Saindon is a Registered Structural Engineer in Texas, Colorado and Utah, and a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. He holds two degrees from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering – Structural Emphasis, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Jay Moon - President/CEO - Mississippi Manu-

Mississippi Business Journal – 29

SMALL BUSINESS

Courtesy of Main Street Clinton

Shops in Clinton.

Small business thrive with help from Mississippi Main Street Association

By Becky Gillette

S

mall businesses are a large part of what makes Main Street communities special, said Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) State Coordinator Thomas Gregory.

“Many times, these local businesses are also tourist destinations that have become icons in their hometowns,” Gregory said. “The MMSA works with our local communities to attract, support, and retain unique small businesses as part of our downtown economic development strategy.”

MMSA is celebrating 35 years as the downtown economic development organization for the state.

“We still do what we have always done, help start and sustain Main Street programs in our historic business districts throughout the state,” said Jeannie W. Zieren, director of marketing and communications,

See MAIN STREET, Page 31

30 – Mississippi Business Journal

MMSA. “But the approach has been refreshed. We revitalize downtowns based on the Main Street approach of organization, design, promotion and economic vitality, but we make sure the work plans that shape the Gregory work that is done are based on what the local market can support and what the community desires.”

There is no cookie cutter plan to develop a downtown. Zieren said you must know your community and build on what is authentic, Zieren true and special, and then focus on attracting people – whether it is recruiting a new business or attracting recent college grads or retirees to live there.

“Main Street is about quality of life

and everything we do is to preserve what matters (the historic fabric of the community) and promote what makes your hometown a special place to live, work and play,” she said. “Mississippi is rich in history and culture, and every town and city is special and has its own story to tell. We try to help our communities do just that.”

MMSA is a non-profit with a small staff, so they lean on other statewide partners in economic development and preservation to help get the job done.

“With the support of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and many private investors, we are able to stretch our dollars and use them wisely,” Zieren said. “Main Street is the most effective economic development program in Mississippi.”

Since they began recording reinvestment statistics in the early ‘90s, Main Street communities have generated 42,791 jobs, 7,810 businesses, 1,320 business expansions, 3,391 building rehabs, 3,286 downtown living spaces, $1.3 billion in public investment and

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SMALL BUSINESS

MAIN STREET Continued from, Page 30

$4.1 billion dollars in private investment.

MMSA assists local programs with the tools and knowledge to be able to promote the local small businesses in their downtowns.

“One of the first things we encourage a new Main Street director to do is ‘walk the street’ and meet all of their merchants and get to know them,” Zieren said. “Many of our programs have regular meetings with their merchants.

MMSA assists the local program in a lot of ways whether through hosting a small business development workshop, hiring a consultant to help an individual business with a specific need (like having an online presence), offering mini-grants for building improvements or business assistance, and promoting local businesses through retail events like open houses and sidewalk sales.”

For the last several years, Main Street America has partnered with American Express’ Small Business Saturday, which is the special sale on the Saturday following Thanksgiving that promotes shopping small.

“Our Main Street programs sign up and receive special promotional items and digital marketing tools to promote the day,” Zieren said. “Small Business Saturday has been very successful in Mississippi and across the U.S.” Zieren said they see the same factors across successful communities: a strong work force, good schools and health care, and strong local leadership.

“Main Street is truly grassroots, so any town of any size can start a Main Street program as long as there are people who care,” she said. “It might just be starting to clean up your streets, pick up litter, plant flowers and put something artistic in the window of an empty storefront. The Main Street approach is long-term and incremental so even big, impressive programs like Tupelo and Ocean Springs have been taking baby steps for more than 30 years. New programs have to remember that. There are no overnight success stories.”

Some of the successes include MMSA’s resource team creating façade master plans for Coast communities after Katrina, Columbus and Vicksburg’s upper floor housing (each have more than 300 downtown living spac-

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Courtesy of Main Street Clinton

Busy street during Clinton Farmers Market. nesses just twelve years ago,” said Anna es), Greenwood’s Rehabit program that is recruiting new retail opportunities in Boyd Hawks, assistant director, Main Street Clinton. “By making Olde Towne downtown, Tupelo’s Fairpark District, Aberdeen’s Depot restoration, Laurel’s downtown lighting project, and the See SMALL, Page 32 Fortification Street revamp in the Greater Belhaven neighborhood.

“Our success stories revolve around fixing historic buildings and people doing something with them,” she said.

“It’s a domino General Liability effect —when one property owner deProperty cides to fix up their building, others Workers' Comp follow.”

Main Street Business Clinton, which Owners (BOP) began in 2007, has Also available: used a variety of events and beauCommercial Auto Builders' Risk tification projects Bonds to draw residents Homeowners and visitors to Olde Renters Personal Auto Towne.

Group Life & Health “A beautifully Short Term Medical quaint downtown 689 Towne Center Blvd., Ste A with charming Ridgeland, MS 39157 brick streets, Olde 601-981-3663 Towne had only a www.accountservicesgroup.com handful of busi-

Mississippi Business Journal – 31

SMALL BUSINESS

SMALL Continued from, Page 31

the destination for community events, Main Street sought to further establish beautiful Olde Towne as the heart of the Clinton community. The Olde Towne Markets are large craft festivals that bring thousands of people downtown four times a year. Crafts by local vendors include everything from original paintings to jewelry, woodworking, and pottery.

Downtown merchants cite these market days as some of their best all year. The weekly Fresh at Five Farmers Markets throughout the summer are a community favorite.”

The goal of having more events downtown is two-fold: to generate more traffic in Olde Towne and to showcase Clinton’s historic downtown.

“That traffic supports our current merchants and makes the area attractive for new businesses,” Hawks said. “Beautification projects, too, generate traffic and showcase the uniqueness of Clinton. Main Street has worked with local artists to install two murals downtown and one in the Boulevard Business District.”

A city that has found success with a Main Street program is Baldwyn, population 3,300, in northeast Mississippi. The once thriving downtime started dying after the development of the Highway 45 bypass.

“Local businesses suffered and slowly generations of building owners closed their doors leaving several properties abandoned for years,” said Lori Tucker, director, Baldwyn Main Street Chamber. “Our historic downtown was basically ‘flat line--no heartbeat’ as many downtowns throughout

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32 – Mississippi Business Journal

“Main Street is truly grassroots so any town of any size can start a Main Street program as long as there are people who care.”

Jeannie W. Zieren MMSA director of marketing and communications

the South. However, Mississippi Main Street program along with other organizations, like Mississippi Department of Transportation, MDA, Mississippi Department of Archives & History and the National Park Service, have given us the tools and instruction on how to preserve the historic charm of downtown buildings and landmarks. Our historic six block downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and qualifies for federal and state tax credits for downtown investors.”

These, along with other incentives such as local tax abatements, façade grants, etc., have encouraged building owners to invest and rehab downtown properties. Since 2008, the Baldwyn Main Street Chamber organization has seen seven historic tax credit projects, 12 local tax abatements, 26 new businesses, 37 façade grants and 263 building permits, and more than 45 new jobs downtown. There has been about $600,000 in public investment and private investments of more than $2.9 million.

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Mississippi Business Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 33

SMALL BUSINESS MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES

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34 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mississippi Business Journal

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EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRAINING

Mississippi education gains good news for students, parents and employers

By Becky Gillette

ississippi, which in the past has often been ranked near the bottom in public education, has been making some impressive gains.

“The successes we’re seeing from student-driven policies, like the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, will positively change Mississippi for generations,” said Sen. Gray Tollison, chairman of the Mississippi Senate Education Committee. “More kids will walk across that stage with a diploma with significantly better chances of being successful at a community college or university and finding a good-paying job. As more of these students reach graduation and head into the work force, employers will see that our people can compete with anyone, anywhere, and they’ll want to locate here to tap into that human potential.”

State Superintendent of Education Carey M. Wright, Ed.D., said that with the help of school leaders and dedicated teachers, students are rewriting the story about public education in the state. Wright said the narrative of “failing” Mississippi schools has been told for so long that many people don’t know that Mississippi students and schools are actually succeeding.

“Our success is attracting national attention,” Wright said. “The 2018 Education Week Quality Counts report recognized Mississippi as one of the five most improved states in the nation. While Mississippi has more improvement to make, it is clear that the state’s steady achievements in education demonstrate that substantial progress has been made. The public education community is changing the narrative of what Mississippi students can accomplish with the right supports, higher expecta-

M

See GAINS, Page 36

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Life

is full of

CHOICES

My BEST decision!

Register NOW for Fall classes! www.hindscc.edu In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 of the Higher Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable Federal and State Acts, Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding these policies: EEOC Compliance: Sherry Franklin, Vice President for Utica Campus and Administrative Services, Box 1003, Utica, MS 39175; Phone: 601.885.7002 or Email: EEOC@hindscc.edu. Title IX: Randall Harris, Vice President for Advancement and Student Services, Title IX Coordinator, Box 1100 Raymond MS 39154; Phone: 601.857.3889 or Email: Titleix@hindscc.edu.

Mississippi Business Journal – 35

FOCUS: EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRAINING

GAINS Continued from, Page 35

tions and bold initiatives.”

Some factors pointing to improvement include: » Mississippi’s graduation rate reached an all-time high of 84 percent in 2019, almost tied with the national rate of 84.6 percent. The state’s drop-out rate fell to an historic low of 10.1 percent, a decrease from 13.9 percent in 2014. » The number of students completing career and technical education programs increased from 6,912 in 2015 to about 8,600 in 2018. » Literacy skills among students in pre-K through the 3rd grade have steadily improved. » About 76 percent of pre-K students in Mississippi’s Early Learning Collaboratives (ELCs) met the end-of-year kindergarten readiness score, up from 59 percent in 2015. » The Mississippi pre-K program was one of eight in the nation to meet at least nine of the 10 nation-

ally recognized standards of quality. » An estimated 65 percent of kindergarteners met the end-ofyear target score in 2018, up from 54 percent in 2015. » National Assessment of Educational Progress Highlights show Mississippi is 2nd in the nation for gains in 4th grade reading, 4th in the nation for gains in 4th grade math, 7th in the nation for gains in 8th grade math and 12th in the nation for gains in 8th grade reading. » Nearly 83 percent of 3rd graders passed the 3rd Grade Reading Assessment after their second attempt in 2019, which means the large majority of 3rd graders are meeting the highest reading standard ever required under the Literacy-Based Promotion Act. 3rd grade reading pass rate increased for all subgroups, including a 17-percentage point increase for students with disabilities from 2016 to 2017 » English language arts proficiency rates increased from 32 percent to 40 percent between 2015 and

2018, while proficiency rates in math increased from 27 percent to 44 percent. » Advanced placement participation and achievement nearly doubled since Tollison 2013.

“Mississippi is receiving positive, national attention for the significant strides students are making toward improving educational outcomes,” Wright said. “The 2018 Southern Regional Education Wright Board (SREB) report demonstrates that the strategies that Mississippi has put in place to improve student achievement from See EDUCATION, Page 37

wmcarey.edu Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God.

36 – Mississippi Business Journal

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EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRAINING

EDUCATION Continued from, Page 36

pre-K through college are working.

I am proud of all of the students, educators and school leaders across the state who are changing the trajectory of education in Mississippi.”

SREB monitors progress of 16 member states on goals across all education levels. The reports focus on what will help each state accelerate the pace of progress.

“It is critical that states take a closer look at their individual successes and challenges to see what has worked, what still needs to be done, and what we can learn from one another,” said SREB President Stephen Pruitt, “SREB remains committed to working with states to help them continue that progress.”

Pruitt said there have been impressive gains in the South including the percentage of ninth graders moving on to 12th grade in

four years increased in all 16 SREB states. In 2016 the region’s high school graduation rate exceeded the national rate for the fourth straight year.

He said some of the top challenges in the SREB region are that high-quality pre-K programs are not available to all children who need them. Only a third of fourth graders are proficient readers. And far too many working-age adults have no high school or postsecondary credentials. Pruitt said to get more students ready to enter college and the workplace, states will need to continually monitor student outcomes and evaluate their policies and practices, according to this year’s SREB state progress reports.

Priorities of the Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) and the Mississippi Department of Education for 2019 and beyond include maintaining high academic standards that will prepare all students

for college and careers, helping to make teachers and school leaders more effective, strengthening the state’s early childhood education infrastructure, making data-driven decisions to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps, and improving low-performing schools.

The SBE approved new diploma options starting in the 201819 school year that give students the opportunity to earn an endorsement with their high school diploma and provide the majority of students with disabilities an opportunity to earn a traditional diploma.

Improvements are also being seen after high school. The firstyear persistence rate of first-time, full-time students at public, 4-year colleges and universities outpaced the region in growth, indicating that more first-time, full-time college students returned to college for a second year.

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Mississippi Business Journal – 37

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRAINING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

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THE SPIN CYCLE

State of the news media report released from Pew

A

ast week, the Spin Cycle explored the recently released Pew Research Center State of the News Media report, showcasing key audience and economic indicators across the U.S. news media landscape.

This data pinpoints the shifting ways Americans seek news and information in an increasingly digital world.

The press – often referred to as the fourth branch of government – is also very much a business. And its ability to make an impact with the public is dependent on its ability to attract eyes and dollars!

This year, instead of a single report, Pew developed a series of fact sheets spotlighting the most important info from each sector. Over the coming weeks, The Spin Cycle will dive into these reports. This week, our focus is on local TV news.

While television remains the most common place for Americans to get their news, with local TV outpacing cable and network TV, local TV news saw its audience decline across all time slots studied over the past year. Financially, local TV companies generated more revenue in 2018 than in 2017, consistent with a cyclical pattern in which revenue rises in election years and falls in non-election years, according to the Pew report.

In 2018, viewership for network local affiliate news stations (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) declined in key time slots – morning (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.), evening (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and late night (11 p.m. to 2 a.m.) – according to Comscore StationView Essentials® data. The average audience (defined as the average number of TVs tuned to a program throughout a time period) for the morning news time slot decreased 10% in 2018. Local TV average audience for the late night and evening news time slots also declined (14% for both). Audience for the midday news (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and prime news (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) time slots both declined 19%.

Local TV station revenue typically follows a cyclical pattern -- it increases in election years and decreases in non-election years. In 2018, an election year, local TV over-the-air advertising revenue totaled $19.3 billion, a 12% increase over 2017, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of MEDIA Access Pro & BIA Advisory Services data. In comparison, local TV advertising revenue in the two most recent election years was $19.8 billion (2016) and $19.3 billion (2014).

Total digital advertising revenue for local TV stations increased 14% in 2018 (reaching a total of about $1.2 billion). Digital advertising revenue accounts for less than 10% of total ad revenue, according to the report.

www.msbusiness.com

Advertising revenue for 829 local TV stations defined as “news-producing stations” (stations that have a news director and are viable, commercial and English-language affiliates in the U.S.) was $15.8 billion, 82% of the total $19.3 billion revenue for the local TV industry overall, according to the BIA Advisory Services database.

Revenue from retransmission fees – the fees paid by cable and satellite systems to carry local channels – has been increasing rapidly in the past decade, according to estimates from Kagan, a media research group in S&P Global Market Intelligence. In 2018, retransmission revenue reached almost $10.2 billion, up from $9.4 billion in 2017; Kagan projects that this figure will reach $12.2 billion by 2023.

Six major publicly held local TV station companies – Tribune, Nexstar, Sinclair, Tegna, Gray and Scripps – report political advertising revenue separately from other types of revenues in their Securities and Exchange Commission filings, according to the Pew report. In 2018, the six companies reported a total of $1.2 billion in political advertising revenue, compared with $843 million in 2016 and $696 million in 2014, the two most recent election years. (Data points for 2012 to 2016 also include Media General, which was purchased by Nexstar in 2017.)

In 2018, 144 local TV stations changed hands at a cost of $8.8 billion, as annually reported by BIA Advisory Services. This is up from $4.7 billion across 107 stations that experienced changes in ownership in 2017.

Nike cashes in on Women’s World Cup success The U.S. women’s national soccer team wasn’t the only winner of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup! Nike also took home the gold! Jerseys sold out on its website and buzz around its latest ad campaign lit up cyberspace.

The swoosh sponsored 14 of the 24 teams playing in the tournament this year, including three that made it to the final four. One of those is team USA. Professional soccer players make up Nike’s second-largest group of sponsored female athletes, behind track and field.

Within hours of the U.S. women’s victory, a special version of the jersey dropped by Nike with four stars – each star representing a World Cup win for the women’s team: in 1991, 1999, 2015 and this year.

As sales of Nike’s new World Cup merchandise are skyrocketing – many items being bought and worn by men – has stoked the ongoing debate about female soccer players still being paid less than men despite women’s games generating more revenue than men’s

games.

After the win on Sunday, Nike aired a new ad for the women’s soccer Todd Smith team, showcasing some of these frustrations.

In it, a woman says: “I believe that we will make our voices heard and TV shows will be talking about us every single day and not just once every four years ... And that women will conquer more than just the soccer field, like breaking every single glass ceiling and having their faces carved on Mount Rushmore ... And that we will keep fighting not just to make history, but to change it forever.”

Aced Mic: Men’s Wimbledon Championship One for the Ages The 2019 Wimbledon men’s singles final – pitting reigning champ Novak Djokovic against ageless Roger Federer – was an epic sporting event for the ages.

The world was seemingly glued to the All England Club to witness history: Djokovic aiming to defend his title, Federer on track to become the oldest man in the Open era to win a Grand Slam singles title and the potential to decide the winner if a tie break became necessary. It was definitely buckle-your-seatbelts-worthy.

In the end, it was top-seeded Djokovic who emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 13-12 (3), winning his fifth Wimbledon singles title in the first championship decided by final-set tiebreak – a rule put in place by the tournament in October.

Clocking in at four hours and 55 minutes, the match is the longest Wimbledon final ever, breaking the record previously set by Federer and Rafael Nadal in 2008.

With the victory, Djokovic tied Nadal for the most career victories over Federer (10) at majors. Overall, the two were playing each other for the 48th time, with Djokovic holding a 2622 edge – including 3-1 on grass courts, all at Wimbledon.

It was riveting tennis at it best between two warriors of the game. The Spin Cycle hated to see either legend lose. It was more than a tennis championship, more than a work of art. These modern day da Vincis turned the court into canvas with every stroke – a thing of beauty that surely made Mona Lisa smile!

Todd Smith is president and chief communications officer of Deane, Smith & Partners, 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@deanesmithpartners. com, and follow him @spinsurgeon.

Mississippi Business Journal – 39

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