MBJ_Oct21_2016

INSIDE — $100 million venture in Ellisville commits to creating 150 jobs by 2020 — Page 2 MBJ FOCUS

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HEALTH CARE Breast Cancer Edition

Section begins P 10

» Fighting cancer through art » Faith in God, trust in doctors helped Curtis beat cancer » Breast cancer surgery options increasing

October 21, 2016 • Vol. 38, No. 43 • $1 • 20 pages

The long, winding road to beerdom » Page 3

The List {P 15} » Women’s Cancer Care Centers

JACK WEATHERLY / MBJ

Lucas Simmons, brewmaster and co-owner of Lucky Town Brewing Co., is working with Steve Grantham Jr. (inset) in developing an independent private label beer.

Enviro-Linen: This business is cleaning up {P 18}

BANKING AND FINANCE

First Bancshares plants flag in Florida, Louisiana with new acquisitions » Parent company of The First fulfills market expansion strategy set in 2009

By TED CARTER mbj@msbusiness.com

» Papa Murphy’s wants to expand in Mississippi markets

{P 17}

Hattiesburg’s First Banshares first envisioned a market that stretched from Baton Rouge to Pensacola seven years ago. The $1.2billion holding company parent of The First reached that goal last week with agreements to acquire Iberville Bank in a cash deal and

Gulf Coast Community Bank in an all-stock transaction.

The acquisitions carry a value of $33.3 million, with the takeover of Plaquemine, Louisiana-based Iberville Bank put at $31 million and the takeover of Pensacola’s Gulf Coast Community Bank at Cole $2.3 million.

First Bancshares expects to close on the acquisitions early in next year’s first quarter and merge operations

by mid 2017. The acquisitions will give the holding company assets of $1.6 billion and expand the brand of The First, officially called The First, a National Bank Association, to 48 locations.

“It is a continued execution of a plan we laid out in 2009,” when publicly held First Bancshares had assets of $478 million and 10 locations in the Pine Belt, said M. Ray “Hoppy” Cole, president and chief executive officer.

See

http://msbusiness.com/events/ceo-awards-of-mississippi/

THE FIRST, Page 4

2 I Mississippi Business Journal I October 21, 2016 HEALTH CARE

Telemedicine rules revisited in Senate committee hearing

BY JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

The Senate Public Welfare Committee held a hearing Tuesday afternoon at the state Capitol to address telemedicine.

Fourteen witnesses were questioned by the committee during the three-hour hearing. Chairman Dean Kirby, a Republican, said afterward that he was not aware of any legislation being readied for the upcoming legislative session in January.

Earlier this year, a measure backed by Teladoc Inc., sailed through the House but stalled in the committee.

“We felt like it needed further study,” Kirby said.

One of the two sides that were at odds over the measure adjusted its position.

Claudia Tucker, governmental affairs director for Teladoc, said after the hearing that the company has no real problem with the legislation as it stands now.

It does not require a visual component with the practice of telemedicine in Mississippi.

As it did in the past legislative session, the Mississippi Medical Association, which says it represents about 70 percent of the practicing physicians in the state, insists that a visual component be mandated.

“We’re against audio only,” said Dr. Lee Voulters, president of the doctors group.

He said requiring the video component means doing telemedicine “the right way.”

Sen. Terry Burton, R-Dist. 31, asked Voulters at one point. “What’s the problem. What’s the issue. How many lives have

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been lost?” Burton said he said that he has a contract with Teladoc for his nursing homes.

Asked by Sen. John Horhn, D- Dist. 26, if he knew of any misdiagnoses rendered

by Teladoc, Voulters said he was not aware of any. Horhn said he uses Teladoc and has been pleased with the service.

Proponents of Teladoc say that is saves time and money, with good results.

Dr. Jennifer Gholson of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians sided with Voulters. In order to “do it right,” a visual component is necessary, she said.

Teladoc has served 15.4 million individuals and has 3,100 physicians in 49 states under contract and counts among its 720 clients many major corporations, including the largest employer in Mississippi, Ingalls

Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, said Charlie Ross, attorney for Teladoc.

In its 14 years of existence, it has not been sued, Ross said. It has operated for 11 years in Mississippi.

And despite its record, for the past 18 months or so the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure has sought to establish rules that require the visual component, Ross said.

The board submitted rules to the secretary of state’s office in early 2015, but Teladoc blocked implementation, citing the absence of an economic impact statement.

Meantime, legislation backed by Teladoc, was introduced in the Legislature. It would have made the visual component optional.

$100 million venture in Ellisville commits to creating 150 jobs by 2020

BY JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

Praxair Surface Technologies Inc. and GE Aviation on Monday announced a $100 million joint venture, PG Technologies LLC, in Ellisville.

The project is expected to increase employment at the former GE Aviation facility to 250 by 2020, with the potential to grow to 400 jobs. It currently employs 100, according to an email in response to a question from the Mississippi Business Journal.

The venture will supplement the services from other PG Technologies locations in Indianapolis, Ind., and the Republic of Singapore, as well as from the global network of Praxair Surface Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Praxair Inc. The Mississippi Development Authority is transferring $4 million from the original GE Aviation memorandum of understanding made in 2011, the agency said in response to a question by

the Journal.

GE Aviation invested $56 million in a facility and began producing advanced composite components in 2013 for aircraft engines and systems.

Then-Gov. Haley Barbour said, “Within 10 years, GE Aviation will have created more than 600 jobs for Mississippi’s workers and invested $150 million in the state.”

In return for PG Technologies’ commitment to See

VENTURE, Page 18

October 21, 2016

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Mississippi Business Journal

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BUSINESS OF BEER

The long, winding road to beerdom backs that he could fill at his discretion.

Why not a new brand?

He got together with Simmons and the Steve Grantham Jr. has brewed up a plan result will be Weevie Road, whose motto is to put a private-label beer in Outback “All of Life's Roads Aren't Straight.”

The badge on the logo is an eagle with Steakhouses, starting with the nine he owns and shooting for many more restaurants and Stars-and-Stripes wings and the slogan “Honor and Loyalty.” other establishments.

Grantham's J&R Restaurant Group has Meanwhile, Lucas Simmons has been producing for two years at his Lucky Town a strong commitment to the military, providing free cookouts for the Mississippi NaBrewing Co. Now the two Jacksonians' paths are con- tional Guard.

Its bright-yellow Ford F-650 truck with verging.

The result will be a new beer, Weevie big American flags flying is a “rolling advertisement for the military,” Grantham says.

Road.

The oversized pickup with enclosure And how far that will take them, they makes a visual statement wherever it goes, don't know, but a map is being drawn.

It may lead to all 800 Outbacks, and 68 including the Country Music Association World of Beer craft beer taverns, not to awards show in Nashville, where he made a dry run last year. mention other retail outlets.

Grantham will be back there Nov. 2, The deal comes at a good time for Lucky Town, which is running at about 35 percent handing out 150 “bling bag takeaways” he has come up with. capacity, Simmons said.

The forest-camou bags can be slung over The agreement is for a fermenting tank to be set aside for Grantham's brand. If sales the shoulder and carried to a concert, or into the woods. It has take off, Grantham room for beer, with a would need to pay for an coolant to keep it it expansion, Simmons cold, a Bluetooth said. speaker and earpiece Simmons says the for music, oh, and a brewery in the converted handy ammo belt for Greyhound Bus mainteshotgun shells. nance shop built in 1947 Grantham admits at 1710 N. Mill St., was to “cause marketing,” designed for expansion. but he professes a sinNow the Lucky Town cerity that goes bebrews are sold only in yond making a buck. cans. But Simmons said One way or another, he is going to start offer“we give away ing them in other pack$200,000 a year,” he aging. said.

Weevie Road “is a Among his 800 completely separate employees in his Outbeer,” Simmons said. backs, are many milWith the big plans for Lucas Simmons lennials, most of the new beer, is Simmons whom are on their excited?

BrewmasterLucky Town Brewing Co. own at a tender age.

“I'm going to make the World of Beer tavbest beer I possibly can erns carry 550 brands for them. And if they get of beer. Grantham got after it, they'll sell the heck out of it,” said Simmons, who holds a the ear of the chief executive of the combachelor of science degree in mechanical en- pany on a wolf-hunting trip in Montana.

Grantham brought two Lucky Town gineering from Mississippi State University and a master's degree in industrial engi- brews – Ballistic Blonde Ale and Pub Ale. The CEO and another World of Beers neering.

“He's got that marketing side to him. exec tasted them and said, “Hey, this is pretty good,” Grantham said.

We're a little more laid-back.”

“These are the beer guys. They've been all The next step is for labeling with the logo and very specific language to be approved by over the world. I said – what if I told you the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and I'm developing something similar – would you put it in your stores? They said, “‘abTrade Bureau.

A February launch of the new brand is re- solutely.’” alistic, Simmons said.

Steve Grantham has one tap at his OutBY JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

'He's got that marketing side to him. We're a little more laid-back.'

JACK WEATHERLY / MBJ

Grantham holds one of his "bling bags" that will be handed out at the Country Music Association awards program Nov. 2.

WEEVIE ROAD: A HIGH-OCTANE GOLDEN ALE

BY JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com “I have a feeling it's going to be a big hit,” said brewmaster Lucas Simmons.

“It's going to be an easy-drinking but a little bit higher-octane golden ale.”

The alcohol by volume will be 6 percent to 6.5 percent, he said.

The mystery brew?

Weevie Road.

The first batch born-on date is expected to be in February.

Simmons, brew master and co-owner of Lucky Town Brewing Co., is partnering with Steve Grantham Jr., chief operating officer of the JR Restaurant Group.

Or more to the point in this case, the JR Brewing Co. Lucky Town will make Weevie Road as a private label for Grantham, but it is not one of the array of brews offered by the two-year-old brewery at 1710 N. Mill St. in Jackson.

Year-round there are Lucky Town's: Ballistic Blonde, which is a bit tamer than the name suggests. The Belgian style ale is 5.1 percent alcohol by volume. Pub Ale, a mild English brew at 3.7 percent. Flare Incident, an oatmeal stout at 5.7 percent, and Hop Fiasco, an American version of an India pale ale, 6.7 percent.

The seasonals are: Lucktoberfest, at 6.5 percent; for the holidays: Hot Coffee, a stout infused with cocoa nibs, chile peppers and bean fruit coffee, 10. 3 percent – the maximum allowable in Mississsippi; and Gose Gamblin', at 4 percent a lighter brew after the heaviness of the holidays.

ALL OF LIFE’S ROADS AREN’T STRAIGHT

ALL O F LIF E’S

ROAD

S AREN’T S TRAIGHT

12 FL. OZ. (355 ml)

6.5%

BY VOL.

BRE WED B Y L UC KY T OWN BREWI NG

4 I Mississippi Business Journal I October 21, 2016

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Madison County doing full assessment of economic development before hiring new chief » Former head of Mississippi Development Authority to help set county’s course on job growth

By TED CARTER mbj@msbusiness.com

Madison County officials say they expect to fill a vacant executive director position at the county Economic Development Authority sometime in the spring.

Officials say they must first complete a public-private collaborative “visioning” process for the development authority before filling the post Tim Coursey left in April. In the meantime, Ken Oilschlager will continue guiding the agency on an interim basis.

Oilschlager got his start as an economic development professional in the late 1970s as a member of the county’s newly created development authority. He took over in June and will have a key role in setting the course for economic development in the suburban county of more than 100,000 residents and home to an assembly plant of

THE FIRST

Japanese automaker Nissan.

Also holding a key role will be Gray Swoope, the executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority during Gov. Haley Barbour’s term. Swoope left the post in spring 2011 to become Florida’s secretary of commerce and head of Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private economic development entity. He is now a principal in the consulting firm VisionFirst Advisors, an economic development subsidiary of the Butler Snow law firm.

The first step, Swoope said, will be an assessment of the county’s main economic engines and an examination of ways to build on them, especially the clusters of automotive suppliers and service providers to Nissan, whose 13-year-old assembly plant in Canton employers more than 6,400 people.

“There is a great opportunity to build a strategy around existing strengths,” he said in an interview last week.

Another task, Swoope said, will involve a close evaluation of value-added opportunities by which the value of a product is increased at each stage of production. This will involve a lot of collaboration with the private sector, he noted.

The overall job, according to Swoope, will be deciding initiatives for Madison County to embark on in the near term, mid term and long term.

Done right, the county should see an increase in both jobs and wages and Swoope be competitive to the point it lands on the radar of global companions looking for locales in which to expand, according to Swoope.

Swoope briefed the Madison County Business League and Foundation last week which coincided with VisionFirst Advsior’s start of work in Madison County. The firm will give the county a report in January that includes its conclusions and recommendations, Swoope said.

Those findings and the suggestions for increasing the county’s competitiveness will be important in shaping the job description of the Economic Development Authority’s next chief, Oilschlager said.

He said county supervisors intend to hire an executive search firm. “It’ll probably be spring before we have a permanent person,” added Oilschlager, who was re-

Continued from Page 1

“We drew a box from Jackson to the north and south to the gulf coast, east to Pensacola and west to Baton Rouge,” Cole said in an interview Monday.

First Bancshares, Cole added, got “great prices in great markets.”

“Pensacola, Florida, is an extremely attractive market with lots of job growth and development,” he said. Baton Rouge is having tremendous growth as well, he added.

Iberville Bank is headquartered in Plaquemine in Iberville Parish, an area that is part of the Baton Rouge metro area.

Cole said Iberville Bank, with assets of $258 million, is healthy with no significant asset- quality problems. Gulf Coast Community Bank, on the other hand, has “some legacy problems left over from the 2006to-2009 period.”

“Those assets will be marked down… so we can move them pretty quickly,” Cole said.

With that accomplished, First Bancshares can focus on growing Gulf Coast Community Bank, he said.

Gulf Coast Community Bank had assets of $133 million at the close of the second quarter and non-current loans and leases of $587,000, FDIC reports show.

Bank rating company BauerFinancial gave Gulf Coast Community Bank a “Zero-Stars” designation in its star ratings for this year’s second quarter. Zero-Stars is Bauer’s lowest star rating. “These institutions are included on our Troubled & Problematic Report and are facing

considerable challenges at this time,” Bauer said in detailing what the rating denotes.

By contrast, Bauer gave Iberville Bank a four-star rating, the second highest it awards. The designation denotes the bank is in “excellent” shape. “These institutions are also on BauerFinancial's Recommended Report,” Bauer said.

First Bancshares’ The First also has a four-star rating from Bauer for the second quarter.

The First reported profits of $7.5 million through the second quarter and $2.9 million for the quarter, the FDIC says.

“Our home market has been outstanding,” Cole said. “We have been very fortunate to produce double-digit increases each year with net income. We also have had organic growth in deposits and loans.”

The First grew its deposits from $956 million in the second quarter of 2015 to just over $1 billion through the second quarter of this year.

Loans grew from $726 million through the second quarter of last year to $826 million at the close of the second quarter of this year, according to the FDIC. FirstBancshares will consider additional acquisitions during its annual meeting in December, Cole said, noting plenty of attractive

tired for three years before taking on the interim job.

Though in the post temporarily, Oilschlager insisted he is not “just keeping a seat warm” for his replacement. He said he hopes to see progress in his remaining months on a mixed-use development whose principals say they want to include a hotel and conference center.

“I am sort of shepherding the visioning process and operating on a day to day basis,” he said in an interview last week.

Beyond the hotel and conference center, the county has “some things in the hopper.

Nothing I can say anything about,” Oilschlager added.

In the meantime, it’s always good to step back and look at where the organization has been, where it is now and where it is going, he said.

One certainty is that the county’s core business – advanced manufacturing, especially in the automotive sector – won’t change, according to Oilschlager.

But more thought will go into leveraging those strengths, he said. “To be competitive we have to stay on top of that,” he said.

“This needs to be more of a journey than a destination.”

small-bank acquisition opportunities are available within the market box established in 2009.

“We think the next goal is to sort of reset,” Cole said. “In 2009 we said we wanted to be a $1 billion institution. We think in three to four years a $4 billion franchise is possible. We think that is kind of a sweet spot within the three-to-five-year range.”

First Bancshares expects to meet its asset goals through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, according to Cole, who has been CEO since 2009 and president since 2007.

Cole was a member of the founders of Hattiesburg’s First National Bank of South Mississippi in 1996. Three years later he joined a group that created First National Bank of the Pinebelt in Laurel. The two banks merged in 2003 to become First Bancshares.

The new bank’s first acquisitions came with the 2011 purchase of seven Mississippi coast branches of New Orleans’s Whitney Bank which was in a merger with Gulfport’s Hancock Bank. The acquisitions gave First Bancshares $179 million in new deposits.

More growth came in 2014 with the acquisitions of First National Bank of Baldwin county, Alabama, and Bay Bank in Mobile. The First National Bank of Baldwin County brought First Bancshares $187 million in assets. The Bay Bank acquisition gave First Bancshares four additional locations.

Shares of First Bancshares (NASDAQ: FBMS) closed Tuesday at $21.60, down from a close of $21.80 on Monday, the first day of trading after the announcement of the Louisiana and Florida acquisitions. The bank holding company’s shares have a 52-week low of $15.32 and high of $22.

MBJPERSPECTIVE

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October 21, 2016 • www.msbusiness.com • Page 6

OTHER VIEWS

» THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Bipartisan work needed for MAEP formula

Website: www.msbusiness.com October 21, 2016 Volume 38, Number 43

ALAN TURNER Publisher alan.turner@msbusiness.com • 364-1021 TAMI JONES Associate Publisher tami.jones@msbusiness.com • 364-1011 ROSS REILY Editor ross.reily@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 FRANK BROWN Staff Writer/Special Projects frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 364-1022

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JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 364-1016 TED CARTER Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 BECKY GILLETTE Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 NASH NUNNERY Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 LISA MONTI Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018

» INSIDE MISSISSIPPI

MELISSA KILLINGSWORTH Sr. Account Executive

Walmart parking lots epitomize decline in safe places

melissa.harrison@msbusiness.com • 364-1030 VIRGINIA HODGES Account Executive virginia.hodges@msbusiness.com • 364-1012 TACY RAYBURN Production Manager tacy.rayburn@msbusiness.com • 364-1019 CHARINA RHODES Circulation Manager charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com • 364-1045 MARCIA THOMPSON-KELLY Business Assistant marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com • 364-1044 SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES (601) 364-1000 subscriptions@msbusiness.com

he announcement last week by Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves that they have agreed to a $250,000 contract with a New Jersey firm to study possible revisions in the MAEP funding formula brought forth reactions that have been intense and wide-ranging for and against the idea.

However, despite wide differences among people who have strong interests in the formula, it might be possible to bring a diverse and informed group of legislators to the table to discuss what’s possible and what’s needed.

The New Jersey-based EdBuild will work on developing a new formula and having it ready for legislative proposals in the 2017 session. Meanwhile, taxpayers need to know who put up nongovernment funds to pay for part of the contract.

The Republican leadership of the Legislature has been talking for years about possible changes to MAEP, which was passed in 1997, fully enacted in 2003, and fully funded only twice.

Furious legislative battles have been waged virtually every year over the amount approved to fund the formula. The divide has split the Legislature mostly along partisan lines.

Reeves and Gunn said in their joint announcement they want to examine revising the formula to invest more in classrooms and a smaller share in what they deem as “administration.”

The Mississippi Association of School Superintendents on Thursday, perhaps surprisingly, said it supports modernizing the formula as an end to haggling with legislators.

Superintendents like Jimmy Weeks of the Lee County School District, who is on the MASS board of directors, said he would look forward to having a seat at the table with legislators to work through revisions.

Sen. Hob Bryan, an Amory Democrat who wrote major parts of the MAEP act and is considered an expert on its funding, was much more critical of the idea.

Bryan’s cautions are fully justified given the rancor that has existed for most of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program’s life.

Bryan certainly should be one of the legislators brought to the table to fully discuss the formula in light of his experience crafting MAEP. Tupelo Superintendent Gearl Loden, who is also on the MASS board, said if the district were fully funded under the current formula, it would be less reliant on other revenues. Loden noted that Tupelo receives $31 million in MAEP funding for instructional staff, but it costs nearly $40 million to cover those expenses.

Late in the week, Gunn said he does not expect a strong push in the revision process to divert more money to charter schools, which remain divisive nationwide and of uncertain, inconsistent performance.

Transparent discussion and debate on the issue of how our schools will be funded is healthy and should be viewed as a necessary step in giving our students every opportunity to succeed.

— Northeast Mississipppi Daily Journal

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here is your safe place?

Do you have one?

Should you have one?

These questions popped up as I read a story in The Commercial Dispatch.

While the story was about universities providing emotionally safe places for students, it made me wonder about safe places for people of all ages in our communities.

Once upon a time in Mississippi, local law enforcement could make whole communities feel like safe places. Growing up in Canton in the ‘50s and ‘60s, I felt safe at home, walking across town to elementary school, and riding my bike to the far end of town to work a night shift at the shirt factory. The only time I recall feeling unsafe was when one or more local bullies decided to whip my scrawny, well, you know.

Progressing to present time, we find local law enforcement in many communities overwhelmed and unable to provide such preventive security.

Perhaps nothing epitomizes the decline of safe places more than Walmart parking lots.

From a Bloomberg Businessweek story in August: “More than 200 violent crimes, including attempted kid-

Bill Crawford

nappings and multiple stabbings, shootings, and murders, have occurred at the nation’s 4,500 Walmarts this year, or about one a day.”

From a Mississippi TV station news story: “Police have filed charges against one person involved in a shooting incident that happened at the … Walmart midnight Tuesday. Four possible suspects in the shooting have been detained.”

As a result, more and more mothers, fearing for their safety, now scan Walmart parking lots and carry pepper spray or guns to head off attacks.

From a Mississippi “Community Watch” Facebook page: “White male tall skinny. Wearing work boots blue jeans and navy/black hooded jacket with it on his head. He approach (sic) me walking to my truck with (my baby) in my arms asleep. I already had my keys out. When I saw him when I walked out of Walmart he was close to the grocery side entrance walking across the parking lot. I had already spotted him as suspicious while walking out. By the time I got to my truck he was literally about 10 steps from me and my baby. When I pulled my gun out he turned away and walked on by.”

See CRAWFORD, Page 7

PERSPECTIVE

October 21, 2016 I Mississippi Business Journal

CRAWFORD

» RICKY NOBILE

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Continued from Page 6

The Bloomberg story cited a senior police officer who can’t believe that a multi-billion dollar corporation isn’t doing more to stop crime. Instead, he said, it offloads the job to the police at taxpayers’ expense.

If wealthy Walmart can’t/won’t provide safe places for its shoppers, what are persistently robbed quick stops supposed to do? Or citizens facing drive-by shootings and home invasions?

Most communities are too financially strapped to beef up police presence enough to keep all shopping areas and neighborhoods safe places.

This is just one case where home rule would give communities options to address growing problems. Unfortunately, lawmakers in Jackson regularly spurn mayors’ requests for such flexibility.

As for safe places, in more and more communities you’re on your own.

Bill Crawford (crawfolk@gmail.com) is a syndicated columnist from Meridian.

»UNDER THE CAPITOL DOME

Policy reports often reaffirm legislators’ beliefs

M

ississippi lawmakers are demonstrating that in public policy, you are what you read — or what you hear.

Groups appointed by the Republican leadership have been meeting in recent weeks to discuss budgets and taxes. The groups are bipartisan but mostly Republican, reflecting the conservative GOP supermajorities in the state House and Senate. They have heard twice from an economist with the Tax Foundation and once from representatives of the Reason Foundation, two national think tanks that advocate smaller government.

As the budget groups gathered on the second floor of the Capitol one day last week, the House and Senate Democratic caucuses held their own hearing on the first floor.

Though in the same building, the two clusters of lawmakers were miles apart in focus and ideology. Their differences are likely to develop into widely divergent policy proposals, and partisan clashes, during the 2017 legislative session.

Democrats were briefed on "State of Working Mississippi 2016," published in September by the Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University New Orleans. The report examines a wide range of statistics about employment and wages in a state that persistently ranks among the poorest in the nation.

"The slow and uneven recovery from the Great Recession combined with growing income inequality has created an economic environment in Mississippi in which working families cannot afford basic necessities, let alone save for retirement or pay for their children to attend college," the report says. "What's more, the state's increasingly inequitable system of taxation places a disproportionate burden on low and middle-income families, while tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals and corporations have ... left the state without adequate revenue for critical public service and infrastructure, including public schools and hospitals."

That analysis of the tax system contrasts with one offered

by Nicole Kaeding, a Tax Foundation economist. During a Sept. 1 presentation to the Republican-led groups examining money matters, Kaeding said Mississippi could generate revenue by eliminating tax exemptions on goods such as prescription drugs or services such as dog grooming.

Legislators gave Kaeding a round of applause at the end of the meeting, with Republican leaders saying she reaffirmed belief that cutting taxes on businesses will spur economic growth.

The Loyola report recommends a stronger role for state government, including two proposals that have not gained traction in Mississippi and are unlikely to do so anytime soon: Expanding Medicaid to cover more people who have low-paying jobs that don't offer benefits, and setting a state minimum wage that's higher than the federal rate of $7.25 an hour.

Mississippi is a right-to-work state, and any talk of a state minimum wage is dead on arrival in a Legislature where business interests hold considerably more sway than unions.

The state's three top Republicans — Gov. Phil Bryant, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and House Speaker Philip Gunn — have opposed the federal health overhaul that President Barack Obama signed into law in 2010. The law gives states the option to expand Medicaid to people earning up to 138 percent

of the federal poverty level, about $16,400 for a single adult or $33,500 for a family of four.

Medicaid is paid with state and federal Emily W. Pettus dollars. Mississippi is among the 19 states that have rejected Medicaid expansion, with Bryant, Reeves and Gunn saying the state can't afford to put more people on the program, even with the federal government paying most

The Loyola report recommends a stronger role for state government, including two proposals that have not gained traction in Mississippi and are unlikely to do so anytime soon: Expanding Medicaid to cover more people who have lowpaying jobs that don't offer benefits, and setting a state minimum wage that's higher than the federal rate of $7.25 an hour. of the tab The Loyola report makes an economic argument for Medicaid expansion: "Persons with health insurance have better health outcomes, and healthier people are more productive and live longer."

Emily Wagster Pettus covers Capitol matters for the Mississippi Associated Press in Jackson.

For announcements in Newsmakers, contact Frank Brown at 601-364-1022 or frank.brown@msbusiness.com

8 I Mississippi Business Journal I October 21, 2016

NEWS MAKERS

Cardiologist joins Merit

Staplcotn promotes Reichle

Dr. Almois Mohamad joined Merit Health Medical Group as a board certified interventional cardiologist.

Mohamad has been practicing interventional cardiology in the Jackson area for the last three years and to-date, has performed over 1,000 cases. He completed his cardiology felMohamad lowship, residency and internal medicine internship at the Medical College of Georgia where he also was Chief Cardiology Fellow. Mohamad is an active researcher in both the basic and clinical sciences. His work was recently published in several peer reviewed journals including The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, The Texas Heart Institute Journal and The Journal of Clinical & Experimental Cardiology.

He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and Sudanese Doctors’ Union.

Henry N. “Hank” Reichle was recently promoted to Executive Vice President at Staplecotn in Greenwood. Reichle began his career with Staplcotn in 2004 as a member of the marketing staff and was promoted to Senior Director of Export Sales in 2005. Reichle was promoted to Vice President of Reichle Export Sales and Market Administration in 2010 and to Vice President of Marketing in September of 2014. He is responsible for directing all marketing activities in domestic and foreign markets as well as developing new markets.

Prior to joining Staplcotn, Reichle worked for Ernst and Young in Memphis from 1997-2001 as an auditor.

In 2001, he accepted a position with the newly formed internet-based cotton exchange, The Seam, as corporate controller and was soon promoted to Chief Financial Officer.

A native of Columbus, Reichle holds a B.A. degree in Accountancy from the University of Mississippi.

He serves on the board and the executive committee of Cotton Council International and is involved with several community organizations outside of the cotton industry. Reichle is Vice President of the Greenwood-Leflore Chamber of Commerce and is Commissioner of Greenwood Utilities, a city-owned electric and water company. He is also a member of the Administrative Committee of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Greenwood.

3 join MRC foundation Methodist Rehabilitation Center has appointed Tish Hughes, Cy Rosenblatt and T. Calvin Wells to the Board of Governors of the center’s Wilson Research Foundation. As the fund-raising arm of MRC, the Wilson Foundation supports clinical research studies, advanced staff education and state-of-theart technology.

Hughes of Jackson recently retired from Trustmark National Bank where she held a number of administrative roles, most recently as manager and executive vice president in the Wealth Management Department. Hughes is also a member of the MRC Board of Trustees and has served as president of Hughes The Junior League of Jackson, chairperson of The Mississippi Children's Museum and board member of Goodwill Industries of Mississippi.

Rosenblatt of Jackson serves on the faculty of Hinds Community College in Rankin County and was previously on the faculty of the University of Mississippi’s Department of Political Science in Oxford. Rosenblatt began his career in government service as an assistant and health policy advisor to Gov. Rosenblatt William Winter. While a state senator from 1984 to1992, he served as vice chairman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee. From 1997 to 2004, Rosenblatt managed a federal research project to track and provide comparative hospital pricing and outcome data.

Wells of Jackson is an attorney and partner with Phelps Dunbar. He practices in the area of business, focusing his transactional practice on general Wells

Battle

Possemato

Sanchez

Andrews

Jones

IP recognizes 6 employees In a new service recognition program, six IP Casino Resort Spa team members were recently recognized for their dedication to customer service. The Team Members of the Month were honored for being nominated in the month of July.

Those honorees included front-of-house team members Charity Battle (Housekeeping), Ashley Possemato (Hotel), and Yelkin Von Chong Sanchez (Food and Beverage); and back-of-house team members Towana Andrews, Thuy Nguyen and Lee Sorells, all from the Food and Beverage department.

business counseling, contracts and negotiation, complex commercial financing and acquisitions for a variety of Mississippi-based businesses. He also practices in the area of sports law. Wells is a past chairman of the Mississippi Bar and fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation. He serves on the board of First Presbyterian Day School, Belhaven University, Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and First Commercial Bank.

Cochran aide retires Janice Mitchell of Madison, a constituent service representative with U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran (RMiss.) has retired after assisting Mississippians for 38 years.

Mitchell, the only African American woman to have worked for two Mississippi Senators, joined the staff of the late U.S. Sen. John C. Stennis in 1978 before beginning work for Cochran in his Jackson field office in 1985. The Magee native is one of the longest-serving staff members in the history of the U.S. Senate.

During her tenure, Mitchell managed nearly 5,000 constituent cases for Mississippians needing assistance with Medicare, Medicaid, and the Social Security Administration, a majority of which have been resolved favorably.

EIGS presents awards Enterprise for Innovative Geospatial Solutions recently announced the recipients of awards at its annual regional innovative cluster meeting in Gulfport. » Cluster Growth Award was presented to NVision Solutions, Inc., which completed a $1.5 million renovation and modernization of a former Academy building in Diamondhead. It also worked with the city to create Mississippi's first technology district zoning ordinance. Today, the company has grown to a staff of close to 100. The company was recognized for outstanding growth over the past year including the NASA Shared Services Contract, the NASA SACOM

All winners receive two show tickets, a recognition plaque, a special-edition name tag, a professional photo and front-ofhouse/back-of-house recognition for the following month. In addition, each Sorrells month a team member will be recognized for his or her commitment to working safely with the Safety Spotlight Award. July’s recipient was Tabetha Jones (Retail).

contract, the Mississippi Governor's Award for Excellence in Exporting, and a "Mississippi Business Journal" rating as one of "Mississippi's Best Places to Work." » Cluster Partner Award - National Data Buoy Center at Stennis Space Center. » New Member of the Year - Tyonek. » Member of the Year - Loglinear. » Large Business Partner of the Year – Dewberry. » Veteran Owned Business of the Year - Downrange Operations and Training. » Sponsor of the Year - Island View Casino. » State & Local Government Partner of the Year – Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. » Resource Partner of the Year - Renaissance.

Columbus center wins Tellys Three television commercials for Baptist Behavioral Health Care in Columbus have received national recognition.

The three 30-second commercials, produced by Look Productions of Alabaster, Ala., and One Way Marketing of Tuscaloosa, Ala., were Bronze winners in the category of Local TV & Local Cable – CampaignPromotional/Branding. The individual spot “Goodbye” was a Bronze Winner in the Health and Wellness Category in the 37th Annual Telly Awards.

With more than 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents, this year’s Telly Awards was one of the most successful and competitive in the history of the awards.

The three spots – “My Day,” ‘Goodbye” and “Finding My Way” began airing in network and cable markets in February 2016.

Each commercial highlighted a different type of treatment offered at the 30-bed behavioral and mental health unit.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions and web commercials, videos and films.

Bobo joins Brunini firm Lane Bobo has joined Brunini law firm’s Jackson office as an associate in the firm’s litigation department. Bobo received his Bachelor of Arts in History from The University of Mississippi before receiving his J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law. He focuses his practice on med- Bobo ical malpractice defense, the construction industry and general commercial litigation.

Neel-Schaffer hires Fussell Steve Fussell, PMP, has joined Neel-Schaffer and will serve as a Senior Project Manager and Florida Business Development Manager. He will be based in the Maitland office, and provide business development services throughout the state.

Hollimon joins Clinic Brittany L. Hollimon, CNP, recently joined Hattiesburg Clinic Endocrinology.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Science in Nursing from University of Mississippi Medical Center. She is board certi- Hollimon fied as an adult-geriatric nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Mississippi Nurses Association.

AN MBJ FOCUS: HEALTH CARE

Fighting cancer through G

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

INA CARTER-SIMMERS will tell you the exact moment she received her breast cancer diagnosis. It was Aug. 10, 2016. And also the date — Aug. 4 — when she got the call from her doctor with the preliminary results. And the day she started chemo — Aug. 26.

Carter-Simmers can recount such details about her ongoing fight with the disease but she’d rather talk about the Beauty of Cancer photo exhibit she’s working on that will open Feb. 16 at the Mississippi Museum of Art. It will feature photos of 28 women who are going through their own cancer battle.

“We chose February for the display because it’s National Cancer Prevention Month. It’s my hope the exhibit will scare women into having yearly mammograms at the appropriate age and perform monthly self examinations,” she said.

She said African-American women have the highest breast cancer mortality rate of any other ethnicity because they are getting diagnosed at later stages. “We are so busy taking care of others, we neglect our own health,” she said.

“But through early detection, breast cancer is curable.”

The photos in the exhibit will be taken by four photographers from Jackson State University, where Carter-Simmers is the general manager of WJSU Public Radio.

So far, she’s enlisted 12 women to “show their scars and help to prevent others from getting this disease. They’re going to see scars but people will see there is beauty in those flaws,” she said.

Carter-Simmers, 48, has spent her award-winning career working in public broadcasting, including the last 12 years at Jackson State. A native of Tuskegee, Ala., she has experience in fundraising, producing, hosting and membership recruitment at several stations around the country.

She had been working with a trainer and had lost 40 pounds when she found out she had breast cancer.

“It was the worse news I ever heard in my life,” she said.

After she discovered lumps under her arm, she did a self breast exam and made an appointment with her gynecologist. She had a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy before learning that she had stage 3 breast cancer. She started five months of chemo on Aug. 26 and will then undergo surgery to remove the tumor and then radiation.

“My doctor said you have to have a positive attitude to See

GINA, Page 14

Gina Carter-Simmers durin g the last day of her first round of chemotherapy at the Hederman Cancer Clinic in October.

October 21, 2016 • MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL • www.msbusiness.com

BREAST CANCER EDITION

h art

Faith in God, trust in doctors helped Curtis beat cancer

By NASH NUNNERY mbj@msbusiness.com

ELEN CURTIS CRIED. And then she cried some more.

Nearly 12 years ago, following her yearly mammogram, Curtis’ physician delivered devastating news – she had breast cancer.

“When the doctor first told me, I kept a straight face and asked him to please keep it from my family,” she said. “Then I got to my car and cried and cried for a long time. I didn’t question God as to ‘why’ but I did start doing a lot of praying.”

Eleven and a half years later, Helen Curtis is cancer-free.

“My cancer was caught very early and I am eternally grateful that it was,” said the Hermanville native. “Dr. (Gaylen) Poole told me there was good cancer and bad cancer. And I had the good cancer, if you can call cancer good.

“Putting God first and Dr. Poole second, I

H

MBJ LIST: Women’s medical care centers — Page 15

beat it.”

Curtis’ was initially diagnosed with breast calcifications, which show up as tiny spots of calcium in her breast.

They are too small to feel but can be seen on a mammogram.

Most of the time, the calcium deposits are harmless. But Curtis sometimes they grow in clusters, often a sign of cancer.

“The calcifications were actually in the breast’s milk ducts,” said Curtis. “Apparently, they’d been in there for years. Dr. Poole removed the abnormal cells and put me under radiation for one week. I was back at work in two weeks, thanks to early detection – and lots of prayer.”

As an African-American woman, Curtis is among a group of Americans that have seen See

NMMC Women's Hospital 4566 S. Eason Blvd., Tupel o, MS 38801 Merit Health Woman's Hosp 1026 N. Flowood Drive, Flowo ital od, MS 39232 Baptist for Women 1225 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39202 Memorial Women & Child 4500 13th St., Gulfport, MS ren Services 39501 University Women's Care 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216 28th Place 421 S. 28th Ave., Ste. 200, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 The Woman's Clinic 501 Marshall St., Ste. 400, Jackson, MS 39202 Southwest Regional Wom en's Center Maternity Suites 215 Marion Ave., McComb, MS 39648 East Lakeland OB/GYN Assoc 1020 River Oaks Dr., Ste. 320, iates, P.A. Jackson, MS 39232 Southeast Urogyn 501 Marshall St., Ste. 600, Jackson, MS 39202 Merit Health Women's Healt 255 Medical Center Dr., Bates h Clinic ville, MS 38606 Magnolia Woman's Clinic 970 Lakeland Dr., Ste. 43, , P.A. Jackson, MS 39216

HELEN, Page 14

662-377-3000 nmhs.net 601-932-1000 merithealthwomanshospital.co m 601-948-6262 mbhs.org 228-575-2299 gulfportmemorial.com 601-984-1000 ummchealth.com/women 601-268-5640 hattiesburgclinic.com 601-354-0869 twc-ms.com 601-249-5500 smrmc.com 601-936-1400 eastlakelandobgyn.com 601-948-6540 seug.com 662-563-2163 merithealthbatesville.com 601-200-8201 magnoliawomansclinic.com

North Mississippi Medical Center Merit River Oaks Baptist Medical Center Memorial Hospital at Gulfport University Medical Center Forrest General Hospital Baptist Medical Center Southwest Health Systems Baptist, Merit, Woman's Hospital Baptist, Merit, St. Dominic's Merit Health Batesville Baptist Health Systems

Options increasing for breast cancer surgery — Page 12 Photo courtesy of Charles A. Smith

HEALTH CARE

12 I Mississippi Business Journal I October 21, 2016

Breast cancer surgery options increasing

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

OME WOMEN have a strong genetic predisposition to breast cancer. With the BRCA gene mutation, women have a 70 to 80 percent chance of developing breast cancer over their lifetime and 4o to 50 percent chance of ovarian cancer.

“While only five percent of women possess the BRCA gene, we have identified a good number of patients in Mississippi who have the BRCA gene,” said Dr. Shawn McKinney, a breast surgeon who is a member of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Institute breast services care team and an associate professor of surgery.

“We get a very thorough history of patients, look for cancers on both sides of the family, and then can determine if they qualify for gene testing for BRCA or other mutations. Usually with the BRCA diagnosis, we would recommend prophylactic bilateral mastectomy before the disease develops.”

One of her patients who qualified for the genetic testing was Artoria Woodson of Fayette. Woodson decided to get genetic testing after reading Angelina Jolie’s story about testing positive for the BRCA mutation and having a bilateral mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction.

Woodson had a family history of breast cancer. Her paternal grandmother, two aunts and sister have had breast cancer. Her mother has had it twice. Woodson also had dense fibrocystic breasts that make diagnosis diffi-

S

Courtesy of UMMC

Dr. Benjamin McIntyre, a UMMC plastic surgeon, performed a “tummy tuck”/breast reconstruction on Artoria Woodson of Fayette.

cult, and hence she had gone through multiple rounds of abnormal mammograms followed by 3D mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies.

“I had so many strikes against me,” Woodson said. “When I got tested, I had already said if I had the gene, there was no sense waiting. I had already made up my mind I would go on and do the mastectomy.”

In addition to fearing cancer, she had seen what a toll chemotherapy took on her mother. “I think I feared chemo more than cancer,” Woodson said.

Woodson saw UMMC geneticist Dr. Joseph Maher, and tested positive for the BRCA gene. Then she did a lot of research into her options after the bilateral mastectomy. One involved using muscles from her back to rebuild the breast mound before covering it with

skin tissue from her stomach, a DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator artery) flap that leaves the stomach tighter and flatter as if you had had a tummy tuck.

Woodson is thin and athletic, and actually had to gain weight to have the surgery. For her, the decision to have the DIEP flap was to improve her recovery odds.

“I didn’t want to deal with implants,” she said. “Just like any transplant, your body might reject it. A lot of people think I did it because it was a cosmetic job. People think I had a boob job and a tummy tuck. There was nothing cosmetic about it.”

Woodson had the two surgeries done at the same time. McKinney did the breast removal while plastic surgeon Dr. Benjamin McIntyre, who is also with the UMMC Cancer Institute breast services care team, did the breast reconstruction.

McIntyre said advantages to using the patient’s own tissue is that it is smoother and very lifelike. While implants are prone to rupture, he said that, after recovery, few women have problems with flaps.

While the surgery and recovery were difficult choices, Woodson said she feels fortunate with the doctors she choose to do the surgeries.

“My doctors treated me like a friend,” she said. “It was really scary, but I really had an excellent team of doctors.”

Woodson had to stay in the hospital for five days after the 13-hour surgeries.

But in less complicated cases, many women are having breast cancer surgery today as outpatients. That is particularly

true for women who are able to opt for breast conserving surgery.

“We’ve been doing most things as outpatient for a while now especially for women who choose to conserve their breast,” McKinney said. “Even with mastectomies, most times patients only stay overnight unless there is some type of reconstruction, and then they usually stay in the hospital a few days depending on type of reconstruction. For the most part, we tend to get patients out of the hospital as soon as possible.”

Lumpectomies where the cancer is removed but not the entire breast have become more common in the past 25 years because of research trials that showed that, for most patients, the survival rate is the same whether the breast is removed or conserved.

“For me as a surgeon, it comes down to the extent of the disease in the breast,” McKinney said. “If I can I get everything out I need to get out, and leave woman with a cosmetically acceptable breast, they are candidates for keeping their breast.”

Some women are so frightened about the diagnosis of breast cancer that they initially want a mastectomy. McKinney said it is up to her to explore why patients are anxious and then give them concrete data to inform their choice.

“A lot of times people are anxious because they have false information,” McKinney said. “It is up to me to correct the misinformation and give them the correct information and deal with them individually. Some breast tumors are less aggressive than others, and have a better prognosis. If a woman has better-acting breast cancer with less chance of it coming back, then breast conservation is a good option.”

Another option for some women is breast reduction (oncoplastic) surgery at the same time the cancer is removed.

“Some really want their breasts smaller, and may have entertained a breast reduction in the past,” McKinney said. “They may be candidates for breast reduction at the time the lumpectomy done. A plan is made with the help of a plastic surgeon, and we reduce both sides at the time of the lumpectomy.”

Prevention or early detection is still of key importance in breast cancer. McKinney said finding cancer early is always better because there are a lot more options. When caught early, patients are less likely to need additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

“There are some very aggressive types of breast cancer that, even though small, they can still require additional treatments just because of the biology and the aggressiveness of the cancer,” McKinney said.

Left to right: Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine; Dr. Jennifer L. Bain, Assistant Professor, Periodontics and Preventive Sciences and Alon Bee, Regions Bank Metro Jackson City President

Expect more admiration.

Congratulations to Dr. Jennifer L. Bain, Assistant Professor, Periodontics and Preventive Sciences, for being awarded the Regions Bank TEACH Prize. This award recognizes a faculty member who best exemplifies the values of student engagement, intellectual challenge and dedication to the craft of education that drive UMMC’s educational mission. As a proud corporate citizen, Regions is always excited to support those in our community who work so tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of others. To Dr. Bain and everyone striving to improve our communities, we offer our thanks, our assistance and our commitment to making life better.

© 2016 Regions Bank. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

HEALTH CARE

14 I Mississippi Business Journal I October 21, 2016

GINA

Continued from Page 10

defeat breast cancer,” she said. Her healthy exercise regime, along with her strong faith and positive outlook, have also aided in her cancer battle, Carter-Simmers said.

“I still go to work when I can and I’m also working on part one of a documentary about my cancer battle,” she said. The goal is to tell her story on public radio and television stations and online. “I have the best platform to make people aware of this deadly disease,” she said.

The one thing nobody asks is, “Is there anything good that has come from having cancer? “There is,” she said. “I’m mentally stronger, and I’ve even learned to laugh at myself. There’s healing in laughter.”

Carter-Simmers said cancer also “brings out the traits in us that we find beautiful. There’s nothing more beautiful than confidence.”

The treatment causes severe muscle and joint pain and loss of appetite, but she said, “God made me strong and tough for my journey.”

Her two younger sisters are her

The Beauty of Cancer

HELEN

The Beauty of Cancer photo exhibit, presented by WJSU and JSU Cares, opens during National Cancer Prevention Month, Feb. 16, at Jackson's Mississippi Museum of Art. Organizers seek 16 women of all ages and ethnicities who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and are undergoing treatment to visually share their journey through this traveling display.

Participation deadline is Oct. 31. For details, call Gina Carter-Simmers at 601503-5239.

breast cancer rates increase in recent years.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer incidence rates increased 0.4 percent in black women from 2008 to 2012.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among all women in the United States, after skin cancer.

Curtis, who retired from the Mississippi Development Authority’s finance division in 2015, credits Poole for getting her through the trauma of having breast cancer.

“He held my hand and prayed with me often, from the first time I saw him until this very day,” she said. “I’ll never forget Dr. Poole telling me I could call him anytime, day or night. He’s my praying doctor, and I will always be beholden to him for the treatment given and his prayers.”

Because obesity and excess weigh increase the risk of developing breast cancer, experts recommend that women maintain a healthy weight. Many ACS studies have confirmed that women who get regular physical activity have a 10-20 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to females who get no exercise.

Curtis is sold on the idea, and works an exercise program religiously.

“I’m not a gym freak but I am a huge water aerobics advocate,” she said. “I lift weights three times a week and do water aerobics every day.”

primary caretakers and they and her brother, who all live out of state, were with her for her first chemo treatment. Friends and colleagues have been invaluable with their help and support, she said.

Some volunteer to sit with her during the two-hour chemo treatments and pick up her medications.

“I didn’t realize how much I was loved,” Carter-Simmers said. “My friends and co-workers make sure I stay motiated through their prayers, kind words and home visits. Thank God I was in Jackson working at Jackson State when I got my diagnosis.”

Continued from Page 11

“He held my hand and prayed with me often, from the first time I saw him until this very day. I’ll never forget Dr. Poole telling me I could call him anytime, day or night. He’s my praying doctor, and I will always be beholden to him for the treatment given and his prayers.”

Helen Curtis

Diet also plays a role for Curtis in her battle to stave off further cancer.

“My eating habits have completely changed post-cancer,” said the Mississippi Valley State University graduate. “I stay away from red meat and eat lots of vegetables. And, take lots of vitamins and no caffeine.”

In her spare time, Curtis stays involved in volunteering at breast cancer awareness events. Giving back is part of the journey, she says.

“Cancer will make you love life,” said Curtis. “Somehow, I always knew that I was going to be fine.”

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HEALTH CARE

October 21, 2016

I

Mississippi Business Journal

I

15

WOMEN’S MEDICAL CARE CENTERS RANK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

14

Name & Address

Phone /Website

Hospital Affiliation

Services Offered

Staff

NMMC Women's Hospital 4566 S. Eason Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38801 Merit Health Woman's Hospital 1026 N. Flowood Drive, Flowood, MS 39232 Baptist for Women 1225 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39202 Memorial Women & Children Services 4500 13th St., Gulfport, MS 39501 University Women's Care 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216 28th Place 421 S. 28th Ave., Ste. 200, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 The Woman's Clinic 501 Marshall St., Ste. 400, Jackson, MS 39202 Southwest Regional Women's Center Maternity Suites 215 Marion Ave., McComb, MS 39648 East Lakeland OB/GYN Associates, P.A. 1020 River Oaks Dr., Ste. 320, Jackson, MS 39232 Southeast Urogyn 501 Marshall St., Ste. 600, Jackson, MS 39202 Merit Health Women's Health Clinic 255 Medical Center Dr., Batesville, MS 38606 Magnolia Woman's Clinic, P.A. 970 Lakeland Dr., Ste. 43, Jackson, MS 39216 St. Dominic Hospital Center for Women's Health 970 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, MS 39216 Ovation Women's Wellness 4814 Lakeland Dr. , Flowood, MS 39232

662-377-3000 nmhs.net 601-932-1000 merithealthwomanshospital.com 601-948-6262 mbhs.org 228-575-2299 gulfportmemorial.com 601-984-1000 ummchealth.com/women 601-268-5640 hattiesburgclinic.com 601-354-0869 twc-ms.com

North Mississippi Medical Center

OB/GYN services

373

Baptist Medical Center Memorial Hospital at Gulfport University Medical Center Forrest General Hospital Baptist Medical Center

601-249-5500 smrmc.com

Southwest Health Systems

601-936-1400 eastlakelandobgyn.com 601-948-6540 seug.com 662-563-2163 merithealthbatesville.com 601-200-8201 magnoliawomansclinic.com 601-200-4935 stdom.com/services/womens/ mammography-center/ 844-682-8466 ovationwomen.com 251-342-6695 plannedparenthood.org/healthcenter/mississippi/hattiesburg

Baptist, Merit, Woman's Hospital Baptist, Merit, St. Dominic's Merit Health Batesville Baptist Health Systems

Planned Parenthood, Hattiesburg 214 S 27th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Merit River Oaks

St. Dominic Hospital

Delivery, breast imaging,robotic and general surgery, urology, NICU. Deliveries, breast health, NICU, OB/GYN, Urogynecology, gynecologic oncology Deliveries, breastfeeding center, classes, gynecological inpatient,NICU. OB/GYN, maternal-fetal medicine, urogynecology, gynecologic, infertility and gynecologic oncology.

The Breast Center, OB-GYN, Plastic Surgery, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Ultrasound, Lab

250 213 210 125 97

OB/GYN, 12 physiciansl; clinic in Madison.

70

Labor, delivery, recovery, post-partum unit

60

OB/GYN, surgery, noninvasive surgery, mammography Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

50 18 12

OB/GYN

10

Mammography, breast ultrasound, minimally invasive biopsy procedures.

10

Bladder and pelvic health, menopause; sexual health; well-woman exams. Also in Grenada.

Abortion Referral, Birth Control, HIV Testing, Emergency Contraception, Pregnancy Testing, STD Testing.

Data for this list was provided by company representatives and MBJ research. Direct questions to Frank Brown at research@msbusiness.com.

www.bcbsms.com Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ÂŽ Registered Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

5 5

16 I Mississippi Business Journal I October 21, 2016

RIDGELAND

Century Construction starts work on new professional office building at The Quorum at Colony Park

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

Century Construction, a firm founded

by Colin Maloney in Tupelo in 1997 as a two-employee, one truck-firm now employs more than 200 people at three locations in Mississippi, currently has $130-million worth of construction projects underway in several states. The firm now known Century Construction & Realty, Inc., has outgrown its current office space , and recently broke ground on a new office location in Ridgeland that will provide 45,000-square-feet of office space for it and other tenants that will soon be announced.

A groundbreaking was held Oct. 5 at 400 West Parkway Place in Ridgeland’s The Quorum at Colony Park.

Century Construction opened a full-service general construction office in Ridgeland in 2014 in the 200 Concourse Building on Highland Colony Parkway.

Following two years of adding staff and office space with limited options in Colony Park for leasing the amount of office space needed, Maloney, president and owner of the company, decided to develop 400 West Parkway Place.

Ridgeland was considered the ideal place to expand for the company which, in addition to providing general contracting services in Mississippi and surrounding states, also provides construction management services to clients across the country.

“We currently manage work as far away as Montana and Virginia,” said Ron Emery, director of procurement and operations for Century Construction & Realty, Inc., Ridgeland. “We chose the Colony Park area of Ridgeland for many factors, including the existing business environment and potential for additional business growth in the area, the architectural quality of surrounding structures, amenities such as walking access to world-class shopping and dining at the Renaissance, and ease of access.”

Emery said James F. Tyson is architect the three-story office building project that will feature a prominent radial glass curtainwall entry system, precast architectural panels and a parking garage below the first floor. All three floors offer spacious window openings allowing for natural light

Report: Oktibbeha County to investigate options for hospital

A special commission says the Oktibbeha County supervisors should field proposals regarding the sale or lease of OCH Regional Medical Center.

The Starkville Daily News reports the commission recommends the supervisors should host a public hearing in the near future over the report.

The public hearing is the first step required by state law in pursuing the possible transaction of the county-owned facility.

Around 100 residents, physicians and hospital employees, past and present, were on hand for Monday’s presentation.

Representatives from Tennessee-based consulting firm Stroudwater said the board should pursue sale or lease proposals, while asking OCH to make systemic improvements to give the hospital a competitive edge in the proposal process.

The report recommends the board not pursue service-line agreements or joint operating agreements, since both could hurt the hospital in the long run.

— from staff and MBJ wire services

Gulfport hopes rule change means more downtown dwellers ssssssxxxxxx / The Mississippi Business Journal

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Oct. 5 at the site of the office building.

with the third floor having its own lobby overlooking the property. It is anticipated construction will be complete and the building ready for occupancy in the fall of 2017.

Although the initial focus of the company was solely on construction, Century has evolved other key service lines, such as a full-service demolitions unit, heavy construction division, trucking, and a real estate division.

“We have experience in a variety of contracting delivery methods including general contracting, construction management and design/build,” Maloney said. “With the ability to self-perform many aspects of a construction project, Century is able to pass along competitive advantages to our customers through increased productivity, tighter project scheduling and superior quality. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional client satisfaction, meticulous attention to construction quality, a rewarding workplace for our employees and a culture of safety.”

Maloney said Century Construction is a company anchored to a simple vision to continue serving as a Mississippi industry leader while continuing to expand their reach to become the preferred provider of construction services in the region.

“Century continues to expand into new

markets to better serve our clients and meet their needs,” Maloney said. “We pride ourselves on exceptional client relationships, a decade of client satisfaction and meticulous attention to construction detail and safety measures. All of our superintendents are highly seasoned specialists who receive yearly safety construction training. Over the years, Century has been recognized for its dedication to creating a safe workplace and continues to keep safety a top priority as we move forward.”

The company is currently doing business in 12 states. Notable other projects in Mississippi include the GHM Dorms at Ole Miss in Oxford, the Yokohama Administration and Training Facility in West Point, work at the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience in Meridian and work at the Winston County Medical Center in Louisville to replace the facilities that were destroyed by the EF4 tornado that struck Louisville on April 28, 2014.

Large projects outside of the state include the Birmingham Surgical Dermatology Group in Birmingham, Ala., Tri-State Mack in Little Rock, Ark., and Barnes Crossing Hyundai in Columbia, Tenn.

In addition to the Ridgeland location and the headquarters in Tupelo, Century Construction and Realty also has offices in West Point.

If you want to live in downtown Gulfport, the city hopes to make it easier.

Builders until now have needed permission from the Planning Commission for homes or apartments downtown. The city council at its meeting Tuesday voted unanimously to do away with that rule.

City officials estimates fewer than a dozen people live downtown south of the railroad tracks, but more living space is on the way.

The Sun Herald reports financing is in place, and engineers and architects are drawing up plans for the run-down Markham Building. Virginia attorney Robert Lubin, who arranged financing, has said preliminary plans include 64 luxury apartments, possibly with a restaurant on the first floor.

— from staff and MBJ wire services

Avery to keep distribution center in Meridian

Avery Products Corp. says it plans to keep its distribution center in Meridian.

The Meridian Star reports the company announced Monday that it plans to invest $1 million in its Meridian distribution facility for building improvements and to increase material handling efficiencies.

Last September, the company had said it would move the distribution center to the Dallas area in 2017.

The Meridian plant manager, Shawn Nicholas, said company policy prohibited him from discussing the changes.

Avery provides digital printing solutions internationally for small businesses and consumers.

— from staff and MBJ wire services

October 21, 2016

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MBJ I

17

Never miss a beat.

FRANCHISING

Papa Murphy’s wants to expand in Mississippi markets

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

The Papa Murphy’s pizza chain, which sells fresh, hand-crafted pizzas that customers bake at home, is looking to expand in the Jackson area and in other Mississippi markets.

The Oregon-based Papa Murphy's Holdings Inc. was founded in 1981 and operates more than 1,500 franchises and corporate fresh pizza stores across the country and in Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

“We currently have Payne four stores open in Mississippi, primarily as part of our Memphis development efforts,” said Gary Payne, vice president of franchise sales. “With over 1,500 stores in 38 states, expanding further in Mississippi is a logical next step as we continue to grow.”

Papa Murphy’s bills itself as the fifthlargest pizza chain in the U.S. and the leader in the bake-at-home market. Propelling its growth is a simple operations model.

“Since no cooking occurs in our stores, we have no need for freezers, microwaves or ovens,” Payne said. “This makes our concept less labor intensive than other restaurant opportunities.”

The robust pizza restaurant category has $40 billion in annual sales and Payne said Papa Murphy’s holds a one of a kind place in the market. “We also have a unique target, appealing to moms, dads and families who are trying to solve the dinnertime dilemma by providing a convenient, highquality meal,” he said.

Papa Murphy’s features dough made fresh daily in each store, vegetables are chopped by hand and cheese is grated from large blocks. Meat toppings are free of fillers and additives and the chicken is raised without antibiotics, according to the company.

The pizzas are made to order from toppings to crust, wrapped atop a disposable

baking tray and take 12 to 18 minutes to cook in a home oven.

“Our brand is highly driven by families who appreciate high quality pizza at an extremely affordable price,” Payne said. “Our demographic research shows the Jackson region has the perfect mix of those families searching for value driven, high quality food options, so we think that helps prime our brand for quick success in the market.”

Robyn and Scott Johnstone, the owners of the Olive Branch franchise, have found success with the Papa Murphy’s brand.

Robyn, a stay-at-home mom, and Scott, a pilot, opened their store in 2014 with no experience in the industry. Scott is from Oregon and was familiar with the Papa Murphy’s concept and meals. “We always wanted to go into business and we loved the product,” Robyn said.

Their business is growing as more people hear about the convenience of the take-and-bake meals and the quality of the products, she said.

“People are looking for an alternative to doing something for dinner that is easy and fresh. Once they try it, they keep coming back. It’s a great concept,” she said.

“We've seen growth and it’s really going great.”

The corporation provided all the necessary training before they opened their store. “We had never run a business before and they taught us everything we needed to know on how to run the business on a daily basis and how to market it,” Johnstone said.

Payne said the company is offering Mississippi franchisees incentives to open Papa Murphy’s in new markets. The $25,000 franchise fee is being reduced by $5,000 and the royalty fee is being waived for the first 12 months a new store is open.

“In Mississippi, we are looking for candidates that would like to develop a designated market,” he said. “These could be existing franchisees of other concepts who want to grow their organization with another brand in the areas they currently operate, or someone from outside the industry.”

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18 I Mississippi Business Journal I October 21, 2016 BANKING AND FINANCE

Enviro-Linen: This business is cleaning up

L

ike many other successful Mississippi entrepreneurs I’ve known through the years, Bert Rubinski, CEO of Enviro-Linen, as built, sold, and started a number of successful businesses. This is one thing that seems to characterize the successful entrepreneur….namely, a fundamental enthusiasm for starting and building new enterprises.

After growing up in Jackson and attending LSU, Bert became involved in the family business, which was focused on uniform rentals. Eventually, he engineered growth in the business to the Alan Turner point that there were upwards of 200 employees, and then sold the business to G & K Services.

Following the sale, he started another business focused on providing linen services to restaurants, casinos, and other clients. That business eventually grew to employ about 185 people, and, yes–that business was sold as well.

Fast-forward to now. Bert has now moved into another new business called Enviro-Linen, which is focused on cleaning up many different types of environments, notably hospitals and other health-care facilities, hotels, and more. The company manufactures a line of microfiber towels that it says will dramatically reduce the prevalence of bacteria in high-risk environments.

In addition, the company has a consumer line which is sold on Amazon, known as Laguna Blue.

“For us, it’s all about cleaning up,” Bert said in a recent discussion. “Many people don’t realize that bacteria can grow and spread in cotton products, especially after it’s been used a number of times. You see, cotton terry is what we call a ‘deteriorating product’ and it provides a good environment for the spread of bacteria. Our products at Enviro-Clean are aimed at stopping the spread of bacteria, and thus, helping to control the spread of infectious disease.”

He told me that in developing their products, the company has worked closely with a former scientist from the Communicable Disease Centers, it is optimistic that its products will go a long way toward solving some of the rampant spread of infections, especially in health care environments.

“This is a mission for us,” Bert said. “It’s all about improving

VENTURE

Continued from Page 2

hire 150 more by 2020, MDA will provide $2.2 million.

Also, $2.3 million will be made available to PG Technologies if the company commits to creating 150 more jobs by 2026, for a total of 400 Additionally, $263,000 is being transferred from the original GE Aviation project for work-force training.

The Jones County Economic Development Authority is providing $200,000 for work-force training and the city and county are providing a fee-in-lieu taxes abatement and Freeport warehouse exemption.

The joint venture will provide specialized coatings for GE components associated with nearly all of GE’s aircraft engines. GE Aviation will deliver jet engine parts from its locations throughout the United States.

BANCORPSOUTH EXTENDS TILL END OF ’17 EFFORT TO BUY TWO BANKS

BY JACK WEATHERLY jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com

Bert Rubinski

the health and well-being of people of all ages, both in highrisk environments as well as in the home.”

Bert told me that lint is the “transportation system” for infectious disease and bacteria, and unfortunately, lint is a normal by-product of cotton terry products. As he sees it, lint spreads from normal use, is produced by the washing and drying process, and can easily spread through air ducts and other channels.

“It’s really a battle to clean up the dirtiest places,” he said.

The company is currently manufacturing some of its products in China, but is looking at starting a manufacturing facility in Mississippi that will provide jobs for Mississippians. Bert sees the potential as “nearly limitless,” because the demand in coming years will continue to grow with the spread of infectious diseases that are antibiotic-resistant.

“Our success is going to help a lot of people,” he said.

Bert Rubinsky is clearly a man who has a passion for what he does, and it’s hard not to see a strong and successful venture for Enviro-Linen Contact Mississippi Business Journal publisher Alan Turner at alan.turner@msbusiness.com or (601) 364-1021.

Praxair Surface Technologies President Pierre Lüthi, said in a release that production is expected to start in the second half of 2017.

“MDA thanks the Praxair and GE Aviation teams for choosing Ellisville as the primary site of PG Technologies, a decision which will bring exciting new career opportunities to Mississippians as well as enhance Mississippi as an aerospace innovative technology leader,” MDA Executive Director Glenn McCullough Jr. said in the release.

Praxair Inc., a Fortune 300 company with 2015 sales of $11 billion, is a leading industrial gas company in North and South America and one of the largest worldwide. The company produces atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings.

Praxair Surface Technologies had 2015 sales of $600 million.

BancorpSouth Inc. has reached an agreement to extend to Dec. 31, 2017 an attempt buy two banks, which has been delayed by federal regulatory intervention.

The Tupelo-based banking chain announced Oct. 14 the third extension of the merger effort that began in January 2014.

“We continue to believe these proposed transactions are in the best interest of the shareholders and teammates of all three organizations as well as the communities we collectively serve,” BancorpSouth Chairman and Chief Executive Dan Rollins said in a release.

BancorpSouth seeks to buy the Central Community Corp. of Temple, Texas and Ouachita Bancshares Corp. of West Monroe, La. The merger agreements were valued in January 2014 at $325 million in stock and cash.

Top officers of the other two banks likewise voiced determination and hope that the deal will transpire.

The mergers have been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of all three banks, and by the shareholders Ouachita Bancshares and Central Community.

BancorpSouth reached a $10.6 million settlement in June with the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, for what had been described as redlining in its Memphis operations.

Redlining is an illegal practice whereby a “red line” is drawn around an area and lending is materially restricted there.

The Tupelo bank said it disagreed with the allegations and did not admit to any liability. The settlement “was made to avoid prolonged and distracting litigation,” the bank said at the time in a prepared statement.

Nevertheless, regulators have prolonged the merger effort, presumably denying the purchasing bank the ability to benefit from the acquisitions.

Meantime, the bank has added a chief fair-lending officer and added a community development lending manager.

Additionally, it has hired 16 more community investment bankers.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Deposit Corp. lowered BancorpSouth’s Community Reinvestment Act rating to “needs to improve” from “satisfactory.”

The bank issued a statement Friday saying: “We continue to work daily toward the things the [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau] has asked us to do.”

The latest merger amendment makes it harder for Ouachita and Central Community to break off the effort.

If Central Community terminates the agreement before it expires, it would pay $2 million instead of $1 million for “certain reasons,” according to a document filed by BancorpSouth with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Oct. 13.

If Ouachita breaks off the deal before the extended period expires it would have to pay an increased penalty ranging from $2 million to $3 million from the original $750,000.

Another penalty is that the value of BancorpSouth stock would drop by 5 percent for what both banks would have received.

BancorpSouth shares closed at $22.66 on Oct. 14, up 24 cents, on the New York Stock Exchange. The 52-week range is $18.69 to $27.23.

October 21, 2016

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Mississippi Business Journal

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THE SPIN CYCLE r e c o g n i t i o n users in the U.S., nearly 79 percent of them has been its access the Internet and social networks reghardware de- ularly via a mobile device. That number is signs and the expected to rise to 86 percent by 2020. billions it has spent in adver- Nobel Mic | Bob Dylan first singer to win litertising to help ature award build its brand Bob Dylan, the poet laureate of the rock Todd Smith over the last era, was the first musician to win the Nobel few years.

Prize in Literature, an honor that elevates The Note, him into the company of T. S. Eliot, Toni in particular, had been a strong point Morrison and Samuel Beckett. higher rates than older Americans, whether for Samsung, helping it stand out thanks to intentionally or not.

Dylan, 75, whose selection last week was its large screen and built-in S-Pen stylus. perhaps the most radical choice in a history Samsung kills Galaxy Note 7, tries to revive its The company boasted that Note users were stretching back to 1901. In choosing a popthe company’s most loyal, while analysts say ular musician for the literary world’s highreputation they were also the most profitable thanks to With each day that Samsung’s Galaxy the strong margins on the big-screen phone. est honor, the Swedish Academy, which awards the prize, dramatically redefined the Note 7 problems remain in the headlines, boundaries of literature, giving song lyrics the damage to Samsung’s brand and longSocial ad spending surpasses TV ad buys the same artistic value as poetry or novels. term business prospects grows.

New research shows that for the first As the writer of classic folk and protest Every day, flights are taking off with what amounts to an anti-Samsung commercial, time, digital and social media ad spending songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The warning people not to use or plug in their has surpassed that of TV. Marketers every- Times They Are a-Changin’,” as well as Top device. At stores and airports, where there where are revisiting their strategies, leading 10 hits including “Like a Rolling Stone.”

Dylan is a superb Nobel winner. The first used to be scores of ads touting the Samsung to big changes in ad spend.

A recent study released by eMarketer American to win the prize since 1993, he is brand, there are now dire signs warning of a shows digital ad spending in 2016, a result studied by Oxford dons and beloved by mass recall. The Note 7’s lithium-ion batthat went against the predictions they represidents. teries have been found to spontaneously leased in March. Their initial estimate was Dylan's music and lyrics spoke to a genburst into flame.

Having to scrap the Galaxy Note 7 will be that TV would remain on top until 2017, eration during the tumultuous 1960s and helped galvanize the civil rights movement. extremely costly for the global tech giant when digital would edge it out.

The figures in this recent report, however, His influence continues to permeate both on its bottom line and reputation. The show 2016 TV ad spending will be $71.29 through rock, pop and folk music today. For Note is one of two main flagship phones for billion with digital coming in at $72.09 bilthis historic and impressive milestone, the company and its newest product headlion.

Digital accounts for 36.8 percent of Dylan rolls along with a Golden Nobel Mic! ing into the all-important holiday selling total media ad spending and TV is 36.4 perEach week, The Spin Cycle will bestow a season. We’re talking at least a couple billion Golden Mic Award to the person, group or dollars in lost profits and some $10 billion cent.

It’s no surprise that digital ad spending company in the court of public opinion that in revenue, plus the cost of the recall, says has grown so much, given the sharp rise in best exemplifies the tenets of solid PR, marJackdaw Research analyst Jan Dawson. social, mobile, and video. As a whole, social keting and advertising – and those who But, having failed to quickly restore conad spend comes in at $15.36 billion or 21.3 don’t. Stay tuned – and step-up to the mic! fidence and facing a potential second recall, percent of the total digital ad spend, up And remember … Amplify Your Brand! the Note 7 is likely done. Production has from 18.2 percent last year. been halted on all versions of the Note 7, But this is the year of mobile, as ad spend- Todd Smith is president and chief communiand the company can only hope it will RIP. ing on mobile is expected to rise 45 percent cations officer of Deane, Smith & Partners, a fullSamsung needs to quickly pivot its attento nearly $46 billion.

In fact, in its latest service branding, PR, marketing and advertising firm tion from trying to resuscitate this phone to quarterly report, social media juggernaut with offices in Jackson. The firm — based in Nashville, salvaging its company’s reputation.

Facebook announced that 84 percent ($5.24 Tenn. — is also affiliated with Mad Genius. Contact him While Samsung moved decisively to halt billion) of their advertising revenue for Q2 at todd@deanesmithpartners.com, and follow him sales of the original Note 7 on Sept. 2, the 2016 was from mobile ads.

It only stands to company’s muddled response to issues with @spinsurgeon. reason because of the 267 million Internet the replacement phones exacerbated its problems.

And here’s why the situation for Samsung is particularly troublesome: It’s far from the only game in town when it comes to Android devices.

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What has helped Samsung achieve name advertising representative at 601.364.1000

Younger adults prefer reading news via video

W

hen it comes to technology’s influence on America’s young adults, reading is not dead – at least not the news.

When asked whether one prefers to read, watch or listen to their news, younger adults are far more likely than older ones to opt for text, and most of that reading takes place on the web.

Overall, more Americans prefer to watch their news (46 percent) than to read it (35 percent) or listen to it (17 percent), a Pew Research Center survey found earlier this year.

But that varies dramatically by age. Those ages 50 and older are more likely to prefer watching news over any other method: About half (52 percent) of 50- to 64-yearolds and 58 percent of those 65 and older would rather watch the news, while roughly three-in-ten (29 percent and 27 percent, respectively) prefer to read it. Among those under 50, on the other hand, roughly equal portions – about four-in-ten of those ages 18-29 and ages 30-49 – opt to read their news as opt to watch it.

Most of that reading among younger adults is through digital text rather than print. About eight-in-ten (81 percent) of 18- to 29-year-olds who prefer to read their news also prefer to get their news online; just 10 percent choose a print newspaper.

The breakdown among 30- to 49-yearolds is similar. News readers who are ages 50-64, on the other hand, are more evenly split between a preference for the web (41 percent) and print paper (40 percent), while those 65 and older mostly still turn to the print paper (63 percent).

There is also evidence that younger adults who prefer to watch their news are beginning to make the transition to doing so on a computer rather than a television. While 57 percent of 18- to 29-year-old news watchers prefer to get their news via TV, 37 percent cite the web as their platform of choice.

That is far more than any other age group, including double the percentage of 30- to 49-year-old news watchers.

While news listening garners a smaller fan base overall, 18- to 29-year-olds who prefer this method of news again show signs of digital migration: Three-in-ten of these news listeners prefer the web for their news, at least twice that of older news listeners.

To be sure, younger adults consistently demonstrate less interest in the news overall. But research also reveals that, in the digital realm, they often get news at equal or

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