MBJ_Sept19_2014

INSIDE — Payday lender, fired executive at odds about probe, Page 9

35 YEARS

1979

Activity Aisle ...........................18 Banquets................................. 20 Get the most out of the experience ........ 22 Volunteers ...............................22 Music, food at Business After Hours ......... 23 Vendor List and Floor Map {P 16-17}

www.msbusiness.com

2014

September 19, 2014 • Vol. 36, No. 38 • $1 • 32 pages

Focus on Law & Accounting

FOR THE RECORD » Court reporters’ transcripts

of proceedings invaluable Page 24 {P 5} » Bankruptcy hits farmers {P 24} » C Spire, Blast Motion partner on state-of-the-art motion technology products

List {P 28} » Oldest Accounting Firms

» Mad Genius and Eyevox owner Rick Moore has acquired Mississippi Film Studios in Canton.

More, P 3

http://msbusiness.com/events/leadership-law-nomination-form/

2 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19 2014 AUTOMOTIVE

Special to the MBJa

The Renaissance Euro Fest will offer something for every European car lover, such as a 1961 Jaguar XK 150 (left) and 1965 Land Rover Dormobile (right).

Gearing up at Renaissance Special to the MBJa

» Euro Fest car/motorcycle show set for Oct. 3-5

BY WALLY NORTHWAY wally.northway@msbusiness.com

For some attendees as well as entrants, an automobile and motorcycle show featuring the finest rides from European manufacturers is simply outside their budget.

Then, there’s the Renaissance Euro Fest Classic European Auto & Motorcycle Show. To be held Oct. 3-5 at Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland, the sixth-annual Renaissance Euro Fest is free to both the public and participants.

“I made a decision when I started this thing that I was not going to charge someone for the privilege of showing their car or motorcycle,” said founder Mike Marsh.

“I think that has been a big part of our success. Obviously, our sponsors have allowed us to offer Renaissance Euro Fest free of charge.”

Marsh said that another key to success is that the show is “fun, family-friendly and clean.”

“When I started this, I had to find a venue that matched the quality of the entrants, and the Renaissance is just firstclass,” he said. “I’ve shopped all over the world, and it is as fine as any shopping destination in the world. The fountain, clock tower, flowers — it’s just fabulous.”

All of these factors has added up to Renaissance Euro Fest drawing hundreds of cars from across the Southeast, some with a seven-digit price tag, and thousands of visitors — last year’s crowd was estimated at approximately 15,000 people. Weather

permitting, Marsh said, those numbers are expected to hit all-time highs this year.

All of this is the brainchild of Marsh, a native of Louisiana who earned a BBA in marketing from Southern Methodist University. He started his corporate career in apparel and lived all over the country before “shifting gears” and coming to Jackson in 1982 to establish Mississippi’s first Coors beer distributorship.

However, Marsh by that time had been a long-time classic car enthusiast with a special love for Mercedes-Benz.

Upon retiring, he started mulling his idea for a show featuring only European cars and motorcycles.

After approximately a decade of thought and planning, Renaissance Euro Fest proved an instant hit. The first year, the show offered a $1.5-million Enzio Ferrari and a classic gullwing-doored MercedesBenz that would later sell for $2.43 million.

Marsh said the number of entrants and visitors has grown every year since then.

This year’s event will begin with the Renaissance Rally Drive for entries. Starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, from the Hyatt Hotel at the Renaissance, the drive will travel the back roads of Madison County with a lunch stop and then back to the Renaissance for the “Pick Up Your Packet” Reception.

The show be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Marsh is expecting 150 entries that were manufactured in five different countries and arriving from eight different states. As in years past, the vehi-

Thousands have flocked in to view cars from Ferrari as well as bikes, such as this 1965 Triumph Bonneville (below)

cles will be parked around Renaissance and grouped by class and style. Entrants will vie for dozens of awards.

This year will also offer a significant first.

On Sunday morning (Oct. 5) Renaissance Euro Fest will hold the “Pistons & Props Drive & Fly In.” (This was planned for last year, but was cancelled due to weather.)

Entrants will caravan from Ridgeland and Pearl to the John Bell Williams Airport in Raymond where they will be joined by vintage World War II-era aircraft. Gates open at 11 a.m.

Proceeds from “Pistons & Props” will benefit a new scholarship for students in Hinds Community College’s aviation pro-

gram and honor former Regions banker and experimental aviation enthusiast Mike Dalton, who passed away this past July.

Sponsors for Renaissance Euro Fest include the Ridgeland Tourism Commission, Paul Moak Volvo, Mercedes-Benz of Jackson, Porsche of Jackson, the law firm of Taggert, Rimes & Graham, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, The Mint and Sweet Peppers Deli.

Marsh has also established a similar event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Held at Baton Rouge’s L’Auberge Casino & Hotel, it will be held Nov. 1 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

“This is just so much fun for me,” Marsh said. “I don’t hunt. I don’t fish. All I do is classic cars and grandchildren.

“We have been fortunate that we have had good weather, a great venue in the Renaissance center, great sponsors and visitors and entrants that have come to the show then gone back home and talked about how great the event was,” Marsh said. “It has far exceeded any expectations I ever had.”

For more on the 2104 Renaissance Euro Fest Classic European Auto & Motorcycle Show, visit www.euro-fest.net.

September 19 2014

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Mississippi Business Journal

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» CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Mad Genius, Eyevox owner acquires Mississippi Film Studios RIDGELAND — Mad Genius Inc. and Eyevox Entertainment, LLC owner Rick Moore has acquired Mississippi Film Studios in Canton.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The move promises to continue the momentum Mississippi has made toward becoming a national player in the film industry.

“This is the most significant announcement for the film industry in Mississippi since the creation of the Mississippi Motion Picture Incentive Program in 2004.” said Ward Emling, director of the Mississippi Film Office.“Eyevox is both an experienced and committed production company and a long time and successful creator of all forms of filmed entertainment. This combination of infrastructure and content at the local level is what we have been working toward for well over a decade. It changes everything. It will instantly raise our profile, and it will immediately have an impact on our ability to attract and support production.”

“These are very exciting times for Mississippi’s film community, and this is an important next step as we see so many productions choosing to shoot their films in the state” Moore said.“We are extremely fortunate to have such a great film climate in Mississippi, and we look forward to doing our part to help promote more activity and bringing jobs and infrastructure home.”

Mississippi Film Studios is a 43,000-square-foot purpose-built facility, including 8,000 square feet of production offices and a 35,000-square-foot clear span sound stage on six acres in Canton. Originally built for the movie Time To Kill, the studios have been transformed into an industry-standard facility, which gives Mississippi a much needed tool in order to compete both nationally and internationally in the attraction of film to the state.

“Rick Moore and I have worked together for over fourteen years on numerous projects. One of his many desires has been to expand the entertainment side of his business to the Mississippi Film Studios,” said Jo Ann Gordon, executive director of Canton Convention and Visitors Bureau and Film Office. “The Canton CVB's mission has been to create year round production through the development and implementation of MFS.” Gordon also stated, “We have been successful in building and enhancing this major film complex. We are excited and fortunate to have attracted one of our own leading Mississippi film production companies and we look forward to watching them grow. The Canton CVB made a commitment years ago to the State of Mississippi and to the State Film Office to become a partner in growing and promoting the film industry. Film production is one of Canton CVB’s Signature Industries and our focus will continue to be an aggressive film friendly community.”

“When Jo Ann Gordon and the Canton CVB set out to grow the film industry in the Canton area, they focused on building infrastructure first and the result is the beginning of a first-class purpose built film complex,” said Tim Coursey, executive director of Madison County Economic Development Authority. “Combined with Rick Moore’s private sector know-how, we believe Mississippi Film Studios will fast become a vital part of the

Mad Genius Inc. and Eyevox Entertainment, LLC owner Rick Moore has acquired Mississippi Film Studios in Canton.

filmmaking industry in Mississippi.”

— from staff reports

y

4 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19 2014

BANKING AND FINANCE

Multi-family, health care construction are backbone of mid-range lending

By TED CARTER ted.carter@msbusiness.com

Ben Williams, real estate law specialist and Watkins & Eager managing member, has been hopping the past year helping Mississippi developers put together projects requiring mid-range loans of $5 million to $50 million.

But next month?

“I'm not prepared to tell you I'll be busy,” said Williams, who is in his 28th year practicing real estate law in Jackson.

Yes, the uptick in mid-range lending has lasted 18 months, Williams says. But, “All we need is another glitch to cause borrowers to wonder how they are going to get the next project off the ground.”

Projects with large doses of government help in the form of New Market Tax Credits propped up last year's lending, especially in the health care sector with new clinics and nursing homes, Williams says.

Exceptions did occur, including the $50 million Nissan expansion and the $70 million refinancing of the Choctaw Indian Tribe's gaming facilities. The Choctaw deal is an “aberration,” considering that Mississippi's casino market is floundering, Williams noted.

Lending in other sectors is hardly floundering, however.

For instance, the only struggle multifamily construction has seen is in keeping up with demand, Williams says.

The demand is strong in both rental

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projects that are helped along by government subsidies and those built purely with private money, he adds.

“I think the one that is just booming is multifamily,” he says, but cautions that the Gabardi construction loan required to get a project started adds considerable risk.

Add lodging to the mid-range loan growth list, Williams says, as well as the continuingto-surge medical-related construction.

“Health care has saved a lot of things since 2008, because there is so much money in it,” he adds.

Driving Metropolitan's growth Curt Gabardi founded Ridgeland-based Metropolitan Bank seven years ago in the midst of the national banking crisis and real estate collapse. He made mid-range commercial and industrial lending a primary focus.

Today, in addition to Ridgeland, Metropolitan has operations in Flowood, Memphis, Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn. It also has a pair of community banks in Crystal Springs and Hazlehurst under the Bank of the South banner.

The bank is approaching the $1 billion in assets level, having sustained annual growth of about 8 percent since inception, said Gabardi, Metropolitan Bank's president and CEO. A loan portfolio that has been growing in the mid-20 percent range so far this year comes on top of annual growth in the 10 percent range in previous years, according to Gabardi.

Rental housing has been a huge part of the loan growth, he says. “We would agree [with Watkins & Eager's Williams] that multi-family housing is a great opportunity if you look at trends in the housing sector in general.”

Multi-family has created especially strong opportunities for expansion into other markets, Gabardi adds.

“Also, transportation and health care are significant drivers of our growth.”

Next comes lodging, he says. “The hotel sector is something we think we know something about.”

At the moment, he says, “We are in the process of working on several” hotel projects in downtown Jackson.

“If you study Jackson's market in particular, occupancy levels are in good shape. Average daily rates and RevPar (revenue per available room) are generally very healthy.”

Over-the-road trucking and related logistics have been a significant part of Metropolitan's transportation loan activity, according to Gabardi.

It's a lending category that will grow even more as the economy builds and the use of trucking increases. “The need for power units and trailers, both commercial and refrigerated, has already shown up in terms of our Williams loan demand,” he adds.

Like Williams, Gabardi expects lending in health-care construction to continue at a healthy clip. “I would say that lending in the medical sector has always been a key driver of our growth,” he says.

Also like Williams, Gabardi sees the retail sector as short on opportunities. “I don't see a lot of lending for new retail centers, he says.

Low interest rates, however, have helped building owners afford to refinance and improve their retail properties, Gabardi notes.

Unlike residential rental properties, new retail growth is tough to underwrite, Williams says.

“With multi-family you don't have to worry about who is going to move in across the street and cannibalize your sales.”

New markets a mainstay New Market Tax Credits can revive a stalled project in quick order, Williams notes.

“Here comes the federal government. It says we'll give you tax credits; you bring in the investors.”

The investors are typically individuals or entities such as banks with a substantial federal tax obligation and want tax credits to lighten their load. The developer, who needs capital rather than tax credits, brings in the investors as limited partners with zero liability. With the New Market Tax Credits, they can put up a $75,000 investment that gains them a $25,000 tax credit, thus creating a $100,000 return, Williams explains.

“By the way, the project is now on the table.”

New Market Tax Credits are “a huge play” in Metropolitan Bank's Tennessee markets, Gabardi says. In Mississippi, the tax credits have been widely used by Metropolitan borrowers for “tilt-up” commercial construction, he says.

“I'm looking out the window of our office in Ridgeland. Highland Colony has seen significant vertical construction” that included New Market Credits.

New Market Tax Credit deals are complex to put together, but they have done plenty to spur development in Mississippi, according to Williams.

“We're in a recession in 2009 and suddenly here comes the New Market Tax Credits to the rescue,” he says.

September 19 2014

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AGRICULTURE

Grain buyer’s bankruptcy could take steep toll on Delta farmers » Defaults on contracts and non-payment on grain already delivered are main worries

By TED CARTER ted.carter@msbusiness.com

The chapter 12 bankruptcy of a principal of Arkansas’ Turner Grain Co. and accompanying grain contract defaults could cost farmers in the Mississippi Delta “paper” losses of up to $70 million, according to a Greenville lawyer for several grain producers.

Separate from the paper losses is the prospect of some farmers going unpaid for grain already sold to Turner Grain. Attorney Scott Phillips, who represents Leland farmer Harper Ross and five other Mississippi farmers who sold to Turner, said his clients have not been paid for grain deliveries totaling about $1.7 million.

The paper losses would come through Turner Grain’s inability to honor contracts made at the start of the planting season, leaving corn and soy bean growers to sell at today’s much lower price. Corn contracts averaged around $5.10 a bushel in late April. By Tuesday’s close, they had fallen to around $3.43. Likewise, soy bean contracts averaged around $12.07 a bushel in late April and early May but by Tuesday they stood at around $9.79.

“We’ve been hearing of $60 million to $70 million in loses,” most of which are based on grain getting lower prices than they contracted for with Turner Grain, Phillips said.

Not only are Ross and the other clients “not getting the price they bargained for, they may not get anything,” Phillips said.

Phillips said he can show that Turner received payment for the nearly $2 million worth of grain before Turner co-owner Dale Bartlett of Marvell, Ark., filed for bankruptcy protection Sept. 12. The chapter filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Easter Arkansas is designed for individuals involved in agriculture and buys Bartlett time in his personal defense against lawsuits arising from Turner Grain’s failure to pay farmers in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, the Arkansas DemocratGazette reported Monday. The newspaper reported agricultural officials believe that the full scope of the grain dealer’s multistate defaults could reach several tens of millions of dollars.

Bartlett lists assets valued at from $1 million to $10 million, according to the filing.

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture reports that Turner Grain is not cur-

rently licensed as a grain buyer in the state, though it had a license as recently as 2012.

Ross said in an interview with the Democrat-Gazette that Turner Grain picked up about 335,000 bushels of grain valued at around $1.7 million.

He said he became concerned when Turner Grain’s trucks quit showing up to load additional grain.

Phillips said the grain sold by Ross and the other Delta farmers went directly to Tyson Foods. Tyson paid Omaha, Neb., grain distributor Gavilon, Phillips said, who based his claim on statements made

by Gavilon.

Gavilon has said it paid Turner Grain in full, according to Phillips.

“We’re trying to figure out if anyone is hiding any money that arose out of our crops,” Phillips said of his clients. “We’re trying to see if any other middle men are holding funds that are directly traceable to our funds.”

Added Phillips: “We’re in sort of a holding pattern right now but we’re not going to hold much longer.”

State bond requirements for grain brokers in Mississippi apply only to the square-footage of warehouse space purchased grain takes up, according to Steve Nail, president of the Greenville Grain Coop, a federally licensed grain storage operation. The federal bond requirement is much the same as the one the state has, he noted.

Nail said the coop, made up by and governed by individual farmers, pays on delivery. It sells the grain by the barge load to exporters, he said.

The paper loses could take a large toll on Delta farmers, say Mississippi State University agriculture specialist John Michael Riley and AgFax.com editor Owen Taylor of Brandon.

“My suspicion is that this season could do in some growers,” Riley said, and lamented that some of the contracts farmers made with Turner were verbal.

Many Delta farmers were feeling good about contract prices they booked with Turner in the spring, said Taylor, who publishes a daily online news letter detailing crop prices across Mississippi and the rest of the South. “Now they are no better off ” than farmers who wagered on high corn and soy bean prices by fall and declined to make earlier contracts with buyers, he said.

Prices for corn and soybeans dropped steeply on June 30 and have been bouncing along ever since, Taylor said.

Riley attributed the unexpectedly low prices to favorable growing conditions, higher yields and planting of increased acreage.

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

200 North Congress, Suite 400 Jackson, MS 39201-1902 Main: (601) 364-1000 Faxes: Advertising (601) 364-1007; Circulation (601) 364-1035 E-mails: mbj@msbusiness.com, ads@msbusiness.com, photos@msbusiness.com, research@msbusiness.com, events@msbusiness.com

Website: www.msbusiness.com September 19, 2014 Volume 36, Number 38

ALAN TURNER Publisher alan.turner@msbusiness.com • 364-1021 ROSS REILY Editor ross.reily@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 WALLY NORTHWAY Senior Writer wally.northway@msbusiness.com • 364-1016 FRANK BROWN Staff Writer/Special Projects frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 364-1022 TED CARTER Staff Writer ted.carter@msbusiness.com • 364-1017 LISA MONTI Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018

MBJPERSPECTIVE September 19, 2014 • www.msbusiness.com • Page 6

OUR VIEW

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Cochran-Childers race needs stronger focus

t’s been close to three months since Chris McDaniel lost the Republican U.S. Senate runoff to Thad Cochran, and he still hasn’t given up. It’s the longest non-concession stretch of any statewide election loser in Mississippi history.

But while McDaniel has neither a strong legal argument nor any precedent to rely on in his challenge of the election results, his court maneuverings continue to keep him in the news and his fundraising appeals going.

His efforts, unfortunately, have also distracted from what ought to be the focus on the general election campaign, with just seven weeks to go between Cochran and the

Democratic nominee, former 1st District U.S. Rep. Travis Childers of Booneville.

While Cochran remains the favorite, Childers is a formidable challenger.

There are differences between the two on some issues, and the voters would benefit from seeing them at least once in a faceto-face debate.

Cochran has said he’ll debate if his schedule permits it, but with those offering to sponsor such an event – Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson and the University of Mississippi’s Overby Center – and Childers himself remaining flexible, it’s obvious at least one debate could be arranged if

Cochran chose to participate. We continue to hope he will.

A debate between these two could potentially elevate the political tone after a rather tawdry Republican primary campaign. The state needs that now.

It could also help illuminate the differences in the two candidates, which presumably would be to both candidates’ advantage as they attempt to get their messages out.

Most important, though, the voters would benefit from seeing the two together. It’s See VIEW, Page 7

BOBBY HARRISON Contributing Writer mbj@msbusiness.com • 364-1018 TAMI JONES Advertising Director tami.jones@msbusiness.com • 364-1011

» WHAT YOU’RE READING

» THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Here are the most-read stories on msbusiness.com from September 9- September 16.

MELISSA KILLINGSWORTH Sr. Account Executive

melissa.harrison@msbusiness.com • 364-1030

1. UMMC reaching out after death of high school football player

VIRGINIA HODGES Account Executive virginia.hodges@msbusiness.com • 364-1012

2. CSpire offering 1Phone 6, IPhone 6 Plus on Sept. 19

TACY RAYBURN Production Manager tacy.rayburn@msbusiness.com • 364-1019

3. Thousands of acres of Delta farmland to go on auction block

CHARINA RHODES Circulation Manager charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com • 364-1045

5. Haley Barbour to appear on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher

4. Former Godwin CEO Danny Mitchell dies at 66

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Entire contents copyrighted © 2014 by Journal Inc. All rights reserved.

» MBJ COMMENTS ONLINE

Election was a sham

» HOW TO WRITE Letters to the editor are one of the most widely read features of the Mississippi Business Journal, and they give everyone a chance to voice their opinions about current affairs. We’re interested in what you think and we welcome Letters to the Editor for publication. Here are the guidelines: >> Letters should not exceed 300 words in length as a general rule. >> All letters must bear the writer’s address and telephone number. Street addresses and telephone numbers will not be published, but may be used for verification purposes. Letters may not appear without the author’s name. >> Form letters, thank you letters and letters to third parties generally are not acceptable. >> Letters must be typed or e-mailed. >> Letters must conform to good taste, not be libelous and not involve personal attacks on other persons.

>> All letters are subject to editing, and become the property of the Mississippi Business Journal. >> Letters can be sent to The Editor, The Mississippi Business Journal, 200 North Congress, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201, delivered to the newspaper during regular business hours or e-mailed to editor@msbusiness.com. They may also be faxed to Ross Reily at (601)-364-1007.

RE: “Election panel meets in wake of McDaniel-Cochran dispute” (Sept. 11) ... Isn’t this interesting? Delbert Hosemann is willing to listen to the political party talking heads for advice on election law changes, but did he invite NON-OFFICE HOLDING CITIZENS? BOTH the U. S. Constitution and the Mississippi Constitution ordain such basic foundational law by preambles that say “We, the People”.

Is the Secretary now out here in front saying that We, the People should not be consulted on how we select candidates for office, but consult out of State officials to help make those decisions?

This slaps every interested Mississippi voter in the face!

— Laura Van Overschelde

» CORRECTIONS

A nation is watching Mississippi

The Mississippi Business Journal takes seriously its responsibility to provide accurate information, and will correct or clarify articles produced by the editorial department if we have made an error or published misleading information. The correction will be placed in the perspective section.

If you see inaccuracies in Mississippi Business Journal news stories, please report the mistake via email at editor@msbusiness.com.

RE: “Supreme Court to hear arguments in McDaniel’s election lawsuit Oct. 2” (Sept. 10) ... This decision by the Mississippi Supreme Court may be one of the most important decisions in the history of U.S. elections. This will be an opportunity for Mississippi to shred the stereotype image it has had in the rest of the nation since the 60’s.

Will the court do the right thing, and stand for what is right and just?

The nation and world are watching, Mississippi Supreme Court…do not let this opportunity for Mississippi to be a beacon for truth pass you by, and allow others to confirm what they believe is true!!!

— Tommy Vise

PERSPECTIVE

September 19, 2014 I Mississippi Business Journal

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» RICKY NOBILE » INSIDE POLITICS

Childers: Cochran wrong on women’s pay legislation

»PERCOLATIN’ WITH BILL

Pence chooses Medicaid solution over TEA rhetoric

M

ost real Tea Partiers know of Mike Pence.

The uncompromising champion of lower taxes, smaller government and earmark reform, Pence served six terms in Congress, including time as chairman of the hard-core conservative Republican Study Group. He was a member of the TEA Party Caucus, got a 95 percent grade from the Club for Growth during his last year in Congress, and became a darling of the infamous Koch brothers.

In January 2013 he became the 50th governor of Indiana.

Within two months he aggressively cut corporate income taxes by over 20% and individual income taxes by 5%, eliminated burdensome regulations, cut millions out higher education spending, and balanced the state budget.

“We balanced our budget, created jobs, cut red tape by 55 percent, improved our schools and roads, and paid down state debt,” Pence said in his 2014 state of the state address.

And (drum roll please), he wants to take Obamacare Medicaid money.

Like Arkansas and a number of Republican led states, he won’t take it to increase regular Medicaid, but wants a waiver to use the money for a more market-driven system.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Medicaid,” said Pence.

“The sad truth is that traditional Medicaid is not just broke, it is broken. Research shows that the program does not lead to better health outcomes and in some cases hurts the very people it is supposed to help.

“Traditional Medicaid is not a system we need to expand.

It’s a system we need to change. The Healthy Indiana Plan is

Bill Crawford the right place to start. The Healthy Indiana Plan is consumer-driven healthcare that moves people from emergency rooms to primary care and encourages lowincome Hoosiers to take more ownership of their own healthcare decisions.”

Pence’s cost-sharing plan will require participants to contribute from $3 to $25 per month (based on income and family size). In return they will obtain a comprehensive health care plan that also includes preventive care, prescription drugs, vision and dental care, and pregnancy coverage.

Pence’s plan will also reimburse doctors and hospitals at Medicare rates, which are higher than Medicaid rates, to encourage more to participate.

Pence calls his plan “the closest thing America has seen to a Medicaid block grant program that works and will serve as a model for the nation in future debates about health care reform.”

Like Ronald Reagan, Pence believes government safety nets have a duty to incentivize people to work and build careers, not become permanently dependent on government.

Opting for action over political rhetoric, Indiana’s ultraconservative governor designed a solution that encourages people to work and help pay for their benefits… not the opposite, as in Mississippi, where Medicaid encourages people not to work and not to marry in order to get benefits.

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

JACKSON — Democratic former U.S. Rep. Travis Childers said Tuesday that if he's elected to the Senate, he will support a bill requiring employers to pay women and men the same amount for doing the same jobs.

"I have learned to listen to the women in my family, especially concerning family issues. I only have to look back as far as my own mother to be able to talk about and tell you that I proudly support the paycheck fairness act," Childers said during a news conference in Jackson.

Childers is trying to unseat six-term Republican Sen. Thad Cochran in the Nov. 4 general election, and he criticized Cochran for voting to block such a bill. Cochran was among 40 Republican senators who voted Monday against letting the pay bill move forward . Fifty-two Democrats voted to advance the bill, but they fell short of the 60 votes they needed.

Childers said Tuesday that women's contributions to the family income are as important as men's, and women should be paid equally for the same job. He brought a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk to the news conference and noted that women don't receive discounts on groceries, gasoline or other necessities.

Cochran campaign spokesman Jordan Russell said the incumbent supports equal pay.

"This bill is just an election year stunt and a gift to trial lawyers," Russell said. "Travis Childers was a loyal foot soldier for Nancy Pelosi when he was in the House, so it should come as no surprise he is pledging to march to Harry Reid's tune in the Senate."

Russell also said two federal laws that were enacted before Cochran took office — the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — already address "alleged pay discrimination."

Census bureau figures show that on average, women are paid 77 cents for every dollar paid to men. Figures show that men tend to be paid more than women in comparable jobs and with equal amounts of education. But on average, women tend to accept shorter hours than men and are likelier to take lower-paying jobs.

The Reform Party's Shawn O'Hara also is running for Senate in Mississippi this year.

— from staff and MBJ wire services

VIEW

Continued from Page 6

now up to Cochran to make that happen.

McDaniel, meanwhile, continues to diminish his credibility as a future candidate with what will almost certainly end as an unsuccessful challenge of his runoff loss to Cochran. A special judge dismissed his election challenge on the grounds it was filed too late. Not to be deterred, McDaniel has appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court, which has set Oct. 2 as the date to hear oral arguments on the appeal.

Timing aside, nothing McDaniel’s attorneys have yet presented provides legitimate grounds for overturning the election results or ordering a new election, as McDaniel seeks. His frustration with the permissiveness of Mississippi’s election laws allowing voters to choose which primary they’ll participate in isn’t a reason to alter the result.

While the McDaniel sideshow continues, the race – and the voters’ choice – is between Cochran and Childers. That’s where the focus needs to be, and one or more debates would help sharpen it.

— Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal

8 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19 2014 ADVERTISING

»REMEMBRANCE

Former GodwinGroup CEO Danny Mitchell dies at 66

A remarkable leader, but a better friend

BY MBJ STAFF mbj@msbusiness.com

Danny Mitchell, the former chairman and CEO of GodwinGroup, died suddenly Sunday morning of a heart attack. He was 66.

Mitchell, who was a well-known and respected member of the Mississippi business community, retired as Senior Partner and Chairman in 2012. When he was chairman and CEO he grew Godwin into one of the top agencies in the South. He was the first advertising executive inducted into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame.

Mitchell was married for 35 years to Patty Perkins Mitchell, a 1970 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. They have three children – Amy, Ben and Emily – all of who have chosen communications as their profession. He was an avid tennis player and plays on several U.S. Tennis Association teams. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Many in the Mississippi business community posted their condolences to Mitchell’s Facebook page.

“This hit hard. He was a mentor to many, an encourager and a friend-he will be missed. Peace to Danny's family,” said business blogger and writer Susan Marquez.

“Still in shock after hearing this news. A good friend. Rest in peace, Danny. Patty, thinking of you and family. Much peace, prayers and thoughts,” said Phil Hardwick of the John C. Stennis Institute of Government.

Mitchell joined GodwinGroup in 1983 as part of succession. He held numerous positions of increasing responsibility including Vice President, Public Relations; Senior Vice President, Public Relations & Business Development and President. In 1992, he was named CEO and in 22 years with the company, he has served as the driving force behind the agency’s growth.

He led GodwinGroup’s evolution in becoming a full service

Special to the MBJ

Danny Mitchell the former chairman and CEO of GodwinGroup, died suddenly Sunday morning of a heart attack. He was 66.

around the country and cultivated the skills of home-grown executives, he grew the bottom line. When he joined in 1983, GodwinGroup grew from $2 million (in capitalized billings) to more than $62 million in capitalized billings today.

GodwinGroup is the only Mississippi agency ranked among the Top 50 in the Southeast by AdWeek.

Previously, he was Public Relations and Communnications Officer for the Jackson Municipal Separate School District, Managing Partner for WSDL and WVSL radio stations in Slidel, La., and was Assistant Director of Public Relations, for Mississippi University for Women in Columbus.

Mitchell was involved in numerous civic and community activities, including the Mississippi Economic Council, and was an active member of the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association -- serving in the past as the president of the school's alumni association and he was elected to the Alumni Hall of Fame.

“Still in shock after hearing this news. A good friend. Rest in peace, Danny. Patty, thinking of you and family. Much peace, prayers and thoughts.”

— Phil Hardwick integrated marketing firm with in-house capabilities including research, public relations, database marketing, customer relationship marketing and interactive services to augment the traditional creative, marketing and media buying services. Importantly, as he recruited top talent from

D

anny Mitchell – the retired leader of the GodwinGroup – died last weekend. He was a remarkable business leader, a tireless volunteer in his community and at his alma mater, Southern Miss and a loyal and steadfast friend to me and many others.

During his 30 years of involvement at the GodwinGroup, he helped grow the business from a small ad agency with fewer than 20 employees and capitalized billings of $2 million into a nationally respected agency with more than 75 professionals and capitalized billings exceeding $50 million.

When he retired from active involvement several years ago, he left a solid succession plan in place with a team of partners and staff capable of not only sustaining, but continuing to grow the business – a true testament to his legacy of leadership.

Over the years his company worked with Mississippi’s largest corBlake Wilson porations – a blue chip list — and with others all over the South and the nation – in helping position their success in public relations and advertising. He knew how to recognize talent and bring it on staff – and when he couldn’t, he forged strategic alliances to leverage greater success for all.

Danny was truly about win-win, which is what sets a great leader like him apart.

So many times when a business leader like Danny leaves us so suddenly, we focus almost entirely on his professional achievements including the many honors he received such as being inducted into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame and the Southern Miss Alumni Hall of Fame and for receiving the Silver Medal Award from the Jackson Ad Federation for his lifetime achievements in his profession, just to name a few.

But while success in business and giving back to the community and his state were his calling – with involvement in too many organizations and initiatives to mention — they weren’t his true passion.

Danny’s real passion was his family. And this is what is so often overlooked when we write about those who are so successful in business.

Danny was a true partner with his wife, Patty. They were team mates, soul mates and best friends. His love for his wife – and his children – Amy, Ben and Emily – was ever present. He talked often about his children and their achievements. He was proud of them, but he also respected them for their choices and how they pursued each of their unique opportunities in both life and career.

He enjoyed the recognitions he received for his professional success, but he most enjoyed reminiscing about coaching his children and others in soccer…or about making a difference in charity work, most recently with the Make-A-Wish Foundation…or about a recent win on the tennis court.

In his faith…his family…and his approach to business success…Danny struck a true balance, providing a model for all of us who hope to be remembered not just for what we did…but for how we lived our lives. Danny Mitchell lived his life well…in true service to his faith, his family and his community. He also had fun, which is what life is truly all about.

Blake Wilson is President & CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council, serving as only the third executive of the State Chamber of Commerce in over 60 years.

September 19 2014

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BANKING AND FINANCE

Payday lender, fired executive exchanging blame for lender’s regulatory woes » All American’s chief denies allegation he bought favors from legislators

By TED CARTER ted.carter@msbusiness.com

Lawyers for payday lender All American Check Cashing and a fired executive of the Madison company are trading accusations of criminal activity.

All-American blames the former executive for the hot water it is in with state regulators; the out-of-work executive alleges the company fired him for not participating in illegal activities that included under-the-table payments to state legislators.

Hattiesburg lawyer Daniel Waide alleged in a July letter to All American Check Cashing’s attorney Dale Danks Jr. that the statewide payday lender tried to force former chief administrative officer/compliance officer Alan Crancer to take part in making illegal cash payments to Mississippi legislators in return for “favorable legislation.” Waide further claims All American asked Crancer to participate in making cash payments to owner Michael Gray to help Gray avoid paying taxes.

Waide has offered to drop further legal action in exchange for Crancer receiving two years of salary and medical insurance as severance.

Danks countered that Waide and Crancer “have conspired to actively engage in the criminal act of attempting to extort benefits, both monetary and otherwise, from my clients.”

Danks said in 51 years as a Jackson lawyer he has never encountered “such a shallow attempt by a fellow member of the bar.”

In a July 20 email to Danks asking to settle Crancer’s complaint, Waide claims All American fired Crancer for refusing to take part in illegal payday loan rollovers, an illegal practice in Mississippi by which fees on an old loan are paid and a new loan is issued with new fees.

The alleged rollovers are part of an investigation by the state Department of Banking and Consumer Finance and central to a cease-and-desist order placed on All American Check Cashing and its 41 stores in Mississippi.

All American alleges that Crancer hatched the rollover scheme and posted a training document on the company’s intranet detailing how to work the rollovers.

State regulators say the training document is a key element of its ongoing investigation of All American’s lending practices.

Crancer’s firing occurred in late June around the same time inves-

tigators from the state Department of Banking and Finance raided more than a dozen of All American’s stores around the state.

For his part, Crancer has repeatedly denied having any role in setting lending policies and practices during his four years as CAO and later compliance officer at All American. He said other company managers pushed employees to maximize borrower fees no matter what it took to do so.

The October 2012 document cited by regulators has the name of an All American manager other than Crancer. Labeled “The Monthly Lending Program,” it details how to keep the amount of each loan at the state’s allowable first tier level of below $250 and setting a 14day repayment on a borrower whose source of income arrives monthly.

The state cease-and-desist order claims All American designed the program especially for borrowers who get monthly paychecks or government benefit checks.

On first-tier loans, the state allows fees of up to $20 per $100 loans and a 14-day repayment period. In what even state legislators concede is a glitch in the check cashing law renewed in 2012, the law lets lenders issue a combination of the first-tier loans up to $500, a limit that includes both the loan amount and fees. Secondtier loans are those $250 and above and mandate a 28to-30 day repayment period.

Lenders who make a combination of first-tier loans up to $400 can collect up to $87.80 in fees ($21.95 on each $100). The loans are due in 14 days, unlike a true second-tier loan that carries twice the repayment peSee

PAYDAY, Page 10

PAYDAY LENDER EXPECTS CLEAN BILL FROM REGULATORS

By TED CARTER ted.carter@msbusiness.com

All American Check Cashing owner Michael Gray expects the Mississippi Department of Banking to renew his check cashing store license at the end of this month and close its investigation into illegal payday loan rollovers with no finding of wrongdoing.

Gray, in his first public comments since state regulators raided more than a dozen of his payday lending stores across the state, attributed his current woes to putting the wrong person in the wrong job.

He said he gave former chief administrative officer Alan Crancer the job of creating a company intranet that ultimately went unused by company managers and employees.

But when state regulators went looking for evidence of illegal loan rollovers, the intranet served up a huge helping of grief for Gray. They found an October 2012 training document detailing how to Gray trap borrowers whose incomes arrive monthly into 14-day cycles of debt.

Who wrote the document and who put it on the intranet?

Crancer will tell you a manager other than himself did it and that the company presented the rollover training at a manager’s session in Vicksburg in October 2012. Not so, insists Gray, who said the first he or any managers other than Crancer knew of the training document was when regulators found it in late June on All American’s intranet.

Apparently it stayed there unnoticed since the fall of 2012, according to Gray. “Not one time did I ever go there,” he said of the intranet.

Gray said he approved creation of the intranet as a portal for making personnel forms and other information available to 200 employees and managers spread across the 41 stores in the state. It never caught on, he said. It was “to be like a shed behind the house where you put everything,” but hardly anyone used it, he said.

However, “several layers deep” lay the incriminating training document, he added.

A series of state audits the company passed with compliance in 2013 and 2014 confirm employees of All American did not carry out the practices detailed in the document, according to Gray.

Even if state audits didn’t find the practices, “My auditor and my supervisors and my operations people would have caught rollovers if they were happening,” he said.

And “if the state Department of Banking found they were S.O.P., I wouldn’t be sitting here with a company still operating,” added Gray, who worked for UPS for 10 years before starting All American with the opening of a single store in Madison a decade-and-a-half ago.

He said the state audits which he noted found 100 percent compliance this year and last year included 27 unannounced examinations.

Crancer, whom Gray blames for All American’s current troubles, wants two years of pay and health insurance as a wrongful termination settlement. Not going to happen, Gray said.

“When you don’t do stuff wrong you don’t put up with stuff like this.”

10 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19 2014

PAYDAY

Continued from Page 9

riod.

The practice detailed in the training document shows workers how to gain nearly the same in fees, $80 in this instance, while keeping the loans at the tier-one level. It further advises limiting the loan duration to 14 days but spreading the fee repayment over 30 days.

Danks insisted that no company executives other than Crancer knew the training document was on the intranet.

“Mr. Crancer was terminated from All American because he created and disseminated an illegal document on the intranet,” Danks said in an interview Tuesday.

Crancer, through attorney Waide, makes a series of serious allegations against All American and Gray, who founded the company 15 years ago.

Waide alleges: » Crancer “refused to participate and complained of All American’s practice of making cash ‘payments’ to state legislators in exchange for favorable legislation.” » Crancer “refused to participate and complained of All American’s practice of paying (owner) Michael Gray in cash to avoid tax consequences”; » Crancer “refused to participate and

The practice detailed in the training document shows workers how to gain nearly the same in fees, $80 in this instance, while keeping the loans at the tier-one level. It further advises limiting the loan duration to 14 days but spreading the fee repayment over 30 days. complained of All American’s practice of ‘erasing’ refunds to customers who had overpaid”; » Crancer “refused to participate and complained of All American’s practice of using Hailey Holdings [a limited liability company for which Gray is the registered agent] to avoid tax liability”; » Crancer “refused to participate and complained of All American’s practice of discriminating against minorities. More specifically, but not limited to, Michael

Gray’s reference to the collection department as ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ because of the number of black employees there”; » Crancer “refused to participate and complained of All American’s practice of rolling fees and entangling customers in debt, in violation of the banking laws in Mississippi.”

Waide further alleged: “According to my client, Michael Gray eventually became frustrated that Mr. Crancer was not coop-

erative and wouldn’t play ball in regards to the many discriminatory and criminal acts which were practiced at All American.”

Waide said he has not decided “what we’re doing next.” Any suit he files for Crancer on the wrongful dismissal claim will be in state court.

He declined to elaborate on the allegations. “At this point, I can’t comment on those because there is no litigation,” he said.

Danks called the allegations “ridiculous” and said they “are the result of a disgruntled employee who was fired with cause and is attempting to strike back.”

Michael Gray, in an interview Tuesday, said each of the allegations from Waide and Crancer is false. “Absolutely not,” Gray said of the claim he bought favors from state legislators.

On the tax avoidance claim, he said any money he received from his company came in a check. “I’d like that one explained to me,” he said.

On the claim of “erasing” refunds, he said that is not possible because every transaction is warehoused in a point-of-sale software data storage center.

To the racial slur claim, Gray said, “I never used those terms. I am very proud of the diversity in this company” of 200 employees, he added.

EVEN THREE WISHES WON’T GET YOU WHAT YOU WANT.

That is, if what you desire is an office that runs efficiently and technology that gives you the power to work wonders. Because when it comes to a smooth running operation, magic just doesn’t cut it.

For technology that powers your business, call your local RJ Young representative at 800.347.1955 or visit us online at RJYoung.com.

Your productivity is our mission.

September 19 2014

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Mississippi Business Journal

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Âť TECHNOLOGY / SPORTS

C Spire, Blast Motion partner to offer motion-technology products Âť Firms are first in the world to offer Blast Golf, Baseball and Athletic Performance motion technology in retail outlets C Spire and Blast Motion are offering a pioneering new motion detection and smart video capture technology for athletes at all levels to track vital sports metrics, harness their power and improve performance through motion sensor and user-friendly fitness apps on smartphones and tablets.

C Spire is the first company globally to offer these Blast Motion athletic solutions in its more than 65 retail outlets across the Southeast.

C Spire is initially offering three Blast Motion products — Blast Golf, Blast Baseball and Blast Athletic Performance — for competitive athletes at all levels (youth, high school, college and professional).

This leading-edge technology fuses the Blast mobile app and motion sensor technology to detect, capture and sync motion with video. The Blast app automatically creates video highlights with integrated metrics from a variety of important athletic actions to create a unique and shareable digital experience. “We are constantly looking at how consumers use technology to improve their lives, and these Blast Motion products deliver a customer inspired experience that can’t be found anywhere else,� said Suzy Hays, senior vice president of consumer marketing for C Spire. “This world-class technology equips athletes at all levels with performance enhancing, user-friendly tools that can improve their games.�

The advanced design of the Blast Motion precision motion sensor allows it to achieve the accuracy and performance of professional systems costing up to 100 times as much – all with the goal of improving affordability and competitive performance for athletes of all ages.  Blast Golf Putt gives golfers a new and deeper understanding of their putting stroke.Weighing less than half an ounce, the size of a quarter and fully waterproof, Blast’s precision motion sensor securely and discretely attaches to nearly any standard putter grip and it has the intelligence to understand the difference between real and practice strokes. Blast Golf uses Bluetooth Ž Smart technology to transmit accurate and meaningful analytics to smartphones or tablets during practice or play.The sensor will even store strokes when out of range and download to the Blast Putt app when reconnected.  Blast Baseball educates players on the mechanics of their swing and helps them make meaningful adjustments, while offering news ways to share achievements.Weighing less than half an ounce and dustproof, shockproof and waterproof, Blast’s precision motion sensor attaches to the end of any regulation bat.Bluetooth Ž Smart technology transmits accurate swing analytics to a smartphones or tablet while you play.  Blast Athletic Performance enables athletes to see movement in a whole new way.Smart video capture automatically creates video highlights and combines them with integrated metrics, allowing athletes to capture, share and compare their athletic

performance. Blast precision motion sensor attaches to the waistband and uses Bluetooth Smart technology to connect to smartphones or tablets.Blast’s highly accurate precision motion sensor gives you the understanding of your body mechanics needed to become a better athlete. “We’re thrilled to partner with C Spire and offer these technologies in a physical retail environment for the first time,� said Michael Woods, vice president of

Sales for Blast Motion. “With Blast, athletes don’t have to alter their natural movements and wait for the motion capture technology; they can focus on the game and have access to important metrics when they need them right from their smartphone or tablet.

They can track athletic movements, compare metrics and easily share that information with coaches and friends. This technology really allows athletes of all ages to gain a competitive edge and see motion in a

whole new way.�

All three products — Blast Golf Putt, Blast Baseball and Blast Athletic Performance — are available in C Spire stores for $149.99 each. The products are compatible with smartphones and tablets that run Apple’s iOS mobile operating system.

The company plans to introduce versions that support Android in 2015. — from staff reports

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12 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19 2014 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

POLITICS

Coast leads state in urban economic growth The economy along Mississippi's Gulf Coast grew rapidly in 2013, while growth slowed in the state's other metropolitan areas.

The figures, released Tuesday by the U.S. Commerce Department, show that gross domestic product expanded by 4 percent in the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula metropolitan area in 2013. That's a big pickup from 0.1 percent growth in 2012.

Growth in the Hattiesburg metro area slowed to 1 percent in 2013 from 3.9 percent in 2012. In Jackson, growth slowed to 0.4 percent in 2013 from 3.4 percent in 2012. The economy actually shrank in the Memphis area, which includes multiple Mississippi counties, contracting 0.1 percent in 2013 after rising 2.1 percent in 2012.

The numbers seek to measure all the economic output of each metropolitan area, as defined by the federal government.

The coast metro area's numbers can be volatile because of swings from year to year in business profits from the Chevron Corp. refinery and Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard. Refining profits were strong in 2013, boosting a number of metropolitan areas that host refineries, including the nation's fastest-growing metro area, Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington.

Manufacturing overall added 1.63 percentage points to the coast's economy in 2013, while finance, insurance and real estate added 1.08 percentage points.

Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula's overall economy, at $16.2 billion, remains 11 percent

Starkville changes insurance for same-sex partners

smaller than it was in 2008. The area endured three years of contraction, followed by bare growth of 0.1 percent in 2012. Jackson and Hattiesburg, by comparison, had outstripped nationwide growth in 2012.

Last year, Jackson was dragged down by a contraction in the natural resources and mining sector. While growth was strong in trade and construction, it was below par in most other economic sectors.

Hattiesburg surpassed the national average in growth of trade and transportation and utilities. But manufacturing, natural resources and mining and weakness in white-collar occupations dragged down output.

MANUFACTURING

Severstal copmpletes sale of 2 U.S. plants

REFUGE LAND CO., LLC (Memberships Available) Refuge is located in both Chicot County, Arkansas and Washington County, Mississippi – on the east side of the Mississippi River, at the foot of the Highway 82 bridge. It covers approximately 11,200 conWLJXRXV DFUHV RI PDQDJHG WLPEHU ¿VKLQJ ODNHV GXFN KROHV DQG PLOHV of frontage on the Mississippi River. Refuge has a well-established JDPH PDQDJHPHQW SURJUDP ZLWK D FHUWL¿HG ELRORJLVW RQ VWDII DQG D full time caretaker. The 34 members of Refuge enjoy great hunting in both Mississippi and Arkansas. Only one license is required. There are no annual dues.

At the center of Refuge is a spacious clubhouse overlooking Cottonwood Lake. Meals are served during the hunting season.

Refuge leases 50 acres to Harlow’s Casino, a Churchill Downs Company.

There are 4 memberships authorized at $650,000.00 each. For more information or a private showing, contact Bob Kincade at rtglo@suddenlink.net.

JACKSON — Russian steel company Severstal has completed its sale of a pair of steel plants to AK Steel and Steel Dynamics.

In a statement from Severstal's press office, CEO Alexey Mordashov confirmed Tuesday the sale of Severstal Columbus, LLC, which is located in northeast Mississippi, to Steel Dynamics Inc. and Severstal Dearborn, LLC to AK Steel.

Severstal, one of the world's leading vertically integrated steel and steel-related mining companies, has said it's selling both plants for about $2.33 billion.

The company said the sale "unlocks substantial value to Severstal's shareholders."

GAMING

Margaritaville casino owners seek bankruptcy The owner of Biloxi's Margaritaville casino has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday, only hours before a hearing where the landlord aimed to seize the property.

The filing by MVB Holding LLC in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Gulfport follows the casino's shutdown on Monday night.

Don Dornan, a lawyer for landlord Clay Point LLC, said the company had planned to ask Harrison County Circuit Judge Michael Ward to give it control of the property in a Wednesday hearing. Clay Point

STARKVILLE — Starkville aldermen are rolling back a decision that would have allowed city employees to buy health insurance coverage for one other adult, including possibly a same-sex partner.

Aldermen Tuesday voted 4-2, with one abstention, to limit that benefit to people whom Mississippi considers legally married.

Mayor Parker Wiseman is telling council members that he intends to veto the decision.

Aldermen had approved the change earlier this month, but those pushing repeal say Wiseman and administrators hid their true intent.

Those who oppose the policy told aldermen Tuesday that it goes against biblical morality, while those who favor it said the city should be inclusive.

A gay-rights group, Human Rights Campaign, praised Starkville as Mississippi's first city to offer insurance options to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender partners of municipal workers.

— from staff and MBJ wire services

said in court papers in July that MVB hasn't paid rent since the casino opened in 2012 and owes more than $3.8 million, plus $500,000 in taxes that Clay Point had to step in and pay on Margaritaville's behalf.

The bankruptcy freezes the state court case, leaving a judge to sort things out.

Clay Point was barricading entrances with concrete traffic barriers as MVB filed. Bob Byrd, a bankruptcy lawyer for MVB, said those barricades were later removed. Clay Point's owners include the Sims family of Hattiesburg, Gulf Central Seafood and T. Mothers Development Cos. That last company is controlled by Thomas Brosig, Margaritaville's original CEO. MVB said in its bankruptcy filing that its assets and debts are both between $10 million and $50 million. The company listed 164 creditors and $4.2 million in unsecured debt, including $1.38 million owed to Roy Anderson Corp. The Biloxi contractor built the 81,000-square-foot complex, which included a 25,000-square-foot casino.

TRANSPORTATION

Tunica gets larger federal grant for city airport TUNICA — The U.S. Department of Transportation is giving the Tunica Municipal Airport an additional $1.1 million to help pay for a new hangar.

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson says Tunica County is receiving $2.5 million from the federal agency for the current federal budget year, which ends Sept. 30.

The county will receive the other $1.1 million during the budget year that begins Oct. 1.

— from staff and MBJ wire services

September 19 2014

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»FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

A conversation with Knight Kiplinger

I

had an opportunity to visit with Knight Kiplinger recently while he was in town for a Regions Bank event, and our discussion ranged over a broad spectrum of economic and business issues.

Kiplinger’s company, based in Washington, was originally founded in 1920, which makes it one of the oldest financial information publishing companies in the United States. Even more noteworthy is the fact that it’s been under family ownership for that entire time. The company publishes the well-known “Kiplinger Letter,” a magazine, various tax newsletters, and other web and print based products, including a retirement report for “affluent retirees”.

Before joining the family business, he spent 13 years as a Washington correspondent for the company that owned the Wall Street Journal at the time, so he’s had plenty of experience “inside the beltway.”

“Even today,” he said, “the Wall Street Journal would still by my desert island read.”

Knight told me that he enjoys coming to Mississippi, and has had numerous friends and acquaintances in the Magnolia State.

He’s also driven the Blues Highway, which he found to be “a great experience.”

I asked him whether he feels the banking and finance industry is now over-regulated.

“In general, the pendulum has proba-

bly swung too far in that direction,” he said. “It’s all too easy to over-react after the events of 2008 and 2009.

Still, there are some good aspects to regAlan Turner ulation, if it can prevent another event like we saw then.”

He doesn’t foresee another housing bubble in the near future. In fact, he would like to see “a modest loosening of lending standards for first time homebuyers, but only modestly.” From his point of view, today’s lending standards are generally a return to how mortgages were handled in the past. He did point out that a “healthy housing market is a vital part of our economy.”

I asked him whether the GOP is likely to win the Senate in November, and his one word answer was “no.” He thinks there are 3 states where the “Republicans may be surprised,” though he didn’t specify which 3 states he was referring to.

“Either way, there won’t be any relief from the gridlock that has been the rule in government for the past several years,” he suggested.

He believes some good things have actually come out of Washington, pointing to the significantly reduced budget deficits of the past couple of years, a trend he attributes partly to the sequester’s impact on spending, along with the facts that some of the “rescue money” is being returned to the Treasury and tax rates have increased for upper income Americans.

“However,” he cautioned, “I’m not sanguine on the long-term prospects for deficit reduction. I think the deficit will turn up sharply beginning in 2016 and will grow rapidly,” pointing to the rapid rampup in entitlement spending for Medicare and Social Security with the retirement of the baby boom generation.

I asked him if we’re seeing an equities bubble, with the rapid growth of the markets.

“In some segments of the market, yes we are,” he said. He suggested the market might be due for a correction of “up to 12 percent,” but doesn’t see any drastic downturn on the immediate horizon.

He expressed concern for the long-term employment picture in America.

“We’re seeing 1.5 trillion in retained earnings,” he said. “Corporations are sitting on huge amounts of cash, rather than investing in people and infrastructure.”

Nicole Kemp: National transportation manager for Levi Strauss is a committed GOP supporter

By ALAN TURNER alan.turner@msbusiness.com Nicole Kemp says one of the great things about her job as national transportation manager for Levi Strauss is that she “gets to wear jeans every day.”

A

t a dinner Nicole Kemp says one of the great things about her job as National Transportation Manager for Levi Strauss is that she “gets to wear jeans every day.” Hmm — definitely makes sense if you happen to work for the country’s oldest and largest maker of blue jeans.

She manages all of the transportation needs for the company throughout America, from its 3 key distribution centers in Canton, Henderson, Nevada, and Hebron, Kentucky. Levi Strauss is one of the largest employers in the Jackson area, with more than 400 employees working in 3 shifts, so there is a powerful economic impact on Mississippi. The company also owns Dockers, which has been a great brand for years, appealing not only to older folks but now, increasingly, to a younger set who are discovering the line.

Born and raised in Columbus, Nicole is a fifth generation Mississippian who is totally committed to the Magnolia State and its future. She’s lived in Madison for the past 10 years and has worked for Levi Strauss for 9 years. She holds a master’s degree from Belhaven, and has been a recipient of Mississippi Business Journal awards as a 50 Leading Business-

TAMI JONES / MBJ

woman and a Top 40 under 40 business leader.

“It’s a great company to work for,” she said. “We have many employees who have been with the company for 15 years or more, so we must be doing a lot of things right.”

She indicated she’s seen improvement in business lately, and the company is anticipating continued business progress.

In addition to her professional career at Levi Strauss, Nicole has a second passion: working to promote the Republican party to younger voters and professionals. In that regard, she recently organized a meeting at the Governor’s Mansion for younger people, an event she defined as “an

Special to The Mississippi Business Journal

Knight Kiplinger sees more Washington gridlock ahead.

Asked why this is the case, he sees much of the problem as being one of “uncertainty and concern about regulation and other issues.”

So, what is his prognosis for the typical investor?

“You make sure you’re balanced, and take a long-term view. You ride out a correction,” he suggested.

Contact Mississippi Business Journal publisher Alan Turner at alan.turner@msbusiness.com or (601) 364-1021.

unqualified success.”

In attendance at the event were the governor, Congressman Harper and numerous other Mississippi political luminaries.

“We seem to have a big gap in the Republican party in the 18-40 age group,” she said. “I think it’s really important to let those younger professionals get to know the party and what it stands for. I know a lot of younger people feel somehow disconnected, and the goal is to get them connected.”

She said the attendance was excellent, “just about filling up the Governor’s Mansion.” She plans to have a table at HobNob this year to help promote the cause.

Nicole sees voting as a “sacred right” and believes that it’s important to get younger folks involved in the whole political process “if we hope to make a difference in this state and nation.”

She foresees a bright future for Mississippi.

“It’s hard to beat our people,” she said. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

As she sees it, Mississippi is perfectly positioned for future growth, in terms of geography, great port and shipping facilities, freedom from ice and snow, and low cost of doing business.

“We can definitely overcome the negative brand image that some outside of Mississippi hold about our state,” she said. “What’s important is to work together to change that image, and above all, not to give up.”

With her obvious enthusiasm and determination, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine Nicole in a political leadership role down the road.

NEWSMAKERS

14 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19, 2014

Kopetz succeeds Brown Barry E. Kopetz, an experienced Ohio conductor and educator, is the new head of Mississippi State University's music department.

Kopetz formerly was a music professor at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Prior to joining CU in 2001, he served for 10 years as a music professor at the University of Utah and five years as assistant director of bands at the University of Minnesota. He also Brown has held teaching positions at

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION of

GREATER JACKSON

South Carolina and Ohio public schools and at Bowling Green State University.

Kopetz is an active composer, arranger and published author who received a doctorate in music education, with distinction, from Indiana University. He also holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from Ohio State University, as well as a certificate from the New York University School of Business.

Kopetz is a member of the National Band and College Band Directors National associations, Music Educators National Conference, and the Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Kappa Kappa Psi honor societies. In 1998, he was selected for membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

Kopetz succeeds longtime department head Michael Brown, who now is teaching the department's music appreciation classes fulltime. A university employee since 2000, Brown also conducts the MSU Philharmonia and Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra, and is music director and manager of the Starkville Symphony Association.

Leadership class graduates The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce recently graduated 25 emerging community leaders from its 26th annual Leadership Lafayette Program at a graduation ceremony held at the Oxford Conference Center. The 2014 class includes: Maranda

Parrott chairing committee

THE BILL MINOR JOURNALISM AWARD

Adams and Reese partner and Banking and Finance Team leader Charles Parrott has been appointed to serve as chairman of the Bank Attorneys’ Committee for the Mississippi Bankers Association, serving a one-year term expiring mid-year in 2015. Parrott has served as the Adams and Reese Banking and Finance Team leader since 2004, and he was recently named Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year in Jackson in banking and finance.He Parrott has more than 30 years of banking law experience and oversees the development of all aspects of the firm’s banking practice.

For 18 years, he was assistant general counsel and senior vice president for the former Deposit Guaranty Corporation/Deposit Guaranty National Bank in Jackson (now Regions Bank). In 2009, he became a charter member of the Regions Bank Client Service Team, taking over as team leader on behalf of Adams and Reese.

Parrott is a trained mediator and has taught banking law through the Mississippi College School of Law.

Since 2002, the Bill Minor Journalism Award Fund has recognized excellence in General News and Investigative Reporting through the Mississippi Press Association.

2002

2006

2010

General News Matthew Coleman, The Daily Leader, Brookhaven, “Durr family tries to cope with tragedy”

General News Rachel Leifer, Hattiesburg American “Kennerd a great warrior”

General News Marquita Brown, The Clarion-Ledger “Teacher trouble”

Investigative Reporting Robin Fitzgerald, The Sun Herald “Jail nightmare”

Investigative Reporting Jason Patterson, Jamie Patterson The Yazoo Herald “Tornado rips through Yazoo”

Investigative Reporting Gary Perilloux, Bobby Harrison, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal “Medicine under fire”

2007 General News Emily LeCoz Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal “Ethics study - good intentions now conflict”

2011

Investigative Reporting Jerry Mitchell, The Clarion-Ledger “Buried Secrets”

Investigative Reporting Emily LeCoz, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, “Water workers alledge side jobs”

2008

2012

General News Chris Allen Baker, The Scott County Times “4 year old starved to death”

“General News Jimmie Gates, The Clarion-Ledger “3 plead guilty to hate crime”

General News John Surratt, The Mississippi Press “Mission Accomplished - Navy removes historic Tico from active warship”

Investigative Reporting Kenny Goode, The Banner Independent “County employee suspended - inmate worked on vehicle”

Investigative Reporting - Daily Jerry Mitchell, The Clarion-Ledger, “Gone”

Investigative Reporting Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal “Hispanics - New hope in new home”

2009

2003 General News Fredie Carmichael, Meridian Star “Anatomy of a nightmare - Tracing events of a tragic Tuesday” Investigative Reporting Nikki Maute, Scott Larson and Jon Broadbooks, Hattiesburg American “Slow Justice”

2004

2005 General News Anita Lee, The Sun Herald “They wouldn't budge”

General News Charlotte Graham, Laurel Leader-Call “Back to normal” Investigative Reporting Michael Newsome, The Sun Herald “MDOT road trip”

Investigative Reporting Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal “Tupelo's housing gaps”

General News Anita Lee, The Sun Herald “Aftermath of an accident”

Tate goes to USM-Gulf Park Jenny Tate has been selected as the campus communication officer for the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park Campus. Tate, currently the chief of marketing and development for the Mississippi Museum of Art, replaces Shelia White.

Tate holds a master of science in communication studies from the University of Southern Mississippi and a bachelor of science in communication–mass media from Mississippi College. As a graduate student at Southern Miss, she earned the Top Departmental Paper at the 2011 Graduate Student Symposium. She also received the Todd Communication Award while a student at Mississippi College.

Tate is a graduate of the 2013-2014 class of Leadership Greater Jackson. She is also actively involved in the Rotary Club of Jackson and the Metro Jackson Attractions Association. A Blue Springs native, she has worked in the nonprofit sector for eight years in communications, marketing, and special events. She has worked at the Mississippi Museum of Art for the past three years.

Tate and her husband, Richard Ladner, a native of Picayune, look forward to making their home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Investigative Reporting - Weekly Dwayne Bremer, Sea Coast Echo “Gang related”

2013 General News Charlie Smith, Enterprise-Tocsin “Battered town hopes to rise” Investigative Reporting - Daily Jerry Mitchell, The Clarion-Ledger, “Gone” Investigative Reporting - Weekly Wyatt Emmerich, The Northside Sun “Kemper County Plant”

INVESTING IN GIVING: 20 YEARS OF IMPACT Community Foundation of Greater Jackson 525 East Capitol Street; Suite 5B • Jackson, MS 39201

Anderson, FNB Oxford; Steven Ash, Newk's Eatery; Allissa Barkett, Volt; Angela Barlow Brown, University of Mississippi; Joe Bishop, Oxford Police Department; Matt Bishop, Shelter Insurance; Gant Boone, Oxford University Bank; Dawn Boutwell, Alfa; Matt Burris, Mayo Mallette, PLLC; Courtney Cedotal, Charter Road Hospitality; Kyle Fallin, Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi; Marshall Fratesi, Bank of Oxford; Britton Holleman, Addicus, LLC; Adam Lee, University of Mississippi; Michael Marino, FNC Inc.; Russ McNees, Holcomb Dunbar; Elizabeth McRight, MPAK Inc.; Eric Morgan, Caterpillar; Karen Peairs, University of Mississippi; Alice Ricks, United Way; Jeremy Roberts, University of Mississippi; Emily Scheuer, FNC Inc.; Golda Sharpe, University of Mississippi; Debbie Swan, Baptist Memorial HospitalNorth Mississippi; and Jordan Watson, Randall Commercial Group.

For Good Forever

TM

For announcements in Newsmakers; Contact: Wally Northway (601) 364-1016 • wally.northway@msbusiness.com

MISSISSIPPI MARKETPLACE

September 19, 2014

I

Mississippi Business Journal

FOOD

C I S MU

BUSINESS

» Mississippi Marketplace celebrates 31st year with new name

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

The MBJ Business Marketplace gets under way today at the Mississippi Trade Mart at the fairgrounds in Jackson with a new name and new features.

Formerly the Mississippi Business & Technology EXPO, the revamped and renamed Marketplace still is the largest business-to-business gathering in the state. Admission is free to adults with a business card.

Now in its 31st year, the event continues to grow and improve to give participants — the general public and the vendors — a chance to network while vendors showcase their products and services.

This year, for the first time, some vendors will be selling their products on the showroom floor. It’s something the vendors have asked for in the past,

according to organizers. “Things have evolved over the years,” said Mississippi Business Journal Circulation Manager Charina Rhodes. “We have opened the Marketplace up for people who want to shop to pull in more traffic.” Vendors also will be giving away door prizes.

Mississippi Business Journal Advertising Director Tami Jones said the list of vendors includes accounting firms, cellular providers, higher education institutions, state agencies and casinos.

The Marketplace is sponsored by the Mississippi Business Journal and Comcast Business, which will have a Cyber Cafe on site to provide wireless service to visitors.

Among the new sponsors is WAPT. Stuart Kellogg, 16WAPT’s president and general manager, See

MARKETPLACE, Page 20

Inside this Marketplace preview List of this year’s vendors ..........................16-17 Booth map of vendors ................................16-17 Activity Aisle will entertain again.................18 Banquets honor finance, health leaders... 20 List of Health Care Heroes honorees......... 20 List of Leaders in Finance honorees........... 20 Get the most out of the experience .......... 22 Volunteers keep the show moving............. 22 Music, food at Business After Hours ........ 23

I

15

2014 MBJ Business Marketplace: VE

16 BOOTH

VENDOR

CONTACT NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE #

# 206, # 208 # 106 # 303 # 108 # 317 # 212, # 214 # 209 # 302 # 409 # 205 # 110, # 112 # 118 # 202 # 401, # 402 # 312 # 319 # 115 # 119 # 215 # 114 # 105 # 117 # 122 # 314 # 306, # 308 # 216 # 219 # 109 # 207 # 204 # 103 # 309 # 313 # 307 # 206, # 208 # 305 # 203 # 100 # 321 # 218 # 213 # 120 # 107 # 304 # 217 # 301 # 116 # 316

Account Services Belhaven University Better Business Bureau Bowie Audio Broadband Voice C Spire Wireless Center for Distance Education, MIssissippi State University Century 21 Maselle and Associates The Clarion Ledger Community Bank Community Coffee Cuto Cutlery Dependable Resource DIG Faith and Hope Independent Living LLC Holmes Community College Howard Technology Kahn Swick Foti Magnolia Data Solutions McGehee Cruise and Vacation Message Point Media Mississippi Blood Services Mississippi Business Journal Mississippi College Mississippi Department of Employment Security Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality - MDEQ Mississippi Ear Nose & Throat Mississippi Insurance Department Mississippi State University - Extension Service Netlink Voice New York Life Organo Gold Coffee Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi Pearl River Resort People Lease The Quality Group Southern Light Special Olympics Super Talk Synergetics DCS Inc. TEC Think Anew Think Web Store U.S. Small Business Administration University of Alabama WAPT Wealthview Capital LLC Working Solutions LLC

Susan Hudleston Vicki Pitts John O'Hara Bob Smylie Laura Johns Orien Watson/Venesha Jaiswal Mindy Wolfe Lashanda Alexander Amy Wallace Kim Sullivan Chas Greenwald Elizabeth Allen Janice Foster Mitch Wolverton Kulmoris Joiner Martin Bronwyn Colin McDaniel/Stacey Saulpaw Bronwyn Gibson Christopher Lumaghini Glenn McGehee Dannon Durr Merle Meldrige Tami Jones Mark Davis Dianne Bell Jennifer Carter K Warren Misty Watson Richard Swan Lindsey Waldron Rebecca Greer Earvin Small Rochelle Culp Terry Watkins Lois Sellers Frank Cretini David Loeffler Jenny Woodruff Bambi Wallace Grace Strahan Lisa Clarke Don Glidewell Matthew Jackson James Mcclendon Jamie Fowler Teresia Gray Elizabeth Blossom Brad Bounds/Clint Lancaster

689 Towne Center, Ridgeland MS 39158 1500 Peachtree St., Jackson MS 39202 505 Avalon Way Suite B, Brandon MS 39047 290 Highpoint Dr Ridgeland MS 39157 736 South President St, Suite 106, Jackson MS 39201 1018 Highland Colony Parkway Ridgeland MS 39157 PO Box 5247 MSU, MS 39762 104 Hillshire Court, Clinton MS 39056 201 S. Congress St. Jackson MS 140 East Metro Flowood MS 39232 108 Distribution Drive Jackson MS 39218 322 Houghton Ave. Olean NY PO Box 3007 Jackson MS 513 Liberty Rd, Ste 4B Flowood MS 39232 350 West Woodrow Wilson Drive Suite 145 412 West Ridgeland Ave. Ridgeland MS 39157 36 Howard Drive, Ellisville, MS 39437 206 Covington Street, Madisonville, LA 70447 160 Fairbanks St. Jackso MS 39202 Highland Village Suite 104 Jackson MS 39211 855 Pear Orchard Building 100 Ridgeland MS 39157 1995 Lakeland Dr Jackson MS 39216 200 North Congress St Jackson MS 39201 MC Box 4067 Clinton MS 39058 1235 Echelon Parkway, Jackson MS 39213 PO Box 2249 Jackson MS 39205 501 Marshall St, Ste 501 Jackson MS 39202 PO Box 79 PO Box 9601 MSU MS 39762 1060 E County Line Rd. Suite 3A-330 Ridgeland MS 39157 1052 Highland Colony Pkwy 220 N Prewett St. Magnolia MS 200 Parke Cr., Suite 3, Flowood MS 39236 PO Box 6048 Choctaw MS 689 Towne Center, Ridgeland MS 39158 460 Briarwood Dr. Jackson MS 156 St. Anthony St Mobile AL 15 Olympic Way, Madison MS 6311 Ridgewood Road, Jackson MS 39211 501 Hwy 12 W Suite 100 Starkville MS PO Box 940 Jackson MS 39205 7570 Old Canton Rd. Madison MS 39110 655 Lake Harbour Dr. Ste 100 Ridgeland MS 210 E. Capiitol St, Ste 900 Jackson MS 39201 PO Box 870388 Tuscaloose AL 35487 7616 Channel 16 Way, Jackson MS 39209 4500 I-55 North Suite 263 Jackson MS PO Box 3802 Meridian MS 39303

601-987-3025 julie@a 601-968-5940 vpitts@belhaven.e 601-398-1700 601-957-6566 601-926-6000 601-9747533 662-325-2658 mwo 601-316-5179 lashandaalex 601-961-7269 601-919-4200 kim.sull 601-936-4829 blacomb 716-790-7181 601-355-3889 accounting@ 601-939-2008 601-807-5496 f 601-605-3314 601-399-5713 504-455-1400 bronwy 601-919-0062 christopher@m 601-983-1743 gl 601-863-6777 ddurr@ 601-212-5955 601-364-1000 tam 601-925-3979 601-862-1350 601-961-5676 jennife 601-709-7700 601-359-3228 m 662-325-3064 601-707-9082 601-260-1535 rh 314-477-8662 601-832-9112 roche 601-416-1162 terry.wat 601-987-3025 lsellers@a 601-966-0450 fra 251-445-1675 601-856-7748 jenny.woodruf 601-502-4075 601-461-0141 601-354-9070 601-853-1953 dg 601-856-2000 pro 601-956-4378 ja 205-348-6330 601-922-1607 601-981-4040 eblossom 601-482-0111 krichardson@

: VENDOR DIRECTORY & BOOTH MAP EMAIL julie@accountservicesgroup.com vpitts@belhaven.edu, jcarter@belhaven.edu johara@ms.bbb.org bob@bowieav.com laura@voice.ms owatson@cspire.com mwolfe@distance.msstate.edu lashandaalexander@frontdoorkey.com awallace@gannett.com kim.sullivan@communitybank.net blacombe@communitycoffee.com events@cutco.com accounting@dependable-source.com mitch@dig.us.com faithandhopejxn@live.com bmartin@holmescc.edu cmcdaniel@howard.com bronwyn.gibson@ksfcounsel.com christopher@magnoliadatasolutions.com glenn@mcgeheecruise.com ddurr@messagepointmedia.com meldridge@msblood.com tami.jones@msbusiness.com mdavis@mc.edu dbell@mdes.ms.gov jennifer_carter@deq.state.ms.us kwarren@mbhs.org misty.watson@mid.ms.gov rswann@ext.msstate.edu info@netlinkvoice.com rhgreer@ft.newyorklife.com coffee_great@yahoo.com rochelle.culp@healthy-miss.org terry.watkins@pearlriverresort.com lsellers@accountservicesgroup.com frank@qualitygroup-usa.com dloeffler@slfiber.com jenny.woodruff@specialolympicsms.org Bwallace@telesouth.com gstrahan@syndcs.com lisac@tec.com dglidewell@thinkanew.com projects@thinkwebstore.com james.mcclendon@sba.gov jfowler@ccs.ua.edu tgray@hearst.com eblossom@wealthviewcapital.com krichardson@workingsolutionsusa.com

17

18 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19, 2014

Rickey Nobile will be drawing free, five-minute caricatures of people doing their favorite activities.

Ann Henderson will analyze how your handwriting and personality are related.

MISSISSIPPI MARKETPLACE

Joan Godsey, left, executive consultant with Rodan & Fields Dermatologists, will be demonstrate products for skin problems such as acne and products for exfoliating the skin and shrinking wrinkles.

Activity Aisle to entertain again this year

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

The Activity Aisle at the Mississippi Business Journal’s Business Marketplace was so popular the first year that it has been scheduled again this year.

Back again this year is the opportunity to have a caricature drawn by one of the state’s top cartoonists, Ricky Nobile. The editorial cartoonist for the MBJ and 35 other Mississippi newspapers will be drawing quick, five-minute cartoon caricatures of people doing their favorite thing — fishing, shopping, hunting, playing golf or whatever.

“It usually brings a smile to their face because it’s personal,” Nobile said. “It’s really a lot of fun. I’ve done editorial cartoons since college, but I started doing the live caricatures about 15 years ago. Now I draw at conventions and trade shows year round, and really enjoy the happy reactions I get.

People take them home and frame them, and put them on Facebook. It’s a one-ofa-kind cartoon of them — they love it.”

Another intriguing presentation will be

by Ann Henderson, a certified graphoanalyst who will talk about handwriting analysis as a scientific, clinically validated method of determining a person’s personality/character make-up from analyzing the strokes made when they write.

“It can be seen by analyzing each stroke created, slant, size, pressure, spacing, form of letter, margins and placement of writing,” Henderson said. “There are 200 plus characteristics that can be determined from how a person writes. This includes temperament, emotions, moods, self-esteem, intelligence, social ability, drives, energy, imagination, fears, defenses, and potential problem areas.”

At the Business Marketplace, Henderson will have people to write three or four sentences about anything they want on unlined paper and sign their names. They do this in cursive, not print.

“I do not read anything they write, just evaluate the strokes,” she said. “I will give

File photos / Deryll Stegall / Stegall Imagery

Mariah Baird of Green Oak Florist will demonstrate how to make simple and elegant flower arrangements.

them their strengths and weaknesses concerning their personality, and any questions they may have. It is fun and entertaining for them because they can’t believe I would know about them.”

Another Activity Aisle offering will be with Joan Godsey, executive consultant, Rodan & Fields Dermatologists, who will be demonstrating products developed for skin problems such as acne and products for exfoliating the skin and making wrinkles shrink.

“I see all these teenagers with acne, and would love it if they knew about these products,” Godsey said. “It costs a lot of money to go to a dermatologist, and then buy a prescription. These products work well at a lower cost. I know they work because I have seen evidence of it in my own family.”

The products also include those to treat eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and sun-damaged skin. The products have the same active ingredients as prescription

medications, but a slightly less strong so they can be purchased over the counter.

And if you are interested in learning more about how to do flower arrangements, be sure to check out the Activity Aisle demonstration by Green Oak Florist & Garden Center, Jackson and Ridgeland. Green Oak’s Mariah Baird will be showing how to make a simple and elegant flower arrangement.

“It is always helpful to talk about how many flowers you put in to make different kinds of arrangement,” Baird said. “People can do too much or not enough. Make sure the flowers are not all at the same level. Get variety in the height and weight of the flowers. I will be talking about different styles, whether traditional or something fun and different for the fall Halloween time.”

Garden lovers will also enjoy the vegetable and flower planting demonstrations

by Karen McKie, owner of Green Oak Florist & Garden Center.

“It drums up a lot of interest because people get to stand there, talk to us and get excited about what we are showing,” McKie said. “It gives us some one-on-one time for different ideas. A lot of people are getting interested in planting in containers instead of big gardens. Containers are easier to manage. We will be mixing herbs, flowers and vegetables together to make it attractive. There are a lot tricks in the planting that will help in the success of them.”

The fall and winter can be an easier time to grow plants than the height of the heat in the summer. But gardeners are more limited in the type of plant materials. One thing that is nice is that fall and winter plantings can last a long time.

“You can plant in October and November and have them pretty until May or June,” McKie said. “There are so many plant materials out there and ways to do it that it keeps it interesting. Gardening is great therapy and good exercise, too.”

MISSISSIPPI MARKETPLACE

20 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19, 2014

Awards ceremonies highlight Marketplace » Health Care Heroes, Leaders in Finance honored at breakfast, luncheon banquets

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

The Mississippi Trade Mart will once again be humming with the activities that will accompany the Mississippi Business Journal (MBJ) Marketplace (formerly known as the MBJ Business & Technology Expo) as thousands of people gather for the state’s premier business networking event.

The Marketplace is being co-sponsored

by Comcast Business Class. MBJ is also partnering with WAPT Channel 16 in presenting the event that has been held now in the state’s capital for 31 years. About 2,000 people are expected to attend.

Formerly held as a spring event, numerous exhibitors indicated they would prefer the event be held in the early fall. In addition to the change of season, the event has been expanded to include new categories of business and other related events.

The state’s Health Care Heroes will be honored at the breakfast event for the MBJ Marketplace. The ticketed event starts at 8:30 a.m. Health Care Heroes is sponsored by NewSouth NeuroSpine, Flowood. The awards program honors outstanding men and women in the health care industry whose contributions have increased the wellbeing of residents of the communities served.

Health Care Heroes are honored in five categories: physician, professional, nurse, volunteer, animal care and first responder.

The breakfast menu from Mangia Bene will feature the gourmet breakfast fair locals know to expect from their restaurant Broad Street Baking Company. Homemade scones and muffins, fresh minted fruit salad, and gourmet frittatas (think crustless quiche) with crumbled Italian sausage are just a few of the items you can expect to see.

The luncheon event, also catered by Mangia Bene, starts at noon to honor the winners of the Leaders in Finance awards.

“We are bringing lunch from BRAVO! to you and our communities business leaders,” said Aven Whittington III, the caterer for Mangia Bena. “Mixed field green salad with our house-made balsamic

MARKETPLACE

Continued from Page 15

said, “We are excited to be part of the Marketplace. 16WAPT is focused on helping to make our community stronger. That includes making sure we have a strong business community providing economic opportunities for everyone.”

The Marketplace agenda is packed,

Leaders in Finance » Nancy Lottridge Anderson » Gregory B Barron » Samuel F. Britton » Jimmy E. Burkes, CPA/ABV/CFF » William J. Bynum » Chuck Caldwell » Michael E. Dowell » Randy Eure » Sherribeth Wright Farmer » Greg Garraway » Jaye E. Germany Sr. » Rhonda Hamilton » Cecil Harper » Stuart R Johnson » Jim Koerber » David L. Miller CPA

» H. Riley Nelson » Mark Peach » Tammy Phillips » Bill Prater » Stan Purvis » Van Ray » Marcus Robinson » Harry DeWitt Ruffin III » William B. Staggers » Harry W. Stevens » Todd C. Tauzin » Ike Stone Trotter » Brent Waldrop » Harry M. Walker » John H. Williams

vinaigrette, Creole stuffed chicken, garlic roasted potatoes, and pastry chef Jennifer Adelsheimer has an old fashion dessert that is sure to please. You’ll have to come to see what it is.”

Wittington said their company is looking forward to being part of Business Marketplace 2014.

“Where else can our company get this kind of exposure in just a few short hours?” he said. “It is an honor and privilege to serve our state’s business leaders. Our catering company loves to celebrate all that is great in our state and community.”

Tickets are required to attend the Leaders In Financial luncheon honoring financial leaders who are selected based on industry and community involvement and achievement through their energy and innovative ideas. Their work provides a model of professionalism to their peers and goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Honorees will be recognized in the following categories: Banking: Honors individuals such as mortgage lenders, bank executives, credit officers and loan officers.

Investment: Honors individuals such as stockbrokers, financial advisers, financial planners and investment executives.

Professional: Honors individuals such as

public accountants, auditors, financial educators and financial analysts.

Musical entertainment at the Marketplace will be provided by jazz music from Raphael Semmes who says the Marketplace is definitely one of the premier events he is fortunate to play each year.

“Over the years, we have done some performance style presentations at the Marketplace, but we are there primarily to provide a pleasing musical environment for people to visit and network. I try to create the perfect balance of good musical energy in the room with volume that is comfortable for normal speaking.”

Music for the Marketplace is not a one size fits all/cookie-cutter proposition for me. At breakfast he may play music that will gently help to wake everyone up a bit and start the day on a positive note. At lunch it's more about making everyone feel comfortable and entertained.

“It may be jazz, it might be blues or even bluegrass, whatever feels right for the event,” Semmes said. “Tami Jones is wonderful to work with and always does a great job with these events. She may have a specific idea for music or just trust me to provide music that is appropriate both musically and thematically. It’s such a good environment to present live music because

starting with the first of two ticketed events. The Health Care Heroes breakfast at 8 a.m. will honor outstanding members in the medical field who have made significant contributions to their profession and their community.

The exhibits open with a 9:30 a.m. ribbon cutting. At 11:30 a.m. leaders in the finance industry will be honored for outstanding contributions in the commu-

nity as well as in their profession. The ticketed lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.

Throughout the day, the popular Activity Aisle will feature cartoonist Ricky Noble drawing caricatures and handwriting analyst Ann Henderson deciphering script and scribblings.

“She was busy the entire time last year, “Rhodes said. “They really love her.”

The exhibit area will be closed at 3:30

Health Care Heroes » Eric Amundson MD » Ken Anderson » Sondra "Sandy" Anthony » Mickie Griffin-Autry » Olurotimi J. Beadero, MD, FACP, FASN, FACC » Wandan Hutchins Bankhead » Amanda K Boyanton » Emily Chance » William H. Crowder, IV, M.D. » Tripp Dixon » J. Edwin Dodd » Charlotte W. Dupre' » Susi Folse » Dana L. Grant » Claude W. Harbarger » Reed B Hogan » James W. Keating, MD, FACR » Mendal Kemp » Penny J. Lawin, MD » William Loper » Ruby Lucroy » Billy Marlow » Jameye Martin » Lauren McCool » Sheree Melton » Jack Moriarity MD » Gerhard H. Mundinger Jr. » Robert Preston Myers, MD » Teresa O'Connor, PT, DPT » Joyce Pearson » David L Powe » Vonda G. Reeves-Darby, MD, FACP,FACG » Joe R. Ross, MD » Walter Shelton MD » Victor O. Smith » Justin M Turner MD » Bobbie K. Ware » Scott H. White these events are important to people and businesses. My job is to provide and play music that is interesting and enjoyable.”

p.m. and then transformed for Business After Hours featuring networking and food samples provided by caterers and restaurants including Mangia Bene, Table 100 and Provision 1908. There will be an open cash bar and live music by Chris Gill and the Sole Shakers. Business After Hours will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. “That way people will still have time to get to the Friday night football games,” Rhodes said.

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22 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19, 2014

MISSISSIPPI MARKETPLACE

Volunteers make Marketplace flow smoothly

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com

Business Marketplace, formerly the Business & Technology EXPO, has a new name and format, but it still takes dedicated volunteers to make the event successful. These volunteers from the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership volunteer many hours of their Gloria Smith time to ensure that things flow smoothly.

“We have seasoned ladies who are veterans helping us pull off this event,” said

Charina Rhodes, circulation manager of the Mississippi Business Journal. “They take care of the patrons as they enter the exhibition, from retrieving entrance tickets, lunch tickets, and business cards to assisting in the distribution of courtesy bags.”

Some of them will serve as registration assistants, help perform setups for the different events, meet and greet, answer questions and give directions.

“Each of the four ladies from the Jackson Conven- LeeVeris Garland tion & Visitors Bureau has been employed with the CVB more than five years,” says Christine Blackmon, CVB services director. “They will serve as the registra-

Make the most of your time at Marketplace

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com

With a new name and new format, the state's largest business-to-business networking event the Mississippi Business Marketplace, takes place today, September 19, at the Mississippi Trade Mart. It's the 31st year for the event that was previously called the Mississippi Business & Technology EXPO. For the first time, vendors will be allowed to sell their wares at the event.

What hasn't changed is the valuable faceto-face networking businesses and individuals can do to make the most of their time at Marketplace.

Mississippi Business Journal Publisher Alan Turner says the changes were made as a result of input from many of the event's valued exhibitors. “We decided to move the event from April to September because spring is a very crowded exhibition and event period in Jackson, and we thought the fall would make the most sense for our exhibitors,” he said. “We also decided to change the name from Business and Technology Expo to the Mississippi Business Marketplace, as we have expanded the scope and content of the event. We feel the title of Business Marketplace is more fitting for what we want to present to the business community.”

Turner added that this year the MBJ is featuring several special events as a part of the Business Marketplace. “We’ll present our Healthcare Heroes event at a special breakfast, recognizing and honoring a great group of healthcare professionals. At lunch, we’ll present Leaders in Finance, recogniz-

ing and honoring many finance professionals.” he said. “As always, we’ll offer our Business After Hours at the end of the day, which is a great time for all, with wonderful food from many participating restaurants, music, an open bar, and fun. “We certainly hope to see a great turnout from Mississippi business professionals and interested parties for this year’s Business Marketplace.”

With personal contact still important in today’s digital and online world, Turner stresses, “You don’t have to build future business relationships just digitally. Personto-person meetings are still a very effective way to build contacts and conduct business.”

AT&T Mississippi President Mayo Flynt says there’s always something new to learn from other businesses. “Marketplace is an important venue for companies to learn about trends in business and emerging technologies and also allows local companies to connect and expand their businesses,” he said.

A few tips to help maximize your business’ potential at Business Marketplace include the following: » Do make personal connections. It’s not just about products or services. It’s about where the person is from or where they went to school. Do you have any friends or relatives they may know? » Don’t just take a business card blindly.

Take a minute to notice things such as the address or the job title; it keeps the conversation going. » Do get organized. There are plenty of websites such as Plaxo.com that can help you create a digital catalog of your business cards.

tion staff for Marketplace and assist with clerical responsibilities.”

The four registration volunteers from the Jackson CVB are Gloria Smith, LeeVeris Garland, Beatrice Lambert and Vida Mills. The CVB will also donate bags and tourism information to be distributed.

Volunteers from the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership have been helping with this business event for 25 years. They arrive early Beatrice Lambert and stay until 7:30 p.m., serving in a number of ways wherever they are needed. Quida Watson and Pat Ladnier have volunteered for the past 20-

plus years, and Darryl Palmer, the voice of the Mississippi Braves, has been the announcer for several years.

“They are extremely valuable to the event because they go in and know what to do and don’t have to be trained,” Rhodes said.

“They are Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Ambassadors who represent the chamber at this event and other events” Mississippi Business Journal Publisher Alan Turner added, “We truly appreci- Vida Mills ate the volunteers and the services they provide. We could not have this event without them.”

DO’S AND DON’TS The following tips for "boothmanship” can help increase success.

DO'S: » Enjoy being there. » Know your product or service, including costs. » Know your prospects needs. » Know the competition. » Know where things are in the booth. » Know the show. » Be enthusiastic. » Be confident. » Be dressed for success. » Wear appropriate shoes. » Be ready to talk and explain\demonstrate. » Be honest. » Watch your body language. » Work with all prospects. » Be nice to everyone. » Keep the booth neat and clean. » Know what is new. » Work hard. » Don’t forget to send a short e-mail to meaningful connections, thanking them for their time and reminding them of the conversation. Ask them if they want to follow up over lunch. » Do take advantage of any trending

DON'TS: » Sit, read, smoke, eat or drink in the booth. » Have bad breath. » Ignore prospects by forming a cozy cluster and chatting with colleagues. » Talk with booth next door. » Leave booth unattended or leave without informing colleagues. » Ignore a prospect. » Be rude. » Be overly aggressive. » Fake answers. » Underestimate visitors. » Badmouth competitors. » Let the booth get untidy. » Say ‘Can I help you?’ » Lean on booth furniture. » Stand with your back to the aisle. technology. QR codes, for example, are little bar codes that can be printed on business cards. These contain an embedded website URL that can be scanned by your smartphone and take people to your company or personal website.

MISSISSIPPI MARKETPLACE

September 19, 2014

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Business meets pleasure at After Hours

By LISA MONTI mbj@msbusiness.com

Participants at the popular Marketplace Business After Hours will be talking business, networking and getting a taste of some of what Jackson’s best restaurants and caterers offer.

Mangia Bene Catering, the catering arm of BRAVO! Italian Restaurant, Broad Street Baking Company and Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza, is a longtime participant in the Marketplace. Aven Whittington, the group’s catering manager, said, “We have been involved with the event for as long as I can remember and we are excited about the new format this year. It’s always a treat when you have the opportunity to show your wares in front of so many influential business leaders in our state and it’s an honor to get to participate in such a prestigious event. It’s just a great time and we look forward to being there.”

Whittington said to look for Mangia Bene’s Asian grilled beef sliders and that pastry chef Jennifer Adelsheimer is working on “a huge selection of little treats from Broad Street Baking Company.”

Logan Farms owner Ryan Gnemi is returning to the Business After Hours after a successful showing at 2013’s event. “We had a lot of positive feedback last year,” he said.

This year Logan Farms will be serving pimento cheese sliders, homemade chess squares and their homemade chips with black bean salsa. The chess squares were a hit last year, he said.

Gnemi said the After Hours exposure strengthened Logan Farms’ presence in the Jackson area and helped get the word out that they served more than just their signature honey glazed ham. “A lot of people didn’t know we do catering,” he said. “Our slogan now is, ‘You thought we were just a ham store.’

We’re trying to let everybody know we do hot lunches and pulled pork bbq and cater throughout the year,” Gnemi said.

Whitnie Sheriff, owner of Uniquely Kovered cupcake shop and bakery, is a first-time participant and she believes the Marketplace can help her growing sweet-treat catering business get more exposure. “I think it’s going to be a great way to get my name out to the public,” she said.

Sheriff creates cupcakes and other treats for kid’s birthday parties, holidays and all special events.

She’ll give the Business After Hours a taste of her chocolate covered strawberries, pretzel rods and Rice Krispies, plus cupcakes and her specialty brownies with caramel and white chocolate. “You really have to have a sweet tooth,” she said.

Another newcomer to the Marketplace Business After Hours is Nothing Bundt Cakes in Flowood. The new bakery creates their cakes with premium ingredients, including fresh eggs, real butter and cream cheese.

The new franchise, owned by Amy Ritter and Anne Rhodus, is the first in Mississippi. They will be serving samples of their top flavors and also displaying options for decorating and customizing the cakes. Ritter said the moist cakes are “reminiscent of how your grandma used to make them.”

File photos / Deryll Stegall / Stegall Imagery

While Chris Gill and the Sole Shakers provides music on stage, several Jackson-area restaurant will offer samples of their food at this Business After Hours.

Those participating this year include Mangia Bene Catering, Logan Farms, Uniquely Kovered cupcake shop and bakery and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Mangia Bene Catering, the catering arm of BRAVO! Italian Restaurant, Broad Street Baking Company and Sal & Mookie's New York Pizza, is a longtime participant in the Marketplace.

Logan Farms said the After Hours exposure strengthened its presence in the Jackson area and helped get the word out that they serve more than just their signature honey glazed ham..

September 19, 2014 • MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL • www.msbusiness.com

AN MBJ FOCUS:

LAW & ACCOUNTING

FOR THE RECORD » Court reporters’ transcripts of proceedings invaluable

By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com

Court reporters are an important spoke in the wheels of justice. Using a steno machine, voice writer or pen, they write down word for word what is spoken in court proceedings to provide an official record of what occurred and provide verbatim transcripts.

“Court reporters are in the courtrooms for criminal and civil proceedings; they are in depositions in attorneys’ offices as well as arbitrations, public meetings, city and school board meetings and examinations under oath; they provide captioning for television stations,” said Sheila McKinney, president of Melinda Bowers the Mississippi Court Reporters Association.

Melinda Bowers, president elect of the association, added, “We’re the only person in a deposition setting who’s completely neutral. We’re not related to anyone and we have to be completely unbiased. We’re guardians of the record – exactly what happened in legal proceedings.”

Anyone wanting to become certified as a court reporter in Mississippi must pass three skills tests with 95 percent accuracy in jury charge at 200 words per minute, literary at 180 words per minute and question and

Sheila McKinney, (above right) is president of the Mississippi Court Reporters Association.

Photo courtesy of Sheila McKinney

answer at 225 words per minute. “You must also pass a knowledge test with a score of 70 or better,” McKinney said. “The written test consists of technology, reporting practices and professional practices. There are several other certifications a reporter may obtain.”

In addition to those requirements, licensed reporters are required to obtain 30 continuing education credits every three years to maintain certification. The Mississippi Judicial College and MCRA work together to put on two conventions a year for reporters.

See

REPORTERS, Page 27

LAW & ACCOUNTING

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Is law degree worth the investment? » Job market is showing improvement for law school graduates at Ole Miss

By BECKY GILLETTE mbj@msbusiness.com

The average graduate of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) School of Law has a student loan debt of $70,000 to $75,000. At the height of the recession, some law school grads had trouble landing attorney jobs making enough to pay back the loan.

However, the Ole Miss law school has decreased the number of students accepted into law school, the money available for scholarships has increased and the most recent class to graduate found an improving labor market for jobs that require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Currently the first-year class at the Ole Miss law school is 128 students.

For the most recent graduates in 2013, 125 got jobs that required a JD degree, said Matthew Hall, senior associate dean and an associate professor, Ole Miss law school.

“That was before the recovery really

got rolling,” Hall said. “And we know that some grads want to get an advanced law degree, or go into other professions.

What we believe is when our first year class completes school, they will graduate into a situation where there may be fewer graduates than there are jobs.

We’re really sure by the time this group graduates in 2017, employers will be chasing after them. Our second year class of 120 students will be graduating into the same environment.”

There has been national scrutiny of the cost of law degrees in an environment with dismal job prospects. The cost can be extremely expensive from some of the best-known law schools. Tuition alone at the Harvard Law School is about $55,000 per year.

In contrast, an Ole Miss law degree is a bargain.

“We at this law school have been regCourtesy of University of Mississippi School of Law

See

TRAINING, Page 26

Matthew Hall, senior associate dean and an associate professor at the University of Mississippi School of Law confers with students Marta Toczylowski and Brandi Soper at the Oxford campus.

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26 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19, 2014

TRAINING

Continued from Page 25

ularly ranked as one of the best value law schools in the country,� Hall said. “We are one of the 20 most affordable law schools in terms of tuition costs. Also, the cost of living in Oxford and Mississippi is not high, and Mississippi hasn’t been hit by the recession as much as many other states. We also have a high bar passage rate and most graduates get jobs that require a JD degree.�

“We are expecting the graduate debt load is going to drop dramatically in the next two graduation cycles,�

Matthew Hall, senior associate dean and associate professor at the Ole Miss law school

When deciding how many students to admit, law schools have to anticipate what

the job market will like in three years.

During the recession, some graduates

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struggled to get jobs. The class size was too large, and the employment market was sluggish. Also, one year Ole Miss planned a class size of 170 and ended up with 220 because a larger than expected number of students accepted.

Hall said they have dropped class size to a one lower than the anticipated job market.

Ole Miss has 150 students in the third year of law school who are set to graduate next May. Hall said if the jobs available remain at about 125, and the trend continues for some grads to go into other professions or continue with their education, most graduates should be able to find jobs.

Another important factor is that scholarship aid has doubled in the past few years. It is possible to get half, three quarters or all tuition costs paid by scholarships. “We are expecting the graduate debt load is going to drop dramatically in the next two graduation cycles,� Hall said. “Grads will have better employment prospects, and lower debt load. If students go to places where tuition is higher and employment prospects are not as good, the investment in the law degree may not be worth it. But, at least from this law school, it is a phenomenally good investment. If you can live economically in Oxford and your family can support your living expenses, it is possible to graduate with a really modest debt that would allow students to pursue any career they want.�

Another important factor is whether people graduate from law school inspired to practice law, and with the skills and ethical values to be a good attorney. “My job as senior associate dean is focused on those three things: inspire, provide an ethical framework, and teach the skills to be a good lawyer,� Hall said. “We have done a tremendous amount in the past 10 years to move away from traditional textbook learning and toward teaching practical professional skills. We want a law degree to be valuable not just in an economic sense, but as a meaningful professional degree.�

Ole Miss has a clinical program where third year students actually practice law under supervision of a professor who is a practicing attorney. Currently there are 11 different clinical programs and enough clinical slots so each student can do a clinic before graduation. The students are the attorneys of record on a client’s case.

Hall said Ole Miss also helps Mississippi counter the “brain drain� caused by the state being a net exporter of people with college degrees. Many leave for jobs in other states. About 40 percent of Ole Miss law students are from out of state, and many want to stay after getting their law degree. “By bringing in non residents, we are helping to counter that brain drain,� Hall said. “About 70 percent of our graduates stay in Mississippi, which helps counter the brain drain. About 30 percent leave the state, but many go to contiguous states.

We have graduates who have jobs in every state of the country except North Dakota and Maine.�

LAW & ACCOUNTING REPORTERS

Continued from Page 24

Bowers thinks the public doesn’t really understand what court reporters do. “Some people think we’re like newspaper reporters,” she said. “They think we’re on that machine and that’s all, but we have a lot of work – including nights, weekends, and holidays – transcribing transcripts. When there’s a trial, there are no exceptions.”

A member of MCRA since 1999, Bowers takes over as president next April. She became a court reporter because she was looking for a profession with stability which would allow her to support herself and be independent. “I don’t see that changing or technology taking over what court reporters do,” she said. “I’m in my seventeenth year doing this and I still love my job. Can you imagine? I made this decision at a young age and I’m looking forward to 20 more years.”

She points out that in this day of computers, a human being taking notes can process dialects and, if needed, say, “’I’m sorry; I didn’t get that’ when something isn’t clear.”

McKinney says one challenge facing court reporters is the perception that they just sit to the side and are not the highly-trained professionals they actually are. “Reporters’ brains are focused on every word at varying speeds from different dialects to make sure

September 19, 2014

“Some people think we’re like newspaper reporters. They think we’re on that machine and that’s all, but we have a lot of work – including nights, weekends, and holidays – transcribing transcripts. When there’s a trial, there are no exceptions.”

Melinda Bowers, President- elect of Mississippi Court Reporters Association the record is accurate,” she said. “They have to identify the speaker each time they speak which is difficult if multiple speakers are speaking at one time. Reporters have a little bit of knowledge from every aspect of life — engineering, forensics, bankruptcy, etc. Just think of how many different terms would come up by an expert witness in a medical malpractice case!”

Bowers says every state faces its own challenges because the regulations are different in every state although all follow the same federal statutes. “In Mississippi we’re focused on pay raises for official court reporters because it’s been 11 years since they had a pay raise,” she said. “It may be imple-

mented in steps.”

She points out that official court reporters work for courts while those who freelance are paid directly by outside agencies that contract with them.

A personal challenge for McKinney is managing time with family and friends while making sure all her transcripts are turned in on time to the clerks’ offices and appeals are filed on time. “Add to that my current position as president of the Mississippi Court Reporters Association, my free time fills up quickly,” she said. “Reporters don’t stop working because it’s five o’clock, as is often thought by non-reporters. Many work from home on tran-

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scripts at night, weekends, holidays, and even during vacations.

“I believe there’s pressure on reporters to be perfect. Even though I would like to think we are perfect, we are human.”

McKinney also believes the public doesn’t fully understand what court reporters do. “In fact, I always thought a court reporter was a journalist who reported on recent courtroom proceedings,” she said. “There is a need to educate the public and especially school counselors because they are in the primary and best position to promote this career to students. Court reporting positions are growing and we need people to fill them. To not suggest this career to a student is a complete missed opportunity for the public and the student.”

To that end, the National Court Reporters Association has just launched a promotion to educate the public on the court reporting opportunities available for all ages. More information on that can be located at crtakenote.com.

“This career is like no other. I absolutely love court reporting and will do anything I can to help others in this field,” McKinney said. “We are always watching legislation for anything that may affect our freelance reporters. Court reporting is very difficult, but anything worth having is worth working for.”

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September 19 2014

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» MISSISSIPPI LEADERS by Martin Willoughby

Coming home Harrison uses baseball experience in business

O

ne of the great joys I have in writing this column is that I get the opportunities to meet a wide variety of leaders. Some have been leading for decades and are in a stage of life where they are mentoring others while others are in the building phase of their career. Having studied the lives of so many leaders, I like to think that I am able to spot leaders on the rise. My interviewee this week, Tyler Harrison, is one of those young leaders that I believe will be making his mark. Harrison, a native of Monroe, Louisiana, is the owner of Harrison Homes, a residential construction company in Madison.

A talented athlete, Harrison played junior college baseball before continuing on to Delta State where he played his junior and senior year and graduated with a degree in business. Following a dream to be in the construction industry, he went on to earn a second undergraduate degree at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in construction. For the next 12 years, Harrison worked as a construction project manager with Brasfield & Gorrie, a large Alabama-based construction firm and Mid State Construction, a Mississippi-based firm. During this time, he had the opportunity to work on

Up Close With ... Tyler Harrison Title: Owner, Harrison Homes Favorite Books: “I recently enjoyed All In by Mark Batterson.”

First Job: “I worked Village Sports in Monroe, Louisiana, during the holiday season selling Christmas trees.”

Proudest Moment as a Leader: “Any time my children succeed” Hobbies/Interests: “Time with family, anything outdoors, helping coach my son’s tournament baseball team — the Madison Bombers.”

large scale projects such as expansions at Baptist Hospital, St. Catherine’s Village and Jackson Academy. He also worked on a large condominium project in Houston, Texas.

Harrison noted, “B&G and Mid State both approach business relationships with honesty at the top of the priority list. That’s something that’s ingrained in their culture, and is also ingrained in me. They also provided me many opportunities as a young leader to learn and develop as a leader.”

Pre-2008, it seemed like everyone I knew was trying to get into the construction business whether qualified or not. Most of those people have returned to their old jobs or moved on; however, Harrison decided to

follow his passion and step out of his fast track trajectory as a commercial construction industry leader and start his own homebuilding company. He explained, “My initial interest in construction rooted from an interest in homebuilding. This seemed like the right move for a long time. I enjoy time at home and love thinking about the aspects of a home that can make it better or more enjoyable for a family.” As any entrepreneur knows, it is never easy launching a new business, but Harrison’s experience, leadership style and commitment to excellence have allowed him to develop a thriving business quickly.

Harrison shared that his baseball days

“I have always been impressed by people who lead by example...”

Tyler Harrison Owner, Harrison Homes

have been influential on his character and leadership style. He shared, “Playing college baseball taught me to be a team player, to take constructive criticism and push through tough times.” Martin Willoughby He also emphasized the life lessons he learned from his family that have prepared him for this journey. “My dad has a work ethic that is contagious. He will not cut corners and always finishes what he starts.

“While my maternal grandfather died when I was young, he was a colonel in the air force and was regarded highly because of his achievements and humble nature. My paternal grandfather was a successful small business owner in southern Arkansas, who was very diligent, yet quiet and humble.”

Harrison is a humble “hands on” leader.

He explained, “I have always been impressed with people who lead by example, and I strive to lead by example rather than by portraying myself as better than, or above someone else. I strive to help those around me succeed, but continue to work hard and stand firm to ensure my own success as well.” For other aspiring leaders he emphasized the importance of learning from others and becoming a working “not only a leader but also a teammate.” I am always encouraged to be around talented leaders who have the courage to follow their dreams. I expect we will see Harrison making an impact in the community for years to come.

Martin Willoughby is a business consultant and regular contributing columnist for the Mississippi Business Journal. He serves as Chief Operating Officer of Butler Snow Advisory Services, LLC and can be reached at martin.willoughby@ butlersnow.com.

A novel look at the effects of scarcity on our lives

T

» Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much

By Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir Published by Times Books $28.00 hardback

he word “scarcity” in the context of economics typically calls up thoughts about how to most efficiently allocate scarce resources. Whether we’re talking about companies turning limited inputs into profitable ventures or governments choosing where best to spend tax revenue, economics is a social science dedicated to studying scarcity.

Behavioral economics professors Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir explore this theme, but with a twist, in their book, Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much. Their focus is on what they call the “scarcity mindset,” and how operating under scarcity changes the way we think, reason, and make decisions.

The authors draw parallels throughout their book between the busy, who lack the resource of time, and the poor, who lack financial resources. In both cases, they argue, scarcity “captures the mind,” and “can help explain many of the behaviors and the consequences of scarcity.”

Think about it this way: you’re busy at work, with back-toback meetings, several huge projects coming up, and you’re still trying to finish something that should have been completed a week ago. In this state, it’s difficult to think about anything beyond what immediately needs to be done. You may attend one of your children’s piano recitals, for instance, but your thoughts are squarely on the work waiting for you back at the office. You can’t even think ahead to the next project, so by the time you actually start on it, you’re even further behind.

You’ve fallen into a scarcity trap.

The authors argue that scarcity creates a “tax” on your mental bandwidth, which can have real implications on your deci-

sion-making and impulse control. And, worse, there are actual negative cognitive effects from the scarcity mindset, especially for the poor.

Quoting from the book, “Being poor, for example, reduces a person’s cognitive capacity more than going one full night without sleep. It is not that the poor have less bandwidth as individuals. Rather it is that the experience of poverty reduces anyone’s bandwidth.”

Whether you’re operating in a scarcity mindset caused by a lack of money or a lack of time, one thing is clear: scarcity begets further scarcity. The poor borrow money to tide them over and end up further in debt, and the busy push deadlines and end up further behind.

The authors do offer sensible solutions for this problem, which in one way or another affects us all at some point. But you’ll have to carve time out of your busy schedule to read it and learn more.

— LouAnn Lofton, mbj@msbusiness.com

30 I Mississippi Business Journal I September 19 2014 THE SPIN CYCLE

Ray Rice Crisis Sacks NFL Image, Identity ow, what a difference a week makes in the world of corporate branding.

In the last Spin Cycle, we discussed some challenges the NFL faces that could tarnish its image – including the simmering Ray Rice crisis. That was before the full version of the Rice elevator assault video surfaced.

Now, Roger Goodell and the NFL looks more like a coal miner emerging from the shaft that a gleaming, multi-billion dollar branding juggernaut!

The newest video of running back Rice’s assault puts new heat on Goodell’s management and adds to what is already looking like the worst year the NFL has faced in some time on the identity front.

Yes, the NFL is a cash cow that continues to generate more than $9 billion of revenue each year – but the man at the top can’t seem to save it from crises.

The new video that surfaced last week shows that Rice quite forcefully punches his then-fiancée in the face in an elevator, knocking her out cold. Previously, only footage of Rice dragging her unconscious body from an elevator had been released, and based on that footage, the NFL suspended Rice for two games. To many, that suspension, at the time, looked lenient; now it looks inexcusable. The slap on the wrist was so criticized that Goodell had to issue a new league policy on domestic abuse: sixgame suspension for a first offense, indefinite ban for the next one.

Goodell became commissioner of the NFL in 2006, succeeding Paul Tagliabue.

He takes home more than $44 million a year, is extremely image-conscious, and, he constantly instructs colleagues to “protect the shield,” the NFL’s logo. But he has been criticized time and again for management decisions, even as the organization he leads has emerged as America’s true pastime and most profitable game. In the Rice situation and in other recent crises, he has been accused of not acting quickly enough, or not being severe enough.

W

PR Nightmare The Rice PR nightmare is absolutely not protecting the shield; rather it is severely tarnishing it. After the latest tape emerged, the Ravens promptly cut Rice from the roster; Goodell, minutes later, indefinitely suspended him from the league. Mark The Spin Cycle’s words: this action will not put this disaster to rest. The more pressing question here, and one not being ignored by the media or by fans, is whether the league, and Goodell specifically, had seen the footage of the punch. In it’s initial response, the NFL said no one at the league had seen that part of the footage when Goodell made

The NFL needs to establish an ongoing process – perhaps a task force and counseling programs to start – to address domestic violence by players.

This week they took a step in the right direction by hiringthreedomestic violence experts to serve as senior advisors. his two-game suspension decision. Police say they turned the video over to the NFL office in April. Something stinks in the state of the NFL. Now, the entire matter is under special investigation by former FBI director Robert Meuller.

While the league’s public relations machine under Goodell has successfully blunted questions about brain injuries suffered by players, the fallout from a murdersuicide and the lockout of referees, questions about the handling of the Rice catastrophe and domestic violence have only grown.

That sparked a #FireGoodell hashtag on Twitter amid calls for the commissioner’s resignation.

Image Problem? Try Honesty, Responsibility, Ownership and Remedy Image experts see two major problems the NFL needs to fix: the original Rice situation, from the initial two-game suspension to the indefinite suspension after the video’s release, and the perception of a cover-up.

If the NFL is to get its image back into the red zone, speed and honesty are key.

There is an opportunity to change the narrative, but it won’t be easy.

To start, the NFL should call an audible for a highly publicized campaign against domestic abuse that includes sensitivity training for all players to combat what is spiraling into a serious image problem.

First, Goodell should take personal responsibility, put aside blame and fault-finding for the moment, pledge to find out what really happened – and make it all public, no matter the reflection on the league.

Beyond that, the NFL needs to establish an ongoing process – perhaps a task force and counseling programs to start – to address domestic violence by players. This week they took a step in the right direction by hiring three domestic violence experts to serve as senior advisors.

Other cases of domestic violence by NFL players – including the arrests of Ray McDonald and Greg Hardy this year – make addressing the situation more complex than simply dealing with Rice’s altercation.

Evidence, Ravens & Reputation Oh My The evidence is piling up. In late July, Sports Illustrated NFL writer Peter King wrote that NFL officials, and the Ravens, too, had indeed seen, “the other videotape … from the security camera inside the elevator at the time of the physical altercation between Rice and his fiancée.” Eventually, we will get to the bottom of this Videogate.

Currently, the truth remains unclear. Is the NFL being honest in its timeline of events?

The Ravens organization is also under fire now. The franchise has been criticized already for its lionizing of former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who narrowly avoided conviction after being charged with murder in 2000 (the next year, he was Super Bowl MVP).

If it’s revealed that Goodell had indeed seen the most recent footage, and still chosen a mere two-game suspension, it could very well cost him the commissioner job, and further soil the shield.

Rice is only one player, but he represents the much larger problem the league faces with criminal conduct by too many of its players. This situation is not at all fully resolved by Rice being cut from the Ravens

and suspended from the league. And there are many more stillunresolved entries on the laundry list of PR nightmares Goodell has dealt with in his tenure.

Todd Smith

Tarnished, Corroded Mic | Ray Rice, Roger Goodell & The NFL First, Ray Rice did the despicable by hitting his then fiancée, now wife, and there’s the video to prove it. Then, there’s the way Roger Goodell and the NFL has handled the entire incendiary situation. Goodell, who has always strived to take the moral high ground, is looking more like Tricky Dick Nixon all the time, the former president who covered-up crimes.

Goodell likes to present himself as a lawand-order sheriff bent on integrity, whose motto is: “Protect the shield.” But that doesn’t seem to include protecting the victims of violence, the concussion issue and a continual barrage of disciplinary missteps for offthe-field behavior. The commissioner, who has been a sanctimonious judge for eight years, seems to have gone lenient. And what did he think was going on in the Rice video?

He was dragging out an unconscious woman like a pre-historic cave man. Goodell’s credibility took another hit when it was revealed that the player had admitted that he hit his girlfriend during a disciplinary meeting in June. This makes sense since Goodell is known for being intolerant of lies, and since Rice probably assumed the commissioner had seen the video. Yet Goodell only suspended him for two games, two less than if he’d been caught taking Adderall. One of the league’s best running backs, Adrian Peterson, was indicted on charges of abusing his 4-year-old son in Texas – Goodell apparently looked the other way. For all these actions, Rice, Goodell and the NFL have the moral – and image – compass stuck in the wrong direction, and have grabbed a tarnished, corroded, short-circuited mic!

Each week, The Spin Cycle will bestow a Golden Mic Award to the person, group or company in the court of public opinion that best exemplifies the tenets of solid PR, marketing and advertising – and those who don’t. Stay tuned – and step-up to the mic!

And remember … Amplify Your Brand!

Todd Smith is president and chief communications officer of Deane, Smith & Partners, a fullservice 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.

SALES MOVES

September 19, 2014

I

Mississippi Business Journal

I

31

» JEFFREY GITOMER

The “Art” and “Lessons” of Shopping for Bargains.

I’m

spending the day at Marché aux Puces, the antique flea markets of Paris. Also known as the “Puces” or “MAP,” it hosts 14 named market areas that offer an authentic and one-ofa-kind atmosphere. The market, steeped in history, brings together antique dealers, designers, artisans, artists, and customers from all over the world.

It’s a powerful business location. Picture 2,500 antique dealers ready and willing to sell items ranging from bric-a-brac and advertising memorabilia, to designer jewelry and handbags, vintage fashion and furniture, all the way to museum quality pieces dating back centuries.

It’s more than the eye can imagine, and way more than the wallet can afford.

I’m bringing my “A game” to the market because the sellers are both seasoned and knowledgeable.

It’s clearly a “buyer beware” market and cash trumps credit cards by as much as 20 percent.

NOTE: There are three types of sales prices at the market. “Retail,” “negotiated,” and “wholesale.” Retail prices are for the unsuspecting customer who’s willing to pay what is marked on the item or what the dealer asks for. Negotiated prices are for the savvy buyer who is able to negotiate the listed price and pay something he or she is more comfortable with. Wholesale prices represent the real amount the seller is willing take to part with his cherished item.

Of course, I’m trying to buy things between with a price somewhere between negotiated and wholesale. Meanwhile the dealer is trying to sell at a price somewhere between retail and negotiated.

Let the games begin!

After buying a few negotiated items, as luck would have it, I ran into the great Michael Andrew Wilson, a longtime friend and professional shopper.

To give you a frame of reference, Michael purchased all of the furnishings for every Ralph Lauren store in Europe. He has spent millions of euros at this market, and every seller and dealer knows him personally. You can learn more about Michael by reading his blog at mawparis.wordpress.com.

I’ve been to the market 20 times. Michael has

There are three types of sales prices at the market. “Retail,” “negotiated,” and “wholesale.” been to the market 1,000 times. He knows everyone. I know no one. But by walking around with him, I had “wholesale” prices wrapped up.

One other advantage that Michael has: he speaks fluent French. I speak broken French without verbs. When the buyer and the seller speak the same language it’s much easier to complete an agreed-upon transaction. It’s also much easier to haggle for a lower price.

All in all, it’s a buyer’s marketplace UNLESS the buyer wants something bad. And, if the seller is savvy he or she will hold out until they find out how bad the buyer wants it. Luckily, those sellers are few and far between.

Most of the dealers at the market fully realize their sale is of the moment, and when a buyer walks away it’s likely they will never return. The more conversation the seller engages in, the more questions the seller asks, and the more the buyer feels like they’re getting a “deal,” the more likely it is that the customer will part with cash.

The seller’s fatal flaw is also the buyer’s fatal flaw. It’s impatience and the need for immediate gratification. The more profitable sale is exactly the opposite. It’s patience combined with extended emotional engagement.

Which kind of seller are you? How would you be able to win the sale over 2,499 other competitors, all within walking distance on a sunny day in Paris. To me the answers are obvious, but maybe that’s because I’ve been there many times before.

Let me share a few with you so you might be able to engage your customers in a way that they will buy from you rather than your competition…

1. Find out how the buyer intends to use what-

ever it is they’re about to purchase. Where will it go? Who will see it? Will their family and friends admire it? Have they ever bought anything like this before? How much do they know about this particular product? How long have they been thinking about purchasing this kind of product? Do they think the value is there?

2. Try to uncover their urgency for purchase.

Why do they want this now? Do they understand that this is one of a kind? How much do they love it? How much do they want it? How much do they need it?

2.5 Make certain you’ve explained affordability based on value and that their perceived value is the basis of their desire. Everyone thinks most sales are made based on price and everyone is wrong. Sales are made based on desire, need, and perceived

value combined with urgency and utility.

DO THIS: Take a long look at your sales presentation. I recommend you record your sales presentation and use that for your review. You will see in an Jeffrey Gitomer instant how engaging you are and how well you let the customer have a chance to buy. Or not.

I posted a few pictures of my selling/buying adventure on Instagram — @jeffreygitomer — if you want to take a look.

Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of “The Sales Bible”, “Customer Satisfaction is Worthless” “Customer Loyalty is Priceless”, “The Little Red Book of Selling”, “The Little Red Book of Sales Answers”, “The Little Black Book of Connections”, “The Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude”, “The Little Green Book of Getting Your Way”, “The Little Platinum Book of ChaChing”, “The Little Teal Book of Trust”, “The Little Book of Leadership”, and “Social BOOM!” His website, www.gitomer.com, will lead you to more information about training and seminars, or email him personally at salesman@gitomer.com.

http://www.msbusiness.com

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