The Mississippi Business Journal articles from August 2008

The Mississippi Business Journal archives from August 2008

Spec building simplicity: just build it: economic development tool just might seal that big deal.
August 4, 2008... The past five years have been very good to Columbus. In that time, $3.6 billion worth of investment has been pumped into economic development projects, with roughly 6,000 new jobs coming with it. Headlining those announcements were the...

Childers wants government working for small biz.
August 4, 2008... It wasn't standing-room-only but it was a decent first effort, one that broke new ground in Mississippi's First Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Travis Childers held a multi-location teleconference called "Putting Government to Work for Small...

Where others see roadblocks, Chris Cooley notices opportunity.
August 4, 2008... In the current economic climate, most experts would discourage would-be entrepreneurs from starting their own small business. But where others see roadblocks, Chris Cooley sees opportunity. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cooley &...

Department of Marine Resources sets hearing for Chevron Products' dredging.
August 4, 2008... Special to the Mississippi Business Journal The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources will hold a public hearing August 4 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Gautier Public Library on regulated activities associated with construction by Chevron...

Mississippi companies growing in turbulent times.(Perspectives)
August 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After listening to the bookend speakers at the Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC) summer conference two weeks ago, I was reminded that even in turbulent times there are companies that are growing and...

BlueCross BlueShield building on inaugural event's success.(Sport + Business)
August 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With a blues guitarist strumming in the background on a hot, late July afternoon, John Sewell, director of corporate communications with BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi (BCBSMS), announced that the second-annual...

Bo bounds finds entrepreneurship the perfect lifestyle: keys to success: commitment and persistence.(Sport + Business)
August 4, 2008... Over the last five years, Bo Bounds has had a run that would be the envy of any entrepreneur. He has his own radio show, "Out of Bounds," which continues to gain listeners. He has found success with his multiple-office advertising firm First...

Burning question in Biloxi: where does the water's edge begin?
August 4, 2008... Where does the water's edge begin? That may not be a question of consequence to upstate residents, but down Biloxi way it's of major importance to future front beach casino development. The question comes into play in compliance with...

Ruth's Chris finds new home at Renaissance at Colony Park.(Around Town)(Ruth's Chris Steak House Inc.)
August 4, 2008... On July 14, Ruth's Chris Steak House held its grand opening for its new restaurant at Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland. And while the new upscale restaurant represents the 124th Ruth's Chris, the Ridgeland eatery is an original--no other...

Maintenance trips create sod farming cost squeeze.
August 4, 2008... The volatile fuel market has caused nightmares for every farmer, but the problem is particularly vexing for sod producers who cannot escape the added cost of looking good. Sod has to be trimmed and mowed at least twice a week to maintain...

Talon advisors join Brunini.(People to Watch)
August 4, 2008... Special to the Mississippi Business Journal Members of The Talon Group have joined Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC, in Jackson as government relations advisors. Joining the firm are Chip Reno, Quentin Whitwell, Aimee Garner, Steve...

Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.(People)
August 4, 2008... Emily T. Myers of Brandon has been named director of marketing and public relations for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. With more than 13 years of career experience in the nonprofit and healthcare sectors, She comes to the organization...

Bonne Terre Country Inn and Cafe.(People to Watch)
August 4, 2008... Phillip Orr has joined the Bonne Terre Country Inn and Cafe management team. Son of Bonne Terre owners Kimbel and Charles Orr, he joins his parents as the general manager of the inn, located in Nesbit. In his new role, he will be responsible...

National Conference of State Legislatures.(People to Watch)(Conference news)
August 4, 2008... Sen. Alan Nunnelee, (R-Tupelo, District 6), has been appointed vice chairman of the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Health Committee. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Health Committee is one of 11 NCSL standing committees...

Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management.(People to Watch)
August 4, 2008... Lee Yancey has joined Woodridge Capital Portfolio Management in Ridgeland. An eighth-generation Mississippian, he holds a bachelor of arts degree from Mississippi College, as well as masters of divinity and doctorate in leadership...

Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation.(People to Watch)(appointment of Steve Anderson)(Brief article)
August 4, 2008... Steve Anderson has been appointed executive director of the Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a...

University of Southern Mississippi.(People to Watch)
August 4, 2008... Dr. David L. Duhon has been appointed the Kaetsu Distinguished Professor of International Business in the College of Business at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. In this position, Duhon is charged with strengthening...

Renasant Bank gives $100,000 to Ole Miss.(People to Watch)
August 4, 2008... Special to the Mississippi Business Journal Renasant Bank has committed $100,000 to create a new type of scholarship and to provide other support for the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi. "Renasant...

Prime outlets, Chevron products company win.(Strickly Business)
August 4, 2008... Prime Outlets at Gulfport and Chevron Products Company in Pascagoula are this year's statewide winners of the Governor's Cup Awards. "I am pleased to recognize the hard work and dedication of this year's statewide Governor's Cup Award...

Dunkin' Donuts on the way thanks to Viking executives.(Strickly Business)
August 4, 2008... Dunkin' Donuts has signed of a multi-unit store development agreement with Capital Franchise Group Inc. for the development of 34 restaurants in Jackson, Tupelo, Greenwood and the southwestern portion of the state. Site selection for potential...

Bank enters metro area.(Strickly Business)
August 4, 2008... First Bank and Trust of Mississippi has opened a full-service branch in Madison, entering the greater Jackson market for the first time. Stephen Dickey, interim president and CEO for First Bank and Trust, said, "This new branch is evidence...

Cal-Maine's numbers up.(Strickly Business)
August 4, 2008... Cal-Maine Foods Inc., for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, saw net sales of $235.6 million, compared with net sales of $169.9 million for the fourth quarter a year ago. The Company reported net earnings of $36.6 million, or $1.54 per basic...

Trustmark fund rated.(Strickly Business)
August 4, 2008... The Performance U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, a Trustmark proprietary mutual fund, has been assigned Standard & Poor's "AAAm-G" principal stability fund rating. The fund commenced operations in September 2007 and is managed by Trustmark...

SBA: 'high-impact' firms matter in Magnolia State.(Strickly Business)
August 4, 2008... "High-impact" firms create Mississippi's new jobs and growth, according to a study recently released by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Distributed across all industries, high-impact firms account for almost...

White construction wins.(Strickly Business)
August 4, 2008... According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Ridgeland-based White Construction Company's (WCC's) work on the Mississippi State University Riley Education and Performing Arts Center in Meridian and on Dell Children's Medical...

BLS: layoffs on rise.(Strickly Business)
August 4, 2008... In June, employers took 1,643 mass layoff actions, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. The number of workers involved totaled 165,697,...

Back to school, back to sports: student-athletes preparing for upcoming seasons.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It is back-to-school time, which also means student-athletes and their parents are gearing up for practice and the upcoming sports season. Care providers say now is the time to get players prepared to not only...

Culture of costs transparency a goal of new MSMA president.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... The new president of the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) is committed to making healthcare better and more accessible for everyone. It's J. Patrick Barrett, M.D., a Jackson spine surgeon who's practiced with Bruce Senter, M.D., for...

Chris Brown promoted.(Healthcare)(St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital)(Brief article)
August 4, 2008... Chris Brown has been promoted to director of patient financial services at St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital. She has served the Fiscal Services Department as interim director since August 2007. "Chris has 17 years of experience at St....

State gets break from West Nile virus this year so far.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... It may be too soon to say for certain, but there appears to be at least a temporary waning of the numbers of cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Mississippi with no deaths reported thus far this year. WNV virus is contracted from mosquito...

Restaurateurs offer advice for fighting fat in the Magnolia State.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... Normally one wouldn't expect a restaurant owner to suggest that people share an entree. But, really, something needs to be done about rates of obesity in the U.S. Mississippi has once again landed on the top of the list for having the...

Coast care providers put disaster planning at top of priority list.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... Healthcare providers on the Mississippi Gulf Coast know all too well what it means to be hit with a major disaster. With the 2008 hurricane season well underway, they're prepared for whatever comes along as they reflect on lessons learned in...

Want to quit? Help available to help employees stop smoking.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... If smokers think their habit is a personal choice that should be their business and no one else's, they should think again. Smoking in the U.S. costs $158 billion per year. That averages out to $3,400 per smoker per year. There is also a...

Rising costs bring changes, new trends to healthcare insurance.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... Prices for everything are increasing due to rising energy costs, but health insurance costs have been rising steadily for a number of years. Professionals who work with insurance and benefits see this increase bringing change that's not...

Fundraising foundations help care providers upgrade technology.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... Today's hospitals rely on cuttingedge technology to diagnose and treat patients, yet that technology is everchanging and staying up-to-date comes with a heavy price tag. With costs on just about everything rising these days, how can a hospital...

Patients who can't pay add burden to state's healthcare system.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... In the world of healthcare, unfortunately, there are patients who can't pay, putting a strain on the network of care. Providers say that even with Mississippi's high number of residents on the federal programs of Medicaid and Medicare, there...

Healthcare pros easing patients' needle-phobia with VeinViewer.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... It may seem like something straight from "The Jetsons," but the VeinViewer is technology that is in use at hospitals and clinics nationwide. For anyone who is skittish with needles, having blood drawn or having an IV line inserted is not a fun...

Mississippians searching for safe sources for fresh foods.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... Janice Kennedy tries to keep her family healthy by feeding them plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. "I've always tried to stay away from processed foods with lots of chemicals and additives," said the mother of four. "But now I'm...

Hospice list.
August 4, 2008... Hospice List Name, Year Founded Office Phone/Fax Director Main Office Address Website/E-mail Sta-home Health & (601) 956-5100/(601) Vincent Hopsice, 1976 956-3003 ...

Central Mississippi Medical Center.(Health Watch)
August 4, 2008... Greg Oden, M.D., has been named medical director of Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. For the past eight years, he has served as the medical director of CMMC's Hospitalist Program, which is composed of physicians who Oden provide...

Hattiesburg Clinic.(Health Watch)(appointment of W. Brent Bowling)(Brief article)
August 4, 2008... W. Brent Bowling, M.D., has joined Hattiesburg Clinic's Department of Pediatrics. He received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, where he also completed his internship and residency in...

Delta Regional Medical Center.(Health Watch)
August 4, 2008... Pulmonologist Jaime L. Molina, M.D., has joined Delta Regional Medical Center's medical staff. He is board certified in critical care and internal medicine. He completed his pulmonary disease fellowship at Yale University. His specialty is a...

Southern Bone and Joint Specialists, P.A.(Health Watch)(Richard A. Conn)(Brief article)
August 4, 2008... Richard A. Conn, M.D., of Southern Bone and Joint Specialists, EA. was recently recertified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The recertification examination evaluates an orthopaedist's continuing...

River Oaks Hospital, Woman's Hospital and Crossgates River Oaks Hospital.(Health Watch)
August 4, 2008... Yancy Cooper has been promoted to director of marketing for River Oaks Hospital, Woman's Hospital and Crossgates River Oaks Hospital. She has been serving in the director's role at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital, formerly Rankin Medical Center...

Pine Grove Behavioral Health Services.(Health Watch)
August 4, 2008... Susan Slaughter, FACHE, director of Business Development at Pine Grove Behavioral Health Services in Hattiesburg, recently became a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation's leading professional society for...

Wesley Medical Center.(Health Watch)
August 4, 2008... Carol S. Melvin, R.H.I.A., has been chosen to serve as president-elect of the Mississippi Health Information Association. She will become president of the association in 2009. She is the director of health information services at Wesley Medical...

Mississippi Health Care Association.(Health Watch)
August 4, 2008... Mark Clay of Columbus has been selected as Mississippi's American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living's future leader in long-term care. The Mississippi Health Care Association-nominated Future Leader participated in...

After-hours clinics.(Directory)(Table)
August 4, 2008... After-Hours Clinics Phone/ Fax Clinic Name, Year Founded Website/ E-mail Address Operating Hours Hattiesburg Clinic--Immediate (601) 264-6000/ N/A Care, 1963 ...

Paying for care: no quick fix.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... You may have recently noticed much discussion regarding Medicaid, a component of the healthcare payment system for residents in the State of Mississippi. MiSsissippi's healthcare payment system is comprised of several payers in addition to the...

Universities launch specialized care program.(Healthcare)
August 4, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Special to the Mississippi Business Journal Through a groundbreaking agreement, five of Mississippi's public universities are uniting to educate nurse practitioners to care for older adults and patients with...

Back to school budget blues?
August 11, 2008... While soaring prices for gasoline have impacted people's discretionary income for things such as eating out and vacations out of state, it doesn't seem to have had much impact on back-to-school shopping. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

'Spirit stores' forecasting strong autumn sales of team merchandise.(Sports + Business)
August 11, 2008... The atmosphere is electric in Hattiesburg, Starkville and Oxford as the upcoming NCAA Division IA football season nears. Both the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and the University of Mississippi (UM) have new head football coaches,...

State auditor files motion for summary judgment in MCI case.
August 11, 2008... State Auditor Stacey Pickering filed a motion for summary judgment in Hinds County Circuit Court last Tuesday asking Judge Winston Kidd to determine if the $14 million paid to former Booneville plaintiffs' lawyer Joey Langston in the MCI...

Minimum wage pricing low-skilled people out of jobs, prof says.
August 11, 2008... Business owners are adjusting to the new federal minimum wage increase that went into effect July 24. Covered non-exempt workers are entitled to a wage of not less than $6.55 per hour. Overtime pay at a rate not less than one-and-one-half times...

Medicaid funding plan set to take effect in September.
August 11, 2008... Gov. Haley Barbour announced August 1 that he has formulated a funding solution for Medicaid, the state's healthcare program for poor, elderly and disabled. In a press release announcing the solution, Barbour said this new plan would...

PSC, customers continue scrutiny of utility's fuel adjustment.
August 11, 2008... The Mississippi Public Service Commission's inquiry hearings into Entergy Mississippi's 28% rate hike for the third quarter resumed August 5 with public comment from a few of the power company's customers. Entergy enacted the rate increase...

Congressman: 'stabilizing the housing market' critical to recovery.
August 11, 2008... First District Congressman Travis Childers has a background in real estate, so it would make sense that he has a high interest in a flourishing housing market. That was one of the reasons he voted recently to pass House Resolution 3221....

Short and squatty savers: smart cars driving into the state.
August 11, 2008... They're short and squatty, and always grab second looks when people see them drive down the road. But they are fuel efficient and comfortable, making them the smartest cars on the road, according to their biggest fans. The Smart Car has...

Training camp: saints work hard at 'routine' media relations: Millsaps College staffers key components in playbook.(Sports + Business)
August 11, 2008... Football training camps are all about drills and routine. And, it is also important for the players and coaches to have time to get to know each other. The last thing the New Orleans Saints need is something upsetting the routine and...

Hancock Fabrics emerging from bankruptcy protection.(Strictly Business)
August 11, 2008... BALDWYN -- Hancock Fabrics Inc. has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after successfully restructuring its business operations and satisfying the conditions to effectiveness set forth in the plan of reorganization confirmed by the...

Proliance, insurer agree.(Strictly Business)
August 11, 2008... SOUTHAVEN -- Proliance International Inc. has reached a definitive agreement with its insurance company settling all damage claims resulting from tomatoes February 5 that destroyed Proliance's leased distribution facility in Southaven and...

Fed funds for Jackson cleanup.(Strictly Business)(United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency)(Brief article)
August 11, 2008... Federal funding totaling approximately $3.48 million has been awarded to the City of Jackson. The grant, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is awarded for debris removal in Hinds County caused by the heavy storms...

Norwalk back in operation.(Strictly Business)
August 11, 2008... FULTON -- The investment firm of IRG Capital Group, LLC, in partnership with Blackbird Capital Partners, has signed a letter of intent to purchase the assets of Norwalk Furniture Corp. Meanwhile, the company has fully resumed operations...

Southern Indie Bestsellers.(Book Business)
August 11, 2008... The Southern Indie Bestseller List of Hardcover Nonfiction for the week ending July 27 is based on reporting from the independent booksellers of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance and IndieBound.org. 1. "The Last Lecture" Randy...

'Business is brisk' for many local libraries in state.(Book Business)
August 11, 2008... These are busy days for public libraries. Use of all services is increasing. Directors of some of the state's larger library systems believe the troubling economy is fueling the surge. People are looking for public Internet access, magazines...

800-CEO READ: what corporate America is reading.(Book Business)
August 11, 2008... 800-CEO-READ, a leading direct supplier of book-based resources, compiles a monthly list of bestbusiness books based on by its corporate customers nationwide. Here are the best sellers for June 2008 1. "Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial...

Weyerhaeuser-IP deal done.(Strictly Business)
August 11, 2008... Weyerhaeuser Company has completed the sale of its Containerboard Packaging and Recycling business to International Paper for $6 billion in cash. Weyerhaeuser said it expects to use a substantial portion of the after-tax proceeds from the sale...

Bomgar setting records.(Strictly Business)
August 11, 2008... RIDGELAND -- Bomgar Corporation reports it has closed another successful quarter, capping a record first half 2008. In addition to continuing year-over-year growth of more than 90%, Bomgar participated in a number of awareness programs...

GB, Skylla win contract.(Strictly Business)(Skylla Engineering Ltd)(GB Tech Inc.)(Brief article)
August 11, 2008... HANCOCK COUNTY -- The team of GB Tech and Skylla Engineering was recently awarded a contract at NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC) to support the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS') Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF). Terms were not...

SGS expands to Memphis.(Strictly Business)(Southern Growth Studio )(Brief article)
August 11, 2008... OXFORD -- Southern Growth Studio (SGS), which has attracted eight Memphis-area clients since launching nine months ago, has opened a second office in downtown Memphis. Located in the Pembroke Building on South Main Street, the new SGS...

Barnyard brawl.(Perspective)(Cartoon)
August 11, 2008... TOO CHICKEN TO DEBATE?! TOO MUCH PORK! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHERE'S THE BEEF?! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THEY ARE MAKING US LOOK BAD. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Fresenius Medical Care lands CON approval.
August 11, 2008... Special to the Business Journal The Mississippi State Department of Health has issued a certificate of need (CON) to Renal Care Group Tupelo, LLC, d/b/a Fresenius Medical Care. Fresenius Medical Care received the CON for the relocation...

Musgrove refutes Wicker's Neshoba County Fair speech.
August 11, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ronnie Musgrove (photo left) took the podium last week at the Stennis Institute-Capitol Press Corps Luncheon, scanned the audience at Jackson's University Club and offered thanks. "I'm so happy nobody bused in...

Clients and customers have banking strength on their minds.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... Sayings such as "It's as safe as a bank" or "You can bank on it" may not be as popular as in the past. With increasing concern about the solvency of some of the nation's biggest banks, people are taking a closer look at the safety of the banks...

Young bankers understand challenges, but see bright futures.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... Young college graduates are entering banking from different backgrounds and finding careers and fulfillment. Several of them spoke to the Mississippi Business Journal about the industry and the choices they've made in light of current...

BankPlus promotes Allen to assistant VP.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... BankPlus has promoted public relations officer Kristin Allen to assistant vice president. She joined the bank in October 2007 after working as an account executive and national account manager for DC magazine in Washington D.C. ...

SBA office turns attention to financial literacy for entrepreneurs.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... Special to the Mississippi Business Journal The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is relaunching one of its primary entrepreneurial training divisions to broaden its focus into a one-stop shop for information on how to start,...

Credit unions report uptick in real estate-related business.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... The problems in the nation's mortgage market with large numbers of people facing higher mortgage payments due to adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) resetting at higher rates has actually resulted in increased business for some of the state's...

Credit unions.
August 11, 2008... Name, Year Founded Phone/Fax Address Website/E-mail Contact Person Keesler Federal (287) 385-5500/ N/A Credit Union. 1947 (228) 385-5501 P.O. Box 7001, www.kfcu.org/...

Metropolitan Bank.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... Gregory Pogue has joined Metropolitan Bank as portfolio manager. A graduate of Belhaven College and the University of Mississippi, he recently earned his master of business administration degree. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pogue will be...

Regions Bank.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... Charlita Screws Cloman has been named vice president-community affairs manager for Regions Bank in Jackson. In this role, she will act as the liaison between the bank and the community by providing expertise, leadership and support in lending,...

BankPlus.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... Lisa Rowland has been promoted to first vice president at BankPlus. She has 22 years of experience in the banking industry and has been employed by BankPlus for more than 10 years. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A native of Madison, Rowland...

Banks touting stability in wake of current industry hiccups.(Banking & Finance)
August 11, 2008... With the mortgage meltdown, government takeovers and failures of banks, there are some disturbing events happening with banks on the national scene. How are banks in Mississippi responding? Banks are being bit with less than desirable...

Business events (and More).(Calendar)
August 11, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Greater Belhaven Street Festival set August 16 -- The lights will be shining brightly in Belhaven during the fourth-annual Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, August 16. Bright Lights,...