The Mississippi Business Journal articles from February 2003

The Mississippi Business Journal archives from February 2003

Corporations tapping more women for board seats: private foundation and nonprofit organization boards also diversifying. (Getting on Board).
February 3, 2003... When Laurel-based Sanderson Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAFM) announced that Gail Pittman would join its board of directors, the news highlighted an interesting trend: more Mississippi women are landing seats on boards of directors for corporations,...

USM hires new director for biz venture development.(University of Southern Mississippi, Ken Malone appointment)
February 3, 2003... HATTIESBURG -- There's many a slip between a brilliant idea and launching a company to market a product or service that results from that idea. In Mississippi state education and political leaders strongly support bridging the gap between...

Weidmann's, a Meridian landmark, reopens to acclaim: but, 'we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto'.
February 3, 2003... MERIDIAN -- After serving lunch on October 4, 2001, Weidmann's, Meridian's historic (since 1870) downtown landmark restaurant, closed its doors. It reopened to wide acclaim New Year's Eve, 2002 -- about four months late. But there's no lunch...

National president visits Mississippi CCIM chapter: officer discusses economy, the importance of the CCIM's role.(Barry H. Spizer vists new Certified Commercial Investment Member chapter in Jackson, Mississppi)
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- An estimated 5% of commercial real estate professionals hold the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation, which is conferred by the CCIM Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. In...

Capital crime a statewide plague. (Editorial).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
February 3, 2003... For many Mississippians, the city of Jackson - our state capital - provokes images of rampant crime, illegal drugs and inept elected officials who are too busy pointing fingers at one another to solve the overwhelming problems plaguing the...

Mississippi dead last in lifelong learning. (As I See It).
February 3, 2003... Mississippi lags the nation in our commitment to lifelong learning. We are dead last. Our society views education as a process that is largely completed by age 24. From that point on we spend our non-working time watching TV, playing golf and...

Snout house livin' shows auto influence. (From the Ground up).
February 3, 2003... Do you live in a snout house? Before you answer, you might want to read on. The snout house has to do with the automobile. Depending on your perspective, the automobile is one of the things that makes America great or is the source of...

Greater Starkville Development Partnership. (People to Watch).(appointment)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Marc McGee has joined the Greater Starkville Development Partnership in the newly created position of vice president of property development and research. McGee has worked in the Office of the Vice President for Research at Mississippi State...

Stuart C. Irby Co. (People to Watch).(appointed Homer G. Gordon vice president of sales)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Stuart C. Irby Co. in. Jackson has named Homer G. Gordon as vice president of sales. Gordon has over 26 years experience with the company in several capacities, including most recently, industry vice president for the Southern Allen-Bradley...

Sanderson Farms. (People to Watch).(chairman and CEO Joe Frank Sanderson Jr. inducted into the Mississippi Poultry Hall of Fame)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Joe Frank Sanderson Jr. was recently inducted into the Mississippi Poultry Hall of Fame at the Hill Poultry Science Department at Mississippi State University. Sanderson has worked in the family business, Sanderson Farms in Laurel, since 1969...

BancorpSouth. (People to Watch).(promoted Kellie Jo Green to mortage loan officer)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Kellie Jo Green has been promoted to mortgage loan officer at BancorpSouth in Hattiesburg. A native of Petal, Green received her bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Hancock Bank. (People to Watch).(announces various assistant vice president promotions)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Hancock recently announced assistant vice president promotions. Melva Smallwood is the Picayune West Canal branch operations manager. She joined the bank with the 1974 Bank of Picayune merger. Stacey Spiers is manager of the bank's Stennis...

VT Halter Marine. (People to Watch).(appoints Boyd E. "Butch" King CEO )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Boyd. E. "Butch" King has been named CEO of VT Halter Marine Inc. in Gulfport. King most recently worked as a senior associate with Booz Allen and Hamilton. Prior to that, he had a successful 35-year career in the U.S. Army culminating in his...

Mississippi State Hospital (MSH). (People to Watch).(several employees honored at the Mississippi Certified Public Manager Program graduation ceremonies)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Employees of Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) were recently honored at the Mississippi Certified Public Manager Program (CPM) graduation ceremonies in the Old Supreme Court Chambers at the State Capitol in Jackson. Graduates are Mark Easley of...

Mississippi College School of Law. (People to Watch).(Thorne B. Butler of Jackson appointed director for development)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Thorne B. Butler of Jackson has been named director for development at Mississippi College School of Law. Butler comes to the Mississippi College School of Law from the Foundation for Public Broadcasting which last year raised $1.7 million in...

Bank of Morton. (People to Watch).(hires Lacey Harvey vice president-lending)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Lacey Harvey has joined the Bank of Morton as vice president-lending. Harvey recently served as president and branch manager for Union Planters Banker in Kosciusko. He is a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking and the School of Banking...

Union Planters Bank. (People to Watch).(promoted John J. Griffith to community bank president)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... John J. Griffith has been promoted to community bank president at Union Planters Bank's Hattiesburg operations. He previously served as vice president of commercial lending for the Hattiesburg division. He has more than 17 years of experience...

Delta Pride Catfish Inc. (People to Watch).(appointed Steve Osso president and CEO)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Delta Pride Catfish in Indianola has named Steve Osso as president and CEO. Osso, who will continue his duties as CFO, succeeds Bill Allen, who is leaving Delta Pride after four years as president and CEO. Osso joined the company in 2000 from...

Community Bancshares of Mississippi Inc. (People to Watch).(hires Linda Gressett as loan review officer)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Linda Gressett recently joined Community Bancshares of Mississippi Inc., the holding company for Community Bank, as loan review officer in Brandon. Gressett has over 18 years experience in the banking/credit industry and has served as president...

Synergetics DCS Inc. (People to Watch).(hires Lee McMillian as a network technician)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Lee McMillian has joined Synergetics as a network technician in the Starkville office. McMillian previously worked at SkyTel Communications and Venture Technologies.

Citizens Holding Company. (People to Watch).(appointed Greg L. McKee CEO)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... The board of directors of Citizens Holding Company selected Greg L. McKee to be the CEO upon the retirement of Steve Webb, chairman and CEO, effective Jan. 1. McKee, a board member since 2001, currently holds the position of president and COO...

Adams and Reese, LLP. (People to Watch).(James McNamara hired as associate)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... James McNamara has joined Adams and Reese, LLP as an associate in the Jackson office. McNamara received his J.D. and MBA in 2002 from Mississippi College School of Law. He has served as a clerk for several firms including Phelps Dunbar.

Barnes-Petty and Associates. (People to Watch).(Dudley M. Barnes, CFP, and Holmes S. Pettey, CFP haved achieved membership in the Raymond James Financial Services 2003 Chairman's Council)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Dudlcy M. Barnes, CFP, and Holmes S. Pettey, CFP, financial advisors and principals of Barnes-Petty and Associates in Clarksdale, have achieved membership in the Raymond James Financial Services 2003 Chairman's Council. Barnes joined Raymond...

Abner's Famous Chicken Tenders celebrates 10 years of business. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... OXFORD -- Abner's Famous Chicken Tenders is currently celebrating 10 years in business and 10 million chicken strips served. On Jan. 25, Abner's offered a number of promotions and special discounts to commemorate the opening of its flagship...

The Peoples Holding Company sets records. (Strictly Business).(reports record financial results)
February 3, 2003... TUPELO -- The Peoples Holding Company (AMEX: PHC) saw record results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2002. Earnings per share for the fourth quarter increased 22.39% to 82[cents] from 67[cents] in the same period a year ago. Net...

WorldCom adds to VPN.(private IP network-based VPN service can deliver real-time traffic management and performance reporting capabilities globally)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... CLINTON -- WorldCom's Private IP network-based VPN service can now deliver real-time traffic management and performance reporting capabilities globally. Using a secure Web-based interface, WorldCom said its customers can review and...

Lakes takes option on land. (Strictly Business).(Lakes Entertainment Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... HATTIESBURg -- Lakes Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: LACO) of Minneapolis has obtained options on approximately 500 acres of land in Vicksburg where it plans to develop a hotel, casino and golfing complex. However, Lakes said any business...

Community Bank marks best year in history. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... BRANDON -- According to Community Bancshares of Mississippi Inc., the holding company for Community Bank, it enjoyed its best year ever in 2002. Net income rose from $6.1 million in 2001 to more than $10.1 million in 2002. Assets increased...

PEER critical of DFA. (Strictly Business).
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- The PEER Committee has released the results of a review of the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration's (DFA's) management of construction projects at four selected state-owned buildings. The projects are located at the...

Helen of Troy opening distribution center. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... SOUTHAVEN -- Helen of Troy, Ltd. (NASDAQ: HELE), an El Paso, Texas-based designer, developer and worldwide marketer of brand-name personal care products, has completed the purchase of a 619,000-square-foot warehousing facility that will serve...

Trustmark sets new record. (Strictly Business).(Trustmark Corp. reports record earnings)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- Trustmark Corporation (NASDAQ: TRMK) saw record earnings of $121.1 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 2002. Basic earnings per share in 2002 were $1.95, up 13.4% compared to $1.72 in 2001. Trustmark's performance during 2002...

BBB not affiliated with Web site. (Strictly Business).
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) system has issued an international alert to advise consumers not to be misled by a Web site that appears to be a consumer protection agency. The site -- www.consumerprotectionagency.us -- offers to...

Keesler Federal awarded exceptional rating. (Strictly Business).(credit union)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... BILOXI -- Keesler Federal Credit Union received a superior rating for the year 2002 by BauerFinancial Inc.. Keesler Federal has received consecutive five-star ratings since 1990. In addition to the superior rating, Keesler Federal receives the...

MIB chooses JBHM. (Strictly Business).(Mississippi Industries for the Blind selects Johnson Bailey Henderson McNeel Architects for preplanning repair and renovation of facilities)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- The Mississippi Industries for the Blind has chosen Johnson Bailey Henderson McNeel Architects (JBHM) for preplanning the repair and renovation of facilities. Terms were not disclosed. JBHM Architects, working with JBHM Facility...

Clark targets Gwaltney. (Strictly Business).
February 3, 2003... NORTH MISSISSIPPI -- Mississippi Secretary of State Eric Clark has issued a cease and desist order prohibiting David H. Gwaltney of Germantown, Tenn., from selling unregistered securities in Mississippi. According to Clark's office,...

Wesley signs agreement, offering PET. (Strictly Business).(Wesley Medical Center and Private Healthcare Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... HATTIESBURG -- Wesley Medical Center and Private Healthcare Systems Inc (PHCS) have recently executed a provider of services agreement. The agreement becomes effective Feb. 1, 2003. Wesley Medical Center will be a participating provider of...

Shoney's changes name to GuestHouse. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- As part of ShoLodge Inc.'s major renaming program for its 70 hotels, Shoney's Inn-Jackson has become the newest property to change its name to GuestHouse International. The name change is a major element in the company's growth...

Sanderson Farms awarded $6.2M. (Strictly Business).(for its share of partial settlement of lawsuit against vitamin suppliers)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... LAUREL -- Sanderson Farms Inc. (NASDAQ/NM: SAFM) has received $6.2 million for its share of a partial settlement of a lawsuit against vitamin suppliers for overcharges. As a result, the company will recognize income related to this settlement...

Insituform receives highest rating. (Strictly Business).(Occupational Safety & Health Administration awards Insituform Technologies Inc. manufacturing plant highest rating in its Volunteer Protection Program)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... BATES VILLE -- The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has awarded Insituform Technologies Inc.'s manufacturing plant in Batesville the highest rating in its Volunteer Protection Program (VPP). OSHA created VPP to...

MDOC goes with Motorola. (Strictly Business).(Mississippi Department of Corrections)
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- The. Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) has selected Motorola Inc.'s Offendertrak Corrections Management System, integrated with AutoMon Corporation's Caseload Explorer, to manage the offender population throughout the...

Unique partnership brings tasty treats to the State Capitol.
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- A Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for the Blind client and a leading metro restaurateur have set up a one-of-a-kind partnership in the State Capitol snack bar. When the Legislature arrived for the 2003 session on Tuesday, they...

Forest products/furniture cluster study eyes maximizing assets.
February 3, 2003... A recently released forest products and furniture cluster study makes recommendations to maximize the potential of one of the state's greatest resources -- timber -- by focusing development efforts towards value added products that create jobs....

McMillan joins Millsaps as executive in residence.(Howard L. McMillan Jr., Millsaps College)
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- He isn't teaching a class, but Morgan Stanley adviser and Century Club Charities president Howard L. McMillan Jr. is spending regular business hours at Millsaps College. That's because McMillan, who graduated from the University...

Cellular South donation improves safety at elementary school: public schools depend on business, corporate support, company says.
February 3, 2003... CLINTON -- These days, random acts of kindness seem to be few and far between, except apparently where Cellular South is concerned. For the past 15 years Cellular South has been actively involved in the markets it serves. Community...

A divorce in a day? Jackson lawyers say it can be done.
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- Can a couple facing divorce end their marriage in just one day? Why not, say two Jackson attorneys who have teamed up to form a divorce mediation business they call Divorce in a Day. "Attorneys will tell you that most cases...

Hibernia fund ranked fifth.(Hibernia Mid-Cap Equity Fund 4 -- Class A Shares ranked among 2002's top-performing mid-cap growth funds)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... NEW ORLEANS -- The Hibernia Mid-Cap Equity Fund 4 -- Class A Shares recently was ranked among the past year's top-performing mid-cap growth funds in The Wall Street Journal's Mutual Fund Score Card. The fund is managed by Hibernia Asset...

Technology development facilitate architectural, engineering jobs: today's office space hardly recognizable from 20 years ago. (Focus Architects & Engineers).
February 3, 2003... In Nashville, policemen and engineers work in tandem to help keep intersections collision-free. The unlikely teaming was brought about by technology implementing GIS (geographic information system) aerial photography, developed by Neel-Schaffer...

Architects, engineers following bills 'with interesting implications'. (Focus Architects & Engineers).
February 3, 2003... Architects and engineers are monitoring several bills in the 2003 Mississippi Legislature, but only a few rate "super critical" status. "The budget is such a significant concern," said Robert E. "Rob" Farr II, AIA, principal of Cooke...

Engineering ed essential to providing high-tech workforce. (Focus Architects & Engineers).
February 3, 2003... Engineering education in Mississippi plays an essential role in preparing the state's workforce for the high-tech jobs of today and the future. "The production of engineers and the engineering workforce is critical to the economic...

Mississippi Architectural Firms.(Directory)
February 3, 2003... Mississippi Architectural Firms Name Address Top Officer/Position E-mail Phone/Fax Number Notable Projects Web site ...

Business savvy a must for architects to flourish in today's market: firms looking for more than just great designers, planners. (Focus Architects & Engineers).
February 3, 2003... If you can't draw, chances are you probably wouldn't make a good architect. These days, however, architects are finding it takes more than just design know-how to succeed in business. Understanding contracts, staying up with changes in...

Michel introduces Woolfolk Building bill. (Focus Architects & Engineers).
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- State Sen. J. Walter Michel (R-Jackson) has introduced Senate Bill 2730, which will allow Mississippi's Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS) to purchase the state-owned Woolfolk Building and garage. PERS would then lease the...

Vehicles of the future research at MSU's CAVS. (Focus Architects & Engineers).(Mississippi State University Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems)
February 3, 2003... STARKVILLE -- Vehicles in the future will likely weigh less, have enhanced technology features such as voice recognition systems, and run on energy efficient, less polluting fuel cells. And research to help produce those vehicles of the future...

Neel-Schaffer celebrating two decades of business success. (Focus Architects & Engineers).
February 3, 2003... JACKSON -- It's funny to hear what people once said about Neel-Schaffer Inc. when the firm was just opening 20 years ago. "When we first started there were many much larger firms and they didn't think we stood a ghost of a chance and there...

Professional services firms looking for rosier future in 2003: experts expect business to pick up this year. (Focus Architects & Engineers).
February 3, 2003... The past may have been somewhat of a mixed bag for architectural, engineering, planning and environmental consulting firms, but experts seem to agree that things are getting better, and that business should pick up later this year. "We're...

Architects need 'critical thinking, creativity and pit bull mentality'. (Focus Architects & Engineers).
February 3, 2003... Students in architecture school are sometimes told, "If you want to make a lot of money, chose another profession." But while the path to designing buildings isn't laid with gold, many architects have a zeal for their work that offsets the...

Business calendar.(Calendar)
February 3, 2003... FEBRUARY 4 Tuesday Mississippi Agricultural Consultants Association annual meeting, Feb. 4-5, Mississippi State University. Topics include plant mapping, nutrient management, latest in pesticide labeling and use, info on state's row...

On the record with Akers: Atmos' economy of scale should benefit MVG customers; annual meeting in Jackson this week.(Interview)
February 10, 2003... JACKSON -- On Dec. 3, 2002, Atmos Energy (NYSE: ATO) completed the acquisition of Mississippi Valley Gas, the state's largest natural gas utility, for about $150 million in cash and stock, and inherited a 5,500-mile distribution system, 335...

Plump Mississippi oysters popular on the East Coast: faltering production in Chesapeake opportunity for the Gulf Coast.
February 10, 2003... If you visit the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., area and order oysters, chances are it is more likely those oysters came from the Gulf Coast than from the Chesapeake Bay. "Due to faltering production of Chesapeake Bay oysters in recent years,...

Wall: expect slow economic recovery in 2003; Pinnacle Trust chief keynoting Community Bank economic and market forecast talks in Jackson, Hattiesburg, Meridian and the Coast. (Into the Crystal Ball).(Stacey Wall)
February 10, 2003... Smoke and mirrors. Abuses and fraud. The U.S. economy, while recovering from a recession, the economic effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and the Anthrax scare, was shrouded in corporate scandals in 2002. In 2003, look for the U.S....

Mike Larsen, former MDA chief administrative officer, opens firm.(Mississippi Development Authority officer opens Global Strategies Inc.)
February 10, 2003... BRANDON -- For a man who spent 13 years serving as chief administrative officer of the Mississippi Development Authority, it seems fitting that Mike Larsen has ended up running his own company specializing in providing economic development and...

Expanded Salute honors winners from all over state.(2003 Salute to Business and Industry Awards)
February 10, 2003... JACKSON -- With so many entrants in the 2003 Salute to Business and Industry Awards, it's easy to understand why choosing the winners was such a difficult decision for this year's three judges. Dr. Nola Gibson, director of enrichment and...

Plan now for your inevitable passing. (As I See it).(Column)
February 10, 2003... The recent loss of the space shuttle Columbia reminded many of us that we can never know how long our lives will last. Young or old, death does not have a preference. And it is never easy - regardless of the circumstances. We have a...

Rest in peace. (Editorial).( Senate Bill 2356)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
February 10, 2003... A bill that would have created a state labor department died in legislative committee February 4th. That's the good news for Mississippi business and industry. The bad news? It will be back next year. And the year after. And the year after...

Scrutinize anything done in the name of God. (The View from Here).(Column)
February 10, 2003... Religion has been used often to advance or attack the use of war, as well as the causes behind it or the sides fighting it. Historian George Marsden writing in "Religion and American Culture" states, "If we are to believe the rhetoric, each...

River Oaks Health System. (People to Watch).(honors employees)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... River Oaks Health System recently honored their most outstanding employees for exemplary job performance in 2002. Pictured at left with River Oaks president and CEO Jack Cleary are the 2002 Employees of the Year for River Oaks: (l-r) Linda...

The Peoples Bank. (People to Watch).(Peoples Bank in Biloxi announces promotions)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... The Peoples Bank in Biloxi announces the following promotions: Daniel A. Bass, trust officer, has been employed with the bank since 1995. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, the Cannon Financial Institute at Pepperdine...

REALTORS Land Institute. (People to Watch).(John M. Dean Jr. appointment)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Leland REALTOR John M. Dean Jr., ALC, CIPS, has been installed as the 2003 national president of the REALTORS Land Institute (RLI). Dean, a REALTOR for over 20 years, is president and principal broker of LANDMART/Dean Land & Realty Company....

Union Planters Bank. (People to Watch).(Cynthia Touchton appointment)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Cynthia Touchton has been promoted to community president and branch sales manager of Union Planters Bank in Meridian. Touchton, who has 28 years of banking experience, has held the positions of Collinsville community president and branch sales...

The Nature Conservancy. (People to Watch).(Matthew Barrett Hicks appointment)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Matthew Barrett Hicks of Jackson has joined the staff of the Mississippi chapter of The Nature Conservancy as its watershed ecologist. Hicks previously worked with the Mississippi Dept. of Environmental Quality as the ambient water quality...

McConnell Brothers Transfer & Storage Inc. (People to Watch).(Michael E. Doughty appointed to Business Advisory Council of the National Republic Congressional Committee)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Michael E. Doughty of Columbus has been appointed to serve on the Business Advisory Council of the National Republic Congressional Committee, which is dedicated to making sure small business has a voice in Washington. Doughty is a sales manager...

Sandra Cumbest Design. (People to Watch).(passes Spring 2002 National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Sandra Cumbest of Sandra Cumbest Design in Pascagoula is one of 431 interior designers in North America to have passed the Spring 2002 National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. Cumbest has been practicing interior...

KLLM Inc. (People to Watch).(Danny Thomas appointment)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... KLLM Inc. has named Danny Thomas of Jackson as vice president, finance and administration. Thomas has filled a variety of finance and administration roles over the past 15 years, most recently as director of planning and reporting. He is a...

Phelps Dunbar, LLP. (People to Watch).(Douglas C. Noble and James W. Shelson appointments)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Douglas C. Noble and James W. Shelson have been elected partners in Phelps Dunbar, LLP. Noble is a partner in the business practice group in the firm's Jackson office. Noble received his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1996,...

NAI Mark S. Bounds Realty Partners. (People to Watch).(Michael S. Flannes receives Certified Commercial Investment Member designation)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Michael S. Flannes, broker associate with NAI Mark S. Bounds Realty Partners in Madison, has been awarded the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation by the CCIM Institute. Flannes is a member of the Mississippi Commercial...

Copiah-Lincoln Community College. (People to Watch).(Cathy M. Ellett appointment)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Cathy M. Ellett of Brookhaven has been named director of institutional planning and research. She replaces Dr. Jane Hulton, who accepted a position at East Mississippi Community College. Ellett previously worked as personal development...

Koerber Turner, LLC. (People to Watch).(David Kostmayer appointment)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... David Kostmayer, CPA, MTA, has joined Koerber, Turner, LLC, as a senior tax manager. Kostmayer previously worked with a telecommunications company as the CFO and with a regional CPA firm based in Jackson. Leslie C. Humphries joined the firm as...

North Mississippi Health Services. (People to Watch).(4 clinicians achieve Certified Diabetes Educator status)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Four North Mississippi Health Services clinicians recently achieved Certified Diabetes Educator status by successfully completing the certification exam for diabetes educators. Recently certified or re-certified were: Ginger Carver, RN, Clay...

Rankin Medical Center. (People to Watch).(director of imaging services Betty Kay Adams appointed regional radiology adviser for 14 Health Management Associates Inc. hospitals )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Betty Kay Adams, RT(R), director of imaging services at Rankin Medical Center in Brandon, has been named a regional radiology adviser for 14 Health Management Associates Inc. (HMA) hospitals in Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Adams,...

Latest unemployment rate in state holds steady at 6.1%. (Strictly Business).(Mississippi)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... JACKSON -- The state unemployment rate was 6.1% last December, unchanged from November's rate, according to the Mississippi Employment Security Commission (MESC). The national unadjusted unemployment rate for December was 5.7%. The MESC...

Marketing Alliance, Cartwright strike agreement. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... BRANDON -- The Marketing Alliance Inc. and The Cartwright Group, LLC., have formalized an agreement under which Marketing Alliance will create all package designs and help in the implementation of marketing strategies for brands manufactured by...

Citizens' earnings up in 2002. (Strictly Business).(Citizens Holding Company )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... PHILADELPHIA -- Citizens Holding Company (AMEX: CIZ) has released results of operations for the three-and 12-month periods ended Dec. 31, 2002. Net income for the year was approximately $6.3 million, or $1.27 per share-basic and $1.26 per...

Southern Surgery gets national ink. (Strictly Business).(Southern Surgery Center featured in Outpatient Surgery Magazine)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... HATTIESBURG -- Southern Surgery Center was recently featured in Outpatient Surgery Magazine. The article appeared in the January issue of the magazine and highlighted the center's orthopedic procedures, services and staff. "To be...

Peavey sweeps awards. (Strictly Business).(Peavey Electronics Corporation sweeps Music & Sound Retailer's Music & Sound Awards)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... MERIDIAN -- Peavey Electronics Corporation announced a sweep at the recent Music & Sound Retailer's Music & Sound Awards at the Winter 2003 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Exposition, taking nine awards. Peavey won 2002...