The Mississippi Business Journal articles from January 2003

The Mississippi Business Journal archives from January 2003

Security tightens on pesticides, fertilizers. (Growing Threats).
January 6, 2003... It is immediately obvious how Sept. 11 has affected the airline industry. There are far more security regulations, searches and delays. What is less well known is the impact of the events of Sept. 11 on agriculture. Pesticides and...

Mississippi film office celebrates 30th anniversary. (Growing Threats).
January 6, 2003... JACKSON -- "A Time to Kill," "O Brother Where Art Thou?," "My Dog Skip," "The Chamber," "Ghosts of Mississippi" -- the number of movies made in Mississippi seems almost endless, and with the incentives Mississippi is expected to have in the...

Former TV news anchor back with first love: interior design.(Sherri Hilton)
January 6, 2003... MADISON -- Where in metro Jackson can you find a piece of the Greenwood Cemetery's fence and antique heart of pine floors that once decorated the inside of an old cotton gin? Persnickety. The Madison shop, now in its second year of...

Issue advertising and politics: how much does it impact business?
January 6, 2003... JACKSON -- Last year, trial lawyers, the medical community, business associations, and special interest groups used advertising to convey their views on tort reform. Without that controversial issue, there's nothing immediate on the radar...

Under the dome again. (Editorial).(Editorial)
January 6, 2003... The 2003 legislative session convenes this week at the Capitol in Jackson. As the new year and new session get underway, there are an interesting number of changes awaiting members of the State House and Senate. * Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, who...

Don't like something about yourself? Change it. (As I See It).(Column)
January 6, 2003... So, 2003 has arrived and with it comes the challenges of a new year. Whatever we did or didn't do in 2002 is history now. A new year has arrived and stretches before us as a road yet untraveled. It's like fresh, unspoiled snow. Each of us...

Shared decision-making process pays dividends. (Great Expectations).(Column)
January 6, 2003... In my other career life, I was a school-teacher and principal for 27 years. I learned early that children responded positively to being involved in the decision-making process. When they participated in making the rules for our class, they...

Hancock Bank. (People to Watch).(announces several promotions)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... Hancock Bank recently announced several officer promotions to vice president. Billie Martin serves as division operations manager for Hancock Bank's Mississippi Southwestern Division. She is a 19-year Hancock Bank employee and has over 29 years...

Law offices of G. Martin Warren Jr., PLLC. (People to Watch).(now open)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... Attorney G. Martin Warren, Jr. has opened a law office in Gulfport. Warren is a 1989 honors graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law and is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and Louisiana. He is involved in various...

Stewart Sneed Hewes/BancorpSouth Insurance. (People to Watch).(hires director of loss control)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... William "Lloyd" Munn has joined Stewart Sneed Hewes/BancorpSouth Insurance as director of loss control. Munn joins the company with eight years of experience as senior risk control consultant with St. Paul/United States Fidelity and Guaranty...

U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. (People to Watch).(appoints new regional advocate)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... Pat Gartland is the new Office of Advocacy regional advocate for the federal government's Region IV, which includes Mississippi. Gartland, a graduate of the University of Alabama, is the direct link between small business owners, state and...

Kientz, Martin, Hill & Breazeale. (People to Watch).
January 6, 2003... John Hill, CFP, CPA, a principal of Kientz, Martin, Hill & Breazeale in Jackson, will be a featured panelist at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Personal Financial Planning Technical Conference Jan. 5-8. In Phoenix. Prior...

Smith, Turner & Reeves, CPA'S. (People to Watch).(new appointments)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... Kimberly Shearer, CPA, has been promoted to senior accountant in the Jackson office of Smith, Turner & Reeves, CPA's. Shearer is a native of Clinton and a graduate of Millsaps College. Joy Shideler, CPA, a native of Oxford, has been promoted to...

BancorpSouth. (People to Watch).(new appointments)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... J. Dwight Dyess, president of the newly formed Pine Belt division of BancorpSouth, announced that William F. "Rick" Sutton has been promoted to president of BancorpSouth's Hattiesburg bank. Sutton joined the bank in 1995 as senior vice...

United Methodist Senior Services of Mississippi. (People to Watch).
January 6, 2003... Several members of the United Methodist Senior Services of Mississippi Inc. recently attended the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging: Steve McAlilly, president/CEO; Alan Brown, vice president/COO; Steve Ward, vice...

Sanderson Farms. (People to Watch).(gets new director)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... Gail Jones Pittman has been appointed to the board of directors of Sanderson Farms Inc. If approved by shareholders, she will fill a current vacancy that expires in 2004. Pittman is founder and president of Gail Pittman Inc. in Ridgeland, a...

Dogwood Plantation-Assisted Living facility. (People to Watch).(executive takes post at Mississippi Health Care Association)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... James B. Shannon IV, owner of Dogwood Plantation-Assisted Living facilities in Saltillo, Fulton and New Albany, has been elected president of the governing board of the Personal Care/Assisted Living division of the Mississippi Health Care...

Raytheon Aerospace buys Flight International. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... MADISON -- Raytheon Aerospace has acquired Newport News, Va.-based Flight International Inc. and affiliated companies. With the acquisition, Flight International becomes Flight International Aviation, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raytheon...

PSC approves Entergy rate hike. (Strictly Business).(Public Service Commission)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... JACKSON -- The Public Utilities Staff has recommended to the Public Service Commission (PSC), based on its review and modifications, a revenue adjustment of $48.2 million for Entergy Mississippi Inc. On Aug. 16, 2002, the electric utility filed...

Desert Plastics opening plant. (Strictly Business).(in Pike County, Mississippi)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... SUMMIT -- Phoenix-based Desert Plastics executives have unveiled plans to open an operation in the Pike County community of Summit. The Desert Plastics Mississippi, LLC, project represents an investment of $1.5 million and will initially employ...

Paul Moak named Stellar Performer. (Strictly Business).(by Subaru of America Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... JACKSON -- Subaru of America Inc. (SOA) has awarded Paul Moak Subaru the Subaru Stellar Performer Certification status. The comprehensive certification program recognizes Subaru dealers nationwide that adopt operational standards established by...

MeadWestvaco closing doors. (Strictly Business).(closing plant in Greenville, Mississippi)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... GREENVILLE -- MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE: MWV), in a move to consolidate, is closing its plant in Greenville and shifting its activities to facilities located closer to major customers, the company announced. The Greenville plant...

WorldCom directors resign. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... CLINTON -- The majority of the members of WorldCom Inc.'s board of directors have offered their resignation to new chairman and CEO Michael Capellas, and he has accepted them. Departing board members include John W. Sidgmore, who led the...

Capital Orthopaedic introduces OssaTron. (Strictly Business).(treatment for people suffering from chronic heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... JACKSON -- Captial Orthopaedic Clinic has begun offering a new treatment for people suffering from chronic heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. The new treatment -- OssaTron -- was recently approved as a technique for use in this painful...

Community Bank begins construction. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... HERNANDO -- Community Bank has started construction on a new two-story, 7,000-square-foot office in Hernando. The site is located in "Community Bank Plaza" on Commerce Street. The contractor on the project is Wells Construction....

RealPure wins Target account. (Strictly Business).(RealPure Beverage Group)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... BRANDON -- RealPure Beverage Group's 100% Natural Spring Water will be packed and sold under the Target brand name "Archer Farms" in all of Target's stores in the Southeast. Target distribution centers are located in Mississippi, Arkansas,...

Business Interiors named Nissan supplier. (Strictly Business).(for assembly plant under construction)
January 6, 2003... JACKSON and CANTON -- Business Interiors of Jackson has been selected as administrative building and plant office furniture supplier for the Nissan North America automotive assembly plant under construction at Canton. Terms were not disclosed....

NMHS signs on with MedAssets. (Strictly Business).(North Mississippi Health Services)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... TUPELO -- North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS) has selected MedAssets HSCA as its exclusive group purchasing/outsource (GPO) supply chain services organization. NMHS formerly utilized Novation as its primary GPO. Gerald Wages, COO for...

MGT tees up with 14 courses. (Strictly Business).(Magnolia Golf Trail)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... JACKSON -- The newly announced Magnolia Golf Trail (MGT), designed to put Mississippi on the map as a golfing destination while providing players financial savings, is up and running with 14 golf courses, 261 golf holes and 55 miles of...

Quitman Tri-County wins national award. (Strictly Business).(Quitman Tri-County Federal Credit Union)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... MARKS -- After having already earned a state-level first place win, the Quitman Tri-County Federal Credit Union has won a first place award in the National Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Program for Credit Unions. The awards program,...

Clinics rejoin BHSG. (Strictly Business).(Baptist Health Services Group)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... MEMPHIS -- Semmes-Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute and Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics, both in Memphis, recently rejoined the Baptist Health Services Group (BHSG) network. Those covered by these health plans can receive care from Campbell...

USM center begins research program. (Strictly Business).(University of Southern Mississippi)(Brief Article)
January 6, 2003... OCEAN SPRINGS -- A ribbon cutting and open house was recently held at the University of Southern Mississippi's (USM's) Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) launching a $6-million geospatial research program and data warehouse. USM's new...

Outsourcing reduces job security at military installations.
January 6, 2003... It used to be that you couldn't do much better than a job with the federal government. But just as private business has changed regarding lifelong job security, many federal government positions -- particularly those associated with the...

Spirit of Morton newspaper turns four years old: first-time newspaper owner's steadfastness helped paper prevail.
January 6, 2003... MORTON -- In the beginning, Betty Tate Little didn't know the first thing about running a newspaper, and now she owns one. These days, her newspaper, the weekly Spirit of Morton has a circulation of about 1,400. It turned four years old...

Attorneys work on -- through the jokes, bad press. (Focus Professionals: Law & Accounting).
January 6, 2003... With tort reform one of the hottest news topics of 2002, what impact has that had on the image of lawyers in the state? If there are too many lawsuits, as is the perception of many in the business community, does that mean there are too many...

Could sin tax increase solve Mississippi's fiscal woes? (Focus Professionals: Law & Accounting).
January 6, 2003... Normally in an election year politicians are reluctant to raise taxes. But with the state facing serious funding shortfalls, a push is on to increase "sin taxes" on alcohol and tobacco. Mississippi Health Advocacy Program (MHAP) is...

Lawyers prepare 2003 legislative session wish list; priorities: judicial pay raises, abolishment of 'herd' judicial districts. (Focus Professionals: Law & Accounting).
January 6, 2003... Bringing salaries for district attorneys and trial court judges in line with neighboring states is a key legislative agenda item for Mississippi lawyers, said Jimmie Reynolds III, director of government relations for The Mississippi Bar. ...

Implementing new procedures takes priority for CPAs in 2003. (Focus Professionals: Law & Accounting).(certified public accountants)
January 6, 2003... The year 2002 will be remembered for its corporate accounting scandals, passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and implementation of the Anti-Fraud and Corporate Responsibility Program. The result: closer scrutiny and more work for accountants. ...

CPA firms.(certified public accountants; directory)(Directory)
January 6, 2003... CPA Firms Name, Telephone Number Number of Total Staff Address Fax Horne CPA Group 263 (601) 948-0940 (601) 355-6521...

A day in the life of a CPA: Dan Holliday, CPA, CVA tells all. (Focus Professionals: Law & Accounting).(Certified Public Accountant)
January 6, 2003... RIDGELAND -- Many people may think that the job of the accountant is a boring one, but Dan Holliday, CPA, CVA, would disagree. "If you talk to your normal lay person who's not in accounting, they think that's a pretty boring life," Holliday...

CPA firms changing, adding more services to already lengthy list. (Focus Professionals: Law & Accounting).(certified public accounting firms)
January 6, 2003... In a society where as much as 50% of marriages end in divorce, it's no wonder that people hunger for relationships -- for someone they can have as a confidante. For years the certified public accounting firm has served in that role and it...

Solo and small law firms level playing field with technology. (Focus Professionals: Law & Accounting).
January 6, 2003... Sole practitioners and small firms used to be at a pretty big disadvantage when it came to areas such as legal research and handling complex cases. But improvements in technology have gone a long way in leveling the playing field. "I have...

Lawrence focused on maximizing downtown's resources; goals for DJP: safe, clean and bustling.(Downtown Jackson Partners director John Lawrence hopes to attract residents to downtown)
January 6, 2003... JACKSON -- Leland Speed, chairman of Downtown Jackson Partners (DJP), summed up what DJP was looking for to head the Jackson Business Improvement (BIP) District when John Lawrence was hired in November 2001 as executive director: "Our three...

Business Calendar.
January 6, 2003... January 9 Thursday Mississippi Economic Council's A Capital Day, 8:30 am. registration, Dennery's, Jackson. 9:15-11:15 a.m., special briefings at Dennery's and the State Capitol. Park at Dennery's for round-trip transportation. 11:30...

Ongoing Business Events in Mississippi.
January 6, 2003... Monday Every Monday * Downtown Exchange Club of Jackson meets at noon, Capital Club. Call Matt Freeland, 898-8875. * High Noon Toastmasters Club - Noon, River Hills Country Club. Practice public speaking. Call Lynn Allen, 941-1105...

Metro Jackson retailers report decent holiday sales: still no comparison to three years ago though, many say.(Jackson, Mississippi)
January 13, 2003... JACKSON--This year's retail sales may not have reached the levels they did in 1999, and for many storeowners Christmas sales were a bit sporadic, but metro Jackson area retailers gave this year's holiday season an overall thumbs up. "All...

Trade show celebrates two profitable decades. (Editorial).(Mississippi Business EXPO)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
January 13, 2003... The state's Premier business-to-business tradeshow, Mississippi Business EXPO, celebrates two profitable decades later this month. This year's event, a Mississippi Business Journal special production, will beheld Wednesday, January 22nd...

Immigration demands realistic consideration. (As I See It).(Column)
January 13, 2003... Curbing the flow of illegal Mexican immigrants? Who are you kidding? Whenever the realities of the marketplace collide with government regulations a "black market" emerges. Prohibition in the 1920s is a good example. The current black...

Prioritize your home improvement projects. (From the Ground Up).
January 13, 2003... Do you have a major home improvement project under consideration? Have you been inundated with offers to take out a home equity loan? If so, then you might be interested in which home improvement projects return the most on your investment and...

Phelps Dunbar. (People to Watch).(ten partners named in the 2003-2004 issue of the bi-annual publication The Best Lawyers in America)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Ten partners from Phelps Dunbar's Jackson and Tupelo offices were recently named in the 2003-2004 issue of the bi-annual publication The Best Lawyers in America. Phelps Dunbar partners from the Jackson office listed in The Best Lawyers in...

Mississippi Golf Association. (People to Watch).(Margo Coleman promoted to executive director)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Margo Coleman of Brandon has been promoted to the position of executive director of the Mississippi Golf Association (MGA). Coleman has spent the last three years as the MGA's handicap coordinator, public relations director and assistant...

Mississippi Department of Transportation. (People to Watch).(official gains new post)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... James H. Kopf, chief engineer-deputy executive director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), has been appointed committee chair to the Transportation and Civil Engineering Program of the American. Association of State Highway...

May & Company, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants. (People to Watch).(Steve K. Sessums, CPA, ABV, achieved the designation of Certified Business Manager)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Steve K. Sessums, CPA, ABV, of May & Company, Certified Public Accountants and Consultants in Vicksburg, recently achieved the designation of Certified Business Manager (CBM) offered by the Association or Professionals in Business Management....

Merrill Lynch. (People to Watch).(Robert T. Killelea is recipient of company's 2002 Lifetime Community Achievement Award)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Robert T. Killelea, vice president in the Jackson office of Merrill Lynch, has been named recipient of the company's 2002 Lifetime Community Achievement Award. Included among the many community organizations in which he has been active over the...

Hancock Bank. (People to Watch).(assistant vice president and trust officer Susan Longmire received the Certified Retirement Services Professional designation)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Hancock Bank assistant vice president and trust officer Susan Longmire recently received the Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP) designation after successfully completing a specialized four-week curriculum and certification...

U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). (People to Watch).(promoted Dr. M. John Cullinane Jr. to senior level)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Dr. M. John Cullinane Jr. of the U.S. Army ERDC has been promoted to a senior level in government and is now one of only three senior-level researchers employed by the ERDC. Cullinane is the technical director for environmental engineering and...

Delta Business Journal. (People to Watch).(Joseph A. "Andy" Ellis appointed editor)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Joseph A. "Andy" Ellis of Cleveland has been named editor of The Delta Business Journal. Having established himself already as the editor of The Bolivar Bullet, a weekly e-newsletter which goes to over 2,000 internet subscribers, Ellis' duties...

Northrop Grumman Corp. (People to Watch).(Electronic Systems sector named Martin P. Simoni site director of its electronics integration facility in Ocean Springs)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Northrop Grumman Corp.'s Electronic Systems sector has appointed Martin P. Simoni the site director of its electronics integration facility in Ocean Springs. Simoni joined the company in 1987 as an engineer and has held a number of positions,...

The Mississippi Hospital Association Organization of Nurse Executives.(awarded Baptist Medical Center Clinical Skills Lab the 2002 Innovation Award)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Caption: The Mississippi Hospital Association Organization of Nurse Executives awarded Baptist Medical Center Clinical Skills Lab the 2002 Innovation Award at MHA's annual fall meeting. In June 2001, Baptist Education Resource Center (ERC)...

Atmos Energy Corporation. (People to Watch).(appointed J. Kevin Akers to succeed Matthew L. Holleman III as president of Mississippi Valley Gas Company)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Atmos Energy Corporation has named J. Kevin Akers to succeed Matthew L. Holleman III as president of Mississippi Valley Gas Company. Holleman, who had served as president and chief executive officer of Mississippi Valley Gas since 1993, will...

Medley & Brown Financial Advisors. (People to Watch).(company president Tim Medley named one of the country's 150 top financial advisors for doctors )(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Tim Medley, president of Medley & Brown Financial Advisors in Jackson, has been named one of the country's 150 top financial advisors for doctors by Medical Economics magazine. He was the only Mississippi advisor included on the list. Medley, a...

Citizens State Bank. (People to Watch).(Cathy O. Morris joins bank as vice president and manager of Pearl branch)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Cathy O. Morris has joined the Magee-based Citizens State Bank as vice president and manager of the Pearl branch. Prior to her new position, Morris served for more than 16 years as credit underwriter for a large regional bank.

Staffing Services Inc. (People to Watch).(Kelly Doss joins company as a payroll coordinator)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Kelly Doss has joined Staffing Services Inc. in Jackson as payroll coordinator. Doss has previous experience in accounting and administrative work.

Keesler Air Force Base. (People to Watch).(plans and programs flight chief Joy Bissonnette has been named the Mississippi Coast's 2002 Outstanding Federal Employee of the Year )(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Joy Bissonnette has been named the Mississippi Coast's 2002 Outstanding Federal Employee of the Year by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Association of Federal Administrators. Bissonnette is the plans and programs flight chief for the 81st...

Mississippi Educational Broadcasting. (People to Watch).(John L. Maxey II presented with the Public Television Leadership Award)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Longtime public broadcasting advocate John L. Maxey II of Jackson was recently presented the Public Television Leadership Award at the annual PBS Development Conference. Maxey currently serves as board chairman of the Foundation for Public...

Cabot Lodge-Ridgeland.(hotel's maintenance, front desk, and food and beverage departments win awards)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... Caption: Scott Sledge, Cabot Lodge-Ridgeland general manager, congratulates leading hotel department winners John McDaniel, maintenance chief; Forrest Madden, front desk manager; and Kimball Johnson, food and beverage supervisor. The...

Jackson-based AIR2LAN merges with US Wireless Online. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... JACKSON -- AIR2LAN and US Wireless Online have agreed to merge, a transaction that is expected to close by Jan. 31, 2003, pending the shareholder approvals. AIR2LAN operates in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas. US Wireless Online,...

Delta increases service. (Strictly Business).(Delta Connection to offer additional daily nonstop Bombardier CRJ regional jet service between Atlanta and Golden Triangle Regional Airport)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... LOWNDES COUNTY -- Delta Connection will offer customers additional daily nonstop Bombardier CRJ regional jet service between Atlanta and Golden Triangle Regional Airport, serving Columbus, Starkville and West Point, beginning Feb. 15, 2003. The...

White Construction wins contracts. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... CLARKSDALE -- White Construction Company has been selected for construction services on several projects across the country. These projects represent in excess of $120 million in construction costs. They include: * A general...

Cavalier closing plants. (Strictly Business).(Cavalier Homes Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... BELMONT -- Cavalier Homes Inc. (NYSE: CAV) is closing four manufacturing plants as part of the company's continued efforts to keep its production capacity aligned with industry demand. The four plants, located in Belmont in North Mississippi,...

Army exercises option. (Strictly Business).(to buy second logistic support vessel)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... GULFPORT -- The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) has exercised its option to contract with VT Halter Marine Inc. to build a 'second logistic support vessel (LSV). The option vessel, valued at approximately $25 million, is...

D&PL records loss, signs deal. (Strictly Business).(Delta and Pine Land Company )
January 13, 2003... SCOTT -- Delta and Pine Land Company (NYSE: DLP) (D&PL) reported a net loss of 1 6cents per share for its first quarter, excluding legal expenses related to the Monsanto/Pharmacia litigation and special charges, compared to a net loss of...

Ship Systems awarded contract. (Strictly Business).(Northrup Grumman unit awarded U.S. Navy contract)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... PASCAGOULA -- The U.S. Navy will provide funding of more than $401.5 million to Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ship Systems sector for the construction of the second of four DDG 51-class Aegis-guided missile destroyers. The original,...

HMA wraps up acquisition. (Strictly Business).(Health Management Associates Inc. completed acquisition of Madison County Medical Center)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... CANTON -- Health Management Associates Inc. (NYSE: HMA) has completed the transaction to acquire Madison County Medical Center, a 67-bed acute care hospital located in Canton. This is the first hospital acquisition HMA has completed in fiscal...

Miss Chem signs agreement. (Strictly Business).(Mississippi Chemical Corp. enters into agreement with Farmland Industries to jointly market and sell their respective interests in Farmland MissChem Limited)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... YAZOO CITY -- Mississippi Chemical Corporation (NYSE: GRO) has entered into an agreement with Farmland Industries of Kansas City, Mo., to jointly market and sell their respective interests in Farmland MissChem Limited (FMCL), of The Republic of...

Improvement funds available. (Strictly Business).(for small businesses)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... JACKSON -- The Department of Planning and Development's Office of Economic and Community Development has funds available, through its Storefront Improvement Grant Program (SFIG), for exterior renovations of existing businesses. SFIG, formerly...

State signs with WCOM. (Strictly Business).(WorldCom to provide advanced communications services to U.S. State Department facilities)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... CLINTON -- The U. S. Department of State has selected WorldCom to provide advanced communications services to State Department facilities under the SPECTRUM contract. Awarded at the conclusion of an extensive competitive bidding process, the...

CRS completes project. (Strictly Business).(CRS Engineering and Design Consultants Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... COLUMBUS -- CRS Engineering and Design Consultants Inc. recently completed construction drawings for the Columbus Outpatient Surgery Center. CRS provided mechanical and electrical engineering and plumbing and fire protection design for the...

Trustmark selects LoanCenter. (Strictly Business).(Trustmark National Bank to use software from APPRO Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... JACKSON -- Trustmark National Bank, a subsidiary of Trustmark Corporation, has selected APPRO Systems Inc.'s LoanCenter for Consumer loan automation system for its consumer loans: Baton Rouge, La.-based APPRO said its system. will provide...

Mattiace purchase of Capital Towers boosts downtown renaissance. (Strictly Business).(Brief Article)
January 13, 2003... The Mattiace Company has wasted no time since its recent purchase of Capital Towers office building in downtown Jackson. In just a few months, the Towers lobby has already undergone a complete renovation, with more improvements on the way. ...

930 Blues Cafe, gaining international attention for state: Byrd promotes blues as economic development tool, entertainment.
January 13, 2003... JACKSON--Just a few months after opening the 930 Blues Cafe, owner Isaac K. Byrd had accomplished exactly what he had set out to do. His Jackson restaurant/blues club was introducing people to the blues via national acts on stage every...

Long-range planning initiative announced--again?
January 13, 2003... Long-range economic development planning would seem to make perfect sense. Recently the Legislature announced a new effort to develop a 20-year economic development plan designed to link the resources of state universities and communities...

Pearl River focused on Pine Belt workforce training.(Pearl River Community College adding training facilities)
January 13, 2003... HATTIESBURG -- The Pearl River Community College (PRCC) will break ground Jan. 13 on an Advanced Technology Center (ATC) that will provide state-of-the-art training facilities for Pine Belt area business and industry. Mac's Construction...

Double G Coatings sticks to the critical factors.
January 13, 2003... BYRAM -- Before Double G Coatings Company, L.P., opened its doors just south of this Hinds County community, a team gathered to write down what strategies and policies were needed to ensure the operation's success. The result was sensory...