Fisackerly Elected 2013-2014 MEC Chair
Haley Fisackerly, President and CEO of Entergy Mississippi, Inc., has been elected as the 2013-2014 Mississippi Economic Council Chair.
Alveno Castilla, a member of the business services group at the Butler, Snow, O'Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLC law firm, was chosen as the 2014-2015 Chair. David Gates, president of the Mississippi Division at Atmos Energy, was elected to serve as the 2015-2016 Chair. Robin Robinson, director of organization development and corporate communication at Sanderson Farms, was selected as MEC Treasurer for 2013-2014.
Entergy Corporation CEO Leo Denault Keynotes Positioned for Progress Conference
Attending the Positioned for Progress conference were (from left) Haley Fisackerly, President & CEO of Entergy Mississippi and Chair of MEC, Tom Pittman, president of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, Leo Denault, CEO Entergy Corporation, Gloria Johnson, Director of Customer Service of Entergy Mississippi, and Bill Sones, President & CEO of Bank for Brookhaven.
How can we create large-scale social and economic change in Mississippi? That's the question members of Mississippi's non-profit, government and philanthropic organizations worked to answer this week as they gathered in Jackson for the 2013 Positioned for Progress conference.
The 'super conference,' held May 6 and 7, combined four state organizations' annual conferences into one mass gathering where professionals from the varied groups shared their diverse experiences, opinions and ideas on the challenges the state faces. The conference included an opening day's keynote speaker, Entergy Corporation CEO Leo Denault.
Roxul Inc. Officially Breaks Ground on Byhalia Manufacturing Facility
Taking part in the Roxul ground breaking were (from left) Trent Ogilvie, Roxul Inc. President, Eelco van Heel, Rockwool CEO, Governor Phil Bryant, Ronnie Joe Bennett, president Marshall County Board of Supervisors, Peter Taksoe-Jensen, Danish Ambassador to the United States, Klaus Franz, Rockwool Senior Vice President.
Governor Phil Bryant, along with local officials and officials from Roxul Inc., broke ground May 8 on the company's first-ever U.S. manufacturing facility. Roxul is a leading manufacturer of stone wool insulation products.
Roxul Inc. announced the new manufacturing operation in June 2012 and is locating its 600,000-squre foot production facility in the Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park in Byhalia. The facility is creating 150 jobs and represents a $160 million corporate investment.
"The state of Mississippi is proud that Roxul chose to locate in Marshall County, and we appreciate the company's strong belief in our citizens and their work ethic," Gov. Bryant said. "This will be a cutting-edge facility that will be environmentally friendly, result in high-paying jobs and produce a high-end product. We like to say that 'Mississippi Works,' and this outstanding manufacturing operation will illustrate that to the world on many levels."
Roxul Inc. is a part of Denmark-based Rockwool International, the world's leading producer of stone wool. Stone wool is a fiber-based insulation made from natural stone and recycled content.
Yokohama Tire Corporation Locating New U.S. Manufacturing Facility in West Point
Taking part in the Yokohama Tire Announcement were Congressman Alan Nunnelee, Hikomitsu Noji, CEO Yokohama Tire Corporation, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, Governor Phil Bryant, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and Lt. Governor Tate Reeves.
Governor Phil Bryant and executives from Yokohama Tire Corporation officially announced the company would locate a commercial truck tire plant in West Point during a ceremony in the city on April 29.
Yokohama will invest $300 million in the initial project phase, with future expansions potentially increasing the company's investment to more than $1 billion. Yokohama expects to create 500 new jobs. Potential future expansions are expected to bring total employment at the plant up to 2,000 jobs.
Expected to be operational by October 2015, the new facility will have the capacity to produce one million tires per year.
"Yokohama has been in business for more than 90 years, making some of the most durable tires in the market," Gov. Bryant said. "Now, the company is expanding that same quality of manufacturing to Mississippi. With the potential of creating 2,000 jobs, this project speaks not only to our commitment to a quality workforce but an environment for growth and expansion. I appreciate Yokohama and specifically CEO Hikomitsu Noji for their support of Mississippi and our citizens."
Gov. Bryant Announces 200 New Jobs Coming to Louisville
Gov.?Phil?Bryant was on hand Monday with local and company officials to announce Natron Wood Products locating to Louisville. The operations will be located in a 265,000-square-foot existing facility, and represent a company investment of $10 million and will create more than 200 new jobs.
Natron Wood Products? new Mississippi facility will produce specialty plywood products, such as plywood overlay panels, which are commonly referred to as Medium Density Overlay and High Density Overlay.
MEC 64th Annual Meeting Honors Mississippi Military
Approximately 2,000 leaders, including Mississippi's top high school students, took part in the events at MEC's 64th Annual Meeting.
MEC 64th Annual Meeting The Mississippi Economic Council's 64th Annual Meeting "MEC's Mississippi Military Salute," honored all Mississippians who have served in the military. It was held April 11 at the Jackson Convention Complex.
The day was capped off with the Annual Meeting luncheon, which included a special presentation from Gov. Phil Bryant and the moving keynote by Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, Adjutant General. The USO Liberty Bells provided special entertainment, which included a special tribute to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Mississippi's top high school students will be honored at the Education Celebration as part of the morning activities. The Student Teacher Award Recognition program salutes students and teachers from more than 260 high schools throughout Mississippi, with the top STAR students receiving scholarships from the Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. Charitable Foundation, Inc.
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Groundbreaking Held for Outlets of Mississippi
Mississippi's largest outlet shopping center held its groundbreaking ceremony May 9 and will be known by a new name: Outlets of Mississippi. The 325,000 square foot value retail center, formerly known as The Outlets of Bloomfield, will be located in the city of Pearl, just minutes from downtown Jackson. It will bring approximately 1,600 permanent jobs to the region.
State and local government officials; including Governor Phil Bryant, Lt. Governor Tate Reeves and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, joined Spectrum Capital and Yates Construction project executives during the ceremony.
Hol-Mac Corporation celebrates 50th anniversary
Hol-Mac Corporation celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 26 in Bay Springs. Former Governor William Winter gave the Keynote address which addressed how business owners like Charles Holder have played a large role in pushing the state of Mississippi forward.
Founded in 1963 by Charles B. Holder, Jr., Hol-Mac Corporation proudly serves Original Equipment Manufacturers as a major supplier of steel fabrications, cylinders, and tanks.
Governor Phil Bryant, GE Aviation Officials Celebrate Opening of Composites Manufacturing Facility in Ellisville
Governor Phil Bryant, officials from GE Aviation and state and local leaders gathered April 30 to celebrate the grand opening of the company's new 344,000-square-foot composites manufacturing facility in Ellisville. The plant, officially known as GE Ellisville Composites, is a $56 million company investment that will create 250 new jobs.
"Today is an exciting day for Ellisville, Jones County and the entire state as GE Aviation opens the doors to its second Mississippi facility," Governor Bryant said. "I appreciate the contributions this exemplary corporate citizen has made to our state, and I thank GE Aviation officials for continuing to invest in Mississippi."
Entergy Mississippi, Madison County EDA Unveil Premier Economic Mega Site
The southern region of the United States ranks among the top domestic locations for business growth, according to a survey by Area Development Site and Facility Planning magazine. To capitalize on that, Entergy Mississippi, Inc. and the Madison County Economic Development Authority today unveiled the Panther Creek Commerce Center as the newest “Entergy Qualified Site.”
The Panther Creek mega site is located on Highway 22 near Nissan Parkway in Madison County. The site is one-and-a-half miles from Interstate 55 via the Nissan Parkway and is in close proximity to the Canton Industrial Park and Nissan. Developable tracts are available for purchase with up to 600 contiguous acres.
Ingalls Shipbuilding Awarded $487 Million Contract to Build Sixth U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter
Huntington Ingalls Industries announced May 1 that the U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a $487 million, fixed-price-incentive-fee contract to its Ingalls Shipbuilding division to build the sixth National Security Cutter, Munro (WMSL 755). "Our Coast Guard customer continues to be extremely pleased with the performance of the NSC, and this contract proves that," said Jim French, Ingalls' NSC program manager. NSCs, the flagships of the Coast Guard's cutter fleet, were designed to replace the 378-foot Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters, which entered service during the 1960s. Ingalls has delivered the first three. The fourth, Hamilton (WMSL 753), currently at 40 percent complete, is scheduled to launch this summer and will be christened in October.
Ingalls Shipbuilding Recognized as Fit-Friendly Worksite by American Heart Association
Huntington Ingalls Industries announced today that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division has received a Platinum Award in the American Heart Association's Fit-Friendly Worksite program. This is the highest level recognized by the AHA for companies that demonstrate progressive leadership in making the health and wellness of their employees a priority.
"Our shipbuilders are the greatest asset we have, and I am proud of the progress we have made to provide resources promoting physical activity and a healthy work environment," said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Irwin F. Edenzon.
Governor Bryant Signs Education Reform Bills into Law
Last year, Gov. Phil Bryant announced his plans for education reform at Northwest Rankin High School. One year later, he returns to the Rankin County School to sign "Education Works" legislation into law.
The legislation included four bills that will create charter schools, give incentives to Mississippi students who pledge to teach in state, target the literacy of third-graders and help struggling school districts find new solutions
"The changes enacted by this legislation will help the state create and retain the best teachers, create public charter schools of excellence that will help give students in failing schools access to higher quality education, and create reading practices that will stop the exercise of social promotion," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "Today's restructuring of the education system will help Mississippi move forward for many generations to come."
Walmart Gives more than $12 Million to Mississippi Organizations
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced that over the last fiscal year the company gave more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions, making it the first time any U.S. retailer has achieved that level of giving.
In Mississippi, Walmart gave $12,085,260.84 in cash and in-kind, plus an additional $1,675,851.30 was raised by customers and associates. What's more, as part of the company's commitment to hunger relief organizations in the U.S., Walmart donated 5,385,464 pounds of food to local Mississippi food banks?nearly 4,487,887 meals in the last fiscal year.
Governor Phil Bryant Signs Landmark Pieces of Energy-Related Economic Development Legislation into Law
As part of his Energy Works: Mississippi’s Energy Roadmap plan, Governor Phil Bryant recently signed into law landmark legislation that positions Mississippi as a leading destination for energy-related economic development. These sensible, forward-thinking approaches to energy policy also position Mississippi as a state that welcomes a diverse mix of investment in the energy sector.
“Mississippi’s diversity of energy resources and infrastructure makes us a significant energy state and an ideal location for businesses,” Governor Phil Bryant said. “Energy-sector economic development is a primary focus of my administration, and the passage of these laws will increase Mississippi’s competitiveness when attracting and recruiting new industries.”
Nissan Announces Senior Management Changes
Nissan Americas Manufacturing operations announced management changes at the company's Canton facility. David Aldana, currently director, Aguascalientes, Mexico, will be promoted to vice president, Manufacturing, Canton Assembly Plant, replacing Dan Bednarzyk, who has been named to the newly created position of vice president, Total Delivered Cost-Nissan America's. The changes are effective May 13.
Mississippi's Official Website, ms.gov, “Responds” with a New Look
One year after winning recognition as one of the best government websites in the nation, Mississippi’s official website, ms.gov, has launched a new mobile-focused design. Mobile visitors to ms.gov have nearly doubled since the site’s initial redesign in 2012.
The functionality of the new site accommodates users across multiple platforms and devices, from traditional PCs and laptops to tablets and smartphones. The redesigned site is touch-enabled for all mobile devices and automatically responds to fit the user’s screen.
Medgar Evers 50th Anniversary Commemoration Event Set for June
Myrlie Evers, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, has announced plans for a national commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of her late husband Medgar Evers, Mississippi civil rights pioneer.
Events sponsored by the Institute will begin Wednesday, June 5, 2013, in Washington, D. C., and culminate with a community celebration, and tribute gala in Jackson, Mississippi, on Wednesday, June 12. Joining Mrs. Evers in the announcement were representatives of community organizations helping to sponsor the activities and hosting their own events.
Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of Medgar and Myrlie Evers and executive director of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute, announced that a memorial service will be held at her father's gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery on June 5 at 12:00 noon.
She added that on the evening on June 5 a symposium entitled "The Legacy of Medgar Evers" will be held at the Newseum in the nation's capital. Myrlie Evers, noted civil rights activist Julian Bond, and award-winning investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell will participate in a discussion moderated by national public broadcasting's Gwen Ifill, host of "Washington Week" and senior correspondent on "PBS NewsHour."
Other Evers Institute-sponsored events will include guided and self-guided civil rights tours and a showcase of civil right films on Monday and Tuesday, June 10 and 11 in Jackson.
For more go to http://www.eversinstitute.org/
Ingalls Shipbuilding's Gulfport Facility Reaches Important Hangar Milestone
Huntington Ingalls Industries has announced that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division achieved a significant milestone in the construction process of the composite hangar that will be used on the U.S. Navy's second Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyer, Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001). Recently, the shipbuilders at the company's Gulfport, Miss., facility turned the inverted hangar to an upright position, or ship-shape, which is an important and necessary feat in the construction schedule of this component.
"We have a strict schedule we follow in the construction of the hangar, and turning it ship-shape allows us to finish the necessary outfitting and integration prior to delivery," said Ingalls' DDG 1000 Program Manager Steve Sloan. "Our Gulfport shipbuilders are performing well on our DDG 1001 work, and we have demonstrated a considerable improvement from the first set of class products to the second set."
The shipbuilders who specialize in composite work are able to perform a significant amount of outfitting as the hangar is constructed in an inverted position. The 216-ton, 68-foot wide structure is currently 71 percent complete and will be fully outfitted and ready for delivery at the end of September.
Leadership Mississippi is a program designed to expose Mississippi leaders to other communities, allowing them to create the bond of fellowship and networking that extends beyond other Leadership Mississippi participants. Each year, Leadership Mississippi travels across the state, meeting with local and state officials on issues vital to moving Mississippi forward. Class members participate in special projects and learn leadership skills which are designed to provide the tools necessary for improving their communities and the state. Leadership Mississippi is made possible by a generous contribution by the late J.C. and Annie Redd.
The Mississippi Economic Council and its M.B. Swayze Educational Foundation sponsor the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program in an effort to encourage scholastic achievement among the state's high school students. The STAR program has two specific purposes: 
The Public Education Forum is a non-profit, non-partisan education policy research group created by a broad cross-section of business, education and political leaders in Mississippi. Founded in 1989, the Forum is committed to being the leading independent force for public education in the state. The mission of the Public Education Forum is "Committed to Excellence in Mississippi's Public Schools." The Mississippi Scholars Program is managed by the Public Education Forum and began in 2003.
The Mississippi Scholars Initiative is an education program managed by the Public Education Forum of Mississippi, which utilizes business leaders to motivate students to complete a rigorous course of study in high school — The Mississippi Scholars Curriculum. The Initiative was established in November 2003 and launched with two pilot school districts — Hattiesburg and Indianola. In 2004, the program recognized 24 graduates. Today, the Mississippi Scholars network has grown to 85 school districts, 17 private schools and recognized more than 20,000 graduating seniors for completing the Mississippi Scholars Curriculum.
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