48 Graduate from Leadership Mississippi 2011

The Mississippi Economic Council's Leadership Mississippi held graduation for the 2011 class on Dec. 9 in Jackson. There were 48 leaders from all regions of Mississippi who completed the year-long program, joining more than 1,000 Leadership Mississippi alumni. During the ceremony, four members selected by the class described Leadership Mississippi’s accomplishments and experiences throughout the 2011 program year.

Shannon Favre discussed the impact of Leadership Mississippi
on day-to-day lives and careers.

Orrden Williams addressed accomplishments of
group projects and case studies.

Dr. Loretta Jackson-Williams reflected on a year
filled with activities, learning and teamwork.

Jason McNeel encouraged classmates to continue challenging
themselves beyond Leadership Mississippi.

As a part of the Leadership Mississippi program, participants were divided into seven different groups to work on class projects. Groups could choose between working with the National Center on Family Homelessness or the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service. Projects were presented to a panel of judges consisting of Leadership Mississippi alumni and were judged on creativity, originality, effectiveness and overall quality. Winners were announced at graduation.

First Place - Leadership Mississippi Class, Group Seven,
for Outstanding Overall Project: Mississippi Campaign to End Childhood Homelessness.
Tim Adler, Dianne Bolen, Brandon Dardeau, Marsella R. Farnam, Shannon Favre, Mark McDonald, Anthony Webb

First Place - Leadership Mississippi Class, Group Two,
for Outstanding Overall Project: Corporate Volunteer Service.
Dr. Michael J. Highfield, Dr. Loretta Jackson-Williams, Brandon Jacobs, Douglas Wesley Rouse,
Mark S. Schloegel, Wayne Spell, Jeff Davis

Leadership Mississippi 2011 Class
Completes Tupelo Session

Leadership Mississippi class members recently wrapped up travels in Tupelo, where they heard from prominent businessman and community leader Jack Reed Sr. and toured the birthplace of Mississippi’s own Elvis Presley.

Jack Reed Sr. addresses Leadership Mississippi class members.

The Tupelo session included a visit from Gov. Haley Barbour, shown above
with Leadership Mississippi class members.

Below are more scenes from the Tupelo trip.

Leadership Mississippi Enjoys Two Full Days of
Activities in Neshoba County

This trip included informative discussions with elected officials and business leaders and a tour of the Neshoba Business Enterprise Center, the Weyerhaeuser lumber mill, Pearl River Resort and numerous industries operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. In addition the group visited some the area’s historic attractions: Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church and Williams Brother’s Grocery.

“The warmth and camaraderie was VERY apparent between the mayor, elected officials, event/council chairpersons, volunteers and business leaders. There was a sense of belonging and ownership from everyone involved.” Heather N. Brown, University of Southern Mississippi (Member of current Leadership Mississippi class)

Below, Leadership Mississippi class members tour the Weyerhaeuser lumber mill.