The Mississippi Business Journal back issues from April 2009:
The art of survival: for museums, financial crisis is not a pretty picture.(SPECIAL REPORT: THE STATE OF MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES)
Apr 06, 2009; ... George Bassi was in West Virginia recently for a meeting of museum directors. Director of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel, Bassi heard his peers talk about the challenges the current economy is posing to museums nationwide. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Magee gets back to business: EF-3 tornado destroys homes, but business community fares better.
Apr 06, 2009; ... Magee got the worst of a storm system that rolled across Central Mississippi March 26. A tornado rated three out of five on the Enhanced Fujita scale and packing estimated winds of 150 m.p.h. struck the northern part of town between 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Overall, 27 ...
Wicker weighs in on Employee Free Choice Act: senator calls Card Check 'power grab' by Democrats.
Apr 06, 2009; ... Supporters of a groundbreaking amendment that would change the national playbook on labor union elections are hoping the White House-backed bill can survive a potential Republican knockout. The Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 (EFCA), known as "Card Check," suffered a setback ...
Nominations open for 50 Leading Business Women program.
Apr 06, 2009; ... Since its first class was unveiled in 1997, the Mississippi 50 Leading Business Women program has proven a runaway success. A special offering of the Mississippi Business Journal, 50 Leading Business Women is back again and accepting nominations. "I personally get such a boost ...
DJP hires Block by Block for myriad of services: Allen says company better fit for downtown Jackson.
Apr 06, 2009; ... Downtown Jackson is changing rapidly, and Downtown Jackson Partners (DJP) is looking to ensure that services keep pace. To that end, DJP recently hired a new firm, Block by Block, to oversee safety, cleaning and landscaping in the downtown area. Based in Louisville, ...
Eminent domain fight not over yet: organizations vow to support ballot initiative.
Apr 06, 2009; ... The eminent domain battle that raged in the Capitol the past few weeks is far from dead. After originally clearing both chambers of the Legislature with only four dissenting votes, a bill that would have eliminated the use of eminent domain for major economic development ...
More powerful than spinach.(Perspective)(Cartoon)
Apr 06, 2009; ... SECRETARY OF THE NAVY POSITION RAY MABUS MISSISSIPPI ...
Light at the end of the tunnel? The furniture industry, which admittedly was a bit management top heavy leading into the recession, now believes it is on the way to recovery at just about the same time some Mississippi Realtors say sales are beginning to go up based on folks being able to afford mortgages and having a little extra money to purchase furniture.(Perspective)
Apr 06, 2009; ... You will notice in one of the stories in our Focus section this week pertains to Mississippi's furniture industry and how there is a hope that the embattled industry may have turned the corner to recovery. In trying to the connect the positive dots for Mississippi, there could ...
More financial responsibility needed.(Op-Ed)
Apr 06, 2009; ... Today's economic challenges have caused us to look more closely at not only the financial practices of large companies, but also the habits of individual Americans regarding personal finance. As the problems facing our economy have become more serious, we have also realized the need for a ...
A peek at what our world looks like.
Apr 06, 2009; ... A community is a collection of people with a common interest. The smallest community might be a family, then a neighborhood, then a larger identifiable area. Although we relate well to small communities, sometimes it's hard to relate to the world as a whole. Other countries seem so far ...
MBJ is fair in Entergy reporting.(Letters to Editor)(Letter to the editor)
Apr 06, 2009; ... Editor: I appreciate the populist appeal some politicians employ to get votes at the expense of corporations. The Mississippi Business Journal has been a fair and independent voice in reporting on those disputes. Likewise, there is a time to applaud responsible, accountable ...
Passion paving the way: peavey the perfect example.(MBJ PROFILE)
Apr 06, 2009; ... "I have always been driven by a passion for what I do and a fear of failure." Hartley Peavey Founder, Peavey Electronics Corporation Passion, like a red hot flame, can sometimes burn bright for awhile, only to fade out in time. For many entrepreneurs, the ...
Welty's various works commemorated by McHaney.(Book Biz)(Welty Centennial by Pearl Amelia McHaney)(Book review)
Apr 06, 2009; ... Welty Centennial Commemoration Books by Pearl Amelia McHaney (University of Mississippi Press and Gibbs Sims Press) Total: $35.00 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eudora Welty's Centennial year is now in full swing, and along with ...
Feed costs, consumer spending impacts Sanderson: poultry company optimistic about turnaround.(Focus)
Apr 06, 2009; ... The rising cost of oil in 2008 crippled many a business. As the numbers on gas station price billboards went up, profits went down. The cost of transporting goods soared. Along with gasoline, the price for ethanol rose. And, with the price for ethanol rising, the cost ...
Economic downturn impacts nation's largest egg producer: Cal-Maine Foods reports 'scrambled' Q3 results.(Public Companies/Manufacturing)(Financial report)
Apr 06, 2009; ... Net sales were down slightly. Net income was down quite a bit. Yet Fred Adams took delivering the tepid news of Jackson-based Cal-Maine Foods (NASDAQ: CALM) quarterly financial report released March 30 in stride. "We had a good performance for our third quarter ended Feb. 28," ...
EastGroup holding its own during recession: strong, conservative balance sheet paying dividends.(Focus)
Apr 06, 2009; ... For 117 consecutive quarters, holders of EastGroup common stock have received a quarterly dividend. That is the equivalent of 29 years and one quarter. The Jackson-based real estate investment trust's latest quarterly dividend, announced by company March 5, is $0.52 per share. ...
Callon Petroleum looking to square up with NYSE: company confident it will rebound.(Public Companies/Manufacturing)
Apr 06, 2009; ... On March 16, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) notified Callon Petroleum Company (NYSE: CPE) that the oil and gas company has one quantitative measure that is "below criteria" for listing on the NYSE. "While we are disappointed to be advised of this measure, it in no way ...
Center for manufacturing excellence to boost industry: construction underway on the three-story facility.(Focus)
Apr 06, 2009; ... On June, 23, 2008, Gov. Haley Barbour held a press conference to announce some good news for North Mississippi, particularly manufacturers. Barbour officially unveiled plans for the Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME) at the University of Mississippi (UM). The CME broke ground last ...
Furniture manufacturers working smarter: industry forced to operate 'mean and lean' as construction slumps.(Public Companies/Manufacturing)
Apr 06, 2009; ... Perhaps more than any other member of Mississippi's business community, the manufacturing industry in Northeast Mississippi has struggled through the economic downturn. Several thousand jobs have been lost. Plants have closed. Long the bell cow of the region, the furniture ...
Golden Triangle manufacturing weathering the storm: officials already planning for future growth.(Focus)
Apr 06, 2009; ... The Golden Triangle has been the poster child for manufacturing success in Mississippi in recent years with the establishment of the $880-million SeverStal steel mill (originally called Severcorr) and $400-million PACCAR engine plant in Columbus, and projects such as Eurocopter and Aurora ...
Mississippi Polymer Institute still breaking ground: new facility to continue pioneering research.(Public Companies/Manufacturing)
Apr 06, 2009; ... For years, the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi has been educating students in the theory and practice of polymer science, which is revolutionary and changing the face of our society. Shelby Thames, Ph.D., earned a B.S ....
Coast counties work regionally to promote Aerospace Corridor: economic developers 'joining hands' to land new prospects, expansions.(Focus)
Apr 06, 2009; ... For the past five years the three Coast counties have been actively engaged in recruiting aerospace industries. Designated the Aerospace Corridor, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties are targeting this economic development segment along with four others that include advanced materials, ...
BancorpSouth holding steady during these recessionary times: bank says no to federal government bailout under TARP.(Public Companies/Manufacturing)
Apr 06, 2009; ... Nationally, bad news continues to pour forth about the banking industry. Mississippi banks have been spared big doses of those economic woes. One of the state's largest financial institutions, BancorpSouth, reports smooth operations in spite of the recession. "While BancorpSouth ...
Largest manufacturing facilities (top 25).
Apr 06, 2009 ... <Pre> Largest Manufacturing Facilities (Top 25) Manufacturer Year Founded AddressTop Officer Telephone EmployeesProduct Northrop Grumman 1938 Naval and commercial Ship Systems ...
Public companies.(Directory)
Apr 06, 2009 ... <Pre> Public CompaniesShares of common stock outstanding...
Meridian native joins Citizens' Philadelphia location.(People to Watch)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Neil Henry has joined The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia as president of the Meridian operations. Henry is a long-time native of Meridian. He graduated from Meridian High School and Mississippi State University. He is also a graduate of the ...
Mississippi AFP chapter honored as Ten Star Chapter.(People to Watch)(Association of Fundraising Professionals)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Mississippi Chapter has been named a 2008 Ten Star Chapter. Every year, AFP, the largest association of professional fundraisers in the world, honors chapters for achieving goals that align with key objectives in its long-range ...
Wann receives LEED AP Certification.(People to Watch)(Maribeth K. Wann)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maribeth K. Wann, coordinator of special projects at Millsaps College, has earned LEED Accredited Professional certification. Wann joined Millsaps College in 2006 and has coordinated several campus construction projects, including the renovation ...
Donald Resio named to ENR's Top 25 newsmakers.(People to Watch)(engineering new record)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dr. Donald Resio, a senior research scientist in Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, was named one of the top 25 newsmakers of 2008 by Engineering New-Record (ENR), thanks ...
Mississippi College names Cranford chief information officer.(People to Watch)
Apr 06, 2009 ... Bill Cranford has been promoted to chief information officer with Mississippi College. Through this new position, Crawford will be responsible for staying on top of rapidly changing technology and managing the Department of Computer Services. Cranford started work at the ...
Sandifer welcomed to Crossgates River Oaks staff.(People to Watch)(Crossgates River Oaks Hospital appointed Fred M. Sandifer)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fred M. Sandifer, M.D., has joined Crossgates River Oaks Hospital's medical staff. Sandifer received a medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans and interned at Charity Hospital of New Orleans. Sandifer completed ...
Wicker receives U.S. Chamber's annual Spirit of Enterprise Award.(People to Watch)
Apr 06, 2009 ... U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has been recognized by the United States Chamber of Commerce for his continued efforts to support pro-economic growth policies and create jobs by awarding him with the Spirit of Enterprise Award. Eligibility for the award is based on how members ...
Barlow, Eddy, Jenkins, P.A., announce hire and certifications.(People to Watch)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Heather Berry, a native of Magee, has joined Barlow, Eddy, Jenkins, P.A., as marketing coordinator. Berry graduated in May from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in ...
Green named Mississippi Administrator of the Year.(People to Watch)(Dr. Theresa Bland Green principal of Isable Elementary)(Vince Jordan of Myrtle Attendance Center)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... Isable Elementary Principal Dr. Theresa Bland Green has been named the 2009 Mississippi Administrator of the Year. Vince Jordan, principal of Myrtle Attendance Center was named 2009 Alternate Administrator of the Year. Green has served as principal of Isable Elementary since ...
Hudspeth confirmed to State Community College Board.(People to Watch)
Apr 06, 2009 ... The Senate has confirmed Gay. Haley Barbour's re-appointment of Henry "Bubba" Hudspeth to the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. Hudspeth, a Louisville native, will represent the Third Congressional District and serve a five-year term. He was appointed by Barbour in ...
Bush and Loftin earn positions with Regions Bank.(People to Watch)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] David Bush has been named community relationship manager lot Regions Bank in Greenville. His responsibilities include developing and maintaining relationships with civic- and community-based organizations throughout the ...
Employees recognized at Southern Miss Gulf Coast.(People to Watch)
Apr 06, 2009 ... The Gulf Park campus of The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast celebrated Founders' Day March 30 while also honoring employees with a commemorative pin for continuous service of 10, 20 and 30 years to the university. Honored employees include Dr. Patsy Anderson, ...
Keeping on our eye: profiles of growing young professionals in Mississippi.(People to Watch)(Renasant Bank)(John Oxford)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] John Oxford Age: 32 Hometown: Tupelo Education: B.A. in communication from the University of Tennessee; M.A. in government from John Hopkins University; ABA from Northwestern University: Certified Financial Marketing ...
50 Baker Donelson attorneys ranked as leaders in their field.(People to Watch)
Apr 06, 2009 ... Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., is pleased to announce that the 2009 edition of Chambers USA, a highly regarded directory of America's leading lawyers for business, will recognize 50 Baker Donelson attorneys as leading practitioners in 16 practice areas. In addition, ...
Marketing Alliance Inc. announces new hire, promotions.(People to Watch)(appointment of Katherine Scanlon )(promotions of Rich Winter, Melissa Lott and Porter Foster)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Katherine Scanlon has joined Marketing Alliance as production manager. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a master's degree in business ...
Oustalet appointed to Memorial Hospital board.(People to Watch)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A.J.M. "Butch" Oustalet III has recently been appointed by the City of Gulfport to serve on the board of trustees at Memorial Hospital. Oustalet is a long-time ...
SBA aid may be coming.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... SIMPSON COUNTY -- A representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) teamed up March 29 with officials from Simpson County and the State of Mississippi to assess damage from the March 25-26 storms and determine whether SBA recovery loans can be made available to private ...
Cellular South weathers storms.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... RIDGELAND -- Cellular South's wireless communications network sustained minimal damage as a result of the severe storms that swept through Central Mississippi March 25-26. Most of the Mississippi-based company's 500 cell sites in Central Mississippi were operating without any ...
Nation's cities see joblessness soar.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... AROUND MISSISSIPPI -- Unemployment rates were higher in January than a year earlier in 371 of the 372 metropolitan areas and unchanged in one area, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. Fourteen areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15 percent, while 23 areas ...
Weekly unemployment claims grow.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... WASHINGTON -- In the week ending March 21, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 652,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week's revised figure. The four-week moving average was 649,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised ...
BCBS removes exclusion.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... JACKSON -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi (BCBS) will be removing the exclusion for pre-existing conditions for employees who work for companies with 50 of fewer employees. This action will be effective June 1 and will also apply to the covered dependents for those employees. ...
Site designated 'Project Ready'.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... GEORGE COUNTY -- Greater George County Economic Development Foundation (GCEDF) and the George County Board of Supervisors announced that the George County Industrial Park is among the first in Mississippi to earn certification as a Project Ready site. Project Ready is an ...
Ground broken for Century Park.(Strictly Business)(The University of Southern Mississippi)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... HATTIESBURG -- University of Southern Mississippi (USM) officials, dignitaries and students held formal groundbreaking ceremonies March 27 for Century Park, the university's newest residential community. The $37.7-million development, the largest in the history of USM, will ...
Hancock again makes rankings.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... GULFPORT -- BauerFinancial Inc. has listed Hancock Bank among the most financially sound U.S. banks, the 78th consecutive quarter that Hancock has ranked among the country's strongest, safest financial institutions. The rating follows Hancock's recent recognition by Bank ...
Lawmakers pass 'failing school' bill.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... JACKSON -- Leaders of Mississippi public schools will be held more accountable for meeting academic standards and subject to stricter auditing requirements under legislation headed to Gov. Haley Barbour. The House and the Senate adopted the final version of Senate Bill 2628, ...
MDOT to rebuild damaged bridge.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BILOXI -- The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has agreed to rebuild the Popps Ferry Bridge in Biloxi following a barge collision March 20. After the City of Biloxi declared a state of emergency, MDOT announced it would use ...
OSHA cites LandCoast Insulation Inc.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... MOSS POINT -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited LandCoast Insulation Inc. for three alleged safety violations following six injuries and one employee fatality last November when a scaffold collapsed inside a boiler at Mississippi Power's Plant Daniel in ...
MLMA: Industry's collapse imminent.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... WASHINGTON -- A group of saw mill executives representing Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association (MLMA) recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss possible initiatives that could help stabilize the lumber industry in Mississippi. Members of the group met ...
SRHS opens new facility.(Strictly Business)(Singing River Health System)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... OCEAN SPRINGS -- Singing River Health System (SRHS) celebrated the newest addition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at Ocean Springs Medical Park April 1. The outpatient facility, located at 3535 Bienville Boulevard in Ocean Springs, includes all outpatient ...
No-Call violators fined.(Strictly Business)(Mississippi. Public Service Commission issued fine to five telemarketing companies for violation of law)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... NORTH MISSISSIPPI -- The Mississippi Public Service Commission has issued fines totaling $105,000 to five out-of-state telemarketing companies for violations of the Mississippi No-Call law. Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said the fines were the ...
Roy Anderson wins NASA contract.(Strictly Business)(National Aeronautics and Space Administration)(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... HANCOCK COUNTY -- NASA signed a contract March 24 with Roy Anderson Corp. of Gulfport for a general construction package on the A-3 test stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center. The five-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract's value is not to exceed $45 million. ...
Treasury asking lawmakers for tools.(Strictly Business)
Apr 06, 2009 ... WASHINGTON -- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is calling for new legislation granting additional tools to address systemically significant financial institutions that fall outside of the existing resolution regime under the FDIC. A draft bill was to be sent to Congress the week of ...
The best salespeople just shut up and listen.(Goldberg on Finance)
Apr 06, 2009; ... Let's face it: We salespeople LOVE to talk. In fact, many of us think we get paid to talk, but I don't believe that's true. While presenting is part of our job, and the part we seem to like best (closing is almost like the icing on the cake compared to presenting for most salespeople), if ...
Arts alive!(Brief article)
Apr 06, 2009 ... There was threat of rain March 27 in Jackson. But, the rain held off and the sun shone down on Smith Park where the festival 'Arts Alive!' was held. This event combined good food, live performances and vendors of all art media for visitors to explore and enjoy. [ILLUSTRATION ...
Entergy releases Evangeline contract data to MPUS.
Apr 06, 2009 ... From staff reports On March 31, Entergy Mississippi Inc. provided additional information in response to a Mississippi Public Utilities Staff (MPUS) request concerning the Evangeline natural gas contract. It is the latest chapter in a saga that has had the utility, members of the ...
Governor Luckett? "I do feel like I can make a difference." Clarksdale attorney, entrepreneur and Morgan Freeman's best friend to make announcement soon.(Bill Luckett)
Apr 13, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bill Luckett likes to talk about his childhood days as a house painter and that he still enjoys getting out in the sunshine to paint and work with his hands. In fact, before a recent trial in Jackson, he spent the weekend in the Mississippi ...
College presidents converge on MEC's birthday bash: Mississippi Economic Council hosts is 60th Annual Meeting at Jackson Convention Complex.(Conference news)
Apr 13, 2009; ... Mississippi's biggest business meeting is about to be interrupted by a College Board meeting. The Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) will hold its 60th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting Thursday at the Jackson Convention Complex amid a meeting of the Board of Trustees ...
Mississippi Power's Project Ready program exceeding expectations; Williams: certified sites are a proven advantage.
Apr 13, 2009; ... When Mississippi Power Company unveiled a program that would pre-certify sites as ready for development in early 2008, it expected success. However, the program has hit a pace that has caught even the Gulfport-based utility by surprise as it recently certified its third site under the ...
BankPlus: 100 years old and still growing: CEO Ray: bank's focus on its employees and communities has paid dividends.(Company overview)
Apr 13, 2009; ... It perhaps was not headline news March 12, 1909, when a small bank in the tiny Delta city of Belzoni opened for business. However, 100 years later that financial institution, now called BankPlus, gets plenty of ink as it continues to thrive and grow. "We are proud to reach this ...
Good fishing, family and friends.(Opinion)
Apr 13, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I didn't know Dr. Gilbert Macvaugh for a very long time. Maybe a year or so, but in that time, I became a great fan. Macvaugh, the founder and executive director of Delta Community Mental Health Services (DCMHS), died last week. He ...