Area Development Partnership • Greater Hattiesburg, MS • March / April 2012

Th e Get On Board! HUBFEST art • music • food • fun December 2011-January 2012

N3 D ewLounge Members Mississippi Small Business South Comm Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 801 Development Center 7766 Ewing Boulevard, Suite 200 Hattiesburg, MS 39403 Phone: (601) 255-4029 Florence, KY 41042 Phone: (601) 544-4220 Fax: (662) 915-5650 Phone: (800) 933-3909 Fax: (601) 544-4338 [email protected] Fax: (866) 792-6166 [email protected] http://www.mssbdc.org [email protected] Restaurant; Restaurants and Clubs Non-Profi t; Business Advisor; Business Services; Printers and Publishers Financial Advisor Edo Sushi Asian Cuisine Unlimited Cosmetology School 6414 Highway 98, Suite 150 O.E.C. Japanese Express 102 Broad Street Hattiesburg, MS 39402 3317 Hardy Street, Suite 20 Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Phone: (601) 261-5277 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Phone: (601) 336-7256 Fax: (601) 261-5278 Phone: (601) 450-7788 Fax: (601) 336-7676 [email protected] Fax: (601) 450-7755 [email protected] Restaurant; Restaurants and Clubs Restaurant; Restaurants and Clubs http://www. unlimitedcosmetologyschool.com Fred’s Super Dollar #2695 Ole River Florist, Gifts & Fabrics Education; Cosmetology School 509 US Highway 589 6414 US Highway 98, Suite 40 Purvis, MS 39475 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Phone: (601) 794-0505 Phone: (877) 785-4440 Fax: (601) 794-0506 Fax: (601) 579-0242 [email protected] [email protected] http://www.fredsinc.com http://www.oleriver.com Retail; Bargain Store; Pharmacy Retail; Florist; Gift Shop

Material Girls Stion 182 Promenade Boulevard 95 WL Runnells Industrial Drive Flowood, MS 39232 Hattiesburg, MS 39401 Phone: (601) 336-6183 [email protected] [email protected] http://www.stion.com http://www.materialgirls.com Manufacturer Retailer; Boutique and Specialty Shop

December 2011-January 2012

RenewedAAA Ambulance Service ...... (601)Members 264-0175 Broome, Edwin & Libby ...... (601) 264-8969 Crye-Leike Signature One AbilityWorks of Hattiesburg ....(601) 544-9530 Bryan Nelson, P.A...... (601) 261-4100 Realty, LLC ...... (601) 336-6941 Air Conditioning Parts & C.L. Dews & Sons Cucos Mexican Equipment, Inc...... (601) 268-3710 Foundry & Machinery Restaurante ...... (601) 545-8241 Alfa Insurance District Company, Inc...... (601) 582-4427 Deep South Embroidery ...... (601) 467-9410 Offi ce ...... (601) 543-0067 Camellia Home Health DeLois Smith All Star Team All Brands Foods, Inc...... (601) 268-1400 and Hospice ...... (601) 268-0408 of Keller Williams ...... (601) 545-3900 Allbritton Chain Saw & Carpenter & Carpenter Dossett Pontiac Lawn Equipment, Inc...... (601) 268-3701 CPA’s, P.A...... (601) 544-8478 Cadillac GMC, Inc...... (601) 544-7700 Alter Metal Recycling – Chain Electric Company...... (601) 545-3800 DREAM of Hattiesburg, Inc. ...(601) 545-2102 Hattiesburg ...... (601) 544-6100 Chamber Plus, Inc...... (601) 948-7598 Dunn Roadbuilders, LLC ...... (601) 649-4111 Anderson Design Center ...... (601) 545-7198 Channel Control Ebenezer Missionary Aultman, Tyner & Ruffi n Ltd. ..(601) 583-2671 Merchants, LLC ...... (601) 268-7555 Baptist Church ...... (601) 544-6733 Backyard Burgers ...... (601) 268-1979 Christian Services, Inc...... (601) 582-5683 Economy Supply Company ..(601) 582-1941 Baker & Graham Dental Citizens Bank – Essary, G.O. & Alice ...... (601) 582-3670 Partnership ...... (601) 268-3333 West Hattiesburg ...... (601) 264-6632 Finlo Construction Baker, Martin H., Sr...... (601) 264-7268 Clyde Bryant Insurance Company, Inc...... (601) 545-2000 Banks Bryson Insurance ...... (601) 544-4415 Agency, Inc...... (601) 544-6566 First Baptist Church ...... (601) 544-0100 Bills, R. Conner, DDS, MS ...... (601) 268-1234 Coldwell Banker First Dental, P.A...... (601) 264-5100 Blendco, Inc...... (601) 544-9800 Don Nace, Inc. Realtors – Focus Group, The ...... (228) 832-3667 Bobby L. Chain Jefcoat ...... (601) 264-1900 Forrest General Hospital ...... (601) 288-7000 Municipal Airport ...... (601) 544-8661 Collins and Null GCNF Ventures, Inc...... (601) 953-5937 Bokor, Peter & Jerre ...... (601) 544-7568 Appraisals, Inc...... (601) 271-9044 Bourne Brothers Printing, Inc. .(601) 582-1808 Courtesy Motors, Inc...... (601) 544-8111 (continued on page 15)

PAGE 2 Th eNavigator Get On Board!

5 Letter from the Chair 4 Cover Story – HUBFEST Brings Art, Music, 5 Letter from the President F ood and Fun to Greater Hattiesburg 7 Pine Belt Young Professionals Mark your calendars for 2012 HUBFEST, presented by the Hattiesburg Zoo and ADP, taking place in downtown 8 Calendar of Events Hattiesburg on Saturday, March 31.

9 First Friday

9 Ambassador of the Month 6 Pastries & Politics Connects Legislators

11 Chamber of Commerce Spotlight and ADP Members Over 100 ADP members turned out to hear from four of our area 12 Community Development Spotlight legislators during the fi rst of two sessions of Pastries & Politics. Save the date for the fi nal session on March 19. 13 Economic Development Spotlight

14 Ribbon Cuttings 10 Continue Your Education Through Professional Development Series The ADP and The University of Southern Mississippi Offi ce of Professional Development and Educational Outreach have prepared two outstanding sessions coming up this spring and FRONT COVER: summer for your continued professional education. HUBFEST brings tens of thousands of individuals from around the area to downtown Hattiesburg. 10 Small Business Leadership Award Honors Area Small Businesses Join the ADP and William Carey University to honor area small businesses and the recipient of the Small Business Leadership Award during a special luncheon coming this May.

PAGE 3 COVER STORY

HUBFEST Brings Art, Music, Food and Fun to Greater Hattiesburg

Mark your calendars and get ready for HUBFEST 2012, an outdoor festival celebrating art, music, food and fun here in Greater Hattiesburg. HUBFEST, presented by the Hattiesburg Zoo and Area Development Partnership, is slated to take place Saturday, MMarch 31st in downtown Hattiesburg from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Guests will be able to enjoy a juried arts section, two food courts, multiple crafts and business booths, four stages of entertainment, a children’s village, children’s art show and so much more! There are many great ways to get involved in this year’s festival, above and beyond simply attending the festival. Sponsorship opportunities are available for ADP members to promote their business to tens of thousands of festival-goers. Corporate sponsorships are great ways to support the festival while promoting your business. Stage sponsorships get your company name out there on an even higher level. Contact Catherine Lott to learn more about the many benefi ts of sponsoring this family-friendly event. Another exciting way to participate is to purchase a booth at the festival. Immerse your business in the crowd to sell products or simply promote your services. Booth spaces are reasonably priced, especially for the number of visitors you’ll see and have the opportunity to meet. THANK YOU HUBFEST would not be TO OUR SPONSORS possible without the efforts of CO-PRESENTING many volunteers. The ADP invites you to volunteer Hattiesburg Zoo just a few hours of your day to assist the staff in ENTERTAINMENT pulling off this grand event. All volunteers receive a City of Hattiesburg festival t-shirt, complimentary beverage and a fun Forrest County day with festival-goers. B95/Blakeney Communications Clear Channel Radio If you are already tied up the day of the festival Hattiesburg American or the days before with an event of your own, let us SuperTalk Mississippi know! The ADP wants to help promote your event T-SHIRT as a HUBFEST “Sanctioned Event.” Forrest General Hospital Sanctioned events can be anything from car shows to concerts; additional CHILDREN’S VILLAGE BancorpSouth events help keep festival-goers in Greater Hattiesburg longer, helping to CORPORATE Alter Metal Recycling promote our regional economy. Camellia Home Health & Hospice If you’re just looking for a relaxing Regions Bank day in Hattiesburg browsing the GENERAL booths and enjoying entertainment, Shows, Dearman & Waits you’ll want to stay abreast of festival updates including booths and MEDIA Hattiesburg Publishing entertainment acts. Visit the festival WHLT CBS 22 website, www.hubfestMS.com and fi nd WUSM us on Facebook at facebook.com/ Add your name to this lineup! hubfestms. b Contact Catherine Lott today!

PAGE 4 Letter from the Chair rs tte Le

Spring is well on its way in the Hub City and I’m looking forward to all that it has to bring for the ADP and Greater Hattiesburg. In addition to wrapping up what has begun as a very successful Pastries & Politics, we will get to celebrate the season outdoors at HUBFEST on Saturday, March 31st in downtown Hattiesburg. We have two exciting First SFriday programs coming up including Senator Wicker in March and Mayor DuPree in April, and great networking opportunities with Business After Hours. I know the ADP staff and volunteers are working diligently to bring you quality programs and ensure you have the opportunities to take full advantage of all of your membership benefi ts Lou Ann Poynter to their fullest extent. I look forward to a bright spring to lead us into an eventful Chair summer. b Lou Ann

Letter from the President A Winning Attitude and a Servant’s Heart

We’re on a roll here at the ADP and I’m elated that you’re part of our team. We believe we can win and guess what, we’re winning. Our enthusiasm and confi dence are equally matched by our servant’s heart. Our team wants to make a difference in Greater Hattiesburg and help your business achieve success. We are so fortunate Wto live in a region with a diverse, robust economy. Our initiatives are geared toward helping your business succeed and guiding our region down a path of prosperity. Chad Newell The ADP can only achieve true success by having your full support and participation. ADP President Thanks for participating in our programs and supporting our initiatives with your time and fi nancial resources. Our people and economy are resilient. Let’s continue to think strategically and be resourceful in positioning our region for continued success. A winning attitude is contagious and coupled with an awesome product, a strategy, skilled team, and an impeccable work ethic, there’s really nothing holding us back. We’ve got to continue to support each other and celebrate our successes. One of the coolest things I’ve had an opportunity to do here at the ADP is to recruit, train, promote and mentor staff. Ultimately, our organizations are only as strong as the people we surround ourselves with. I can’t say enough good things about our team here at the ADP. Those of us in leadership positions in our respective companies need to mentor, not just manage. There’s really nothing more gratifying in a workplace than to see our employees excel, grow and take the next step. If they’re taking the next step and achieving the desired results, then the whole organization benefi ts and simply continues to raise the bar. Mentoring involves letting go, being there, providing guidance and allowing on-the-job training. Without folks allowing me to manage signifi cant projects at a young age, I wouldn’t be here today leading this incredible organization in my home state. I trust that you’re taking time to mentor. Your employees and organization will be better off with this added effort. The ADP’s Chamber of Commerce, Community Development and Economic Development divisions are executing programs as a seamless team. I highly encourage you to become involved in our organization as we have a plethora of programs to choose from. The more you become involved, the higher your rate of return on your ADP investment. We’re all about delivering results and having fun doing it. Thanks for being part of our championship caliber team. We trust that you’re enjoying The Navigator, weekly e-Navigator, and our new website. Take a little time to give us some feedback on how we’re doing. We want to hear from you. That’s the only way we’ll be able to fi ne tune our work to ensure that it remains cutting edge and of value to our investors. Give me a buzz or send an e-mail to me or anyone on our staff if we can ever be of service. b Chad

PAGE 5 1

Pastries & Politics Connects Legislators and ADP Members

The fi rst session of the new Pastries & Politics series took place Monday, January 30 at the Trent Lott National Center with the largest crowd seen to date. With over 100 ADP members in 2 attendance, guests heard from four of our area legislators Tincluding Senator Billy Hudson, Representative Toby Barker, Representative Larry Byrd and Representative Bill Pigott. Held as a panel discussion, each legislator provided a brief update on the topic of their choice to the audience. Following the close of the fi nal presentation, Chad Driskell, Executive Assistant to the President at The University of Southern Mississippi who served as the event moderator, asked questions posed by members of the audience. The legislators’ updates and answers to constituents’ questions provided a glimpse into the 2012 legislative session. Additionally, legislators stayed after the close of the event to have one-on-one conversations with guests. Pastries & Politics would not be possible without the support 3 of event sponsors. Thank you to AT&T, South Mississippi Electric Power Association and Regions Bank for sponsoring the fi rst Pastries & Politics session. The last session of Pastries & Politics will take place Monday, March 19 at 7:15 am at the Trent Lott National Center. Hear from Senator Joey Fillingane, Senator John Polk, Representative Hank Lott and Representative Percy Watson. The event will be sponsored by Forrest General Hospital and Hancock Bank. b

1: Over 100 ADP members attended the fi rst of two Pastries & Politics 4 sessions for 2012. 2: Representative Barker shakes hands with an ADP member following the close of the event. 3: Representative Byrd speaks one-on-one with ADP members before leaving for Jackson. 4: Representative Pigott hears questions, concerns and comments from ADP members. 5: Senator Hudson answers questions from ADP members.

PAGE 6 5 Pine Belt Young Professionals Off to a Great Start

Pine Belt Young Professionals (PBYP) has gotten off to a great start in 2012. With over 70 current members, the organization is well on its way to making this the best year yet. P In January, PBYP kicked off with a Blue Plate Special at Keg & Barrel with featured speaker Dr. Joe Paul of The University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Paul led the group through a version of Strength Deployment Index, a wonderful tool used to fi nd your personality profi le. PBYP chose to start off the New Year by learning their personality profi les, an important step in learning who they are and how they work with others. January was also time for PBYP’s 4th Annual Wine Tasting, an annual Happening revered by PBYP members. Happenings are smaller social Dr. Joe Paul’s interactive presentation encouraged participation from the gatherings catering to the unique interests of PBYP crowd as they identifi ed their personality profi les. members. Thank you to Crescent City

Grill/Purple Parrot Café for hosting the PINE BELT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS group for yet another year. an initiative of the Area Development Partnership February brought the fi rst Off the Clock in 2012 with a great gathering at the newly reopened Bottling Company. YPs enjoyed food, beverages and networking with fellow young professionals. If you are interested in getting involved in Pine Belt Young Professionals, membership is simple and cost-effective. At only $60 a year, you can get connected with area young professionals, age 20 to 40. You can either be employed full-time or seeking full-time employment, as PBYP members range on a professional level from leaders of their organizations to new in their fi eld. Learn more at www.pinebeltyoungprofessionals.com or facebook.com/ YP’s enjoy the casual networking at pinebeltyoungprofessionals. b February’s Off the Clock.

Below: Dusty Frierson, Purple Parrot Café’s Sommelier, explains variations of wine to attendees of the 4th Annual Wine Tasting.

PAGE 7 March 2012 April 2012

ADP Hosts SuperTalk 97.3FM ADP Hosts SuperTalk 97.3FM 1 9:30 am 5 9:30 am

First Friday Ambassador Lunch 2 Southern Oaks House & Gardens 11 11:30 am 7:15 am ADP New and Renewed Member Listing in the Hattiesburg American ADP Hosts WMXI 98.1FM 8 7:30 am ADP Hosts WMXI 98.1FM PBYP Blue Plate Special 12 7:30 am Keg & Barrel 11:30 am - 1:00 pm PBYP Off the Clock 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Ambassador Lunch 14 11:30 am First (Second) Friday 13 Southern Oaks House & Gardens 7:15 am ADP Hosts WMXI 98.1FM 15 7:30 am ADP Hosts SuperTalk 97.3FM 19 9:30 am Pastries & Politics 2012 – Session Two 19 Trent Lott National Center Business After Hours 7:15 am Pine Belt Ford 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Professional Development Series 23 “Qualities of an Effective Team Leader” ADP Doubletruck in the Hattiesburg The University of Southern Mississippi 25 American 8:00 am - 12:00 pm $95 for ADP Members Calendar of Events of Calendar ADP Doubletruck in the Hattiesburg 28 American

HUBFEST 31 Downtown Hattiesburg 9:00 am - 5:00 pm SAVE THE DATE Thursday, July 26, 2012 Lake Terrace Convention Center Expo 12:00 - 4:00 Taste of the Pine Belt 5:30 - 8:00

Help your businessbusinness ggetet connected through the Expo! Sponsorship Opportunities AAvailable Now | Vendor Applications Available in May

PAGE 8 OF THE MONTH AmbassadorsNOVEMBER Susan Newman, The Citizens Bank

Susan Newman is employed with The Citizens Bank where she is a Customer Service Representative, Teller and also helps with Marketing and Advertising of the bank. Susan is a member of Temple Baptist Church where she is active in the choir and is Chairman of the Holiday MARCH Decorating Committee; she is currently Vice President of the Oak Date: March 2, 2012 Grove Exchange Club and was past Treasurer. She has served for 2 Time: 7:15 am years as an ambassador for the ADP and is the 2012 Chair of the Marketing Community Location: Southern Oaks House & Gardens of the Pink Ribbon Fund. Susan is also a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant. When Susan is Speaker: Senator Roger Wicker not busy in the community she loves spending time with her family, painting, walking, Speaker Sponsor: South Mississippi Electric tennis, biking and gardening. Power Association and Southern Pine Electric Power Association Breakfast Sponsor: TEC DECEMBER APRIL – SECOND FRIDAY Gary Carmichael, Pridestaff Date: April 13, 2012 Gary Carmichael is the owner and operator of Pridestaff, a local Time: 7:15 am company that provides staffi ng solutions for clerical, professional, Location: Southern Oaks House & Gardens production, manufacturing and warehouse environments. Gary is a Speaker: Mayor Johnny DuPree Certifi ed Public Accountant that transitioned into the manufacturing Speaker Sponsor: Shows, Dearman & industry. He has managed all facets of the business operation in the last Waits, Inc. 25 years with the last 15 years in senior management positions related Breakfast Sponsor: YMCA to plant management. Gary is the past chair of the ADP ambassadors, past president and board member of the Hattiesburg Country Club, VP of Membership for local SHRM chapter 2008-2009, Director of Professional Development for SMEI 2008-2009 and he serves JANUARY on the Board of directors for The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association. Speaker: Dr. Lance Nail, USM College of Business Speaker Sponsor: Butler, Snow, O’Mara, JANUARY Stevens & Cannada, PLLC Patricia King, The First, A National Banking Association Breakfast Sponsor: Finlo Construction Company, Inc. Patricia King is the Vice President of The First, A National Banking Association. She attended The University of Southern Mississippi and is a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking at Ole Miss. Patricia has been in the banking business for over 30 years. In her spare time, she loves to play golf. Patricia has two children and two grandchildren. She is also a member of Heritage United Methodist Church and Wesley Women’s Advisory Council. Patricia has been a member of ADP Ambassadors for nine years and continues to stay actively involved in the Hattiesburg community.

Pictured (L-R): Patrick Finnegan, Marc Smith, Chuck Daughdrill, Tommy Ricconi, Lou Ann Poynter, Dr, Lance Nail, Katie Bryant, Chad Newell

FEBRUARY Speaker: Kate McEnroe, Kate McEnroe Get Involved! Consulting You don’t have to be an ambassador or on a committee Speaker Sponsor: Pine Belt to get involved with the ADP. Many volunteers are Superintendents needed for HUBFEST the day of the event. Spend just a few hours with us to get a feel for what this outdoor festival is all about from an insider view. Email Catherine at [email protected] to get your name on the list!

Pictured (L-R): Valencia Williamson, Kate McEnroe, Dr. Ben Burnett, Lou Ann Poynter

PAGE 9 The Area Development Partnership and William Carey University

Invite You to Attend a Luncheon Honoring the Recipient of the

2012 Small Business Leadership Award JOIN US FOR THE UPCOMING BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Southern Oaks House and Gardens THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Pine Belt Ford 5:30 - 7:00 pm Featuring Keynote Speaker

Blake Wilson, Mississippi Economic Council JANUARY Hosted by: Cork Wine & Martini Bar

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Cost is $25 an individual or $160 for a table of eight. Seating is limited. Contact Dr. Lynn Houston at William Carey University at [email protected] or 601.318.6231 to reserve your seat.

To kick off the New Year, ADP members showed up in great numbers to enjoy networking at Cork Wine & Martini Bar for the fi rst Business After Hours of 2012. FEBRUARY Hosted by: United Way Home Sweet Home Brought to you by the Area Development Partnership and The University of Southern Raffl e House 0LVVLVVLSSL2IÀFHRI3URIHVVLRQDO'HYHORSPHQWDQG(GXFDWLRQDO2XWUHDFK

Continue Your Professional Education Through One Of Our Two Remaining Courses Available In 2012.

March 23, 2012 Qualities of an Effective Team Leader Understand and identify the individual characteristics of a team player to take steps towards becoming a better team leader. ADP members got a special treat during February’s Business After Hours which was hosted at the home being raffl ed off in May 18, 2012 United Way’s Home Sweet Home Raffl e. Guests toured the home while enjoying Resolving Operational Conflict food, beverages and networking. Practice techniques to resolve various situations on the job to ensure positive outcomes for the organization.

Both sessions will be held on campus at The University of Southern Mississippi from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Cost to attend is $95 for ADP members and $115 for non-members.

To register for one of these sessions, visit www.theADP.com, contact Valencia Williamson at [email protected] or call 601.296.7518.

PAGE 10 Chamber of Commerce Spotlight

ADP Launches Post Graduate Success Support Initiative

The Area Development Partnership, as part of its mission of need proof of a strong talent pipeline. The ADP’s focus supporting new and existing businesses, takes a proactive will be to develop a program of work with measurable approach to building relationships with and between objectives that seek to improve education and post- the business community and education institutions in the education success for all students while supporting the Tregion. At every level, the region’s school districts play a regional business community’s need for a skilled workforce. vital role in creating awareness of career opportunities It is evident through the study that there are challenges and the programs necessary to take advantage of them. for both students and employers. And while there are an The K-12 public school districts have a critical role to increased number of students who attend community play in helping students to make informed choices and colleges and universities, they are not fi nishing in suffi cient prepare for their post-high school plans, whatever they numbers or taking too long to fi nish. It also noted that too may be. There is increasing discussion among businesses many require remedial education and are dropping out about the need to provide students and parents with of STEM majors at twice the rate of other majors. Also, better career information and training opportunities so high demand occupations are not getting their share of that there will be a better match between students’ degrees granted from community colleges and universities. aspirations and the opportunities that are available Meanwhile, there are 4-5 million job openings and 1-2 to them in the modern economy. Across the country, million jobs going unfi lled for lack of qualifi ed candidates. and especially in communities with universities, such as It is imperative that the K-12 faculty and parents alike Hattiesburg, the recent focus has been on sending as are connected to the needs of the business community many students as possible directly to four year universities. as well as to career education options. While current local At the same time the linkages between community initiatives such as Career Tech programs, core curriculum colleges and businesses are also constantly strengthening, and individualized learning plans have all had successes, and the ADP, like many other economic development recommendations include: Industry tours for educators; organizations, is playing a role in fostering that connection. Businesses in the classroom; Company sponsored The Post Graduate Support Initiative addresses 5 key academies; Parent outreach programs; Video resources areas of focus; Local Issues and Interests; Local Initiatives; and competitions as well as Peer organization initiatives. Observations; The Competition and Recommended These can ideally be implemented within the fi nancial Initiatives. Business and industry within the region needs a and scheduling constraints that the public school districts skilled workforce at all levels and recruitment prospects face. b

PAGE 11 Community Development Spotlight

Educating Our Future Workforce: Resources in the Pine Belt Region

Results recently released in the Post Graduate Success education, training, human services and employment, all Support Initiative (conducted by Kate McEnroe of Kate of which are typically provided at no cost. Business and McEnroe Consulting, Atlanta, GA) suggest that there is industries can utilize the expertise of the WIN Job Center still much work to be done with regards to business and for the initial recruitment and screening of potential Rindustry sectors and their relationships with members of employees, as well as a source of job postings and most our education community. Conducted on the region’s importantly to provide E-Verify. The E-Verify program is a eight public school districts, the study cautions us voluntary Internet-based program that helps employers against demanding that every student attend college validate the work authorization of new hires and applies when that path may not be the proper course for that to U.S. citizens and noncitizens. As you can see, WIN Job particular student. It further reminds us that our Junior Centers are no longer the “unemployment offi ce,” but and Community Colleges, along with our region’s Career they have transformed themselves into a viable partner and Tech Prep programs and Advanced Technology in recruitment and retention of good jobs and business & Centers offer a wide variety of certifi cates and degrees industry for the entire state of Mississippi. They continue in specialized areas, fi tting of our business and industry to be a valuable resource for On-The-Job Training (OJT) needs in the Pine Belt. Linking a student’s post graduate information and dollars and can provide offi ce space desires with the business and industry community’s needs for meetings, interviewing and on-site screening, as well are just one key component of developing a strong, as skills training for industries relocating that haven’t yet viable, highly skilled workforce pipeline. secured adequate space in the community to handle Pearl River Community College and Jones County these sensitive tasks. Junior College have both earned well deserved Although the study shows there are some challenges recognition for their work with their Advanced Technology to bridge the gap between student’s preparation and Centers. They have the fundamental ability to analyze potential employer’s needs, our current resources are what is required based on the specifi c job and customize headed in the right direction. We’ll look to fi nd innovative training based on the needs of area employers. Together, ways of initiating partnerships and implementing the colleges serve approximately 14 counties in our programs and resources based on the recommendations region and have specialized training in everything from outlined in the study. As we work towards this goal, computer classes to workplace skills and beyond. our focus will be to fi nd ways to be inclusive of parents, Additionally, our region’s WIN Job Center assists counselors, educators, businesses and various programs individuals and employers by offering a variety of in this post graduate process and to creatively leverage services in areas of unemployment insurance assistance, current available resources in the Pine Belt. b

PAGE 12 Economic Development Spotlight Greater Hattiesburg Boasts Competitive Cost of Living

We often tout the great quality of life in Greater care and miscellaneous goods and services. For Hattiesburg. We have fi rst-class schools, engaging area example, the most expensive place to buy a pound of attractions and recreational activities along with a great coffee from the 314 urban areas is Honolulu, HI and the selection of shopping, dining and cultural events. Our least expensive place for coffee is Corpus Christi, TX. Wregion has these fabulous amenities yet still offers a very When recruiting new businesses to the area, the ADP low cost of living. The national average cost of living is interacts with companies from all over the nation and actually scientifi cally quantifi ed by collecting data three the globe. Many of these companies are not familiar times a year from 314 urban areas that is compiled into with Hattiesburg or even Mississippi. The ACCRA index the ACCRA Cost of Living Index (COLI). The ADP spends gives us the opportunity to show them actual data that a signifi cant amount of time to compile the information backs up our claims of having a lower cost of living in for the Hattiesburg MSA that is required to participate Greater Hattiesburg. Companies are not only looking in this study. It is extremely useful information when at places that can provide a site for their company, recruiting new companies to the area who are not but they are interested in the community where their familiar with Greater Hattiesburg. employees will reside. Impacting a company’s bottom The ACCRA Cost of Living Index measures regional line can be very crucial in the site selection process differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, and having a low cost of living can impact the daily excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures. Over expenses a company’s staff will incur in a community. 60 different items are needed to determine a composite We are fortunate that Greater Hattiesburg has a great index score. They are primarily based on six components quality of life and a low cost of living. b – housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health

The chart at right depicts the average cost of living Location Cost of Living Housing in each community with all 6 major components. Hattiesburg, MS 92.6 77.1 The national average for the 314 urban areas is Jackson, MS 96.6 94.8 100. The most expensive New Orleans, LA 95.6 94.9 place to live of the 314 cities is New York, NY with Montgomery, AL 97.3 96.4 a score of 218.8 and least expensive is Fayetteville, Auburn-Opelika, AL 98.1 84.1 AR with a score of 86.4. Baton Rouge, LA 93.6 91.9 Lexington, KY 91.9 82.6

PAGE 13 PAGE 14 Ribbon Cuttings 24 CrossCreekParkway,Suite140 3317 Hardy Street,Suite20 For afulldescription ofthesebusinesses,visit www.theADP.com. FRED’S SUPERDOLLAR#2695– 6 MarketPlaceDrive OEC JAPANESEEXPRESS– WILLY T’SSPORTSGRILL– 509 USHighway589 MATERIAL GIRLS–

•

Hattiesburg, MS39402 Victoria Smith

Shelby Harrell

• Katie Parker •

Purvis, MS39475 Tina Pan Hattiesburg, MS39402

•

Hattiesburg, M DECEMBER15 DECEMBER8 JANUARY3

JANUARY27 •

601.794.0505 S 39402

•

601.261.9707

•

601.450.7788

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601.336.6183 Renewed Members December 2011-January 2012 (continued from page 2) Manpower ...... (601) 268-3666 Smith Petroleum, Inc...... (601) 264-7596 McArthur, Thames, Smith, John Larry, MD ...... (601) 264-8364 Gilder, Jerry Q., DDS ...... (601) 264-4800 Slay & Dews, PLLC ...... (601) 264-2423 South Mississippi Electric Goodwill Industries McCurdie & Power Association ...... (601) 268-2083 of Mississippi, Inc ...... (601) 584-0448 MacDermott, LLC ...... (601) 582-3258 South Mississippi Emergency Granberry-Henderson, P.A. ...(601) 264-2200 McMullan Motors, Inc...... (601) 544-2430 Physicians, P.A...... (601) 288-2010 Great Southern Memorial Behavioral Health ..(601) 545-9300 Southeastern Auto Brokers ....(601) 579-7838 National Bank ...... (601) 545-2700 Merchants Foodservice ...... (601) 583-4351 Southern Development Greater Hattiesburg Home Mexican Kitchen ...... (601) 450-4811 Resources, LLC ...... (601) 554-7400 Builders Association ...... (601) 450-3380 Minit Mart (RAMCO, Inc.) ...... (601) 794-5900 Southern Miss PSRC/ Grisham, Jerret & Jere ...... (601) 271-2964 Mississippi Music Company ...(601) 544-5821 Thames-Rawlins Grove Transit ...... (601) 544-5403 Mississippi Power Company ..(601) 545-4132 Research Group ...... (601) 266-4080 H & R Block ...... (601) 544-3787 Mississippi Public Service Southern Neurologic and Harrell, Kenny & Commission ...... (800) 356-6429 Spinal Institute ...... (601) 579-4440 Glenda Miller ...... (601) 264-8095 Neel-Schaffer, Inc...... (601) 545-1565 Southern Oaks House Hattiesburg American ...... (601) 582-4321 NetBase Technologies ...... (601) 264-1606 and Gardens ...... (601) 296-0446 Hattiesburg Area Assoc. Nicholson, Dr. James A. Southgate Realty, LLC ...... (601) 264-4622 of Realtors, Inc...... (601) 582-0099 Orthodontist ...... (601) 268-1111 SouthGroup Insurance Hattiesburg Area Historical Olive Garden Services – Hardy Street ...... (601) 545-1643 Society & Museum ...... (601) 582-5460 Italian Restaurant ...... (601) 264-2234 SouthGroup Insurance Hattiesburg Clinic ...... (601) 264-6000 Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Services – West Pine St...... (601) 544-2122 Hattiesburg Commercial Clinic of South MS, P.A...... (601) 264-7611 Southland Florist ...... (601) 584-7541 Real Estate – Nicolosi ...... (601) 264-4447 Owens Business Machines .....(601) 544-3444 State Farm Insurance Hattiesburg Cycles ...... (601) 582-8611 PACE Head Start ...... (601) 545-8110 Company – Calhoun ...... (601) 545-1511 Hattiesburg Lions Club Panama Forestry Stewart Sneed Hewes ...... (601) 544-8703 Hattiesburg Vision Clinic ...... (601) 268-3937 Equipment, Inc...... (601) 544-4251 Temple Baptist Church ...... (601) 544-1794 Hayward G. Anderson Parkway Heights United The First, A National and Associates ...... (601) 264-2475 Methodist Church ...... (601) 544-7873 Banking Association ...... (601) 268-8998 Heritage United Parris Jewelers, Inc...... (601) 264-1764 Tillery Dental Clinics ...... (601) 264-0333 Methodist Church ...... (601) 261-3371 Pearl River Community Town & Country Cleaners .....(601) 264-4920 Hetrick, Jerry & Susie ...... (601) 261-5992 College/Lowery A. Toyota of Hattiesburg ...... (601) 544-9630 Hicks & Bennett, PLLC ...... (601) 544-6770 Woodall Advanced Travis & Travis ...... (601) 582-5591 Historic Hattiesburg Technology Center ...... (601) 554-4647 True Light Missionary Downtown Association...... (601) 583-4329 Pearl River Valley Electric Baptist Church ...... (601) 583-8739 Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites ...... (601) 296-0302 Power Association ...... (601) 736-2666 TSI - Title Services, LLC ...... (601) 264-3500 Hood Companies ...... (601) 264-2962 Peavy Chiropractic Clinic .....(601) 582-3343 United Healthcare ...... (601) 264-7715 Horne LLP, CPAs and Petro Automotive Group ...... (601) 264-4411 United Way of Southeast Business Advisors ...... (601) 268-1040 Phillips, Charles ...... (601) 268-2081 Mississippi ...... (601) 545-7141 Howell, Chris & Lafayette ...... (601) 268-3259 Poole, Richard S. USM Foundation ...... (601) 266-5210 Hub City Employment, Inc. ...(601) 545-8888 Popeyes...... (601) 584-7877 Vital Care Compounder ...... (601) 261-0503 HubHealth of South Poynter, Lou Ann ...... (601) 261-2143 Walmart SuperCenter – Mississippi, Inc...... (601) 296-3150 Price, Thomas L...... (601) 268-9129 US Highway 98 ...... (601) 261-9393 Image Signs & Neon, Inc...... (601) 582-1642 PriorityOne Bank ...... (601) 261-0053 Walter Agency ...... (601) 408-4092 Interventional Spine & Purchasing & Parts Waste Management of Sports Institute ...... (601) 450-0200 Solutions Company, Inc. ...(601) 544-0210 Mississippi-Pine Belt ...... (601) 268-9906 Johnson & Ratliff, PLLC ...... (601) 582-4553 Qdoba Mexican Grill ...... (601) 450-0401 Waters International Jones & Company ...... (601) 545-9333 Richard B. Brantley PLS, Inc. ..(601) 544-1825 Trucks, Inc...... (601) 544-7401 Jones, Elijah ...... (601) 264-8383 Richton Bank and WBBN/WXRR/WKZW/WXHB ...(601) 544-0095 KeithCo Petroleum, Inc...... (601) 268-2068 Trust Company ...... (601) 788-6301 Wells Fargo ...... (601) 705-2200 Lab Test Depot...... (601) 336-6380 Richton Tie & Timber, LLC ...... (601) 545-8222 Wesley Manor Retirement Lamar Outdoor Advertising ..(601) 296-8024 River Ranch Community ...... (601) 264-8847 Laser Mania ...... (601) 543-0072 Bed & Breakfast ...... (601) 422-7575 Wesley Medical Center ...... (601) 268-8102 Lee, John W., Jr., Ryan Motors, Inc...... (601) 584-8451 Westover Apartments ...... (601) 264-6955 Attorney At Law ...... (601) 544-5601 Saddle Creek Corporation ...(863) 665-0966 Wetland Consulting London & Stetelman Salvation Army ...... (601) 544-3684 Services, Inc...... (601) 550-2346 Commercial Realtors ...... (601) 268-8770 Schamber-Jones, CPA , P.A. ..(601) 544-8271 Willmut Gas Company ...... (601) 544-6001 Lower Pearl River Valley Service Company, The ...... (601) 554-3290 WIN Job Center ...... (601) 584-1202 Foundation...... (601) 799-5353 Shows, Dearman Women’s Pavilion of Mac’s Construction & Waits, Inc...... (601) 544-1821 South Mississippi, PLLC...... (601) 268-9393 Company, Inc...... (601) 264-8648 Sims, Willie B. Jr., CPA, PLLC ...(601) 545-3930 Yore, Joseph ...... (601) 545-9781

PAGE 15 2012 ADP Officers & Staff CHAIR – Lou Ann Poynter Greg Hodges and John Keilholz: VICE-CHAIR – Tommy Thornton, Hattiesburg Clinic TREASURER – Jim Compton, South Mississippi Electric Experienced leadership with a local perspective. Power Association IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR – Greg Garraway, Regions Bank PRESIDENT – Chad Newell, Area Development Partnership MISSION STATEMENT: The Area Development In the Hub City, no two families or businesses are the same. Partnership stimulates economic growth through the resources of its members and partners leading to an John and Greg understand. They share an in-depth knowledge of this local market and the improved economic well-being and quality of life for Greater Hattiesburg Area citizens. greater Gulf South region. That’s how they guide our local banking teams in helping area families b ADMINISTRATION and businesses achieve their financial goals. Just like we’ve done for well over a century. Chad Newell, President 601.296.7500 Greg Hodges [email protected] Greg and John are ready to help you, your family or business build a strong financial future. Commercial Market President Stacey Stiglets, Vice President, Finance and Hattiesburg Contact them today to learn more about customized solutions that can help you reach your dreams. Administration 601.296.7507 [email protected] Put our personalized financial guidance to work for you. Chelsea Williams, Finance and Research Coordinator 601.296.7515 To contact Greg Hodges, call 601-579-5860 or email [email protected]. [email protected] For John Keilholz, call 601-579-5839 or email [email protected]. Misty White, Receptionist 601.296.7500 [email protected] b COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Annie McMillan, Vice President John Keilholz 601.296.7512 [email protected] Regional Retail Manager Hattiesburg hancockbank.com Member FDIC b ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Andrew Murff, Business Development Director 601.296.7510 FIVE CONVENIENT HATTIESBURG AREA LOCATIONS [email protected] J.R. Robinson, Project Manager 601.296.7509 PRSRT STD [email protected] U.S. Postage Paid b CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Permit #268 Valencia Williamson, Vice President Hattiesburg, MS 601.296.7518 [email protected] Haley Carter, Membership Coordinator 601.296.7501 One Convention Center Plaza [email protected] Hattiesburg, MS 39401 b COMMUNICATIONS Phone: 601.296.7500 Catherine Lott, Communications and Events Director Web site: www.theADP.com 601.296.7516 [email protected] ADP Advantage For more information on The Navigator, USPS 268-000 contact Catherine Lott at 601.296.7516 or e-mail [email protected]