BusinessJournalBusinessTHE NONORTHEASTRTHEASTJournal MISSISSIPPI NOVEMBER 2011 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF JOURNAL PUBLISHING AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Retailers ready for shoppers Inside Document: E001CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:23:30;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 2BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2011 Northeast MS’s retail forecast is partly sunny

very year, the National Re- total retail | | spending. That obviously tail Federation, the Inter- industry U.S. HOLIDAY SALES GROWTH would help boost the economy. national Council of sales, ac- Consumers are spending – but EShopping Centers and cording to they still are wary. Expect many 2000 2.3 percent 2006 3.1 percent other retail industry groups the NRF. 2001 3.4 percent 2007 1.8 percent promotions and discounts to get predict how much we’ll be And the 2002 1.3 percent 2008 - 4.4 percent shoppers into stores. spending for the holidays. experts say 2003 4.7 percent 2009 -0.4 percent And retailers are pulling out the Not that it really matters to this holiday 2004 5.9 percent 2010 5.2 percent stops.Walmart recently said it most people. If you’re going to season 2005 5.4 percent Source: National Retail Federation would give gift cards to shoppers shop, you’re going to shop, no should be if they buy something there and matter what the experts say. DENNIS OK. The than 2 percent. didn’t help, either. find it somewhere else cheaper. But I suppose it provides SEID forecasts all The ICSC also projects a 3 But two retail giants – Belk and Staples and Bed Bath & Beyond some psychological boost to call for in- percent increase this year. JC Penney – that help anchor The said they would match the low hear that people will be spend- creases this In Northeast Mississippi, par- Mall at Barnes Crossing together prices of Amazon.com and other ing more money. In the U.S., year, albeit ticularly in Tupelo recently, re- spent $6.5 million to renovate big Internet retailers. Sears said it where consumers help power on the low tail continues hold its own. and expand their stores. Reed’s, would beat any competitor’s best two-thirds of the economy, it’s end of the scale. Despite the lingering impact the Tupelo-based department price by 10 percent. vitally important our wallets Compared to 2010, the NRF of the Great Recession, there’s store, spent a chunk of change As a potential setup for the up- and purses remain open. said holiday sales should track been a mini-boom of sorts. New expanding its mall store, too. coming holiday selling frenzy, And what better indicator about 2.8 percent higher, hit- restaurants, stores and hotels Other new businesses and the U.S. Commerce Department than holiday sales? ting $465.6 billion. Last year, have opened at a pace not seen restaurants have opened away said retail sales rose 1.1 percent “Holiday sales” include retail holiday sales climbed 5.2 per- in years. While many consumers from the busy Barnes Crossing in September, the largest in- sales logged in November and cent to $453 billion, much bet- – and developers – have been re- shopping district, too, which crease in seven months. December, the two busiest ter than the 0.4 percent decline luctant to pull the trigger on shows a desired diversity, al- So while the economy still has months of the year. logged in 2009. Over the past spending the past couple of ways a good thing. its problems, retail sales seem to With Christmas helping drive decade, holiday sales rose an years, it’s clear there’s some con- But there’s still the underlying be in a good spot for now. shoppers to their stores during average of 2.3 percent. fidence returning to the market. problem of unemployment. In I’m not retail expert, but my those critical two months, re- ShopperTrak expects holiday So what if Books-A-Million Northeast Mississippi, we’ve forecast says it’s partly sunny. tailers ring up 25 percent to 40 sales to pick up 3 percent, less pulled out of its lease here – the been dealing with double-digit 1 percent of their sales for the en- than the 4.1 percent increase it book chain has been suffering jobless rates for more than 2 ⁄2 Contact Business Journal editor tire year. Last year, holiday sales tracked last year. But it also said for years. Having a Barnes & years. Get more of them work- DENNIS SEID at (662) 678-1578 accounted for 19 percent of foot traffic would drop by more Noble a stone’s throw away ing, and you would see more or [email protected]. Document: E002CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:23:45;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 3 Is Tupelo overbuilt? Despite being the retail center of the region, some say the city has too much commercial property

BY DENNIS SEID About 6,000 BUSINESS JOURNAL square feet at The Shoppes TUPELO – The Shoppes at Barnes at Barnes Crossing is ideally situated. Crossing re- The retail center, built in 2004, sits in main unfin- the busy Barnes Crossing shopping dis- ished. The trict off North Gloster Street, where some 76,000- of the heaviest traffic crisscrosses daily. square-foot The plaza is anchored by Bed Bath & Be- retail center yond, Dollar Tree, David’s Bridal and was built in Margarita’s Grill. 2004. But no smaller stores help fill the 76,000-square-foot center. A long row of glass and metal are filled with “space available” signs. A stone’s throw away, King’s Crossing is a 200,000-square-foot retail center an- chored by Kohl’s and Ross Dress for Less. Several smaller stores, including Kirk- land’s and Dress Barn, have helped fill some of the remaining space, which is spread over several buildings. Restau- DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL rants, a tanning salon and an eyecare store are among several other tenants at overbuilt three or four years ago, espe- there’s “plenty of commercial space” The higher leases in the Barnes Cross- the center built in 2007. cially with all the small shops,” he said. available across the city. But he said it ing shopping district also can be prob- But there’s plenty of space available “There aren’t enough stores to absorb it.” only seems overbuilt now because at the lematic. here, too. Norman is representing the undis- time King’s Crossing and The Shoppes at But Norman said developers are more To the east and behind King’s Crossing closed Atlanta-based owners of the Barnes Crossing were built, there ap- willing to back off their rates in order to is Barnes Crossing Plaza, a 157,000- Shoppes at Barnes Crossing, which was peared to be a strong demand. help fill empty spaces – and have done so. square foot center anchored by big retail- auctioned off in September. The good news, he said, is interest ap- “For the most part, rates aren’t a prob- ers like Hobby Lobby, Toys R Us, “We’ve got 4,000 to 6,000 square feet pears to be picking up again. lem,” he said. OfficeMax and TJ Maxx. The story is the that were never finished out.” “There are several regional and na- And just to show that interest is picking same here: More than 12,000 square feet Norman, who is based in Jackson, said tional players looking around” he said. up in Tupelo again, a Tennessee devel- of space is available for lease, as is the for- commercial retail activity has picked up But looking doesn’t necessarily trans- oper recently proposed a new shopping mer Books-A-Million location, which across the state, which could help solve late into leases. center at the Barnes Crossing Road- closed in September. his problem of finding tenants. Just ask V. M. Cleveland, the owner of North Gloster Street intersection. Nearby, the 21-year-old Mall at Barnes “There are a number of new compa- the Tupelo Furniture Market. He bought Called Tupelo Crossing, it would sit at Crossing is faring better. With an occu- nies coming to Mississippi, not necessar- most of the Tupelo Commons develop- the southwest corner of the intersection, pancy rate of more than 90 percent, the ily to Tupelo,” he said. “But there also are ment in 2007, shortly before the recession where the northern loop is being built to 900,000-square foot center has managed a number of retailers looking to add sec- began. The development is home to Best connect the area to Coley Road in west to add several stores in recent years. An- ond locations. They’re looking at West Buy, Ashley Home Furnishings, Hancock Tupelo. chors Belk and JCPenney recently com- Main Street and in some other parts of Fabrics and several popular chain restau- GBT Realty is the company proposing pleted renovations totaling $6.5 million. the city. I’m hoping it will be a good 2012.” rants, but finding additional tenants the nearly 135,000-square-foot center The mall ownership has spent more than Clay Short, of TRI Commercial Realty proved elusive for about three years. that could possibly be anchored by Tar- $13 million to renovate and add stores. in Tupelo, said he’s seen more interest “The bottom pretty much fell out after get. With retail sales hovering around $1.7 south of Highway 78 – which also hap- I bought it and there were times I It’s strictly an idea for now, but having a billion annually, Tupelo and Lee County pens to be south of the Barnes Crossing thought, ‘what was I thinking?’” he said. Target in Tupelo has been a much is a magnet for developers and would-be shopping district. But since July, two hotels have opened sought-after dream by area shoppers. developers who seek to get their piece of Short said many smaller mom-and- in Tupelo Commons. Crossroads Rib Past efforts to bring a Target-anchored the pie. pop operations are looking to avoid the Shack opened last month, and Buffalo retail center have been stopped in their But swaths of empty space across the higher leasing rates in that area. Down- Wild Wings is under construction. tracks over development costs, and city suggest there’s more inventory than town, South Gloster Street and areas on Cleveland said there’s always a need for there’s nothing solid to suggest GBT will needed. West Main Street have strong appeal, he commercial space, but it may not always succeed this time. Lee Norman of the Shopping Center said. be where potential tenants want. If it is, Tupelo Crossing would only add Group, a third-party retail leasing com- Tommy Morgan, whose Coldwell Plus, commercial real estate market ac- to the inventory of available space. pany, said that’s exactly the case. Banker franchise handles residential and tivity all but dried up during the recession “The Barnes Crossing area was just commercial real estate, also said that and is still trying to recover. [email protected] Document: E003CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:24:18;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 4BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2011 Retail starts a slow rebound in Lee County

BY CARLIE KOLLATH | | BUSINESS JOURNAL MISSISSIPPI’S FY 2011 GROSS RETAIL SALES

TUPELO – Retail sales in Lee County grew nearly 4 percent in TOP 10 COUNTIES for gross retail the most recent fiscal year, ac- sales (for FY2011, ended in June) cording to numbers from the state Department of Revenue. The growth is helping the HINDS (Jackson) county offset a loss of nearly 7 $4, 311, 747, 044 percent in fiscal year 2010. Lee County reported gross re- tail sales of $1.75 billion in the state’s fiscal year 2011, which HARRISON (Gulfport, Biloxi) ended in June. The figure is an $3,991,156,554 increase of 3.84 percent from fis- cal year 2010. The increase was welcome news, after Lee County and the state both posted disappointing figures in fiscal year 2010. The The rest of Mississippi gross retail sales across the state RANKIN (Flowood, Brandon) dropped almost 5 percent. In $2,734,202,068 Lee County, retail sales dropped almost 7 percent. The Department of Revenue defines gross retail sales as any- thing reported as taxable. It does DESOTO not include prescriptions or $2,254,889,883 gasoline. The numbers began inching back up last year. Lee County JONES (Laurel) ranked No. 6 in the list of coun- $1,088,510,829 ties with the most retail sales. MADISON Hinds, with sales in Jackson, $1,848,481,135 came in at the top with $4.3 bil- lion in gross retail sales. Harri- son, Rankin, DeSoto, Madison, JACKSON (Ocean Springs, Pascagoula) Jackson, Lauderdale, Forrest LEE $1,694,581,755 and Jones counties rounded out $1,754,405,822 the Top 10 list. LAUDERDALE (Meridian) Lee County remains the dom- $1,407,597,925 inant retail center in Northeast Mississippi, based on retail FORREST (Hattiesburg) sales. Lee came in at the top of $1,357,800,003 the county list with sales of $1.75 billion. Lafayette County was No. 2, with sales of $639.7 mil- lion. | | Benton was at the bottom of NEMS FY 2011 the list with $22 million, but it also recorded the highest per- NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI’S FY 2011 gross retail sales (by county) centage growth – nearly 35 per- Lee $1,754,405,822 cent – in all of Northeast Lafayette $639,740,958 Mississippi. Oktibbeha $579,916,802 Itawamba posted the biggest Alcorn $530,765,038 decline of 4.55 percent on gross Union $309,908,570 retail sales of $155.27 million, Monroe $290,324,377 according to the Department of Pontotoc $232,804,307 Revenue. Prentiss $232,723,414 In Lee County, Tupelo is the Marshall $205,057,030 heavy lifter with retail sales. The Clay $196,914,170 sales translate to added income Itawamba $155,271,728 for the city. According to City Tippah $149,636,990 Clerk Kim Hanna, Tupelo re- Tishomingo $139,707,652 ceived $16,919,191 sales tax in- Chickasaw $138,551,641 come in fiscal year 2011, which Calhoun $100,843,487 Benton $22,428,886 TURN TO RETAIL, 5 SOURCE: Mississippi Department of Revenue Document: E004CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:24:28;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 5 Retailers gearing up for holiday sales

BUSINESS JOURNAL AND WIRE REPORTS they hired in 2010. cause many have higher rent, Retail employment grew by energy and wholesale costs, Some stores in Northeast Mis- 627,000 jobs from October Challenger said. sissippi are more optimistic through December in 2010, Best Buy said it planned to about holiday hiring than their Challenger said. That was up 27 hire about 15,000 seasonal national counterparts. percent from 2009 and nearly workers nationwide, about half Reed’s, the 106-year-old Tu- double the 26-year low set in of what it did last year. pelo-based department store, the midst of the recession in TJ Maxx Inc. (TJ Maxx, Mar- will hire about 15 additional 2008, when only 231,000 were shall’s) and Sears Holding workers for the holiday season hired for the season. Group Inc. (Sears, Kmart) said at its stores downtown and at “It would be surprising if hol- they plan to hire around the The Mall at Barnes Crossing. iday hiring exceeded last year’s same amount of seasonal work- Clyde Biddle, Reed’s chief fi- level,” said John Challenger, the ers as last year. nancial officer, said many have company’s CEO. Overall, retailers are heading been hired already. Challenger said holiday hir- into the holiday season with “Sales have been up this year ing would not reach pre-reces- about 160,000 more workers for us, and we’re seeing an in- sion levels, which averaged than last year. And not all sea- crease on the weekends,” he said. around 720,000 additional sonal positions end up being The company’s other stores workers. temporary. Nearly 10 percent of in Columbus and Starkville also DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL | FILE In another survey, Snagajob, the 2010 holiday workforce is expect to bump up its holiday Shoppers lined the street and sidewalk as they waited for the a search site that focuses on still employed at Toys R Us, said staff, Biddle said. doors of Toys R Us to open for last year’s Black Friday shopping. hourly jobs, calls its holiday Katie Reczek, Toys R Us spokes- At JCPenney at the mall, Two hours before the store opened, the line had stretched to Of- forecast the best it has seen in woman. manager Al Cox said he expects fice Max. the last four seasons. More than Even with a tepid hiring fore- to hire 20 to 25 seasonal work- half of managers (51 percent) cast, Challenger said applicants ers. mates retail directly employs sales to rise 3 percent, as does tasked with hiring seasonal should not be overly discour- Another mall anchor, Belk, more than 250,000 people in the International Council of workers for the holidays said aged because retail has some of has added 30 more workers for Mississippi and support more Shopping Centers. they’ll be hiring this year, up the highest turnover rates of its two stores. than 346,000 jobs overall. So how will that impact hiring from 43 percent in 2008. any industry. According to the National Re- With the holiday shopping for the holidays? Most retailers, from grocery “You may walk into a store tail Federation, retail directly season starting in earnest, those Outplacement consulting stores to toy-selling giants such one day and they are not hir- and indirectly supports one of numbers should be rising. company Challenger, Gray & as Toys R Us and Walmart, have ing,” said Challenger. “Walk in four jobs in Mississippi. Based The NRF projects holiday Christmas said retailers were part-time options available. But the next day, and they may on information from a PriceWa- sales to increase about 2.8 per- likely to hire the same or possi- they lack the incentive to add have had an employee quit terhouse study, the NRF esti- cent. ShopperTrak projects bly fewer seasonal workers as higher numbers of workers be- and plan to replace him.” Retail: Tupelo’s share of the retail tax has grown about $9M since 1992 FROM PAGE 4 | SALES TAX COLLECTIONS IN TUPELO | is from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 for the city. She said the city keeps 18.5 20 percent of sale tax collected in- 17.05 side the city limits. The state 16.47 16.46 keeps the rest. Tupelo’s collections are up 16.92 14.39 14.46 16.78 about $9 million since 1992, 15 15.52 16.09 which the city received $7.97 13.32 15.04 million. The collections slowly 11.93 14.15 14.34 crept up over the years, reaching 11.33 a peak in FY 2008 of $17.05 mil- 12.69 lion. 11.92 Collections slipped to $16.09 10 million in FY 2009, but they have 10.55 THE CITY OF TUPELO gets 18.5 percent of all taxable items sold in the city limits, includ- been gaining ground the past 9.44 ing vehicles, food, merchandise and services. The state keeps the rest of the money. two fiscal years. The city’s sales tax money goes into the general fund. Additional taxes are collected for So far, sales in Lee County this water and tourism. 7.97 fiscal year are slightly below last The numbers in this graph are the city’s share of the collections during its fiscal years of year’s mark. For August and Sep- 1992-2011, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30., in millions of dollars. CITY’S SHARE, IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS 5 tember, the county’s gross retail sales were down 0.44 percent. Statewide, gross retail sales were down 7.67 percent for the same time period. FISCAL ’92 ’94 ’96 ’98 ’00 ’02 ’04 ’06 ’08 ’10 [email protected] YEAR Document: E005CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:24:37;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 6BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2011

| OPEN FOR BUSINESS |

JMT Consulting opens, visit www.face book.com/jmtconsulting. register. for everyday meals, recipes and serving It charges 45 cents and ounce. suggestions. offers PR services Downtown tea room For more information about Tastefully TUPELO – JMT Consulting, a public Tutti Frutti opens location Simple products, taste-testing parties relations firm, has opened in Gloster now open in Tupelo or starting your own Tastefully Simple Creek Village. The Tea for T’Arts Tearoom is now in Mall at Barnes Crossing business, contact Jamie Burton at Owned by Michael Tonos, former open inside His Hers Antiques & Col- TUPELO – Tutti Frutti has opened in [email protected]. managing editor of the Northeast Mis- lectibles. The Mall at Barnes Crossing. sissippi Daily Journal, JMT Consulting The business is located at 307 W. Main The frozen yogurt shop is in the food Pizza Circus now open offers a variety of public relations serv- St. in Tupelo. court. It’s in the spot previously occu- ices, including media relations, strategic The phone number is (662) 269-2108. pied by Cancun Express. across from Ripley High planning, training and freelance writing The tea room offers savory and sweet Tutti Frutti will be open during regu- RIPLEY – The Pizza Circus is open at and editing. sandwiches and tarts from 11 a.m. to lar mall hours, according to mall man- 708 City Ave. in Ripley. Tonos formed JMT Consulting in 2000 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. agement. It is next door to the China Kitchen in Gulfport after serving as executive ed- The business has a private room to This is Tupelo’s second Tutti Frutti lo- and across from Ripley High School. itor of the Sun Herald newspaper. accommodate groups. cation. The first one is on North Gloster The restaurant features a daily buffet Among his clients were DuPont, the Mis- Street in the Crye-Leike Plaza. Bruce with 12 different pizzas, bread sticks, sissippi Contract Procurement Center New frozen yogurt store Patel’s company owns both locations. calzones, dessert pizzas and salad. and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association. Items also can be ordered off the menu. He also was editorial coordinator for the open in King’s Crossing Burton is consultant The night-time pizza includes pasta Journal of South Mississippi Business TUPELO – Extreme Yogurt has dishes. until moving opened next to Mt. Fuji in the King’s for Tastefully Simple Pizza Circusalso has cotton candy, to Tupelo in 2003. Crossing shopping center. TUPELO – Jamie Burton has become cookies, cinnamon rolls and video Tonos, a native of Greenville, also has Marcus Harris is the owner of the Tu- an independent consultant with Taste- games. worked for the Vicksburg Post and pelo business. He also owns Extreme fully Simple Inc., a national direct sales It is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for taught as an adjunct professor at Tulane Heat Tanning, which is next door. company featuring more than 60 foods. lunch and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for dinner. University’s Biloxi campus. The store is set up with self-serve As an independent business owner, For more information, call (662) 837- For more on JMT Consulting, visit frozen yogurt containers in the back Burton offers food samples at home 4400. www.jmtpr.com, call (662) 322-9399, or and toppings dispensers closer to the taste-testing parties, along with ideas Daily Journal reports Document: E006CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:24:50;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 7 Document: E007CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:25:09;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 8BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2011 ‘What’s the big idea?’

his was a question asked again and as a company that again by advertising legend Leo sold good-tasting Burnett, who was one to buck tuna, not tuna with Ttrends. He opened his agency, Leo good taste. Sorry, When creating marketing messages, you must work Burnett Co., in Chicago when the big Charlie. Anyone players were in New York. However, he born after 1985 can to avoid the mundane. Again, I’m not saying that you have to never bucked his own trend of trying to search YouTube for get to the “Big Idea.” “Charlie Tuna” to get have characters or gimmicks. Your offer must stand out. And just what is the big idea? The big the reference. idea is the core of a marketing message. You don’t have to When you boil everything else away Marketing have an animated from a company, what will make a con- mascot to be sumer use its product and/or services? Matters unique, but you do When creating marketing messages, Find a page with several ads grouped to- Another advertising great, David Ogilvy, have to find a way to you must work to avoid the mundane. gether. Look at these ads and try to find called it the “unique selling proposi- JOSH stand out. I passed a Again, I’m not saying that you have to one that stands out. Why does this ad tion.” MABUS local restaurant that have characters or gimmicks. Your offer stand out among the others? Is it written When features, benefits, wording and has a large, expen- must stand out. My term for the big idea better? Is the layout and design better? layout were being discussed and ar- sive sign with a mes- is “key benefit” and my method for de- Are the photographs more appealing? gued, Burnett was notorious to cut to sage board that said, termining this can be found in the May There are several factors than can make the heart of the matter and ask, “What’s “We now have chips & bottle water.” issue of the Northeast Mississippi Busi- an ad stand out, but the most failsafe is a the big idea?” This dedication to deter- I must admit, I don’t know how many ness Journal. strategically focused benefit statement. mining and sometimes creating the previous requests this restaurant had for How big is your idea? How unique is Determine what the “big idea” is unique element is what helped his com- chips and water, but I do know they your proposition? These are questions about your business and be sure to tout pany build some of the biggest brands have a lot more to offer. Someone spent you must ask yourself when you look at it everywhere. in the world. time in the summer heat putting up a your own advertising. Is your message This vision gave Minnesota Valley sign that didn’t embody anything that “just another message” or will it stand JOSH MABUS is the owner of the Mabus Agency, Canning Company a mascot that later almost all other restaurants offer. You out next to the competition? an advertising and marketing agency in Tupelo. became the brand – the Jolly Green have to realize that all ad space is valu- A good exercise to review a copy of the Contact him at (662) 823-2100 Giant. Burnett helped position StarKist able and all messages are critical. Business Journal or the Daily Journal. or [email protected]. MuMurphreerphree

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www.murphreepaving.com           Document: E008CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:21:16;JPC 72 DPI A CDF ChamberConnection

A publication of Journal Publishing and the CDF Chamber Division – November 2011 35th Annual Industry Education Day held 600 area teachers & administrators participate in annual event

The 35th Annual Industry Education determining the relevance of curriculum Day event was held at Tupelo High and assessment to real-world situations. School’s Performing Arts Center October Dr. Daggett’s Rigor/Relevance Frame- 26. Educators in grades six through work has become a cornerstone of many twelve in the Tupelo and Lee County school reform efforts throughout the school districts attended the event, head- United States. lined by keynote speaker, Dr. Willard R. “We were very excited to bring Dr. Daggett, Ed.D., CEO of the International Daggett to Tupelo for Industry Education Center for Leadership in Education. Day,” said Todd Beadles, vice president Dr. Daggett is recognized throughout of workforce development for the Com- the world for his proven ability to move munity Development Foundation. “His education systems towards more rigor- message to our area educators was ous and relevant skills and knowledge for strong and it is our hope that each all students. He has assisted a number of teacher present took something away states and hundreds of school districts from Dr. Daggett’s talk that will help with their school improvement initia- them educate the future workforce of tives, many in response to No Child Left our community.” Behind and its demanding adequate The purpose of Industry Education yearly progress (AYP) provisions. Dr. Day is to bring together area educators Daggett has also collaborated with edu- and industrialists, to promote coopera- cation ministries in several countries and tion and collaboration, to enhance job with the Council of Chief State School Of- opportunities for future employees, and ficers, the Bill & Melinda Gates Founda- to improve the overall economic climate tion, the National Governors Association, of the region. Industry Education Day is and many other national organizations. considered to be an in-service training He is the creator of the Application Model for participating teachers and is spon- and Rigor/Relevance Framework, a prac- sored by area industries and the Commu- tical planning and instructional tool for nity Development Foundation. SPONSORS DOCTORATE LEVEL: MASTERS LEVEL: Bauhaus USA Central Service Association Cooper Tire & Rubber Honey Baked Ham Company JESCO, Inc. Corbett Legge & Associates, PLLC BACHELOR LEVEL: ESG Operations B&B Concrete Itawamba Community BancorpSouth College Hunter Douglas MTD Products, Inc. Pepsi Beverages Company North Mississippi Health Services ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Renasant Bank HM Richards, Inc. Tecumseh Products Co. Savings Oil Company. Tupelo Recycling

Dr. Bill Daggett is pictured speaking to over 600 educators at the 35th Annual Industry Ed- ucation Day event. Document: E009CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:21:28;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 10 CHAMBER CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2011

Chamber focus New CDF Members Big Brothers Big Sisters JMT Consulting Dear Friends: categories offered special dis- Ms. Sarah Davis Mr.Michael Tonos As Member Appreciation Week draws to a counts. Member businesses 213 W Main St., Ste. 200 499 Gloster Creek Vlg., Ste. F9 close, let me take this opportunity to once and their employees are given Tupelo, MS 38804 Tupelo, MS 38801 again thank our nearly 1,300 members for in- key tags that show they are eli- (662) 687-1532 (662) 322-9399 Organizations vesting in CDF. We appreciate you and are gible to receive the Chamber- Consulting here to serve you. Your Chamber team pro- Advantage discounts. Please Bolton Janitorial People Link Staffing vides development seminars, networking op- visit www.cdfms.org/cham- Mr.Terrance Bolton Ms. Renee Sappington 1 portunities, community leadership programs, beradvantage and review the P.O. Box 272 2436 ⁄2 W Main St., Ste. A publicity for your business, and much more. Green discounts that began Novem- Baldwyn, MS 38824 Tupelo, MS 38801 Please give us a call to let us know how we can ber 1. By participating and (662) 808-0278 (662) 680-7200 help your business grow. taking advantage of the discounts, members Janitorial Employment Agencies The current class of the Jim Ingram Commu- will realize a quick return on their CDF mem- Dennen Steel Corp. Subway nity Leadership Institute recently completed bership investment. To enlist your business, or Ms. Debra Smale their opening retreat at Whispering Woods Con- if you have any questions, please contact Emily Mr.Nick Patel P.O. Box 3200 2270 W Main St. ference Center and Hotel in Olive Branch. Facili- Addison at [email protected]. Grand Rapids, MI 49501 Tupelo, MS 38801 tators for the session were J. Mac Holladay, As we approach this season of thanksgiving, (616) 785-8350 (662) 680-4828 founder and CEO of Market Street; Phil Hard- we remain thankful to you, our members, and Manufacturers & Distributors Restaurants & Catering wick with the Stennis Institute; David Rum- are reminded of how blessed we are to be a part barger, CEO of CDF; and Mike Clayborne, of such a vibrant and progressive community. Don Julio Tex-Mex Restaurant The UPS Store Mr.Rafael Mendoza Ms. Monica Jones president of CREATE Foundation. The Novem- Best wishes to you and your family for a happy, 837 Kings Crossing Dr., Ste. 12 1020 N Gloster St. ber session is focused on Education and will be safe, and joyous Thanksgiving holiday. Tupelo, MS 38804 Tupelo, MS 38804 held November 10. (662) 840-1740 This week begins the third year for our Cham- Restaurants & Catering (662) 840-7222 berAdvantage affinity program. The program is Mailing Services designed to encourage CDF members to do Elite Medical, LLC Dr.Anne Haire Wild Hogs Biker Gear business with other CDF members by offering Mr.Cody Bullock special discounts on products and services over 2633 Traceland Dr. Tupelo, MS 38801 1001 Barnes Crossing Rd., Box 155 and above what they offer to the general public. Vice President (662) 205-4652 Tupelo, MS 38804 Last year, 160 of our members representing 55 Chamber of Commerce Health Care (662) 680-8645 Retail & Specialty Shops Employment Plus Ms. Denise Webb Community Development Foundation’s 140 S Industrial Rd. Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 844-2250 Board of Directors for 2011-2012 Employment Agencies CDF is governed by a 61-member Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is composed of the CDF Officers and eleven additional members of the Board. CDF’s goals and objectives are accomplished through the efforts of members appointed to committees operating under 2011-2012 Ambassador’s Club one of CDF’s three divisions: Chamber Division, Economic Development Division, and Planning Ms.Beverly Bedford ...... Honda of Tupelo and Property Management Division. Mr.Richard Carleton ...... Mall at Barnes Crossing Ms. Rhonda Chrestman...... Snelling Staffing Ms. Jan Collins...... N.E.W. Ms. Molly Crews...... Express Employment Professionals 2011-2012 Executive Committee Ms. Kim Crump...... LIFT,Inc. Ms. Shirley Curry...... Crye-Leike Ms. Sheila Davis ...... PPI, Inc. David Irwin, Chairman Steve Altmiller Robin McGraw Ms. Danielle Del Grande ...... Comfort Suites & Best Western David Copenhaver, First Vice Chairman Bernard Bean Guy Mitchell Ms. Karen Dickey...... Community Bank Chauncey Godwin, Second Vice Chairman Sue Gardner Aubrey Patterson Ms. Cheryl Foster ...... Wingate by Windham David Rumbarger, President/Secretary Shane Hooper Jane Spain Ms. Shanelle Gardner ...... BancorpSouth Mr.John Hamlin ...... The McCarty Company - Construction Group, Inc. Billy Crews, Past Chairman Octavius Ivy Buddy Stubbs Mr.Toby Hedges ...... Shelter Insurance Pat Jodon Ms. Dee Hooper...... The Hannahouse Adult Daycare Ms. Christy Hurt ...... The Nowell Agency 2011-2012 Board of Directors Ms. Carman Jones ...... BancorpSouth Ms. Melonie Kight...... AdvanceStaff, Inc. Mike Armour Jimmy Long Eddie Richey Ms. Vivian Lee ...... Weezie's Deli Jim Beane Neal McCoy Cathy Robertson Ms. Dianne Loden ...... Trustmark Bank Ronnie Bell Mr.Tim Long...... C Spire Glenn McCullough Drew Robertson Ms. Bea Luckett ...... TRI, Inc. Realtors Bo Calhoun Robin McGraw Ty Robinson Mr.Ben Martin ...... RE/Max Associates Realty Gary Carnathan Joe McKinney Chris Rogers Mr.Brad McCully ...... Sportsman Lawn & Landscape Ms. Katie McMillan...... Key Staff Source Mike Clayborne David Meadows Mike Scott V. M. Cleveland Mr.Bill McNutt...... WLM Insurance, LLC - Aflac Paul “Buzzy” Mize Ellen Short Ms. Andrea Mobley ...... SRG David Cole Mabel Murphree Bobby Smith Ms. Haley Monaghan ...... Alliance Collection Service, Inc. Clay Foster Ms. Carolyn Moss...... Comfort Inn Tom Foy Clarence Parks Jeff Snyder Mr.Joe Nobles ...... URBan Radio Broadcoasting Linda Gholston Jim Pate Kiyoshi Tsuchiya Mr.Ricky Orr ...... M&F Bank Greg Pirkle Brent Waldrop Mr.Allen Pegues ...... Premium Video Productions Bryan Hawkins Ms. Kara Penny...... Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau Lisa Hawkins Fred Pitts Mitch Waycaster Mr.Carl Renfroe...... Renfroe Homebuilders Frank Hodges Jack Reed, Jr. Al Wiygul Ms. Amy Richey ...... Amedisys Hospice Trentice Imbler Scott Reed Mr.Greg Thames ...... Trustmark Bank Ms. Mary Sue Tudor ...... Lamar Advertising Jamie Kennedy Rob Rice Mr.Cole Wiygul...... Independent Furniture Supply Document: E010CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:21:36;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 CHAMBER CONNECTION PAGE 11 Tupelo Academy of Cosmetology offers education today for a beautiful tomorrow

In 2002, Kathy Tollison started the TAC is open to the public, offering all Corinth Academy of Cosmetology, en- of the services of a full-service salon and abling students interested in pursuing a spa. From hair care, waxing, and spray career in cosmetology to participate in tans, to spa manicures and pedicures, classroom instruction and gain valuable customers can choose from a list of serv- real life experience. It quickly became ices provided by the cosmetology stu- apparent that a branch location was dents, at reduced prices. Because needed to assist even more students in Tollison and her students attend many meeting their career goals. Tollison of the national hair shows, they are able began to look for a place in the North- to offer the latest services in hair and east Mississippi region that was experi- nail technology. encing growth, but also had a true “Whatever is coming out, we are community feel. In June of 2011, Tupelo doing it,” said Tollison. Academy of Cosmetology (TAC) opened One visit to TAC will confirm Tollison’s offering students education today for a passion for her business and the im- beautiful tomorrow. mense love she has for her students. “We looked for a community that was- Cosmetology is a fast-growing profes- n’t too big or too small, but one that was sion in America, and Tollison is helping experiencing growth,” said Tollison. “I create jobs by highly training cosmetol- absolutely love it here in Tupelo. There ogists, completely preparing them for is a community feel, but this place is the real world that lies ahead. With the growing. There is always something mantra “offering education today for a going on and people truly care about Holly McNutt observes as TAC instructor Telicia Braddock practices on Lydia Dulaney. beautiful tomorrow,” Kathy Tollison’s fu- other people here.” ture is stunning. While Tollison has been overwhelmed our students,” said Tollison. “We always has garnered jewelry, gifts, clothes, hair Tupelo Academy of Cosmetology is lo- by the support received from the City of put the student first and help them in products, colognes, a myriad of restau- cated at 205 Commerce Street in Down- Tupelo, CDF’s Chamber of Commerce anyway that we can. We strive to teach rant gift certificates, and more, all do- town Tupelo, and can be reached at division, and others, she will tell you that our students in the best way possible, nated from businesses from Corinth to (662) 840-3131. Tupelo Academy of Cos- it is all about her students. She offers a using high-tech training.” Tupelo and everywhere in between. All metology is open to the public Tuesday 1,500-hour program in cosmetology, as The latest way that Tollison is reach- of these items are put together in a bas- and Thursday from 12:00 noon to 10:00 well as 750 and 2,000-hour programs for ing out to help her students, is through ket, with chances to win sold for $3 or p.m., Wednesday from 12:00 noon to cosmetology instructors. “The Fabulous Basket.” In order to help four chances for $10. The drawing will 5:00 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 “I love my business, and one thing fund scholarships for continuing educa- be held December 10 and tickets may be p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to that has really helped us is our love for tion for several TAC students, Tollison purchased at TAC. 3:00 p.m. THE WHIMSEY WINE & WHISKEY BAR KELLY SERVICES

A ribbon cutting ceremony was recently held at Kelly Services, in celebration of To celebrate the opening of The Whimsey Wine & Whiskey Bar in Downtown Tu- 25 years of meeting Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi’s workforce needs by bring- pelo, a ribbon cutting was held. The Whimsey is part of Nautical Whimsey Italian ing together companies and the best employees for Northeast Mississippi’s di- Bistro, opened and operated by Amanda Knuckles. Surrounded by friends, em- verse job market. With the help of Councilman Mike Bryan, Andy Dechira, interim ployees, and CDF Ambassadors, Knuckles and Councilman Fred Pitts officially district manager for Kelly Services, officially cut the ribbon. Kelly Services is lo- opened the bar by cutting a ribbon. Nautical Whimsey is located at 210 W Main cated at 100 Parkgate Ext., Ste. A 1-B in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 842- St., Ste 103 in Tupelo and can be reached at (662) 842-7171. 9602. For more information on Kelly Services, visit www.kellyservices.com. Document: E011CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:21:46;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 12 CHAMBER CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2011 REED’S 106TH ANNIVERSARY SAVE THE DATE 2012 Business to Business Connection and Taste of Tupelo

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2011 BANCORPSOUTH ARENA 375 EAST MAIN STREET TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI

Reed’s recently celebrated its 106th anniversary with the Grand Opening of their newly renovated and expanded Mall at Barnes Crossing Store – featuring Mississippi’s first The North Face Concept Shop. Members of the Reed family, CDF Ambassadors, employees, and excited customers participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Reed’s is located inside the Mall at Barnes Crossing, and can be reached at (662) 842-5287. For more information, visit their website at www.reedsms.com.

“Serving NorthMississippi Since 1949”

WE REVOLVE AROUND YOU We service Apple® products Residential •Commercial •Industrial Authorized ServiceProvider B&B CONCRETE CO.,INC. 662.844.6991 WEST MAIN SHOPPING CENTER •TUPELO, MS 130 N. Industrial Rd. •Tupelo, MS 38802 THEUNIVERSEHASAPPLE.COM 842-6312 •Dispatch: 842-6313 •Fax: 842-6327 Apple and the Apple logo aretrademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

[email protected] ©DailyJournal-09 Document: E012CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:21:58;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 CHAMBER CONNECTION PAGE 13

BELK REMODELING Join us for the To celebrate the completion of the remodeling of their store November TYP located inside the Mall at Barnes Crossing, Belk held a event at ribbon cutting. At the celebra- tion gift cards were given to the first 700 guests who vis- ited the retail location and Belk presented the Tupelo- Lee Humane Society with a $5,000 donation. Joel McKin- ley, Belk storemanager, cut Thursday, November 17 the ribbon with the help of 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Mayor Jack Reed, Jr., officially opening the newly remodeled 122 W Main St. store. Belk is located at 1001 Barnes Crossing Rd. in Tu- Please RSVP to pelo, and can be reached at (662) 690-6334. For more in- [email protected] formation, visit their website For more information at www.belk.com. please visit the TYP website at MOBILITY MEDICAL www.typs.biz or contact the CDF Office Mobility Medical specializes in custom pediatric and adult at (662) 842-4521. rehab equipment, power wheelchairs, manual wheel- chairs, walkers, canes, crutches, hospital beds, and more. With the help of mem- bers of the CDF Ambas- sador’s Club and Councilman Markel Whittington, Ramey House cut the official ribbon. Mobility Medial is located at Watch the latest edition of 609 S Gloster St. in Tupelo, and can be reached at (662) CDF "THREADS," a monthly 844-9212. For more informa- tion, visit their website at 30-minute TV show that airs www.mobilitymedicalinc.com. the fourth Saturday of each month on WTVA at 5:00 p.m. The show features news about economic OCTOBER FIRST FRIDAY development activity and Cam Sholly, superintendent of the Natchez Trace Park- chamber of commerce way spoke at the October First Friday networking events. The October show, breakfast. During the pro- gram, he presented a photo featuring information on of the Natchez Trace Park- way to Harry Martin, CDF your Chamber of Commerce, CEO from 1956-2000, and Dr. David Irwin, CDF chair- can be viewed at man. www.cdfms.tv Document: E013CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:22:06;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 14 CHAMBER CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2011

EMPLOYMENT PLUS Employment Plus, a human The CDF resource solutions firm headquartered in Blooming- Business ton, Indiana, celebrated its 17 year anniversary in Febru- Roundtable ary 2010. In addition to staffing services, Employ- will meet ment Plus provides Techni- cal Recruiting, Coaching and Wednesday, Training, Assessments and Screening, Safety Tools and Supplies, and HR Admin November 16 Support. They will host an open house at their new lo- at 4:00 p.m. cation Monday, November 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the CDF Employment Plus is located at 140 S Industrial Rd. in Tu- Boardroom. pelo and can be reached at (662) 844-2250. For more in- formation, visit www.employmentplus.com. For more information During this time of giving thanks, your Chamber or to appear on the agenda, of Commerce is thankful for our members. please contact Emily Addison Happy Thanksgiving from the staff of the at (662) 842-4521 or Community Development Foundation. [email protected]. Document: E014CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:26:15;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 CHAMBER CONNECTION PAGE 15

MIDDLETON LAW OFFICE MARK YOUR CALENDAR

First Friday Middleton Law Office provides representation with bankruptcy, divorce, child custody, adoption, wills, and other matters. Lo- cated on West Main Street, they offer convenient and confidential consultations. Dalton Middleton cut the ribbon in the pres- ence of his family, friends, CDF Ambassadors, and Councilman Willie Jennings. Middleton Law Office is located at 2604 W Main December 2 St., Ste. C in Tupelo, and can be reached at (662) 205-4749. For more information, visit www.mlawms.com. MISSISSIPPI HILLS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA EXHIBIT CENTER Speaker: Ms. Meri Armour President LeBonheur Children’s Hospital

Sponsors: Computer Universe

The Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area Exhibit Center opened in the Renasant Center for IDEAs with a ribbon cutting cer- emony. Located in the former restaurant space of the business incubator, the Center features exhibits depicting the commu- nities within the Mississippi Hills National Heritage area. Mississippi Development Authority’s Director of Tourism, Mary Beth Wilkerson, cut the ribbon for the center. Other special guests participating in the event included Senator Nancy Adams Collins, Natchez Trace Superintendent Cam Sholly, and Mayor Jack Reed, Jr. The Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area Exhibit Cen- ter is located at 398 E Main St. in Downtown Tupelo, and can be reached at (662) 844-1276. For more information, visit their website at www.mshills.org. J.C. PENNEY

JC Penney unveiled its newly reno- vated store at 1001 Barnes Cross- ing Rd. with a ribbon cutting ceremony October 28. After an over $1.5 million renovation, the store has the look and feel of a new JC Penney store, highlighting jcpen- ney’s most innovative new brands and concepts including their newest brands Call It Spring by Aldo® and MNG by Mango®. The Tupelo store is one of 69 JC Penney stores undergoing a storewide ren- The Mall at Barnes Crossing ovation this year as part of the Food Court 7:00 a.m. company’s ongoing transformation Continental breakfast will be into a destination for great style. JC Penney is located inside the Mall at served. Barnes Crossing and can be reached at (662) 844-2660. For For more information, more information, visit their website call: 662.842.4521 at www.jcpenney.com. Document: E015CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:22:14;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 16 CHAMBER CONNECTION NOVEMBER 2011 Document: E016CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:22:17;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 17

It’s always the best technology that rules | BUSINESS REWIND | Tupelo airport looking for input ccording to the current adver- perts were adamant Here’s how it works: The “manufac- tisements of a certain wireless that IBM did not turer,” if you want to call him that, fills a on commercial airline service provider, “The business with the have the best tech- one-liter soft-drink bottle with purified Tupelo Regional Airport officials are re- Abest technology rules.” nology. Rather, IBM water and adds a small amount of chlo- viewing two bids from airlines hoping to On the surface, such statements had the best mar- rine bleach to prevent the growth of provide air service Tupelo, and they’re ask- seem to have some substance, but keting of technol- algae. He squeezes the bottle into a ing for the public’s opinion. The airport’s when I examine them in more detail, I ogy.I agree with this tight hole that has been cut in a small website, flytupelo.com, has a survey. find fluff. position, because I square of tin and seals the joint with Airport and city leaders will meet with When I think of “the best technology,” worked on both caulk. Air Choice One and SeaPort Airlines on I think first of IBM. A recent article at IBM and non-IBM The installer cuts a hole slightly larger Nov. 9, when they’ll listen the compa- forbes.com points out that for the past Tech computers in those than the bottle in the tin roof of a nies’ plans to replace Delta Air LInes. 18 years, IBM has been granted more days. house, lays the square of tin over the Both airlines are offering service on U.S. patents than any other company. Talk Maybe we need to hole so that the bottom of the bottle nine-passenger Cessna Grand Caravan In 2010, IBM received 5,896 U.S. look elsewhere to hangs into the room below, then caulks single-engine planes. patents, and before that, no company TED find “the best tech- around the square of tin to keep rain In one of its two-year proposals, Sea- had ever received as many as 5,000 HOLT nology.” I suggest from pouring through the roof. Port is offering 18 weekly flights to patents in one year. we look to the Sunlight hits the top of the bottle, Memphis and 26 weekly flights to Nevertheless, while IBM does make a Philippines, where travels through the water and into the Nashville for more than $2.64 million lot of money from sales of hardware Illac Diaz’s MyShel- room below, giving 55 watts of illumi- in its first year of operation and more and software, neither of these patent- ter Foundation has been changing lives nation to the occupants of the house. than $2.67 million its second year. centric revenue sources could be con- with solar bottle bulbs. In case you’re So what’s the best technology? I say In its other proposal, SeaPort would sidered IBM’s bread and butter. IBM’s not familiar with this “technology,” let the best technology is that which im- provide 19 flights to Memphis, 19 to software segment accounts for 23 per- me fill you in. proves the lives of people. In the case of Nashville and 21 to New Orleans. In this cent of revenue, and the systems and In the Philippines, many people live impoverished Filipinos, repurposed proposal, the flights to the Crescent City technology segment only 18 percent. in cinder-block shanties with roofs of disposable soda-pop bottles are better would make a stop in Hattiesburg. The The biggest part of IBM’s revenue – 57 corrugated tin. These dwellings often technology than all of IBM’s patents. bid also is contingent upon the U.S. De- percent – comes from Global Services, have no windows, and so they are very partment of Transportation selecting IBM’s consulting division. As strange as dark inside, even in the daytime. Using TED HOLT is president of BINaRE, a Tupelo- SeaPort to provide service in Hattiesburg. it sounds, the manufacturing of com- an idea developed by students from the based organization of professionals interested in Air Choice One’s two-year bid pro- puters has been a sideline business for Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the application of technology to the workplace. poses 52 weekly flights, all to Memphis, IBM since Louis Gerstner became CEO. many Filipinos now have free daytime BINaRE welcomes new members. For more in- for more than $2.3 million annually. Even before Gerstner, industry ex- lighting. formation, visit www.binare.org. Daily Journal reports

Come See Our NEW The North Face Concept Store at the Mall at Barnes Crossing!

Historic Downtown Tupelo • 842-6453 Mall at Barnes Crossing • 842-5287 www.reedsms.com Document: E017CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:22:34;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 18 BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2011

| BRIEFING | | BUSINESS REWIND |

MEC progress tour to make SBA seeking nominations for Toyota line-off ceremony $11.9 million, or 14 cents a share. That’s a 6 percent increase compared to the several stops in the region business person, champ awards to mark start of plant $11.3 million, or 13 cents a share, it JACKSON – The Mississippi Eco- JACKSON – The U.S. Small Business BLUE SPRINGS -A line-off ceremony earned in the third quarter of 2010. nomic Conference Progress Tour, fea- Administration is seeking nominations marking the first Mississippi-built At the end of the quarter, total assets turing the latest on Blueprint for the 2012 Mississippi Small Busi- Corolla will be Nov. 17. were $13.2 billion. Total deposits were Mississippi 2011, will be held in 12 ness Person of the Year and Small The event, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is $11.1 billion. Loans and leases, net of cities throughout Mississippi during Business Champion awards. for invited guests only at the plant. A unearned income, were $9.1 billion. November and December. National Small Business Week will special public celebration will be held The Progress Tour, sponsored by Blue be observed May 20–26, in Washing- the next day in Tupelo. TRA completes land sale Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, will ton, D.C. Guests will be shuttled to the plant take a closer look at the Blueprint Mis- The 2012 Mississippi Small Busi- from the Tupelo Furniture Market, start- for restaurant in Fairpark sissippi priority goals and recommen- ness Person of the Year will attend the ing promptly at 11 a.m., with check-in TUPELO –Fairpark developers have dations, which were released Oct. 13. national celebration to compete for starting at 10 a.m., according to the invi- completed their first land sale in two years. The tour also will seek feedback from the National Small Business Person of tation. No vehicles will be allowed to The Tupelo Redevelopment Agency has business and community leaders before the Year award. park at the plant. signed a sales contract with Slow’s Eater- the release of the final report Jan. 5. Small Business Champions of the Production of the Corolla sedan ies, which plans to build a restaurant next Blueprint Mississippi is a $1.25 mil- Year award categories are for those began in earnest last month, and the to the Renasant Center for IDEAs. lion research project funded by the pri- who promote small business, includ- Nov. 17 ceremony will mark the official Franchisees with Oby’s previously vate sector and coordinated through ing volunteering time and services to roll-off of the plant’s first vehicle. owned the lot, which faces Main Street. the Mississippi Economic Council, small business interests and groups. Earlier last month, Toyota closed the TRA bought the land back nearly two Mississippi Partnership for Economic Champions may or may not be small application process for production years ago from Oby’s for $265,800 after Development and Momentum Missis- business owners. workers, after having identified the ap- the franchisees didn’t develop it. sippi. A list of categories, nomination plicants it planned to bring aboard the The TRA board last month agreed to There is no cost to attend. All meetings form, guidelines and information for Blue Springs plant. sell the land to Slow’s Eateries for will be held from 11:30 a.m.- to 1 p.m. each and other awards is available on $230,000. Slow’s Eateries is owned by The tour will be in Northeast Missis- the SBA Mississippi website at Hancock Fabrics names Johnny Robbins, owner of Papa V’s in sippi in December at these locations: www.sba.gov/ms under “What’s Fairpark, and his brother, Ben. • Tupelo - Dec. 2, with Kiwanis at the New.”Acompleted nomination Morgan president, CEO Robbins said the proposed business Summit Center. package must be received at the BALDWYN – Baldwyn-based Hancock will be a sit-down, casual restaurant • Starkville – Dec. 12 with Rotary. SBA’s Gulfport Branch office before Fabrics named Steven R. Morgan its with a sports bar atmosphere. • Oxford - Dec. 13, with Rotary. Nov. 11. new president and CEO last month. He is working on a franchise agree- • Corinth - Dec. 15 with Rotary. Daily Journal reports Morgan had been the interim CEO ment with a well-known, Mississippi- and president since January, after the based restaurant chain. company’s board did not renew Jane Aggers’ contract. Aggers’ contract, re- Renasant reports $6.5M vealed in April 2009, provided her with an annual base pay of $450,000 from in third-quarter net income 2008 until January 2011. TUPELO– Renasant Corp. reported net Morgan will receive a base salary of income of $6.5 million, or 26 cents per $600,000 a year. share, for the third quarter of this year. He has been on Hancock’s board The year-ago earnings are skewed for since June 2010. He has more than 30 Renasant because of its FDIC-assisted years of retail experience, according to a acquisition in 2010. In the third quarter press release from the company. of 2010, the company’s net income was $19.55 million, or 81 cents a share. BancorpSouth posts $11.9M Total assets as Sept. 30 were about $4.14 billion. Total deposits were $3.34 in third-quarter net income billion at the end of the quarter, and TUPELO– BancorpSouth Inc. re- total loans were about $2.57 billion. ported third-quarter net income of Daily Journal reports Document: E018CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:22:45;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 19 Business Directory Animal Services AutomotiveCommercial Vehicles Bank

TRAINING ACADEMY If Your Dog Won’t Listen At All, Just Pick Up The Phone And Give Us ACall! Bank Of Okolona 662-266-8989 Okolona Houston Banking Center “All training done in the comfort of your Whether you’re hauling or delivery...Call P.O. Box 306 321 W. Madison St. own home. Obedience in: puppy,begin- DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET Okolona, Mississippi 38860 Houston, Mississippi ner,intermediate, advanced, therapy, (662) 447-5403 (662) 456-3347 service, agility,and more! Therapists & for your commercial vehicle needs! AKC/CGC evaluators on staff. 1410 SOUTH GLOSTER /TUPELO /842-3611 www.bankofokolona.com Apartments Homes AutomotiveServices Bank Affordable Luxury BRAKE &SERVICE REPAIR Your 5-Star, Apartment Homes •Brakes •Front End ARated Bank Alignment •Air Conditioning 1, 2&3Bedroom by Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings 111 Grand Ole Oaks Drive OTHER SERVICES INCLUDE STARTERS, TIRES, OIL CHANGES, Belden, MS 38826 BATTERIES, ALTERNATORS, DRIVESHAFTS, AND CUSTOM WHEELS. CareyWilson Manager Cooper Service We takecareofyour money. office: 662.823.1470 •fax: 662.823.1474 •cell:662.231.7508 We takecareofyou. 662-844-1852 • 4006 West Main •Tupelo www.GrandOleOaks.com Mon-Fri7:30am -5:30pm •Sat 7:30am -Noon Attorneys AutomotiveServices Bank Alignments, Brakes, Air Conditioning, Tupelo Lending Office JasonLee Shelton Oil Changes, Transmission Service Attorney-At-Law 431 WMain Shelton &Associates P.A. Suite201 218N.Spring St. Jamie Osbirn P. O. Box 13 62 Ron Roper Tupelo, MS 38802-1362 FRIENDLYCITY TIRE Leslie Stacy Where Yo u’re Always #1 Phone (662)842-5051 Fax(662) 841-1941 662.844.3419 Res. (662)842-5321 Email: [email protected] 534-7671 Member Toll Free 1-888-537 -5051•LicensedInMississippi &Alabama fanb.net Equal Housing www.friendlycitytire.com FDIC LENDER Auto Rental AutomotiveServices Bank

Body Repair •Auto Glass •Insurance Claims RatliffBody Call Robin Barnett today! and Glass 662-841-8743 365-8245 [email protected] 1480 EAST MAIN ST. “You pay the premiums, you choose the shop.” PH:662-842-5404 TUPELO,MS 38804 FAX:662-842-0909 Email: [email protected] www.ratliffbodyandglass.com Automotive AutomotiveServices Blinds

Roy Alexander RICK’S CHASSIS WORKS Budget Wholesale Auto-Dealer 315 Hwy 15 South •New Albany,MS38652 Blinds Budget Blinds of Tupelo Foreign -Domestic astyle for every point of view We Sell to the Public Tupelo: 662.823.6455 662-790-3111 •Insurance Claims Welcome FREE Oxford: 662.281.0586 •FreeEstimates In-Home cell: 662.380.0958 CARS, TRUCKS, VANS, &SUV’S Consultation fax: 662.281.0585 •Body &Paint Repair Shutters, Wood Blinds, Draperies and more! [email protected] 1875 Nelle St.Tupelo, MS “WeSpecialize www.budgetblinds.com An Independently Owned and Operated Franchise in Frame Work” 844-0260 Document: E019CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:25:20;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 20 BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2011 Business Directory Commercial Cleaning Services Concrete Gifts OkolonaOkolona Drug Co. Complete Prescription Service We Accept All Medicare Part DPlans •Gifts &Fenton Glass •Adora Dolls & •Tyler Candles Lee Middleton Dolls 224Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652 •Aromatique •Ole Miss &Miss. State 401 Elizabeth St. •Tupelo •Arthur Court Collegiate Items •Lenox &Gorham China •NEW Casseroles to Go! 662-534-4448 662-842-7305 210 West Main Street Okolona, MS (662) 447-5471 Commercial Cleaning Services Contractors Glass &Overhead Doors MR. JANITOR inc. SS &GContractors Saltillo, MS •869-0052 heavyonthemr.com Serving Tupelo for Store Fronts •Mirrors 3Generations Carpet •Upholstery•Oriental/NaturalFiber Rugs •Driveways & •StormShelters Shower Doors •Garage Doors Hardwood Floors •CeramicTile and Grout Cleaning Gravel (Licensed and 24 Hour Commercial Doors All Your Indoor Cleaning Needs! •Metal Carports Fema Approved) Emergency Service Hollow Metal Doors •Dozer &Bobcat •Septic Tanks 662-844-7713 •Treatment Plants •Excavating Helping To Keep Northeast Mississippi Clean and Beautiful •Lot Clearing “Serving Tupelo for David Stephens President [email protected] 662-844-4540 3Generations” 1835 Nelle Street •Tupelo, MS 38801 Call for Estimates FAX:662-620-7754 “Experience Is Fax 662-844-7169Cell 662-321-0275 The Difference” Licensed &Bonded 711 ROBERT E. LEE DR.•TUPELO,MS Communication Dentist Grooming NNORTHORTH MMISSISSIPPIISSISSIPPI Amy’sPosh Pups PeriodontalPeriodontal Clinic Clinic Grooming Salon Amy Ausbon, Groomer Business Class J. Michael Robertson, D.M.D. 622 W. Main St. •Tupelo Phone and Internet Provider (662) 842.2448 /800.840.2449 662-871-3803 Local Rep -Sharon McCombs Mon. -Fri. 7:30am -5:00pm Corinth/Tupelo/West Point www.northmsperio.com Wed. 7:30am -12:00pm 662-231-4223 Come Join The Family! [email protected] 103 Parkgate Ext. /Tupelo TUPELO’S NEWSET FULL SERVICE PET GROOMING SALON Computer Services Entertainment Hair COMING SOON! Completely Confidential Alcorn County Get Together Free Consultations Alcorn County Get Together is adance for the whole family,for Creative Hair Replacement everyone ages 0-100!. It is aclean ALCOHOL FREE Environment. 1443 East Main Street Tupelo, Mississippi Cover Charge: $5 for 13 &up. 12 &under FREE! Contact Randy Black: 662-603-1172, Lisann Hallmon: 662-287-7899 www.tupelohairloss.com Or email: [email protected] for more information. (662) 842-1222 Computer Services Event Venue Home Improvements

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS /METAL ROOFING Small Business Specialist •Computer Sales &Service GRANT SOWELL,OWNER/SPECIALIST •Data Backup &Recovery The Goodlett Manor 213 N. Thomas • Tupelo, MS 38801 •Virus &Spyware Removal The Goodlett Manor •Email /Website Hosting Available for Weddings, Receptions, Parties and Meetings •Website &Intranet Design 767-8733 662-840-6262 For Information Call 844-2772 •Network Design &Maintenance CELL:791-9599 •Secure Wireless Networking www.mcfarlingtech.net •Windows, Linux &Mac Support 219 North Broadway • Tupelo www.homechangesvinylsiding.com Document: E020CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:25:33;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 21 Business Directory Home Repair Livestock Moving PONTOTOC BJ’s Maintenance Full Service Home Repair & Renovations STOCKYARD Call for a Free Estimate WE CE • Home Improvements • Home Repairs GE PRI SATURDAYS Bronzie Morgan • Electrical • Plumbing • A/C T THE BEST • Commercial & Residential Owner, Ron Herndon FOR ALL LIVESTOCK NEEDS Relocation Specialist 2210 Crabapple Drive 568 RockyFord Rd. • Hwy 76 West, Pontotoc Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 662-842-1120 Office: 662-871-1978 489-4385 or 213-7080 “The Morgan Family has been moving Fax: 662-840-2216 Goats, Hogs, and Horses at 11:00 am, Cattle at 1:00 pm families like yours for over 50 years” Horse Performance Locksmith Museum

MILLER’S SAFE &LOCK SERVICE,INC. AMORY REGIONAL MUSEUM NEW & USED SAFES • Safes Serviced & Installed Check out our Current Exhibits - visit: • Locks Installed • Locksets • Combinations Changed www.amoryms.us • Locks Rekeyed • Lost Keys Replaced Open Tues-Fri 9am-5pm • Master Key Systems • High Security Keys Saturday 10am-4pm AUTO RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Sunday 1pm-5pm (662) 842-7720 801 Third Street South 1 1219 ⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO Amory, MS 662.256.2761 Hotels Manufactured Homes For Sale Paint WHEEL ESTATE HOMES TUPELO • SALTILLO • NEW ALBANY Hampton Inn of New Albany OverOver 90 90 New, New, Used, Used, and and Repos Repos to to Tour! Tour! 320 COULTER COVE Family Owned & NEW ALBANY, MS 38652 Operated Since 1967 (662) 534-7722 www.wheelestate.net Fax 662-534-4010 Just minutes away from Historic Civil War Battlefield Museums, Serene Native American Burial Grounds, and just a short drive to the city of Tupelo, Miss. — 800-846-6670 the Birthplace of Elvis Presley, King of Rock-n-Roll. Insurance Medical Plumbing Hancock Insurance Agency INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES RH PLUMBING, INC.

ATV • Life • Health Annuities • RV • Automobile Motorcycle • Home Mobile Home Commercial Plumbing, Gas & Industrial Piping Medicare Supplements 662-534-2661 RICHARD HANLON P. O. BOX 417 Okolona, MS 38860 Scott Hancock Allen Hancock 720 W. Bankhead St. (662) 447-3213 Monthly Rates Available New Albany Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business Lawn & Garden Medical Port-A-Potties , PA OUTDOOR POTTIES - Portable Toilets Comprehensive Medical Care - Handicapped Toilets Available - Free Delivery & Pick-Up For Your Family or Business - Residential & Commercial - Special Events Plants ¥ Flowers ¥ Trees ¥ Shrubbery Appointments & Walk-Ins Welcome Decorative Outdoor Planters & Pots - Septic Tanks 1154 Cross Creek Dr. Gift Registry ¥ Yard Art ¥ Pottery Mon-Fri. 8 - 6:30 (Next to Home Depot) Lee Wallace, CFNP 842-4478 662.534.8800 ¥ Tues.-Sat. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. 9 - 6 David W. Bell, MD 816-1/2 W. Bankhead St. ¥ New Albany Sun. 1 - 6 840-8010 Cell Phone 231-4618 Document: E021CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:26:43;JPC 72 DPI PAGE 22 BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2011 Business Directory PressureWashing Restaurant Storage Does Yo ur Parking Lot Need To Be Cleaned? S•A•F•E Specializing in StorageFor: Sartin’s MedicalRecords at STORE •AccountingRecords Pressure Wa shing Legal Records OF TUPELO IINC •ManufacturingRecords Architectural Records FREE ESTIMAT ES “Since 1988” •Max 2 FREE Kids with Adult Entree •Drink Not Included •12 Years and Under •Kid's Menu Only 17 Years Experience Pick Up &Delivery Housing, Parking Lots, Tr ucks, Tupelo •Tuesdays 3-9pm•495 S. Gloster •680-3354 Equipment, &More. 506 S. Spring •Tupelo R. FRED PITTS, New Albany •Thursdays 5-9pm•534-2700 PRESIDENT Owner.ThadSartin 662-419-4147 Corinth •Tuesdays 4-9pm•286-9007 662-844-6163 Problem Flooring &Foundation Repair Restaurant Tobacco &Beer 2LOCATIONS

Monday-Saturday 7am-10 pm •Sunday 10 am -6 pm Town Creek Center •Pizza Spaghetti 2546 Hwy 145 #A Saltillo • 662-869-0086 •Salad Bar •Sandwich 365-7059 709 S4th St. •Baldwyn, MS Monday-Saturday 7am-10 pm •Sunday 1pm-8pm 204 Starlyn Avenue •New Albany,MS Mon.-Thurs. 11-10 •Fri.-Sat. 11-11•Sun. 12-10 662-534-4500 Restaurant Restaurant Uniforms Party Trays for all Occasions! The Rib Shack Specializing in Ribs &BBQ! Keeping Professional People Looking Professional

Fried Pickles, Cheese and Sausage Plate, Cheese Steaks, Hoagies, Chicken Salad, 795 S. Gloser,Tupelo •(662) 844-4272 Fish, Steaks, Kid Menu, BBQ Nachos, Homemade Desserts and much, much more. 2316 Hwy.45N.Columbus •(662) 328-7777 We’reafamily owned business and appreciate all of our customers 1151 D. Frontage Rd. Oxford •(662) 513-0341 1101 W. Main •Tupelo 3061 Tupelo Commons •Tupelo, MS •840-1700 842-3774 920 Hwy 72 East •Corinth, MS •284-4646 www.scrubsandco.com Restaurant Restaurant Video Production

NOWOPEN Sweet T’s Full Menu of All Your Favorites Seafood Buffet •Friday and Saturday Nights Country Buffet •Sunday Afternoon 499Gloster Creek Village, 1182 Hwy 30 E., Booneville (Located in Burton) Tupelo, MS 38801 Phone: (662) 844-4888 Fax: (662) 844-3006 (662) 728-0250 Restaurant Salon Services WindowCoverings WE Roast, Hair Care, Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Skin Care, Micro-Dermabrasion, Massage, YouBoast Color Analysis &Correction Dinning •Carryout •Catering breakfast TheThe Creative Creative ToTouchuch 6:00 -10:00 aM 840-8800 203 Commerce St. • Tupelo, MS • 841-1524 fax DAY SPA & SALON Across from BancorpSouth Arena Mon. -Wed. 6:00 am -6:00 pm •Thu. -Sat. 6:00 am -Until www.tupelotint.com Now Open at Mall at Barnes 662-844-3734 • 844-6204 [email protected] Crossing Food Court •690-8009 2613-A TRACELANDDR. •TUPELO, MS 38801 STEVE &TERESSA BRAUN Phil. 4:13 Document: E022CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:25:47;JPC 72 DPI NOVEMBER 2011 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 23 Document: E023CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:24:10;JPC 72 DPI Document: E024CDF110411.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 295.27 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Nov 03, 2011 16:23:04;JPC 72 DPI