February 2008 What’S Next for the Furniture Industry

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF JOURNAL PUBLISHING AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION FEBRUARY 2008 WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY

inside Economic euphoria in NeMiss tempered by reality

Fulton furniture maker finding its way into homes

Prsrt Std US Postage PAID Tupelo,MS CDF membership Permit #353 campaign slated for March PAGE 2 BUSINESS JOURNAL FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 1, 2008 2008 could be ‘chaotic’ for furniture industry By Dennis Seid Some companies continue to do BUSINESS JOURNAL well. Recession-proof? Hardly. But By many accounts, last year was their businesses are holding up in a rough one for the furniture in- the face of difficult conditions. dustry. With the housing, credit Take Pontotoc-based Southern and energy woes slowing con- Motion. Co-founder Guy Lipscomb sumer spending, some say 2007 re- is one furniture exec who said 2007 minded them a lot of the recession was reminiscent of the 1981-82 re- 25 years ago. cession. And with the economy still on “That was a long time ago,” he shaky ground, 2008 could be just said. “I’m not sure 2008 is going to as interesting. Many economists be much different.” are predicting a recession, even as But Southern Motion did have a Washington works to give a tempo- good year. Running on a July 1 to rary stimulus package to con- June 30 fiscal calendar, the compa- sumers and the Fed lowers interest ny showed stronger business dur- rates. ing the period. And through Janu- How consumers react remains to ary of this year, business is still be seen. holding up. But the future is up in Describing the outlook for the the air. furniture industry, Franklin Corp. “I wish I could see what will hap- founder and chairman Hassell pen a few months down the road,” Franklin said, “Chaotic. It’s going to Lipscomb said. “But I can’t – no- be chaotic this year.” body can.” A look back reveals some dozen Jim Sneed, CEO of Affordable companies either closing, downsiz- Furniture in Algoma, has a similar ing or filing for bankruptcy last story. Business for the 3-year-old year, putting nearly 1,700 out of company remains strong. Unlike work. And even with some compa- some furniture companies whose nies expanding and adding work- fortunes are tied to the housing in- ers, there was still a net loss of dustry – more homes mean more nearly 1,000 jobs in NeMiss alone. But not everyone is suffering. Turn to FURNITURE on Page 6 THOMAS WELLS Commercial R eal Estate Specialists Since1952 FEATURED PROPERTIES

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Economic euphoria in NeMiss tempered by reality On the n case you’ve been under a Who can ignore the fact that In 2007, a year that was diffi- rock for the past year, we in cult for many, we saw at least a Northeast Mississippi are 2,000 jobs will be added (at dozen companies either close, COVER getting Toyota. Obviously, downsize, file for bankruptcy That big question mark says it all. I and/or shift production else- it’s good for us, and good for the least) at the Japanese automak- The furniture industry finds itself rest of the state, too. The more where. battered coming into the new year, jobs we can create, the better. er’s $1.3 billion site being built According to statistics provid- Who can ignore the fact that ed by the Mississippi Furniture with more closings and layoffs in 2,000 jobs will be added (at near Blue Springs? And don’t Association, some 1,700 jobs 2007.And for the $4 billion indus- least) at the Japanese automak- forget the thousands of supplier- were lost. Add in a few expan- try in Mississippi, the economic er’s $1.3 billion site being built sions from some companies, signals are mixed, with some insid- near Blue Springs? And don’t Dennis the net loss of jobs is still well related jobs that also come more than 1,000. ers saying 2008 could be worse. forget the thousands of suppli- SEID But no one is ready to give up just er-related jobs that also come along with it. Feeling pressures? You bet. along with it. It’s why the MFA is looking for yet, as you read the stories in this Dozens of suppliers, from the some legislative help. That story is month’s issue. tier 1 companies to the tier 3 supplier announcement of its Unfortunately, few outside in this issue of the Business Jour- companies are poised to set up own. NeMiss understand or appreci- nal, as is a story about the outlook shop across NeMiss – and be- Toyota seems to be the gift ate what’s going on with the $4 for the industry in general. yond. that keeps on giving. billion industry here in our Are we doomsayers and Coming It’s been nearly a year since But before we begin patting backyard. wringing our hands in defeat? Toyota made the grand an- ourselves on the back, we can’t It is the bread-and-butter Not at all. nouncement and we’re still ex- ignore the fact that NeMiss still economy for many communi- But we are realistic. Toyota is NEXT cited about. Probably because it has an unemployment rate ties in our region, without a boon, without a doubt. But hasn’t quite sunk in yet. that’s higher than the state and which those communities even Toyota isn’t an answer for We see the progress every day national averages. We still have would not do well. And when the furniture industry, or the MONTH being made at the former Well- businesses and industry getting the industry suffers, so do those rest of the economy. spring Project megasite. We also pressure from competitors and communities. The furniture industry needs The Northeast Mississippi Business see work in Itawamba County customers alike. No doubt you’ve read and our understanding and our Journal takes a look at the travel and near Baldwyn at the two No – it’s not all rosy. heard about the housing crisis, support, any way it can get it. and tourism industry in the region. tier 1 suppliers who have al- And who better knows that the mortgage crisis, the experts And,if you have your calendar of ready announced their atten- than the furniture industry, the talking about a potential reces- Dennis Seid is editor of the Northeast Mississippi Business events ready,send them to us at epicenter of which is in this re- sion. None of that is good for tions. Next month, Union Journal.Contact him at [email protected] or (662) [email protected] County is expected to make a gion. the furniture industry. 678-1578. StoreYour Stuff in The Attic Climate-Controlled Self-Storage. N Safeguard your valuables against insects and pests. N Keep your antiques from harm of extreme temperatures. is pleased to announce that Perfect for businesses looking to store files in a safe place. Marjorie T. O’Donnell, Oxford Office Perfect for families needing extra space to keep and family heirlooms. Stephen W. Flynn, Tupelo Office have recently become members of the firm. Reserve your space today. CallThe Attic at 840-5300. Claude F. Clayton, Jr. S. Ray Hill, III David D. O’ Donnell* J. Kristopher White Marjorie T. O’Donnell Stephen W. Flynn William H. Davis, Jr.

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PAGE 4 BUSINESS JOURNAL FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 1, 2008 Max Home finding way into plenty of homes Fulton-based furniture maker has grown to nearly 500 employees in five years By Dennis Seid “We’re the five partners who “We’re the bought the company in 1998, chairs, then some red chairs, BUSINESS JOURNAL look after sales, marketing, the friends and colleagues some green chairs, etc. The FULTON – Take a handful of production and accounting,” five partners scattered across the country. whole reality is different today experienced furniture execu- he said. “One of our secrets is who look Policicchio, who was mak- ... you have to be flexible, and tives, find them a building and everybody has a vested inter- ing exclusive high-end furni- we are.” a good pool of workers and est in the company’s success. after sales, ture in Los Angeles, fondly re- you have the makings of a For us to do well, we have to marketing, called his stay in Northeast Must meet demands successful startup furniture be very supportive of all the Mississippi and was ready to The ability to meet cus- manufacturer. departments. production come back. Staying in touch tomers’ demands aren’t exact- And nearly five years after “The other secret is that we with his friends, they decided ly revolutionary – other com- Aaron Larry , Larry Gentry, stay focused. We don’t get in and account- to start up another furniture panies do it, too. But Max Bruno Policicchio , Marty Sil- each other’s way. Everybody ing.One of company. Home thinks its flexibility, ver and Joshua Silver decided has input ... and we do things They found a 234,000- combined with its speed to to do just that, Max Home very quickly.” our secrets is everybody has a vested square-foot building in Fulton market and willingness to do finds itself in an enviable posi- interest in the company’s success. – formerly the River Oaks whatever it takes to satisfy tion. In an industry that has Know your industry Building – and converted it every level of customer are been rocky, the Fulton-based Having a stable, knowledge- For us to do well,we have to be very into a furniture manufactur- what drive the company’s suc- company is holding its own. able work force is another ing operation. cess. The maker of high-end up- asset. And it’s no secret that supportive of all the departments. But they decided to adjust “There are no real secrets in holstered, stationary furniture when Toyota supplier Toyota the typical business model the furniture business,” Polici- – sofas, love seats and chairs – Boshoku was scouting for a Bruno Policicchio that had been in use by so cchio said. “But we are fo- has grown from eight workers location, company officials many others – and still used. cused. We don’t try to be all to 375 in Fulton, and another visited Max Home to get an “When I first started in the things to all people. We’re not 100 in its plant in Iuka. idea of what kind of work secret to our success.” business, you got a document good enough to do that. But Policicchio, the company’s force was available. Of course, the five partners that called for 500 blue chairs we know what we can do and chief operating officer, credits “We can’t say enough about brought in plenty of experi- and you made 500 blue we try to get better at it. I a management team that’s our workers and what a fan- ence and knowledge them- chairs,” Policicchio said. think the ease of doing busi- flexible and able to make deci- tastic job they do,” Policicchio selves, having helped start “Now, you might get a doc sions quickly. said. “I think they’re the real Bauhaus USA. When La Z Boy with just four or five blue Turn to MAX HOME on Page 7 FRIDAY,FEBRUARY 1, 2008 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 5 Mississippi Furniture Association still looking for help I Industry group is pushing him complaining – much. Money for keeping jobs place, that’s $14 million worth For more information about, its case to state leaders “I couldn’t do this with The MFA is hoping that the of incentives per year,” Pruett Crowell Armstrong,” he said, or to join,the Mississippi Furniture state will put up about $14 mil- said. “That may sound a lot, to get more financial help. naming the MFA executive di- Association,call 489-5874 lion to help furniture manu- but consider that the salary rector who also lobbies for the facturers bring back cut-and- with those jobs come to more By Dennis Seid group in Jackson. “We made a or e-mail ms_k@bellsouth.net sew jobs. than $40 million each year. BUSINESS JOURNAL (financial) commitment to him These workers, as the name And if we can keep those 4,500 PONTOTOC – Ken Pruett several years ago, and we’ve suggests, cut and sew the fabric jobs as the furniture executives doesn’t give up easily, and his only done that once. We have isting industry. Everybody talks used on upholstered furniture. indicate would happen if they latest battle isn’t one from to get him the support he about it, but what are we really Many manufacturers import got the incentives, the annual which he’ll back away either. needs. We’re here to fight for doing about it?” ready-made cut-and-sew kits payroll is more than $128 mil- because of cheaper labor costs. Pruett is president of the the furniture industry. Pruett said that more than lion. That’s a a lot of payroll The MFA’s answer is this: Mississippi Furniture Associa- And the support of the in- $1 billion in incentives have tax, that’s a lot of money being Give furniture manufacturers tion and a strong advocate for dustry is critical to what the been doled out to new indus- spent in the state.” MFA is trying to do – get more try in the past couple of years, $2,000 per year for each cut- Pruett said the MFA is willing the industry that’s been a part and-sew job for 10 years. An- of most of his life. state support. including about $330 million to talk to anyone, anywhere other $2,000 would be given about its proposals. His passion for the industry In fact, Pruett and Arm- for Toyota. For the furniture in- strong met with several state dustry, the state has commit- for each new cut-and-sew job. “If they need any kind of hasn’t gone unnoticed by fur- In a survey of Mississippi legislators in December and ted more than $7 million. Not qualifications, any kind of tan- niture executives. manufacturers, the MFA found also met with the Mississippi chump change, but nothing in gible promise from the indus- “Ken has been there for us, that furniture companies had Development Authority. The comparison to the tens of mil- try, we can certainly negotiate,” and he’s a fighter,” said Jim about 5,500 cut-and-sew work- he said. MFA’s aim: Get financial incen- lions of dollars that North Car- Sneed, CEO of Affordable Fur- ers. However, another 4,200 But with Gov. Haley Barbour niture and a member of the tives so furniture companies olina has given to its furniture can provide more jobs. were outsourced overseas. And saying that the state budget MFA board. industry. in talking to the furniture exec- “We’ve said over and over looks tight and that state agen- Problem is, in an industry “We appreciate everything utives and managers, the MFA that we have nothing against cies need to trim their opera- that has been notoriously frac- we can get,”Pruett said. “But said financial incentives could tions, the outlook might be the incentives to companies tured at times,Pruett’s work not enough people realize we save about 4,500 jobs in the fu- slim for the furniture industry doesn’t always get appreciated. like Toyota and Paccar, which have 20,000 people in this state ture, as well as encourage them to get what it wants. Much of his time – and money will be bringing valuable jobs directly employed by the furni- to bring back about 1,500 jobs. “We’re not looking for a – is spent working for the MFA, to Mississippi,”Pruett said. ture industry, and thousands “If you look at the 1,500 jobs handout, but we are looking for often at the expense of his own “But I think it’s also critically more indirectly. When do they that could be brought back, help,” Pruett said. “And we’re business. But you won’t find important that we support ex- get a piece of the pie?” plus the 5,500 jobs already in willing to talk. We have to.”

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“I think it will get worse be- ers, the cost of doing business Furniture fore it gets better,” he said, re- has increased. How much to ferring to the economy. pass along to the end user – Continued from Page 2 Jim Wiygul, owner of Inde- the consumer – is the key pendent Furniture Supply, in question. In times of econom- furniture sales – Affordable Tupelo, agrees. ic uncertainty, higher prices Annual finds itself in a good spot. “People are concerned usually don’t work. 24th “A lot of our business is re- about what the year will Furniture companies are no Sale placement furniture,” Sneed bring,” he said. IFS was doubt crossing their fingers, Clearance said. “New home sales have a formed 30 years ago, in the hoping that their plans will very small impact on our sales. midst of double-digit interest prepare them for what could GOING ON NOW! Our business was really good rates and on the cusp of reces- be another roller coaster. And up through August. Now, it sion. really, what else can you do? was a little soft going into the “The economy is the No. 1 Southern Motion’s Lip- end of summer and the fall concern,” Wiygul said. “And scomb said you just have to selling season, but it picked the Asian situation seems to execute your strategy and roll back up heading into Novem- have changed, too. Everybody with the punches. ber and December. was seemingly going to Asia, “We’re in it for the long “But how well that hold I but it seem that’s changing. term,” he said. “We’re getting don’t know. I think we’re look- They’re raising prices over ready for the February furni- ing at a soft second and third there, and the gap has nar- ture market in Tupelo and we quarter.” rowed in terms of the cost of believe it will be a good mar- It’s not just furniture manu- doing business over there ket. We have some outside ac- compared to here.” facturers who are worried counts that will be coming, And because of increased about the economy. Suppliers and getting them through the labor costs with a booming are in a similar boat. As the doors is always good.” fortunes of their clients go, so economy, China’s demand for Added Independent Furni- go their fortunes. resources also is causing raw ture Supply’s Wiygul: “The Ken Pruett, who owns a material prices to rise. challenge is how to deal with company in Pontotoc, also “All raw materials are going this economy. We’ve had this serves as president of the Mis- up this year again,” Wiygul THE COTTON BOLT sissippi Furniture Association. said. “We had an increase in happen before, and we’ll just In tune with the industry, November, we just had one in have to get through this, too.” Fabrics &Trims •Rugs •Custom Furniture Pruett said furniture people January, and we’ll have anoth- are trying to see the glass as er in February.” Dennis Seid is editor of the Northeast Mississippi Busi- 841-2621 half full rather than half In other words, from suppli- ness Journal.Contact him at [email protected] or ers to manufacturers to retail- (662) 678-1578. 1727 McCullough Blvd. •Tupelo, MS • www.magnoliaco.com empty. “Thank You North Mississippi!!”

For All You Do Each Year in Welcoming The Tupelo Furniture Market Attendees. W e ar e celebrating our 21 st year! • T upelo isthe Upholstery Furniture Capitalofthe W orld • Furnitureisthe Lar gest Employer in North Mississippi, Employing 1/3 of the W ork For ce • The T upelo Furniture Market is aJoint Effort of the Entir e Community Thanks Again! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 7

which puts it in a niche in the Max Home traditionally promotional furniture industry in NeMiss. Continued from Page 4 And its customers appar- The Blackmon ently like what they see. ness with us and the ease of Among Max Home’s largest how quickly we can move is a customers is Macy’s, along great positive.” with J.C. Penney. And while Policicchio de- “We don’t want to be the cline to reveal annual rev- biggest, but we want to be the Family of enues, it’s clear that the ex- pansion into Iuka last year best we can be,” Policicchio means the company is doing said. “It’s all about knowing just fine. who you are, knowing what Max Home’s products are you’re capable of ... and you on the higher end of the scale have to stay humble and fo- Dealerships – $699 to $799 at retail – cused.”

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The facility will manufacture 12.9- Highway 78. The area is directly across into the Fairpark at Main building next Tigrett, owner of Pizza Doctor, will be liter and 9.2-liter diesel engines for the street from the Tupelo Commons month, according to Tommy Morgan, the co-owners of the Tupelo franchise. BusinessNotes Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF vehicles. retail development and south of Wes- who is the real estate agent for the Work already has begun at the corner The company also is putting a technol- son & Mothershed Eye Center building. of Carnation and South Gloster for the BancorpSouth ’07 net income ogy center on a 400-acre site near the Retail sales in Lee County in 2006 The building opened in fall 2007 4,500-square-foot location. The increases to nearly $138M Golden Triangle Regional Airport. topped $1.7 billion, clearly a reason and currently is home to The Fairpark restaurant is tentatively set to open in I TUPELO – BancorpSouth Inc. posted The Mississippi Legislature provided retailers are looking at the area. Grill and Park Heights. Both restau- June. net income of $137.9 million for a $48.4 million incentive package to rants are owned by the Columbus- The business will have about 35-40 2007, an increase of 10.2 percent. bring the Bellevue, Wash.-based com- Harrell Contracting lands based Eat With Us group, which also employees. Hiring will start in late Feb- The growth represented net income pany to the state. owns the building. ruary or early March, according to Ti- per diluted share of $1.69, compared third Toyota contract First National and WCBI soon will grett, who will be the general manager to $1.57 in 2006. Total assets grew to Developer eyes possible I BLUE SPRINGS – Harrell Contracting move into office space on the second for the Atlanta Bread location. $13.2 billion from $12 billion. De- Group of Ridgeland has formed its floor on the east side of the breeze- posits grew from $9.7 billion to $10.1 Target for retail center third partnership with Homewood, Ill.- way, Morgan said. Renasant net income billion. I TUPELO – Two years ago, area shop- based Graycor Construction Co. Inc., The Fairpark office will be First Na- The bank also declared a cash divi- pers almost had a Target store in Tupe- for construction of the utility building tional’s debut in the Tupelo market. increases to $31.1M dend of 21 cents per common share lo. at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing WCBI-TV currently has a location on I TUPELO – Renasant Corp. reported payable April 1 to shareholders of But after development costs came Mississippi site. South Gloster, but Morgan said the TV net income for 2007 of $31.1 million, record on March 14. in too high, the project was dropped The company has three of the six station will close that office when it up 14.7 percent from 2006. For the fourth quarter, Bancorp- and the Target talk subsided, at least contracts so far at the 1,700-acre site, moves into Fairpark. Basic and diluted earnings per South’s net income rose 14.8 percent publicly. Now, the company that which will be home to Toyota’s eighth share were $1.66 and $1.64 for 2007, to $32.2 million. Net interest revenue planned to build a retail center here North American vehicle assembly Atlanta Bread Co. to open respectively, compared to basic and for the period grew 13.9 percnt to anchored by Target is back in the pic- plant. Work for the utility building proj- diluted earnings per share of $1.75 $109.7 million. ture. ect will begin this month. first Mississippi store soon and $1.71 for 2006. Abernathy & Timberlake Investment Harrell previously landed contracts I TUPELO – Two businessmen have For the fourth quarter of 2007, net Group LLC, a development company for foundation work on the stamping confirmed plans to open the state’s income was $8.8 million, compared to Paccar expects to hire 500 based in Duluth, Ga., has proposed Tu- and paint buildings in August and first Atlanta Bread Co. near Crosstown. $6.9 million in the prior-year period. for plant opening in 2010 pelo Exchange, a 450,000-square-foot construction on the press and The bakery and cafe chain, which Basic earnings were 42 cents per I COLUMBUS – Commercial trucks shopping center that includes a retail weld/paint facilities in December. has 135 stores, specializes in fresh share and diluted earnings were 41 and parts producer Paccar Inc. says a anchor of about 133,000 square feet. baked breads, soups, sandwiches and cents per share for the fourth quarter small initial group of employees will be While Target isn’t specifically named Bank,TV station moving breakfast items. Atlanta Bread Co. of 2007, compared to basic earnings hired this year for its new plant in on the site plan, a rendering of a Tar- started outside of Atlanta in 1993 and of 45 cents per share and diluted Lowndes County. get is on the cover of the company’s into Fairpark at Main building now has locations across several earnings of 44 cents per share a year Paccar, which began construction on 40-page prospectus that is on the I TUPELO – Downtown Tupelo’s Fair- states. The closest to Tupelo is in Mem- earlier. the $400 million diesel engine plant company’s Web site. park District has two new tenants. phis. Total assets as of Dec. 31, 2007, this past July, expects to have a 500- Tupelo Exchange would sit on the First National Bank of Oxford and Brett Hildenbrand, a dentist at were $3.61 billion, an increase of 38.3 member work force on hand by 2010. west side of North Gloster, just north of television station WCBI-TV will move Main Street Family Dentistry, and Kip percent. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 9 A CDF Chamber Connection A publication of Journal Publishing and the CDF Chamber Division – February 2008

CDF Membership Campaign Slated for March 4-6,2008

ince 1948, the Community Devel- of the business seminars offered by the opment Foundation has worked to CDF to help your business be the best WHAT DOES THE CDF PROVIDE ITS MEMBERS? promote regional economic that it can be…the list goes on but the I growth and to enhance the quality true reason why you should be a member Networking opportunities with business leaders in the Tupelo/Lee County area through our monthly S of the Community Development Founda- First Friday program and other organized events. of life for all citizens of Northeast Missis- sippi. Through its economic develop- tion is because you care about your com- I Inclusion in the “CDF Membership and Manufacturing Directory”publication given to all CDF members ment efforts, CDF has helped Lee County munity and want to support the future and sold to non-members. become the top manufacturing county in growth and development of Tupelo and I the state of Mississippi. Business devel- Lee County. Northeast Mississippi Business Journal,CDF’s monthly newsletter,published in partnership with the opment is also a large part of CDF’s pro- Our goal is to continue to broaden our Daily Journal,reaching its 38,000-strong circulation base. gram of work, as CDF was instrumental range of benefits to meet the changing and I Member referrals through the CDF office. in the location of the Mall at Barnes expanding needs of the business commu- I Participation in committees,business roundtables,and special task forces – giving you an active role in Crossing to the Tupelo area. This is fur- nity that we serve. It is only through the in- ther evidenced by the opening of Lee vestment of our members that we can strengthening the community. County’s first business incubator, the Re- meet and exceed this goal. Whether your I A free listing of your business on our website,www.cdfms.org.This listing will also include a link to nasant Center for IDEAs, a tool for entre- business is new to Tupelo/Lee County or your website,if applicable. preneurs throughout the region to seek you are an established company that I Your eligible employees may participate in the Tupelo Young Professionals,Lee County’s premier net- resources and assistance. What enables needs to take advantage of CDF’s pro- CDF to perform these functions in its grams, your participation, ideas, and skills working organization for young professionals age 21-40.Sponsorship of the TYPs is only available to CDF quest to make Tupelo/Lee County a bet- are welcomed. Join the Community Devel- members. ter place for all of the citizens that work opment Foundation and do your part to I CDF board room for meeting space. and live here, is the investment of its continue the success that is Tupelo and I Notary public. membership base. WITHOUT THE CDF Lee County. Look for the blue membership I MEMBERSHIP NONE OF THIS IS POS- plaque and decal in the businesses around Experienced,professional staff…on call to help you. SIBLE. town and thank them. I A political voice in state and federal matters that affect the growth and activities of Lee County. I Area demographics and statistics to aid you in your own marketing research and development. Why should I be a member of CDF? 2008 CDF Membership Campaign I A marketing DVD to aid in your recruitment of quality employees to the Tupelo/Lee County area. Because of the business contacts you will ITuesday,March 4 – Thursday,March 6 I make at the many networking meetings I CDF Boardroom Membership in a nationally-recognized and respected economic development and chamber services or- that CDF sponsors, because of the myri- I For more information on the CDF Membership Campaign or to serve as ganization. ad advertising opportunities the CDF of- a volunteer please contact Emily Addison in the CDF Office at I Small business assistance through the Renasant Center for IDEAs,the Tupelo/Lee County regional busi- fers to promote your businesses, because 662.842.4521. ness incubator. PAGE 10 BUSINESS JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 Chamber focus New CDF MEMBERS ABC VENDING,INC. KOOL SMILES PLAN HOUSE PRINTING Dear Friends: is only through the invest- Ms.Dawn Vandygriff Ms.Gayla Allen Mr.Scott Eaves 95 Hwy 178 401 S Gloster St.,Ste.101 607 W Main St. First, let me thank the exhibitors, ment of our members that Sherman,MS 38869 Tupelo,MS 38801 Tupelo,MS 38801 restaurants, and food service vendors for we can meet and exceed 662.840.2020 662.842.2789 662.407.0193 their participation in the Taste of Tupelo this goal. Membership ben- Vending Dentistry Reprographics - Large Format Documents & Graphics and Business to Business Connection efits with the CDF/Cham- ADVANCED PERFUSION SERVICES LA FAMIGLIA trade show this week. We had a record ber of Commerce pay off in Ms.Kathy White Ms.Tocarra Zoppe PRO GRAPHICS 201 Poplar Springs 704 B N Gloster St. Mr.Randy Lawrence number of exhibitors for the trade show, many different ways. Many Tupelo,MS 38804 Tupelo,MS 38801 414 A S Gloster St. as well as a record number of restaurant of the benefits are detailed 662.844.5035 662.407.0201 Tupelo,MS 38801 Health/Nursing Care Restaurants and food service vendors who participat- SMITH on the front page of this 662.329.3341 Reprographics - Large Format ed. Your participation was key to the suc- publication. CBS ELECTRIC,INC. LEA C.PASLAY Mr.Marty Stacks INSURANCE CO.,INC. Documents & Graphics cess of the events, and we appreciate Are You a Member of the CDF/Cham- 296 CR 2446 Ms.Addie Paslay your support. ber of Commerce? If not, you are miss- Guntown,MS 38849 342 Sweet Gum Ln. REPROGRAPHICS OF TUPELO 662.348.3152 Tupelo,MS 38801 Mr.Vince Cooper Congratulations also to the sponsors of ing a great opportunity to promote your Electrical Products/Services 662.840.4448 103 A Rankin Blvd. the Northeast Mississippi Economic business. Membership with CDF is an Insurance Services Tupelo,MS 38801 CLEAR MOUNTAIN SPRING WATER 662.407.0621 Forecast Conference for the outstanding investment and by taking advantage of Mr.Lynn Rodgers MANNING GARDENS Reprographics - Large Format speakers they recruited for the confer- the many resources we offer, a return on 3625 Air Park St. Mr.Marty Stacks Documents & Graphics Memphis,TN 38118 296 CR 2446 ence held last week. The large atten- investment is inevitable. 901.360.0098 Guntown,MS 38857 RICK'S MART,INC. dance was proof of the importance of If you are a member, THANK YOU for Water Services/Equipment 662.348.3152 Mr.Rick Maharrey Convention Services/Facilities 133 S Thomas St. the remarks of former Kentucky Gover- your investment. If you are not a mem- CONSOLIDATED ELECTRICAL Tupelo,MS 38801 nor Martha Layne Collins, Tom DeFrank, ber, please call the CDF office at DISTRIBUTORS MAR-DAN,INC. 662.844.2449 Mr.Roddy Broadaway Ms.Teresa Hill Catering/Food Services Phil Hardwick, and Jack Reed, Jr. 662.842.4521 and let us visit with you. 1545 Cliff Gookin Blvd. 393 Messner St. Work has already begun on the CDF Tupelo,MS 38801 Guntown,MS 38849 RILEY BUILDING SUPPLIES,INC. 662.844.0603 662.348.2271 membership campaign scheduled for Electrical Products/Services Wholesale - Distribution Ms.Deborah Bridges March 4-6. Our goal is to continue to 501 W Main St. CROWN LIFT TRUCKS MENDROP-WAGES,LLC Fulton,MS 38843 broaden our range of benefits to meet Mr.Eric Schwieterman Mr.Chad Wages P.E. 662.862.3149 the changing and expanding needs of 3952 Willow Lake Blvd.,Bldg.5 213 3rd Ave. Building Materials & Supplies the business community that we serve. It Memphis,TN 38118 Sherman,MS 38869 Vice President of Chamber Services 901.396.7000 662.842.0277 ROBERT ELLIS AND ASSOCIATES Material Handling Engineering: Multi-Disciplines Mr.David Ellis 3840 Hwy 22,Ste.300 DOLLAR MARKET LLC MINORITY PUL ALLIANCE Mandeville,LA 70471 Mr.Dennis Goldman Mr.Denotee Martin 985.674.3888 3889 N Gloster St. P.O.Box 7233 Insurance Services Community Development Foundation’s Tupelo,MS 38804 Tupelo,MS 38802 662.844.3049 662.316.8117 Non-Profit SCRUBS & COMPANY,LLC Board of Directors for 2007-2008 Retail,Gift and Specialty Shops Ms.Christy Allred CDF is governed by a 61-member Board of Directors. The Executive Committee is composed THE MITCHELL ASSURANCE 795 S Gloster St. of the CDF Officers and eleven additional members of the Board. CDF’s goals and objectives THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER GROUP,INC. Tupelo,MS 38801 are accomplished through the efforts of members appointed to committees operating under Ms.Christi Webb Mr.Jeffrey Mitchell 662.687.0455 one of CDF’s three divisions: Chamber Division, Economic Development Division, and Plan- 425 Magazine Street 2625 Traceland Dr.,Ste.C Uniforms Tupelo,MS 38804 Tupelo,MS 38801 ning and Property Management Division. 662.844.0013 662.620.9348 Non-Profit UNITED STORAGE CENTER AT Insurance Services CROSSTOWN Ms.Brandie Conlee 2007-2008 Executive Committee H M C TECHNOLOGIES MONOGRAM IT! Ms.Lisa Brown Ms.Kim Leathers 241 S Park St. Jack Reed, Jr., Chairman 112 Wesson-Tate Dr. 111 E.Troy St.,Ste.B Tupelo,MS 38804 Mitch Waycaster, First Vice Chairman Chauncey Godwin Terry Judy New Albany,MS 38652 Tupelo,MS 38804 662.690.6696 Lloyd Gray Guy Mitchell, III 662.534.2181 662.844.0030 Storage Jim Fitzgerald, Second Vice Chairman Lisa Hawkins Mary Pace Manufacturers/Distributors Monogramming David P. Rumbarger, President/Secretary David Irwin Tom Robinson YARBOROUGH INSURANCE Mary Werner, Past Chairman JOHN STROUD AGENCY,INC. MURPHY ENGINEERING SERVICE Robert Jamison Jeff Snyder Mr.John Stroud Mr.Dennis C.Murphy Mr.Russell Yarborough 213 Hwy 30 W 606 Euclatubba Rd. P.O.Box 26 New Albany,MS 38652 Guntown,MS 38849 Tupelo,MS 38802-0026 2007-2008 Board of Directors 662.538.0634 662.869.3172 662.791.1207 Insurance Services Engineering Insurance Services Mike Armour John Heer Larry Otis Peggy Bishop David Henson Clarence Parks Mark Burleson Dick Hill Aubrey Patterson William “Bo” Calhoun John Lovorn Greg Pirkle Tillmon Calvert Zell Long Scott Reed Gary Carnathan Richard McCarty Eddie Richey Mike Clayborne Randy McCoy Chris Rogers CDF AMBASSADORS QUARTERLY MEETING FIRST FRIDAY V. M. Cleveland Robin McGraw Terry Smith Thursday,February 14,2008 Friday,March 7,2008 David Cole Hughes Milam Jane Spain 4:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. Billy Crews Paul “Buzzy” Mize Kyle Steward CDF Boardroom Mall at Barnes Crossing Food Court Patty Tucker Rudy Dossett, Jr. Chuck Moffatt CDF MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN CDF ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Byron Fellows Phil Morgan Roger Weldon March 4-March 7 Thursday,May 1,2008 6:30 p.m. Tom Foy Mabel Murphree Tim Weston CDF Boardroom Mississippi Furniture Market Complex,Hall B Markel Whittington Johnny Green Ed Neelly For more information on any of the above events please contact the CDF office at 662.842.4521 Rubye Del Harden Alan Nunnelee Bobby Williams FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 11 DOLLAR MARKET Tupelo Anytime Fitness Owners Named Operators of the Year Pictured with the Operator of the Year award are Jeff Klinger,co-founder and CEO, Anytime Fitness; Kristie Stevens; Mark Stevens; and Chuck Runyon,co-founder and vice president,Anytime Fitness.

Mark and Kristie Stevens, owners of Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness is Anytime Fitness in Tupelo, have been now the number one co-ed fitness A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the grand opening of Dollar Market in Tupelo.Pictured at the event are Emily Addison,CDF; named Anytime Fitness Club Opera- franchise in the world. During 2007, Amber Westmoreland,Comcast Spotlight; Waurene Heflin,Crye-Leike Realtors; Sue Golmon,Coldwell Banker Tommy Morgan,Inc.Real- tors of the Year for 2007, by Anytime Anytime Fitness doubled in size, end- tors; Beverly Bedford,City of Saltillo; Bert Sparks,WTVA/WLOV/WKDH; Dennis Goldman,Dollar Market; Councilman Dick Hill; Richard Fitness, Inc. ing the year with more than 600 clubs “This is a huge honor for the in 45 different states. In addition to the Carleton,Mall at Barnes Crossing; Fredrick Suggs,Dollar Market; Bill McNutt,WLM Insurance,LLC; Mike Armour,Appalachian Regional Stevens,” said Anytime Fitness nation- already open clubs, another 1,200 Commission; Michael Addison,Southern Home Solutions.Dollar Market is located at 3889 North Gloster Street and can be reached at al media director Mark Daly. “We have franchise territories have already been 662.844.3049. over 450 clubs now open across the sold and the franchise is aggressively country and Mark and Kristie were expanding into Canada. By the end of chosen by the corporate staff of Any- 2008, Anytime Fitness expects to open time Fitness as the best of the best.” its 1,000th club. In January 2008, Any- Council of Governments The Stevens currently own and op- time Fitness was named one of the erate four Anytime Fitness clubs, one Top 100 Franchises by Entrepreneur in Tupelo; one in Meridian, MS; and Magazine. two in Alabama. The application Mark and Kristie Stevens are proud Elects 2008 Officers process that the Stevens went owners of this distinguished and grow- through was very extensive. In addi- ing franchise. Their main focus as club tion to completing a detailed applica- owners is the overall health of their Officer elections were held at the ganization was to broaden the com- tion and providing corporate staff members, first and foremost. monthly Council of Governments munication and cooperation be- with financial records, the Stevens “I personally visited one of Mark (COG) meeting on January 18 at tween governmental entities and to were also required to submit written and Kristie’s clubs earlier this sum- Knights Restaurant. Lee County Super- provide technical planning and pub- testimonials from club members and mer,” said Daly. “Every single member visor Tommie Lee Ivy was elected COG lic policy services to area local gov- business leaders in Tupelo and the said the reason they liked the club was Chairman and Mayor Jimmy Anderson ernments. COG’s purpose still serves other communities in which their because Mark and Kristie had fostered of Guntown was elected Vice-Chair- well today. On a monthly basis, local franchises lie. such a warm and friendly environ- man of the organization. Mayor Bobby mayors, supervisors, and area legisla- “What set Mark and Kristie apart ment inside the gym. They truly know Williams of Verona will continue to tors gather to discuss issues that face from other Anytime Fitness club own- how to make their members feel spe- serve on COG’s Executive Committee most communities. Together, they ers was their commitment to the Any- cial. The Stevens should be very proud as the Immediate Past Chairman, and come up with innovative solutions time Fitness business model and the of everything they’ve accomplished in David Rumbarger, CDF President and for these common problems. Mem- fact, although they’re dedicated club such a short time. They are a genuine CEO, will continue to serve as COG’s bers of COG include the City of Bald- owners, they’ve managed to simulta- asset to their community.” Executive Director. wyn, Town of Guntown, City of Net- neously operate several successful Anytime Fitness is located at 2421 In 1969, Lee County and its munic- tleton, Town of Plantersville, City of clubs while maintaining a healthy bal- West Main Street in Tupelo and can be ipalities created a regional planning Saltillo, Town of Shannon, Town of ance in their personal lives,” said Any- reached at 662.844.1235. To learn more commission called the Council of Sherman, City of Tupelo, City of time Fitness co-founder Chuck Runy- about Anytime Fitness, please visit Governments. The purpose of this or- Verona, and Lee County. on. www.anytimefitness.com

The Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute held its Vision and Strategic Planning Session at Whisper- ing Woods Convention Center,in Olive Branch,Missis- sippi.Pictured is the CLI Class of 2009.Also pictured are class members Jay Bryan,Architecture South; Craig Ford,WTVA; Debi Wheeler,Residence Hospice Care; and Emily LeCoz,Journal Publishing,Inc. PAGE 12 BUSINESS JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 KOOL SMILES ECONOMIC FORECAST CONFERENCE

A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the grand opening of Kool Smiles in Tupelo.Pictured during the ceremony are: Lacey Ivey,Kool Smiles; Gayla Allen,Kool Smiles; Michelle Deaton,Kool Smiles; LaGabriel Bradley,Kool Smiles; Kim Garrett,Kool Smiles; Sara Morris, Kool Smiles; Senator Roger Wicker; Mayor Ed Neelly; Dr.Dale Mayfield,Kool Smiles; Councilman Smith Heavner; Julie Ray,Kool Smiles; Dr.Brad Bryan,Kool Smiles; Bethany Tatum,Kool Smiles; Lillian Pratt,Kool Smiles; Jessica Whitehead,Kool Smiles; Alisha Brown,Kool Smiles; and Tarlita Brown,Kool Smiles.Kool Smiles is located at 401 South Gloster Street,Suite 101 in Tupelo and can be reached at 662.842.2789.

The Northeast Mississippi Economic Forecast Conference was held January 24 at the BancorpSouth Arena.Pictured is former Kentucky Governor,Martha Lane Collins,who served as Governor of Kentucky when Toyota chose Georgetown,KY for its first North American as- FIRST FRIDAY sembly plant location.Also pictured is conference chairman B.B.Hosch,Renasant Bank,and speaker Tom DeFrank,Washington Bureau Chief for the New York Daily News.Other speakers for the event included Phil Hardwick,coordinator of Capacity Development at the Friday, March 7, 2008 John C.Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University and CDF Chairman,Jack Reed,Jr. BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE Guest Speaker: Mr. Todd Stottlemeyer President, National Federation of Independent Business

Sponsored by: JBHM Architects The Mall at Barnes Crossing Food Court 7:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast Will Be Served.

For more information, call: 662.842.4521 Russ Wilson,chairman,Business Roundtable is pictured demonstrating a Segway,with Central Segway of Mississippi owner,Jim Karrant. For more information on the Business Roundtable,please contact the CDF office at 662.842.451. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 13 PAGE 14 BUSINESS JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 15 Arbor Day Celebrated All Year Long in North Mississippi In 1926 Arbor Day became beauty of the Grove, with its Picayune to Pascagoula to an official day of observance towering oaks and cascading Nashville.” in Mississippi, mandated in canopy, was in jeopardy due Toyota’s staunch commit- section 5, Chapter 161 of the to compacted soil that was ment to protecting the envi- 1926 Mississippi Code, that or- killing the trees, as a result of ronment may be seen in many dered all State and County the cars that were allowed to facets of its business practices, Boards of Education to set park there during football yet the company’s support of aside a special day each year games. Yet, one man found a Arbor Day is especially note- in the public schools where way to preserve the beauty of worthy. Since 2001, Toyota has trees, flowers, and other flora the old trees in the Grove for supported the National Arbor were to be planted on the Ole Miss students to enjoy for Day Foundation through edu- grounds of all school houses. years to come. cation and tree planning ef- Later, Arbor Day was moved to Bob Fulgham is the champi- forts. The company has invest- the second Friday in February on of the Grove. A specialist in ed more than $2 million in and is celebrated each year by old tree preservation, Fulgham Arbor Day programs through- school children and business invented a machine that cre- out the country. Upon com- people alike. While some com- ates a subterranean explosion, pletion of Toyota’s newest au- panies acknowledge Arbor allowing oxygen and water to tomotive assembly plant in Day on the second Friday in get to the roots of the trees. Blue Springs, the Toyota Na- February, others celebrate Compacted soil is fractured ture Preserve will be created Arbor Day all year long, like and broken up through the adjacent to the site, where small business owner Bob Ful- force of 200 pounds of air, David Fulgham is pictured utilizing the deep-root feeding and aerating device at the Renasant Center for soon after, Mississippi’s school gham and Mississippi’s newest without damaging the roots, children will celebrate the corporate citizen, Toyota providing for much needed IDEAs. opening of the plant by plant- Motor Manufacturing, Missis- nutrients to find their way to ing 500,000 trees on what will sippi. the tree’s feeding systems. Ful- lished a new lease marketing into a very viable state,” said become known as Toyota The tree-filled Grove, on the gham earned U.S. Patent corporation named “National Fulgham. “We are just cultivat- Arbor Day. campus of the University of Number 6,793,885 B2 in De- Tree Preservation” (NTP). NTP ing soil in a different way. This As the United States contin- Mississippi, is just as much a cember of 2005 and, with his will support and train local is all for my love of old trees; ues its quest to “go green,” part of the college experience son David, has started to grow business owners across the this is my fishing. Don’t call businesses big and small in as living in a dormitory, walk- the tree preservation business, country who lease their tree me and tell me you have a sick Northeast Mississippi are ing to class with new friends, servicing clients in Mississip- preservation technology. tree if you don’t want me to doing their part to preserve and attending sporting events. pi, Alabama, Tennessee, and “Through this process we come do something about it. our world for generations to Unbeknownst to some, the beyond. Fulgham has estab- are bringing old trees back That’s why I work from come.

BEAUTI CONTROL FIRST FRIDAY A ribbon cutting was held for Beauti Control by Kim Harbin.Pictured at the event are: Emily Ad- dison,CDF; Sue Golmon,Coldwell Banker Tommy Morgan,Inc.Realtors; Mary Phillips; Mike May- nard,Weatherall’s,Inc.; Kim Harbin,Beauti Con- trol; Richard Carleton,Mall at Barnes Crossing; Mayor Ed Neelly; Les Perry,North Mississippi Medical Center; Beverly Bedford,City of Saltillo; Waurene Heflin,Crye-Leike Realtors; Ann Brazil, Snelling Staffing; Bill McNutt,WLM Insurance, LLC.Beauti Control by Kim Harbin may be reached at 662.841.9676 or visit her website at www.beautipage.com/kim-harbin. PASSPORT TO JAPAN THE TOYOTA CULTURE Doug MacIntyre,Senior Analyst for the United States Department of Energy was the guest speaker at the January First Friday Planning to travel to Japan or interested in Join us for a luncheon program exploring the concepts behind Toyota’s success. learning more about this country and its cul- Oxford,MS,native David Magee discusses the impact of Toyota’s corporate culture networking event.The event was sponsored by Anytime Fitness. ture? Join us for a luncheon program spon- and how it has shaped the world’s largest auto-maker. Mr.Magee is an award- sored by the University of Mississippi-Tupelo Of- winning columnist and the author of eight non-fiction books,including How Toyota Became # 1. fice of Outreach and the University’s Academic DATE: WEDNESDAY,MARCH 5 |TIME: 11:30 A.M.– 1:00 P.M. | Traveler program. LOCATION: HILTON GARDEN INN Lunch tickets for each program are $25.Register online at Did You Know? Date: Wednesday,February 13 http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/tupelo/continuing_ed/communiversity/area.html#JAP ® ® The Community Development Foundation sells mailing labels of all of our lists.The membership directory is also available in a one-time use CD-Rom.As a CDF member,you will receive a substantial dis- Time: 11:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. PRE-P AID RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. For more information, contact Kim Ray at the University of Mississippi-Tupelo 662- count from the price that we charge non-members.Call 662.842.4521 for a complete list of all of the Location: Hilton Garden Inn,Tupelo 690-6205 or [email protected]. www.olemiss.edu/tupelo publications and mailing lists available from CDF. PAGE 16 BUSINESS JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008

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My CDF membership check is enclosed $______Please send me an invoice 300 West Main Street, P.O. Box A Please bill payment to: ____ VISA ____ MasterCard _____American Express Tupelo, MS 38802-1210 Card Number 662.842.4521 Phone Expiration Date 800.523.3463 Toll-free Signature 662.841.0693 Fax www.cdfms.org FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 17

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For more information about the True Unlimited Nationwide Plan, visit cellularsouth.com. The RIM and Blackberry families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties of and trademarks of Research in Motion Limited - used with permission. ©2007 Cellular South, Inc. All rights reserved. PAGE 18 BUSINESS JOURNAL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 Done with your workweek by noon on Monday? Right. By Glen Allison BOOK REVIEW his book, invites his readers to streamlining processes and $80,000 per month for the au- FOR THE BUSINESS JOURNAL be ready to dropkick any con- systems ruthlessly, by out- thor without requiring more You are reading that book ventions they might have em- sourcing everything you possi- than a few hours of his time title and thinking, “all sizzle braced about how business is bly can, and by removing any weekly. and no steak,” Right? conducted. He uses the barriers in your business Second, it’s possible for al- Yes, the title is brash. (The acronym D.E.A.L., which is model that prevent you from most anyone to automate subtitle is “Escape 9-5, Live summarized thusly: creating new products and some kind of income stream Anywhere, and Join the New D is for DEFINITION services that take very little using the book’s information – Rich.”) Yes. It sounds far-fetched. Challenge the notion that time to manage. even if it’s for a less glamorous And, yes, this book gives you have to defer gratification L is for LIBERATION goal like paying for a family va- business people some good until retirement. Ferriss doesn’t This is where he expounds cation for a couple of weeks at tips for becoming more effec- oppose saving accounts and on the whole “mini-retirement” the beach. tive and focused. 401(k)s; he merely says his self- idea. Ultimately, Ferriss’ goal And, third, any business per- Timothy Ferriss tells of his defined New Rich cohorts prefer has always been to have the fi- son can benefit from the conversion from an 80-hour-a- to take several mini-retirements nancial freedom to live for “Elimination” section of the week wage slave to a world- all during their working lives. months at a time overseas, to book even if he or she don’t wide vagabonder. He is not shy E is for ELIMINATION learn other languages, and to care to automate and out- about pumping up the volume He invoked Pareto’s Law, collect championships in one source 80 percent. when giving proof that his that process isdetails of that which held that our lives are physical prowess or another. Ferriss is not easily defined, ideas work. At age 29, the man process is where the basic, not distributed evenly. We A caveat: Employees might an assessment that I’m sure he speaks six languages, is a sensible business advice know it as the 80/20 Principle: want to rearrange the letters to would relish. However, lest you champion kickboxer and tango comes in. 80 percent of income comes spell D.E.L.A., the book advis- picture him merely as a globe- es, pointing out that the true dancer, and is a self-professed Admittedly, Ferriss’ style from 20 percent of our cus- hopping playboy, note that he measurable effectiveness of a worldwide vagabonder – he seems a tad breezy and his tomers, 80 percent of wealth is recommends giving to those worker should be proved to a goes and lives in other coun- take-no-prisoners practices found in 20 percent of our pop- less privileged. He gives 10 per- boss before pushing for tries for months at a time. might chafe against our South- ulation, and so forth. Ferriss’ cent of the book’s royalties to telecommuting status. How has he done it? He tells ern business sensibilities. Get mantra: Be effective in your not-for-profit groups. My take on “The 4-Hour all in “The 4-Hour Workweek.” past his personality, however, time instead of merely efficient. He claims to spend only four and you’ll find some good ad- Workweek”? Glen Allison is an author and owner of Allison Digital, hours a week running a sports A is for AUTOMATION First, it is possible and Fer- vice for being more productive which produces marketing materials,particularly in the energy-boost supplement that in your business, whatever it Strive to automate the in- riss has proved it. It’s docu- he redesigned to run largely on might be. come streams in your business mented that his company, areas of digital video,publications,and online communi- autopilot. And in the details of FHWW, as the author calls as much as you can, by BODYQUICK, grosses up to cations.Contact him at [email protected]. B usiness Dir ectory A partments A uctions A utomotiv e S ervices P r ofessional A uction Mar keting W ith Over20Y ears of Experience W ith On-Site Auctions, R ICK’ S C HASSIS W ORKS Stevens Auction Has Set The Standar ds for Others to Follow F or eign - D omestic •Insurance Claims W elcome www.stev ensauction.com •Fr ee Estimates John Dwight Stevens,Auctioneer Member of MS and National Auctioneers Associations •Body &Paint R epair Featuring 1, 2,&3 Bedr oom Apartment Homes MSA. L.#349 Check Out T upelo’s Best Kept Secr et NORTH MISSISSIPPI LEADING AUCTION COMPANY 1875 N elle S t. T upelo,MS Located Dir ectly Behind T upelo High School W ehandle any kind of auction or appraisal “ W e S pecializ e 662-841-7806 P .O. Box 58 •Aber deen,MS in F rame W or k” 844-0260 A utomotiv e HANKINS SERVICE CENTER Major and M inor R epairs •Domesticand I mports P .O. 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Shelton &Associates P .A. Alignment M •Fr ee P r e-Q ualifying •Appr o v als W ithin 24 H ours T 2 18 N. Spring St. •Air •Fast &Efficient Closings P . O. Box 1 362 Conditioning S R obin Bar nett T upelo,MS3 8802-1362 U M ortgage Loan O fficer Phone (662)842-50 51 Fax (662) 841-1941 COOPER R 144 S outh Thomas S treet •Spanish Village,Suite106 T Res.(662)842-5321 Email: jshelt on@dixie-net .com T T upelo,MS38801 • 662-841-8743 •Fax 662-841-8747 AUTO - TRUCK SERVICENTER rbar nett@trustmar k.com T oll F ree 1-888-537 -50 51 • L icense dIn Mississippi &Alabama 4006 W est Main T upelo,MS844-1852 A uctions B uilding Materials Alignments,Brakes,Air Conditioning, GRISHAM WHOLESALE, INC. NOTICE TO CATTLEMEN! Oil Changes,Transmission Service Electrical,Plumbing and Gas PontotocStockyar d •Highway76W est,Pontotoc Commer cial,Residential and Industrial SepticTank Sales &Installation • Backhoe •Bucket T ruck Services •Tr ee Owner -Ron Her ndon T rimming •Cr oss Ties •Pipe Cutting &Thr eading •Gas Heaters Sales, Auctioneer -Sammy Barlow Parts,&Repair •Water Heaters •Well Pumps •Tanks &Parts •Appliance Parts •Hoses •HydraulicFittings &Hoses •Lighting Fixtures,Bulbs & Parts •Power ed &Hand T ools •Culverts •Sprinkler Systems CATTLE SALE V isit Our New Showroom Every Saturday 1:00 FRIENDLY CITY TIRE 450 Carter A ve.,New Albany ,MS. 38652 Where Y ou’re Always#1 Goats,Hogs &Horses For all y our cattle needs 662-534-7960 or 662-534-8239 at 11:00 am 534-7671 Hours:Mon-Fri 7 am-6 pm; Sat7am-1 pm Call 489-4385 or213-7080 www.friendlycitytire.com Owners:Lisa&Mark Mallette •Pr esident Jimmy Grisham-Founder B usiness Dir ectory

B uilding Materials Contractors F uneral D ir ectors Painting and Barry Grisham •Tom Moffitt Wallco v ering R esidential &Commer cial Grisham Lumber & Supply , Inc. R easonable Rates,Fr ee Estimates 203 W est Mill Street Established 1891 R efer ences A v ailable F uner al H omes &Cr ematory Blue Mountain, MS 38610 For All Y our Building Needs Scott Knight 535 Jefferson Street •Tupelo (662) 842-4872 280 Mobile Street • Saltillo (662) 869-2130 T oll Free (Statewide) 1-888-685-9444 871-2387 or 869-3211 www.peguesfuneralhome.com Carpentry/B uilders E lectronic G ifts For All Y our Home’s Needs. BEGINS HERE BIG Quality W ork At AFair Price! SCREENS OOkolonkolonaa State Licensed Lots of Sizes A vailable Starting At PLASMA • DLP • LCD $400 DDrurugg CCo.o. •New Construction •Har dwood Flooring W e Service What W e Sell in Our Complete P rescription Service •Additions •Remodeling In-House Service Department W e Accept All Medicare Part DPlans •Ar chitectural Molding •Home Repair •Gifts &Fenton Glass •Lenox &Gor ham • T yler Candles China •Ar omatique • Ole Miss & •Arthur Court Mississippi State •AdoraDolls & Collegiate Items Lee Middleton Dolls 210 W est Main Street 917 S. Gloster/T upelo • 844-5297 (Southofhospital) Okolona, MS (662)447-5471 Mon.-Fri. 8-5 Catering E rrand S ervices Hair What ar ehealthy dinner choices after Multi-T ask ers work, school and kids practices? Concier ge &Errand Service, LLC Stop by Nichols Foods &Deli wher e What Can W e Help Y ou W ith? the decisions ar e always easy. PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL Errand R unning Pick Up &Delivery Grocery Shopping Mail/Sorting/Reading Nichols Foods &Deli Elder Check In W ord/Ex cel/Outlook A utomotive Services Internet Research Catering &Casser olesto Go Repair Waiter Bill Paying 306 Clarke Street •New Albany ,MS If whatyou need help withis not listed, 662-534-8474 just askor contact Mar cus T ravis. Office: 369-6114 Cell: 662-255-1104 1443 East Main St. •Tupelo • 842-1222 Chimney Cleaning Far m H ome and Gar den S upplies Jack Pastis S IMMONS T AYLOR CLASSIC CARPET & Har dwar e &Appliances 324 Third St/Sherman,MS CHIMNEY CLEANING •Har dwar e Full Line Deer e Dealer •Repair Parts •Tools CATASTROPHE W e will buy your used •Plumbing Supplies •Fertilizer stoves, r efrigerators, •Gar dening Supplies ClassicRestorations,Inc. •Seed washers, dryers, etc . •Pet &Animal Food ClassicCarpet Cleaning AGRI-TURF •Plants •Carpentry Supplies ClassicChimney Cleaning 2298 HWY.15NORTH • PONTOTOC • 489-1381 •Gifts Duct &HVACCleaning •Keys Made 690-9966 Phone: 662-841-1535 AlsoinGr enada, Var daman &Columbus Call us foryour appliance r epair Contractors F ence H ome I mpr o v ement

! IVY FENCE CO. S HOWS I T IVYRESIDENTIALFENCE- COMMERCIAL – INDUSTRIAL CO. RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL- INDUSTRIAL A ND Family O w ned &Oper a t ed – E st.1953 Family Owned&Operated - Est. 1953 YNE MAINTENANCEARE C ARPET C LEANING I n sta lla t ion/ R epa i rs - A ll T y pes of F enc ing P A V iny l F enc ing Installation/Repairs - All T ypesof Fencing A llAT lly peT ys pofes C Chain Link E N ORTHEAST M ISSISSIPPI V inyl Fencing FREE ESTIMATES C h a in L ink F enc ing FREEO r n a men ESTt a IMAl I r on TES Fencing W Ornamental Iron

842 - 3 4 3 1 A ll T y pes of All T ypes H. C. P AYNE T EL.(662) 844-5921 I ndustri a l 4811 C liff G ookin •Tu pelo,MS W oodW ooF end c ing (662)871-9600 Industrial 844811 C2liff G-ookin3•T4upel31o, MS Fencing F AX (662) 844-0580 B usiness Dir ectory Landscaping M edical Paint Landscape Services ,PA Compr ehensiv e Medical Car e •Paint •Flooring T otal Lawn Car e •Wallco v ering •Blinds Design,Build and Maintenance For Y our Family or Business Computer Color Matching Pete Poland •Harry Collins Appointments &Walk-Ins W elcome W e S ell The B est “W e’re the guys and gals in the pink truck” Mon.-F ri. 8 - 6:30 1154 Cr oss Cr eek Dr . (Next to Home Depot) L ee Wallace, CFNP Sat.9-6 David W . Bell,MD (662)842-0366 •FAX(662)842-0811 (662)842-8740 Sun. 1 - 6 840-8010 1181-AWest Shopping •Tupelo,MS P et G r ooming &Services T HE L AWN F IRM, LLC S pecial Car efor W omen of Every Age Free Estimates New Albany OB/GYN Clinic, P.L.L.C. Pamper ed Licensed &Insured • Family Planning Irrigation &Lighting Specialists • Complete Pr egnancy & Pr enatal Car e • Adolescent Car e & Counseling Pooch • Menstrual Disorders Pet Gr ooming J USTIN H OULE • Infertility Evaluation • Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgeries Rebecca Butler , F .N.P . Letuspamperyour baby.... Open • Outpatient Surger y for Urinar y Incontinence Gr eg Mitchell, M.D. Now Board Certified C ALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT T ODAY! 662-491-0873 (C) 1082 CR 833 • NOW OFFERING 4-D UL TRA SOUND Obstetrics &Gynecology Lee Ann Holloway 662-348-3682 (H) G UNTOWN,MS38849 For your appointment call (662) 534-0029 T raceland Drive,Tupelo MS 117 Fairfield Drive • New Albany , MS 38652 NexttoBig Lots off W est Main 690-3974 Mar ket P lumbing OUTPATIENT REHAB CENTER OF FULTON, INC RH PLUMBING, INC. 204 Wheeler D riv e,Fulton,MS38843

1204 N ORTH G LOSTER •TUPELO,MS phone 662-862-3070 Commer cial P lumbing,Gas &Industrial P iping www.or cfulton.com Next to La Vino RICHARD HANLON P .O. BOX 417 Accepting Medicar e,Most Private Insurance (662)447-3213 O kolona, MS 38860 Health Link,Workman’s Comp 662-841-0633 Thank y ou for choosing RH Plumbing. W e appr eciate y our business R eal Estate M edical HERNDON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC The Meadows Serving senior citizens and their families Feel Good Again! Daniel Health Care services include 24-hour skilled nursing care by licensed and certified staff, restorativenursing programs, 24-hour lab and pharmaceutical services,IVtherapy by IV certified nursing staff 24hours, on site xrays, on-staff medicaldirector ,careplanning con- New Patients Welcome ferenceswithfamily , psychologists on staff with behavioralmanage- ment program,Alzheimer ’ s Unit, subacute unit, social services, wound care,activity programs daily , nutritionalplans and counseling, EKG’ s, respiratory therapy . 842-8413 ALSO AVAILABLE: Outpatientservices, on-site and off-site; occupa - tional therapy; physical therapy; speech-language therapy and audio- logical services. 2087 Cliff Gookin Blvd. Daniel Health Care Inc. Dr. Ron Herndon Tupelo,MS Highway 25 South • Fulton, MS • 662-862-2165 M o ving R ecr eation V ehicle Digestive Health Specialists,P.A. SHERMAN RV CENTER

Stephen T . Amann,M.D. John B. A verette,M.D. Barney J. Guyton,M.D. Roger L. Huey ,M.D. Samuel C. Pace,M.D. Call for a Free Estimate John O. Phillips,M.D. Ernest Q. W illiams,M.D. Bronzie Morgan Carah W . Edgeworth, CFNP Relocation Specialist W . Carl Kellum Jr .,M.D. 1952-2006 589 Gar field Street,Suite 201 • T upelo,MS38801 “The Mor gan Family662has -84been2 mo-112ving0 families like yours for over 50years” (662) 680-5565 • 1-877-942-7876 SALES - SERVICE - PARTS 842-0310 B usiness Dir ectory R estaurant R estaurant T r ee S ervice

BInsurreedw•Treimmingr T/Rremoeeval S•SetumprvGirindingce W e Roast,You Boast Thursdays at 8 7 1-9451 DINING • CARRYOUT • CATERING Call-In Or ders 840-8800 or 4 01-0742 W e Caterto Parties, Factories,Home &Office or 9 63-1010 •Max2FREE Kidswith Adult Entree •Kid's Menu Only Jim &BarbaraBeane,Owners • 12years and under • 5 to9pm •Drink not included Only T ree Service Company 203 Commer ce Street,Acr oss fr om T upelo Coliseum T upelo and Corinth Location Kids Eat Free on Monday in NE MS with W orkman’s Comp HOURS: Mon.,Tues.,Wed. 11am-6pm •Thurs.,Fri.,Sat.11am-Until 217 Highway30W est •New Albany • 534-2700 •Fax 534-0477 U pholstery Salon S ervices W e appreciate your business! Hair Car e,Manicures,Pedicures, Facials, TUPELO UPHOLSTERY GURLEY’S Skin Car e,Micr o-Der mabrasion,Massage, V inyl T ops •Carpets •Seats •Headliner RESTAURANT Color Analysis &Correction Convertible T ops •Leather Interiors 125 N. Lee Dr . •Guntown,MS TThehe CCrereaattiivvee TT oouucchh 2520 S. Pr esident (off Hwy 45 bypass) Tupelo,MS Carryout A vailable 662-844-6690 348-2276 • 365-9595 D AY S PA & S AL O N Hours: 10:30 am-1:30 pm Mon. - Fri. 4:00 pm - until •Thurs.-Sat. 662- 844- 3734 • 8 44- 6204 T im Kesler ,Owner •Fr ee Estimates •Automotive 2613-A TRACELAND DR. • TUPELO, MS 38801 Vacuum Party T rays FULL “Since1924” for all Occasions! SERVICE SALON •Vacuum Cleaners •Shampooers & DAY •Air Purifiers SPA FREE Pickup &Delivery 1101 W . Main •Tupelo 662 840-0900 842-3774 219 F ranklin Street •Tupelo (behind BancorpSouth Arena) 518 S. Gloster •Tupelo • 842-2214 S ound S ystems W ine &Liquor

Cat e r ing fr om 10to1, 000 2611 W . MAIN ST. TUPELO, MS 842-3753

SOUND & VIDEO 1204 North Gloster Street Systems for Business,Church,Home T upelo, MS 38804 499 G loste r C r eek V illa ge - T u pelo,MS3 880 1 ( 662) 844-4888 - Fax : ( 662) 844-3006 - www.hea v enly h a m.c om Sales •Installation •Rental FX: 662.842-4376 PH: 662.842.4298 S pecialty S hops W r ecker S ervice OO nn cc ee UU pp oo nn AA TT iimm ee “Serving Lee Co. Since1973” Full Line of Marie Osmond Dolls Lee Middleton,Madame Alexander , • 24 H OUR D AMAGE-F REE T OWING Ashton Drake,Adora, The Doll Maker , •HEAVY D UTY T OWING Pizza Salad Bar The Boyd Collection. Precious Moments •ROLLBACK W RECKER Dolls &Figurines Spaghetti Sandwiches Store MagicAlticDolls & Accessories Hours Kewpie Dolls &Lampe Berger . T ues - Sat 840-9301 Sun. 12-11 pm •Mon - Wed 11 am-10 pm •Fri-Sat 11 am-11 pm 10-5

709 Highway 145 South 108 N. Cummings St. Fulton 1806 E. M AIN S TREET •TUPELO Baldwyn,MS 365-7059 www.onceupondolls.com 662-862-6623 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 BUSINESS JOURNAL PAGE 23 BusinessNotes Web site lists days of Bryan plant auction IWEST POINT – The former Bryan Foods plant in West Point is up for sale,according to its new owner,but the facility also is up for auction on the company’s Web site. CRG Acquisition LLC announced last week that it had bought the facility from Sara Lee Corp.on Jan.18 with intent to sell the site to another food processor.But officials didn’t respond to a call by the Daily Journal asking why the plant is scheduled to be auctioned in less than three months. On the Web site www.crgauction.com,the company has set an auction for April 15-16 at the West Point site.An inspection date is scheduled for April 14. “Huge 2-Day Auction!!”proclaims the Web site,which highlights stainless stell mixers, blenders and other equipment available for sale. The auction is “proudly in conjunction with Rabin Worldwide and Perry Videx,”the Web site says. Terms and conditions for the auction haven’t been set,but the Web site notes that a 25 percent deposit of expected high bids are due upon regis- tration. Whether the auction is merely a contingency plan or not wasn’t clear. Last week,CRG partner Bill Firestone said “the highest and best use of the property is a food processor,utiliziing the equipment that’s already in place.” City officials say the facility can be used by another food processor or for other industrial uses. CLIENTS DEPEND ON YOU.YOU. YOUYOU DEPEND ON US.

NNEEEDD PPAAY LLOOAADD?? WWEE GGOOT’’EEMM 33 YYRR//18800,,000000 MIILE AAUTTOO TTRRANSS WWAARRRRANNTTY 44550000 && 55550000 DDOODDGGEE RRAAMM Programs for Your Business High Mileage Lease Options Customized Finance Options Loaner Vehicles Dedicated Account Manager Programs for Your Vehicles BUSINESSLINK Up-Fit Allowances No-Cost Extended Service Contracts SOUTH GLOSTER STREET • TUPELO • 662-842-6093 • 662-840-7300 Exclusive for Business Owners www.tupeloautosales.com FREE 4year/100,000 mile powertrain, A/C and Power Your Business Vehicle Partner. steering extended system service program call Jim Brown at (662) 231-2392 CASH REBATES ON RAM UPFITS Located at the Corner of South Gloster & South Green

PREOWNED “READY TO WORK” 2007 DODGE RAM 3500 SLT Chassis Cab with 11 1/2 Flatbed. 6.7 Cummin Turbo Diesel, 6 speed automatic. LESS THAN 6,000 MILES $29,90000 Plus tax, title.

TIRED OF: HIGH FUEL COSTS? LOW MPG? SPRINTER CHASIS CAB