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Mississippi Economic Council MEC Snapshot
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More Than 2,000 Celebrate Mississippi's Creative Economy at 65th MEC Annual Meeting
More than 2,000 business leaders joined MEC to "Celebrate Mssissippi's Creative Economy" during the 65th MEC Annual Meeting on April 10 at the Jackson Convention Complex.
The Annual Meeting featured a special keynote message from award-winning author and entrepreneur Peter Sims and entertainment by Mississippi-born country music artist Steve Azar. Special appearances were made by Governor Phil Bryant, MEC 2014-2015 Chair Alveno Castilla and Miss Mississippi Chelsea Rick. The 65th MEC Annual Meeting also featured a special performance from the Nissan Canton Gospel Band.
The MEC Annual Meeting played host to the "Mississippi Creative Economy Panel," which featured a group of entrepreneurs from across the state who addressed the impact of the creative economy on Mississippi's economy. Panelists included:
- Brent Christensen, Executive Director, Mississippi Development Authority
- Malcolm White, Tourism Division Director, Mississippi Development Authority
- Mark Henderson, Owner, Lazy Magnolia Brewery
- Amy Head, Owner, Amy Head Cosmetics
- Brad McMullan, President & CEO, bfac, LLC
In addition to the Annual Meeting luncheon, MEC was joined by students from across the state at "Reaching for the Stars," a tribute to Mississippi's STAR Students and Teachers. The Mississippi Scholars and Mississippi Scholars Tech Master programs were also highlighted in a special recognition ceremony for community leaders. |
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Gov. Bryant Signs MS Taxpayer Fairness Act into Law at MEC Annual Meeting
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Gov. Bryant signed House Bill 799, The Mississippi Taxpayer Fairness Act, at the
65th MEC Annual Meeting.
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The Mississippi Taxpayer Fairness Act, an MEC priority issue, was signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant following the luncheon at MEC's Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 10.
Thanks to the leadership of Senate Finance Committee Chairman Joey Fillingane and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jeff Smith this law will provide meaningful reform in tax administration in Mississippi. The act is designed to create a level playing field so there is fairness in the appeals process. This provides certainty for all taxpayers.
The act provides solutions that protect the rights of taxpayers, yet preserve the state's ability to address abusive and unique situations. Specifically, this important legislation standardizes the Department of Revenue's (DOR) apportionment procedures, removing uncertainty by providing reliable guidelines for all taxpayers. The party requesting deviation from these guidelines would bear the burden of proof to justify the change.
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Anderson Named CEO of Baptist Health Systems
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Chris Anderson, FACHE, CPA, has joined Baptist Health Systems as Chief Executive Officer. For the past 16 years, Anderson has served as the CEO of Singing River Health System in Pascagoula. He began his career at the KPMG Peat Marwick office in Jackson. working with many of the large hospitals in the state.
The appointment follows a comprehensive, national search by the Baptist Health Systems' Board of Trustees, which began last fall. Board Chairman Kane Ditto called the move a very important and exciting one for the system as it continues its mission of providing high quality healthcare guided by its Christian faith.
"Chris has a proven track record of success in leading a multi-hospital, not-for-profit health system," added Ditto.
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Gov. Bryant, MDA Open Entrepreneur Center to Provide Assistance for New & Existing Business
Gov. Phil Bryant and officials from the Mississippi Development Authority cut the ribbon recently on the agency's new Entrepreneur Center, located on the first floor of the Woolfolk State Office Building in Jackson. MDA's Entrepreneur Center provides services free-of-charge to individuals interested in starting a new business or expanding their existing operations.
"Small businesses make up the backbone of Mississippi's economy. In fact, the Kauffman Foundation has ranked our state among the top five best locations in the country for entrepreneurs," Gov. Bryant said.
The new Entrepreneur Center includes the addition of a Resource Library and workstations so clients can work on business plans with easy access to the resource team. The Entrepreneur Center also unveiled a new website, www.msenetworks.org, complete with information to assist Mississippi's small business owners.
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Atmos Energy Celebrates
National Safe Digging Month
 Before you dig into your next outdoor project, Atmos Energy Corporation invites you to join its "iDig It" campaign designed to remind property owners, construction crews and do-it-yourselfers to always call 811 before they dig. The reminder comes as utilities across the nation recognize April as National Safe Digging Month.
Atmos Energy's "iDig It" campaign, which began on April 1, offers participants the chance to win $811 if they snap a picture of a clearly marked digging site in their community. The contest information and rules are on Atmos Energy's Facebook page and website. The goal of the campaign is to educate the public about the need to Call 811 before every digging project, whether simple landscaping or major construction of a building.
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Columbus Air Force Base Hosts "Wings Over Columbus" Air Show and Open House
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Taking part in the community reception at Wings Over Columbus 2014 were (from Left) Earl Walker of Airbus Helicopters, Wing Commander Jim Sear of the 14th Flying Training Wing at the Columbus Air Force Base and Thunderbird 1 Greg Mosley, the command leader of the Air Force Thunderbirds.
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The Air Force Thunderbirds were featured at Wings over Columbus 2014, an air show and open house at the Columbus Air Force Base on Saturday, April 5.
More than 40,000 people took part in the event which featured numerous performances by stunt pilots, and also included a variety of military air craft for the public to view and tour.
Wing Commander Jim Sear of the 14th Flying Training Wing at the Columbus Air Force Base also hosted a community reception on Saturday evening for the pilots and crew of the Thunderbirds. The reception was sponsored by Airbus Helicopters, Visit Columbus and the Golden Triangle Development Link.
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A Bright Future for Mississippi Looms Following 65th Annual Meeting
Last week, MEC welcomed more than 2,000 business leaders to the 65th MEC Annual Meeting, celebrating Mississippi's creative economy.
The morning sessions provided a great look into the creative economy working in Mississippi through entrepreneurship, with all participants doing an excellent job during the morning panel on the Creative Economy in Mississippi. Education took center stage during the "Reaching for the Stars" Education Celebration for STAR Students and Teachers and the Mississippi Scholars and Mississippi Scholars Tech Master community leader recognition event.
Award-winning author and entrepreneur Peter Sims gave a rousing keynote at the luncheon following his exemplary lecture on the Creative Economy during the morning sessions. Country music artist Steve Azar wowed the crowd, capping off an exciting day at the Jackson Convention Complex.
We would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors for their dedication to the success of MEC and their contribution to this incredible event.
During this time of celebration of MEC's membership and accomplishments over the past year, it is important to remember where we came from and where we are going. Since the economic recession in 2007, Mississippians have worked tirelessly to get the state back on its feet and get business flowing in the same manner that it did before. Our 2013-2014 MEC Annual Report is entitled "Creating a Better Tomorrow, Today," and that's exactly what MEC strives to do-put Mississippi in the place of greatest opportunity. We have worked hard to get here, and together we can continue to do so to make our state a great place to live and work.
Keep the Faith,
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You are receiving this newsletter because of your past involvement with the Mississippi Economic Council. For more information about MEC, please visit our website at www.msmec.com.
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ABOUT US
The Mississippi Economic Council has been the voice of Mississippi business since 1949. MEC deals with broad issues that relate to businesses through advocacy, research, resources and leadership. MEC has 8,600 members from 1,100 member firms in 2,400 locations throughout Mississippi.
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Mississippi Economic Council - The State Chamber of Commerce
248 E. Capitol Street, Suite 940 - Jackson, Mississippi 39201
P.O. Box 23276 - Jackson, Mississippi 39225-3276
Phone: 601-969-0022 - 1-800-748-7626
Fax: 601-353-0247 - 1-888-717-2809
Click Here for MEC Web Site
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