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Mississippi Valley State University Wins Inaugural Blueprint Mississippi Social Business Challenge
University of Mississippi and The University of Southern Mississippi also winners
Students from Mississippi Public Universities had the opportunity to showcase their ideas, creativity and ingenuity as they competed in the inaugural Blueprint Mississippi Social Business Challenge, which was held recently at the State Capitol in Jackson. The teams presented solutions to some of Mississippi's most pressing problems and outlined ideas to help reach the goals established by Blueprint Mississippi.
Mississippi Valley State University received the first place award, with the University of Mississippi receiving the second place award and The University of Southern Mississippi receiving the third place award.
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MEC Annual Meeting Can Be a PowerPlay for Your Organization
Dear ,
Time well spent. This is what we had in mind when we put together our April 30th event - the MEC PowerPlay Annual Meeting. It is unlike any previous MEC event.
While you can still count on learning about key issues and hearing from state leaders, we have added the opportunity for you to provide valuable professional development for you and your staff.
MEC's Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of business and community leaders held each year. The luncheon will feature a keynote address from Mississippi native and UPS CEO David Abney. Also there will be special remarks from Governor Phil Bryant and a performance from Miss Mississippi Jasmine Murray.
We are very excited about our morning sessions. The MEC Power Track Sessions will give everyone an opportunity to improve productivity or learn more about key policy issues.
There will be two power track sessions on sales training. Hal Becker, an author and leading sales trainer, will conduct a session on "Power Selling: How to be a Top Sales Professional." The second morning session on sales will be led by Victor Antonio, a sales and marking professional. Antonio will focus on "It's Not What You Sell...It's How You Sell."
If it is training in customer service that would benefit your staff the most, the Power Tracks have this for you as well. David K. Aaker, will provide the session "Golden Nuggets for Exceptional Customer Service." He will be followed with a session led by Kelly McDonald, who will look at "Customer Service for People Not Like You."
There will be two Policy sessions. Lonnie P. Taylor, CEO of the National Jobs Corps Association, will highlight the session on "Getting Workforce Development to Work." Joe McAndrew, Policy Director for Transportation for America, will be featured in the session "Putting the Wheels Back on Infrastructure." Both policy sessions will also include a Mississippi panel of leaders.
And another new addition to this year's annual meeting is the MEC Mega Motivation Convocation. Coach Ken Carter, a native of McComb and the inspiration for the Hollywood move Coach Carter, will provide an inspiring message on the "Essential Steps for Success in Life."
The MEC PowerPlay Annual Meeting is an opportunity for CEOs, managers and front line staff from companies of all sizes to take part. I encourage you to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities that will allow you to get the maximum number of leaders from your organization to participate. We expect the largest crowd we've ever had for the MEC annual meeting, so don't delay and reserve you spots today.
Make a "Power Play" for your organization and register today. Information can be found at www.mecannualmeeting.com. You will not want to miss this event.
Keep the faith,
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Baker Donelson Ranked 30th in Sixth Consecutive Year on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For List
The law firm of Baker Donelson has once again been named one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For�. In its sixth consecutive year to be included, Baker Donelson is ranked 30th, earning its highest ranking yet and its second consecutive year as the highest ranked law firm on the prestigious list, which recognizes companies that have exceptional workplace cultures.
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Mississippi Silicon Begins Recruitment for Full-Time Employees
Recruitment for full-time skilled trade workers has begun as Mississippi Silicon approaches final construction phases and equipment installation at its Burnsville manufacturing site.
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26th Annual Jackson County Industrial Trade Show Set for March 24
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the business community of Jackson County will host the 26th Annual Jackson County Industrial Trade Show on Tuesday, March 24th, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact Joan Branson, Chairwoman for the 2015 Jackson County Industrial Trade Show at (228) 935-5545 or at [email protected] to learn more about the event.
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Fifth MEC Legislative Scrambler
Set for March 18
Meeting to Focus on Economic Development
MEC will hold its fifth Legislative Scrambler focusing on Economic Development on Wednesday, March 18, at the Mississippi Museum of Art.
The meeting will focus on Economic Development, and will feature Senate Finance Chairman Joey Fillingane, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jeff Smith and House Workforce Development Committee Chairman Donnie Bell.
You can attend in person,
or dial in by calling 800-771-7943.
MEC's Legislative Scramblers are a great way to have a voice at the Capitol without ever leaving your desk.
MEC's Fourth Legislative Scrambler is Sponsored By:
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Cornerstone Government Affairs
Outlines Energy at Scrambler
The Mississippi Economic Council recently hosted its fourth Legislative Scrambler focusing on Energy at the Mississippi Museum of Art on March 4. The more than 60 participants heard from Sen. Terry Burton, Chair of the Senate Energy Committee and Rep. Charles Busby, Member of House Energy Committee.
MEC's fourth Legislative Scrambler was sponsored by Cornerstone Government Affairs.
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GodwinGroup's Shirley Earns AAF's Silver Medal
T he American Advertising Federation Jackson recently honored GodwinGroup Chairman and CEO Philip Shirley by bestowing him with the Silver Medal Award. Shirley is a member of MEC's Board of Governors.
GodwinGroup is an MEC member.
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Mississippi Energy Institute Launches Website to Promote Jobs and Technical Training
T he Mississippi Energy Institute has launched a new workforce development initiative,Get on the Grid (www.getonthegridms.com), aimed at increasing awareness and interest for high-tech, in-demand career opportunities in energy and advanced manufacturing. Get on the Grid sets out to reach teenagers, their parents, and even adults seeking better jobs.
A growing economy paired with a rapidly retiring workforce and a need to fill high-tech positions presents challenges that can only be addressed through expanding the size and quality of the workforce. With much discussion today among Mississippi's public policymakers around workforce development efforts,Get on the Grid's workforce awareness message is coming along at a very opportune time. The website is designed to be a resource useful in the variety of existing workforce development programs across Mississippi.
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Plan to Create $50 Million Workforce Training Fund Advances;
Symbolic Ribbon of Red Tape Taller Than the Sillers Building-
Jackson's Tallest Building
The Mississippi Legislature on March 10 advanced an important workforce training bill aimed at streamlining and better funding our workforce system. Senate Bill 2457 would work toward implementing Gov. Phil Bryant's Keep Mississippi Working plan. The bill passed the house and has been returned to the Senate, where it will likely be sent to conference to work out any differences between the two chambers.
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Calling All Former STAR Students and STAR Teachers!
2015 marks the 50th Anniversary of the M. B. Swayze Foundation Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program!
MEC and the STAR Program will hold the 2015 Education Celebration in conjunction with MEC PowerPlay - the 66th MEC Annual Meeting. The Education Celebration will be held at the Jackson Convention Complex on April 30, 2015.
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Leadership Mississippi Laurel Session on Technology Set for March 26 & 27
The Leadership Mississippi Class of 2015 will visit Laurel on March 26 & 27, learning about technology and the Pine Belt community. They will tour prominent businesses and organizations in Jones County and learn about the region.
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MEC's Regional Round-Ups
Continue in the Capital Region
MEC's Regional Round-Ups will continue NEXT WEEK in the Capital Region.
During the Regional Round-Ups, which are sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MS, MEC will travel to approximately 28 communities throughout the state, discussing opportunities for those regions to help grow Mississippi's economic competitiveness.
Madison
Friday, March 20, 2015 - 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel Jackson North Ridgeland
Yazoo City
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 - 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church Activity Hall (with Rotary and Lions) Flowood
Wednesday, April 8, 2015 - 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Table 100
There is no cost to attend the meetings thanks to a generous sponsorship
from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi, but pre-registration is required.
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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 approximately 10,000 members from 1,100 member firms in 2,400 locations throughout Mississippi.
Greetings! 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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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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