Call for Nominations - Leadership Madison County Class of 2010-2011!

Posted July 8, 2010

Matthew Thiel joins the CPA firm of Eubank & Betts, PLLC

Posted July 27, 2010

Matthew Thiel recently joined the CPA firm of Eubank & Betts, PLLC as a Senior Accountant in the firm’s tax and audit departments. He graduated from The University of Mississippi with a Master of Taxation in May of 2008. Previously employed with a CPA firm in Birmingham, Alabama as an accountant, Mr. Thiel has two years of experience in tax and auditing.

William L. Eubank, Jr., CPA of Eubank & Betts awarded MSCPA Public Service Award

Posted July 26, 2010

William L. Eubank, Jr., CPA received the Mississippi Society of CPAs Public Service Award at the 2010 Annual Convention and Business Meeting in Destin, Florida.

The MSCPA Public Service Award annually honors an individual who has made a difference to the community through their commitment to public service. Nominees for the award are evaluated on their diversity of service activities over an extended period and on their level of leadership and initiative. Qualifying activities for the award include service clubs, church work, children’s programs, economic development and public service.

Mr. Eubank presently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Baptist Health Systems.

Chamber Signature T-Shirts

Posted July 22, 2010

Our stylish "Belong" t-shirts is a great way to advertise for the chamber! Our website is offered beneath our "Belong" slogan on the front of the T. Costs varies depending on size and style of the shirt. Prices range from $12 to $25 each. Call the chamber office at 601.605.2554 or send an e-mail to info@madisoncountychamber.com to place your order today!

Belhaven Special Offer

Posted May 18, 2010

Read a Book, Anywhere, Anytime

Posted October 6, 2008

Read a Book, Anywhere, Anytime

The restaurant had a large crowd, mostly due to out of town folks racing from Hurricane Gustuv. It was just one of those unexpected moments. Family night out… with mom, dad, and teen-age son deep in conversation. She was all dressed up, hair pulled back with a head-band and the cutest pink heart bracelet, fluttering with her every move. She really wasn’t paying any attention to the adult family conversation or to anything else that was going on around her.

Elizabeth was reading a book. Not texting, not talking, not playing a video game, not coloring…she was reading a book. I was carried away by the look on her face as she turned every page, waiting to see what was ahead for the main character. The book was a mystery, Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook, by Barbara Park. In doing some research, Junie B. Jones is a kindergarten-age girl, that often looks at the world with a different set of eyes and the series of books teaches life-lessons. The books are full of twists and turns and are perfect for those beginning to read chapters.

In further to talking to Elizabeth, she really likes to read and her favorite subjects in school are art and physical education. Elizabeth is a second-grader and for her, the world is full of wonder and adventure. Who knows, I could have been talking to a future Olympic athlete or the next generation Picasso or the 2020 version of Eudora Welty.

In later talking to Elizabeth’s mom, I discovered that buying a book is always an option. As a reader myself, I just wanted to jump up and hug the pint-size reader and her family for a couple of reasons. First, the written word is so precious and oh, the great places and adventures books can take us on, literally around the world. Secondly, because of parents encouraging reading, in a public place versus sitting around being bored.

As, I watched Elizabeth, over my shoulder, the sheer delight on her face also made me want to thank a teacher. My first grade teacher, Mrs. Read, was a great story teller and encouraged all of us, way back there to read a book, often. Continuing my trek through elementary school, books were a big part of my life, often swapping with friends. The Bobbsey Twins and the Nancy Drew series were on my radar, as was the Highlights Magazine.

So how does Elizabeth and her book reading apply to the business world? First, you can grab 10 minutes anywhere, anytime to read. Throw a book or a financial magazine in your car so you’ll have it the next time you have lunch or a coffee break. And, secondly, we all need to be on top of trends and happenings in the workplace. Are you reading a trade publication relevant to your industry? Do you share articles with associates? How about with customers? Do you know the books that are on the NY Times top ten business books for the week? What are your customers reading? When was the last time you went to a bookstore and scanned the magazines? By reading our local Mississippi magazines, you might find a well-recognized entrepreneur right under your nose.

Re-read the above questions. You’ll find some great ideas for relationship building with you customers, which may put you ahead of your competition. Happy page turning!

St. Dominic Hospital Gets Top Ranking

Posted October 6, 2008

St. Dominic Hospital has received a top national ranking for clinical excellence in cardiac services, according to the U. S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). St. Dominic's is tied for the 5th safest place for heart attack outcomes in the United States as compared to all hospitals in the nation. CMS recently published their best estimates of heart attack, heart failure and pheumonia death rates for every U. S. hospital for two years. For the detailed listing, go to www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. Congratulations to St. Dominic and all your staff!

Local Businesswomen Scores Big Win!

Posted October 1, 2008

Local businesswomen, Elizabeth Williams, Mostly Martha's Florist and Gifts, takes on top honors at the Society of American Florists' Annual Convention. After winning the Mid-America Competition, Elizabeth was invited to compete in the Sylvia Cup, the industry's longest running annual, live national floral competition.
This year competition tested the skills of designers from across the United States. Elizabeth designed a hand-tied bridal bouquet, a centerpiece for a 60" round table, and a creative wristlet, all featuring roses. Elizabeth received an Honorable Mention, which is really second place. Congratulations to Elizabeth and keep up the great design work!

Kudos to Neighboring States!

Posted October 1, 2008

A recent article in National Geographic listed the fifty next great adverture towns....where to live + play now!
Three of our sister states made the list - - Mobile, Alabama, Layfette, Louisana, and Mountain View, Arkansas.

The list includes 50 innovative towns that aren’t just prime relocation spots right now, but smart choices for the future. Not only do they have the action. They’ve got a plan. With each of the 50 making the list, you’ll find picks that range from adventure 24/7 hubs loaded with outdoor options to urban players that offer a variety of jobs and cultural activities without sacrificing green space. Recent transplants who made the move and have a better quality of life to show for it have testimonies in the September, 2008 magazine. While a move is a long-term investment, these three are not that far away for a fun road trip!

Leadership Madison County 2008-2009 Class

Posted September 30, 2008

Leadership Madison County 2008-2009 started their year off with the mandatory opening retreat at Eagle Ridge Conference Center. Leadership Madison County is designed to develop potential leaders for Madison County. This program is a nine month program that begins in September and ends in May with a Project Presentation/Commencement. The requirement for this program is that you RESIDE in Madison County!

The Asset Company Grand Opening

Posted September 24, 2008

The Asset Company in Canton held a Grand Opening for their new office in Canton. The new office is located at 153 E. Center Street, Canton, MS 39046! Congratulations Neal Rich and team!

Penn’s Ribbon Cutting

Posted September 24, 2008

Penn's Restaurant opens in Ridgeland! Located at 796 Lake Harbour Road, Penn's now serves breakfast! They are open Sunday - Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Welcome to Ridgeland!

Big 10 Tire & Accessories Ribbon Cutting

Posted September 19, 2008

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce welcomes Big 10 Tires & Accessories to Dees Road in Gluckstadt with Ribbon Cutting!

Time for Learning

Posted September 11, 2008

It’s school time. The days of learning have begun for children all across the state. And, for some adults as well. The college crowd is getting back into the swing of things with some students arriving on campus for the first time and others anticipating their last year and the career that lies ahead.

This time of year also brings several learning opportunities for me. Our state chamber executives conference was back at the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the first time since Hurricane Katrina and back-to-back was the national chamber executives conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Both provided great opportunities to get re-connected with friends and hear the latest and greatest information in the chamber world.

My buddy, Jim Blasingame, the Small Business Advocate, and one of the folks I look forward to seeing every year at the national conference, always has something new. A Florence, Alabama native that touts chamber membership for small businesses, Jim was one of the first folks I ever met at the big national conference. He remembers my name, where I’m from and the correct name of the chamber I work for.

And, this year was no different for Jim’s ideas. As we begin planning for next year, our focus once again will be on business. Jim, the Small Business Advocate, has the perfect solution for all the small business and entrepreneurial questions anyone could ask and one that will make me look like a hero!

As a new link to our website, you’ll find the “Ask Jim” link. Just a click away, you’ll find the answers to most of your small business questions. While some are generic, no city or state specific, small business wannbes will be guided in the right direction for the information, either at local or state levels. And, the information, thanks to some great sponsors, is free. Here’s another great example of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce providing you with the resources to help you with the American dream of owning your own company. The rest is up to you by putting the pieces together.

I am working with a group of entrepreneurs on putting a plan together for a business venture. Members of the group certainly are diverse and bring a different set of skills to the table. In the “due diligence” part, it’s interesting to see, that if you ask enough questions and have been around Mississippi for any length of time, you will be connected. Six degrees is the going standard. For the group of entrepreneurs, it’s been less stressful because some in the group has a contact somewhere in the State.

And, while much of the school talk is about winning football teams, it would be great to see in the headlines, educational breakthroughs in medical, science, technology, and new products prototype development at our colleges and universities. That’s also good news….those things that will have a lasting impact on the lives and the ability to make a decent living for all Mississippians.

August New Members

Posted September 1, 2008

Becky Hathcock
Gary Smith Real Estate
113 Executive Drive
Madison, MS 39110
601-613-8015
bhathcock@garysmith.com

Big 10 Tires & Accessories
Melissa Reynonlds
110 Dees Drive
Madison, MS 39110
601-607-5151
big10melissa@yahoo.com

Blue Sky Auctions, LLC
Kelly Hogue
100 Fawn Lane
Madison, MS 39110
601-209-3291
601-853-0682
kelly@auctionbluesky.com

Colony Properties, LLC
Michelle Burford
1022 Highland Colony Parkway
Suite 300
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-853-8009
michelle@hcbailey.com

Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland
Heather Warrington
1016 Highland Colony Parkway
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-898-8815
heatherw@intermtn.biz

JRWebb Pottery
Jonni Webb
P. O. Box 1865
Madison, MS 39130
601-853-3798
jonni@jrwebbpottery.com

Jackson Street Property Management, LLC
John F. Campbell
115 West Jackson Street
Ridgeland, MS 39157
201-673-2210
john@johnfcampbell.com

Orkin Pest Control
Mike Smith
112 Marketridge Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-977-8016

Azul Denim
Sonia Miller
733 River Oaks Drive
Suite E
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-605-1066
soniamiller@azuldenim.com

Lake Caroline Owner's Association
Doug Jones
667 Bellevue Drive
Madison, MS 39110
601-898-1370
doug@lakecaroline-ms.org
www.lakecaroline-ms.org

Little Footprints Learning Center
Jennifer Nelson
319 Distribution Drive
Madison, MS 39110
601-898-1221
littlefootprintslc@yahoo.com
www.littlefootprintslc.com

Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District
Celia Miller
175-A Commercial Parkway
Canton, MS 39046
601-859-4272 ext.3
celiamiller@ms.nacdnet.net

MS Tobacco Free Coalition of Madison & Yazoo Counties
Rochelle Culp
617 Renaissance Way
Suite 210
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-898-7192
rochelle.culp@healthy-miss.org

Travel with Famil Values
Lisa Byrd
441 Kingsbridge Road
Madison, MS 39110
601-866-7773
travelwithfamilyvalues@ymail.com
www.travelwithfamilyvalues.com

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Ann Buchanan
405 Fontaine Place
Suite 103
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-956-7447
ann.buchanan@lls.org

How Much Would You Pay for a Tagline?

Posted July 28, 2008

How much would you pay for a tagline? Couple thousand dollars, maybe a couple of hundred thousand dollars? How about $30 million? According to 1to1 Magazine, that's exactly what Citibank did to simply drop "the" from their current slogan. The previous slogan, "The Citi Never Sleeps," So, know it's "Citi Never Sleeps." And, part of the big bucks went to the development of a new motto, "Let's Get It Done," The army of marketing gurus behind this can-do and common-man approach has apparently not seen or heard of Larry the Cable Guy, whose catchphrase happens to be "Git-R-Done." So, the next time you think your logo, motto, or slogan is expensive, based on what your marketing guru is telling you, think....thirty....million....dollars....

Legislation to Cut Small Business Taxes

Posted July 28, 2008

Rep. Travis Childers introduces legislation to cut small business taxes. The Invest in Small Business Act of 2008 would make it easer for business owners to attract investors, cut taxes on investors, and increase the number of small businesses eliglble for tax cuts. Taxpayers that qualify under Childers' revised stratutes would pay zero taxes on capital gains. "I introduces the Invest in Samll Business Act of 2008 because small businesses makeup one of the most importante parts of our economy," Childers stated in a news release. The Invest in Small Business Act would reform Section 1202 of the tax code. Section 1202 regulates so-called "qualified small business stock," a provision that affects many small business owners when selling ownership interest companies. The Childers bill would hold encourage investment in small businesses by eliminating the most burdensome tax provisions. For instance, it completely eliminates the capital gains tax on the sale of qualifies smlal interest stock, and it broadens the Section1202 criteria so that more businesees qualify for these tax benefits. Under current law, induvidual investors are allowed to exclude from taxation only 50% of the profits they make on the sale of small business stock. the new legislation call for the exclusion of 100% of these profits and also decreases the amount of time an investor must hold stock to qualify for exclusion from five years to three years. Small businesses issuing stock must be worth $50 million or less in order to qualify for currnet tax benefits. This new legislation doubles that amount to $100 million. Additionally, on individual taxspayers can benefit from the current tax provision. The Invest in Small Business Act allows corporations to benefit, as well. Miss. Business Journal

Managers Say Customer Relationships Are Their Top Issue

Posted July 16, 2008

Jeffrey Gitomer, America's #1 Salesperson, will be our guest in March, 2009. This is today's message, worth repeating and forwarding to your staff, at all levels.
Managers Say Customer Relationships Are Their Top Issue by Jeffrey Gitomer. I just read a 500-word article from some consulting firm to a Fortune 10 company on one point – “managers say that relationships are important.”

Well gohleee! Where is Gomer Pyle when you need him? Boy, what a non-surprise.

Relationships are important? Now you tell me! What was I thinking all these years? This non-information is typical of money wasted on one-dimensional consultants who tell you what you already know, but not ONE THING or ONE WORD on what to do about it. These are the same people who think it’s important to “measure” customer satisfaction. This is not just a waste of time and money; it’s a total joke. Relationships are about loyalty, not satisfaction.

There are two words that are missing from this “relationships are important” drivel that would clarify the issue, and save hundreds of thousands on consultants who have no concept of what to do and managers who continue to focus only on symptoms or desired outcomes, rather than deal with real-world problems. The two words are: REAL ANSWERS.

Many companies tell me that they have GREAT relationships with their customers. Many salespeople tell me that they have GREAT relationships with their customers.

Those SAME PEOPLE lose orders on PRICE to the customers they have a GREAT relationship with. WHAT? COLD HARD FACT: If you lose an order to an existing customer because of price, you have NO RELATIONSHIP.

Let me help them – indirectly. All they have to do is read this.

But first let me help you. Because you don’t care about them.

In fact, you hope they never find out how oblivious they are, so you can continue to clean their clock. And they can continue to blame loss of customers on price, and a bunch of other wrong reasons. Blaming instead of taking responsibility.

Here, for YOUR benefit, are 17.5 elements that will make relationship happen, instead of telling you how IMPORTANT it is:
1. Relate to me. Know my needs and issues. Engage me by showing me customers who are benefiting from doing business with you.
2. Prepare for me. Show me you have done your homework about my situation, not just yours.
3. Don’t waste my time. Don’t ask me what you could have found out on your own.
4. Tell me the truth. Truth leads to trust. I need to trust you in order to have a relationship with you.
5. Tell me how I use your product or service to build my business. I want to know how I produce in my environment.
6. Tell me how I profit from the relationship. I want to know how I profit from buying. And I want to know that you know.
7. Show me the value, not just how it works. What are the elements of value attached to your product or service that relate to me?
8. Make it easy for me to do business with you.
9. Make service available when I need it.
10. Be friendly to me. If I’m going to establish a relationship with you, I want it to be a friendly one.
11. Respond quickly. If I call you, it’s because I need you, and I need response now.
12. Deliver on time. When you tell me it’s going to be there, I expect it. And it helps reinforce my feeling that you know and meet my expectations.
13. Have answers for me when I need them. I have questions about how your product works.
14. Stay in touch with me. Keep me informed on a proactive basis. Make your messages more about me than you.
15. Let me know when things or technologies change. Keep me informed about how I can stay ahead, even if it means buying more.
16. Keep your promises. If you tell me something will happen, make it happen.
17. Be a partner, not a vendor. Tell me how we will work together. And then prove it by your deeds.
17.5 Serve me. I need to feel that service after the sale is more important than the emotion leading up to the order.

In 1998 I wrote the book, Customer Satisfaction is WORTHLESS, Customer Loyalty is Priceless. I didn’t do it for shock, I did it for the reality of what builds a relationship: loyalty. And in order to get loyalty, you must first give it. That’s the basis for a relationship.

And for the record – relationships are not merely “important,” they’re the foundation of a strong, successful business. Now you know what to do. Do it.

Jeffrey Gitomer

Website Trends You May Want to Check Out

Posted July 7, 2008

Here's a list of some really cool website trends you may want to check out to enhance your business.
Competious provided you and your company or team with a simple, straightforward place to track your competition. A competitor can be an entire company, a service or a specific product. Competious works for your regardless of your industry. Free. http://competitio.us

Conduit is a site that helps you create a custom toolbar for Internet Explorer. This can be used internally for large organizations, or can be assembled as a marketing tool that can be sent to customers. Logo can be added on browser.

SlideShare is the world's largest community for sharing presentations. Individuals and organizations can upload presentations to share ideas, connect with others, and generate leads for their businesses. Anyone can find presentations on topics that are of interest. Users can tag, download, or embed presentations into their own blogs and websites. (power point presentations) http://slideshare.net

In an era of spin, opinion, and apathy about statistics, Swivel is a website that makes is easy for everyone to collaborate and explore data together - because better informed people make better decisions - in voting booths, in corporate boardrooms, and at neighborhood meetings. http://swivel.com

Visitorville.com provides an interesting twist on Web trends reporting. Most websites gerenate statistics that track unique visitors, where they go, and how long they stay in a site. This application turns these results into a real-time graphical representation that looks like a city of buildings (your pages) and show the people traveling between popular buildings (pages). You must take a look at this in real time. $6.99/month. http://visitorville.com

XWiki provides web-based enterprise collaboration solutions. Based on a 7 second-generation wiki, they are designed to help you organize your information simply and share it effectively throughout your organization. http://xwiki.com

Join the Cambrian House Community to connect with like-minded members and befriend people who have skills or resources your looking for to execute your ideas - -you think it, crowds test it, crowds build it and fund it, you sell it, you profit. http://cambrianhouse.com/

mbcybertwin.com is a great example of combining the web, with an intelligent engine. The goal here is to have "conversations" with someone while your are actually not present. Then be able to read them later and gain information you would not have gotten had you not been "present" in some form. http://mycypertwin.com

Dell provides this site as a great example of both crowd sourcing and a new level of market research. Check out how they use this site to generate ideas and feedback for the company and then use a Digg-like rating system fo score the ideas. http://dellideastorm.com

What started out as as idea to group or "swarm" people together to buy health insurance has not become eSwarm.com - - a creative internet platform to purchase anything from health insurance and prescription drugs to IPods. http://eswarm.com

Chamber Member Madison County Journal Gets Top Award

Posted July 7, 2008

Chamber Member Madison County Journal Gets Top Award at the Mississippi Press Association. The Madison County Journal was named the Best Weekly Newspaper in its division. The Journal brought home a total of seven awards, including four first place awards in the news, investigative coverage, and design categories. This is the seventh prestigious General Excellence Award won by the Madison County Journal. Kudos to all the staff at the Madison County Journal!

Congrats to City of Ridgeland

Posted July 7, 2008

City of Ridgeland receives top Award at Mississippi Municipal League's Annual Conference. The Planning and Development Award (for over 10,000 population) was presented to Mayor Gene McGee and Director of Community Development, Alan Hart for the Ridgeland Area Master Plan. The 100-page planning document took nearly two years to complete. Donald J. Borut, Executive Director of the National League of Cities, recognized Ridgeland's Master Plan as an "innovative and exemplary plan, dedicated to improving the quality of life." Congratulations to Ridgeland, a proud Madison County Chamber of Commerce member!

Marketing Committee gets Geared Up

Posted June 24, 2008

Marketing Committee gets geared up for new direction for Chamber In evaluating needs for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors determined that marketing our Chamber and its programs would become a priority. Chairs, Vicky Bratton, Homebuilders Assn. of Jackson, and Julie Grantham, HMA-Mississiippi Division, have put together a great team of volunteers that will design and create the Marketing Plan. Strengths and weaknesses have been identified. With the re-development of our website by Marketing Alliance, this will become a starting point for expanding marketing efforts. A good marketing program, according to Julie Grantham, encompasses a variety of media outlets with consistent message. Suggestions and ideas are welcomed and encouraged, and volunteers are welcome to help in this proceess. Vicky Bratton is setting morning meetings to encourage participation. Next Marketing Committee Meeting is Thursday, June 26 at Chamber Office.

Networking Tips from a Big Box Leader

Posted June 20, 2008

It’s Not What You Know, But Who You Know: Networking Tips from Kelly Gorman of PETCO
June 20th, 2008 by Ana Van Engelen
Posted in NRF Events
The thought of networking with the 2,900+ people might seem a bit overwhelming. We recently had the honor to pick the brain of networking queen Kelly Gorman, also known as the vice president of loss prevention for PETCO. Kelly has attended the LP show for the past 15 years and has some advice to share:

I find that meeting new friends in the industry is a great way to gather innovative ideas, to take advantage of my peer’s creativity, and to change the look of the circus that I’m in daily. I also make an effort each year not only to catch up with everyone that I haven’t seen or talked with since the last conference but to also introduce myself to new faces.

Here are some other tips I have found helpful.

• Expand contacts: Make it a goal to find 10 new people that you haven’t met in the past. (I exclude vendors from this list of 10, since they tend to find all the retailers well enough on their own.)
• Seating strategy: Make sure to attend separate sessions from your friends and colleagues at the show. Also try to sit next to a new face—someone you’ve never met before.
• Make note: Make it a point to share your business card while also collecting cards from new acquaintances. (I have also found it helps me to write when and where I met that person so when I get home, a month or even a year later I will be reminded of the connection.)
• Don’t let your day end when the sessions do: There are many great receptions or evening events during the conference. Make it a point to get out!

I have made some great business and personal contacts over the last 15 years of attending national conferences.

Wellness is the New Corporate Buzzword

Posted June 18, 2008

GIVE 'EM WELL!
WITH EYES ON THE BOTTOM LINE, COMPANIES TRY TO GET WORKERS TO SLIM DOWN AND SHAPE UP
By ALINE MENDELSOHN, NEW YORK TIMES
June 16, 2008-- During his busy season, Roberto Bolanos works at least 10 hours a day. Sometimes, he'll spend as many as 16 hours in the office.
Bolanos, a senior audit manager at the accounting firm Weiser LLP, knows stress and late nights can wreak havoc on his eating habits. But at a health seminar Weiser offered last fall, he picked up some helpful tips - learning, for example, that a spoonful of peanut butter can provide a quick energy boost.
"It opened my mind to the things you need to do to be healthy," he says.

Across the city and beyond, a growing number of companies are trying to similarly open their employees' minds and otherwise encourage them to eat better, lose weight, exercise, tend to dormant medical issues - in short, to be healthier. In recent years "wellness" has become quite the corporate buzzword: The magazine publisher Meredith Corporation is one of a rising number of firms with a "wellness manager UPS employees can volunteer to be "wellness champions" and inform colleagues of company resources; Scholastic has an on-site "wellness center" in its SoHo offices.

Other increasingly common initiatives include smoking-cessation and weight-loss programs, on-site gyms and exercise classes, and health screenings in which employees fill out questionnaires about their lifestyles and take blood tests to determine risk factors. More than two-thirds of companies now offer such programs, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

"At first it was just something a few large workplaces were doing," says Marilyn Helms, a professor of management at Dalton State College in Georgia who's studied corporate health programs. "Now, with rising healthcare costs, the tide's kind of turning."
As Helms' words suggest, there are financial reasons for all this get-well gusto. Having healthier workers cuts down on health-care costs, as well as reducing sick days and medical leaves. But the rationale goes beyond cutting costs. There's growing appreciation for the notion that healthier employees are happier employees - and more productive ones.

"People do a better job when they feel good about themselves," says Deborah Musso, director of Sea Change New York, a wellness company that works with firms around the city. "This is what companies are getting to understand."

Tim O'Neil, the Meredith wellness manager, sees creating a healthier workplace as part of building a better business culture. "Anytime the company can help an employee feel better, enhance their level of energy and help create a fun atmosphere at work, it's mutually beneficial," he says.
Given the tendency of people chained to their desks all day to eat too much and move too little, diet and exercise are big targets. On-site Weight Watchers meetings have grown in popularity in the past few years, says corporate sales manager Janet Thornton. "The group support is a key motivator for people," she says. "The workplace is such a great environment for that."

At Liz Claiborne, employees from associates to senior vice presidents come together for meetings. Titles are left at the door," says Pamela Schafer, a senior executive who attends. "It's a sort of an even, nonjudgmental playing field with a common goal." A busy working mom, Schafer says she wouldn't participate if the program wasn't conveniently located at work. "There's no excuse," she says. "You can just swing by."

Some employers are offering another incentive besides convenience: cash, vacation days or prizes. The Boston-based Tangerine Wellness has built a booming business setting up incentive-based plans that reward employees for shedding pounds or maintaining a healthy weight. At some companies, colleagues team up to compete in weight-loss contests, and the winners split a cash award or donate it to charity.
Tangerine CEO Aaron Day compares the incentives to stock options. "People are used to rewards for measured results," he says. Events like contests figure into other initiatives. At XMPie, a division of Xerox, 22 staffers teamed up for the Eat Well Live Well Challenge, which required colleagues to walk 10,000 steps and eat five cups of fruits or vegetables each day. In addition to fostering healthier habits, the contest - which required workers to wear pedometers around the office to log their movement - was "a great morale booster," says marketing director Kimberly Meyers.

In addition to exercise and eating programs, some employers are also redoubling their efforts to assist their workers in need. UPS, for example, matches employees with coaches who counsel them on a wide spectrum of health issues. It came in handy for Myrtha Suralie, a business development supervisor, when she was recently hospitalized for pregnancy-related complications. The day after she was admitted, Suralie received a phone call from a nurse in Virginia who said she'd be available to answer any questions. For the rest of her pregnancy, Suralie spoke to her coach frequently, for as long as two hours at a time. "She'd educate me on a lot of things that doctors quickly tell you about and just walk away," says Suralie, who gave birth to a healthy boy - and still speaks to her coach.

In addition to health coaches, the SoHo-based publisher Scholastic has an on-site wellness center staffed by a doctor and nurse practitioner - a perk 13 percent of companies offer, according to SHRM. Since it opened last year, most employees have visited the center, often for mild concerns such as eye irritations. Which is the point - to address such ailments before they become problems. The center has handled more serious problems as well. When internal communications director Russell Thomas stopped in last year after feeling short of breath, he ended up being whisked by ambulance to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. "If I hadn't been able to see a doctor until Saturday, that may very well have been too late," he says. "It's not an overstatement to say the wellness center saved my life."

While employees and companies alike embrace many wellness programs, they do bring up issues of privacy. After all, some workers might not be too keen on the idea of their bosses knowing their cholesterol levels, or taking an interest in the size of their waistline. "The downside is when employees don't want to cooperate the way employers would like," says employment lawyer John Robinson, adding that "it's sort of hunting season on people who are obese now."

Some companies are getting more aggressive, moving beyond incentives to penalties. "Instead of being a carrot, this is now moving to be a stick in some circumstances," says Helms, pointing to cases where employees who don't share healthcare information face higher premiums. And because diabetes and heart problems are often related to lifestyle choices, employees might feel pressured to alter habits that are arguably none of their employers' business. There's nothing inherently wrong with a wellness program," says Lewis Maltby, president of the Princeton-based National Workrights Institute. "If employers could find a way to help us be more healthy, we all win. But the magic word is 'help,' and that's the issue. Is your boss helping you do something you want to do, or forcing you to do something against your will?"

So far, wellness programs haven't been a point of litigation, but neither Robinson nor Maltby would be surprised to see that happen. "At this point," Maltby says, "they're new enough that no one knows how well they're going to work."
For Helms, though, the verdict is in. She's found that company-based health initiatives "make a huge difference." "If you can push people to be conscious and aware of their choices," there are significant benefits to be had, she says. "A lot of it is just changing their thought process."

Your Website Can Attract Customers

Posted June 16, 2008

Your website can attract customers as well as keep them. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting a tell-all seminar about web integration, with our partner, BCI (Business Communications, Inc.).

This is a “must attend” if you have a business of any size or deal with business owners. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 27, 8:30 am – 11:30 am for an interactive educational seminar. The topic is ”What does your website do for you?......Business Web Integration that Works."

The information, educational session will be held at 1018 Highland Colony Parkway, BankPlus Training Center in the Cellularsouth Building, sixth floor. Reservations are $30 and includes break and lunch. Seating is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis.

This is an expanded June Donuts and Dialogue event, sponsored by Parkway Development and Elite Water and Coffee Service.

For more information and reservations, call the Madison County Chamber of Commerce at 601-605-2554.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Opening Set

Posted June 12, 2008

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse opening set for Monday, July 14. The new location at Renassiance will be a crowd-pleaser. The decor, banquet seating, and patio area will be draws to this marketplace. Staff is currently being hired and trained for the grand opening. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse will be open for evening service.

Flora Bio Lab Site

Posted May 29, 2008

From the Madison County Herald Opinion Page......Applause this week goes to Gov. Haley Barbour, who on Tuesday expanded the call for the legislative special session now under way to include funding that will help bring the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility to Flora.

The governor is seeking authorization for $88.25 million in bonds to pay for improvements at the Flora site. The proposed facility would conduct research to protect human health and agriculture from infectious diseases, whether they occur naturally or are deliberately released. Flora made the short list for the site in July 2007, and a final site selection is expected to be made this year.

The National Bio and Agro Defense Facility would not help protect the nation. It would also boost the economy of Madison County as a whole and Flora in particular. An initial investment of $450 million would be made, with more than 1, 000 construction jobs to come with the task of building the 500,000-square-foot facility.

High-paying research jobs could number as many as 350, including more than 200 scientists. Salaries there could average about $75,000 a year. Many of the workers at the facility will be Ph.D.--level researchers. The facility could boost the local housing market as well as businesses that will be needed to support work there. It will be one of the largest federal research facilities in the country.

Legislators should work to present a winning proposal for siting this facility in Flora, a move that would put Madison County and central Mississippi on the map as a location for biomedical and biotechnical firms. With all the attributes of Flora and Madison County, the support of legislators and the state should take our site from the short list to the winner's circle.

BancorpSouth Tops Customer Satisfaction Survey

Posted May 29, 2008

BancorpSouth tops in customer satisfaction in a recently released survey by J. D. Power & Associates. "The value of our company, the strength of our company is client relationships," BancorpSouth CEO Aubrey Patterson said. The bank does well in convenience and customer interaction,. Customers of BancorpSouth tend to use the branch more than other banks in the Southeast. And, there appears to be more of a security and comfort level with doing transactions in the bank. Keeping customers happy relates to the bottom line, researchers found after reviewing rankings from 2006-08. This is the first time a Mississippi bank has received this ranking, with an average rating higher than the Southeastern United States average.

Chamber Members Win Awards

Posted May 29, 2008

Three Madison County Chamber Members honored with Mississippi Business Integrity Awards, presented by the Better Business Bureau of Mississippi. WLBT"s General Manager, Dan Modisett was named CEO of Integrity. Madison Planting and Design Group and Two Men and a Truck were named 2008 Circle of Honor winners. Continuing to do business in the right way, without cutting corners with customers and employees, is the resounding message of honored companies. Congratulations to the winners for your commitment to be great corporate citizens.

Leadership Madison County

Posted May 14, 2008

Leadership Madison County nominations now being accepted for the premier program of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. The nine-month leadership and community development program that is a cooperative effort to share experiences, knowledge and insight into Madison County. Leadership Madison County's mission is to provide potential leaders with a deeper understanding of the critical issues affecting Madison Couinty in an environment that furthers their leadership skills and encourages graduates to take their knowledge and experience into the community. LMC values include commitment, service, courage, integrity, and inclusiveness. Applications will be mailed to all nominees and completed applications must be in Chamber office by 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 23, 2008. Participants will be notified in early August of their selection for the program.
The program begins with a mandatory over-night retreat is September at Eagle Ridge Conference Center. Tuition for Leadership Madison County is $950, payable upon selection for Leadership Madison County. For more details, call Dianne at 601-605-2554.

Local teachers recognized

Posted May 14, 2008

In a project designed by class members of Leadership Madison County, two teachers were named as WoW! Educators. Janet Boswell, Rosa Scott School was recognized Monday night at the Teacher Appreciation Dinner, sponsored by the PTO. Stacy Howell, Ridgeland High School, was recognized today at the teacher meeting. Both winners were nominated by peers and selected by an out-of-county panel of judges. Criteria used in their selection in included any teacher, counselor or librarian holding a certified position at any private, parochial, or public school, Madison County resident, experienced educator having served in the field for the past three years, involved professional member of educational organization(s), and involved community service participants. The Leadership Madison County project team that designed WoW! Educator is recommending that the program be continued by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Both winners received a plaque and prize baskets.

Director’s Blog, Up and Running

Posted May 7, 2008

Technology is great, if you know how to use it! With the decision to discontinue the WoW! magazine and two huge events in April, I'm getting into the world of blogging. This is just another way of reaching members on a weekly basis, to let you know what's going on at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. It's a learning process for me...I could barely use a computer when I started this job, fourteen years ago, and now we're planning a seminar on June 27, to introduce chamber members to some really cool tools to enhance their bottom line. Details will be available next week.

Dragon Boat Regatta Winners

Posted May 7, 2008

Local companies take top honors at Inaugural Madison County Chamber Dragon Boat Regatta. Ridgeland Parks and Recreation, Rec'n Crew, won Grand Champion Award at the Regatta, racing 1/'4 mile in 1 minute and 11 seconds. First Place goes to Baptist Health Systems, Buccaneers, with a time of 1 minute, 14 seconds. Ridgeland Tourism Commission, Sync'or Swim, was second place with a time of 1 minute and 14 seconds. And, round out top awards, was Woman's Hospital, Woman's Waves, with a time of 1 minute and 16 seconds. All participants are gearing up for next year's challenge on Saturday, April 25, 2009.

Chamber Members Offer Mobile Banking

Posted May 7, 2008

Mississippi-based BancorpSouth and CellularSouth are teaming up to offer customers mobile banking. CellularSouth customers who bank with BancorpSouth are now able to check their accounts, pay bills, and transfer money with their cell phones. Regions Financial Corp. and Wachovia Corp. offer mobile banking with AT&T. BancorpSouth CEO, Aubrey Patterson, said he expects mobile banking to grow tenfold within the next three years. This partnership offers quick, convenient, and secure mobile banking.

Madison County Chamber of Commerce   »   618 Crescent Blvd.   »   Suite 101   »   Ridgeland, MS  39157   »   Phone: 601.605.2554   »   Fax: 601.605.2260

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