The Digital Handshake

Posted March 4, 2010

Join us Wednesday, March 31st for Business University. Our featured speaker is Paul Chaney dubbed the Social Media Handyman. Paul is a veteran Internet marketer, business blogger, social media practitioner, and author of two books, Realty Blogging and his latest, The Digital Handshake.

The event will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the the McGowan Workforce Training Center on the Holmes Community College campus. Chamber members $10, Future members $20. Register before Monday, March 29th at info@madisoncountychamber.com or 601.605.2554.

Special Offer for Chamber Members from Baptist Health Systems!

Posted March 1, 2010

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL HEART MONTH!!!!

Special Offer for Chamber Members from Baptist Health Systems!

We wanted to take this opportunity to let you know about an important opportunity that Madison County Chamber of Commerce and Baptist Health Systems will be making available to all Chamber members and their employees.

SafeHeart Health Screens of Hattiesburg will be at the Baptist Madison Campus on March 9th, where they will be offering screens that test for the risk of heart attack, stroke and abdominal aortic aneurysm. These screens are done with portable ultrasound and EKG equipment. SafeHeart’s technologists actually take ultrasound images of your carotid arteries in your neck to see if you have plaque build-up that can block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. They take images of your abdominal aorta looking for aneurysms or enlargements that might rupture. They also use an EKG machine to record your heart rhythm to look for atrial fibrillation, which is an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat that causes about 15% of all strokes. Finally, they take blood pressure measurements in your arms and
legs to test for any blockages in the leg arteries that may cause disruption to the blood flow to your legs.

SafeHeart’s Interpreting Physicians are cardiovascular surgeons with Baptist Cardiovascular Surgery, who will review the results from your 5 screens and send you a confidential report within 2 weeks of being screened. All 5 of these screens take only 10 minutes to complete, and they are completely painless.They involve no needles and no disrobing. The price for all 5 screens is usually $129, but SafeHeart is making these screens available to Chamber members’ employees for only $119 for the 5-screen package. The costs for these tests can be paid for by or submitted for
reimbursement through a cafeteria plan, health savings account or flexible spending account.

We strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. Mississippi ranks #1 in deaths from cardiovascular disease, and over 50% of victims of heart attack and 80% of victims of stroke never have any warning – this is why cardiovascular disease is called the ‘silent killer’. As always, we want to encourage our employees to be proactive in maintaining their good health, and preventative screens such as these are a great place to start.

Appointments are required and space is limited. To schedule your appointment, or if you have any questions about these screens, please call SafeHeart at 866-548-3006, or visit their website at www.safehearthealthscreens.com.

KRISTIN K. REIBER - JOINS EUBANK & BETTS, PLLC

Posted February 26, 2010

Kristin K. Reiber recently joined the CPA firm of Eubank & Betts, PLLC as an Accountant in the firm’s tax department. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Masters in Professional Accountancy and a BA in Criminal Justice.

JENNIFER M. SCOTT - JOINS EUBANK & BETTS, PLLC

Posted February 26, 2010

Jennifer M. Scott recently joined the CPA firm of Eubank & Betts, PLLC as an Accountant in the firm’s tax department. She graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi College with a BSBA in Accounting in December 2008. Ms. Scott is currently pursuing her MBA from Mississippi College.

TRAVIS MITCHELL - JOINS EUBANK & BETTS, PLLC

Posted February 26, 2010

Travis Mitchell recently joined the CPA firm of Eubank & Betts, PLLC as an Accountant in the firm’s tax and audit departments. He graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a BSBA in Accounting and Human Resource Management. Previously employed with a CPA firm in Mississippi as a Staff Accountant, Mr. Mitchell has three years of experience in tax and auditing.

Upcoming Events at Mosart - A Do-It-Yourself Craft Studio!

Posted February 18, 2010

Upcoming Spring Break Art Camp at Mosart – A Do-It-Yourself Craft Studio!

Spring Break Art Camp
March 15th – 19th
1st group: 10 am – 12:00 pm
2nd group: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The kids will make a different project each day. They’ll paint a ceramic item, make a glass picture frame, paint acrylic on glass, paint a wooden birdhouse, and make a groovy nightlight.
The age range is 5 – 15 year olds. The cost is $125 per child for the week. We are accepting 20 kids for each group – 20 for the morning group and 20 for the afternoon group. Snacks will be served.

Mosart is located at 1029 Hwy 51 in Madison. For more information contact Missy at 601.856.0030 or visit www.mosartcrafts.com

Want to Make the Connection?

Posted January 26, 2010

Want to make the connection? Then join us at Coffee & Contacts, Friday, March 5th at 8 a.m. Our hosts will be the BankPlus Strawberry Hill location in Madison. (2020 Strawberry Hill Drive)

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards. We start bright and early at 8am and finish up promptly at 9am.

LMC Grad Named Top Executive!

Posted August 18, 2009

Glen Silverman, a Leadership Madison County graduate, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Central Mississippi Medical Center, a Health Management Associates facility. Glen joined HMA in 1998 and served as chief operating officer prior to accepting the CEO position. He has 20 years in healthcare management. Glen and his family live in Madison. Congratulations!!!

Business Plans and Social Media!

Posted August 12, 2009

Why New Business Plans FAIL!
Business plans, if done, usually don’t get much respect or attention.

Here are 4 reasons why:
• The focus is on what we do or make verses what the market wants or needs.
• Financial projections are just that – financial hocus pocus. A spread sheet make good sense but without a good dose of reality it can crumble in a minute.
• The plan looks good on paper but the people factor isn’t up to projections. Unless you have robots doing every thing a good plan needs good people to carry it out.
• No downside possibilities and a plan B. Even the best business plan should have some contingencies to deal with the unexpected events of the world. Wall Street Journal June 2009

Will the New Social Media Grow Your Business?
There is without a doubt a lot of growing attention for the various new social media – LinkedIn, Face Book, Twitter, etc. There is almost a hysteria about the ‘wonders’ this new communications tool will bring to virtually everyone – personally and/or for business growth.

HOLD ON! While the numbers are mesmerizing the proof isn’t there – at least not yet. For example, lots of people are signing up for Twitter and building their ‘followers’. But there is also data to show there is a short attention span for using Twitter.

So before you invest a lot of time and money in any of the new social media, you must research to learn if it will deliver a solid ROI for you and which one is right for you and your circumstances.

Does Your Company’s Innovation Process Pass the Test?

Posted August 12, 2009

Most American companies have fallen way behind other countries in their new product innovation process and frankly also any interest. During the 1990’s companies were making so much profit from existing products they didn’t feel a need to be innovative, ergo we are way we bring up the rear of innovation in this decade.

Here are 5 ways to start improving your innovation efforts:

Tom Peters June 2009

Tips From the IRS for Starting a Business!

Posted July 27, 2009

IRS Summertime Tax Tip 2009-02

Anyone starting a new business this summer should be aware of their federal tax responsibilities. Here are the top seven things the IRS wants you to know if you plan on opening a new business this year.

First, you must decide what type of business entity you are going to establish. The type your business takes will determine which tax form you have to file. The most common types of business are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and S corporation.

The type of business you operate determines what taxes you must pay and how you pay them. The four general types of business taxes are income tax, self-employment tax, employment tax and excise tax.

An Employer Identification Number is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. Visit IRS.gov for more information about whether you will need an EIN. You can also apply for an EIN online at IRS.gov.

Good records will help you ensure successful operation of your new business. You may choose any recordkeeping system suited to your business that clearly shows your income and expenses. Except in a few cases, the law does not require any special kind of records. However, the business you are in affects the type of records you need to keep for federal tax purposes.

Every business taxpayer must figure taxable income on an annual accounting period called a tax year. The calendar year and the fiscal year are the most common tax years used.

Each taxpayer must also use a consistent accounting method, which is a set of rules for determining when to report income and expenses. The most commonly used accounting methods are the cash method and an accrual method. Under the cash method, you generally report income in the tax year you receive it and deduct expenses in the tax year you pay them. Under an accrual method, you generally report income in the tax year you earn it and deduct expenses in the tax year you incur them.

Visit the Business section of IRS.gov for resources to assist entrepreneurs with starting and operating a new business.

Links:

Starting A Business
Operating A Business
Closing A Business
Publication 4591, Small Business Federal Tax Responsibilities (PDF 470.1K)
Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business (PDF 286.2K)
Order Publication 1066C, A Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop DVD

Marketing in a Down Economy!

Posted July 6, 2009

Marketing on a tight budget? No sweat!
The last thing you should do in a down economy is pull back your marketing. (As P.T. Barnum so famously said, “Without promotion, something terrible happens…Nothing!”)

Instead, you need to learn how to do more with less — making sure every dollar is working for you. But how do you do it? Here are five simple, cost-effective ways you can make the most of your marketing dollars.

• Learn more about your own customers. It’s astonishing how much money some businesses spend on gathering market information, all the while ignoring the wealth of opportunities within their own customer files. By learning more about your existing customers, you can gain a better understanding of your market and sell to new customers more effectively.

• Invest in email. Faced with the fourth postage rate increase in four years, many small-business owners are turning to email marketing. Why? It’s fast, flexible, personal, and delivers a high ROI. Email is also cost-effective — you can launch an email marketing campaign for a fraction of the cost of any other type of direct marketing.

• Try postcards. Even with the postage rate increase, postcards remain a highly affordable and effective way to reach your prospects and customers. A postcard campaign is economical, easy to measure, and can be launched in a very short time. The best benefit of a postcard is, unlike a letter, there’s nothing to open.

• Take full advantage of referrals. Referrals are one of your best sources for new customers. When your customers recommend your business, they are giving you free advertisement, so take full advantage of it! But remember, they’re also putting their own reputations on the line for you. It is important to continue taking care of and marketing to your best customers.

• Start blogging. Set up a blog for your website and post to it as much as possible. Write about anything — industry trends, company news, tips and tricks, or special promotions. Blogs are a great way to draw new visitors to your website, and they boost search engine optimization.

Stretch your marketing budget with one of these strategies, or test-drive one of your own. Whatever you do, don’t forget: successful companies don’t abandon their marketing strategies in a recession; they adapt them…and often end up stronger.

From infoUSA

Prepare for Hurricanes by Safeguarding Tax Records

Posted June 22, 2009

WASHINGTON — Prepare for Hurricanes by Safeguarding Tax Records…Create a Backup Set of Records Electronically
Taxpayers should keep a set of backup records in a safe place. The backup should be stored away from the original set.

Keeping a backup set of records –– including, for example, bank statements, tax returns, insurance policies home, etc. –– is easier now that many financial institutions provide statements and documents electronically, and much financial information is available on the Internet. Even if the original records are provided only on paper, they can be scanned into an electronic format. With documents in electronic form, taxpayers can download them to a backup storage device, like an external hard drive, or burn them to a CD or DVD.

Document Valuables
Another step a taxpayer can take to prepare for disaster is to photograph or videotape the contents of his or her home, especially items of higher value. The IRS has a disaster loss workbook, Publication 584, which can help taxpayers compile a room-by-room list of belongings.A photographic record can help an individual prove the market value of items for insurance and casualty loss claims. Photos should be stored with a friend or family member who lives outside the area.

Update Emergency Plans
Emergency plans should be reviewed annually. Personal and business situations change over time as do preparedness needs. When employers hire new employees or when a company or organization changes functions, plans should be updated accordingly and employees should be informed of the changes.

Check on Fiduciary Bonds
Employers who use payroll service providers should ask the provider if it has a fiduciary bond in place. The bond could protect the employer in the event of default by the payroll service provider.

IRS Ready to Help
If disaster strikes, an affected taxpayer can call 1-866-562-5227 to speak with an IRS specialist trained to handle disaster-related issues.
Back copies of tax returns and all attachments, including Forms W-2, can be requested by filing Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. Likewise, transcripts can be ordered using Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Returns or transcripts can also be ordered by calling 1-800-829-1040.
There is no fee for a transcript or tax return copy for a taxpayer located in a federal disaster area qualifying for individual assistance. Taxpayers should put the assigned Disaster Designation in red ink at the top of the request form.
Related Items:
• Tax Relief in Disaster Situations
• Frequently Asked Questions for Disaster Victims
• Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals
• Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records
•

Rick Moore, Eyevox, Takes Top Honor

Posted June 12, 2009

Rick Moore has been involved in the televison business most of his life. Beginning in high school at Channel 16 and freelancing for ESPN and ABC, after graduating from college, he started Eyevox in 1997. Eyevox, located in Ridgeland is a full service film and production company, has been a rewarding venture for Moore. The Mississippi Small Business Administration has named Moore its Small Business Person of the Year for 2009. Moore with be one of 10 Mississippi business folks honored June 16 at a reception at Jackson State University’s e-Center. Although the award names an individual, Moore quickly gives credit to his 40 employees, both at Ridgeland and The Screen Engine in Tampa, Florida. His strong suit: “I think one of the best attributes I bring to the table is an open mind. It’s important to be able to recognize good opportunities and not allow yourself to be too set in stone when thinking about your future and creative direction. In business, a good solid direction is extremely important, but not at the expense of tunnel vision.”

Congratulation to RIck Moore and the Eyevox and The Screen Engine teams!!! Keep up the great work!

Annual Report Award

Posted June 11, 2009

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce along with Solve Marketing is proud to have received an award for the chamber’s 2007 Annual Report. The report was judged based on content, design and execution. The report won Honorable Mention in the American Association of Chamber Executives contest judged this year.

In 2007, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce seeking to solidify their place in the economic market in the greater Jackson area, went to great lengths to produce an annual report that would outline the strengths of the chamber and educate members about it’s history, philosophy and services. For years the Madison County Chamber of Commerce has stood as a symbol of strength in one of the fastest growing areas in the state. The chamber sought to acknowledge this and promote it through their 2007 Annual Report. The report was designed, not only for current members, but for also as a marketing tool to recruit future members by introducing them to the chamber – it’s opportunities and services.

Madison County Chamber executive director, Dianne Dyar and Solve Marketing owner, Bo Pentecost, worked together to create the report. Dyar and Pentecost both give credit to the other for their contribution to the success of the report and share praise in the award received.

Bo Pentecost, owner of Solve Marketing and long-time Madison County Chamber of Commerce member, praises the chamber for always being forward thinking and giving much thought their brand. Pentecost adds, “It’s always wonderful to work with progressive people and associations that strive to improve the business lives of its members.”

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is located in Ridgeland and can be reached by calling (601) 605-2554 or visiting online at madisoncountychamber.com.

Madison County Companies Win!

Posted June 10, 2009

Mississippi Technology Alliance President and CEO Dr. Randy Goldsmith today announced the winners of the 2009 Business Plan Competition hosted by MTA.

The competition, which was held June 2, at the Jackson Marriott, was open to Mississippi innovation and technology entrepreneurs, student-led companies and university affiliated companies. Winners received a total of $30,000 in cash awards to use in growing their businesses. Twenty-five teams were chosen to compete from a field of 35 applicants.

“We were pleased by the quality of the ventures presented in this year’s competition,” said Goldsmith. “MTA is proud to be able to showcase these entrepreneurs and their companies. I expect we will see great things from them in the future.”

Wiredless Networks, of Canton, won second place with a suite of proprietary technologies for ultra secure storage and delivery of information over digital networks. 10Beyond, of Ridgeland, captured third place for their system of raising money for charities using automated email tags.

The Mississippi Technology Alliance is a non-profit organization with the mission to drive innovation and technology-based economic development for the State of Mississippi.

BCI named one of the continent’s best

Posted June 10, 2009

BCI has been recognized by Everything Channel as one of North America’s top technology integrators. BCI placed number 416th in the 15th-annual VAR500 ranking.

The VAR500 list details the leading revenue producers among technology integrators and technology solution provider organizations in North America. The list’s ranking is based on gross worldwide revenue of hardware and software sales, as well as earnings from professional and managed information technology services.

Robert C. DeMarzo, senior vice president and editorial director, Everything Channel, said, “The VAR500 represents today’s largest and most influential solution providers who collectively generate nearly $600 billion in service, consulting and product revenue. Their business models span the strong regional VAR to the highly specialized players to the global services giants. They are the cream of the crop when it comes to the solution provider community.”

“Being named to this prestigious list is truly an honor,” said BCI president Tom Hinds. “More than anything, this is a recognition that speaks to the hard work, dedication, innovation and determination of everyone who works for BCI.”

Summertime and the Living is Easy!

Posted June 9, 2009

Well, the long break is finally here. Kids are out and about, families are planning the vacations around sports outings, and shopping is being done for the school year. So, everyone is off, out and about. Madison County is a great place to be for the summer vacation and has some great activities for summer outings.
Not everyone gets a two-month break. Some activities just keep on going. Oh, sure the pace is slowed down just a little, however, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce does not take a vacation. We’re actively seeking nominations for Leadership Madison County. Newcomers are dropping by our office to pick up maps and newcomer information. Business owners are checking out the latest information from the IRS. New businesses to the area are checking out the programs and upcoming activities of the chamber.
In an effort for us, a business-member driven organization, to better help you, here’s a few suggestions for the summer season.
Bring your company information by the chamber office. Brochures, flyers, and coupons are great. These are perfect for newcomer bags and it’s a great way to get your company name in front of potential customers and clients. Fifty copies would be a great start.
Drop by the chamber office to pick up some Madison County maps to give out. They are free! And, pick up a stack of newcomer guides. All the frequently used municipal and county phone numbers are listed in this easy-to-use guide.
Call or email the chamber staff with recent updates to your business, ie. new employees, a change of address or phone number. As much as we think we can be mind-readers, we’re not. We want your information to be accurate.
We’re already planning ahead for 2010. Do you want to sponsor an event? Don’t forget about the Dragon Boat Regatta in April, 2010! Do you have staff that could volunteer for a committee? Do you have a great idea or business activity you’d like to see the chamber host that would promote our business community in Madison County?
We now have a Facebook presence. Use it to get further connected.
The Chamber’s annual planning retreat is in October – yep, that seems so far away. October will be here before we know it and your input is very important to us. Our board members are listed on our website. Let them know what’s on your mind. Want a monthly membership luncheon with speakers? How about fun, networking events after hours? Want a golf tournament with a unique spin?
As business owners, it’s easy to forget the Chamber. We’re here working everyday to make sure you have a thriving business climate to call home.
Sometimes, the little things that are making the biggest impact get overlooked!

Symbiotic Ribbon Cutting

Posted May 20, 2009

Matthew Deming along with chamber members celebrate the opening of his new store, Symbiotic, located in The Township off Highland Colony Parkway. You must go and visit this unique gift shop! The address is 140 Township Avenue, Suite 102, Ridgeland. You may also get a sneek peek online at www.symbioticstore.com!!

Eutaw Construction Ribbon Cutting

Posted May 12, 2009

Leadership Madison County 2008-2009

Posted May 12, 2009

Quandice Green, Madison County Board of Supervisors
Shelia Jackson, BankPlus
Kim White, Baptist Health Systems
Aimee Brown, Madison County Schools
Aileen McNeill, Watkins, Ludlam, Winter & Stennis, P.A.
Bobby Rappai, Tracaro, LLC
James McCullough, II, Brunini Grantham Grower & Hewes
Jonathan McMillian, Deviney Rental & Supply
Jim Jeter, St. Dominic Health Services, Inc.
Michelle Burford, H.C. Bailey Companies
Kenny Williamson, BankPlus
Ron Chapman, Shoemaker Homes
Sean Suggs, Nissan North America
Sharon Green, Eubank & Betts, PLLC
Michael Tolleson, Community Bank
Andy Treadway, Atmos Energy
Randy Day, Copeland Cook Taylor & Bush
Perry LaCour, Mississippi Business Journal

Thank you for being a Volunteer!

Posted April 21, 2009

This week is National Volunteer Week! Thank you for being a volunteer! Thank you for the hundreds of hours you give freely to your church, your civic club, your business organization, your school, your neighborhood, and the list goes on. It’s because of your input that we are a better place. It’s because of your ideas we all strive for seemingly impossible. It’s your positive, “we can” attitude thats makes us all want to be better. It’s your enthusiasm that keeps us going. Yes, the bigger donations and bigger builds always make the news, but for those that are daily and quietly doing the small stuff, thank you! Your efforts do not go unrecognized!

I love the quote by Former President George H.W. Bush, “From now on in America, any definition of a successful life must include serving others.”

Amen!

April New Members

Posted April 3, 2009

Blair and Bondurant, P.A.
Mr. Eric Lee Patterson
1368 Old Fannin Road
Suite 300
Brandon, MS 39047
601-992-4477
601-992-9189
eric@bbfirm.com

Heritage Properties, Inc.
Mr. George Walker
P. O. Box 1729
Madison, MS 39130
601-605-1015
601-605-1663
george@heritageproperties.com

Eutaw Construction Company, Inc.
Mr. Bobby Little
P. O. Box 3464
Jackson, MS 39207
601-355-2612
blittle@eutawconstruction.com

First $2,400 of Unemployment Benefits Tax Free for 2009

Posted March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON — All or part of unemployment benefits received in 2009 will be tax free for many unemployed workers, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
From reports last week, “a record 5.6 million people were receiving unemployment benefits in the middle of March. This underscores the need for the relief provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes making the first $2,400 of unemployment insurance exempt from tax,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “I urge all unemployed workers to take this special tax break into account as they plan their tax withholding and quarterly estimated tax payments for the year. This change offers a helping hand to millions of Americans who are out of work and struggling to make ends meet.” Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, enacted last month, every person who receives unemployment benefits during 2009 is eligible to exclude the first $2,400 of these benefits when they file their tax return next year. For a married couple, the exclusion applies to each spouse, separately. Thus, if both spouses receive unemployment benefits during 2009, each may exclude from income the first $2,400 of benefits they receive. The new law doesn’t affect the return taxpayers are filling out now. Unemployment benefits received in 2008 and prior years remain fully
taxable.
Unemployed workers can choose to have income tax withheld from their unemployment benefit payments. Withholding on these payments is voluntary. However, choosing this option may help avoid a surprise year end tax bill or a possible penalty for having paid too little tax during the year. Those who choose this option will have a flat 10 percent tax withheld from their benefits.
Unemployed workers who expect to receive more than $2,400 in benefits this year should consider having tax withheld from their benefit payments in excess of that amount. Those unemployed workers who have already chosen to have tax taken out of their benefits, should consider the $2,400 exclusion in determining whether to continue to have tax withheld.

Use Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request, or the equivalent form provided by the payer to request withholding to begin or end. Form W-4V is also available on IRS.gov or
by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-TAXFORM (829-3676).

Time to Vote in Municipal Elections!

Posted March 24, 2009

Thank you! To all the municipal city clerks throughout the State, thank you for making the filing process for the upcoming municipal elections an easy process. Thank you for helping candidates with their paper work and the filing fee. Thank you for having a warm, friendly smile on your face as you did your job.

Thank you to all the chamber of commerce executives across the State that answered hundreds of questions about your city – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Thank you for being the voice of the business community and giving honest assessments of the future of your cities.

If you were not helpful, shame on you!

As the election season begins at the municipal level, then later for the county wide and statewide elections, let’s not forget who’s in charge. The Voters. The Citizens. It’s that one minute, give or take, that will make all the difference in how business at city halls, the county courthouse, and the statehouse will be conducted in the future.

Let’s focus the rest of this writing on municipal elections. Are you looking for a more open government? How about one that responds to the needs of the citizens? How about one that actively solicits citizen input and then implements the needs and concerns, within the guidelines and regulations? What about a city that has a balanced budget or maybe in the black? Can you even get a copy of the local city’s budget…without paying a fee for it?

Are you a regular attendee at city council meetings to see and hear for yourself what is taking place or do you depend on the neighbors’ interpretation of what he/she heard at the local coffee gathering place? Are city ordinances fair to all?

Are you living in a city that is well-balanced with strong retail opportunities, programs for senior citizens, and recreational opportunities for all residents, including seniors, youth, and handicapped? Is your city safe? Is there a sense of community, where everyone works together as a team? What about municipalities that actually work together on issues and opportunities?

You, well, actually we, have a choice in upcoming municipal elections. If 75% of the above questions can be answered with a resounding yes, then give the current city administrations another chance. If only one or two questions can be answered with a yes, then maybe it’s time to give someone else a chance.

Take the time to get to know the candidates and save the date of May 5 to exercise your right to vote.

The choice is yours!

###

March New Members

Posted March 5, 2009

Residential Media Systems
Clint Gideon
102 Plantation Cove
Madison, MS 39110
601-856-0633
601-856-0828
cgideon@netlinkcabling.com

Symbiotic, LLC
Matthew Deming
102 Township Avenue
Suite 102
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-985-8385
matthewddeming@yahoo.com

The IRS is Calling!

Posted February 24, 2009

It’s an old joke…if the IRS calls, run! And, that sinking feeling when the guest in your office says “I’m from the IRS.” Wait! The IRS has lots of new and updated resources for small businesses. There’s a new website, small business topics, and even weekly updates. All free and all for the signing up. The Small Business Resource Guide for 2009 is fast, easy and convenient. The SBRG covers a wide range of tax topics including Web links to business forms, publications and governmental websites. The IRS has delivered brochures and a magazine-format resource guide to our office. All are full of information and even have local contact telephone numbers and names! There’s a webcast with tax professionals and IRS staff providing you with the latest and greatest Be sure to sign up for the free e-Newsletter for Small Businesses – -it is user friendly and has tons of information. What a deal!

February New Members

Posted February 23, 2009

CORT Furniture
Mr. John D. Yonkman
749 Ridgewood Road Ext.
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-956-2600
601-956-2727
jackson@cort.com

Discount Trophy
Ms. Beth Herzig
103 Lake Harbour Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-957-1800
trophy@hotmail.com

Go Girl
Ms. Tiffany Nichols Grant
601-594-7883
tiffnich108@yahoo.com

Home Remedies, LLC
Mr. Shane Mclendon
819 Deborah Street
Pearl, MS 39208
601-720-3785
601-939-6007
shane_mclendon@yahoo.com

Janne’s Designs
Ms. Janne Swearengen
105 Tremont Way
Madison, MS 39110
601-856-7439
601-898-0028
jswearen@comcast.net

Kinkade’s Fine Clothing
Mr. Keith Kinkade
120 W. Jackson Street
Suite 2B
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-898-0513
keith@kinkadesfc.com

Marathon Makeover
Mr. Mark Simpson
108 Lowe Circle
Clinton, MS 39056
601-594-1486
mark@marathonmakeover.com

Merriment
Page Farris
6923 Old Canton Road
Suite 103
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-956-1817
601-956-1810
page@merrimenthome.com

Repeat Street
Ms. Michele Austin
626 Ridgewood Road
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-605-9393
reoeatstreet@bellsouth.net

Sponsorships Available!

Posted February 12, 2009

Wanna get in front of 100+ women? Wanna get your company information in the hands of 100+ women? Consider a sponsorship for the annual Professional Assistants Day Luncheon. The spring gathering, held at Embassy Suites in Ridgeland, will once again provide a great luncheon, great speaker, and lots of prizes! Back by popular
demand, Janie Walters will be cheering us on with “Three Cheers for Us!” Janie’s entertaining and high-energy presentation is always a crowd pleaser. $500 and $1000 sponsorships are available and are non-compete. Companies wishing to sponsor this event can call Dianne for more details and information. This event is always sold out. Publiclity will begin soon for the event and our sponsors.

New Board Member Named!

Posted February 12, 2009

Renee Cotton, Baptist Health Systems, has been named to the Madison County Chamber of Commerce to fill an unexpired term. Renee is no stranger the the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. She chaired our Business and Industry Committee, pre-Nissan, and helped develop and produce the Resourc Guide for those re-locating to Madison County in partnership with Nissan. Welcome!

If Only We Had a Meeting Space!

Posted February 11, 2009

It’s my turn to weigh in. The big, new convention center has opened in downtown Jackson, with a lot of fanfare. Rightly so, it’s a great looking facility, with plenty of space to meet, especially for large conventions and trade shows. Parking may be a problem. However, the one constant I overheard in attending the grand opening was “What are you going to do after the convention day is over – – where to eat, where to take families after hours, movies, etc.?”

Bring them to Madison County! We have great shopping and restaurants that will satisfy even the pickiest eater. And, lots of things to do! Neat art galleries, make-your-own- jewelry and pottery, plenty of buses for transportation. Ridgeland also has a dance studio – -salsa anyone? What about some entertainment – – we’ve got vacant buildings that could be used for comedy clubs/jazz clubs/activities for children. Why, I’ll just bet whatever your convention needs, Madison County could handle!

So, then the question begs to be ask, will Madison County ever get a conference center, trade center, call it whatever you want? For our sake, I hope it’s sooner rather than later.

At the Chamber office, we are here to answer any and all questions. We’re bomb-barded with “I need a place for 300-500 for lunch/meetings. Just last week, Ridgeland and Madison (and Madison County) could have hosted three separate events, with folks spending the night, shopping in our shops, keeping tax dollars local if…..we had a place that could seat 300-500 for meals and meetings, with rooms for some breakout sessions.

What a shame to lose out on conferences and conventions that showcase Madison County! It’s all about connections, and Madison County folks are well-connected in a variety of places. From civic club regional conventions to class and family reunions to sorority and professional association meetings, we could handle if….we had a place that could seat 300-500 for meals and meetings.

I really tried to come up with some alternate locations for folks – having functions outside, under tents, in covered parking lots. There’s just nothing in Madison County. And, these convention/conference goers want to be in Madison County!

How much revenue are we loosing? What about tax dollars that go back in to local budgets to help support our cities and counties?

Oh, the places we could go and the things we could do…if.. we had a place that could seat 300-500 for meals and meetings.

It Pays to Be a Chamber Member!

Posted January 27, 2009

If making great connections with business leaders throughout Madison County is just not enough, how about winning great products. Two chamber members walked away with some great stuff at last Friday’s Donuts and Dialogue.Over 40 members attended to get information on using personal data assistants. New member, Keith Kincade, Kincade’s Fine Clothing, has a brand new Keurig Coffee Maker, compliments of Elite Coffee and Water and Steve Moseley. Beth Henry, Staffers, won the $600 Cellularsouth Blackberry package compliments of Paul Wagner, Cellularsouth. Congratulations to both! And, more great events upcoming for the next three weeks!

Best Places to Work!

Posted January 26, 2009

The Mississippi Business Journal recently named the Best Places to Work in Mississippi. Congratulations to Madison County Chamber members for being the Best! H. C. Bailey Companies, Business Communications,JBHM Architects, State Bank & Trust, Neel-Schaffer, BancorpSouth, Eubank and Betts, and Ergon. Keep up the great work! Kudos to all!

Congrats to Sherribeth Farmer!

Posted January 26, 2009

Of the 50 Leading Business Women, from all over the State, the current President of the Chamber is named a finalist. Congratulations to Sherribeth Farmer, Bankplus for being named a finalist for the Business Woman of the Year!

Jamaica’n Me Celebrate Sponsors

Posted January 25, 2009

SENSATIONAL SPONSORS

BELIEVER SPONSORS
BancorpSouth
Community Bank
Horne, LLP
M&F Bank
Simmons Law Group
St. Dominic Hospital

January New Members

Posted January 7, 2009

Simply The Best
Ms. Murray Cox
1662 Old Mannsdale Road
Madison, MS 39110
601-667-7201
mc@stbevents.com

Action Coach of Central MS
Mr. Philip Hollen
512 Wynridge Ct.
Madison, MS 39110
601-856-5378
601-856-5301
philhollen@actioncoach.com

Donna Davis-Speakes
96 Whisper Lake Ave.
Madison, MS 39110
davisdonnaart@yahoo.com

December New Members

Posted December 30, 2008

The Parker House
Tim Cook
104 S. E. Madison Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-856-0043
tim@theparkerhouse.com

Mass Mutual/Collins Financial Network
Christopher B. Giuffria
1635 Lelia Drive
Suite 100
Jackson, MS 39216
601-321-2329
601-573-4850
cgiuffria83@aol.com

It’s a New Year - - Almost!

Posted December 29, 2008

It’s a New Year!
Presents tucked everywhere. The “big pot is in the little one” for holiday cooking! And, the sights of the holidays are on at all corners of our county.
I’m thinking ahead to the New Year. So, much is happening – – we have a new leader for the United States. Will we have a bull or bear market for 2009? What about housing prices?
A recent 20 year study shows that laughter is good for the soul and is contagious! So, in setting out resolutions and goals for 2009, put laughter and happiness at the top of the list! Life will be just so much better! Can you say “It’s a GREAT day in Madison County!” with the Tony the Tiger, Gr-r-r-r-r-eat! and mean it! Funny, how that will change your prospective on things.
I recently attended the funeral service for a dear friend’s mom. The eulogy her baby son presented was so unlifting and funny. He used such great synomyns to describe his mom and most of them were along the humorous side. The entire family laughed with him and will certainly rise to the occasion to keep the humorous stories about their mom and her life going on and embellished. What a great legacy to leave!
The gloom and doom we’re pounded with by the media is enough to make you want to scream on a daily basis. Here are some suggestions for putting a smile in your life and the life of your businesses for 2009.
• Celebrate with your employees. There is at least one success you have that can jump start the new year, even when time appear to be tough.
• Put a smile – a big one – on your face. See above, it’s contagious. Happy employees equal happy employees equal happy customers equal happy employees…you get the picture. And, get to know your customers. A vendor for the chamber has an incredible sense of humor and our phone calls to each other are comical. His staff is even in on the shenanigans and we all have a great big belly laugh!
• Provide above the best customer service. The new grocery store at the new lifestyle center had an employee tell a customer that is wasn’t her job to get bags for bagels – even though there were no bags for bagels. The furious customer, who had already had a bad customer experience with a local bank, swore she’d never be back. How complicated is it to get a bag for a customer?
• Make a commitment for you and your staff to attend professional development opportunities presented by local chambers. There are some great educational sessions sponsored by the Madison County Chamber, for a nominal cost, that could really help your bottom line and create excitement in your office.
• Drop by your chamber office. You’ll find a wealth of information and resources. Bring your business cards for the kiosk in the foyer. Get out from behind your desk and away from the telephone and your personal data assistant. Emails and phone calls are not that immediate and can be returned later. You’ll be amazed at what a morning out of the office could yield!
For 2009, I resolve to keep on smiling, telling blonde jokes, and sharing a good laugh!

Save the Dates! Small Business University and Citizens’ Academy of Politics

Posted December 22, 2008

Two great opportunities will kick off January, 2009 so save the dates. Beginning on January 7, Small Business University will be back with new topics and presentors. Six consecutive months of educational sessions, are specifically designed for small to medium businesses and entrepreneurs. Home-based businesses are also encouraged to attend. The sessions, moderated by experts in the subject area are focused on providing relevant information that can immediately be applied to your business. Chamber members: $20 Future members: $49 Seating is limited and registration must be pre-paid.

Are you interested in running for public office or how about just working in a policital campaign? The Citizens’ Political Academy is for you! Beginning on Friday, January 30 and all day of Saturday, January 31, any resident of Madison County interested in seeking public office is encouraged the Academy. The Stennis Institute of Government, MSU, will facilitate the eight hours of training. The basic course will provide an overview of politics, campaign finanace, campaign communication, voters and voting, policy and values, consideration for self and family, and timing intiatives Registration includes all printed material, reception, breaks and meals. Cost: $125 before January 23 $150 after January 23. MasterCard and VISA accepted. Seating is limited and on a first come, first serve basis.

Pine Grove Outreach Center of Madison Ribbon Cutting

Posted December 19, 2008

If you have any questions about the great work that Pine Grove does, please contact Stephanie at 601-853-0503.

Mail It Ribbon Cutting

Posted December 19, 2008

Mail It is your “one stop shop”! You can do everything from buying stamps to have your documents notarized! Be sure to give Nolen a call at 601-605-8989 or stop in to see what all he can do for you! You will be amazed! He is located in the Twin Cedars shopping center at 1716 Hwy 51 North, Gluckstadt, a few doors down from Cocktailz!

Cocktailz Liquor Store Ribbon Cutting

Posted December 19, 2008

Cocktailz Liquor Store is located at 1716 Hwy 51 North, Gluckstadt! They have everything you need and more! Be sure to visit and tell them we sent you!

Madison County Bank Ribbon Cutting

Posted December 19, 2008

Be sure to stop in and see the new branch at 1716 Hwy 51 North, Gluckstadt!

Local Mover Honored For Customer Satisfaction!

Posted December 1, 2008

Jeff Taylor wins again! Local mover TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has earned top honors in a recent J.D. Power and Associates study measuring customer satisfaction among full-service moving companies. The Company’s office, located at 295 Commerce Park Drive in Ridgeland is one of more than 200 independent franchises operating across the United States.

Jeff Taylor is in his 10th year as franchisee of the Jackson area location. He believes his team’s execution of THE GRANDMA RULE® — a proprietary approach to moving that is the foundation for the Company’s training program — has played a key role in gaining the top ranking.

According to J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Full-Service Moving Company Satisfaction Study SM, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction. The study ranked customer satisfaction levels among national moving companies based on responses from nearly 3,000 consumers who have used a full service moving company during the past 12 months.

This year marks the second consecutive year TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has received a customer satisfaction award from J.D. Power and Associates, a fact not lost on the Company’s president Brig Sorber, who is also one of its founding “two men.”

“The moving process is an incredibly personal experience,” said Sorber. “We’re in people’s homes handling some of their most valuable possessions, so maintaining top-notch customer care is at the heart of what we do. This ranking is really a testament to our franchisees and their teams, and to the incredibly high standards they uphold in their businesses.”

In addition to receiving J.D. Power and Associates’ top overall ranking, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® was ranked highest in the Study’s packing services, on-time delivery and number of lost belongings categories.

November New Members

Posted November 26, 2008

Bath Junkie
Daphne McDonald
1000 Highland Colony Parkway
Suite 3007
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-605-6606
ridgelandMS@bathjunkie.com

Employee Administrative Services, Inc.
Ken Lewis
689 Towne Center Blvd.
Suite B
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-956-9764
sales@peoplelease.com

MAG Resources, LLC
Stephen Magown
P. O. Box 3094
Madison, MS 39130
318-450-8615
stephen@magresources.com

Mail It
Nolen Grogan
1716 Hwy 51 N
Suite K
Madison, MS 39110
601-605-8989
wngrog@aol.com

Pinegrove Outreach Center of Madison
Stehpanie Wilson
214 Key Drive
Suite 1200
Madison, MS 39110
601-853-0503
swwilson@forrestgeneral.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Serves Lunch

Posted November 19, 2008

Looking for a place to have a power lunch, business lunch, or “treat myself” lunch? Mark your calendars – Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Renaissance at Highland Colony will begin serving up lunch specials beginning on Friday, November 28 and every Friday in December. Andy Nesenson, General Manager, said that this is new concept for this marketplace and if it goes well, the Friday lunch would be expanded into 2009. We have a sample lunch menu here at office, if you want a sneak peak. If you have a large group for lunch on Fridays, you may want to make a reservation. Your Madison County Chamber has the latest news on Chamber members!!!

‘Tis the Season…to Join, Renew, and Rejoin!

Posted November 13, 2008

‘Tis the Season…to Join, Rejoin and Renew!

It’s Official. The holiday season has begun. Just drive around Madison County. The garland and wreaths are going up at shopping centers. Holiday open houses are set for every weekend from now till the big day!

With all the hullaboo, it’s also a big time for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
Our planning retreat with board members was exciting and full of opportunities for the upcoming year. The popular Small Business University will be added to our educational venue, with a new and expanded topics that reflect current business trends. Coffee and Contacts, a fast-pace business card exchange will be held every other month at members’ business locations and Donuts and Dialogue will present educational topics on business trends, with time to network.

Yes, ‘tis the season for the end of the year planning, printing, and cleaning out 2008 information to make way for the 2009 brochures, applications, and a fresh new year! Most of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce events will officially end the second week of December, but your Chamber staff will be hard at it making sure January 2 is the day to focus on getting your business connected with customers and clients.

This is also the time of year for membership investments….yes, investments back into your business organization which helps creates a thriving business atmosphere to conduct business. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is solely funded by membership investments and revenue generated from our events and programs. Thank you to all that continue to support our efforts to keep Madison County a great place to live, work, and play. For our future members, we have a lot to offer you and hope you’ll take advantage of upcoming programs and events. We have both morning and lunch events, and occasionally after hours events.

Now is a great time to rejoin a thriving business organization with plenty of room for volunteers with lots of activities and events to keep your business strong in 2009 and beyond. And, for future members, we’d love to meet you and get you connected to a growing group of businesses so, you too, can continue to grow your business.

We have lots of sponsorship opportunities, especially with Jeffrey Gitomer, the Sales Guru, Master Salesman, and a wealth of knowledge. With a sponsorship, you’ll be a part of the twenty-only that get to have lunch with him for a Q&A. Don’t forget the Dragon Boat Regatta – the sporting and team-building event for businesses. Gitomer is in March and Dragon Boat Regatta is in April….we’re getting ready for 2009.

‘Tis the Season…

Ridgeland Tourism’s New Website

Posted November 13, 2008

With the holidays almost here, check out the Ridgeland Tourism Commissions’s new website! www.visitridgeland.com
Everything you want to know about shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment is a click away. As with any website, it is a work in progress. Any suggestions are welcome. Contact ricky@visitridgeland.com for comments. Remember, to shop local first!!!

Azul Denim Ribbon Cutting

Posted November 10, 2008

Azul Denim, a new retail shop in Ridgeland, is now open for business! Be sure to visit this new clothing store located on Lake Harbour Drive behind Newk’s! You will find a warm greeting from Sonia Miller the second you walk in! Be sure to let her know the Madison County Chamber of Commerce sent you!

Coffee & Contacts at Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Posted November 10, 2008

Ruth’s Chris Steak House was the place for the November Coffee & Contacts. There was a great crowd and plenty of business cards were exchanged! There was also great coffee provided by Elite Water and Coffee Service! Also, a huge thank you to Andy Nesenson of Ruth’s Chris Steak House for a great door prize, a $75 gift certificate! See what opportunity you missed for not showing up!! If you haven’t attended one of these functions, make plans to do so in 2009! If you think you would like to be a sponsor for this event, give the chamber a call!

Interstate Batteries - A Top Performer!

Posted November 6, 2008

Once again, a local business and Chamber member, takes top honors. Interstate Batteries, located on Hwy. 51 in Ridgeland, was named Best Store for August and September through a comprehensive evaluation. The competition was measured by growth, sales transactions, marketing and more. The contest will continue till the end of December and winner will be announced at the 2009 Annual Convention. Owners Kevin and Debra Erwin credit their sucess to hard work, great employees and customers. Interstate Batteries not only has car batteries but also a wide selection of batteries for electronic and home use. It’s a great time to go by and stock up on all the battery needs you’ll have for the holidays. And, be sure to congratulate Kevin and Debra for job well done! We’re proud of our chamber members and their accomplishments. Keep up the great work!

Hyatt Opens in Ridgeland on Highland Colony Parkway

Posted October 27, 2008

MISSISSIPPI’S FIRST HYATT PLACE® HOTEL OPENS IN RIDGELAND
Location Marks Mississippi’s First Hyatt-Branded Hotel

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Madison Lodging, LLC and InterMountain Management, LLC today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland, marking Mississippi’s first-ever Hyatt-branded hotel and the first prototype Hyatt Placehotel in the south.
Hyatt Place, ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with Full Service” by J.D. Power and Associates, complements Hyatt’s full service brands by combining contemporary design with innovative services and amenities to create an atmosphere of casual hospitality.
“When creating Hyatt Place, we extensively researched the evolving needs of contemporary travelers to identify the right combination of style, service and amenities,” said Alison Kal, vice president, marketing, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “Across the country, guest reactions have been tremendously positive and we’re excited to bring the Hyatt Place experience to Ridgeland.”
Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland, which is owned by Madison Lodging, LLC and managed by InterMountain Management, LLC, is located at 1016 Highland Colony Parkway, just off the Natchez Trace Parkway. For added convenience, the hotel is just a short drive to the Jackson-Evers International Airport, Mississippi Craft Center and the 33,000-square acre Ross Barnett Reservoir. The hotel offers 126 spacious guestrooms and 1,620 square feet of meeting space.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the Hyatt brand to the state of Mississippi to and we’re confident our residents and guests will embrace the new kind of hotel experience Hyatt Place provides,” said Kerri Gladney, general manager of Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland. “With free Wi-Fi, freshly prepared food available 24/7, state-of-the-art in-room media options and proprietary training that prepares all staff to gracefully handle any task, Hyatt Place is equipped with everything today’s traveler needs.”

Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland Leadership
Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland will be under the leadership of General Manager Kerri Gladney and Director of Sales Heather Warrington.
Gladney will draw on her 14 years of hospitality experience – much of which has been spent in the Jackson area – to manage the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s 40 Associates and ensuring guests encounter the purposeful service for which Hyatt Place is known.
Gladney will be joined by Heather Warrington, director of sales, who is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the Ridgeland and greater Jackson area.

HYATT PLACE BACKGROUND
Hyatt Place was inspired by the changing landscape of contemporary, multi-tasking business travelers, who have successfully adapted to today’s “24/7 lifestyle,” seamlessly merging personal and professional activities. To help guests achieve this lifestyle, Hyatt Place offers an atmosphere of casual hospitality with a balanced mix of comfortable and functional amenities.
Guestrooms: For work, guests can take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi, oversized desk and ergonomic chair in each room. And when it’s time to relax, they can stretch out on the eight-foot Cozy Corner sectional sofa-sleeper and watch their favorite shows on the room’s 42-inch flat panel, high-definition television. Each room’s innovative Hyatt Plug Panel™ also allows guests to connect their own entertainment media to the television, including laptops, MP3 players, DVD players or any other portable device. At bedtime, the signature Hyatt Grand Bed™ ensures guests enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
Gallery: An innovative welcoming arrival area where guests are greeted by a Gallery Host who assists guests with everything from check-in to preparing a freshly made snack, the Gallery offers two self-registration kiosks, an intimate coffee and wine café and bakery, free Wi-Fi, a TV den and an “e-room” with free access to public computers and a printer with secure print-ahead technology.
Mealtime: Guests at Hyatt Place may purchase signature hot breakfast entrées along with Starbucks® specialty coffees or enjoy a free continental breakfast. Hyatt Place also offers a variety of freshly prepared, café-quality items, including made-to-order entrées, sandwiches, soups, salads and pizza, which guests can order 24/7 via a touch screen menu in the Guest Kitchen or from a Gallery Host.
StayFit@Hyatt: To help guests stay physically and mentally productive, each Hyatt Place offers a StayFit@Hyatt gym featuring state-of-the-art Life Fitness® equipment.
Hyatt Gold Passport®: All members of Hyatt Gold Passport, Hyatt’s guest loyalty program, have the opportunity to earn points with every stay, along with numerous privileges and benefits, including free nights, exclusive offers and a private reservation line.

Travelers are raving about Hyatt Place hotels already open in 120 locations nationwide, including Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston and Tampa. There will be 130 Hyatt Place hotels open by year-end 2008 in key business and leisure markets throughout the country.

About Hyatt Place
Hyatt Place is a new kind of Hyatt for today’s relaxed lifestyle. Hyatt Place is ranked “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with Full Service” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. Catering to today’s discerning travelers, Hyatt Place combines The Hyatt Touch® with stylish design, purposeful amenities and forward-thinking technology. Hyatt Place is a brand of Global Hyatt Corporation that currently offers more than 115 locations nationwide and will offer 130 hotels by year-end 2008. For Hyatt Place information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-HYATT-HP (888-492-8847) or visit www.HyattPlace.com.

SCHMOOZA PALOOZA

Posted October 24, 2008

Oh, what a night! Our first ever Schmooza Palooza was great fun! Even though the weather did not cooperate at all, Plan B, was easily implemented!! Everything just moved inside the chamber office and spilled out into our building foyer. Those that were only “dropping by for minutes” were making so many contacts, they actually helped close down the networking event much later in the evening. The Business Card Kiosk was a hot attraction. We have only 18 spots left for your business card, so make sure your company is getting the visibility it deserves. This is a free service to chamber members only! Special thanks to Brookshire’s and Foodies for a grand spread of fun food and drinks. Also, thanks to Calistoga Wine and Spirits for providing spirits for our signature “Schmoozie.”

Entergy Ranks Tops

Posted October 15, 2008

Entergy makes magazine’s top 10

NEW ORLEANS — In its September issue, Site Selection magazine has recognized Entergy Corporation among the top 10 utilities in the nation in support of economic development. Site Selection recognizes utilities for performance in four categories: capital investment; job creation; capital investment per capita; and, jobs per 10,000 in population. Results are tallied from responses to the magazine’s annual survey of utilities.

John Turner, director of economic development for Entergy Mississippi Inc. in Jackson, said, “Entergy has some of the best community-based economic development professionals in the country. With strong support from community organizations and strong leadership from state organizations, our economic development teams are able to create strong programs that are being recognized nationally for the benefits they bring to Mississippi and the other states served by Entergy.”

September/October New Members

Posted October 8, 2008

Chandelier
Ms. Carol Hartman
118 W. Jackson Street
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-898-2007
chartman@domesticdistinctions.com

Central Access Corporation
Ms. Stephanie Newman
388 Highland Colony Parkway
Ridgeland, MS 39157
601-896-5445
snewman@centralaccess.net

Oroma Media
Mr. Kirk Sansom
4400 Old Canton Road
Suite 210
Jackson, MS 39211
ksansom@oromamedia.com

CockTailz Liquor Store
Ms. Charlotte Brown
1716 Hwy 51 North
Suite H
Madison, MS 39110
601-605-4460
specialhome2022@bellsouth

Comcast Advanced Solutions Center
Mr. John Wuerdeman
384 Galleria Pkwy
Suite 400
Madison, MS 39110
601-607-3750
john_wuerdeman@cable.comcast.com

Doaks Creek Farm
Ms. Cindy Chappelear
1870 Way Road
Pickens, MS 39146
601-859-2932
cindychappelear@yahoo.com

First Bank and Trust Co.
Mr. Ty Carr
998 Hwy 51 North
Madison, MS 39110
601-605-5100
tcarr@fbtmonline.com

The Bottrell Insurance Agency, Inc.
Ms. Teresa Kilpatrick
111 East Capitol Street
Suite 500
Jackson, MS 39201
601-960-8241
tkilpatrick@bottrell.com

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

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.

Accounting Firms Unite

Posted May 7, 2008

Smith, Turner, and Reeves and Johnson, Bruce, and Host are merging under the umbrella of one of the nation’s ten largest accounting firms, Springfield, Missouri-based BKD. The merger will create the third largest accounting firm in the State. BKD Mississippi will employ about 70 people and plans to operate from downtown Jackson, until new space is identified.

Chamber Members inducted in Business Hall of Fame

Posted May 7, 2008

CellularSouth owners, Wade and Jimmy Creekmore, are the newest members of the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame. With the first cellular call made in 1988, the cellular business has exploded. Both started out owning a small telephone company after graduating from college. With a new corporate headquarters in Ridgeland, Mississippi, both brothers are modest and reserved. Their interest is in their employees and what’s important in their lives rather that touting the success of CellularSouth. In today’s business world, how refreshing.

Madison County’s Fastest Growing Companies: Nine Companies Make Fast 40 List

Posted February 26, 2008

The prestigious group of the fastest-growing privately held companies includes nine Madison County businesses. The companies represent the best of the best and are examples for other privately-owned businesses.

The 40 Fastest Growing Companies is presented by the Mississippi Business Journal and co-sponsored by the accounting firm KPMG, LLC and the law firm of Watkins Ludlam Winter & Stennis, PA.

Congratulations to our Madison County Chamber of Commerce winners and your successes!

• Back Yard Burgers Development, LLC
• BankPlus
• Business Communication, Inc.
• Community BancShares, Inc.
• Neel-Schaffer Engineers & Planners, Inc.
• State Bank & Trust Company
• Tempstaff, Inc.
• Venture Technologies

Dixie Advertising Celebrates 40 Years with Name Change

Posted February 26, 2008

Dixie Advertising, a local promotional marketing firm, recently changed their name
to LogoStoreUSA as a part of its 40th Anniversary Celebration.

“We basically outgrew our name. We feel our new name is an important move forward as our company continues to grow beyond the region,” Keith Ferguson, President, said.

The company has served clients in 47 states, Canada and Mexico, and has been selected as an authorized vendor by Habitat for Humanity International for its international programs and 1,700 U.S. affiliates. LogostoreUSA has been a proud member of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce since 1998.

As part of the anniversary, LogoStoreUSA established a new $40,000 grant program for Mississippi nonprofit organizations.

According to Ferguson, the grant program is a way to give back to Mississippi while helping community-minded organizations.

“LogostoreUSA, as a Mississippi company, will continue to be a strong community supporter,” Ferguson said.

The corporate headquarters for LogoStoreUSA will remain in Jackson.

Madison Planting and Design wins award

Posted February 26, 2008

Madison Planting and Design Group (MPDG) is proud to announce it has been awarded an Environmental Distinction Award for its Design and Installation of the Crocker Residence in the 38th Annual Environmental Improvement Awards Program sponsored by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).

MPDG was commended and recognized for the design and installation of this nature inspired project located in the Northeast Jackson, Mississippi area. A perfect home retreat was made complete be creating a meditation garden, sitting area with fire pit, and European cobble walks all set in lush naturalistic plantings. The project was further enhanced by creating dry creek beds complemented with plantings that included a wide variety of native plants and a mixture of trees and shrubs that bloom during each season of the year. Elements of this project included night lighting, irrigation, including drip irrigation for planters, and an exterior sound system.

“The strong team approach to this Design/Build landscape project provided a unique landscape experience for the Crocker’s. It is a project that added a quality user experience and value to their residence. Each of our employees is proud of being an integral part of the Crocker’s Landscape Development. To have been one of the six companies in the southeast chosen for a distinction award this year is a true honor and a testament to the dedication of MPDG employees and ion the confidence of the Crocker’s of our ability to create and maintain this unique landscape.” – Randy Graves, ASLA, Landscape Architect

“Madison Planting and Design Group is a Landscape Design/Build Company located in Canton, Mississippi. Our foundation is built on professional design, quality plant material, superior staffing, and unparalleled service. MPDG offers full service landscape services including design, installation and construction management services for landscape elements such as plant material installation and maintenance, swimming pools, decks, irrigation, and more.” – Kirk Cameron, ALSA, Landscape Architect

PLANET”S Environmental Improvement Awards Program reflects the association’s commitment to creating and preserving the beauty of our landscape. The program is designed to reward independent landscape, lawn care, and interior plantscaping professionals who execute superior projects. PLANET strives to increase public awareness of environmental improvement through contracted landscaping, lawn care, and interior plantscaping and encourages the consistent use of quality materials and workmanship.

Madison Planting & Design Group is located in Canton, Mississippi.

Watson Quality Ford celebrates 25 years

Posted February 26, 2008

Congratulations go out to Robert Watson and his staff on the 25th anniversary of the dealership’s founding. Opened in 1982 by Robert’s father, Bill Watson, the dealership has seen tremendous growth in the last 25 years.

Watson Quality Ford has attained the status as the top Jackson-metro area, Mississippi and Memphis Region Ford franchise and as one of the top Ford dealerships in the entire country. Ranking as high as tenth in the nation in new Ford sales, currently the dealership ranks 52nd (out of more than 4000 Ford dealerships nationally) in new-Ford sales and 16th in combined new-car and fleet sales.

Living in Madison County, it was only natural that in 2005, Robert Watson acquired a Ford dealership in Canton, naming it Watson Madison County Ford. He is very proud of the fact that Watson Quality Ford is the only locally-owned Ford dealership in the Jackson/Madison County market.

As part of the excitement of celebrating 25 years in business, this December will see the visit of Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Randy Ortiz, the company’s National Sales Manager, to the 2 dealerships. What an honor for Robert Watson and his staff.

“We are so proud to be a part of the community and look forward with great anticipation to the next 25 years”, said Robert Watson.

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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