July - Community Development Foundation

Transcription

BusinessJournal
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF JOURNAL PUBLISHING AND THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
July 2014
Northeast
Mississippi
Entrepreneurs
profiled inside
Get the space
you need at a price
you can afford.
144 S Thomas St,
Tupelo, MS 38801
662.840.7665
SPANISH VILLAGE
Document: F001CDF070414.eps;Page: 1;Format:(254.00 x 317.50 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: Jul 02, 2014 13:08:30;JPC 72 DPI
THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI
BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 2014
Business incubators provide good starting point
O
ne study by the
U.S. Small Business Administration found that
eight of every 10 new startup businesses fail. However, eight of 10 businesses
that started in a supportive environment prospered and succeeded.
The Renasant Center
for IDEAs, Tupelo/Lee
County’s business incubator, provides that supportive environment for
startups, entrepreneurs
and small businesses. The
mission of the Renasant
Center for IDEAs is to
provide the physical and
social infrastructure
needed in the formation
and development of successful small business,
which will diversify our
area’s economy, create regional job opportunities
and foster economic
growth and vitality. The
incubator provides support to small businesses
two ways – providing the
physical space and providing services.
The Renasant Center
allows the client to rent a
premier
business
office in
the heart
of the
Downtown Tupelo
Business
District
JUDD
with an
WILSON
East Main
Street address.
Office space comes
with a bundle of services
and access to shared
workspaces. The client
pays for their immediate
need – a private office
with access to common
spaces they essentially require to maintain a professional environment.
We feel this leads to
their creditability as a
new business. The shared
workspaces include a
workroom, break room,
training room, conference room, and board
room.
The Renasant Center
also has a cubicle area
called the IDEA Hub. This
area is great for the entre-
preneur who is ready to
make that leap of faith
from the home office to
the main street office. The
utilization of space provides support for our incubator clients.
PROVIDING SERVICES
The Renasant Center
provides services for our
incubator clients and for
any small business owner
in our area. We have partnered with the Mississippi
Small Business Development Center to provide
business counseling and
basic classes on how to
start a business. The North
Mississippi Contract Procurement Center visits the
incubator once a week to
help with businesses trying to secure government
contracts. We also have
Danny Liles with Mississippi Development Authority’s Entrepreneur
Center located in our incubator. The agencies we
partner with and the services they provide, create
the solid foundation that a
start-up business needs.
Since the Renasant Cen-
NEED OFFICE FURNITURE?
ititure!
n
r
u
F
e
c
ic
i
f
f
O
n
in
i
g
n
in
i
h
t
y
r
Eve
ter for IDEAs opened in
2006, we have seen 15
client companies graduate, creating 360 jobs in
our community. All of
these companies benefited from the supportive
environment the incubator provided.
One of those successful
companies is Hyperion
Technology, which started
in one office and quickly
grew to occupy half of the
second floor. It also expanded into both of the
manufacturing spaces located at the center. This
growth also expanded in
job count. When Hyperion
graduated from the Renasant Center for IDEAs in
August 2012, it had 12 fulltime and six part-time employees, comprised of
mechanical, electrical and
software engineers.
Hyperion designs and
builds sensors and sensing
systems for military and
civilian use, with clients
including Honda, the U.S.
Army, the U.S. Navy, Los
Alamos National Laboratory and TRW Automotive.
Geoff Carter, president of
Hyperion, continues to
give back to the incubator
as a speaker and mentor.
The Renasant Center for
IDEAs looks forward to
many years of fulfilling its
mission by providing the
support to help grow entrepreneurs and small
businesses. We hope to
partner with those in our
area ready to take that idea
and make it a reality.
JUDD WILSON is director of
small business development for
the Community Development
Foundation and oversees the
Renasant Center for IDEAs. Contact him at (662) 842-4521.
Stay-at-home
dad numbers
are growing
BY WALTER HAMILTON
MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE
The number of fathers
who stay home to care for
their children has risen
sharply in the past 25
years, and now comprises
about 16 percent of all
stay-at-home parents, according to a new report.
Many of those fathers
have had trouble finding
jobs in the sluggish economy of recent years. But
the increase also stems
from longer-term, noneconomic factors, such as
disability or the desire to
care for their family, according to the analysis
from the Pew Research
Center.
An estimated 2 million
fathers stay home with
their children, up from 1.1
million in 1989, the report
said. Fathers comprised
10 percent of stay-athome parents a quartercentury ago.
The number of stay-athome dads reached a high
of 2.2 million in 2010,
shortly after the official
end of the last recession.
But it has declined lately
as the job market has improved.
As for what’s driven the
increase, the biggest
short-term contributor
has been the tough job
market, according to the
WHERE A GREAT PERFORMANCE...
Come to North Mississippi’s Largest Used Office Furniture Dealer.
Whether you’re just starting up, getting ready to remodel or expand,
Whittington has the inventory expertise and resources to help you.
Call us today.
OFFICE FURNITURE
Community Drive at Green Street
Just North of the Daily Journal
Phone (662) 871-0568
www.whittingtonofficefurniture.com
Seating
Files
Reception
Break Room
Book Cases
Desks
Conference
Used Office Furniture
New Office Furniture
Systems Furniture
Design Services
All Brands
Delivery and Installation
Is An Everyday Event!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Built in the heart of the Mid-South, the BancorpSouth Arena
& Conference Center is designed to accommodate events
that demand comfort, convenience, and flexibility.
375 East Main • Tupelo
841-6573 • 718-5555 fax
www.bcsarena.com
The number
of stay-at-home
dads reached
a high of 2.2 million
in 2010,
shortly after the
official end of the
last recession.
study. But the dominant
long-term factor has been
a jump in the number of
fathers who say they’re
home mainly to care for
their family.
More than 1 in 5 – 21
percent – cited that as
their primary reason for
being at home. Only 5
percent cited that as a factor 25 years ago. That period corresponds, of
course, with a rise in the
number of women entering the workforce.
Nearly one-quarter of
fathers – 23 percent – said
they can’t find a job, an increase from 15 percent in
1989.
And 35 percent of survey respondents cited illness or disability, though
that is a drop from 56 percent in 1989, according to
Pew.
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
Patience, persistence pay off for Premiere
|
BY DENNIS SEID
BUSINESS JOURNAL
TUPELO – It’s taken 20
years, but Chris Beckish finally is realizing his dream.
Beckish and his wife,
Kristi, own Premiere Lady
Fitness in Tupelo, which
opened two decades ago.
Along the way, it has added
Premiere Tans. And in a few
weeks, they’re opening Premiere Athletix, a fitness facility open to men and
women that will feature
cross-training equipment
and other programs.
The facility also will be
home to a Nutrishop, a vitamin and supplement store.
“It’ll be a one-stop shop,”
Chris Beckish said.“After 20
years of having Premier
Lady, we’re expanding and
adding all new types of
equipment and concepts.”
After wrapping up a college football playing career,
Beckish moved to Oxford
when his father coached at
Ole Miss in the early
1990s.Then he pursued his
dream of opening his own
business.
“I’d always been fitnessminded and I wanted to
open some type of operation,” he said.
He and his then business
partner eyedTupelo for a fitness center, but added a
twist – making it an exclusive place for women only.
The idea was that women
would be less intimidated
than going into a coed fitness center.
Along the way, Chris met
Kristi, they got married and
became business partners.
For seven years, Premiere
Lady was in the former
Gloster Creek Village (now
PREMIERE
LADY
|
ADDRESS: 1670 McClure Drive,
Tupelo
PHONE: (662) 842-5239
HOURS: 24-hour access
WEBSITE:
www.premiereladyfitness.net
renamed Midtown Pointe).
In 2003, it moved to its current 10,000-square-foot location on McClure Drive, off
North Gloster Street.
“This building came
about after we drew on a
napkin at Waffle House,”
Kristi said with a laugh.
That sketch eventually
made its way to graph
paper, then eventually the
facility was built.
Premiere Athletix wasn’t
born on a napkin, but it had
been on the couple’s mind
for more than seven years.
The piece of land upon
which it is being built is adjacent to the Premiere Lady
facility. It’s not really large
enough or an idea location
for a restaurant or retailer,
and the Beckishes had long
eyed the property for future
expansion plans.
Talks went on for years
until about three years ago,
and the couple bought the
property.
Their vision for the Premiere Athletix is what Chris
Beckish had dreamed about
from day one: a facility for
everyone. Premiere Lady
will continue its business
model, but the new center
also will be available to
members as well.
Premiere Athletix will feature equipment like a moving rock wall and other
THOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM
Above, Zumba classes are offered at Premiere Lady. Below, the new Premiere Athletics opens soon. On the cover:
Owners Chris and Kristi Beckish mark 20 years in business this month.
MoveStrong functional fitness machines; and programs like boot camps will
be added. Cross-training for
men and women will be the
emphasis.
“We weren’t able to do all
that I wanted to do when we
first opened 20 years ago,”
Chris Beckish said. “But we
did what we were able to do
and it’s worked out well.”
Loyal customers and a
great staff have helped the
business thrive over the
years, and they have been
the main drivers in its success, he added. And they’re
also why Premiere is able to
expand.
And while working together doesn’t always click
with some couples, Chris
and Kristi have been able to
overcome that challenge.
Their secret?
“You have to find that
balance,” Kristi Beckish
said. “ We’re here Monday
through Friday, but from
Friday at noon to Monday
morning at 8, we don’t
bring business home with
us.”
Twenty years of being
business also has brought
is share of challenges, including two recessions. But
the business has continued
to survive and thrive.
Patience and persistence
– along with passion for the
business – have been critical, Chris Beckish said.
“And you have to have
quality people around you,”
he added.
Said Kristi, “You have to
cater to your customers;
they come first. Theyr’re the
people who keep your
doors open.
dennis.seid@journalinc.com
Sampling at The Tupelo
Flea Market JULY 11-13
Roasted Fresh • Roasted Local
Let Us Supply Your Home or Office
Kay Pittman / 662-491-0936 • Heather Moore / 337-546-7858
visit us online at www.mybrotherscup.com
Mark 16:15
BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 2014
BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 2014
Video bug bit Pegues early in career
BY DENNIS SEID
BUSINESS JOURNAL
TUPELO – While he was in college
earning a degree in communications,
Allen Pegues also worked as a DJ at an
area radio station.
After graduating in 2000, he thought
he was ready to hit the ground running with his degree and experience.
“I was interested in working for a
radio station – it’s what I wanted to do,”
he said.
But the market was slim pickings,
and no job offers came his way.
“I got really discouraged because
nobody would call me back,” he said.
“I waited on a lot of program directors
but couldn’t get a job. It was frustrating.”
Leave it to mom to point him in a
better direction. She reminded her son
that his communication degree covered many facets, including video and
journalism.Why not try those out, she
suggested.
At a career development session at
MUW, Pegues met with WTVA. The
television station was looking for
videographers, and Pegues was soon
hired.
“That’s when I got bit by the video
bug,” he said. “And I’m very thankful
for that opportunity.”
For three years, he worked behind
the cameras as a videographer, then
became promotions director for the
evening newscasts. Two years later, in
2005, he was offered a position with
Comcast, where he did similar work
until 2010.
Comcast began cutting its inhouse production crews, and Pegues
knew his time was limited.What had
been a side job ever since his days
with WTVA – Premium Video Productions – became a full-time business in 2011.
The company, which dropped the
“Video” in its name as its services expanded, is located in the Renasant
Center for IDEAs business incubator
in Tupelo.
Today, it not only shoots wedding
and corporate videos, it also produces
documentaries, safety and training
United Way videos win
coveted Telly Awards
BUSINESS JOURNAL
ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM
Allen Pegues launched Premium Productions in 2011.
videos, music videos, church videos
and photography.
From the beginning, Pegues knew
he had to establish his business as
quickly as he could.
“I felt comfortable going out and
taking on clients, so I bought some
equipment and just grew from there,”
he said. “I wanted to let people know,
‘this is the same guy you’ve worked
with, the same kind of work.’ Only
now, instead of working for somebody
else, this was my business.”
Pegues opened his office in the Renasant Center in early 2011, although
he admits he felt a bit intimidated by
the facility. It didn’t take him long to
turn into a big fan of the place.
With access to a conference room, a
work room that includes a copier and
other services available to incubator
tenants, Pegues said he’s gotten off to a
great start with Premium Productions.
Now he’s looking for a bigger space,
and growing Premium Productions
further.
“You have to find a niche and maintain it,” he said
With other competitors and agencies doing similar work, Pegues said
working together is not a foreign idea.
In fact, he’s collaborated with other
|
|
PREMIUM
PRODUCTIONS
ADDRESS: 398 E. Main St., Suite 116 (Renasant Center for IDEAs)
PHONE: (662)-255-9991
EMAIL: info@premiumproductions.net
WEBSITE:
www.premiumvideoproductions.net
companies in the area, including
McIntosh Creative Services. Recently,
Premium Productions, which worked
with McIntosh to create the United
Way of Northeast Mississippi’s 2013
Campaign video, was recognized by
TheTelly Awards with a SilverTelly and
a Bronze Telly for the work.
That kind of recognition pays dividends, showing that high-quality work
can be found in Northeast Mississippi.
Pagues also said it’s also a reminder
of why he got in the business in the
first place: to provide a service that
people will appreciate.
“And people will remember what
you did more than what you said you’ll
do,” he said.
The
Telly
Awards
awarded the United Way
of Northeast Mississippi
and its production partners Silver and Bronze
Tellys for their 2013 Campaign video titled “Working Together for a Better
Tomorrow.”
Nearly 12,000 entries
from all 50 states and several countries were entered in the competition.
“We are very pleased to
receive an award such as
this for our 2013 Campaign
video,”
said
Melinda Tidwell, executive director of United
Way. “It was, in fact, a very
local project in that all the
video was shot in our region and most of the onscreen talent were from
this area. Even the music
track was produced here
in Tupelo.”
The Silver Telly was
awarded in the “Corporate
Image” category while the
Bronze Telly was for the
“Charitable Non-Profits”
category.
The DVD was produced
by McIntosh Creative Services and Premium Productions, both of Tupelo.
Said Chuck McIntosh,
the owner of McIntosh
Creative Services, “I’m
proud that United Way of
Northeast Mississippi was
honored in such a manner. It’s a great way to
showcase the work its
agencies are involved in
here in the region.”
“This is truly an honor
for our work to be chosen
and recognized by the
Telly Awards,” said Pre-
mium Productions owner
Allen Pegues. “This project was a team effort and
we are very thankful.”
The Telly Awards was
founded in 1979 and is the
premier award honoring
outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs,
the finest video and film
productions, and online
commercials, video and
films.
A judging panel of more
tun 500 accomplished industry professionals, each
a past winner of a Silver
Telly and a member of the
Silver
Telly
Council,
judged the competition.
The Silver Council evaluated entries to recognize
distinction in creative
work – entries do not
compete against each
other; instead, entries are
judged against a high
standard of merit. Less
than 10 percent of entries
are chosen as winners of
the Silver Telly, the council’s highest honor. Approximately 25 percent of
entries are chosen as winners of the Bronze Telly.
“The Telly Awards has a
mission to honor the very
best in film and video,”
said Linda Day, executive
director of the Telly
Awards. “The United Way
of Northeast Mississippi’s
accomplishment
illustrates their creativity, skill,
and dedicatin to their
craft and serves as a testament to great film and
video production.”
To find out more about
the Telly Awards visit its
website at
www.tellyawards.com.
A SIGN OF OUR SUCCESS
Century 21 has 12 fantastic agents who are willing to
help you find exactly what you are looking for. Visit our
website or download our app to see properties for sale or
receive alerts on the place you’re interested in.
We also offer First-Time Home Buyer information,
comparable market analyses, and much more.
We promise to help you make the impossible, possible.
There is a difference when choosing
Century 21..
1720 McCULLOUGH BLVD. TUPELO, MS
662.842.7878 or TOLL FREE 800.810.7777
suegardnerrealty@century21.com
SueGardnerRealty.com
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
Architect-turned-restaurateur opens grocery
BY DENNIS SEID
BUSINESS JOURNAL
TUPELO
–
Tum
Chanachai is expanding
the family business into
new frontiers.
His family has two Thai
restaurants – one in
Starkville and another in
Columbus – and one of his
top priorities is to ensure
they’re properly supplied.
He has a handful of companies from whom he gets
key ingredients like Thai
basil, chilies, lemongrass
and other herbs and spices.
So, he thought, why not
make them available to
other Asian restaurants and
the general public, too?
Chanachai
recently
opened U & Me Asian Grocery on North Gloster Street
in Tupelo, and he said business has been “OK” as he
slowly builds inventory in
the store.
“We’re on Facebook and
word is slowly spreading,
but I haven’t had the chance
to advertise much,” he said.
The store opened a few
weeks later than planned
after one of his chefs left for
China and he had to fill in at
the Columbus restaurant.
“It put me a little behind,
but we’re getting there,”
Chanachai said.
The store has what one
might expect in an Asian
grocery store: rice; noodles,
a variety of sauces (soy, oyster, fish); canned goods; and
even snacks and sweets like
Pocky Sticks.
Fresh vegetables include
bok choy, long green beans,
yu choy, daikon radish, hot
Thai chili, Chinese broccoli,
bitter squash, green papaya
and other items not as well-
|
U & ME ASIAN
GROCERY
|
ADDRESS: 620 N Gloster St, Tupelo
PHONE: (662) 205-4822
HOURS: Daily, from 9:30 a.m. to
7 p.m.
FACEBOOK: U & Me Asian Groceries
known or familiar to some.
A small frozen food section carries egg roll and
spring
roll
wrappers,
shrimp dumplings, crab
dumplings, pot stickers, and
frozen seafood like squid
and shrimp.
The store is open to anyone, though clearly the target audience is the small but
growing Asian population
in Northeast Mississippi.
Chanachai was seeking a
niche to pen a new business
and settled on opening the
grocery store.
“I thought about opening
a bubble tea place or a nooTHOMAS WELLS | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM
dle shop, something small,”
he said. “But I decided on Tum Chanachai hopes to become a supplier for area Asian restaurants.
this since there wasn’t one
around.”
Chanachai didn’t get his
start in the restaurant or retail business, however.
He lived in Minnesota for
several years, where he
worked at an architecture
firm. But his mother and
sister needed some help in
running their restaurants,
and Chanachi moved to
the warmer climes of
Northeast Mississippi.
“The winters are a lot
better here,” he said with
a laugh. The summers,
however, aren’t much difFavorite snacks from Asia are sold at the store.
A variety of sauces, from soy to sriracha, are available.
TURN TO GROCERY, 6
BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 2014
A
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Ideas are not entrepreneurship
core component of entrepreneurship is innovation.
The most successful entrepreneurs are frequently associated with creating new or greatly
improving products or services.
While innovation starts with an idea,
it almost never ends there.
Too many times the words “I
could’ve thought of that” have been
uttered in disgust over simple innovation. The key, though, is that the
naysayer did not think of the idea he
or she is critiquing. There is something in this interaction that seems
to devalue the ideation process as if
anyone could come up with a winning idea for a new business.
An even more compelling phrase
is “Oh, I thought of that years ago.”
Who hasn’t heard or thought this?
How many dozens of people had the
idea of pants with legs that zip off
and become shorts? What separates
those getting paid for their ideas
from those who aren’t? According to
Thomas Edison, it’s perspiration.
Edison said, ”Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration” tells us that work matters
more than any other factor. It does
not matter how good your idea is;
nothing will happen if you are not
willing to put the work behind it.
An idea is nothing without sweat or
money behind it. If neither effort nor financing
is present, it likely means that faith in the
project is also lacking.
This seems to be
a simple axiom, but
the road to success
is littered with discarded ideas. These
JOSH
ideas were left by
MABUS
those unwilling to
push forward.
Nowhere is this
more prevalent
than in mobile application development. One thing that is certain:
There is a great disparity between
those with ideas for apps and those
who develop apps.
This is a frequent topic in peer
conversations: The person who has
an app idea that will net hundreds
of thousands of dollars. Strangely
enough, though, this idea-holder
isn’t willing to invest the few thousand dollars to have the app built
out. An idea is nothing without
sweat or money behind it. If neither
effort nor financing is present, it
Marketing
Matters
likely means that faith in the project
is also lacking.
Do you have an idea? Do you
know the next revolutionary product or service that will change the
region or the world? I encourage you
today to start working and not quit
until you realize your goal. I can tell
you from personal experience and
countless examples that the difference between success and failure is
usually found in whether or not you
actually start.
Have you already started and your
energy is flagging? I encourage you
to redouble your efforts. Today you
can make the decision to turn your
ideas into reality. More importantly
you can decide to turn your ideas
into success.
JOSH MABUS is the owner of The Mabus
Agency, a marketing and advertising company in Tupelo. Contact him at (662) 8232100 or josh@mabusagency.com.
Let Us Cater Your Next Event.
JULY 2014
Grocery
FROM PAGE 5
ferent from the heat and
humidity in his native
Thailand.
As for the grocery,
Chanachai hopes to expand it one day, perhaps
adding a fresh seafood
counter that is ubiquitous
to Asian grocery stores. He
simply doesn’t have the
space or manpower for
now.
People accustomed to
going to Memphis to find
Asian groceries will find
some of what they need at
U & Me.
“I’m still getting a feel
for what customers are
looking for and what they
want,” he said, explaining
why some of the shelves
inside the store are sparse
He doesn’t want to load up
on inventory he can’t get
rid of, but at the same
time, he wants to offer a
variety of goods.
“I can so special requests,” he added.. ‘I’ve
had some Japanese customers come in, and I
show them a catalog and
they circle what they
want.”
Chanachai hopes to add
suppliers from Houston,
New York, Atlanta and Los
Angeles to get more variety.
And with several Asian
restaurants in the area, he
hopes he can become a
supplier to them as well.
With bulk buying, he can
get better prices and pass
them along.
“That’s would i would
love to see happen,” he
said.
For now, Chanachai
splits time between the
store and the restaurants,
but hopes to eventually
spend more time at the
store. His 18-hour days –
and no days off – might
improve soon.
“You have to have patience and you have to
have loyalty in yourself,”
he said. “By that I mean
you have to know that if
you make a mistake, it’s
OK. That goes for others. If
you make a mistake, tell
me. We can learn from it.
That’s the best business advice I can give.”
CottonBolt
the
Over 250 closeout fabrics priced to move!
Rugs • Fabrics • Hardware • Pillow Inserts
A division of BBQ by Jim
Reclaimed Wood Furniture
furniture market • office lunches
onsite breakfast meetings • annual staff events
charity fundraisers • reunions
wedding receptions • rehearsal dinners
662-840-8800 • bbqbyjim.com
Tupelo, Mississippi
www.magnoliaco.com • Mon - Fri 9:30am - 5:30pm • Sat 11am - 4pm
PAGE 6
ChamberConnection
A publication of Journal Publishing and the CDF Chamber Division – July 2014
MBAs note
Tupelo spirit,
entrepreneurship
M
Eric Bell, fellow developers at Chase
Computers Inc., he knew he needed to
work in a larger and more professional
space. In October 2012, Chase Computers Inc. rented a space in the Renasant
Center for IDEAs (RCFI), a small business incubator run by the Community
Development Foundation.
“They are focused on the small business, and they provide free classes
through the Small Business Develop-
BAs Across America is an
innovative program that
takes MBA students from
across the country and
challenges them to take a journey
across the U.S., learning from and
working with visionary entrepreneurs who are making a difference
in their communities.
Breaking the mold of traditional
internships that MBAs typically
pursue in corporate cubicles, MBAs
Across America believes the future
of business school is hands-on; on
the ground; and must prepare a
new generation to drive real
progress.
Like the seven
other MBAs Across
America teams, our
team (Ariel Avila,
Namrata Bhattacharya, Ryan Eskridge and Meghan
Sherlock) is visiting
six cities over six
weeks. Last week,
ARIEL
we traveled to New
AVILA
Orleans. For our
second week, we
MBA, Harvard
chose to work with
Business School
the Renasant Center for IDEAs in Tupelo.
The Renasant
Center houses several small businesses that focus on a variety of industries – from real estate to
furniture. Working with the Renasant Center was important to us because we want to help small
businesses grow. However, with
limited resources (e.g., employees,
funding and time), many small
businesses are growth constrained.
Our goal for the week was to help
change that in Tupelo.
During the first two days, we interviewed 12 small businesses that
are housed within the Renasant
Center. We not only learned about
the challenges and opportunities
that those small businesses face
but also about the entrepreneurs’
personal stories. Why do they do
what they do? What are their hopes
and dreams? What scares them?
Hearing their stories, we were impressed by their commitment, work
TURN TO RCFI, 14
TURN TO AVILA, 14
ADAM ROBISON | BUY AT PHOTOS.DJOURNAL.COM
Kerry Bryson, a Tupelo lawyer based in the Renasant Center for IDEAs, talks with a team of MBA students from Harvard.
Harvard Business School MBAs
visit Renasant Center for IDEAs
A team of MBA students
from Harvard Business School
spent one week in Tupelo
working with the Community
Development Foundation’s
(CDF) Renasant Center for
IDEAs (RCFI) as part of the
MBAs Across America pro-
gram.
The team worked with tenants of the RCFI learning
about management through
case studies drawn from real
life challenges faced by the
hub’s business owners. The
students also helped one ten-
ant resolve a pressing challenge facing the business.
Primarily focusing on the
RCFI and the services it provides as a business incubator,
the Harvard team collaborated with Judd Wilson, Director of the RCFI, to develop
strategies that will further support startups within the community.
“Rather than work for any
Fortune 100 company of their
choosing, these students are
TURN TO MBAs, 14
Renasant Center for IDEAs supports startups in Lee County
ABIGAIL
CONDIT
Summer Intern,
CDF
By 2005, Scott Chase
had spent 11 years in
the IT Department of a
local furniture manufacturer when he was
asked to build a church
website. The next few
years brought similar
requests from other
local small businesses
until Chase’s client base
grew so large he incorporated his own com-
pany. Chase Computer Services was established in 2007 and continued to
grow, allowing Chase to work full-time
in 2012.
“It kind of just grew into its own business. I’d go to work for eight hours a
day, and then I’d come home to work
another eight hours on this. It was
when I realized this that I decided to go
full time,” Chase said.
The office space had been located
above Chase’s home garage, but when
Chase hired Stephanie Simmons and
A CDF
CHAMBER CONNECTION
Chamber Focus
What have we done for you
lately? That’s a question we
ask ourselves daily because
we want your CDF membership to be an investment you are eager to
make.
Let’s begin with CDF’s
Geddie
motto, ‘More and better
jobs’. The equation is simple:
more jobs means more dollars invested in our community. That’s an
investment you can’t afford not to
make.
As a member of CDF, you are investing in a nationally recognized organization. The international
magazine Site Selection recognized
Tupelo/Lee County and CDF’s economic development team as a top
ten micropolitan and economic organization in the country. These
recognitions play one part in driving
the over 30,000 weekly hits to our
website. With your business listing
on our site, your business may be in
front of over 1 million potential customers each year, and you never
have to leave your desk.
Although social media gets most of
the marketing attention these days,
CDF membership still offers per-
New CDF Members
sonal advantages technology
can’t touch. Whether it is getting you in touch with the
right contact, or offering an
educational seminar on a specific business related topic, we
offer services to assist you.
The word free rarely carries
much weight. But our monthly
email newsletter is just that –
free for members to advertise upcoming events, special deals or past
achievements. Don’t be concerned
that email newsletters aren’t read
anymore. Our open rate is 12%
above the national average.
Last but not least, we have multiple
opportunities for your business to
raise its profile. There are before,
during and after hour events ranging in scope and content. A variety
of sponsorship options exist for
these events, as well as networking
opportunities just for attending.
And don’t forget to network with
your chamber. The better we know
you, the better we can work together to grow your business.
Karen Geddie
Vice President
Chamber of Commerce
Advanced Screening
Solutions
Mr. Eddie Pearson
623 W Main St., Ste. 1
Tupelo, MS 38804
(662) 205-4139
www.advancedscreening
solutions.com
Drug Testing
Holiday Inn & Suites
Ms. Stephanie West
923 N Gloster St.
Tupelo, MS 38804
(662) 205-4031
www.holidayinn.com
Hotels & Motels
Hopkins Services
Ms. Kelly Hopkins
101 First Choice Dr., Ste. A
Madison, MS 39110
(769) 300-0086
www.hopkinsservices.com
Employment Agencies
The Howarth Group
Ms. Renae Dearman
1072 Richburg Rd.
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
(601) 596-3344
www.thehowarthgroup.com
Insurance
Community Development Foundation’s
2014-2015 Board of Directors
CDF’s goals and objectives are accomplished through the efforts of members appointed to committees operating under one of CDF’s three divisions: Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development,
and Planning and Property Management.
2014-2015 Executive Committee
Mr. Chauncey Godwin, Jr., Chairman
Ms. Lisa Hawkins, First Vice Chairman
Mr. Barry Smith, Second Vice Chairman
Mr. David Rumbarger, President/Secretary
Mr. David Copenhaver, Immediate Past
Chairman
Mr. Tillmon Calvert
Mr. B.J. Canup
Mr. Scott Cochran
Mr. Clay Foster
Ms. Julianne Goodwin
Mr. Bryan Hawkins
Mr. Jerry Maxcy
Mr. Guy Mitchell, III
Dr. Dick White
Mr. Tollie White
2014-2015 Board of Directors
Mike Armour
Roger Bland
David Brevard
Mark Burleson
Bo Calhoun
Tillmon Calvert
B.J. Canup
Gary Carnathan
Grace Clark
Mike Clayborne
V.M. Cleveland
Scott Cochran
Fred Cook
David Copenhaver
Beverly Crossen
Nettie Davis
Jay Dey
Mike Eaton
Joe Estess
Clay Foster
Chauncey Godwin, Jr.
Julianne Goodwin
Bryan Hawkins
Lisa Hawkins
Skipper Holliman
Blair Hughes
David Irwin
Wesley Jones
Jamie Kennedy
Bob Kerley
Jeff King
Gearl Loden
Jimmy Long
Zell Long
Jerry Maxy
Robin McGraw
Larry Michael
Guy Mitchell
Ted Moll
Mabel Murphree
Mary Pace
Aubrey Patterson
Darrell Rankin
Harry Rayburn
Jack Reed, Jr.
JULY 2014
Scott Reed
Eddie Richey
Drew Robertson
Ty Robinson
Jason Shelton
Barry Smith
Rex Smith
Jane Spain
Gary Sparkman
Buddy Stubbs
Sean Suggs
Aaron Washington
Jimmy Weeks
Dick White
Tollie White
Le Bonheur Children’s
Hospital Outreach Clinic
Ms. Monica McCarley
410 Council Cir.
Tupelo, MS 38801
(662) 377-6995
www.lebonheur.org
Health Care
Party Train
Mr. Reggie Hendrix
2831 Jim St.
Tupelo, MS 38801
(662) 871-2793
Entertainment
Popsy, LLC
Ms. Chance Beck
129A CR 2248
Saltillo, MS 38866
(662) 315-0185
Restaurants & Catering
The Stone Yard Inc.
Ms. Heather Clingan
2695 McCullough Blvd.
Tupelo, MS 38801
(662) 407-0490
www.stoneyardoftupelo.com
Contractors, Construction
Companies, & Building
Materials
Tyco Integrated Security
Mr. Ty Huffman
4123 Hwy 50 E
Columbus, MS 39702
(662) 251-4206
www.tycois.com
Security Services
Wing Stop
Mr. Tanner Berryhill
2590 W Main St.
Tupelo, MS 38801
(662) 260-4922
www.wingstop.com
Restaurants & Catering
Young Construction, LLC
Mr. William D. Young
411 Johnstone Dr.
Madison, MS 39110
(601) 941-9566
Contractors, Construction
Companies, & Building
Materials
Z Wireless
Ms. Brenda Sloan
2250 Rabbit Dr., Ste. 100
Tupelo, MS 38801
(251) 263-1453
www.zwireless.com
Cellular Phones
2014-2015 Ambassadors Club
Jennifer Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hibu
Don Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mutual of Omaha
Jesse Bandre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exceed Technologies
Rashni Barath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trustmark National Bank
Betty Baxter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop's BBQ Grill
Stephanie Browning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo
Will Conn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morgan Moving & Storage
Sheila Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PPI, Inc.
Becki Duffie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Services
Cheryl Foster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wingate by Wyndham
Romanda Hampton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilton Garden Inn
Dianne Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summit Group Companies, LLC
Toby Hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shelter Insurance
Jim Jolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Denise Kennedy-Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Occasions by Denise
Justin Kirk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Lawns of Northeast Mississippi
Charlise Latour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sprint Print
Molly Lovorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C Spire
Bea Luckett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRI, Inc. Realtors
Brad McCully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sportsman Lawn & Landscape
Chuck McIntosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . McIntosh Creative Services
Katie McMillan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Staff Source
Scott Medlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elite Pro Wash
Holley Meriweather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Bank
Leigh Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main Street Family Dentistry
Carolyn Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quality Inn
Kelsey Norrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comcast Spotlight
Allen Pegues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Premium Productions
Fred Pitts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safestore of Tupelo, Inc.
Ashley Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . local MOBILE
Mendy Ramey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending
Torrie Robertson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Cotton Bolt
Molly Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harveys
Jacob Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C Spire
Mary Sue Tudor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamar Advertising
Pam Turner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monts Paper & Packaging
Lisa Wadley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sylvan Learning Center
Ross Weems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BancorpSouth
Mary Werner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robinson & Associates
Stephanie West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Best Western Plus
Grady Wigginton . . . . . . . . . . Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates
June Wigginton . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Shield - Grady Wigginton & Associates
Christy Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hibu
PAGE 8
MS Small Business
Development Center
welcomes new counselor
Experienced business
adviser, Dana Cawthon,
has devoted her last 20
years to helping small business
owners
achieve
greater success. In her new
position as business counselor in the Tupelo office of
the Mississippi Small Business Development Center
(MSSBDC), Cawthon plans
to continue offering support to businesses and
startups in Northeast MS.
The MSSBDC, including
its University of MS service
office at the Renasant Center for IDEAs, is part of a national network providing
management, marketing, financial and other technical
assistance to existing business owners and aspiring
entrepreneurs. In her role as
advisor, Cawthon assists
business owners and entrepreneurs develop business
plans by offering free, oneon-one counseling sessions
either in person or over the
phone and through a variety of free business classes.
During the center’s ‘How to
Start a Business’ seminar,
Cawthon advises those on
what it takes to be successful from the beginning
stages of the startup
through the next two years.
The Center’s services also
extend beyond startup support to assist all business in
the region.
A former entrepreneur
and executive leader herself, Cawthon understands
the challenges small business owners face daily.
While advising both forprofit entities and nonprofit
organizations,
Cawthon often works beyond the scope of her role
at the MSSBDC, counseling
clients on maintaining a
good credit score, offering
reviews of financial statements and training for improved customer service.
The center also provides
general assistance to businesses during times of crisis including tornado
recovery, declining revenues and low profit margins.
States Cawthon, “It often
takes a disaster before entrepreneurs and existing
business owners seek help
from organizations like the
Small business advisor
Dana Cawthon earned an
Executive MBA at the
Daniels School of Business, University of Denver
in Colorado and a Bachelors degree in Accountancy from the University
of Mississippi. She is a native of New Albany and a
U.S. Air Force Veteran.
MSSBDC. Our business
counselors are in the area
to lend a helping hand during times of crisis. Having a
good business counselor in
your Rolodex to offer a second opinion when planning your strategic vision
can help keep your company on track.”
The Center’s ‘How to Create a Business Plan’ class
reviews a business’ basic
organizational, marketing
and financial issues. The
class also assists owners
developing a business plan
for launching a new venture or applying for capital.
“There is an increasing
number of individuals
needed and wanting to
start their own business.
My goal is to encourage
their success, by helping
entrepreneurs
create
thought-out
business
plans,” said Cawthon.
While the center does
not write business plans for
clients, its support services
provide a template for writing a plan that has been developed, modified and
used by local businesses
since 1981.
The MSSBDC holds
monthly workshops and
one-on-one
meetings
available by appointment.
Workshops are free to the
public. To register for counseling, visit mssbdc.org or
call (800) 725-7232.
PAGE 9
CHAMBER CONNECTION
JULY 2014
CHAMBER CONNECTION
JULY 2014
Students Learn Hands-on Skills and Business Basics at Nuts,
Bolts & Thingamajigs® Summer Manufacturing Camp
The Community Development
Foundation, Itawamba Community College, and Hawkeye Industries again offered the Nuts, Bolts
& Thingamajigs® (NBT) TEK2GO
Advanced Manufacturing Camp
for students ages 11-15 from June
2-6. Designed to help inspire the
next generation of inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, the camp is a
technical, hands-on experience
to introduce students to 21st century manufacturing technology
and basic entrepreneurial skills.
“This camp introduces students to the world of advanced
manufacturing, and gives them a
glimpse of the career opportunities that are available in and
around Tupelo/Lee County,
should they choose to pursue a
career in manufacturing or technology,” said Gina Black, project
manager for the Community Development Foundation.
Participants explored 3D design, computer numerical control (CNC) programming, laser
cutting, machining, finishing, entrepreneurship, and more, while
emphasizing product creation,
problem solving, and team building. Visits to area manufacturers
provided an up-close look at
products being made as well as
Gabriel Sims,
13, of Belden,
was awarded
“Camper of
the Week”
based on his
exceptional
display of enthusiasm, attention to
detail, willingness to learn
and attendance.
Sponsored by Itawamba Community College, Hawkeye Industries, Community Development Foundation, and the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation, 14 students ages
11-14 participated in the Tek2Go Advanced Manufacturing Camp from June 2-6.
career advice and inspiration
from the entrepreneurs who run
the companies.
“NBT summer manufacturing
camps provide a positive, handson experience so young people
will consider manufacturing as a
career option,” said Traci Tapani,
chairman of the NBT board of di-
rectors. “They target youth at the
critical level of secondary education, exposing them to math, science and engineering principles,
and give them opportunities to
see the technology being used in
industry and the high level of
skills that will be required from
the workforce.”
Thank you to our industry tour camp participants! Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® TEK2GO
Hyperion Technologies, Universal Asset
Management, Hawkeye Industries, Stevens
Resource Group, and General Atomics
NBT introduces young people
to careers through manufacturing summer camps for youth. It
also issues scholarships to students at colleges and technical
schools pursuing studies that
lead to careers in manufacturing.
More information on NBT is
available by visiting NutsAnd-
Z WIRELESS
BoltsFoundation.org. Based in
Rockford, IL, the Fabricators &
Manufacturers Association, International, is a professional organization with more than 2,100
members working together to
improve the metal forming and
fabricating industry. Learn more
at fmanet.org.
Business Roundtable
Wednesday, July 23
4:00 p.m.
398 E Main St., CDF Boardroom, CDF Center
Free for CDF members.
WHAT IS A BUSINESS
ROUNDTABLE?
The Chamber’s Business Roundtable offers an important educational, promotional
and networking opportunity to businesses
of all sizes. The event agenda features
brief, informative reports given by 10 CDF
member businesses to over 50 members
at each meeting.
HOW CAN BUSINESS
ROUNDTABLE EVENTS HELP
MY PROFESSIONAL
NETWORK GROW?
Z Wireless celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting. Z Wireless is a Verizon authorized retailer located at 2250 Rabbit Dr., Ste. 100 in Tupelo. Offering a variety of cell phones, Internet, cable TV, accessories and other devices, Z Wireless can be contacted at (251) 263-1453
or at zwireless.com.
Business Roundtable meetings offer a variety of discussions encouraging active
engagement between CDF members representing a wide range of occupations
from contractors, medical professionals,
non-profits, retail, to restaurants and
more. By joining these roundtable discussions, CDF members facilitate the growth
of our business community and local
economy, as well as gain exposure while
making effective connections throughout
the Chamber network.
HERE’S WHAT A MEMBER
HAS TO SAY
“I think it’s important to attend CDF's business roundtable because it gives you the
opportunity to meet new and existing
businesses in the community as well as
share your business with other members.”
JESSE BANDRE
OWNER, EXCEED TECHNOLOGIES
For more information, contact Zandra Hereford
at (662) 842-4521 or zhereford@cdfms.org.
PAGE 10
CHAMBER CONNECTION
PAGE 11
CDF MEMBERSHIP CUP WINNERS
Congratulations
to the winners of
the 8th annual
CDF Membership
Cup hosted at
Big Oaks Golf
Club.
Flight One: First
Place- Mitchell
Distributing/Ross
& Yerger; Second
Place- Health
Link
Flight Two: First
Place- Civil-Link;
Second Place:
BNA Bank. Team
Health Link, pictured from left to
right: Luke Davis,
Wally Davis,
Robert Dexter
and Marty Rowe.
TYP Lunch with Leaders
Speaker:
Mayor Jason Shelton
City of Tupelo
Join Mayor Shelton as he discusses
how Tupelo’s young professionals play
an important role in our city’s continued success.
Wednesday, July 16
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
CDF Boardroom
398 E Main St., CDF Center
$10 registration. Lunch provided.
Register online at cdfms.org/events.
Does your business
have exciting news to share?
Contact Mallory Rutledge at mrutledge@cdfms.org
or (662) 842-4521
to have it published in CDF’s monthly
e-newsletter, Chamber Connection 2.0.
JULY 2014
CHAMBER CONNECTION
JULY 2014
MARTINI’S AND MUSIC
HOLIDAY INN & SUITES
A ribbon cutting was held at Martini’s and Music. Offering an extensive martini menu,
Martini’s and Music also hosts live music six days a week and is located at 205 N
Gloster St. in Tupelo. Martini’s and Music can be contacted at (662) 322-5723 or on
Facebook.
A ribbon cutting was held in celebration of the grand opening of the Holiday Inn &
Suites in Tupelo. Centrally located at 923 N Gloster St., the Holiday Inn & Suites offers business and family-friendly hotel accommodations and services at an excellent value. To make a reservation, call (662) 205-4031 or visit holidayinn.com.
2155 MCCULLOUGH BLVD.
2157 MCCULLOUGH BLVD.
2 SEPARATE SPACES!
One has 7,000 square feet of office & warehouse space,
and the other has 3,000 square feet of office & warehouse space. Call 662.841.1557 for details & pricing.
JAMES R. HUNTER 662-841-1557
www.huntergroupms.com
1547 MCCULLOUGH BLVD • TUPELO, MS 38804
"Let my 30 years experience go to work for you"
PAGE 12
CHAMBER CONNECTION
NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI BIRTHING PROJECT
The Northeast Mississippi Birthing Project held a ribbon cutting celebration. The
NEMS Birthing Project’s mission is to promote healthier babies in the African-American community by providing loving care, education and support to expecting mothers during and after pregnancy. Located inside the Link Centre at 1800 W Main St.,
Ste. 201-D in Tupelo, the NEMS Birthing Project can be contacted at (662) 269-3123
or online at nemsbirthingproject.com.
PAGE 13
MEMPHIS STYLE BBQ ON WHEELS
A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the opening of one of Tupelo’s newest food
trucks, Memphis Style BBQ on Wheels. As a mobile BBQ truck, Memphis Style BBQ
on Wheels offers curbside cuisine as well as catering. To follow their daily set-up location, like ‘Memphis Style BBQ on Wheels’ on Facebook or call (901) 591-6901 for
catering information.
Are you interested in promoting your business
with a ribbon cutting?
Contact Emily Addison at (662) 842-4521
or eaddison@cdfms.org.
Close the deal
at Park Heights.
A business meeting like no other! Private rooms available
335 East Main Street
Fairpark District | Historic Downtown Tupelo
Lunch: M-F 11am-2pm | Dinner: M-S 5:30-10pm
662-842-5665
www.parkheightsrestaurant.com
JULY 2014
RCFI
FROM PAGE 7
ment Center to the tenants. I’ve definitely taken
advantage of going to
these classes,” Chase said
in reference to the Center.
The Renasant Center
for Ideas also holds regular meetings encouraging
tenants to network, form
relationships with each
other and discuss their
businesses.
The RCFI not only promotes business growth,
but can also accommodate growth, offering a
variety of office space
sizes.
After hiring more staff
members and expanding
into a larger space,
Chase is currently located in business suite
217 on the second floor
of the RCFI.
One of seventeen businesses in the country
that is certified in Umbraco, a Microsoft-based
Internet content publishing platform, Chase
CHAMBER CONNECTION
JULY 2014
Computer Services specializes in website developments and is moving
toward mobile app development.
“In school I never aspired to open a business
that dealt with computer
software because I had
always worked with
hardware. I hope that I
will eventually incorporate more hardware into
the business,” Chase
said.
One of Chase’s favorite
aspects of starting his
own business is that he
has found a venue
through which he can
help others. He also enjoys the flexibility that
Chase Computer Services Inc. provides.
“I can make more decisions here than I could
if I was working with a
larger corporation,”
Chase said.
Chase Computer Services can be contacted at
chasecomputerservices.com or (662) 3223318. For more
information about the
Renasant Center for
IDEAs, visit cdfms.org.
Avila
resources.
We hope that on Monday, the small businesses
within the Renasant CenFROM PAGE 7
ter will be able to begin
ethic and success, so we
exploring the tools that
knew that helping them
we have left behind, alwould be a tough challowing them to take their
lenge. While we knew
businesses to the next
running a small business level.
was a tough endeavor, we
Lastly, throughout our
appreciate that more
travels, we wanted to
now and have immense
learn from the commurespect for the men and
nity and we accomwomen we met this
plished that through the
week.
many discussions that we
Through our interhad with small business
views, we discovered
owners.
some common chalAdditionally, we also
lenges that impacted
learned about Tupelo’s
many of these organizaresilience in the face of
tions around selecting
tragedy. Mid-week, we
and engaging customers, helped with clean-up efchoosing the best cusforts following April’s tortomers and projects, and nado and were impressed
evaluating staffing needs. and moved by Tupelo’s
Based on these needs, we community spirit.
developed tools that
It is amazing to see a
these small businesses
community come tocan use.
gether and help family,
Our team created an
friends and neighbors reeasy-to-use financial
build. As we depart Tumodel that will help busi- pelo for Wichita, we are
ness owners evaluate
thankful and humbled by
project choices based on the hospitality we reestimated profitability,
ceived during the week.
an overview of digital
We would especially like
marketing, a guide to hir- to thank Judd Wilson, Diing the first employee,
rector of Small Business
and a database of timeDevelopment at CDF, for
saving free or low-cost
hosting us this week.
MBAs
FROM PAGE 7
spending their summer giving back
and empowering entrepreneurs
across the country, including those
in Tupelo. Since the beginning, the
Renasant Center for IDEAs has provided programs and services to assist startups, and we welcomed the
new perspective and insight these
students provided,” said Wilson.
For more information about
MBAs Across America, visit mbaxamerica.com.
ABOUT THE RENASANT
CENTER FOR IDEAS
"Operated by the Community
Development Foundation, the Renasant Center for IDEAs serves as
Tupelo/Lee County’s business incubator by lowering startup costs
for new businesses and entrepreneurs. In addition to an affordable
office space, services are available
to tenants including assistance
with business basics, management
and financial training, technical,
accounting and research. Since its
construction in 2006, 15 businesses
have graduated from the Center,
creating 370 jobs in Lee County.
Currently, 27 RCFI tenants employ
126 workers. For more information,
visit cdfms.org. "
PAGE 14
BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 2014
PAGE 15
BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 16
JULY 2014
PAGE 17
Business Directory
Apartments
Automotive Commercial Vehicles
Barley Court Apartments
Bank
1608 S. GLOSTER
TUPELO
Accepting applications for
1, 2, 3, & 4 bedroom
Affordable Housing
Call Robin Barnett today!
662-841-8743
rbarnett@trustmark.com
840 Barley Court • Tupelo, MS 38801
662-566-2553
M-F 9am - 12pm • 1 pm - 5 pm
Office Manager: Melissa Phelps
THE FAST LANE FOR SMALL BUSINESS
CALL JIM BROWN 662.231.2392
Apartments
Affordable Luxury
Apartment Homes
Automotive Services
RICK’S CHASSIS WORKS
• Insurance Claims Welcome
• Free Estimates
• Body & Paint Repair
111 Grand Ole Oaks Drive
Belden, MS 38826
Carey Wilson Manager
www.GrandOleOaks.com
“We Specialize
in Frame Work”
1875 Nelle St. Tupelo, MS
844-0260
Apartments
Bank
***HILLDALE APARTMENTS***
Tupelo Lending Office
Applications For 1 ,2,3 & 4 bedroom apartments are
currently being accepted!!!
Our management office is open during the hours of 8:00AM5:00PM and is located at 320 Monument Dr., Tupelo, MS
38801. Only one application per household will be accepted.
If you have a disability and are unable to come into the
office, call 662-844-4267 and request one to be mailed to
you. All applications will be date & time stamped & reviewed
in the order in which they are received.
** Preferences & Income Restrictions Apply **
Bath Remodeling
Shower Remodeling
Tub-To-Shower
Conversion
Bathroom Accessories
Handicap Accessible
Foreign - Domestic
1, 2 & 3 Bedroom
office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508
Bath Remodeling
Give Us One Day…
We’ll Give You A Beautiful New Bathroom!
662-205-8548
2015 McCullough Blvd. • Tupelo, MS 38801
431 W Main
Suite 201
Jamie Osbirn
Ron Roper
Leslie Stacy
662.844.3419
fanb.net
Member
Apartments
Equal Housing
LENDER
Bank
Building Supplies
Rex & Diannah Coggins,
Owners
Apartment Homes
Ask about our Military & Law Enforcement Discount
Call 662-891-5000
3260 Hwy 145 N. • Tupelo, MS 38804
Automotive Commercial Vehicles
Licensed And Insured
Blinds
FDIC
1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms
Move-In Special *FREE RENT
FREE
IN HOME
ESTIMATE
www.bathfitter.com
Bank Of Okolona
Okolona
Houston Banking Center
P.O. Box 306
321 W. Madison St.
Okolona, Mississippi 38860
Houston, Mississippi
(662) 447-5403
(662) 456-3347
Bank of Mantee
54 1st Street
Mantee, Mississippi
(662) 456-5341
www.bankofokolona.com
Bank
Ph: (662) 365-7021
N H A R Fax: (662) 365-8902
Y
DW
&
DW
AR
L
E
SUPPLY, INC.
BA
• Full Service
• Hardware
• Building Supplies
• Plumbing
• Hydraulic Hoses
• Electrical
• Glass
• Valspar Paints
• Welding Supplies
• Portable Carports
1187 North 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS 38824
Collision Repair
Your 5-Star,
A Rated Bank
by Bauer Financial and Weiss Ratings
Whether you’re hauling or delivering...Call
DWAYNE BLACKMON CHEVROLET
for your commercial vehicle needs!
1410 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO / 842-3611
24 Hour Wrecker Service
We take care of your money.
We take care of you.
◆ Junior Burns - Cell 662-728-0524
◆ David Denson - Cell 662-416-5591
100 W. Veterans Drive • Booneville, MS 38829
Phone 662-728-4459 • Fax (662) 728-4150
BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 2014
BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 2014
Business Directory
Building Supplies
Concrete
Commercial Cleaning Services
Lumbe
ville
e
n
o
o
r
B
Company
Full Line of Lumber, Hardware,
Plumbing and Electrical Supplies
2300 E. Chambers Dr. • Booneville • 728-0094
Booneville Hardware & Supply
224 Starlyn Ave. New Albany, MS 38652
403 Church St. • Booneville • 728-0032
"For all your hardware needs"
662-534-4448
401 Elizabeth St. • Tupelo
662-842-7305
Commercial Plumbing
Event Venue
Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring
RH PLUMBING, INC.
Commercial Plumbing, Gas & Industrial Piping
RICHARD HANLON
(662) 447-3213
P.O. BOX 417
Okolona, MS 38860
Thank you for choosing RH Plumbing. We appreciate your business
Furniture
T h e G o o d l e tt M a n o r
Available for Weddings, Receptions, Parties and Meetings
For Information Call 844-2772
at affordable prices.
662-489-1176
7540 Veterans Hwy. West • Pontotoc, MS 38863
Healthcare
Mon.-Fri.
9am - 5pm
219 N o r t h B ro a d way • Tu p e l o
Fine Furniture, Fabric, & Flooring
Gifts
Glass & Overhead Doors
Okolona
Drug Co.
We’ve got all your
home furnishings
903 Varsity Dr.
Tupelo, MS
Complete Prescription Service
We Accept All Medicare Part D Plans
•
•
•
•
•
Gifts & Fenton Glass
Tyler Candles
Aromatique
Arthur Court
Lenox & Gorham China
• Adora Dolls &
Lee Middleton Dolls
• Ole Miss & Miss. State
Collegiate Items
• NEW Casseroles to Go!
210 West Main Street
Okolona, MS (662) 447-5471
Home Improvement
Serving Tupelo for
3 Generations
24 Hour
Emergency Service
Store Fronts • Mirrors
Shower Doors • Garage Doors
Commercial Doors
Hollow Metal Doors
662-844-4540
“Serving Tupelo for
3 Generations”
711 ROBERT E. LEE DR. • TUPELO, MS
“Experience Is
The Difference”
FAX:662-620-7754
Insulation
Serving Lee, Chickasaw, Monroe, Pontotoc, Union,
Calhoun, Itawamba, & Lafayette Counties.
Call 601-427-5973 Between 8am - 1pm
Insurance
Hancock Insurance Agency
INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
ATV • Life • Health
Annuities • RV • Automobile
Motorcycle • Home
Mobile Home
Medicare Supplements
Scott Hancock
Allen Hancock
Monthly Rates Available
662-534-2661
720 W . Bankhead St.
New Albany
(662) 963-2825
rafcomhs@gmail.com
Windows, Doors, Tubs,
Skirting, Fixtures, and More!!
Installation available!!!
Kennels
Member of the QCN Network. Saving You Money And Making
You More Comfortable For Over 38 Years
Residential & Commercial Insulation, Installation
Blown-In Attic Insulation - Blown-in Wall Insulation - Batting
www.nsul8or@att.net www.nsul8or.com
662-844-1306
3166 West Jackson, Tupelo, MS
Locksmith
MILLER’S SAFE & LOCK SERVICE, INC.
NEW & USED SAFES
• Safes Serviced & Installed
• Locks Installed • Locksets
• Combinations Changed
• Locks Rekeyed
• Lost Keys Replaced
• Master Key Systems
• High Security Keys
AUTO RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL
(662) 842-7720
1219 1⁄2 NELLE STREET • TUPELO
PAGE 18
PAGE 19
Business Directory
Moving
Medical
Furniture
, PA
Comprehensive Medical Care
For Your Family or Business
Call for a Free Estimate
Bronzie Morgan
Appointments & Walk-Ins Welcome
Mon-Fri. 8 - 6:30
Sat. 9 - 6
Sun. 1 - 6
1154 Cross Creek Dr.
(Next to Home Depot)
840-8010
Relocation Specialist
662-842-1120
Lee Wallace, CFNP
David W. Bell, MD
Leigh Ann Weatherly, CFNP
30,000 SQUARE
FT. WAREHOUSE
QUALITY PREOWNED
OFFICE FURNITURE
“The Morgan Family has been moving
families like yours for over 50 years”
277 Community Dr. • Tupelo • 662.871.0568
Real Estate
Real Estate
Paint
www.whittingtonofficefurniture.com
Thinking of Selling
Your Home or
Property?
Residential Rentals
We Have Six
Full-Time Agents
Pontotoc Ridge Realty, Ltd.
Who Call
MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES OFFICE
Pontotoc Home. ISEACH
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
Call Us Today
662-489-2848
renttupelo.com
Call 662.844.2772 • Hoyet & Helen Pitts
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
Party Trays
for all Occasions!
• Pizza Spaghetti
• Salad Bar • Sandwich
• Pasta Special Every Thursday
365-7059
1101 W. Main • Tupelo
842-3774
709 S 4th St. • Baldwyn, MS
Mon.-Thurs. 11-10 • Fri.-Sat. 11-11 • Sun. 12-10
at
W
• Drink Not Included
• Kid's Menu Only
Storage Building
Roofing
Restaurant
• Max 2 FREE Kids with Adult Entree
• 12 Years and Under
499 Gloster Creek Village,
Tupelo, MS 38801
Phone: (662) 844-4888
Fax: (662) 844-3006
HE
EL
ER
RO
INC.
OF
Mooreville
ING
OPEN
“A Family Business Since 1946”
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial
FREE Estimates
Tupelo • Tuesdays 3 - 9 pm • 495 S. Gloster • 680-3354
New Albany • Thursdays 5 - 9 pm • 534-2700
Corinth • Tuesdays 4 - 9 pm • 286-9007
411 CLARK ST. ❖ TUPELO ❖ 844-4481
Technology
Uniforms
LICENSED & INSURED
BAIT
SHOP
7 DAYS!
Minnows Available
Live Bait, Tackle, Rod & Reels
LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS
397-2907 662-680-6916
Foundation Repair & Problem Flooring
Achieve greater network per for mance with less.
It's time to get more performance from your
network with far less. As in less bandwidth
utilization, fewer resources, and less cost.
ADVANCED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FACILITY
1150 SOUTH GREEN ST • BUILDING 1, SUITE E • TUPELO,MS
662-821-2500 • www.circadence.com
All
Keeping Professional People Looking Professional
795 S. Gloster, Tupelo • (662) 844-4272
2316 Hwy. 45 N. Columbus • (662) 328-7777
1151 D. Frontage Rd. Oxford • (662) 513-0341
www.scrubsandco.com
types of floor and slab footing problems.
• Concrete Bell Bottom Pier System
• Helical Steel Pier System
• Conventional Flooring Leveling
• Sill, Joist and Beam Repairs
• Totally Rebuild Floor Foundation
• Wood Floor Deterioration mold, mildew, fungi, dry rot, brown rot - wet rot
• Specializing in Bathroom Repair
• Moisture Proofing
Airvents - improper ventilation
& additional foundation vents
Force Air Blower fans, (increase circulation)
Roger Rakestraw
1-877-288-7395
662-534-6698
BUSINESS JOURNAL
JULY 2014
BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 20
JULY 2014

July - Community Development Foundation

Transcription

Similar documents

2015 Mississippi Screening Events - AL

38th Running 10,000 Meter Foot Race 2K Fun Run / Walk

Storytellers - Joe Edward Morris, Ph.D

January - Community Development Foundation

Area Info - The Extra Mile Sober Living

Introducing Bela Sardines!

July - Community Development Foundation

December - Community Development Foundation

ANNOUNCING: The Ford Galaxie Club of America 2015 18th

February - Community Development Foundation

I The state of hospitality Mississippi THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

Tupelo Furniture Market goes after more buyers Tupelo Furniture

...where kin is in and the work doesn’t end ... THE NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI