Mississippi Business Journal

Mississippi Public Service Commissioners Host Telecom Summit to Foster Connectivity and Innovation JACKSON, MS (NOVEMBER 20, 2024)— The Mississippi Public Service Commissioners are excited to announce the upcoming Telecom Summit, bringing together keynote speakers from leading telecom companies, regulatory experts, and local government officials who will share insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in Mississippi’s telecom sector. The Telecom Summit is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the MPSC Courtroom in the historic Woolfolk Building in Jackson. The Mississippi PSC invites all interested parties to attend to learn more about the future of telecommunications in our state. “Connectivity is essential for economic growth, education, and quality of life in our communities,” stated the Commissioners. “This summit is an opportunity for us to collaborate with industry leaders and stakeholders to ensure our commitment that Mississippi remains at the forefront of telecom advancements. Together, we can work towards a more connected Mississippi.” Click the link below to register for the Telecom Summit. The agenda for the Telecom Summit will be made available on the Commission’s website soon. The Telecom Summit will be streamed live on the MPSC YouTube Channel. https://lnkd.in/gMrvrfis

Keesler Federal and Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Unions Announce Plans for Historic Merger ? BILOXI, Miss. —Keesler Federal Credit Union?& Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union?Boards of Directors on Wednesday announced plans for the largest credit union merger in Louisiana and Mississippi history, resulting in enhanced services for members of both credit unions & a more robust footprint stretching across the Gulf Coast. Jefferson Financial Federal?will be merged into Keesler Federal Credit Union. The resulting organization will have combined assets of just under $5 billion, with 55 branch locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, & the United Kingdom, and more than 900 employees. The leaders of both cooperative organizations said the synergies of the merger make sense for their respective institutions. Keesler Federal has strategically moved into the greater New Orleans region with seven locations and high-profile sponsorships of the New Orleans Saints & New Orleans Pelicans professional sports franchises. Once the merger with Jefferson Financial Federal is complete, Keesler Federal will have 21 Louisiana locations stretching from New Orleans and the river parishes to Baton Rouge. ?“We are pleased to be joining forces with Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union & bringing greater service and accessibility to our members,” said?Andrew Swoger, President & CEO of Keesler Federal Credit Union.?“From a business perspective, it is a great fit that will strengthen both institutions & allow greater accessibility and services. It’s a win-win for our members.” Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1966 and has assets of around $700 million and about 150 employees. Both credit unions bring strong records of service to members & the communities they serve, said?Mark Rosa, Jefferson Financial Federal President and CEO. “Keesler Federal & Jefferson Financial Federal share a culture of service,” Rosa said. “Our members will continue to enjoy the hands-on service they are accustomed to & will now have even more options available to them.” The merger proposed by the two credit unions must be approved by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Once NCUA approval is secured, ballots will be mailed out to Jefferson Financial Federal members for their consideration. Until then, it will remain business as usual. Once the merger is approved by Jefferson Financial Federal members, the merger process will begin in earnest. Full integration under the Keesler Federal Credit Union name is not expected to be completed until late 2025 or early 2026. “This opportunity would not have happened without the strong support of the Boards of Directors of both Keesler Federal Credit Union & Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union, & the skillful facilitation of?Olden Lane?who guided us to the definitive agreement,” said?James Hollingsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Keesler Federal Credit Union.

McRae Announces $1 Million Returned to Mississippians in Single Unclaimed Money Sweep Citizens urged to cash the checks immediately upon receipt? JACKSON, Miss.?–?Treasurer David McRae today announced that roughly 4,000 Mississippians will be receiving checks from the State Treasury’s Unclaimed Money Division, and those who receive them are encouraged to cash them. More than $1 million is expected to be distributed. The checks are the result of a pro-active data match the State Treasury undertook to return uncashed state-issued checks (such as tax returns, undeposited state paychecks, and similar items) to the rightful owners. This is the first time a Mississippi Treasurer has conducted a proactive match of this magnitude. “I’d like you to think for a moment about the thrill that comes when you reach into that winter coat pocket and find a stray bill,” said McRae. “That money was always yours, of course, but the discovery sparks excitement, nonetheless. That’s similar to what it’s like when you discover you have?unclaimed?money?with the State Treasury.” Treasurer McRae is continuing to urge all Mississippians to check our database for your name and your family members’ names. If you have any questions, please call (601) 359-3600 or email?[email protected]. To search to see if you have any?unclaimed money, please visit?treasury.ms.gov/search. “Unclaimed?money?belongs to you, not the state,” said McRae. “So please, cash the check immediately upon receipt. Save it, spend it, use it as you may, but whatever you do, don’t let the check expire or you could lose access to these funds.”

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba indicted in federal corruption probe Check out this article (link below) written by Anna Wolfe at Mississippi Today for more info. https://lnkd.in/gv7wnfby

Broadwater Marina Set to Begin Major Infrastructure Improvements JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Secretary of State's Office has commenced a restoration project on the Mississippi Gulf Coast aimed at revitalizing the infrastructure of the 30 acre state-owned area known locally as the Broadwater Marina (south of Highway 90). Funded through a combination of RESTORE Act, GOMESA, and Tidelands resources, the project will ensure the marina’s long-term viability, creating a safe, sustainable space for public use and allow for future economic development. “The Broadwater Marina Restoration Project exemplifies Mississippi’s commitment to environmental stewardship, public safety, and economic development. With the support of federal and state funding, this initiative will restore a vital community resource while preparing it for safe and sustainable future use," said Secretary of State Michael Watson. The project will repair infrastructure severely damaged by storms, including Hurricanes Katrina and Zeta, while enhancing water quality systems and stormwater management. The upgrades will stabilize the property's outer structures, improve public safety, and support recreational activities. The most critical part of the project is repairing the failing perimeter and marina bulkheads. These repairs, funded largely by GOMESA, will secure the site’s perimeter and protect the infrastructure from future storm events. Additionally, on-site earthwork and breakwater repairs will address damage caused by wave action and erosion during previous storms. The estimated timeline for completion is 15 months. For public safety, the marina will remain closed throughout construction. Pictured below from left to right: Chris Wells, Executive Director of MDEQ; Roy Anderson III, Co-Managing Partner in Broadwater Development, LLP; Secretary of State Michael Watson; General Joe Spraggins, Executive Director of MDMR; Dax Alexander, President of Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, Inc.; Bob Hodges, J.E. Borries, Inc.

UM Business School to Host 23rd Annual Banking and Finance Symposium OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi School of Business Administration is preparing for its 23rd annual Banking and Finance Symposium, set for Nov. 8 at the Oxford Conference Center. The daylong event includes discussions on financial technology advances and trends in mergers and acquisitions. Michelle “Miki” Bowman is this year’s keynote speaker. Bowman was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in November 2018 and is currently serving a term that ends in 2034. In Kansas, she previously served as the state bank commissioner and vice president of Farmers & Drovers Bank. “We are thrilled to have such an amazing lineup of speakers at this year’s symposium,” said Ken Cyree, dean of the business school. “In our breakout sessions, we have concurrent sessions that cover open banking, regulatory impact after the election, cybersecurity and the dark web, and growing your bank in uncertain times.” The symposium begins with the Women in Finance breakfast featuring Yolett McPhee-McCuin, head coach of the Ole Miss women’s basketball team, and Jill Castilla, president and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, Oklahoma. John Augustine, chief investment officer and economist for Huntington National Bank, and Greg Adelson, CEO of Jack Henry & Associates, will also deliver keynote speeches. Registration is $95 and is open to banking and finance professionals, students and alumni. Scholarships are available for employed professionals ages 35 or younger. Contact Kathy Mikell at [email protected] for scholarship information. Caption for photo: Stan Viner (left), chair of the Ole Miss Banking and Finance Advisory Board, and Ken Cyree (second from right), dean of the University of Mississippi School of Business Administration, congratulate Milton Ray 'Hoppy' Cole Jr. (second from left), recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Finance Executive Award; and Charles Clark Jr., recipient of the 2023 Emerging Finance Executive Award. The awards were presented at the school's annual Banking and Finance Symposium in 2023. Photo by Stella Connell

JACKSON, MS — AccelerateMS is inviting applications for the EquipMS Grant program to enhance career and technical education in Mississippi high schools. Now in its second year, the program offers $25K to $150K in funding to modernize programs focused on Advanced Manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance, and Electrical careers. "Successful career preparation begins long before high school graduation," said Shelika Hooker, Director of Grants Management at AccelerateMS. "The commitment of our state leadership to workforce development at all levels is opening up new pathways for students to gain skills earlier, focusing on opportunities in the local job market." Eligible Mississippi public school districts must apply by 5:00 pm CT on December 13, 2024. Awards will be announced by January 15, 2025. AccelerateMS

C Spire is expanding its Connect & Protect program to help families stay connected while keeping kids safe in the digital world. With new parental controls and customizable access levels for data and social media, parents can now set boundaries and promote healthy tech habits. "At C Spire, we understand the growing digital threats posed by social media and screen time," says CEO Suzy Hays. "Our goal is to provide parents with peace of mind as they navigate the online world with their children." Learn more about Connect & Protect starting at just $30/month by visiting your local C Spire store or visit www.cspire.com.

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Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance expanding in Washington County Jackson, Miss. (Sept. 5, 2024)?– Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance is investing in its aircraft maintenance operations in Greenville. The project is a $11.75 million corporate investment and will create 31 new jobs. GKAM specializes in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as avionics/structure modifications, manufacturing, inspection and kitting for military and civilian aircraft. Since 2022, the company has leased a hangar at Mid Delta Regional Airport, where it previously committed to creating 250 jobs. With this newest investment, GKAM plans to retrofit two existing aircraft hangars to be used for aircraft painting, paint striping, hazmat capture and hazmat storage and containment. The 31 new jobs will bring the total number of jobs committed to by GKAM to 281. Additionally, the new capabilities will make GKAM one of the largest aircraft depots in the U.S. and the largest veteran-owned small business in the U.S. Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. AccelerateMS and Washington County also are assisting with the project. GKAM expects to complete the expansion by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Soon after, the company plans to fill the 31 new jobs.