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Memo from Chairman Bill Farmer

On behalf of the board of directors and staff of the MetroJackson Chamber, I would like to offer our condolences to Duane and Donna O’Neill. Duane’s sister Sharon Miller, who has been struggling with leukemia for a number of years, passed away on January 12.  Duane and Donna are a blessing to the MetroJackson Chamber, the business community, and the state.  The Chamber is fortunate to have Duane in this leadership role, and I know that you will all join us in supporting Duane and Donna by keeping them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

This year will mark an extremely exciting and worthwhile opportunity as I enter my new role as chairman of the MetroJackson Chamber Board of Directors for 2005.  It is both an honor and tremendous privilege to be more involved in a cause that I believe in, the future of the Jackson Metropolitan Area.

There is a saying that when it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people:  those who make it happen, those who let it happen, and those who wonder what happened.  Without question, the people of the MetroJackson Chamber are solid members of the first group.  Over the years, I have had the benefit of watching and learning from many effective people who have chaired this organization.  I am proud to follow in their footsteps, and it is my goal to carry on their tradition of leadership and enthusiasm.

During my year of work, I will have the support of the Chamber staff and will continue to enjoy working with such a professional, experienced, and energetic group of people.  The Board of Directors also give strength to the Chamber, and I look forward to my involvement with this dedicated group of business leaders. 

I cannot think of a more exciting time to be a part of the MetroJackson Chamber.  The people of Jackson sent us a clear message when they voted in favor of a convention center last month.  Now it is our job to back up that vote with action.  I am sure everyone is familiar with the line, “If you build it, they will come.”  That may be the case with a baseball diamond in a cornfield, but a convention center is completely different.  It involves a focused and sustained marketing campaign.  We must put all of our energy and creativity behind it to make it a success; and once the momentum builds, we can never let up.

At Time Warner Cable, technology is constantly evolving, and to stay in the game, we always have to be prepared for challenge and change.  I feel the same way about our work at the Chamber.  Other cities throughout the South have convention centers and successful urban renewal projects.  Jackson will have to stand alongside those other cities; and in order to be successful, we have to come out ahead of the competition.

The comforting fact is that we are not alone.  Mississippians are catching on to the idea that in order for the capital city to win, we have to unite in a statewide effort.  I would like to build on our relationships with other chambers of commerce and economic development groups.  This coming year, I will be serving as Regional Chairman for the Capital Region for Momentum Mississippi.  I am also involved with the Mississippi Development Authority, the governor’s office, and the Washington delegation.  This networking will help generate synergy with Chamber goals and broaden our perspective of initiatives going on around Mississippi.

Time Warner Cable is also helping to fund an economic development study for Jackson, which is being prepared by Jackson State University.  The fifty-page report is titled “Creation of Market Rate Housing in the City of Jackson:  Potential for Reverse Immigration”.  The data analysis phase is already done, and the authors are finalizing the executive summary and conclusion.  I will be eager to share the results of the report once it is complete.

Now that we have the go-ahead for the convention center, and many other construction and renovation projects are underway in the metro area, all eyes are on Jackson.  This is our chance to show Mississippi that we are ready to lead the way.  Winning the convention center vote was a key victory, but the real challenge for Jackson lies ahead. 

Success will not come to us in a landslide; but in gradual, incremental steps.  We have done a lot to get this far, and we have much more to do in the upcoming year.  I appreciate your support and your confidence as we continue on our journey into the future.  Thank you, once again, for giving me this great honor and this very special opportunity.

2005 Mississippi Business & Technology Expo

"EXPO IS THE PLACE TO BE"

Wednesday, January 19^th, 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 20^th, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

MS Trade Mart

Jackson, MS

Mississippi’s Largest Business to Business Marketing & Networking Event.  It’s presented by RoadRunner Business Class, the Mississippi Business Journal, Mississippi Technology Alliance, plus 25 other great sponsors!

Join thousands of other professionals at the Trademart!  The ideal place to get answers for your operational and marketing needs,  featuring free seminars every hour (DRAWING for 2 free Southwest Airlines tickets to seminar attendees only!!). 

200 quality exhibits, CyberCafe (DRAWING for a free computer from RoadRunner in their tent), Golf Pro Bob Ford analyzes golf swings, other great activities,  plus CONSTRUCTION AISLE,  TECHNOLOGY CLUSTERS, TOURISM AISLE with terrific exhibitors.

Special Events Include:

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS PARTY, (Wednesday, January 19^th,  5-7:30 pm)Largest after hours party of the year! Great networking,  20 restaurants, cash bar, music by Henry Rhodes & the Mo Money Band. 

SALUTE TO BUSINESS & INDUSTRY KICKOFF BREAKFAST: (Wednesday, January 19^th at 7:30 am.).   Salute Awards and Who’s Who in Mississippi Business will be announced.  Best early a.m. networking!  Must purchase tickets in advance.  $32.00 per person. Entertainment, speakers, awards.

ADMISSION TO EXPO IS FREE WITH YOUR BUSINESS CARD.

Lobby Display Advertising - Only Three Available Ad Spaces Remaining!!

Join the Chamber in welcoming visitors and new residents to the metro Jackson area by purchasing the following benefits for $595 a year on our Lobby Display Advertising.  

1.                 11 x 8 ½” Advertising Space

2.                 Business Card Display Space

3.                 8 ½ x 11” Brochure Space

Contact Debi Green at (601) 948-7575, ext. 233 or e-mail djackson@metrochamber.com in order to receive more information and an advertising contract.