MJCC E-News Flash

MetroJackson Economic Development Alliance Annual Meeting Follow Up

On Thursday, February 23, 2006, the MetroJackson Economic Development Alliance celebrated our annual meeting with special guest speaker, Senator Trent Lott. The event was held at the Old Capitol Inn, Jackson, with guests including Governor Haley Barbour, State Auditor Phil Bryant, and many local officials representing Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Copiah, and Simpson counties.

In 2005, the MetroJackson Economic Development Alliance, representing the most significant economic development partnership organization in Central Mississippi established the Leadership Award to recognize the exceptional commitment, and outstanding leadership of a public servant to regional economic development.

This year, the Board of Directors of the MetroJackson Economic Development Alliance presented the first Annual Legislative Leadership Award to Rita Martinson, member of the Mississippi House of Representatives.

We were also extremely honored to have special guest speaker, Senator Trent Lott, who discussed the importance of a regional organization and the need for local development authorities and government entities to work together to accomplish the many tasks ahead for the State of Mississippi. Senator Lott also discussed the continuing relief efforts from Hurricane Katrina and the need for continued work on education in Mississippi. Mississippi’s main goal must be the coming together of all citizens in a team effort to meet the needs of the state.

Since its inception, MEDA has assisted its state, regional, and local allies and partners with over forty locations throughout Metro Jackson and has been very instrumental in bringing additional air service to the Jackson International Airport. MEDA is also a sponsor for major metro area tourism events such as The Glory of Baroque Dresden, the Southern Farm Golf Classic, and the Mississippi Gospel Music Gathering. In addition, the Alliance participates in trade shows, marketing trips, and prospect visits to recruit industry and promote the metro area.

Through these endeavors and its continued efforts, MEDA’s primary goal is to make Metro Jackson the premier location for business, visitors, and residents.

For more information, please visit www.metrojacksoneda.com

Dear Chamber members, supporters and friends:

I am very excited to tell you about a new publishing venture that the
Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership is embarking on with fellow Chamber
member, and well-known local publisher, Jack Criss.

Reflections magazine will be published this May and will be a unique
and beneficial showcasing of all our tri-county area has to offer. Jack
approached me with the idea of doing a joint publishing project several
months ago and I was convinced: our community needs a glossy,
full-color, locally-produced and written publication; this is what
Reflections will be.

We will publish and distribute some 15,000 copies of Reflections and
initial editorial projections show the magazine to run anywhere between
150 and 200 pages. The content of Reflections will include overview
articles, profiles and features on: Business and Economic Development;
Education; Culture; Health Care; Real Estate...and much, much more. In
addition, beautiful photography—all showcasing the wonders and leaders
of the Metro area—will be featured throughout all of Reflections. We
will also publish an updated business and industry listing in
Reflections, the first time the Chamber has done so in five years.

Part business development piece, part newcomer's guide, part community
profile...and showcasing the whole Metro region
throughout...Reflections magazine will be unlike any publication you
have ever seen. I am proud to partner with Jack and Metro Mississippi
Business Publications, Inc. to launch and endorse this momentous and
historical project. I ask that you consider working with us, both
editorially and through advertising, as we set the wheels in motion for
the May debut of MetroJackson Reflections magazine.

Soon, a representative will be contacting you about Reflections to
explain how you can work with us. We look forward to receiving your
input and support as we take a major step in promoting and highlighting
this wonderful part of Mississippi we call home. In the meantime, feel
free to contact me Duane, at 601-948-7575 or Jack at 601-366-1010 with
any questions you may have.

Thank you.
Sincerely,

Duane O'Neill
President
Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership

Minority and Women-Owned Business

Training Session

The Business Networking Committee will host a Dale Carnegie training session for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses on Tuesday, March 28th from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Alvis T. Hunt Conference room of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership . The session will focus on Interpersonal and Human Relations Development. Specifically, how to:

expand skills to handle people challenges;

develop a more assertive/take charge attitude; and,

demonstrate greater sensitivity and genuine interest in others and their ideas.

The cost of the session is $10.00 which will cover lunch. For more information or to register, please contact Kellye Smith at (601) 948-7575, ext. 280.

Small Business Conference

The Center for Business Development and Economic Research at Jackson State University is offering the FastTrac® TechVenture™ for business owners, inventors in technology and the life sciences.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed the FastTrac® TechVenture™ program to take ideas in science and technology from the desktop to the global marketplace. Through research and economic analysis the 11-week program is designed to:

§ Test your personal vision;

§ Assess the feasibility of your business concept; and,

§ Define your market

Make plans to attend the press conference announcing program details

Jackson State University

College of Business

Lecture Room

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

10:00 a.m.

For more information, please contact:

Lurlene Irvin

Director

Center for Business Development and Economic Research

The E-Center @JSU

1230 Raymond Road

Jackson, MS

601-979-2797

The program is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.