The Children Are Our Future — So Let’s Help Them Succeed

GTR AREA, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

Eric Hill, director for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach at MSU, recently spoke to the Columbus Rotary Club: “I’ve always been interested in business since I was a kid,” Hill said. “My parents encouraged it when I was very young.” He spoke about revitalizing our local and state economy by nurturing youth talent and bringing in capital to help them to develop their own business ideas. His center currently provides anywhere from $500~7,500 each to over a hundred teams of students to help make their ideas into reality. School alumni are the primary source of funding for these projects.

Over time, the idea has grown and flourished. In the past three years alone, it has helped to form a handful of successful companies that are now valued at over $15 million in total. One such company is Starkville’s own Glo, valued at over $5 million. Glo sells glowing plastic cubes which it now sells worldwide, shipping to about three dozen countries.

Hill fells that one major hurdle that many young would-be entrepreneurs face — beyond a lack of funds — is simply the support they need to put these things in motion: “When we started that business in high school and sold it, I sort of never doubted that it was possible,” he told The Dispatch. “It struck me that not everybody felt that way, not everybody had been propped up that they were capable.”

“Mississippi is in a perfect position to be a leader in technology,” Hill said Tuesday. “We have so many right ingredients today ready to go, it’s almost silly it hasn’t happened yet…When you are coaching an entrepreneur, it’s about building judgment, mindset that someone in their early 20s doesn’t have yet,” Hill told Rotarians. “Each of you have some sort of skill set and some expertise that’s valuable to an entrepreneur.”

Former Columbus mayor Jeffrey Rupp also spoke on the topic of helping our young minds become tomorrow’s business leaders: “[We need to know:] What’s going to keep the next generation’s entrepreneurs here? Because they are going to be the ones sitting down at this table 10 years from now,” Rupp said.

Rupp was among those who helped launch the GTR area’s “Lemonade Day,” where kids are encouraged to “…do three things with the money: Save some, spend some and share some.”

“Imagine being 25 years old, you got a company that’s worth $1 million. You are going to stay in Starkville?” Rupp said. “But we have had companies stay because they felt the support was there.”

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45 on 45, and Many More Businesses Movin’ and Shakin’ in the GTR

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS

COLUMBUS

Columbus has a new restaurant: Patio 45 (3255 Hwy 45). They are set up for outdoor dining so diners can soak in the sun in comfort; they are currently working on a Plexiglas roof for the outside seating area so that people can enjoy the fresh outside air, rain or shine. They offer a rotating menu including seafood, burgers, steak, and more! Please see their FaceBook page for details. Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch, 4:30-10 p.m. for dinner, Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. — 1 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m. — 1 a.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

America’s Car-Mart has completed their shift to their new digs at 3933 Hwy. 45 N. “We needed a bigger facility to better serve our customers with more quality, used vehicles,” their post read. “It’s awesome, and we’re excited!”

Meanwhile, Action Auto has now taken the spot next to Car-Mart’s old location at 2325 Hwy. 45, having moved there from their original spot on Gardner.

STARKVILLE

Dogwood Equine Connection, an outpatient equine therapy center, has now opened its doors at 344 St. Matthews Road. Owner Katie Holtcamp says that she has eight horses and 78 acres currently. “Equine therapy allows individuals to work on any type of wellness goal,” Holtcamp said. “Horses are unbiased and accept people for who they are and where they are. Whether someone wants to work on mental, emotional or physical health, horses can accommodate when partnered with a credible instructor.”

If you’d like to book a session or simply want to learn more about the benefits of equine therapy, please give Holtcamp a call at 662-312-3473 or check out dogwoodequineconnection.com.

WEST POINT

McAlister’s Deli, 5576 Hwy 45 Alt. S., is scheduled to open their doors this coming Monday. The first 100 guests on July 13 that purchases an entree will receive the ever-famous tea for free for an entire year.

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Quick Hits: Good Grub and a Way to Stay Cool

GOLDEN TRIANGLE AREA – Courtesy of the Dispatch Pearl’s Southern Cooking at 7066 Hwy. 45 N. in West Point has formally opened their doors. They offer up tasty soul food and classic Southern favorites, such as biscuits with sausage gravy, ribs, and catfish platters, and more! Tues~Thurs 11-8, Fri 11-9, Sat 7a-9p.

https://www.facebook.com/Pearls-Southern-Cooking-INC-West-Point-MS-113570723683723/

Fair Treats to Geaux, a mobile vendor, is offering up funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and all sorts of other fair fare in Columbus near Gary’s Pawn & Gun on Hwy 45 from Noon to 8pm daily through Sunday July 5th.

https://www.facebook.com/FairTreatstoGeaux/

Local water park Slip-N-Dip, 312 Lake Lowndes Road in Columbus, is officially open for the season. As with other businesses, they will be enforcing rules for public safety in these unusual times: 100-patron limit, 6-foot distancing, etc. Mon~Sat 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/slipndipcarters/

Please check their respective FaceBook pages for updates, menus, directions, and more!

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Hope for the Future at the TTWD Authority

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

Veteran reporter and shutterbug Hope Oakes took over as the office manager at the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority (TTWDA) last August, replacing the late Agnes Zaiontz, who had run the place for more than three decades. “Agnes was a definite force of nature and she was one of the grande dames of the industry,” Oakes told the Dispatch. “So I knew I had some awfully, impossibly large shoes to fill. I made the comment that if I could just fill up her toe space I’d be doing alright.” Oakes had previously been the community editor for the Columbus Packet for many years, where you could find her extensive work and gorgeous photos on the front of Section B every week.

The Authority has been around since 1958, since it was set up by the Federal government in order to to help ensure the construction of the waterway. It is a multi-state concern, and these days, it has come into the role of promoting trade more via the waterway.

Zaiontz’ daughter has expressed her support for Oakes: “Mom made a point to introduce me to her and at the museum dedication,” Cindy DeFelice told The Dispatch. “And I know that Mom would be so happy that Hope is filling her shoes…I know that she always spoke so highly of Hope and I know that she’d be very happy.” She went on to say that “[j]ust from the phone conversations and things that we’ve had since my mom passed, I understand now why my mom liked Hope so much and why she thought so highly of her,” DeFelice said. “Because she is such a kind person and she’s very very intelligent.”

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You Win Some, You Lose Some — Businesses in the Area

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

COLUMBUS

The former Catfish and Chords building at 2222 Military Road has now completed its transition into a piano bar called “The Burning Piano.” The owners, Ben Sala and Lisa & Stephen Sims, say that the newly-renovated space has been in the works for a long time now, and they’re happy to say that it’s ready for prime time – they offer food, nightly music, and good times. Open daily from 4pm~til (M-Th until 11pm, F-Sat til 1am, Sundays until 10pm). they will also have Happy Hour on weekdays from 4 to 6 pm.

The Competitive Edge, 2322 Hwy. 45 N., is officially open. They offer primarily physical training, but they also offer forms of training that can benefit most anyone. They are offering 20% off of training packages until June 22nd, and facility tours will be available through Saturday from noon to 7pm. Their regular hours will be Mon-Thurs Noon to 6pm for the summer, and by appointment only after that.

On the flip side of the coin, local mainstay Rae’s Jewelry at 110 5th St is closing its doors after 50+ years in business. Owner Pete Creekmore says that the time has simply come for him to retire, something which has been in the works for six months or more: “I’ll miss the people I talk to every day,” Creekmore said in a press release. “We have multiple generations of customers shopping. We know our customers, their children and their grandchildren. …We hold fond memories. This has been a happy business, and we’ve enjoyed being a part of celebrating all those happy occasions.”
They will be holding a clearance sale beginning on June 23, with discounts of up to 70% off until it’s all gone. Tues-Fri 9:30 – 5 and Saturdays until 5:30.

Skate Odyssey in Starkville and Columbus have re-opened, but with precautions in place: 50% of capacity, no groups larger than ten people at a time, and arcade machines will be shut down. They will also be aggressively sanitizing frequented areas. Tues 1-5pm/7-9:30pm, Fri 7-11pm, Sat 2-10pm, Sun 2-5pm

STARKVILLE

Gordman’s on Hey 12 (the former Goody’s) will be shutting down, as the company has gone into bankruptcy due to COVID-19. A liquidation sale has begun, applicable while stock lasts.
On the upside, MSU’s famous MAFES cheese store has reopened, having been shuttered since March. Go get you some fresh local goodies and support MSU!

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The Hard-Working Folks at Baptist Give Helping Hands a Helping Hand

Courtesy of the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce

— PRESS RELEASE —

Employees of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle recently donated 1,295 non-perishable food items plus $170 to the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Columbus.

The food drive kicked off during National Hospital Week on May 10 and ended May 31 and was one way for employees to repay the community for all of the support the hospital has received during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Errolyn Gray, director of the Golden Triangle Regional Hub for Volunteers & Nonprofits along with volunteers Cory Adams and Daniel Kure picked up the items on June 3. Helping load were Leon Jackson and Robert Thomaswith Baptist Golden Triangle’s EVS department and Alden McGee, community relations coordinator. The hospital’s donations will help restock shelves at the United Way agency food pantry which has been used extensively by residents affected by the pandemic. Shown on pick-up day with the food items are, left to right, Jackson, Adams, Gray, Kure, Thomas and McGee.
We are so thankful for our amazing hospital employees during this time!

From: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusLowndesChamber/posts/3034273736627606

Image: Courtesy photo

GTR Recovering Slowly But Surely

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch The GTR Airport has been seeing a very gradual increase in passenger traffic — from 5~7 passengers daily a couple of weeks ago to 12~15 today. However, their primary client base — business travelers — has yet to begin using their services in earnest thus far. Prior to the pandemic, the airport normally saw over 175 passengers every day.
Executive Director Mike Hainsey said that “The passengers we’re seeing are ones that have to fly to see family,” Hainsey said. “The business community is not traveling yet.” Spring Break was the last time they saw normal flyer numbers. However, they have retained business from a local flight school, a crop-dusting service, medical helicopters, and military training flights. Robin Wynn of Avis/Budget at GTR, mentioned that biweekly rentals got back up to 39 (from 11 prior) for Memorial Day, but that this is still well short of normal.
Hainsey went on to say that GTR has received about $1.2 million in funding via the CARES Act, and that they may receive another $190K from the Federal Government. This would still represent a loss of $300-400K, but it helps to delay the point at which they would have to dip into their reserves just to continue functioning: “Since it is going to take a while to recover, it’ll allow us to still stay in good financial position,” he said. Because of this, they have been able to avoid cutting any staff.

That being said, they are still careful to maintain sanitization and distancing protocols throughout their facilities, and passengers have noted that many fellow flyers are wearing masks both on and off the planes. “We’ll take the measures required and make sure both the people that travel and also our employees, the people that are working there, are protected and taken care of, too,” Hainsey said.

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Award-Winning Louisiana Sports Bar Seeks to Expand into the Golden Triangle

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – COurtesy of the Daily Journal

Baton Rouge based Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, with over a hundred locations currently under development, is working on expanding their presence in Mississippi, including at least one franchise location in Starkville. The company, which has been around since 2003, was founded by Brandon Landry and Jack Warner, both of LSU. The New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees has since become as o-owner of the chain. In 2012, ESPN named the venue the “No. 1 Sports Bar in America.”

Walk-On’s says it offers “authentic, mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine prepared fresh in a from-scratch kitchen. That includes seafood, traditional Cajun cuisine and burgers built for two hands.” They also offer po-boys, gumbo, soup, wraps, tacos, desserts, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.

No definitive opening date has yet been set.

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Get you some Tex-Mex, Do a Workout, and then Sleep it Off in Comfort

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

COLUMBUS

According to records at the Sec of State’s Office, a new venue will be coming to the former La Fiesta building on Hwy 45. Jalisco Mexican Grill is believed to be the incoming tenant there, and there has been a fair amount of renovation going on there recently.

Also in Columbus, Firehouse Subs (next to C*Spire) on 45 is planning to open up in June. They will be offering takeout and delivery services, and operating at 50% capacity, like other restaurants. They also plan to offer a “Family Meal Deal” featuring three of their more popular subs once they do open.

STARKVILLE

The Magnolia Tree Bed & Breakfast on South Montgomery near Poor House Road is now accepting reservations, as is the Pool House, nearby. The B&B will offer a small-towm, comfy vibe while still allowing easy access to all a college town has to offer. Reservations for both venues, as well as more info on the complex itself, can be found at: propertiesat4300.com

A new gym has opened at 329 Hwy. 12, at Middleton Court. Thomas Berkery is the owner of The Gym: “We’re just trying to get a footprint out there,” Berkery said. “We’re letting people walk around and see the facilities. . . I just wanted to open a hometown, local gym,” Berkery said. “We’re trying to get that good atmosphere of family and friends working out and staying fit together.”

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Restaurants Slowly Ramping Up After Statewide Re-opening Allowed

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

On Thursday, Restaurants in Mississippi were allowed to re-open their dining rooms (at half capacity) for the first time since Gov. Tate Reeves issued a statewide order limiting their service options back on April 3. While this has brought some relief to store owners — 2/3 or more of many venues’ proceeds normally come from inside dining — customers have not yet been returning en masse.

STARKVILLE

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” said Mark Welch, owner of 1883 Steakhouse on Highway 12 in Starkville.

“It’s pretty quiet so far,” said a restaurant manager just down the road at Newk’s Eatery.

A notable exception has been Starkville Cafe on Main Street, which was packed, in part because this was also the day he held a big food giveaway to any first responders who showed up at his restaurant. “It was just a coincidence that it happened on the same day,” owner John Peeples said. “But Main Street has been so slow and quiet these past six or seven weeks, we just felt like we should do something. I think everybody needed a little lift.” Clark Beverages provides a tent and free sodas. He went on to say that he gave away more food than he sold, but that it was absolutely worth it: “I had a customer tell me, ‘You know, this is the first time I’ve felt normal in weeks,'” Peeples said. “I think that’s something everybody needs now.”

COLUMBUS

Restauranteurs in Columbus, however, are taking a more cautious approach. Most are waiting until next week, as the waters get tested.

“The safety of our customers and employees has been the basis of our decisions,” Zachary’s owner Pellum said. “Georgia and Florida opened their dining rooms two weeks ago. I want to see what the numbers look like over the weekend to see if there’s a spike in (coronavirus) cases. I’ll be looking at the Mississippi cases over the weekend, too. The bottom line is that we won’t open until we can be sure our employees and customers are safe.”

Steve Pyle, co-owner of Cafe on Main, said that “The governor is going to have another update on his order on Monday, so we decided to wait to see what he has to say then . . . If the cases should spike, he might change the rules again. The one thing we didn’t want to do is open up then have to shut down again.”

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