Helping People to Make a New Life for Themselves

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Slim Smith

Sharon Jones, originally of Queens, NY, moved to Columbus long ago to settle down and start a family. Fast forward many years of hard work later, and she founded Paroled2Pride, an organization that has helped hundreds of former inmates to turn their lives around and rejoin the workforce. They became an official 501(c)(3) organization in 2007. Recently, Jones was among those honored with a “Earnest Brown Good Change Award” for her efforts and those of her largely-volunteer staff by Columbus Major Keith Gaskin. P2P carefully screens applicants, matching them up with jobs.

Her first success story came before she former P2P. It involved a man who “was getting out of prison and, like so many people, was having a hard time finding a job,” Jones said. “God laid it on my heart to help him get a job at the hotel I was working at. I told my husband and he said, ‘Don’t do it. Don’t risk it.’ My in-laws told me the same thing. I called my mom and told her, ‘I can’t get rid of the feeling that I should hire him. God keeps telling me that.’ She told me to obey God and always remember my brother, how hard it was for him to get employed.” She convinced her boss to give him a chance – “He worked 11pm to 7am, for 14 years and never missed a day,” Jones said. “The program evolved from there.” She has been working with Best Western ever since to make jobs available to these folks.

“It’s so humbling after the loss of my brother and my mom,” she went on to say. “They are the driving force behind what I do through Jesus. God has called me to this work and I’m grateful.”

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/community-profile-personal-experience-led-to-creation-of-paroled2pride/

TVA Seeks Public Comment on New Power Plant

CALEDONIA, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

Tennessee Valley Authority is in the process of seeking public comments on a two-year project to build a supplemental 500-megawatt gas-powered turbine energy plant near Caledonia. The plant is expected to employ as many as thirty people and is designed to kick in in times of high power usage and in weather conditions that reduce the output of other power plants nearby below acceptable levels.

“More capacity (on the grid) is a great thing,” GT Development LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins said. “Lowndes County is home to some of TVA’s biggest customers. (More power generation) being closer to the user of it will be a good thing.”

Julia Wise, a senior communications consultant for TVA, said, “We receive those comments, then we can start the environmental review process, and we will then publish a draft environmental review, and then a final environmental review. That feedback and review helps determine whether or not that project moves forward.”

The public feedback period is already open, and will last until Jan. 19. She went on to say that the TVA plans to have an in-person open house on Jan. 8 at the Caledonia Community Center at 205 S. St. from 5 to 7 p.m. for county residents to hear about the project and submit more feedback. Comments can be submitted via the TVA website (https://www.tva.com/) or emailed to [email protected].

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/gas-powered-turbine-energy-plant-could-come-to-caledonia/

Avoid the Need to Get B.A.I.L.ed Out – Talk to an Attorney About Your Business

STARKVILLE, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

Earlier this year, the Greater Starkville Development Partnership ran its first set of four “B.A.I.L.” series where local experts could speak to business owners about important accounting, liability, and other important “behind-the-scenes” concerns regarding their businesses. Amanda Adkins, owner of Shelter Insurance, was one of the attendees eager to expand her knowledge: “I wanted to make sure that from an agency perspective that I have everything I need legal-wise with bringing on staff or making sure I’m covered in that area,” Adkins said.

Panelists for the legal session were: Starkville-based attorneys Rob Roberson and Steven Adams, and Brandon Jolly with the Mississippi State University general counsel’s office. They discussed things like setting up legal entities, how to plan for uncertain futures and how to protect consumer data. They emphasized the importance of setting up an LLC or other form of business entity in order to keep entrepreneurs’ personal and legal liability separate: “What that does is give you an insurance policy, basically,” Roberson said. “If you are sued, you’re sued in the context of the business…My dad used to take his business and pay all of his bills with the money from it. Well, here is the problem with that: you have no protection because you’re treating your business like it’s personal income.”They also spoke on the critical importance of having everything in writing, whether you’re planning to enter a contract with a vendor or client or drawing up a purchase agreement for the purchase of another business: “You’re not just buying the asset, sometimes you’re buying the liabilities that come along with it and if there’s debt associated with it, you may be assuming without realizing it,” Jolly said. “It’s good to have that all spelled out when you go to buy.” Moreover, they said that it’s important to have an attorney go over any such documents before you sign them. they also addressed cyber-security, especially when dealing with things like people’s social security numbers, financial data, etc.

“I have a digital business and you don’t necessarily know because everything is intangible,” attendee Brittany Goss, owner of online marketing agency Bootstraps and Butterflies said. “So, knowing how to pass that down legally and the responsibilities that come with that has been beneficial.”

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/businesses-receive-advice-on-legal-services-cyber-security-at-bail-series/

New Amazon Facility Coming to Golden Triangle

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the GTR LINK

A new facility that Amazon will be using for “last mile” delivery services will soon be coming to the NorthStar Industrial Park near Starkville. The 50,000-square-foot facility is expected to bring 90 new jobs to the area once it is up and running. The project was the result of a collaborative effort among Agracel, The LINK, and the Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority.

Lynn Spruill stated that “As OCEDA president and as the Mayor of Starkville, I couldn’t be more excited to have the partnership with the LINK result in a project that brings jobs and activity to NorthStar Park. . . It is especially exciting to have an international, high profile company like Amazon show their belief in the benefits of having a new and substantial presence in Starkville. I have always believed that our partnership with Oktibbeha County and OCEDA would yield long-term economic development to our community and the region. When we partner we create the best chances for our mutual success.”

Buildout on the facility is expected to begin within the next few weeks and continue throughout next year.

Please click here for the original article: https://www.gtrlink.org/amazon-last-mile-facility-locating-in-northstar-industrial-park

Local Youth Putting His Training to Good Use

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Columbus Municipal School District

MTC student Michael Ford has been working hard putting his schooling and training to good use at Columbus Nissan, where he works as an Automotive Service Tech in order to get some hands-on training for his future career. Having completed a two-year training program at McKellar Technology Center, he also earned his ASE certification.

Ford is learning more than just how to fix up cars, but also how to deal with customers out there in the real world; both skills that will serve him well for a long time!

Please click here for the original article: https://www.facebook.com/cmsdfalcons/posts/pfbid0BnA9LK3PoW98sbfNkqyp31ibD5k9Z3TaFEfi5mnuur1qL4jz4Yhn5oAqVMo9grEPl

Future of Leigh Mall Looking Bright

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Slim Smith

Having been purchased by the Georgia-based Hull Group in 2019, Leigh Mall has been undergoing extensive renovation since that time in order to transform it into a primarily outward-facing shopping center, which has been dubbed “Columbus Place.” They are on pace to complete the external facade renovations before the end of the year, after which, new businesses will be able to begin moving in. They are also just about ready to begin extensive work on redoing the parking lot; work on that may begin as soon as the week after Thanksgiving if all goes well. Hull has accepted some tax incentives from the City as an incentive for their massive investment in the site.

Hull Property Group VP of Government Relations John Mulherin says that they “have been approached by several companies, and our leasing team is working feverishly on the new leases.” 13 new outward-facing spaces and some interior ones are being worked on, allowing for a total of 37 spaces for businesses to occupy, both inside and out.

“The Hull Group has been great to work with,” Mayor Keith Gaskin said. “I stay in contact with them about the mall, and we are excited about the changes that are already happening there and look forward to future retail and stores that will be coming our way.”

Please note that the mall is still open for business in the meantime.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/malls-inside-out-conversion-could-see-propertys-value-triple/

Caledonia Couple Working Hard as New Owners at Fork N Road

CALEDONIA, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Slim Smith

Triston and Melanie Gardner, both Caledonia natives, had been working at Fork n Road Deer Processing as seasonal labor for a number of years, learning the craft; as of September 1st, they took over the business from the retiring owners, Jack and Nancy Lamour. Melanie also works full-time as an ultrasound technician.

They credit the Lamours for their endless help and support with teaching them over the years, with the changeover, and with running the business itself: “We definitely couldn’t do this if they weren’t here to show us the ropes,” Triston said. “I worked with Mr. Jack last year on some of the behind-the-scenes things, ordering supplies and what you do to get ready for the next day. Melanie and I both understood a lot about the production side of things since we have both been doing that for years. Jack and Nancy have definitely taken us under their wings.”

“I’d like to find something that can make it a more year-round business, since this is what I want to be my career,” Triston said. “It’s been fun, but it’s been a little intimidating, too,” he went on to say. “But mainly, we’re enjoying it.”

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/community-profile-couple-embraces-first-season-owning-deer-processing-business/

The Golden Triangle Region – A Great Place to Do Business!

LOWNDES AND NOXUBEE COUNTIES, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

Four of the state’s biggest economic development projects from the last several years found that our area was the best place for them to do business: Aluminum Dynamics, Huber Engineered Woods, PACCAR, and Steel Dynamics all have initiated or expanded their business in the region (Huber – Noxubee County; others – Lowndes County). Their faith in the area’s ability to support them with infrastructure and good workers is paying great dividends – for the companies themselves, for the economy, and for local job-seekers. In total, these four companies represent a total investment of over three billion dollars and hundreds of jobs.

The MDA says that there have been 28 announced projects valued at $60 million or greater each since 2018. MDA Executive Director Laura Hipp said that our state is very attractive to industry because “[W]e have one of the lowest costs of doing business in the nation, a quality of life that is truly hard to beat, a diverse mix of industries, a capable workforce and a strategic location that is ideal for companies that prioritize speed to market.”

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/region-lands-4-of-states-top-10-industrial-projects-since-2018/

Nearly Fifty Million in Federal Funds May Soon Be On the Way to CAFB

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, MS – Courtesy of Supertalk.fm and Caleb Salers

The U.S. Senate recently passed a Federal appropriations bill that, if confirmed by the House, will grant more than $83 million for military construction projects in Mississippi; about $48.9 million of that will go to the Columbus Air Force Base. Other funds will go to other Mississippi bases and to the Veterans Administration.

“I’ve worked with my colleagues on the committee to support projects to improve the readiness and operational efficiency of active duty and reserve bases in Mississippi,” Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) said. “These Mississippi projects and support for veterans will, I believe, fare well as the Senate and House work toward a single bill that can be signed into law.”

Local funding in the bill:

$30 million to construct a T-7A Based Training System Facility at Columbus Air Force Base.

$9.5 million to construct a T-7A Unit Maintenance Training Facility at Columbus Air Force Base.

$4.6 million to construct a T-7A Egress Shop at Columbus Air Force Base.

$4.85 million to construct a T-7A Hush House Pad at Columbus Air Force Base.

Please click here for the original article: https://www.supertalk.fm/u-s-senate-passes-bill-that-directs-83m-to-mississippi-military-construction-projects/

A Strong Base, a Strong Columbus

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant Mclaughlin

CAFB is working on a plan to update their flight training squadron by phasing out the 1970s-era T-38C Talon Flight jets and replacing them with a number of the more modern Boeing T-7A Red Hawk jets. If approved, the changeover will begin in 2028 and should be done by the end of 2030. Air Force Project Manager for the T-7A Basing Team, Christopher Garcia said, “One of the biggest issues with our T-38C Fleet is they are just aging out. The maintenance needs are the biggest driving factor in needing the replacement. Also, as technology has increased, we need newer aircraft to fly with the new fourth and fifth-generation fighters. This T-7A should bridge the gap.” The plan also includes some renovations to the base itself, such as new hangar bays and storage.

As the new planes will allow for the use of night-vision equipment while in flight, they plan to use them for night-time training flights in addition to the usual flights they already have. As this may have an impact on the noise level for nearby residents, they are currently soliciting feedback from people who live nearby via public meetings such as the one held just this past week. The public feedback period will run through November 20th; residents can also express their concerns via their website at https://www.columbus.af.mil/

“Our wing’s mission is to train world-class pilots,” 14th Flying Training Wing Commander Col. Justin Grieve said. “Throughout our base’s history, we have helped shape the future of pilot training. The T-7A program is a key component for continuing excellence in pilot training while preparing our future pilots to fly the growing fleet of fifth-generation aircraft. Support from our community has always been amazing and is vital to the success of the pilot training transformation. The T-7A program will enhance the base and community’s role in supporting our national defense.”

One concern that has been relevant to locals has been the possibility of the closure of the base – something that has come up in the past as the military seeks to lower expenses; CAFB has been on the chopping block at least once in the past few decades, but has survived thanks, in part, to an MDA grant in 2012 for base improvements. The fact that the base has been renovating and expanding its operations, rather than the opposite, seems to bode well for its future.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/new-jets-to-replace-t-38cs-at-cafb-by-2028/

Some info has also come from a related Dispatch OP-ED piece: https://cdispatch.com/opinions/our-view-exciting-changes-coming-for-cafb/