MPA/MPS Press Releases

CONTACTS:  Cliff Jenkins (601-965-4139, ext. 115), Expo Project Chair
Jayur Mehta (601-576-6940), Archaeology Month Coordinator

Children & Adults can learn first-hand about archaeology through interactive demonstrations.

Mississippi Archaeological Association (MAA) in association with the Mississippi Humanities Council, the Mississippi Arts Commission and Millsaps College, is sponsoring the 2008 MS Archaeology Expo in Jackson, Mississippi, to help celebrate Archaeology Month in our state.  Over twenty professional archaeologists from ten different agencies will be on-hand to assist with the activities.

On Saturday, October 18 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  there will be a free hands-on family fair for children and adults featuring fun activities for all ages, such as interactive demonstrations of archaeological techniques and tribal social dances by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.  The event is being held at Millsaps College, 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS  39210.   Activities will include:

Artifact Identification (Bring your artifacts!)
Atlatl (Spear) Throwing
Prehistoric Technology Stations
Artifact Displays (MS & Mayan)
Pottery Design/Making
Cordage Bracelet making
Rock Art Wall
Flintknapping (Stone Tool making)
Ground Penetrating Radar demonstration (GPR)
Basket weaving/Beading Demonstrations

In association with Archaeology Month held every October, the Mississippi Archaeological Association (MAA), Jackson Chapter, has organized the Archaeology Expo to accurately portray the vital role archaeology plays in uncovering and celebrating Mississippi’s unique cultural heritage. MAA aspires to showcase archaeology and wishes to enhance our appreciation for our irreplaceable archaeological resources. Sponsors of the Expo include Mississippi Humanities Council, Mississippi Arts Commission, Millsaps College, Mississippi Department of Archives & History, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Earth Search, Inc., Brockington & Associates, Inc., Jackson Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Mississippi Association of Professional Archaeologists, Cobb Institute of Archaeology, Forestry Suppliers, Coastal Environments, Mississippi Bureau of Land Management, Payne’s Custom Jewelry and Vicksburg National Military Park.

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The Mississippi Blues Foundation is spearheading the introduction and issuance of a new Mississippi specialty license plate to highlight The Mississippi Blues Trail. The reason for the tag is two-fold, according to Luther Brown, chairman of the Blues Foundation.

“We currently have funding for 119 markers, but our wish list has grown to more than 160 sites that we think are worthy of being designated as a stop on the Blues Trail,” Brown said. “We also want the visibility of the tags on the highway, so people will have reminders about our blues heritage.”

Rep. Willie Bailey from District 49 was instrumental in getting the tag design approved and passed in the legislature last year, and the State Tax Commission will produce the license plates once the first 200 tags are sold. The extra fee will be $31 for this special car tag with $24 going directly to the Blues Trail marker program.

Janet Webb of Indianola, one of the newer members of the Blues Foundation, said, “When Aven Whittington, a board member from Jackson, and I saw this license plate we both had the same idea. Aven began making sure it had gone through the proper channels to be a Mississippi specialty tag, and at our last meeting the support was unanimous. We all know the marker program is preserving an important part of our state’s history, and we want to make sure the funding is in place to see that it continues.”

The State Tax Commission accepts new car tag requests twice a year. The first deadline is October 15 for the tag to be available January 2009. The next deadline is May 15 with the public seeing the plate in July 2009.

The Mississippi Blues Foundation is a support organization made up of a diverse group of business and community leaders. The role of this group is to identify and secure sources of financial and programmatic support for the work of the Mississippi Blues Commission.

Approximately 52 Blues Trail markers have been unveiled to date, and the audio/video components for the markers are in the process of being developed, which will add a new level of interest. Greenwood’s Wanda Clark, Mississippi Blues Trail Project Coordinator, said, “The Foundation’s interest in taking on this project is wonderful. Besides adding funding to this program, it will be a reminder of the blues heritage our state possesses every time someone sees the license plate.”

The application for the license plate can be found on the Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola’s website. Email questions to info@indianolablues.org (website: www.indianolablues.org) or call Dr. Luther Brown at 662.846.4311 at DSU’s Delta Center for Culture and Learning. The website for the Mississippi Blues Trail is: www.msbluestrail.org.

The League of Women Voters reminds Mississippians that the Voter Registration deadline is near.  In order to cast a ballot in the upcoming election, citizens must be registered to vote by Friday, October 3, 2008.  Registration forms are available at the county Circuit Clerk’s office or from the Mississippi Secretary of State.  Some Circuit Clerk’s offices have extended hours near the deadline.  Mail-in voter registration is now available in Mississippi.

Citizens will need a driver’s license, social security number, or a copy of a current and valid photo identification, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other document showing correct name and address.  They will not be required to register by party affiliation.  If previously registered to vote, this is also the time to change one’s name or address.

League of Women Voters of Mississippi president, Fran Leber, raises the question, “If you could do something easy that could help your family, your community and your country, would you do it?  That’s what voting is all about, an easy way to make a difference.”

Registering to vote is easier than ever before.  The Mississippi Voter Registration Form is available on the League’s website, www.lwv-ms.org/elections.  It may be downloaded, completed and mailed to the local county Circuit Clerk office.

For information, contact the League of Women Voters at www.lwv-ms.org or 601-352-4616.

Contact: Mike Cashion
or Michele Wallace
601.608.0223

October Designated as Dine Out Mississippi Month

As Governor Haley Barbour has proclaimed October as Dine Out Mississippi Month, restaurants throughout the state will be participating in the largest customer appreciation program on record.

“Right now we have over 200 restaurants from all over the state signed up to participate,” said Mike Cashion, Executive Director of the Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association. “What is really interesting is that the types of restaurants signed up include everything from fast food to full service.”

Bernard Bean, President of the MHRA adds, “Mississippi has an abundance of high quality diverse restaurants. We are proud to be able to offer this incentive for valued customers.”

Customers are encouraged to dine out at participating restaurants and save their receipts. Once they reach $200 in receipts, they simply mail the receipts to the MHRA office where the first 2500 will receive a free $20 gift certificate.

In support of Governor Barbour’s proclamation, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant adds, “As Mississippi families gather around the table to enjoy fellowship with friends and family what better way today than in a local eatery. I encourage everyone to support your local restaurants as they have a significant impact on both the local economy as well as the State’s.”

To find a participating restaurant or to obtain more information on redemption procedures, customers can go to www.dineoutms.com or call the MHRA office at 800.898.0343.

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The Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association is a non-profit association composed of over 2000 food service operators, lodging properties, attractions, convenience stores, casinos, suppliers, manufacturers, and other professionals who realize the importance of working together to promote and protect the hospitality industry.

Contact: Becky Wynne
601-899-9058
stateoffice@namims.org

The National Alliance on Mental Illness - Mississippi, will be hosting it’s first annual PEP RALLY on October 1, 2008, to be held in the Big Lots parking lot, Jackson, MS, on I-55 at Briarwood from 9:00 a.m. - Noon.  The pep rally is in preparation for our annual NAMIWALKS For the Mind of America fund raising walk to be held on November 8, 2008, at Mayes Lake in Jackson, MS.  We will have a live remote broadcast from Q 105.1 with give a-ways, as well as Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets and coupons, Krispy Kreme donuts, coffee, lemonade and tea provided by Cowboy Maloney’s Electric City, Chick-Fil-A and McAlisters.

Please come by, have a snack and find out about a wonderful way you can help the National Alliance on Mental Illness have a successful fund raising walk this year!!  NAMI Mississippi’s goal is to make Mississippi a better home for people with brain disorders through education on mental illnesses, improved system-wide treatment opportunities and consumer support.  NAMI is a grassroots, self-help, support, education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by serious mental illness.  Sponsorship packages and Walk Team packages are available.

For sponsorship or Walk Team information or to participate in the Walk, call toll free1-800-357-0388 or in Jackson, 601-899-9058 or e-mail stateoffice@namims.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 15, 2008
Contact:
Angelique Minnifield
Novia Communications
(601) 985-9502 – office
(601) 316-4494 – cell
angelique@noviamedia.com

In January of 2009, Jackson, Mississippi will open its doors to the luxurious Jackson Convention Complex.

Facilities
The 330,000-square-foot structure features a crystalline folding glass façade, and includes a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 25,000-square-foot carpeted ballroom, a 382-seat theater, ten meeting rooms, 33,000 square feet of carpeted pre-function lobby and registration space, and an outdoor patio overlooking downtown Jackson. The Jackson Convention Complex also has a 10,000-square-foot kitchen with separate load-in dock, two full-service concession areas in the exhibit hall, ballroom and exhibit hall rigging points to support elaborate lighting and staging, dual loading docks and ramps with roll-up doors, and includes state-of-the-art telecommunications, conferencing, and audio-visual equipment, Wi-Fi capability, satellite and television cable distribution, and plasma screen monitors and electronic directional signage throughout.
Over 1,500 parking spaces will be within walking distance of the Jackson Convention Complex. When needed, an additional 3,000 parking spaces will be easily accessible by professional shuttle transportation. The Jackson Convention Center has so much more to offer besides meeting space. It also offers outstanding food and beverage selections by Savor Jackson™ Catering by SMG, world class service, and the kind of hospitality that can only be found in Jackson, Mississippi.

Strategically Located

Nestled in the heart of downtown Jackson, our state capital, the Jackson Convention Complex is located next door to Mississippi Museum of Art, the Russell C. Davis Planetarium, and the Thalia Mara Auditorium – home to the International Ballet Competition. The Complex is within walking distance of several restaurants, hotels, the Governor’s Mansion and the Old Capitol Museum. We are just minutes from great shopping, authentic live blues music, the Jackson-Evers International Airport, and area attractions such as the Sports Hall of Fame, the Smith Robertson Museum, the historic Eudora Welty home, the Jackson Zoological Park, the Natural Science Museum, and the Mississippi Children’s Museum (scheduled to open in early 2010). We are a short drive from casinos that offer world-class gaming and live entertainment. Most importantly, we’re here to make sure you have a successful and most pleasant experience that will keep you coming back.

Impact of the Jackson Convention Complex
From its appealing architecture on the outside to the amenities it offers on the inside, the Jackson Convention Complex will draw conventioneers, meeting planners and promoters from across the world.
According to C.H. Johnson Consulting, Inc. – experts in convention, sport and real estate consulting, the Jackson Convention Complex is projected to host 164 events and an estimated 79,600 attendees during its first year of operation. By the tenth year of operation, the complex is projected to host 279 events and an estimated 175,300 attendees.

The Jackson Convention Complex allows Jackson to host conventions with up to 7,000 attendees at any given time. Prior to the construction of the complex, there was no place in the metro area large enough to host such events. “The Jackson Convention Complex is crucial to our local economy,” says Linda McCarthy, General Manager. “Convention business means large crowds, which means more business for our hotels, restaurants and retail establishments. It also means more local jobs, and more traffic for our airport and area attractions. The Jackson Convention Complex will truly serve as a catalyst for an economic boom in the City of Jackson and surrounding areas.”

Regional and National Business on Books
Though the Jackson Convention Complex is still six months away from opening, regional and national conferences, consumer trade shows and events are already scheduled to take place beginning as soon as the doors open in January of 2009, all the way through 2012. Some of the regional and national events scheduled include the following:
- Motor Trend International Automobile Show – the first of its kind in the state of Mississippi
- National Cheer Stars – a national cheerleading competition
- Mississippi Department of Education Student Organization Meeting
- RJ Promotions – a national show promoter, bringing in a large Outdoor Sportsmen Show and a Home and Garden Show
- Christians for Israel – a conference which will bring in 2,000 people into downtown Jackson
- Mississippi School Nutrition Conference – which will utilize 30,000 square feet of space
- Mississippi Department of Education K-12
“Our maxim is Jackson Convention Complex – Where Mississippi Meets the World,” says
Micah Allen, Director of Sales. “As you can see from the list of events already booked, our maxim is quickly becoming reality. Our goal is to make the Jackson Convention Complex a top choice among meeting and event planners across the world . . . and we are well on our way to doing just that.”

Management Team
The overall development and operations of the Jackson Convention Complex is overseen by a nine-member Commission made up of local business and community leaders. After a competitive nationwide search, the Commission for the Jackson Convention Complex chose SMG to manage the facility. Founded in 1977, SMG is the world leader in venue management, marketing and development. SMG manages more than 10 million square feet of convention and exhibition space, and operates 98% of the publicly owned exhibition space operated by private companies in North America.
Since being chosen to manage the Jackson Convention Complex, SMG has hired Linda McCarthy to serve as General Manager, and Micah Allen as Director of Sales. Both have extensive and very impressive experience in facilities management and convention center sales and marketing.
McCarthy is a graduate of the IAAM Oglebay Facility Management School in Wheeling, West Virginia. Prior to being named General Manager of the Jackson Convention Center, McCarthy served as General Manager of the Mississippi TelCom Center (Jackson, MS), Executive Director of the Peachtree City Tourism Association (Peachtree City, GA), Executive Director of the Houma Civic Center (Houma, LA), Director of Marketing for the Greensboro Coliseum & Convention Center (Greensboro, NC), and Convention Sales Manager for the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center (Biloxi, MS). McCarthy is a native Mississippian. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS).

Allen comes to Jackson from New Orleans, Louisiana, where she served as the Director of Sales for JW Marriott Hotel, the Associate Director of Sales for both the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the Radisson Hotel, as well as the Senior Sales Manager of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Allen has been consistently recognized as a top performer and leader in hotel and convention center sales.

According to Lewis Dawley, Regional Vice President of Convention Center Operations and Business Development for SMG, “Management and sales are two of the most important components in the successful operation of a convention center. To remain the world leader in this industry, SMG is committed to finding and hiring only the best and brightest talent to manage and sell each of its facilities. Linda McCarthy and Micah Allen are great examples of what we look for, and we are fortunate to have them on our team. A growing market like Jackson will greatly benefit from their experience.”

Grand Opening and Beyond
The Jackson Convention Complex is being built on time and under budget and will open with a bang in January of 2009. The builders will hand the keys over to SMG on January 9th, and on January 14th, the Jackson Convention Complex will host nearly 1,000 metro area business leaders during its first event – the Annual Meeting for the Greater Jackson Partnership. Immediately following the Greater Jackson Partnership’s Annual Meeting, the Jackson Convention Complex will be transformed into a showplace for the highly anticipated grand opening activities to be held January 15th and 17th. Grand opening will feature an evening with nationally renowned entertainers, and a day-long community open house that will feature our city’s local arts, attractions and entertainment. Stay tuned for more details. Following grand opening, we are pleased to announce that the Jackson Convention Complex will host the Motor Trend International Auto Show – its first appearance ever in the state of Mississippi.
Watch Us Grow
The Jackson Convention Complex is part of more than $2.4 billion in development taking place in downtown Jackson, which will set a new standard in tourism, entertainment and conventions in the capital city.
Watch up-to-the-minute construction progress online at www.jacksonconventioncomplex.com.

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Association offers Customers Chance to Earn $20 Gift Certificates

Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association is pleased to announce that Governor Haley Barbour has proclaimed the month of October as Dine Out Mississippi Month.

Recognizing the importance of the restaurant industry to Mississippi’s economy, Governor Barbour states, “Mississippi’s restaurants are a cornerstone of our economy,”
“Marsha and I encourage citizens to support these vital businesses by dining out during the month of October and enjoying the wide variety of quality restaurants Mississippi has to offer.”

“The restaurant industry is a vital part of Mississippi’s economy, and we are proud of Governor Barbour’s proclamation,” stated Mike Cashion Executive Director of the Association. Cashion adds, “Over 79,000 Mississippians are employed in this $2.8 billion dollar industry. It is safe to say that one of every three people employed in this state have at one time or another worked in a restaurant. The restaurant industry is one of the largest private sector employers in the state.”

In conjunction with the proclamation, the MHRA is conducting a sweeping customer appreciation initiative. The first 2500 customers that send $200 worth of dining receipts from participating restaurants will receive a $20 gift certificate redeemable at any MHRA member restaurant.

Richard Chenoweth, Chairman of the MHRA and owner of Scranton’s Restaurant in Pascagoula explains the rationale behind the incentive. “In spite of these tough economic times, our customers have remained faithful and loyal to our industry. The MHRA wanted to do something positive for our guests to show our appreciation for their business. What better way to show our appreciation than to give money directly back to them.”

To find a participating restaurant or to obtain more information on redemption procedures, customers can go to www.dineoutms.com or call the MHRA office at 800.898.0343.
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The Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association is a non-profit association composed of over 2000 food service operators, lodging properties, attractions, convenience stores, casinos, suppliers, manufacturers, and other professionals who realize the importance of working together to promote and protect the hospitality industry.

Regional Contacts as Follows:

Hattiesburg—Clint Taylor (601) 264-0672

Tupelo—Bernard Bean (662) 889-3551

Columbus  Golden Triangle–John Bean  (662) 327-6982

DeSoto County—Denise Yates  (901) 848 2645

Coast—Richard Chenoweth  (228) 769-5944  email Richard@scrantons.com

Jackson and all other parts of State:

Mike Cashion Executive Director MHRA  601.608.0223
Or
Michelle Wallace  Director of Development  601.608.0225

For more information
Contact: Mona Vance
(662) 329-5304

COLUMBUS, Miss.-Through the month of October, archives and repositories across Mississippi will host various events and activities in promotion of Archives Month. Mississippi’s statewide participation is an extension of the national celebration of American Archives Month hosted by the Society of American Archivists.  Archives Month is a way to raise public awareness by calling attention to the role various organizations play in preserving historical and cultural records.

This year’s theme, “History Lives in Mississippi,” allows archives to showcase their multifaceted collections that represent an historical and ever evolving state.  Organizations are participating in a variety of ways from hosting exhibits to conducting tours.  Listed below are just some of the events across the state planned for Archives Month this year.

Last years events centered around the theme “Faces of Mississippi” and a multitude of institutions did their part to highlight the importance of preserving our state’s history.  Society of Mississippi Archivist President Jennifer Brannock said, “By coordinating activities statewide, archives and libraries around Mississippi become aware of activities hosted by other institutions in the area.  It is also a great way to let the people of Mississippi know about the invaluable resources available in their state.”

Archives Month in Mississippi is promoted by the Society of Mississippi Archivists (SMA) and sponsored by the Mississippi State Historical Records Advisory Board. The Society of Mississippi Archivists celebrates the important work of preserving the cultural heritage of Mississippi and serves as a point of information for people interested in the rich documentary history of the state.  The Mississippi State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) provides professional assistance, resources, and programming to support the preservation and accessibility of the state’s invaluable historical documents and records.  It serves as the central advisory board for historical records planning and project assistance in Mississippi.  For more information on SMA and its activities go to www.msarchivists.org.  For further information on SHRAB go to www.mdah.state.ms.us/admin/shrab/shrab.php.

Archives are locations were collections and records of historical value are maintained, preserved, and made accessible to the public. They may be located in historic societies, academic or public libraries, court houses, corporations, or governmental entities. The first celebration of Archives Week can be traced to the Archives Round Table of Metropolitan New York in New York City in 1989.  More information on archivists and American Archives Month can be found at the Society of American Archivists website at www.archivists.org.
For more information on Archives Month events, contact Mona K. Vance with the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library at (662) 329-5304.

Archives Month Events:

Delta State University’s Charles W. Capps, Jr. Archives and Museum (Cleveland)
•    An exhibit titled Neglected Histories: The Importance of Preservation will showcase some of the items taken from the Archives that have arrived to the Archives damaged.  It runs from September 25 through December 19.
•    Also, as part of an Archives Month pre-view event, author, Dr. John Jung, will present his book Southern Fried Rice, his personal memoire of growing up as the only Chinese family in Macon, Georgia, and their eventual move to California in his early teens. The event is schedule for September 7 in Jobe Hall from 2-4pm.
•    In addition, Pictures from the Past: A Celebration of MS Delta Chinese History exhibit, will open with a reception following Dr. Jung’s lecture.  The exhibit features photographs, snapshots and oral history stories from local Chinese who grew up in the MS Delta.
•    Throughout October, be sure to check out the Archives web page for information on preservation best practices at http://archives.deltastate.edu.

For further information regarding any of these events contact Emily Weaver at 662-846-4780.

Columbus-Lowndes Public Library (Columbus)
•    An exhibit titled “Religion, Romance, and Rebellion: The Plays of Tennessee Williams” explores how the cast of characters created by Tennessee Williams all suffered from a conflict over their values versus those of conventional morality. The exhibit utilizes the collection of Tennessee Williams posters and playbills housed with the Billups-Garth Archives at the library.  It runs through the months of September and October.
•    A display titled “Columbus Archives: Connecting People with the Past” reveals the various historical and genealogical records located at The Local History Room.  The exhibit also highlights methods of preserving documents and photographs.  It runs through the months of September and October.

For more information contact Mona K. Vance at 662-329-5304.

Mississippi Department of Archives and History (Jackson)
•    Presents two programs as part of the History is Lunch series. The first highlights the work of investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell. Titled “Stories of Justice and Redemption,” the presentation is scheduled for October 15th at 12pm.  Since 1989, Mitchell, reporter for The Clarion-Ledger, has pursued evidence in the nation’s most notorious killings from the Civil Rights era. Thus far, his efforts have helped put four Klansmen behind bars: Byron De La Beckwith, Sam Bowers, Bobby Cherry, and Edgar Ray Killen.
•    The second program is a lecture by Dr. Chester M. “Bo” Morgan, history professor at Delta State University.  The presentation is titled “Too Small To Be a Nation, Too Big To Be an Insane Asylum: Mississippi in the Twentieth Century” and is scheduled for October 29 at 12pm.

For more information please call either Chrissy Wilson or Julia Young at 601-576-6850.

Mississippi State University’s Special Collections Department (Starkville)
•    Presents an exhibit titled “Living History in the MSU Libraries Special Collections” showcasing photographs, documents, and ephemera from their collections showing various aspects of life in Mississippi’s history.

For additional information regarding this exhibit contact Michael Ballard at 662-325-7680.

University of Mississippi Department of Archives & Special Collections (Oxford)
•    In honor of the first U.S. Presidential Debate occurring at Ole Miss on September 26, the J.D. Williams Library will host a total of three Brown Bag events. One of those events, “History Lives in Mississippi: Creating the Presidential Debate Collection” relates specifically to Archives Month. It will be on October 23 in the Faulkner Room of the Archives & Special Collections in the Library. Audience members are invited to bring debate-related material (documents, files, clippings, recordings, ephemera, and memorabilia) that they wish to donate to the Presidential Debate Collection. The event will include the following discussions:
o    Dr. Andy Mullins, Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, will discuss the university’s application and planning for the debate
o    Dr. David Sansing will place the event in the context of university history
o    Dr. Andy Harper will play footage of oral interviews and other debate recordings.
The general public, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and Oxford residents are all encouraged to attend.

For further information contact Leigh McWhite at 662-915-1850.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Contact: Bob Billingsley,
MPA Chairman
601- 649-4030
bbillingsley@sandersonfarms.com

The Mississippi Poultry Association has named Mark Leggett as President of the association effective September 1.

Leggett will replace Mike Pepper, who now leads the Mississippi Road Builders Association.  The MPA, formed in 1937, represents the state’s number one agricultural commodity with an economic impact of $2.5 billion according to Mississippi State University.

“We know Mark will provide the strong voice this association has been known for in representing the state’s poultry industry and its 47,000 direct and related jobs,” said Bob Billingsley, Sanderson Farms’ director of development, and the association’s chairman of the Board.

Leggett comes from the Mississippi Manufacturers Association where he has been director of Government Affairs for 13 years. Prior to joining MMA he worked for 10 years for the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal with seven of those years as Capitol correspondent for the Tupelo newspaper. After earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, he pursued graduate work while working in the USM Public Relations Office.

Leggett and his wife, Cathy, live in Clinton and have two grown children, Adam, a legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, and Rachel King, a nursing student at University Medical Center.

About MPA: Founded in 1937, the Association’s membership includes poultry and egg companies, grower/producers on farms across the state, and many businesses that support the industry. Poultry is the largest agricultural commodity in Mississippi, whose farms and firms provide 10 percent of the nation’s poultry products. To learn more about Mississippi poultry, visit www.mspoultry.org