MPA/MPS Press Releases

For Immediate Release                            Contact: Scot Slay
June 30, 2009                                    Office: (601) 944-4175
Mobile: (601) 832-9872

Email: sslay@ecd.org
Hope Name and Logo Go Up on Former
American Savings CU Branches
Jackson, MS—While Hope Community Credit Union (HOPE) and American Savings Credit Union (ASCU) officially merged January 1, 2009, on July 1 all ASCU branches in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee will convert their signage to the HOPE name and logo. The merger of these two entities formed a larger, stronger community development financial institution that serves working families throughout the Mid South.
The name change will affect all five ASCU branches: two in Memphis; one in Jackson, TN; one in Robinsonville, MS; and one in West Memphis, AR. HOPE already has an existing branch in Memphis, as well as branch locations in Biloxi, Camden, and Jackson, MS; College Station, AR; and New Orleans, LA.
“This is an exciting step in our efforts to provide more and better service to our 28,000 member-owners. Building on the strengths of both institutions, HOPE is providing vital resources for people struggling to weather the current financial crisis,” said HOPE CEO Bill Bynum. “Credit union members have always pooled our resources to help our neighbors through difficult financial times. This is more important now than ever before.”
ASCU was founded 50 years ago to serve the employees of International Harvester and their families. ASCU grew over the years to serve employees of more than 200 companies in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. HOPE was started in 1995 as a small church project. Over the past fifteen years, HOPE and its nonprofit sponsor, ECD (Enterprise Corporation of the Delta), have assisted more than 70,000 individuals and generated over $1billion in financing for entrepreneurs, homebuyers, and community development projects across the Mid South.
The merger has provided greater access to financial services for members of both credit unions. Members now have access to an expanded menu of products and services that are an outgrowth of the combined institutions. HOPE is dedicated to helping its members navigate today’s difficult financial environment by making affordable financing available for a wide range of purposes, including the home mortgage and small business loans described below:
•    Home Mortgage Loans – A HOPE mortgage loan may be the perfect choice for members in the current housing market. HOPE mortgages feature flexible terms, low down payments and affordable rates.
•    Business Loans – Whether a business owner is just getting started, or is acquiring, stabilizing or expanding an existing business, HOPE offers a range of financing solutions and a team of experienced commercial lenders to help members reach their goals.
These are just two of the products and services that are available to HOPE members, including former ASCU members who are now part of the HOPE system. HOPE is working diligently to fully integrate all operations of both credit unions, with the process scheduled for completion by the end of 2009.
Membership in Hope Community Credit Union does not require employment with any specific company or institution, but is open to the public. Individuals who are interested in becoming members of HOPE may visit one of the now eleven branches serving Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana communities, or by calling 1-866-321-HOPE.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      Contact: Scot Slay
Date: June 29, 2009                             Phone: (601) 944-4175
Email: sslay@ecd.org

Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Makes $250,000 Deposit in HOPE
Foundation Seizes Opportunity to Grow Funds and Support Community Development

(Jackson, MS)– As part of its continuing commitment to move the needle from poverty to prosperity for Arkansans, The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation has approved a $250,000 deposit into Hope Community Credit Union (HOPE).

For the past 15 years, HOPE and its nonprofit sponsor, Enterprise Corporation of the Delta (ECD), have provided entrepreneurs, small businesses, homeowners, and working families in economically distressed Arkansas communities with access to affordable financial services and related technical assistance.

“Increasingly, individuals and institutions are investing in socially responsible financial institutions, like HOPE, that generate both financial and community development returns,” said Dr. Sherece West, president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

“Investing in HOPE is a responsible way to complement our ‘Moving the Needle’ strategy, designed to help close the economic and educational gaps that leave too many Arkansas families in persistent poverty.  The board is committed to moving low-income Arkansans from poverty to prosperity and knows that HOPE will put our money to work supporting affordable housing, business development, and other services in distressed areas.  At the same time, our funds are safe and  earning market interest rates.”

Mission-related investing allows private foundations to use a greater portion of their assets to achieve their charitable purposes.  HOPE will use the deposit to increase its provision of commercial loans, mortgages, and consumer financial services to low-wealth people and communities.  HOPE and ECD have offices in College Station and West Memphis, as well as loan production offices in Forrest City, Little Rock, and Stuttgart.

“For decades, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation has been at the forefront of developing Arkansas communities,” said HOPE CEO Bill Bynum.  “Not only will this deposit enable us to help more Arkansans weather this economic crisis, but we hope others will follow the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation’s lead and consider how they, too, can invest in making our communities stronger.”

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Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Makes $250,000 Deposit in HOPE - Page Two

Since 1994, HOPE and ECD have generated over $1 billion in financing for entrepreneurs, homebuyers and community development projects, benefiting more than 70,000 individuals in distressed communities throughout the Mid South.

For more information about making a safe, socially responsible investment in the community, visit www.hopecu.org or call Crystal Gray at 1-866-321-HOPE.

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About ECD/HOPE
ECD/HOPE (Enterprise Corporation of the Delta/Hope Community Credit Union) is a regional financial institution, intermediary and policy center dedicated to strengthening communities, building assets and improving lives in economically distressed areas in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.  ECD/HOPE provides affordable financial products and related services; leverages private, public and philanthropic resources; and engages in policy analysis for the purpose of addressing development hurdles facing low-wealth people and communities. For more information visit www.hopecu.org or www.ecd.org.

About the WINTHROP ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION
Since 1974, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation has supported programs and organizations that improve the quality of life for all Arkansans and that promote systemic change. In committing itself to this mission, the Foundation continues the progressive, cutting-edge visionary work that Governor Rockefeller undertook in his personal life and philanthropy.  During the past 34 years, the Foundation has awarded over $123 million in grants.  For more information on the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, go to www.wrfoundation.org.

Photo Available Upon Request

For Immediate Release. For additional information call 601-359-3300.

An obviously frustrated and grim-faced Speaker Billy McCoy on Thursday said he hopes the Senate playbook includes a “Hail Mary” because the House is “at the end of its rope” in trying to reach an agreement over the state’s 2010 $5 billion budget.
“While House negotiators have compromised and totally abandoned positions in order to accommodate what were believed to be requirements to avert a state shutdown, Senate leaders simply move the ‘target’ as they apparently await instructions from Governor Barbour,” Speaker McCoy said. “They asked for $60 million to be set aside for the 2011 election year appropriations. We found extra money to do that, even though the state has more than $300 million already in the ’rainy day’ fund and other reserves. Governor Barbour wants $90 million in new taxes on Mississippi hospitals. While the House prefers no tax on the ‘sick and dying’, we have agreed to a $57 million levy. What more can we do?
“Apparently Governor Barbour has his eye on Iowa, New Hampshire and a Republican strategy on the national level,” the Speaker added. “He obviously is not responding to the people of Mississippi who elected him. The Senate says the Governor is not manipulating their decision. Why do they ‘dilly dally’ with nit- picking items cloaked in political philosophy until he’s back at the Capitol?”
When asked about what happens such as agencies like the Mississippi Department of Transportation who have sent notices to terminate construction contracts on June 30 if no budget agreement is reached, McCoy said, “We’re in uncharted waters. Who knows?”
Potential personnel furloughs could mean that “retirement wire transfers and employee checks” on and after July 1 could be delayed, McCoy said.

Contact: Speaker McCoy at 601-359-3300

Contact:    WEEK OF JUNE 22, 2009

Mara Hartmann
601-969-2520 (office)
601-594-9042 (cell)
mhartma@entergy.com

Entergy Mississippi, Low-Income Advocates Tackle Poverty at 10th Annual Summit
Stimulus funding an opportunity to change poverty situation in state

Jackson, Miss. – More than 200 low-income champs from across the state are in Jackson this week to tackle challenges facing Mississippi’s poorest residents.
The advocates are attending the 2009 Annual Partnership Conference sponsored by Mississippi Association of Community Action Agencies and Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
The conference runs June 23-25 at the Jackson Marriott. The opening session is a forum on poverty.
“Chief among the topics we’ll target is ‘How can the federal economic stimulus funding change the poverty situation in Mississippi?’”, said Liz Brister, manager of external affairs for Entergy Mississippi, Inc. “The causes of poverty can be defeated when we all get involved and focused on solving the problem. That’s what Entergy and our low-income partners are committed to doing.”
Mississippi has received about half of a $50 million appropriation from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to weatherize low-income housing this year. The state also received a record $43 million in LIHEAP dollars to help Mississippi families pay their utility bills. LIHEAP stands for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
“Research has shown that financial and weatherization assistance for low-income and working poor people creates jobs and stimulates economic development,” said Willie Martin, MACAA executive director. “This investment in our state will save money for hardworking families, elderly and disabled Mississippians, and others who desperately need help in these trying times.”
This is the tenth year of the Summit, created by Entergy in 1999 as a forum for low-income experts and advocates to identify options for helping the poor. Almost one-quarter of all households served by Entergy have incomes below the poverty level. Over the past 10 years, Entergy has mounted an intensive campaign to improve the lives of these customers. Major initiatives include:
•    A significant increase of LIHEAP funds from $16 million to $43 million last year due in part to the company’s advocacy efforts. Entergy Mississippi has lobbied extensively for LIHEAP funding for warm weather states over the past decade.
•    Establishment of the Power to Care fund administered by The Salvation Army to provide bill payment assistance to the elderly and disabled. Entergy Mississippi’s employers and customers donate to the fund and company shareholders match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000. In 2008, more than 5,000 families were assisted with Power to Care funds.
•    Entergy grants to nonprofit organizations totaled $1.1 million last year and supported 515 programs. Entergy employees volunteered thousands of hours of their time to support community-building efforts.
A low-income progress report will be given during the conference and can be accessed at http://tinyurl.com/nk6j2c .
“From last summer’s high natural gas prices through the current economic downturn, every day brings another example of why communities must work together to address the difficult issues so many of our fellow Mississippians face,” said Gloria Johnson, director of customer service for Entergy Mississippi, Inc. “We’ve made progress these past 10 years, but now is the time to step-up—not stop—our efforts.
“We’ll continue to work tirelessly to assist our low-income customers so all Mississippians can realize a more promising and productive future.”
Entergy Mississippi, Inc. provides electricity to more than 433,000 customers in 45 counties. It is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
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Entergy Mississippi’s online address is entergy-mississippi.com.

Mississippi Poultry Association, Inc. 601.932.7560 * Fax 601.932.7568 110 Airport Road, Suite C
Pearl, Mississippi 39208
E-Mail: mpaoffice@bellsouth.net

Dear Editor:

It is important that the U.S. continue to have a robust debate on global warming and climate change. While there are those that emphatically believe that man-made carbon emissions result in a warming of the atmosphere, there are other scientists who seriously question the science or lack of science behind such claims. The point of my letter is to state clearly that “cap and trade” legislation now pending in the Congress is not the answer. This half-baked scheme would wreck our economy, put millions of Americans out of work and leave untouched foreign countries that are not subject to cap and trade regulations but continue to pump greenhouse gases into the air at an ever accelerating rate.

If you are unsure about cap and trade, or would just like to hear from two economists, take a look at the April 8 edition of the online magazine, American Thinker. It contains an article by economists Raymond and Howard Richman that details the damage cap and trade could do.

Mississippi’s poultry industry, our state’s largest agricultural commodity, depends on affordable, reliable energy. In research conducted by the National Association of Manufacturers and the American Council for Capital Formation, Mississippi would stand to lose a substantial number of jobs and see the cost of energy rise dramatically from now to 2030. The increases in energy costs caused by the provisions of pending legislation represent a monumental tax increase on business and industry, and especially Mississippi consumers who would pay more at the pump for gasoline and more at home for electricity. Further, higher energy prices, fewer jobs and the loss of industrial production would seriously impede economic growth in our State.

I’m very appreciative of the stand Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker and have taken on this issue. They helped defeat the recent procedural vote that would have slipped cap and trade in through the backdoor of the Senate. If there were ever legislation that needed thorough scrutiny and debate, cap and trade is it.

Sincerely,

Mark Leggett
President,
Mississippi Poultry Association

GUEST OPINION COLUMN

By Michael Van Wagenen
Vice President
Grenada Railway, LLC
Natchez Railway, LLC

Grenada Railway, LLC & Natchez Railway, LLC are very pleased to be new members of Mississippi’s railroad & transportation communities. Our recent acquisition of the Grenada Branch Line, Water Valley Branch Line & the Natchez Branch Line from CN, upon approval by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, will add great benefit to the communities and customers up-and-down these Lines, the state’s shortline & Class 1 railroads, and economic development prospects for Mississippi. We are thrilled to be a part of this state’s business community.

Our acquisition of roughly 300 track miles from Southaven to north of Canton and Natchez to Brookhaven will make these railroads one of the largest shortline operators in Mississippi and we believe the shared business experiences with our affiliate carrier in Kansas and Colorado, V & S Railway, will add value to our successful operations in the Magnolia State.

First, let us put everyone at ease & dispel some misconceptions about Grenada Railway & Natchez Railway. These railroad companies are not subsidiaries of A&K Railroad Materials, Inc., the nation’s leading supplier of new and used materials to shortline railroads. These railroad companies do share common ownership with A&K, but each are separate & independent business units. Our intent in purchasing these Lines from CN is not to abandon these Lines and salvage the rail & other materials, but rather we plan to do the exact opposite. We understand the importance of the Lines and good freight rail service to these communities and we intend to turn each Line into profitable and healthy railroads for many years to come.

To the businesses on these Lines: we look forward to doing continued business with our existing customers. As a shortline operator we believe you will be pleased with our service in meeting your transportation needs. We also look forward to reaching out to existing and new businesses on these Lines who utilize some other means of transporting freight to domestic and international markets. Grenada Railway & Natchez Railway want your business and we will work with you to create a customized and efficient plan for carrying your goods to any point in North America.

To local government and economic development officials along the Lines: we hope to build strong, long-lasting relationships with each of you in the coming weeks. We stand ready to be a key part of your community’s transportation infrastructure. We understand good freight rail service is important to economic development and job retention/creation efforts and we want to be partners in achieving these outcomes. We met with many local and state officials earlier this month on our business goals in Mississippi and we believe there is strong and unified support for making these Lines viable and healthy. We are thankful that Mississippi has a pro-business orientation and the leadership to help industries grow. We are very pleased to be doing business in a state such as Mississippi.

Thank you for giving us an opportunity to introduce ourselves to you and your community. We plan to be a long-lasting fixture in Mississippi as we work with all public and private organizations to improve business opportunities for our brand new neighbors.

June 9 2009

Contact:
Louie Miller 601-624-3503

The Mississippi Public Service Commission (MPSC) ruled Friday that Ms. Power Company (MPCO) proposed Kemper County IGCC Lignite Coal plant will not get “fast tracked” as demanded by the MPCO attorneys. “We welcome and applaud the action of the MPSC commissioners”; stated Louie Miller; State Director of the Sierra Club in Mississippi. “The MPSC has once again proven that there is a new sheriff in town and it is not business as usual. The Commissioners take very seriously their role in protecting the public’s pocketbook while providing reliable and affordable electricity.”

The Sierra Club strongly feels that this MPSC investigation into this proposal will reveal that this risky unproven technology; Integrated Gas Combined Cycle (IGCC) will without doubt prove to be the most expensive and dirty way to generate electric power hands down. On a per megawatt basis IGCC is not even in the ballpark of being cost effective. This $2.5 billion dollar boondoggle proposal was being rushed by MPCO so as to avoid the scrutiny it deserves. Obviously there are numerous options to be considered before the State of Mississippi goes down the path of saddling rate payers for decades to come with billions of dollars of debt.

The only conceivable reason for such a costly proposal is to enrich MPCO and its stockholders at the Mississippi rate payers expense. Unlike other business MPCO and Entergy/MS are guaranteed up to a 12% rate of return on every dollar they spend; therefore the more they spend the more they make. Currently’ there is almost 3 times the peak demand of power for the entire state of Mississippi in clean natural gas; built and sitting idle. Why?

The Commission stated as part of its order that these other energy options should be given serious consideration along with Energy Efficiency and other important steps to move Mississippi toward a clean, affordable energy future; rather than repeating the mistakes of the past.

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Contact: Scot Slay
Office: (601) 944-4175
Email: sslay@ecd.org

HOPE Honored with Trailblazer Award for Outstanding Service to the Underserved
Expanding Economic Opportunity within the Nation’s Most Distressed Region

Jackson, MS – Hope Community Credit Union (HOPE) is the 2009 recipient of Credit Union Times’ Outstanding Service to the Underserved award. The award is given each year during a special reception held in Washington, D.C. The Outstanding Service to the Underserved award recognizes HOPE’s continual efforts over the last 15 years to make affordable financial products and services available within communities that have the greatest need, and in particular its innovative partnership with the Enterprise Corporation of the Delta.

With a service area that encompasses America’s most endemic poverty, HOPE has become a national leader in deploying financial services in distressed markets. During recent years, HOPE has been one of the nation’s fasting growing credit unions, in terms of both membership and assets. Much of this growth occurred as a result of HOPE’s innovative efforts to assist with recovery and building on the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.

Today, what began as a small church project in 1995 has become a regional community development financial institution with $120 million in assets, 27,000 members and 11 full-service branches dedicated to strengthening communities, building assets and improving lives across the Mid South.

HOPE and its nonprofit sponsor, Enterprise Corporation of the Delta, have partnered with private industry, public agencies, community organizations and others to assist more than 60,000 individuals and generate over $1 billion in financing for entrepreneurs, homebuyers and community development projects across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

“We are greatly honored to receive this award,” said Bill Bynum, chief executive officer of HOPE. “It affirms that our work is making a difference and motivates us to do even more.”

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For further information, contact:

Publicity: Benny Gay (334) 428-2342, Ext. 23
Registration: Carolyn Davis (334) 222-5830

ANDALUSIA, AL – The 34th annual World Championship Domino Tournament is set for July 10 - 11 in Andalusia. Hundreds of players are expected to compete for the title of world champion. The tournament, sponsored by the Andalusia Rotary Club, is held at the Kiwanis Fair Complex and promotes the game of dominoes among people of all ages.

“People from throughout the country and abroad are attracted to our tournament not only because of the competition and prize money, but because they know this is a charity event,” said Andalusia Rotary President Benny Gay. “Over the years this event has enabled Andalusia Rotarians to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to local, state and worldwide causes,” Gay said.

The World Championship Domino Tournament began in 1976 as a Bicentennial project, but has grown to be one of the premiere domino tournaments in the United States. Last year over 300 participants competed for trophies and cash totaling more than $20,000.

This year’s events begin on Friday, July 10 with the singles tournament starting at 8:00 AM followed by a singles round robin at 1:00 PM. The $15,000 Fantastic Domino Sweepstakes drawing will also begin at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, July 11, the doubles tournament starts at 8:00 AM followed by doubles round robin at 1:00 PM. Finals in adult singles and doubles begin at 7:00 PM with event awards presented at 9:00 PM.

Registration by June 30 is $30 for adults, $15 for teens, and $10 for children. On or after July 1, adult registration will be $40, teens $20, and children $15. For further information and entry forms, contact the Andalusia Rotary Club at P.O. Box 276, Andalusia, Alabama 36420 or call Carolyn Davis at (334) 222-5830. Visit our website www.worlddomino.com.

Date:
June 1, 2009

For Release:
Immediately

Contact:
Ann Becker
601-368-5014 (office)
601-497-4979 (cell)
abecker@entergy.com

Grand Gulf Earns Top Safety Ratings
Annual assessment confirms company’s commitment to public health and safety.

Port Gibson, Miss. – Officials say that a top safety rating from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reflects Grand Gulf Nuclear Station’s 24-year history of safe operation.
In an annual assessment, the nuclear site received overall top safety ratings from the commission for its performance during 2008. Results of the review were announced recently at the commission’s public meeting in Port Gibson, where Grand Gulf is located.
“Grand Gulf has been and will continue to be safe and operate in the best interest of the public,” said Randy Douet, vice president of operations for Grand Gulf. “We are pleased that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s report confirms our commitment to a strong safety culture, and we also recognize that safe operation requires constant vigilance and self-critical attitudes.”
Following a color-coded rating system, the commission assessed plant performance at quarterly intervals and rated Grand Gulf’s overall performance “green,” which reflects the highest level of safety.
The assessment measures performance indicators in key areas of plant operation and includes detailed inspection results for reactor safety, radiation safety, emergency preparedness and security. Inspection results are assessed to provide a comprehensive picture of facility performance.
Annually, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducts more than 2,000 hours of baseline inspections at Grand Gulf, including daily, unannounced resident inspector activities and periodic regional team inspections.
“For more than two decades, the employees of Grand Gulf have demonstrated the highest standards of safe operations while providing customers with clean, reliable and affordable energy,” Douet said. “Our goal is to continue building on that solid foundation while always striving to improve performance.”
Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $13 billion and approximately 14,300 employees.

Entergy Nuclear’s online address is www.entergy-nuclear.com