MPA/MPS Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Missy Chain: 601-792-5196 / jeffdaviscountychamberofcommerce@yahoo.com

8th Annual Longleaf Trace Birthday Challenge Announced for Saturday, November 7, 2009

(Prentiss, MS) – Glad to have made it another year older? Then celebrate your age by exercising in the 8th Annual Longleaf Trace Birthday Challenge on Saturday, November 7 starting and ending in downtown Prentiss at the Gateway of the Longleaf Trace.

Participants are encouraged to cycle, skate, run, walk, or wheelchair one kilometer (.62 mile) or mile for each year of their age. Those planning to travel the entire round-trip distance of the Trace (82 miles) may begin at 6:00am with most participants beginning at 9:00am. Finish time for all should be at 3:00pm.

The course will be marked in kilometers with aid stations serving free energy snacks supplied by Southern Pine EPA and beverages from Coca-Cola.

This event was created in 2001 when Jimmy Moore of Crystal Springs challenged himself and successfully ran and biked his age of 80 in kilometers (49.6 miles). He began running, or trotting, as he calls it, at age 65 and went on to win an armload of medals for his participation in multiple races and marathons. The award-winning, must-see documentary of his life entitled “Mr. Jimmy’s Birthday Challenge” will be shown free each hour in the park during the event on Saturday.

In fact, participation in the entire event is free of charge. “We are promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging exercise,” said Lee McCall, event chairman. Local students may sign up to win one of two bicycles to be awarded at the end of the event (must be present to win). Food may be purchased for picnicking in the park. Event t-shirts will be for sale by the Jefferson Davis County Chamber of Commerce. All finishers will be presented with a medal to commemorate the event.
An entry form and release must be completed, and all cyclists and skaters must wear helmets and other protective gear.

Since no one seems to getting any younger, and the fall foliage could not be more beautiful on the Longleaf Trace, then there is absolutely no reason for everyone not to be involved in this great event. Visit www.longleaftrace.org for more information, and if you would like to volunteer or make a donation to offset costs of the event, contact Missy Chain at 601-792-5196.

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

Major Entergy Grant Launches Power Systems Lab at Jackson State University
Program will expand engineering pipeline for Mississippi industries

Jackson, Miss. – The future of engineering in Mississippi got a rocket boost today when Entergy and the Entergy Charitable Foundation announced a major financial award to Jackson State University.
The company gave a $400,000 gift that will establish the Entergy Power Systems Laboratory in the School of Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Technology. It will allow JSU to offer a power systems track in the engineering program. Entergy also made a surprise, additional $100,000 award that will provide scholarships to JSU engineering students.
“This is a strategic investment in the future work force of Mississippi to make our state more attractive for energy research, development and manufacturing,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and chief executive officer of Entergy Mississippi, Inc. “The students who graduate from this program will be an incredible resource not only for Entergy, but for businesses and industry throughout Mississippi.”
“We’re extremely thankful to Entergy for this generous grant to help us equip the Power Systems Laboratory in our new School of Engineering building,” said Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr., president of Jackson State University. “Entergy’s gift will have a lasting impact on our students as they prepare for challenging careers in the utility industry.”
The Power Systems Laboratory will let students conduct experiments in power simulation, power electronics, electrical machines and other subjects related to managing and modernizing the nation’s energy transmission systems. Students will also learn about electric grid infrastructure, energy conservation, renewable energy and large-scale smart grids.
“By putting in place local programs like this, we’re preparing area students for careers in a growing industry,” said Mike Kansler, president and chief executive officer of Entergy Nuclear. “Young Mississippians need to know that Entergy is a leader in the power industry, and that there are many opportunities for future careers right here a home.”
The availability of engineering graduates is especially critical for the utility industry, where a large percentage of the work force is nearing retirement. To guarantee a steady supply of qualified replacements, Entergy has increased efforts to renew interest in engineering-related fields and work with schools to expand degree programs.
Sponsorship of the JSU Power Systems Laboratory and funding of the scholarships is part of Entergy’s Destination Education initiative, which seeks innovative projects that develop critical thinking skills and enhance academic preparedness in math, science and technical fields.
“Engineering is definitely making a comeback,” said Randy Helmick, vice president of transmission for Entergy. “We believe the new program at Jackson State will attract today’s young minds to study electric power systems and provide a pipeline for future generations of engineers.”
So far, 2009 has been a busy year for Destination Education. Entergy recently announced a
$300,000 contribution to the Mississippi Building Blocks early education initiative and launched a nuclear energy curriculum program in state high schools called “Power Path to Nuclear” – the first program of its kind in the nation. Today’s grant is from Entergy Mississippi, Inc., Entergy Nuclear and Entergy’s transmission group.
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.

MAIN STREET BOOKS
210 Main Street – Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401

NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Diane Shepherd – 601.584.6960

MAIN STREET BOOKS IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HATTIESBURG ISSUES INVITATION FOR AUTHORS TO ATTEND ANNUAL BOOK SIGNING EVENT

Main Street Books in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg invites authors from throughout Mississippi to attend their 6th annual Author Extravanza. This annual event will be held on two dates this year. The traditional date of the first Monday in December (the 7th) will host the first 35 authors that commit to attend, with other authors signing on Saturday, December 12. Published writers wishing to attend should email or call Main Street Books with publisher contact information. Self published writers should email or call Main Street Books for book signing guidelines. Deadline to register is Monday, November 30.
Authors from other southern states are encouraged to participate.
There is no cost for an author to attend this event.
For more information about this event, email hattiesburgbooks@aol.com or call Main Street Books at 601.584.6960.

MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: Ed Sivak
October 20, 2009 Office: 601-944-4174
Cell: 601-672-2734
E-mail: esivak@ECD.org

Policy Conference to Address Economic Recovery for Working Families
JACKSON – Please join the Mississippi Economic Policy Center for a half-day conference, “Empowering Working Families in a Challenging Economy”. The conference will provide an in-depth look at the state’s current economic situation, discuss the impact of budget cuts on services for working families, and provide policy options to move Mississippi’s working families toward self-sufficiency.
Who: State Experts: the Mississippi Economic Policy Center, State Economist Phil Pepper, Gov. William Winter, Stennis Institute of Government, Mercy Housing.
Regional Experts: Southern Good Faith Fund (Arkansas)
National Experts: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Center for
Responsible Lending
What: Conference to discuss the following topics:
The direction of the Mississippi economy and how other states are navigating the recession;
Moving families towards self sufficiency;
Building and protecting wealth in working families.
When: Friday, October 23, 2009; 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Where: Jackson Downtown Marriott; 200 E. Amite Street
Why: Today’s economic situation provides an opportunity for conversation about
long-term economic stimulus and a balanced approach to state budgeting. This conference will provide information and resources to help elected officials and the public at-large develop strategies for long-term economic solutions for Mississippi’s working families.
All members of the media are invited to attend. The conference brochure is available online at www.mepconline.org.
For more information, please call Ed Sivak, Mississippi Economic Policy Center director, at 601-944-4174, or via e-mail at e.

MEDIA CONTACT:    ANALYSTS CONTACT:
Robert Lesley (601) 420-5021    Susan Giles (972) 855-3729

Will Likely Pay Lower Winter Heating Bills
Company offers ways to reduce energy use and lower bills

JACKSON, Miss. (October 16, 2009)—Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) said it expects that most of its natural gas utility customers will pay lower heating bills this coming winter compared to last winter.

“We forecast that the annual cost of the natural gas we buy for our customers across the 12 states where we operate will be 10 percent to 12 percent less, on average, compared to our gas costs for the past year,” said David Gates, president of Atmos Energy’s Mississippi Division.

Gates said that Atmos Energy does not make any profit on the natural gas it distributes to its utility customers. “When the costs we pay for natural gas go down, we pass on those fuel savings to our customers in their bills,” he said.

“Customers tell us that paying lower natural gas bills this winter is welcome news, considering the current economy and the pressures they feel on their household budgets,” Gates said. He said Atmos Energy is working closely with state energy officials and local energy assistance agencies to help its customers who are struggling because of the economy.

“The needs of some of our customers remain severe,” he said. “For instance, we referred about 50 percent more customers (some 20,000 people) last winter to energy assistance agencies to seek help paying their gas bills. Many of these customers this year may be able to take advantage of the additional federal energy-assistance dollars now available by calling us at 1-888-286-6700 to learn how to apply for energy assistance.”

Gates said the company’s own Sharing the Warmth program will donate more than $1 million to energy assistance agencies to aid low-income, elderly and disabled customers pay their natural gas bills. “During the worst part of the recession last year,” he said, “40,000 more Atmos Energy customers and employees signed up to contribute to our Sharing the Warmth program. We have many caring customers who are concerned about helping members of their community who need assistance.”

Atmos Energy customers unable to pay their natural gas bills should call the company before becoming delinquent, Gates emphasized. “By calling us to discuss a payment plan, we can work with them to help prevent a service disconnection and can help them find energy assistance that might be available,” he said.

“One of the easiest ways for any customer to manage winter gas bills is to sign up for our budget billing plan,” he said. Atmos Energy’s budget billing plan levels out a customer’s monthly bill payments over a rolling 12-month period.

“Our customer pays the same total amount he or she otherwise would. But, budget billing lowers the heating season’s highest bills, which average from $125 to $175 a month for most customers, down to about $80 a month. That can ease the pressure on a household’s budget.”

Gates said Atmos Energy’s Web site at www.atmosenergy.com\energytips offers many easy-to-use online tools and energy-savings tips to help homeowners conserve on energy use, evaluate choices for new appliances and understand the many factors that affect their monthly natural gas bills.

“Every fall, we also encourage our customers to call a licensed plumbing or heating contractor for a winter tuneup of their natural gas furnace and appliances. It’s a matter of safety, of course. But, servicing your appliances can also keep them operating efficiently to save costs,” he said.

About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural-gas-only distributor, serving over 3 million natural gas distribution customers in more than 1,600 communities in 12 states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy also provides natural gas marketing and procurement services to industrial, commercial and municipal customers primarily in the Midwest and Southeast and manages company-owned natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Atmos Energy is a Fortune 500 company. For more information, visit www.atmosenergy.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/1/09
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Hall, Executive Director
Mississippi Manufactured Housing Association
601.939.8820
FLOWOOD: Governor Haley Barbour has signed a proclamation naming October as
Manufactured Housing Month in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Manufactured Housing Association (MMHA) will be focusing on
educating people on the facts of the manufactured housing industry through their
campaign called “Real People, Real Homes, Real Stories.” Executive Director, Jennifer
Hall, stated, “ We are excited about interviewing manufactured home owners across the
state and hearing their stories of why they chose manufactured housing as their family’s
home. In today’s economy, more and more people are turning to manufactured homes to
meet their housing needs.”
According to the National Shipment Report, Mississippi ranks third in the nation for
Manufactured Housing Shipments for 2009. Over 192,749 families across the state of
Mississippi have chosen a manufactured home to achieve the dream of home ownership.
In honor of October month, MMHA will be hosting contests for manufactured home
owners and manufactured home sales centers. MMHA members will submit entries of
home owners along with their story for the state wide contest. Three winners will be
chosen, one from each retailers region, and each winner will receive a $1,000 check from
MMHA These homeowner winners will be featured in the “Real People, Real Homes,
Real Stories” MMHA media campaign. Prizes will also be awarded to the top sales
persons of MMHA as well as prizes for retailers who participate in the homeowner’s
contest.
President Ken Wilson, owner of Wheel Estate Homes of Tupelo said, “Highlighting
manufactured housing during the month of October each year gives us an opportunity to
get people to look at all the amenities that are now available in our homes. Manufactured
housing continues to provide workforce housing across Mississippi and quality,
affordable housing is needed in every community.”
“Many people haven’t stopped to look at our new homes, stated Hall, and we encourage
them to stop by a local sales center or they can also visit our website to learn more about
manufactured housing at www.msmmha.com.”

TravelFest 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2009

For additional information, contact:
Glenn McGehee, glenn@mcgeheecruise.com, 601-981-7070, ext 1743

McGehee Cruise & Vacation donates prize drawing proceeds to the
American Cancer Society at Mississippi’s largest Travel Event –
TravelFest 2009.

JACKSON, MS - McGehee Cruise & Vacation presents TravelFest 2009,
Mississippi’s largest travel event. This year’s event features 15
major cruise, vacation, and resort suppliers offering cruises and
vacations from around the world.

TravelFest 2009 begins Thursday, October 15 and continues through
Saturday October 17. Suppliers and agents will be available from
10:00 am to 7:00 pm each day in Northpark Mall’s Center Court.

There will be prize drawings and trip give-a-ways from resort stays to
T-Shirts and more. All proceeds from the prize drawings go to the
America Cancer Society.

This is your best opportunity of the year for great prices on last
minute Fall and Winter Specials and Early Booking Specials for 2010.
While at TravelFest 2009, book a cruise or a resort stay for over
$500 and as a bonus receive a $20 lunch certificate for Julep
Restaurant and a coupon for a week of tanning at Palm Beach Tan.

Enjoy special viewing events and live presentations on stage in center
court. Cruise and Vacation Companies will give short presentations
about new ships and resorts, and special discounts for last minute
travel and early booking discounts and special amenities for 2010
travel. Group, Meeting, and Incentive Travel Specialists will be on
hand to discuss your company or group’s travel plans.

Also, featured will be McGehee Cruise & Vacation’s Cruise Away Moms
Travel Career Program where you will learn how to make money and earn
great travel benefits selling cruises and vacation packages to groups
and individuals. It’s more than a career, it’s a lifestyle.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call McGehee Cruise & Vacation, Inc. at 601-981-7070. Visit
www.mcgeheecruise.com. Located in Highland Village since 1969.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2009
For additional information, contact:
Jennifer Wellhausen, jenniferswellhausen@gmail.com, 601-573-5816
Kelly Joyner, keljoyner@bellsouth.net , 601-954-7821

Merchants and Shoppers Gear up for 2009 Mistletoe Marketplace

JACKSON, MISS., — The Junior League of Jackson presents the 29th Mistletoe Marketplace, a magical 3-day shopping event and the official start of the holiday season. “Peace on Earth” is this year’s holiday theme for this regional favorite shopping event. Held at the Mississippi Trade Mart, Mistletoe Marketplace features more than 160 merchants and artisans and their most incredible, imaginative items for gift-giving.

General admission shopping begins at 11 a.m., Thursday, November 5th and continues through Saturday, November 7th at 5 p.m. In addition to the fabulous shopping, Mistletoe offers a host of special events, two “preferred shopping” brunches, and a “tween” and teen-tailored event. For more information and tickets, visit www.mistletoemarketplace.com.

General Shopping: Thursday, November 5 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday, November 6 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
A Sample of
Special Events: LUNCH AT TIFFANY’S!
Luncheon & Fashion Show with Featured Guest Jeanne Robertson-
Sponsored by Baptist Health Systems, The Clarion-Ledger, and CoatTails
Friday, November 6, 2009 • 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$50 per person* (limited)

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
For Tweens & Teens
Sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi
Friday, November 6, 2009 • 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
$20 per child or adult* (limited)
Parents are not required to attend.

PJs, PANCAKES AND WAFFLES, OH, MY!
Sponsored by Mangia Bene Catering
Saturday, November 7, 2009 • 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
$15 Child, $20 Adult* (limited)
Adult ticket is required if eating. Complimentary coffee will be served.
Adult must accompany child to event.

Santa will be on hand for photos, too! 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. for PJs ticket holders and 10 a.m. – noon for the public. $10 per photo. (Children must be accompanied by an adult) Sponsored by Bancroft Charitable &Educational Fund
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The Junior League of Jackson is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE October 6, 2009 Contact: Scott Coopwood
(662) 843-2700

New Sunday newspaper launches in Oxford, Miss.

On Sunday morning, October 4, a new weekly newspaper arrived on doorsteps and newsstands in Oxford and Lafayette County. Some 10,000 copies were distributed.

Called The Oxford Enterprise, the Sunday weekly newspaper was launched by publisher Scott Coopwood. Coopwood is the owner and founder of Delta Business Journal and Delta Magazine. Earlier this year, Coopwood launched The Cleveland Current, a Sunday weekly for Cleveland and Bolivar County.

The debut edition of The Oxford Enterprise was comprised of two sections, totaling 38 pages. “We are excited about our company launching another newspaper,” says Coopwood. “The Oxford Enterprise will be positioned as a pro-community newspaper for Oxford and Lafayette County. However, we’ll also be fearless in tackling the news that is relevant to the community.”

With a mix of features, news and editorials, The Oxford Enterprise tailors content unique to the Oxford community. In addition to local news, each issue contains colorful profiles and features in designated sections such as Lifestyles, Arts and Entertainment, Business and Sports, as well as a University section, devoted solely to campus news, and an Outdoors section, for enthusiasts of outdoor activities.

“The Oxford Enterprise will contain local news only,” notes Coopwood.

The staff of The Oxford Enterprise consists of:

Melissa Townsend, Executive Editor — Melissa is an Ole Miss graduate with a degree in journalism. She began her media career in Chicago, working in print, Internet and cable, and has been the editor of Delta Magazine since it launched in 2003.

Rick Hynum, Editor — a graduate of Delta State University, Rick is a veteran journalist with stints at the Delta Democrat Times, The Winona Times and The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Rick also served as senior vice president of publishing for Oxford Publishing; editor of Nightclub & Bar Magazine and the Ole Miss Alumni Review and science editor for the Ole Miss Office of Media and Public Relations.

Bill Rose, Editor-At-Large —Bill received his journalism degree from Ole Miss. He reported five years for the Delta Democrat Times in Greenville. He then spent 25 years with The Miami Herald, serving as the Atlanta bureau chief, urban affairs editor, deputy city editor, national editor and editor of the Sunday magazine, Tropic. Bill retired this summer after ten years as managing editor of The Palm Beach Post and moved to Oxford in August.

Sandra Knispel, Managing Editor — Sandra received a degree in politics and Russian studies from the University of Swansea (Wales) and a master’s in journalism from the University of Mississippi. She has worked across all media platforms: a print reporter at a weekly German-American newspaper in New York, German local dailies, Conceive Magazine, as multimedia editor for Bloomberg in Princeton, N.J., a senior television anchor for Bloomberg TV in London, and a radio reporter for Mississippi Public Broadcasting and National Public Radio. Last year, Sandra won a national Edward R. Murrow broadcast award for best hard news radio feature.

Ty G. Allushuski, Sports Editor — Ty received a journalism degree from Ole Miss. He has owned and published InsideTheGrove.com since December. Ty interned for The Birmingham News and USA Today. He has been published in Sports Illustrated On Campus, The Clarion-Ledger, The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, The Houston Chronicle, and others.

Joseph Williams, Senior Writer — Joseph studied at Belhaven College and the University of Mississippi School of Journalism. He was the assistant editor for Magazine Consulting and Research; senior editor for Samir Husni’s Guide to New Magazines, and features editor for Greater Tupelo magazine’s NEWMS 2009 Women’s Resource Guide. Joseph has also provided original content for numerous regional publications.

Cristen Hemmins, Advertising Director — Cristen received her undergraduate degree in Literature from Vanderbilt. She moved to Oxford in 1993 to get a master’s in Southern Studies from Ole Miss.

Home delivery subscriptions to The Oxford Enterprise are $32 for one year, $26 for six months. Mailed subscriptions beyond Lafayette County are also offered. There are 28 newsstand locations throughout Oxford and Lafayette County. The Oxford Enterprise is located at 307 West Jackson Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655.
For more information, visit www.theoxfordenterprise.com or 662-232-8650

For Immediate Release Contact:
October 5, 2009 Mike Cashion
Executive Director
601.608.0221

Two Mississippi Restaurant Companies Selected for Restaurant Neighbor Award
The Shed and McAlister’s Share Statewide Honors
The Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association is pleased to announce that The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint-Gulfport was the winning recipient of the Mississippi Restaurant Neighbor Award.
The National Restaurant Association and founding partner American Express developed the Restaurant Neighbor Award to raise awareness about the restaurant industry’s contributions in local communities across the country and to inspire other restaurant operators and owners to make even greater contributions in their communities. Nominations are accepted from each state and winners are determined by a panel of national experts.
In its first year of business, The Shed fed all of the teachers of Lizana Elementary School after the school caught fire before the first day of school. The restaurant also collected more than $1000 worth of toys for “Toys for Tots” and raised over $500 in cash for the South Mississippi Humane Society. Additionally, it raised $20,000 in one day for a local business woman who was incapacitated after a stroke and heart attack and provided meals for Kaboom! Foundation volunteers who built playgrounds throughout the area.
McAlister’s CEO, Phil Friedman was awarded Mississippi’s Cornerstone Humanitarian Award. As a founding board member of the Great American Dine Out, Phil Friedman mobilized the entire restaurant community to help this hunger relief program. He also raised more than $50,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital through Tea for Tots, an umbrella organization for McAlister’s charitable work. A Board member of the Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association, Friedman inspires staff and volunteers and has created several initiatives to raise money to help children.
“These two organizations represent all that is good about the restaurant industry,” states Mike Cashion CAE, Executive Director of the Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association. He adds, “In spite of the challenging economic conditions, these two businesses continue to support their communities by donating food, time and money to worthwhile causes.”
The restaurant industry is recognized as one of the most philanthropic business sectors in the state. Research indicates that nearly 9 out of 10 restaurants contribute to local charitable causes on a monthly basis.
The Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association is a non-profit association composed of food service operators, lodging properties, attractions, convenience stores, casinos, suppliers, manufacturers, and other professionals who realize the importance of working together for the good of our industry.