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Forward-thinking power companies transform “disruptions” into opportunities

Becky Gillette — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:42:51 +0000

The Edison Electric Institute has warned that “disruptive challenges” caused by recent technological and economic changes could result in considerable impacts to the electric utility industry. But forward-thinking power companies will be able to transform ‘disruptions’ into opportunities that will result in earning a reasonable rate of return, said Steven Scheurich, vice president of service [...]

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Internet connectivity is up in rural areas but need is still there

Lynn Lofton — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:50:43 +0000

Internet connectivity is spreading through rural Mississippi but there is still work to be done. Internet access needs can vary widely and adoption of this connectivity still remains a hurdle, say groups working on these challenges. The governor’s office and the Mississippi Broadband Connect Coalition could not give a figure for the percentage of the [...]

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How to benefit from modest estate planning

Becky Gillette — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:34:37 +0000

While only the wealthiest individuals need to invest in “Cadillac” estate planning for the purpose of minimizing estate taxes, many others can benefit from estate planning more on an economy car level. People who need estate planning that might include complicated trusts are those with assets in excess of $5.25 million for an individual or [...]

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Bank vaults have changed with the times but are still tough

Lisa Monti — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:29:27 +0000

The old Hollywood stereotype of a bank vault filled with stacks of cash protected behind a massive door is mostly going by the wayside. Instead of keeping large cash inventories in one place, banks spread the money around to branches or wherever else customers need it. That reduces risk and the cost of maintaining a [...]

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Quick-growth environment

Wally Northway — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:04:35 +0000

FC&E becomes national player in less than decade BRANDON — It has been a quick trip for Ken Faulkner, P.E., from his kitchen table to leading a full-service environmental engineering firm with clients all over the U.S. “It has all happened so fast,” said Faulkner, founder and principal engineer at FC&E Engineering, LLC. “And, we’re [...]

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State’s creative economy employs 64,000 people

Lynn Lofton — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:19:09 +0000

Officials looking to add to sector Although creativity has abounded in Mississippi as long as anyone can remember, the concept of treating that creative force as part of the state’s economic development has been around only a few years. Discussions began in 2009 between the Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Arts Commission. The two [...]

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Waller makes MEC go

Lisa Monti — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:12:35 +0000

Former journalist carves out new, successful career at the MEC Making the career transition from journalism to economic development turned out to be not that much of a stretch, says Scott Waller, senior vice president of public affairs for the Mississippi Economic Council, the state chamber of commerce. It’s all about building relationships, he said. [...]

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Certified Retirement Communities program has big impact on economy and social fabric of the state

Becky Gillette — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:59:44 +0000

Marcia A. Crawford and her recently retired husband moved from Nevada to the Mississippi Gulf Coast 10 months prior to Hurricane Katrina after conducting an extensive search for a home for their retirement. The couple has been very pleased with the small, streamside cottage on an acre of wooded land they purchased, and Crawford now [...]

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TROTTER: Spenders and savers are linked by asset conservation

Ike Trotter — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:44:18 +0000

For this article, we will discuss those areas of estate and financial planning for the age group I will refer as “age 50 and older.” Obviously, we’re dealing with a wide age span for people in this group that pairs those of the World War II generation along with the Baby Boomer generation that followed [...]

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Organization keeps planners, advisers up to date on regulatory changes

Lynn Lofton — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:41:27 +0000

Keeping members up to date with changes that affect their profession is a large part of what the Mississippi Chapter of the Financial Planning Association does. Members and other professionals gathered recently to earn four hours of continuing education credits as they learned how changes in the regulatory landscape will affect them. More quarterly forums [...]

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