Economic development, which is generally defined as the process of creating wealth in a community, continues to evolve. In this column we will discuss a bit of Mississippi economic development history, where it stands now and what the future might hold. PAST — The genesis of Mississippi’s formal economic development effort as we know it [...] [...]
As the end of the semester approaches I recall two questions that one of the smartest students I have ever had in my management class asked. I had just given my thoughts on what it takes to succeed in life. I opened the floor for questions or comments. The student asked these two questions: “How [...] [...]
The qualifying deadline for local elections in Mississippi has passed. On May 9 voters will go to the polls to select the political party nominees for mayors, alderpersons and councilmembers in most of the Magnolia State’s villages, towns and cities. It is time again to ask the question: Why do people run for public office? [...] [...]

by MBJ Staff Published: February 1,2013
Tags: Air Care, CWIP, Fighting Okra, healthy eating, helicopters, Mad Genius, Mary Hawkins Butler, Nancy Anderson, Phil Hardwick, Rick Cleveland, Super Bowl, Tulane University
>> FEAR THE OKRA Mad Genius ad campaign helps Delta State reintroduce the toughest vegetable in higher education— by Stephen McDill Also in this week’s paper: >> LEGISLATURE Move state offices to Capitol Complex — by Ted Carter >> SPORTS New kiosks make for a better visit at sports hall— by Frank Brown >> ENERGY [...] [...]
Having been in the field of economic development for more than 25 years I have seen many changes in the characteristics of those involved in the profession. One change in particular was that it seemed that those involved in economic development and chamber of commerce work were becoming more professional, or at least were coming [...] [...]
A new leader’s first task is to assess the organization and determine what needs to be done. It is often referred to as surveying the environment. Some organizations need the new leader to take the organization to the next level; some organizations need to be shut down. Although these ideas presented here are primarily directed [...] [...]
Tool helps put Hernando on map A journey of a thousand miles might begin with one step, but it is important to know in which direction to step. Asset mapping is one good way to help determine which way your community should begin the journey. It is an especially good tool for discovering things that [...] [...]
The residential real estate market is in a state of flux. Residential values are declining in some areas while moving slightly up in others. Foreclosed properties are at record levels in some cities. Investors have cash looking for a place to invest. They are told that investing in hard assets is a good idea and [...] [...]
by Phil Hardwick Published: November 27,2011
Tags: economic development, Forbes Magazine, Gov. Hugh White, Gov. Paul B. Johnson Sr., industrial development, manufacturing companies, Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Industrial Commission, Phil Hardwick
In the 1930’s Mississippi marketed itself to manufacturing companies to relocate or expand to the state in return for incentives to do so. Since then economic development in Mississippi has evolved into a comprehensive activity involving numerous government and nonprofit organizations whose purpose is to increase the wealth of the state and its communities and [...] [...]
The election is over and the robocalls have stopped. Well, at least the political robocalls have stopped. Those annoying, but effective, calls are just another example of how technology is influencing our lives, making businesses and other organizations more productive and having an effect on the unemployment rate. During the week before the recent election [...] [...]