Mississippi Prospects

Special Guest: Jon Maynard, President and CEO of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation Description: A common saying in economic development is that community development precedes economic development. In other words, you can’t have economic development occur unless the community is successful. Our special guest, Jon Maynard, will make a strong case that community development IS economic development Host: Jeff Rent Studio: Podastery Studios (twitter.com/Podastery) - http://podastery.com Learn More: MEDC - http://medc.ms/

Special Guest: Keith Turner, Member, Watkins & Eager Description: A top factor in the site selection process is the availability of sites for development. Navigating the development process can be challenging in any state. Learn more on how to prep your site from our guest, Keith Turner, leader of the Environmental Practice Group at Watkins & Eager. Host: Jeff Rent Studio: Podastery Studios (twitter.com/Podastery) - http://podastery.com Learn More: MEDC - http://medc.ms/

Special Guest: Glenn McCullough, Executive Director, MS Development Authority Description: Mississippi’s Governor Phil Bryant likes to say that, “Economic development is a team sport.” What this means is that by working together Mississippi is able to punch above its weight. In economic development, the state recently won the Continental Tire deal. $1.45 billion-dollar investment that will create 2,500 jobs. States across the country competed for this project. Collaboration, and that is where Mississippi excels, was one of the deciding factors and why Mississippi is a top competitor in economic development. Host: Jeff Rent, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Jackson Alliance Studio: Podastery Studios (twitter.com/Podastery) - http://podastery.com Learn More: MEDC - http://medc.ms/

Special Guest: Lara Bowman, Executive Director, The Enterprise Description: Disruption or disrupt, if you look in the dictionary a number of different definitions come up. Some of the more common ones; to cause disorder or turmoil; to destroy, usually temporarily; to break apart, but in business this is one of the new buzzwords. To radically change an industry, business, strategy, etc. by introducing a new product or service that creates a new market. Host: Jeff Rent Studio: Podastery Studios (twitter.com/Podastery) - http://podastery.com Learn More: MEDC - http://medc.ms/

Special Guest: Trey Hess & Annie Mcilwain of PPM Consultants Description: Environmental 101: Brownfield redevelopment, regulatory compliance, and what economic developers need to know before proceeding with the acquisition and development of a property. Host: Jeff Rent Studio: Podastery Studios (twitter.com/Podastery) - http://podastery.com Learn More: MEDC - http://medc.ms/

Special Guest: Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner, Economic Leadership Description: Mississippi has a complex, diverse and rich history. It is the birthplace of America’s music. Home to musical greats like Robert Johnson, Jimmie Rogers and even Elvis Presley. Beyond the states musical heritage, Mississippi has helped shape modern economic development and corporate recruitment, going back as far as 1929 when Columbia, Mississippi Mayor Hugh White help launched the Balance Agriculture with Industry Act, which was adopted in the 1930s. Today, national trends will play an important role in shaping Mississippi’s future in economic development.

Special Guest: Ron Kitchens, CEO, Southwest Partnership and Consultant Connect Description: Teamwork is what wins in economic development. Collaboration between local, community, regional and even state level partners is critical. If you can’t work together your results will be less than desirable. But remember, projects begin and end locally. Host: Jeff Rent Studio: Podastery Studios (twitter.com/Podastery) - http://podastery.com Learn More: MEDC - http://medc.ms/

Special Guest: David Rumbarger, President and CEO, Community Development Foundation Description: Leadership is defined as one person inspiring another person to take a positive action. It can be an elected official, corporate leader, or even your manager, community leader of some sort; how about a parent or your personal mentor? Effective leadership is one of the most important factors in any successful community. Host: Jeff Rent Studio: Podastery Studios (twitter.com/Podastery) - http://podastery.com Learn More: MEDC - http://medc.ms/

Welcome to Mississippi Prospects, a podcast series from the Mississippi Economic Development Council