Mississippi Prospects

Latest Episodes:

Accelerating Mississippi’s Workforce Offerings - Ryan Miller Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

Ryan Miller serves as the Executive Director for Accelerate Mississippi, formerly the Office of Workforce Development for the state of Mississippi. The office was created by law in 2020 to oversee and coordinate state workforce development efforts. The office is focused on being a resource and advocate for partners that believe in Mississippi’s people and want to see more opportunities for high paying careers. Find out more about Miller’s plans to accelerate workforce efforts in Mississippi.

How to Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace May 08, 2020

Show notes

Former Dotcom executive and author Seth Godin said, “In a crowded marketplace, fitting in is failure. In a busy marketplace, not standing out is the same as being invisible. Business and economic development leaders often look at successful communities and they try to emulate what that community did to become successful, instead of looking for ways to differentiate themselves from their neighbors. Here to talk about how to differentiate your community through storytelling is Tyler Raborn, CEO of full-service marketing firm Raborn Media LLC. At Raborn Media, Tyler has married creativity with cost efficiency to produce a return-on-investment centered culture. Through creative storytelling, he has helped a variety of organizations achieve their goals. Join us to learn more!

Opportunities in Opportunity Zones and New Market Tax Credits May 07, 2020

Show notes

Chances are if you’ve been involved in economic development and corporate recruitment during the last few years, you’ve heard discussions about opportunity zone funds or new market tax credits. Both of these programs are focused on investment and development in low-income communities across the country. While these programs may have similar goals, knowing which program may be the best option for you or your client often takes the guidance of an expert. Joining us in this episode is Certified Public Accountant Kathy Gelston, who is a financial analyst with VisionFirst Advisors. Kathy has nearly 30 years of executive-level, public sector experience, previously serving as the associate vice president of corporate engagement and economic development at Mississippi State University, and as chief financial officer for the Mississippi Development Authority, the state’s lead community and economic development agency. Join us to learn more!

Trendspotting in an Age of Accelerating Change May 05, 2020

Show notes

This quote was taken straight from a presentation by this episode’s special guest: “If you want to think like a futurist, stop marveling at What’s New and begin to think about What’s Next.” Here to talk about trends which are sure to affect Mississippi and our future in the next decade is Ted Abernathy. Ted is the managing partner of Economic Leadership LLC, a consultancy currently working in more than a dozen states to develop economic and workforce strategies. Ted has 35 years of experience in directing economic development and workforce development programs. Join us to learn more about trendspotting lifestyle and business trends with Mr. Abernathy.

Influencers: Inspiring the Actions of Others May 04, 2020

Show notes

When you hear the term influencer, it often conjures up the image of a young person on social media traveling through exotic and interesting places. Or, eating some delicious food photographed perfectly. However, our next guest is helping bring the term influencer back to its roots, meaning someone with the ability to inspire and guide the actions of others. With more than 20 years of experience in business, seven as a consultant, Cause Collaboration’s Erin Meadows has carefully watched and studied what makes organizations and the people in them succeed—and what makes them struggle—concluding that most successful organizations keep four key aspects in alignment: 1) Thoughtful strategy, 2) Clear, honest, effective communication, 3) intentional team-building, and 4) accountable leadership. With these four things in alignment, Erin believes any organization can succeed. Join us to learn more!

Workforce Development: Madison is Making it Happen Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

Special Guests: Danielle Winningham, Chief Operating Officer for the Madison County Economic Development Authority and Jan Collins, Executive Director of the Madison County Business League & Foundation Description: Workforce development is a top driver of site location decisions made by most companies today. During the recruitment process, economic development officials will be asked a couple of key questions: First, do you have the workforce to get the job done, and second, do you have a sustainable workforce development model to provide the talent pipeline? Madison County, Mississippi has embraced these challenges with their award-winning workforce development initiatives, which take a multi-pronged approach, incorporating educational partners in the private sector. Join us to learn more!

Changing the Narrative: An Innovative Workforce Initiative in the Mississippi Delta Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

Special Guest: Will Coppage, Executive Director for the Washington County Economic Alliance Description: Anyone who's spent time in Mississippi knows the state boasts many distinct regions, from the Gulf Coast to the Pine Belt, or even the Hills Region. But no other region evokes the vivid imagery of Mississippi more so than the Delta, best known for cotton and the state's most renowned export, The Blues. Once the heart of the state's agriculture-based economy, the Delta today is home to some of our state's most impoverished communities. Not willing to let this narrative persist, the Washington County Economic Alliance and several key partners have developed an innovative program for at-risk young people to provide them with access to educational and workforce training. Join us to learn more!

A Slice of the Economic Development Pie: Community & Commercial Development Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

Special Guest: Lindsay Ward, Economic Development Manager of the Workforce Development Division for the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District Description: When you hear people talking about economic development, what they're often speaking of is industrial development, which is only one piece of the true economic development pie. Another important piece of this pie is community and commercial development. Think of it as diversifying your investment portfolio. Joining us to talk about her award-winning commercial redevelopment program is Lindsay Ward, with the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, where she is the economic development manager for the Workforce Development Division. Join us to learn more!

The Process of Attracting, Recruiting and Developing Talent Oct 18, 2019

Show notes

Special Guest: Andre’ Kennebrew, Leadership Development Project Lead & Talent Acquisition Senior Manager, Chick-fil-A Corporate Description: Just as important as having a great site to attract a new company or helping an existing business expand is having the talent to get the job done. Talent attraction and retention continues to be a top factor in corporate site selection. Andre’ Kennebrew is well known for his unique ability to recruit, develop and retain top talent for Chick-fil-A. Andre’ serves up his process for recruiting and maintaining a productive and enthusiastic workforce.

Location Marketing - What You Are Getting Right Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

Special Guest: Deborah Mcgill-Smith, Vice-President - Industrial Brokerage & Consulting, Cushman & Wakefield | EGS Description: You’ve heard the saying many times before, “the most important thing in real estate is location, location, location!” Even though more commerce is being conducted electronically, location and location strategy still are important factors for any company. And for the local economic developer how you present this location option can be the difference between winning or losing a project. Deborah McGill-Smith shares her insight on effective site marketing.

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