MEC ANNUAL MEETING

The Mississippi Economic Council’s Annual Meeting was held at the Jackson Convention Complex on April 20, 2023. The meeting brought MEC members together to focus on the best path for moving our state forward.

The Pulse: The meeting featured Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and a special recognition of Speaker of the House Philip Gunn.

Attendees received insight into the following:

Teamwork: Parallels between business and sports allow individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage on a common playing field. Featuring:

• Keith Carter, Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Mississippi
• Tomekia Reed, Women’s Basketball Coach, Jackson State University
• Jenny Hazelwood, Women’s Volleyball Coach, University of Southern Mississippi
• Wayne Madkin, Former Mississippi State University Quarterback, Customer Innovation, Entergy Services, LLC
• Moderators: Scott Waller, CEO MEC & Cathy Northington, COO MEC

Building a Strong Bench: How companies are preparing leaders for the future. Featuring:

• Mike Farrar, Training Director, W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company, 2010-2023
• Carmen Kyle, DeSoto County President, Bank3
• Paul A Lyon, LTC retired, MS National Guard Military and Family Readiness Specialist
• Moderator: Jeffrey T. Webster, JW3 Consulting Group

Increasing Educational Attainment: Degrees and credentials that prepare Mississippians for in-demand jobs.

• Dr. Nathan Oakley, Deputy Director for K-12 Innovation at Accelerate Mississippi
• Bradley Lum, Deputy Commissioner, Mississippi Department of Corrections/CEO, MDOC Works
• Bethanie Miller, Human Resources Manager, Western Container Corporation
• Moderator: Jean Massey, Executive Director Ascent to 55%

Childcare in Today’s Economy: Untapping the potential to grow our workforce today and in the future. Featuring:

• April May, Director of Coalitions and Programs, Mississippi Early Learning Alliance
• Chad Allgood, Director, Division of Early Childhood Care & Development · Mississippi Department of Human Services
• Tiffannie L. Hedin, Corporate Communications Manager, Toyota Motor North America
• Moderator: Linda Southward, Executive Director, The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi

The big picture: MEC leaders and state officials provided updates on how we are “Securing Mississippi’s Future.”