MEC ANNUAL MEETING

Mississippi business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts met for MEC's 76th Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Jackson Convention Complex. Panels and speakers addressed critical workforce challenges and opportunities shaping Mississippi's economic landscape, including child care, talent retention, and workforce development.

Attendees learned more about Business Alignment 2026, the strategic initiative guiding the upcoming merger between MEC, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and the Business & Industry Political Education Committee. Leaders from each of the organizations–Scott Waller (MEC), John McKay (MMA), and Derek Easley (BIPEC)–sat down with Adam Hollingsworth of TSG Advisors to share the process, progress, and next steps for the merger.

The event also marked a transition in board leadership, with 2024-2025 Pat Thomasson passing the baton to John Hairston, who will serve as the 2025-2026 MEC Chair.

The event featured concurrent panel discussions and a plenary panel focused on key workforce development topics that direct impact Mississippi businesses. Panels and experts included:

Child Care: The Impact on Businesses & Their Employees

• Daisy Carter-Slater (Excel by 5)
• Ellen Friloux (North Mississippi Health Services)
• Elizabeth Harris (Mississippi Early Learning Alliance)
• Linda Southward (Children's Foundation of Mississippi)

Talent Retention: Why Business & Education Partnerships Matter

• Dr. Beth Little (Mississippi Community College Board)
• Pamela Maxwell (We Work the Waterways)
• Dr. Derek C. Read (Pascagoula Gautier School District)
• Dr. Susan Seal (Mississippi State University)

What Industries Need: The Importance of Attracting New Workers

• Wil Crawford (Forvis Mazars, LLP)
• Edward Johnson (Atmos Energy)
• Dr. Phyllis Johnson (Mississippi Board of Nursing)
• Gino Perkins (Nissan Motor Manufacturing)