Fred Carl
Viking Range Corp.
President and Founder
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi is underrated in so many ways. I often call it "The Misunderstood State." We have a fantastic workforce with a great work ethic. Our community college system is widely regarded as one of the best in the nation and provides outstanding workforce training in everything from manufacturing skills to IT programs to the latest in engineering technology. Mississippians produce some of the world's most highly regarded and widely recognized products, everything from Viking ranges to Trinity luxury yachts to unmanned aerial vehicles to Eurocopter helicopters and Peavey speakers and amps."
"Mississippi's people are the best thing about our state. Mississippians come from a rich heritage of warm hospitality, great music, literature, sports, art and cultural diversity. Mississippians work hard, love their families and their country, and are generous and giving. One of the things we're most proud of is consistently ranking at the top nationally in per capita charitable giving. We're a poor state, but a generous state. That says a lot about our people."
For additional information:
Jane Crump
jcrump@vikingrange.com
662.451.4140
Viking Range Corp.
President and Founder
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi is underrated in so many ways. I often call it "The Misunderstood State." We have a fantastic workforce with a great work ethic. Our community college system is widely regarded as one of the best in the nation and provides outstanding workforce training in everything from manufacturing skills to IT programs to the latest in engineering technology. Mississippians produce some of the world's most highly regarded and widely recognized products, everything from Viking ranges to Trinity luxury yachts to unmanned aerial vehicles to Eurocopter helicopters and Peavey speakers and amps."
"Mississippi's people are the best thing about our state. Mississippians come from a rich heritage of warm hospitality, great music, literature, sports, art and cultural diversity. Mississippians work hard, love their families and their country, and are generous and giving. One of the things we're most proud of is consistently ranking at the top nationally in per capita charitable giving. We're a poor state, but a generous state. That says a lot about our people."
For additional information:
Jane Crump
jcrump@vikingrange.com
662.451.4140
Rose Flenorl
FedEx
Social Responsibility Manager
Recent Quotes:
"The best thing about Mississippi is the people. We are strong, we are proud, we are resilient. Everybody says hello; you are welcomed with a smile. It’s in the Mississippi DNA."
"Mississippi has been able to attract the country’s best and brightest students to our colleges and universities. We have produced leaders in business, education and government."
"My grandmother Lillie is in heaven bragging to the angels saying, "Did you read about my great-grandchild and namesake Lillie Flenorl? She was named to the Ole Miss Student Hall of Fame and was selected Greek Woman of Year. My grandmother could not attend Ole Miss, but her great-grandchild has tremendous choices and opportunities in Mississippi. I often think about my grandparents. They made many sacrifices along with countless others to make the Mississippi of today possible. We acknowledge our past, but we look forward to our future."
FedEx
Social Responsibility Manager
Recent Quotes:
"The best thing about Mississippi is the people. We are strong, we are proud, we are resilient. Everybody says hello; you are welcomed with a smile. It’s in the Mississippi DNA."
"Mississippi has been able to attract the country’s best and brightest students to our colleges and universities. We have produced leaders in business, education and government."
"My grandmother Lillie is in heaven bragging to the angels saying, "Did you read about my great-grandchild and namesake Lillie Flenorl? She was named to the Ole Miss Student Hall of Fame and was selected Greek Woman of Year. My grandmother could not attend Ole Miss, but her great-grandchild has tremendous choices and opportunities in Mississippi. I often think about my grandparents. They made many sacrifices along with countless others to make the Mississippi of today possible. We acknowledge our past, but we look forward to our future."
Dr. Hank M. Bounds
Mississippi Department of Education
Former State Superintendent
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi is a dynamic place that embraces change while maintaining the sense of tradition and family that has always been a hallmark of our state. While we are preparing our students to meet the challenges of living and working in the 21st century, we continue to focus on the core values that will ensure they are good employees, good citizens and strong leaders in the future. We have increased the rigor of the curriculum and assessment system so that our students are prepared to compete with anyone, from any state or nation, for the opportunities that will be available to them."
"We are making great strides in student achievement and are ahead of many other states in tackling the dropout issue. The Mississippi Board of Education has set three very bold goals for our state: to reduce the dropout rate to 13 percent by 2013, to reach the national average on national assessments by 2013 and to ensure that all students exit third grade reading on grade level by 2020. They have also identified strategies that will help us reach these goals including increasing the rigor of the curriculum and assessment system, increasing the quantity and quality of teachers and school leaders, and many others."
"In Mississippi, we put children first. When we held the dropout prevention summit for adults, we had over 2,000 leaders from across the state that came to Jackson for one purpose: to help students graduate so they can have a better life. Mississippi’s communities are filled with parents, community leaders and others who support the schools and work to help them achieve excellence and be the best they can be every day."
For additional information:
Caron Blanton, APR
cblanton@mde.k12.ms.us
601.359.3519
Mississippi Department of Education
Former State Superintendent
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi is a dynamic place that embraces change while maintaining the sense of tradition and family that has always been a hallmark of our state. While we are preparing our students to meet the challenges of living and working in the 21st century, we continue to focus on the core values that will ensure they are good employees, good citizens and strong leaders in the future. We have increased the rigor of the curriculum and assessment system so that our students are prepared to compete with anyone, from any state or nation, for the opportunities that will be available to them."
"We are making great strides in student achievement and are ahead of many other states in tackling the dropout issue. The Mississippi Board of Education has set three very bold goals for our state: to reduce the dropout rate to 13 percent by 2013, to reach the national average on national assessments by 2013 and to ensure that all students exit third grade reading on grade level by 2020. They have also identified strategies that will help us reach these goals including increasing the rigor of the curriculum and assessment system, increasing the quantity and quality of teachers and school leaders, and many others."
"In Mississippi, we put children first. When we held the dropout prevention summit for adults, we had over 2,000 leaders from across the state that came to Jackson for one purpose: to help students graduate so they can have a better life. Mississippi’s communities are filled with parents, community leaders and others who support the schools and work to help them achieve excellence and be the best they can be every day."
For additional information:
Caron Blanton, APR
cblanton@mde.k12.ms.us
601.359.3519
Dr. Beverly Hogan
Tougaloo College
President
Recent Quotes:
"I am a native Mississippian – one who has always loved this state even when the state might not have seemed to love me. It is my home. I have watched and participated in Mississippi's progress in all strata of her development. It is a beautiful state, demonstrated in the spirit of her people and her natural resources."
"Mississippi is a terrific place to live. Living here gives me a sense of belonging, purpose and community. Mississippi has a number of historic sites, cultural attractions, centers of entertainment and recreation, good business climate, great education and health care systems, diverse communities and global connections."
"Our people are our greatest assets. They are hospitable, friendly, caring, talented and smart."
Tougaloo College
President
Recent Quotes:
"I am a native Mississippian – one who has always loved this state even when the state might not have seemed to love me. It is my home. I have watched and participated in Mississippi's progress in all strata of her development. It is a beautiful state, demonstrated in the spirit of her people and her natural resources."
"Mississippi is a terrific place to live. Living here gives me a sense of belonging, purpose and community. Mississippi has a number of historic sites, cultural attractions, centers of entertainment and recreation, good business climate, great education and health care systems, diverse communities and global connections."
"Our people are our greatest assets. They are hospitable, friendly, caring, talented and smart."
Lex Taylor
Taylor Machine Works
President
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi hasn't changed. Our resources and capabilities available for economic growth for citizens is the best in the country with things like our water port access. Mississippi is much more upbeat today rather than five years ago. The legal environment has improved, specifically with tort reform. We have a leading edge with our medical and court systems. This continues to improve business in Mississippi and is a major contribution to our growth."
"We have great natural resources, genuine people who believe in a strong work ethic. We do what is needed to show we are a competitive workforce. We are a progressive state, with strong cultural attitudes with arts, sciences and industry."
"Certainly the people. Our junior college system provides entry-level economic prospective and offers great opportunities. We have some of the best university systems in the country and are our foundation of the future. Mississippi has a lower cost of living during this time of economic pressure."
For further information:
Lex Taylor: ltaylor@taylorbigred.com
Taylor Machine Works
President
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi hasn't changed. Our resources and capabilities available for economic growth for citizens is the best in the country with things like our water port access. Mississippi is much more upbeat today rather than five years ago. The legal environment has improved, specifically with tort reform. We have a leading edge with our medical and court systems. This continues to improve business in Mississippi and is a major contribution to our growth."
"We have great natural resources, genuine people who believe in a strong work ethic. We do what is needed to show we are a competitive workforce. We are a progressive state, with strong cultural attitudes with arts, sciences and industry."
"Certainly the people. Our junior college system provides entry-level economic prospective and offers great opportunities. We have some of the best university systems in the country and are our foundation of the future. Mississippi has a lower cost of living during this time of economic pressure."
For further information:
Lex Taylor: ltaylor@taylorbigred.com
Betsy Bradley
Mississippi Museum of Art
Director
Recent Quotes:
"With the escalating growth of the creative class, Mississippi is thriving today. We are seeing more and more people who choose to live in Mississippi because of the quality of life, the quantity and quality of cultural opportunities, and the rich relationships that build our communities. As our state has embraced technological advances while maintaining a sense of place and authenticity, Mississippi is uniquely positioned to attract the most interesting workers and the most exciting attractions of the future."
"Mississippi is a place which values relationships and authenticity. Its people are addressing global issues on individual and creative levels. Consider the social and economic issues in the music of B.B. King, the fiction of William Faulkner or the plays of Beth Henley. I've seen white women and black women get to know and respect each other through making quilts from different traditions together; and I've seen community choirs bring wealthy, poor, black, white, Asian and Hispanic people together to create rarely found harmony. Placing their relationships first enables Mississippians to surmount obstacles that limit the progress of many other places."
"Mississippians are strong, resourceful, and creative. Historical poverty and education levels have prevented our ability to import, in a large scale, cultures from other civilizations; and, thank goodness! While Mississippi is rapidly growing its economy and productivity, it is still a place where one can find music, literature and art created out of daily experience, but resulting in transcendence."
Mississippi Museum of Art
Director
Recent Quotes:
"With the escalating growth of the creative class, Mississippi is thriving today. We are seeing more and more people who choose to live in Mississippi because of the quality of life, the quantity and quality of cultural opportunities, and the rich relationships that build our communities. As our state has embraced technological advances while maintaining a sense of place and authenticity, Mississippi is uniquely positioned to attract the most interesting workers and the most exciting attractions of the future."
"Mississippi is a place which values relationships and authenticity. Its people are addressing global issues on individual and creative levels. Consider the social and economic issues in the music of B.B. King, the fiction of William Faulkner or the plays of Beth Henley. I've seen white women and black women get to know and respect each other through making quilts from different traditions together; and I've seen community choirs bring wealthy, poor, black, white, Asian and Hispanic people together to create rarely found harmony. Placing their relationships first enables Mississippians to surmount obstacles that limit the progress of many other places."
"Mississippians are strong, resourceful, and creative. Historical poverty and education levels have prevented our ability to import, in a large scale, cultures from other civilizations; and, thank goodness! While Mississippi is rapidly growing its economy and productivity, it is still a place where one can find music, literature and art created out of daily experience, but resulting in transcendence."
Malcolm White
Mississippi Arts Commission
Director
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi's greatest resource is our story: music, literature, Civil Rights, Civil War, art, food ways, sacred spaces and architecture. Cultural and Heritage Tourism is the future for Mississippi and we have an abundance of riches to share with the world. "
"We are also both blessed and burdened with many challenges that range from a soaring high school drop-out rate, obesity issues, low self-esteem, and we lead the nation, per capita, in residents who smoke. The blessing is that we can show the world how to overcome these obstacles through innovative education reform, creative economic development and workforce development through our community and junior college system."
"I think the most important thing for Mississippians to articulate is that we embrace ALL of our story...the good, the bad and the ugly. We need to take our remarkable tale and turn it into a compelling and passionate marketing blueprint that will encourage the world to come to Mississippi."
Mississippi Arts Commission
Director
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi's greatest resource is our story: music, literature, Civil Rights, Civil War, art, food ways, sacred spaces and architecture. Cultural and Heritage Tourism is the future for Mississippi and we have an abundance of riches to share with the world. "
"We are also both blessed and burdened with many challenges that range from a soaring high school drop-out rate, obesity issues, low self-esteem, and we lead the nation, per capita, in residents who smoke. The blessing is that we can show the world how to overcome these obstacles through innovative education reform, creative economic development and workforce development through our community and junior college system."
"I think the most important thing for Mississippians to articulate is that we embrace ALL of our story...the good, the bad and the ugly. We need to take our remarkable tale and turn it into a compelling and passionate marketing blueprint that will encourage the world to come to Mississippi."
Dorothy Moore
Farish Street Records of Mississippi
CEO
Recent Quotes:
"I chose to live in Mississippi where I was born because I believe it was and is the best place to raise my family. Most entertainers, like me, left Mississippi. I still call it home. When I work I go where my work is, like San Francisco or Italy. Then I come back home to live. I recorded all of my hits in Mississippi except my gospel."
"The one thing I'd want people outside the South to know about Mississippi is that we're not the old Mississippi. We've grown very much."
"The best thing about Mississippi is its people. The people are kind and humble and always lend a helping hand. Check out our record for giving to needy people."
For further information:
Marcia Weaver
Business Manager
ppinn@yahoo.com
Farish Street Records of Mississippi
CEO
Recent Quotes:
"I chose to live in Mississippi where I was born because I believe it was and is the best place to raise my family. Most entertainers, like me, left Mississippi. I still call it home. When I work I go where my work is, like San Francisco or Italy. Then I come back home to live. I recorded all of my hits in Mississippi except my gospel."
"The one thing I'd want people outside the South to know about Mississippi is that we're not the old Mississippi. We've grown very much."
"The best thing about Mississippi is its people. The people are kind and humble and always lend a helping hand. Check out our record for giving to needy people."
For further information:
Marcia Weaver
Business Manager
ppinn@yahoo.com
Leland Speed
Eastgroup Properties and Parkway Properties
Chairman of the Board
Recent Quotes:
"I'm optimistic! We have survived the exodus of low-skill, low-wage manufacturing jobs and have turned the corner with Toyota, Eurocopter, you name it. And the expansion of Mississippi as a distribution point, specifically in North Mississippi, has developed as the center of economic and social energy such as the Oxford area, Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Gulf Coast."
"We are truly open for business in every way. Come visit and give us an opportunity to make a new friend. Last weekend my wife and I entertained a couple from Montreal, Canada. We went to the opening of the new B.B. King Museum, a $15 million development in this small Mississippi town, to honor one of its sons. That moment really summed up the very best of Mississippi today. People of all backgrounds coming together for one of our own. It said it all."
For further information: 601-354-3555
Eastgroup Properties and Parkway Properties
Chairman of the Board
Recent Quotes:
"I'm optimistic! We have survived the exodus of low-skill, low-wage manufacturing jobs and have turned the corner with Toyota, Eurocopter, you name it. And the expansion of Mississippi as a distribution point, specifically in North Mississippi, has developed as the center of economic and social energy such as the Oxford area, Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Gulf Coast."
"We are truly open for business in every way. Come visit and give us an opportunity to make a new friend. Last weekend my wife and I entertained a couple from Montreal, Canada. We went to the opening of the new B.B. King Museum, a $15 million development in this small Mississippi town, to honor one of its sons. That moment really summed up the very best of Mississippi today. People of all backgrounds coming together for one of our own. It said it all."
For further information: 601-354-3555
Haley Fisackerly
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
President & CEO
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippians have always exhibited a spirit of solidarity, resiliency and strength born of hard work, but as we labor to rebuild our great state in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina – the worst natural disaster to ever strike our country – the storm has forged a unity among our people unlike anything that came before it. The effort and passion to rebuild and reshape our state is taking place not just on the coast, but all over Mississippi as we work to restore what has been lost and to achieve our dream of an ever brighter future."
"That future has been taking shape in recent years as Mississippi has moved beyond being on the short list for economic development projects to being the winner, as evidenced by the location of such industries as Nissan, SeverCorr, and most recently, Toyota."
"We are a state that is on the move, one that has made great progress in a number of areas and are leading in many more. We have a vision for the future and we are realizing that vision. We're not perfect and we have a lot of work to do, but we are making strides in racial progress and achieving value from the diversity that is within our multicultural population."
Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
President & CEO
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippians have always exhibited a spirit of solidarity, resiliency and strength born of hard work, but as we labor to rebuild our great state in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina – the worst natural disaster to ever strike our country – the storm has forged a unity among our people unlike anything that came before it. The effort and passion to rebuild and reshape our state is taking place not just on the coast, but all over Mississippi as we work to restore what has been lost and to achieve our dream of an ever brighter future."
"That future has been taking shape in recent years as Mississippi has moved beyond being on the short list for economic development projects to being the winner, as evidenced by the location of such industries as Nissan, SeverCorr, and most recently, Toyota."
"We are a state that is on the move, one that has made great progress in a number of areas and are leading in many more. We have a vision for the future and we are realizing that vision. We're not perfect and we have a lot of work to do, but we are making strides in racial progress and achieving value from the diversity that is within our multicultural population."
Bill Ray
BankPlus
CEO
Recent Quotes:
"We are fortunate to live in a state where people are so warm and giving. Mississippi leads the nation in per capita volunteerism and charitable giving. Our bank was born here nearly 100 years ago, so it's no wonder we're especially dedicated to community service. It's part of our heritage."
"I am very optimistic about the future of our state. We've seen tremendous growth in the last 10 years. Mississippi is a great place to work and live, so I'm sure we'll keep attracting world-class businesses like Nissan to our state for many years to come.""
"The people of Mississippi have a tremendous work ethic. We've been very successful attracting and retaining high-performance employees who are passionate about going the extra mile for our customers. Our employees are the key reason we continue to be one of the fastest growing banks in our region."
BankPlus
CEO
Recent Quotes:
"We are fortunate to live in a state where people are so warm and giving. Mississippi leads the nation in per capita volunteerism and charitable giving. Our bank was born here nearly 100 years ago, so it's no wonder we're especially dedicated to community service. It's part of our heritage."
"I am very optimistic about the future of our state. We've seen tremendous growth in the last 10 years. Mississippi is a great place to work and live, so I'm sure we'll keep attracting world-class businesses like Nissan to our state for many years to come.""
"The people of Mississippi have a tremendous work ethic. We've been very successful attracting and retaining high-performance employees who are passionate about going the extra mile for our customers. Our employees are the key reason we continue to be one of the fastest growing banks in our region."
William Winter
Former Mississippi Governor
Recent Quotes:
"The attractiveness of living in Mississippi is just now being fully appreciated by those of us who live here and is just being discovered by so many who do not. This is a state that is now more focused on the future rather than clinging to the memories of a conflicted past."
"The old stereotypes about race no longer apply. This state has made more progress in overcoming the racial animosities of the past than just about any other state."
"The best thing about Mississippi is the warm and personal relationships that exist among us. Because we are a state that is not so densely populated and we live in communities where we have the opportunity to know personally so many of our neighbors, we have been able to retain a high level of civility and collegiality in those relationships."
Former Mississippi Governor
Recent Quotes:
"The attractiveness of living in Mississippi is just now being fully appreciated by those of us who live here and is just being discovered by so many who do not. This is a state that is now more focused on the future rather than clinging to the memories of a conflicted past."
"The old stereotypes about race no longer apply. This state has made more progress in overcoming the racial animosities of the past than just about any other state."
"The best thing about Mississippi is the warm and personal relationships that exist among us. Because we are a state that is not so densely populated and we live in communities where we have the opportunity to know personally so many of our neighbors, we have been able to retain a high level of civility and collegiality in those relationships."
Deuce McAllister
Former New Orleans Saints Running Back
Mississippi Business Leader
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi has changed a lot and will continue to change. The economy is flat in many areas around the country but Mississippi is seeing continuous growth. Nationally, Mississippi is often mentioned in a negative connotation but it is a state that is thriving and continually growing."
"I want people outside of the South to see how much Mississippi has changed. You will always be able to reference Mississippi’s history – negative, positive, whatever it may be. The culture has changed. Mississippi has seen a tremendous amount of growth from a manufacturing perspective. Also, it’s important to note the influences that Mississippi has given the world through people like B.B. King. We’re proud to say he’s from Mississippi and this is what we’ve accomplished."
"We are a humble state. That is just how we are raised. Everyone in Mississippi is an individual. No one is too big or better than another regardless of color, race, gender, or spirituality. We are each still human, still people."
Former New Orleans Saints Running Back
Mississippi Business Leader
Recent Quotes:
"Mississippi has changed a lot and will continue to change. The economy is flat in many areas around the country but Mississippi is seeing continuous growth. Nationally, Mississippi is often mentioned in a negative connotation but it is a state that is thriving and continually growing."
"I want people outside of the South to see how much Mississippi has changed. You will always be able to reference Mississippi’s history – negative, positive, whatever it may be. The culture has changed. Mississippi has seen a tremendous amount of growth from a manufacturing perspective. Also, it’s important to note the influences that Mississippi has given the world through people like B.B. King. We’re proud to say he’s from Mississippi and this is what we’ve accomplished."
"We are a humble state. That is just how we are raised. Everyone in Mississippi is an individual. No one is too big or better than another regardless of color, race, gender, or spirituality. We are each still human, still people."
