Mississippi Tourism Association presents awards to legislators
Greenville dealership to become Ceranti-Oakes

The Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA) presented their 2004 “Legislative Friends of Tourism” award to Representative Diane Peranich, Chairwoman of the House Tourism Committee (D-Pass Christian), and Senator Tommy Robertson, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee (R-Jackson), for their diligence and leadership in promoting and further developing film production in Miss. through the Miss. Film Incentives Act (MFIA).  The awards were presented at MTA’s annual Legislative Luncheon held Wed., Jan. 12 at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Jackson.

“Representative Peranich and Senator Robertson certainly deserve this recognition.  With their leadership the Mississippi Legislature passed the Act on its first year of introduction, a notable accomplishment,” said MTA President Walter Tipton of Natchez. “This legislation will allow us to be very competitive with other states and countries in terms of luring this lucrative business to Mississippi.”

“We know that passing legislation is a true team effort,” said Beau Whittington, of Jackson, vice president of Legislative Affairs for MTA.  “We thank each of you, all members of the legislature, for your vote supporting this project and supporting tourism as a whole in Mississippi.”

The MFIA, introduced and passed into legislation during 2004, is an economic development tool that will encourage film making throughout Miss.  The Act will help the state attract the entertainment industry, build a crew base, support Miss. filmmakers and showcase the state’s talent and location. DBJ