With the absence of HMOs in the state, how will it affect the Delta? Not much, say insurance execs. Because the Delta does not have a population base to support an HMO market, it won't make much difference.
"HMOs thrive on dense population areas, of which there are about three that possibly could support some form of a properly marketed HMO," said George Dale, state insurance commissioner for the Mississippi Department of Insurance.

Almost 400 turned out on May 30 at The Cleveland Country Club to attend the Delta Business Journal's second annual Profiles In Leadership Awards tribute and dinner. Created last year by DBJ publisher and owner, Scott Coopwood, the purpose of the event is to pay tribute to Deltans who have not only reached a certain level in their business careers, but more importantly, to recognize their community service.

 Kenneth Brown Hood, the newly elected president of the Delta Council, hardly needs an introduction to anyone involved in agriculture or agribusiness in the Delta.  For years he has contributed his time and expertise to agricultural organizations, focusing primarily on those centered around cotton production.

J. C. Burns, head of the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, seems to be hitting the ground running.  After the legislature settled the issue of the gubernatorial election, it now seems clear that the "business of business" is beginning to take root and there will be what appears to be a historic special session concerning economic development late this summer or early in the fall.