We will never forget September 11, 2001. Our country, our lives and our future will never be the same. The unthinkable became a reality, as we witnessed an attack on American shores that was horrific and terror-filled. Symbols of America’s greatest came tumbling down in flames and ashes, destroyed by our own planes and our own technology. The attack was cunning, unimaginable and pure evil. I was not very far moved from the attack that occurred in Washington.
I was in Washington on business the day of the attack. Readying myself that Tuesday morning for a series of meetings on Capitol Hill, I heard a horrible scream in the hotel hallway outside my door and then a lot of commotion on the street below my hotel window.

BY JACK CRISS
DBJ Executive Editor

It is absolutely amazing how just a few tragic moments can change the entire course of a life and a culture. I am referring, of course, to the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. Already, just a few days after the event, I have heard more than one person comment on the way things “used to be.” The same sentiment is expressed when others say things “will never be the same.” Our country has indeed been shaped by a cataclysmic incident. What do we do now?
Like so many of you, there are times when I have been absolutely glued to the television or radio, taking in the rapid fire reporting and updates on this attack. There have also been times when, too saddened or just too numb, I’ve had to try to forget I’m even aware of what happened. Unfortunately, I cannot do that. None of us can. America now has a pall cast over it, and will for some time. Perhaps forever.

BY ROBERT MCFARLAND, JR.
Delta Business Journal

Known throughout the world as home to the blues and cotton fields, the Mississippi Delta is also often thought of as a place that time has forgotten. A place where time has stood still and a place of backward thinking and actions. Those who think such things are the very ones who have never visited the Delta drawing their conclusions from movies and the writings of various southern authors and other sources. To know the Delta is to love the Delta and if you happen to know the Delta, you know that the region has its share of success stories of individuals and companies who have reached international success from the Delta. CNN founder, Ted Turner’s family came from here as did the founder of Federal Express, Fred Smith.

Special to the DBJ

Approval of a $9.75 million USDA Rural Development loan puts Indianola, Mississippi-based Delta Pride Catfish, Inc., on a fast track for plant modernization at its Indianola processing facility.
One of the world’s largest fresh fish processors, Delta Pride plans capital projects to improve the plant’s work environment, enhance product quality and lower overall processing costs.
“This financing is the key to moving Delta Pride to the next level of operations,” says Bill Allen, president and chief executive officer. “It would not have been possible without the strong support of our state USDA Rural Development office and our congressional delegation, especially Senator Cochran and his staff.”

BY julie speed
DBJ Contributing Writer

As the aftermath from the Sept. 11 tragedy unfolds, speculation about its impact on Mississippi Delta’s economy has become a big question mark.
“The unconscionable and cowardly attacks on America are affecting every aspect of our lives, from our heightened sense of awareness about travel to a renewed feeling of patriotism and national pride for our country,” says Governor Ronnie Musgrove. “Here in Mississippi, these attacks will obviously change how we do business. We will all be watching the economy closely during this time, and hopefully we will see America demonstrate its strength by keeping its economy as strong as possible.”
Musgrove says the state is looking at the call-up of National Guard and Reserve troops, “which will affect employers around the state. The Delta could feel an impact from this.”

BY NANCY cotten HIRST
DBJ Contributing Editor

In this time of such grief and horror over the terrorist tragedy and the time of such elation and pride over the spirit of the American people, there are a thousand columns begging to be written. I am afraid, however, that once the flush of anger has worn off that Americans will fail in the courage to continue to fight terrorism until the world is really safe from this scourge, so I’ve chosen to address that issue.
The peaceniks are already pontificating on all the talk shows. So are the “intelligensia” telling us that we shouldn’t bother these countries because our foreign policies have brought all this upon us. Balderdash. Osama Ben Laden is not the only madman out there who won’t be satisfied until the entire world is oppressed by their form of repressive, murderous theocracy. Many of them have says this in public interviews that somehow only find their way into the media at 3:00 a.m.
We are now fighting not just for the personal safety of our children and grandchildren, but for the survival of democracy and freedom throughout the world. It is imperative that we continue this fight until there is no longer a place for these people to find shelter.

BY DOUG ADAMS

The Internet advertisement asks, “Boss, Jerk, Tyrant, Idiot, Clod, Creep, Dictator – Do you know someone like that? Of course you do. Did you tell them off? Of course not. Now, we’ll tell’em off for you! That’s right. Tell us what you want to say and we’ll say it over the phone.” The offer goes on to say that, “We’ll keep your identity secret and tell you how the jerk reacts if you like.”
In Ontario workers have access to a Bad Boss Hotline. At inception this service is reported to have received in excess of 2,000 calls in less than four months. Worker complaints are forwarded from the host sight, The Employment Standards Work Group, to the Ontario Federation of Labour. The OFL in turn reports the alleged employer abuse to the Ministry of Labour for adjudication. To “get the word out,” Bad Boss meetings are being held across the province. Employees are informed that, “To find out about the next Bad Boss Buster meeting in your area, call The Bad Boss Hotline at 1-800 .....”

MDA activates new program that combines federal, state and community workforce programs and services

The Mississippi Development Authority officially activated the Workforce Investment Network (WIN) in Mississippi recently, an innovative program designed to provide one-stop employment and training services to employers and job seekers statewide.
WIN in Mississippi creates a system that is both convenient and user-friendly by combining federal, state and community workforce programs and services into physical locations and electronic sites. Originally named and announced in Fall 2000, the WIN program is open to everyone.
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, known as WIA, provides the framework for WIN in Mississippi and is administered by the Employment Training Division of the Mississippi Development Authority.

BY logan mosby
DBJ Contributing Writer

According to a study from the Center for Women’s Business Research, women- owned businesses established with in the past 10 years are making economic contributions and are primed for future growth.
The study, which was underwritten by First Union Corporation, shows that 38% of these businesses have already achieved $500,000 or more in annual revenues, and 42% of women business owners suggest they want continued growth as their businesses expand.
Nina McLemore, chair of the Center for Women’s Business Research and President of Regent Capitol, says, “It appears that among businesses started within the past decade, there is no significant gender difference in the share of firms with $500,000 or more in revenues.” McLemore goes on to say, “ While this analysis cannot directly compare businesses at a similar period in their growth cycle, the fact that the new generation of women business owners has reached this sales level at an early stage in their business development—along with their outlook on growth and their appetite for capital—may indicate that the new generation of women-owned firms is poised to make an even greater economic contribution in the coming years.”

BY MARY ELLEN POWELL
DBJ Contributing Writer

It is not unusual for a state agency to look for ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency so when a pharmaceutical trade group offered to pay for a $25,000 study of the Mississippi Medicaid System, State Medicaid Director Rica Lewis-Payton took them up on that offer.
Mississippi Medicaid is looking for ways to reduce prescription costs and is considering cutbacks on the use of brand-name prescription drugs and an increase in the use of generics. And, though the plan to use less brand-name medications does not benefit pharmaceutical companies, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America funded the study conducted by Muse and Associates, a Washington-based consulting firm. The study is not directly related to the prescription savings plan but its findings have been helpful in looking for ways to provide cost-effective, beneficial health care to Medicaid prescribers.

BY JACK CRISS
DBJ Executive Editor

It is perhaps best known as the home of the University of Mississippi and the hometown of William Faulkner. Increasingly, however, Oxford is making its name for many other points of interest, not across Mississippi, but across the entire nation, as well.
In this year alone, Oxford was listed in “50 Best Small Southern Towns”, was among Money magazine’s July listing of “Best Places to Retire”, and was also named in Dr. Warren Bland’s popular book Retire In Style: 50 Affordable Places Across America. This is not to mention the innumerable accolades and attention the town has garnered just over the past five years.

BY MARK BIRD
DBJ Contributing Writer

In our last issue, the Delta Business Journal reported on the status of the construction industry in the Delta, and included comments from companies involved in various trades. For this follow-up article, we have talked to another cross-section of industry executives, focusing on topics that are on the minds of most companies working in the region. These include the continuing struggle to bring trained people into construction, a comparison of construction in the Delta as compared to the rest of the state, and the general outlook for the region in uncertain economic times.
Even companies who have reported a slowdown in business continue to cite the need to develop a better pool of trained people for future work, and many are taking advantage of training programs offered through trade associations. Additionally, a number of firms do their own in-house training or make use of internship and co-op programs to introduce a new generation to the many careers available in construction.

BY MARK BIRD
DBJ Contributing Writer

A clear message comes through when Delta area automobile dealers talk about their businesses—car buyers need look no further than the Delta region for wide selection of models and the most competitive pricing. They also point out the added advantages of buying locally, including readily-available service and a more personal approach to maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty.
James Ceranti, owner of White-Wilson in Greenville, addresses the misconception that the best car shopping is in big cities. “We have to show customers that they do not have to travel to Jackson or Memphis or Little Rock to get the best deals,” he says. “We do this by striving for a higher level of customer service, and I think our people and our attitude make a difference. I believe that people are becoming more interested in doing business with their local companies. Consumers in the area need to be as eager to do business in their own hometown as the local dealers are to do business with them.”

Special to the DBJ

The recent months have been hard on the US economy. Numerous companies have eliminated positions, letting go of employees. One area business, Delta and Pine Land Company, also announced organizational changes recently. But Murray Robinson, D&PL CEO, president and vice chairman, says these changes were not a reaction to the current economic climate as much as they were focused on increasing efficiency while positioning the company for growth.
“Over the last several months, we have looked at our business from the standpoint of what we could do better and ways in which we could increase efficiency,” Robinson says. “Our business remains strong and we are even better positioned for growth than before. Most important for farmers, we will continue developing, testing and supplying the market with high quality varieties and technology.”