MJCC E-News Flash

Any Suggestions for Potential 2007 Legislative Issues?

The MetroJackson Chamber, with other metro area chambers and economic development organizations, is about to begin coordinating the development of a regional legislative agenda for the 2007 session. Listed below for consideration are one new issue and six potential carry-over issues from 2006.

If you have an issue or issues that you would like to have considered for inclusion in the 2007 agenda, please send it to lslater@metrochamber.com by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 6.

Potential New Issues For 2007:

State Assistance for Services: Legislation will be pursued requesting the State of Mississippi to make an annual payment to the City of Jackson for the cost of providing services to state facilities located in the Capital City. In some places such payments are called PILOT payments, Payments In Lieu of Taxes.

Potential Carry-over Issues From 2006:

· Capital City Convention Center/ Mississippi Telecommunications Conference and Training Center: Initiate legislation to merge the governing boards of these two organizations. These facilities were designed to complement each other and will be physically joined to permit pedestrian movement from one to the other. Placing both organizations under the same governing board will facilitate operating, marketing, and managing the facilities to optimize their utilization.

· Toll Roads: Support efforts to grant authority to the Mississippi Department of Transportation and local governments to utilize toll roads as financing options. The metro area’s high demand for road improvements and lack of funding to service these needs could make tolls roads a viable alternative in a few situations in future years.

· Public Safety: Review the public safety needs of cities and counties and determine if legislation is needed in the area of courts, judges, or other areas to improve public safety.

Tort reform: Work with Mississippians for Economic Progress and other business organizations to maintain the progressive tort reform legislation passed during the 2004 special session.

· MOST: Mississippi Optional Sales Tax. The chamber supports the concept of giving cities and counties the right to call an election on levying a sales tax to fund critical infrastructure needs.

· Funding mechanism for storm water drainage districts: During the 2000 session of the legislature, the Mississippi Storm Water Management Act was passed to authorize cities and counties to address problems from storm water runoff. However, no funding mechanism was included in the bill to provide the funds to implement the act. Municipalities and counties need a funding mechanism to implement this act to protect life and property.

Garner Media, Inc. Announces Launch of New Website

Garner Media, Inc., a Flowood, Mississippi based full-service marketing firm announces the launch of its new web site - www.garnermediainc.com today. Company President, Joe Garner, said of the site, “It demonstrates our advanced design capabilities in the interactive arena and allows clients to get to know our employees and consultants on a more personal level.” While many firms the size of Garner Media, Inc., boasting a staff of twelve employees and consultants, have found the economic pinch of recent market downturns, Garner Media, Inc. continues to broaden their service offerings and market share. As put by Ellison Belt, the company’s Vice President of Production, “We’ve been doing great work for eight years and have served some of the largest names in business in our area and throughout the country. While other marketing or design firms have chosen to seek greener pastures by moving some place other than the Metro-Area of Jackson, we have stayed. We believe in our town. It is paying off – for Garner Media, Inc. and the Metro-Jackson area!”

The company is proud to release their new site, showcasing its creative talents, broadened service offerings, and expansive portfolio. Their services include web site development, campaign development, corporate identity, TV & Radio commercial Production, full-service printing, ad development and media accountability. Additionally, Garner Media, Inc. works closely with a consulting law firm to offer their clients full service legal consultation relating to copyright, trademark, and digital information distribution at special rates.

Contact one of Garner Media, Inc.’s representatives today for a complementary marketing consultation and to learn more about their new Referral Partner Program. For more information call 601-420-0811 or e-mail joe@garnermediainc.com

Coming Soon!

TOP 40 UNDER 40 NOMINATION

PERIOD NEARING END

The Mississippi Business Journal is now accepting nominations for the Top 40 Under 40 Awards. In their 14^th year, the awards honor up-and-coming business and community leaders under the age of 40. Awardees will be featured in a special publication in February 2007, and recognized during a luncheon January 17, 2007. The deadline for nominations is September 8, 2006. For more information, visit http://www.msbusiness.com and click on "Special Events," or call (601) 364-1015 or e-mail to events@msbusiness.com.

To obtain a nomination form, please click here.

Lewis Slater, Sr. Vice-President, Regional Governmental Relations & Major Initiatives

Any Suggestions for Potential 2007 Legislative Issues?

*Lewis Slater, Sr. Vice-President, Regional Governmental Relations & Major Initiatives***