From DBJ
Nice Sentiment, Erroneous Thinking
One of the most common (and, frankly, overused) statements today by successful business leaders is that they want to “give back” to the community. This has long puzzled me. What was ever taken away? To be fair, the comments are always made in good faith
A Silent Partner in Mississippi’s Economic Rise
Mississippi’s economic momentum continues to accelerate, fueled by forward-thinking leadership, beginning with Governor Tate Reeves, and strategic partnerships that balance growth and responsibility. While organizations like the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and local economic development professionals often lead business recruitment efforts, the Mississippi Department of
Homer Sledge III
President of Nehi Bottling Company in Cleveland: A business 99 years strong Homer Sledge, Sr. was drawn to Cleveland in 1927 after meeting an Orange Crush salesman who told Homer he should consider getting into the flavored drink business. The salesman pointed to his new car, and said Homer could have one, too, if he got into the business. Sledge didn’t have a car at the time, but got on a train for Cleveland, obtained a franchise with Nehi, and with the help of investments from his father and a couple of uncles, launched
MVSU Marketing Team Honored
The Office of Communications and Marketing at Mississippi Valley State University earned 47 awards across 18 categories during the recent 2026 College Public Relations Association of Mississippi (CPRAM) Awards Ceremony held during organization’s annual conference hosted by Northwest Mississippi Community College. In addition to the team’s award success, Donnell Maxie, Director of Communications and Marketing at MVSU, was re-elected to the CPRAM Board of Directors, further highlighting the university’s continued leadership and involvement in the organization. The MVSU Communications and Marketing team includes Maxie, Director of Communications and Marketing; John McCall, Senior Graphic Designer; Latunya Evans, Communications Specialist; Justice Williams, Associate Graphic Designer; and Karrington
McCurdy Named Head of Ag. Science
Jay McCurdy has become the new head of Mississippi State’s Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection. The multidisciplinary academic unit in MSU’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers an undergraduate degree in agricultural science, and master’s and doctoral degrees in entomology, plant pathology and weed science. “Dr. McCurdy’s enthusiasm, productivity and leadership make him the ideal department head for Agricultural Science and Plant Protection. His ability to unite faculty across disciplines while advancing excellence in teaching, research and Extension will strengthen the department for years to come,” said Darrell Sparks, CALS acting dean and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station acting director. “I
The Latest
Southern Bancorp Announces Rebranding
Southern Bancorp, Inc., one of the nation’s oldest and most impactful Community Development Financial Institutions, recently announced plans to change its name to Uplift Bank, pending regulatory approval. “Since our founding four decades ago, we have worked alongside people and places often overlooked by traditional financial institutions, helping create pathways to financial stability, opportunity, and generational wealth,” said Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp, Inc. “That mission and impact will be the same guiding force behind our work, now with a name that better reflects
BPAC Announces Fall Season Lineup
The Bologna Performing Arts Center has announced four exciting performances, spanning multiple genres and formats, for its upcoming Fall 2026 mainstage series, in addition to a comedic add-on and a rescheduled concert. Each of the upcoming shows offers live entertainment to suit a variety of tastes. The upcoming fall season marks the first season under new Executive Director, Matty Bengloff’s leadership. A local business owner and Delta transplant, Bengloff is focused on bringing the excitement of live performance to the heart of the region. “We’ve
News
Sparklight® Makes Substantial Service Improvements
Sparklight®, a leading broadband provider, has invested nearly $3 million over the past three years to expand and enhance its fiber-rich network in Clarksdale, Cleveland,
Mississippi Airports to Receive Improvement Funding
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, recently announced that nine municipal airfields in Mississippi have been
DSU’s GEOINT Program Recertified
Delta State University and the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation have announced the reaccreditation of Delta State’s Geospatial Analysis and Intelligence (GAI) Certificate Program and
ArtPlace Mississippi Receives Grant
ArtPlace Mississippi of Greenwood has received a $14,080 operating grant award from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC). This grant is a portion of more than
Guaranty Bank Announces New Executive Leadership
Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, has announced the expansion of the bank’s executive leadership team with the addition of Melissa Brady, Executive Vice President
NMCC Announces Changes to Executive Leadership Team
Northwest Mississippi Community College has announced the appointment of two accomplished higher education leaders to its executive leadership team. Dr. Brad Smith has been named
Delta Health Alliance: 20 years of achievement
Entity provides valuable services to twenty-nine counties Delta Health Alliance is celebrating a milestone of 20 years of service and achievements that now stretches
Hooker Engineering
Greenville-based business has served Delta over 41 years For more than four decades, Hooker Engineering Services, Inc. has been helping communities throughout Mississippi build