MCBL News

Governor Signs Pro-Growth Measures Into Law; Freshman Senator

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:04:00 GMT

Jackson - Republicans today passed measures that will improve the economic environment and help create jobs in Mississippi. Gov. Phil Bryant signed four pieces of legislation, including two of the longest sought-after goal of conservatives, workers' compensation reform and inventory tax relief.

"This was the most job friendly, business friendly legislative session in modern Mississippi history," said Bryant.

"We have worked on eliminating the inventory tax for so many years. This tax credit is a very good beginning."

Sen. Will Longwitz (R-Madison), author of the workers' compensation bill, said economic recovery in Mississippi starts with these long-awaited reforms. "Every business should know they can compensate injured workers in a system that treats everyone fairly. That's what this workers' comp bill does. We hope it will reduce costs, return fairness, and also improve workplace safety and increase some worker benefits.

"I've spoken with many frustrated job creators in our state," Longwitz continued. "Right now, they know there's no point in fighting bad comp claims, because they know they're going to lose. Under this new law, employers will no longer be presumed guilty from the get-go."

Bryant said that the inventory tax helps the economy because it removes a disincentive for job growth. “An essential factor in creating a climate ripe for job creation is eliminating unnecessary taxes and regulations,” Bryant said. “For years, we have worked to revise Mississippi’s outdated inventory tax system, and today I am signing a law that provides relief to the state’s job creators.”

With the new tax relief, businesses that pay inventory tax are eligible for tax credits against their state income tax liability. Bryant also signed bills creating health care zones aimed at attracting industry and increasing health care options, and a dual-enrollment program for high school students seeking skills training.

Both Republicans said Monday that they hope these measures represent the first step in new laws under Republican leadership. "My hope," said Longwitz, "Is that Mississippi will be known as the best place to open a business in America. More jobs mean better lives for our families and our children. Now we can pass the conservative, pro-family legislation that Mississippians expect."

Legislators elated with first session

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:38:00 GMT

The new state legislature ended its first session in historic fashion as the Republican-controlled chambers passed significant legislation.

Area legislators were proud of what was accomplished over the past couple of months.

"It was definitely a privilege to be a part of this legislature," Sen. Will Longwitz (pictured), R-Madison, said. "You could actually get things done for a change. Compared to the past - it was by no means a given that you could get good laws passed, especially good conservative legislation."

Longwitz was especially proud of a bill he helped pass that made changes to worker's compensation.

"There are problems with our worker's compensation system that had needed changes for 20-30 years and it was a large coalition of people that made it happen," he said. "I'm just proud that Republicans were able to lock arms and work together on so many things that we've been stymied on in the past. And, we had Democrats come along with us too."

State Rep. Rita Martinson, R-Madison, was thrilled with the way the session was handled. She, too, said it was nice to see less bickering and more legislating.

"It was just a pleasure to go to work," she said. "It was not something I dreaded. Everyone was given a fair chance to present their ideas in committee and floor action."

The legislature accomplished many things in the 2012 legislative session, including the passage of a budget that sent $200 million to the rainy day fund without authorizing any new debt.

"I'm excited because we got so much done our first year," Longwitz said. "We cleared so much backlog. I think when the people of Mississippi look at what we've done, they'll recognize it as the pro-growth, pro-family conservative policy they themselves would pass if they had a chance to do it."

Both Martinson and Longwitz congratulated the legislature on successful redistricting, which was contentious last year.

"On redistricting, we got 46 votes in the Senate out of 52 for our Senate plan," Longwitz said. "That just shows it is a body that is disciplined and pushing in the same direction for once.

"I also have to point out, if this new redistricting map holds up, I lost big parts of Ridgeland," he continued. "I was surprised by it and I'm still disappointed because I had so much good support from Ridgeland but that's the way these things go. Overall, Madison County turned out very well with redistricting. And, we finally have a majority Madison County (Senate) seat that's held by a Republican."

Martinson added that a new House seat was created in Madison County, which is a major plus.

Legislation aimed at economic development was also passed. Martinson applauded the bills focused on craft beers because it has the possibility to increase economic development, specifically in Madison County with a brewery in Gluckstadt.

Some pieces of legislation did not happen this session, though.

Efforts to create an immigration bill were unsuccessful.

A bill that would create charter schools never made it to the Governor's desk. Martinson, an outspoken proponent of charter schools, said that may be a good thing.

"Charter schools just has to have more work," she said. "We'll work over the summer to put together a better charter school bill. That may be a good thing. Sometimes you can't do everything the first year."

She was disappointed that one bill she was pushing, a Reading is Fundamental bill, died also.

"Over the years I've been really avid in trying to get an emphasis in teaching reading in early-first through third grade," she said. "It's crucial a child knows how to read. Everything is predicated on learning how to read."

The two legislators do disagree on one thing - whether or not there will be a called special session for a bond issue.

"I don't see a special session happening," Longwitz said. "Both sides have had discussion. Unless you have an agreement going in, there's no reason to waste taxpayer money sitting and arguing about something.

"It just wouldn't be productive," he continued. "We can always come back. Even if we don't have a bond bill this year. Every family in the state is cutting back. It might not be such a bad thing to put off borrowing for a year."

Martinson disagreed, saying she thinks there will be a special session and that it is important.

"I think we're going to end up with a special session to take care of the bonding that is needed for the universities and community colleges," she said.

Martinson added that the institutions rely heavily on the bonding for infrastructure repairs and upgrades.

Longwitz noted the accomplishments by the legislature this year to include:

Increasing spending for K-12 schools by $30 million, including $19 million for MAEP
Prohibiting school personnel from inflating grades for students
Passing Dyslexia screening guidelines for kindergarten and first grade students
Implementing a Voter I.D. law
Placing a moratorium through 2013 on state purchasing of new cars with exclusions for some law enforcement
Increasing transparency in the Attorney General's Office with regards to outside counsel
Inventory tax relief for businesses to allow them to claim tax credit on inventory
Passing of the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act which allows small businesses to propose changes to new and existing regulations that harm small business
Passing of unemployment fraud prevention
Exempting churches from paying sales tax on utilities
Passage of a child protection act that creates new reporting requirements for suspected sexual abuse of children while also requiring fetal tissue to be saved as potential DNA evidence in statutory rape cases when girls 14 or under seek an abortion
Requiring doctors who work at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges to a local hospital and be a certified OB-GYN

By MICHAEL SIMMONS
Madison County Journal
5/9/2012

2012 Economic Symposium Photos

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:53:00 GMT

The Madison County Business League and the Madison County Economic Development Authority presented The Economic Symposium 2012: Economic Perspectives for Madison County on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at the Nissan North America, Inc. Training Center in Canton, MS.

Presenters and speakers for the event included State Treasurer Lynn Fitch; Dan Bednaryzk, Nissan North America VP Manufacturing - Canton, MS; Dr. Dave Altig, Executive VP of Marketing Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; Pete Walley, Long Range Economic Development Planning Director for the MS IHL; John S. Wilson, Managing Director and Chief Technical Strategist of Equity Capital Markets for Morgan Keegan, Chattanooga, TN.

View the photo gallery

County could lead state in becoming smoke-free

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:57:00 GMT

Madison County has the opportunity to become the first county to in the state to go smoke-free.

"We're targeting Madison County. All of the cities in the county have smoke-free ordinances and those in the unincorporated areas don't have the same protections," said Corey Wiggins with Smoke Free Mississippi. "That's why we're trying to get a countywide ordinance."

An ordinance prohibiting smoking in all workplaces and public places was presented to the Board of Supervisors on Monday for them to start studying by the Madison County Business League.

"We want to discuss it with them," said Jan Collins, the league's executive director. "We want Madison County to be the first."

In Mississippi 53 communities have passed smoke-free ordinances.

In December, Canton joined Flora, Madison and Ridgeland, which adopted the smoking bans earlier. In December the supervisors adopted a resolution to eliminate exposure to second hand smoke at work sites and public indoor places.

But, Collins said the proposal before the board now for consideration would follow the lead of the cities' smoking bans carry penalties for smokers and businesses that fail to comply.

"We want to put a bug in the supervisors' ear," said Rochelle Culp, director of the Mississippi Tobacco Free Coalition in Madison County. "Madison County is an up-and-coming county and others will follow suit.

The ordinance, which is the same as those in the cities, is designed to protect the health of citizens in unincorporated areas, she said.

"I can't see Madison County being second to anyone in protecting the health of its citizens," District 2 Supervisor Ronny Lott said. "We need to seriously consider being the first county to adopt it."

District 3 Supervisor Gerald Steen was a Ridgeland alderman when the city adopted its ordinance. "I'm in favor of it if it similar to what Ridgeland adopted," he said.

District 5 Supervisor Paul Griffin said he wants to read the proposed ordinance but he doesn't anticipate any problems with supporting it.

"We will certainly look at it and consider it," board president John Bell Crosby of District 1 said.

The proposal calls for prohibiting smoking in enclosed places, including bars, public areas of businesses like banks, laundromats, professional offices and retailers, motels, restaurants, sports arenas like stadiums, gyms and spas and all county owned buildings. Smoking would also be prohibited in all enclosed areas of places of employment, which includes common work areas, meeting rooms, private offices, elevates, hallways, lounges and stairs.

In outdoor areas, smoking would be prohibited within 20 feet of entrances to locations where smoking is banned, outdoor seating of restaurants, sports bleachers or grandstands and outdoor playgrounds.

The proposal calls for a $50 fine for a person smoking in a prohibited area and a $100 fine for the first violation of a business owner. Violating the ordinance would be considered a public nuisance.

BY LUCY WEBER • LWEBER@MCHERALD.COM • MAY 10, 2012

Directions to Nissan Training Center for ES 2012

Wed, 09 May 2012 18:40:00 GMT

Directions to Nissan from Jackson International Airport:

From Airport Road), take the I-20 exit and travel west to I-55. Turn north on I-55 and travel through Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison and Gluckstadt (approximately 25 miles). Proceed to exit 114, take the Sowell Road exit and turn right onto Sowell Road. At the traffic signal, turn left onto Nissan Drive.
Alternate Route: From the Airport, travel south to the “roundabout” intersection with Old Brandon Road. Bear right and right again onto Hwy 475 traveling North to Lakeland Drive (Hwy 475 ends at Lakeland). Turn left onto Lakeland and travel approximately five miles to the I-55 North exit. Exit onto I-55 and proceed north approximately 20 miles to exit 114. Take the Sowell Road exit and turn right onto Sowell. At the traffic signal, turn left onto Nissan Drive.

Directions to Nissan from Memphis (I-55 traveling southbound):

Taking I-55 South, take the Nissan Parkway (East) exit 118 and travel around the loop to the Parkway heading east. At the traffic signal, turn right onto Nissan Drive.

From Nissan Drive:

Gate numbers are labeled at each entrance. The entrance to the lobby of the plant is marked by the red tile wall. Visitor parking is on your left when you enter this area.

Speakers announced for 2012 Economic Symposium

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:58:00 GMT

The following speakers have been announced for the 2012 Economic Symposium:

Dr. Dave Altig: Executive Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

John Wilson: CFA Managing Director, Chief Technical Strategist Equity Capital Markets; Morgan Keegan Branch Office Manager, Chattanooga, TN; Author of the daily online stock market report “REVEILLE”

Pete Walley: Director of Long Range Economic Development Planning for the State of Mississippi ~ IHL

Thursday, May 10, 2012
8:00 ~ 9:30 a.m.
(Doors open at 7:30 am for arrival & breakfast)
Nissan North America, Inc. Training Center

Directions

Directions to Nissan from Jackson International Airport:

From Airport Road), take the I-20 exit and travel west to I-55. Turn north on I-55 and travel through Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison and Gluckstadt (approximately 25 miles). Proceed to exit 114, take the Sowell Road exit and turn right onto Sowell Road. At the traffic signal, turn left onto Nissan Drive.
Alternate Route: From the Airport, travel south to the “roundabout” intersection with Old Brandon Road. Bear right and right again onto Hwy 475 traveling North to Lakeland Drive (Hwy 475 ends at Lakeland). Turn left onto Lakeland and travel approximately five miles to the I-55 North exit. Exit onto I-55 and proceed north approximately 20 miles to exit 114. Take the Sowell Road exit and turn right onto Sowell. At the traffic signal, turn left onto Nissan Drive.

Directions to Nissan from Memphis (I-55 traveling southbound):

Taking I-55 South, take the Nissan Parkway (East) exit 118 and travel around the loop to the Parkway heading east. At the traffic signal, turn right onto Nissan Drive.

From Nissan Drive:

Gate numbers are labeled at each entrance. The entrance to the lobby of the plant is marked by the red tile wall. Visitor parking is on your left when you enter this area.

Jan Collins making a difference

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:36:00 GMT

Some leaders have the infectious quality that gets you “fired up” just being around them. These type leaders are often described as having “charisma.” They inspire and motivate those around them with their compelling personality. While not everyone has a gregarious or extroverted personality, we all have the ability to find our areas of passion and excel. Jan Collins, executive director of the Madison County Business League (MCBL), is one of those positive and upbeat leaders you just like being around. Not content with resting on her earlier successes in life, she took the post in 2009 as a second career and in the midst of a very challenging economy. Under her leadership, the MCBL, a 501(c)(6) economic development support organization, has been a great success.

Collins grew up in Pascagoula and graduated with a degree in merchandising and marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi. After college, McRae’s Department Stores hired her and trained her in its executive management training program. During her 18 years with McRae’s, she progressed in a career path from assistant buyer, store area sales manager, senior assistant buyer and finally to buyer for better ladies updates sportswear. She noted that Frankie Carter, one of the first female divisional merchandise managers in the country, mentored her and “taught me self-confidence and the art of negotiation!”

For Collins, leadership is about showing respect for people and learning from others. She shared the quote that, “Everyone has something to offer.” Collins said, “I believe that each person deserves my utmost respect no matter what their position. I have worked with people who were only nice to those people that they thought could advance their own agenda.” We can probably all relate to working with those kinds of “ladder climber” people. They are typically “takers” versus “givers,” and you never want that type person leading your organization. Collins went on to note, “I also believe that we are only as successful as those we work with. It’s important to take time to train, compliment, and admit if co-workers have better ideas. Don’t be intimidated into thinking they will take your place if you share wise tips and techniques.”

Her role as executive director is perfect for Collins because she gets to spend considerable time interacting with people. She is a true “people person.” Collins emphasized, “I love working with people and the opportunity it affords me in helping them to connect with other people and resources. That’s where I get my greatest sense of pride- connecting people.” For future leaders, Collins has similar advice. She encourages people to find their passion and find God’s will for their lives. Collins also advises to “develop relationships with people in all professions. Be active in civic organizations, and sincerely care about your community. In other words, don’t be a slug!”

Collins also noted that she believes it is important to have a sense of humor and that you are never too old to change your career and make a difference in someone’s life. She certainly did this by leaving the field of retail to tackle a new career in leading a non-profit and carrying the banner of economic development. She has learned that businesses expect a “bang for their buck” from memberships so she has been very active hosting over 25 events over the last three years to fulfill the MCBL’s mission “to unite leading businesses with elected officials on all levels to discuss topics that affect economic development.”

The MCBL and Collins are trying to make a difference in their community and the state. She is particularly passionate about a program called Excel by 5 which focuses on raising community awareness for preparing young children for kindergarten. The MCBL has engaged the business community on the program by forming a coalition team, steering committee and a certification manager in co-lead agency partnership with the Madison County Economic Development Authority and the United Way of the Capital Area. Collins noted that she was first inspired to tackle this project after listening to the keynote speaker at a MCBL event Salute to Excellence in Education who shared that Mississippi children play catch up since we do not have mandatory early childhood programs. Passionate Mississippians like Jan Collins make me excited about our state and its possibilities as we leverage our greatest asset — our people!

by Martin Willoughby / Mississippi Business Journal
Published: April 22,2012

Economic Symposium 2012 - Save the Date

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:57:00 GMT

The Madison County Business League and the Madison County Economic Development Authority present...

Thursday, May 10, 2012
8:00 ~ 9:30 a.m.
(Doors open at 7:30 am for arrival & breakfast)
Nissan North America, Inc. Training Center

GOLD
BankFirst Financial Services
BankPlus*
Community Bank of Mississippi
Community Trust Bank
Edward Jones Investments
Embassy Suites Hotel
Neel-Schaffer*
Ouachita Independent Bank
Pinelake Church – Madison/Ridgeland Campus
Regions
Scott Sullivan Streetman & Fox*
Terry-Trane Service Agency*
Trustmark*
Tulane University- Madison Campus
UnitedHealthcare-MS
Waste Management*

SILVER
Nissan North America, Inc.
MSU Stennis Institute of Government

Photos from Madison County Creative Economy Celebration: Salute to the Arts!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:33:00 GMT

Photos are now online from the Madison County Creative Economy Celebration: Salute to the Arts!

View the gallery »

Creative Council salutes local arts

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:57:00 GMT

Madison County's artisans were celebrated Tuesday evening at the Madison Square Center for the Arts for a creative economy showcase put on by the newly-formed Madison County Creative Council.

Photo: Members of the Madison County Creative Council include, front row, from left, Jackie Morey, Kasey Perry, Pam Mahony, Linda Bynum, Joann Gordon, Jan Collins, Lindsay Schilling, Susan Marquez, Jodi Maughon, Natoya Hill, Katie Hines and Gina Daniels; Back row, Lise Foyand Jana Padgett. Not pictured are Lenita Knight, Wendy Shelton and Mina Thorgeson.

Members of the Canton Chamber Main Street Association, Canton Convention & Visitors Bureau & Film Office, City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce, Flora Area Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Business League, Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Madison the City Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Economic Development Authority, Madison County Foundation and the Ridgeland Tourism Commission decided to team up and their first mission was to celebrate the arts and educate about the state's creative economy.

Jan Collins, executive director of the MCBL, said during the summer a presentation by the Mississippi Development Authority and Mississippi Arts Commission was the catalyst for the creative collaboration.

"We have great recognition regionally because of the arts," she said. "We decided to all get together to collaborate to drive the economy by working together as one group. This event was our first and it was to recognize the artisans in the community for their talents.

"We were very proud of the way it turned out," she continued. "We've got some extremely talented people in this community and it was great to showcase their talents."

Over 20 artisans who work with a variety of mediums were on-hand for the event. In addition, elected officials and business leaders filled the crowd for what was also an educational evening focused on the state's creative economy.

Allison Winstead, arts based community development director with the Mississippi Arts Commission, explained the importance of capitalizing on the creative economy of the region.

"There is a dollar amount connected to (creative spirit)," she said. "What we also know is the crossover to the private sector.

"We're no longer competing with just Oxford or Starkville or even Alabama or Louisiana," she continued. "We're competing with China or India."

She said there are two sides to the brain - the left is based on numbers and logic and the right is based on creativity and innovation.

"Our entrepreneurs of the 21st century definitely need both," she said.

Linda Bynum, executive director of the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce, said the event was fantastic and they left achieving several goals.

"Not only did this event do all wonderful things for the art community and showcase our fabulous art community, it also brought (all 10 organizations) together," she said. "Also, (people) left knowing what the creative economy means to their community. I talked to a lot of the artisans there and I can tell you that everyone I talked to was very, very pleased at the opportunity to promote their work."

According to literature from the MDA and MAC, Mississippi's creative economy was responsible for approximately 63,000 jobs in 2011. Over the course of the past three years, the state's employment in creative economy areas has risen by nearly five percent while the nationwide average dropped two percent.

Planning for the event began in the fall and future events are already being discussed.

Collins thanked the sponsors for the event and those who contributed door prizes. Sponsors included Backyard Burgers, Brown Bottling Group, Christine's Back Porch, Colony Wine Market, Cool Water Catering, Cotton Exchange Liquor, Davidson's Catering, Fat Tuesday, Georgia Blue, Hannah's Package Store, Hayes Package Store, Hokkaido, Joe T's, Kroger, McAlister's Deli, Newk's Express Cafe, Pan Asia, Parker House, Pie Works, Sombra Mexican Kitchen, Strawberry Cafe, Sweet Designs, Traditions Fine Wine & Spirits and Viking Cooking School.

By MICHAEL SIMMONS
Madison County Journal

Madison County Youth Leadership Economic Development Day 2012

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:20:00 GMT

The Madison County Business League and the Madison County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) sponsored Madison County Youth Leadership Economic Development Day 2012.

Twenty two student representatives from each of the Madison County public/private schools and New Summit School participated in the event. The students, MCEDA and Business League representatives began their day with a breakfast at Citizens National Bank in Madison. Business League and MCEDA representatives shown with speakers Governor Ronnie Musgrove and Tony Jeff, MTA, are (l-r) Natoya Hill, MCEDA; Sam Fant, Citizens Bank; Governor Musgrove; Tony Jeff; Jan Collin, Business League; Pat McNulty, Security Ballew; Lenita Knight, MCEDA; and Pastor Paul Cunningham, Pinelake Church.

View photos from the event.

County's fate under redistricting undisclosed

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:15:00 GMT

Madison County leaders hoping for an advance tip on how the county will fare under legislative redistricting will have to wait with the rest of state.

"This is a sensitive matter we're dealing with and can't divulge" information, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn told the Madison County Business League last week during its annual League and Legislature panel discussion at the Capitol.

Rep. Bill Denny, whose district includes part of south Madison County, chairs the House committee on redistricting to fit the 2010 Census population into equitable districts. A question from moderator Chancery Clerk Arthur Johnston to Denny about the likelihood of fast-growing Madison County getting another House seat was halted by Gunn.

"We are limited in what we can say," said Gunn, a Republican from Clinton whose district includes some of Madison County, including the areas of Annandale, Whisper Lake, Reunion, Lake Caroline and west to Flora.

With Denny in charge of the process, "be assured you're in good hands," Gunn said.

Rep. Rita Martinson, whose district lies entirely within south Madison County, said she has worked for years to get a second district drawn solely in the heavily populated south end.

On the other side of the Legislature, Sen. Josh Harkins, whose district includes a portion of Madison County, said he expects to see his district limited to Rankin County under a new map.

"The bulk of my district is in Rankin County," said the Flowood resident, adding that he has business interests in Madison County. "The odds are that it will draw back to a Rankin County seat only."

If the final redistricting plan does leave him out of Madison County, Harkins said, he still intends to watch out for the county's interests.

Sen. Will Longwitz, a Madison County resident, said the southern part of the county has been split among several district. "The southern part has been cut up and split up in the last two redistrictings.

"It's important to keep it as cohesive as we can," said Longwitz about his district, which includes most of Ridgeland and Madison west of I-55 and northeast Jackson. "We need to make sure we keep our communities of interest together.

"It will be a back and forth process, but we'll get what's in the best interest of the county at the end of the day," he said.

BY LUCY WEBER • MADISON COUNTY HERALD • MARCH 27, 2012

2012 League and Legislature Luncheon

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:34:00 GMT

The Madison County Business League hosted the 2012 "LEAGUE & LEGISLATURE" luncheon at the Mississippi State Capitol on Wednesday, March 21st catered by VIP Grand Events.

One hundred seventy five Business League members, local elected/appointed officials, state legislators and students representatives from Madison County Schools were in attendance. Speaker of the House Philip Gunn addressed the group along with a legislative panel comprised of Senators Kenny Wayne Jones, John Horhn, Josh Harkins and Will Longwitz and Representatives Rita Martinson and Bill Denny. Chancery Clerk Arthur Johnston moderated the panel which discussed 2012 legislation.

Pictured are (l -r) Speaker Pro-Tem Greg Snowden, Business League Director

View more photos from the event.

Charter schools, redistricting top luncheon

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:19:00 GMT

JACKSON - Charter schools and redistricting were the two biggest issues discussed at the Capitol Wednesday during a luncheon meeting between the Madison County legislative delegation and civic leaders.

Photo above: Students in public and private schools across Madison County were guests at the Madison County Business League's fourth annual “League and Legislature Luncheon” held Wednesday at the State Capitol. From left: State Sen. Josh Harkins, State Sen. Will Longwitz, Gigi Jolly (Madison Central High School), Taylor Case (Canton Academy), Robin Parkerson (New Summit School), Turner Lott (Ridgeland High School), Mary Helen Artmann (Germantown High School), Speaker of the House Philip Gunn and Chris Kroeze (Madison Central High School).

It was a packed house inside the Judiciary Room of the State Capitol for the Fourth Annual Madison County Business League's "League and Legislature Luncheon."

Business leaders, municipal and county officials gathered in front of a panel of Madison County legislators to discuss the current session and how the region is affected.

Speaker of the House Philip Gunn was also in attendance.

"We are busy with our legislative process," the speaker told the crowd. "We had a dealing last week to get bills out. We stayed up (last week) until probably midnight Tuesday night and one o'clock in the morning Wednesday.

"This week we have the budget process starting," he continued. "We'll work that process from now to next Wednesday."

State Rep. Rita Martinson, a Republican of Madison, believes a lot of the divisiveness associated with the senate's charter school bill is misunderstanding.

"This is an issue that divides a lot of households," she said. "It divides a lot of the public. Frankly, a lot of people do not understand what the charter school bill does."

She noted a trip to Washington D.C. seven years ago where she toured successful charter schools.

"They went from D's to B's in most cases," she said, noting it took two years to achieve that goal. "With the charter, (schools) have a certain time limit in which they have to prove they are succeeding. Generally, it's three years. So after three years if they're not producing good students or good academic results they are gone. They're out of there."

State Sen. Will Longwitz, a Republican of Madison, said he spoke with leaders on the Senate side about the importance of ensuring high-performing districts such as Madison County School District aren't affected by a bill.

On redistricting, Gunn appointed state Rep. Bill Denny, whose district encompasses part of Madison County, to oversee that on the House side.

"We are working on redistricting," Gunn said. "We're in that process now and Bill Denny has been assigned to the task from the House. You can be assured you're in good hands with him."

The Speaker didn't elaborate, pointing to the sensitivity of the issue.

Longwitz spoke from the Senate side, adding that south Madison County has been picked apart over during previous line changes, and this time he hopes it's different.

"South Madison County in my opinion has not favored all that well," he explained. "We have...only right now is there a Senate seat in south Madison County that is where the entire district is made up from with a majority from Madison County. The south part of the county has been cut up and split up over the last two redistrictings.

"There are so many votes in the south part of the county," he continued. "It's an irresistible pool for those folks who border us."

He added, "We have a strong united voice in the Senate going forward. I know we're going to lose some of our areas...but we're going to get what's in the best interests of the county at the end of the day."

Six area high school students were guests of the event and were able to meet and greet with Madison County leaders and well as other members of the Legislature from around the state.

By MICHAEL SIMMONS
Madison County Journal
3/21/2012 6:00:00 PM

League and Legislature March 21st Luncheon

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:09:00 GMT

Madison County Business League cordially invites you to attend...

"LEAGUE & LEGISLATURE" LUNCHEON

honoring Madison County State Legislators

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
noon - 1:00 p.m.
(doors will open at 11:30 for lunch)

Mississippi State Capitol
Judiciary Room #113
Jackson, Mississippi

Special Guest
Lt. Governor Tate Reeves

RSVP by Friday, March 16th
collinsjan01@gmail.com or 601-832-5592