DOL Looks Likely to Win Salary Threshold Fight By PEPPER CRUTCHER MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf 10 Mississippi Business J o urnal | OCTOBER 2024 Danella of Regions Bank Honored Annison Joins HORNE’s Board NEWS BRIEFS Airport, where it previously committed to creating 250 jobs. With this newest investment, GKAM plans to retrofit two existing aircraft hangars to be used for aircraft painting, paint striping, hazmat capture and hazmat storage and containment. The 31 new jobs will bring the total number of jobs committed to by GKAM to 281. Additionally, the new capabilities will make GKAM one of the largest aircraft depots in the U.S. and the largest veteran-owned small business in the U.S. “This expansion marks the start of an exciting chapter in Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance history,” said GKAM President and CEO, Ronnie Kearns. “Adding the strip and paint to our modification and maintenance capability will establish GKAM as one of the largest maintenance and depot facilities in the southeast. Having the capacity to work up to six C-130 aircraft under one roof simultaneously, and now adding strip and paint to our capabilities, make us a true competitor in the DoD aircraft maintenance space.” Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. AccelerateMS and Washington County also are assisting with the project. “Mississippi’s strong economic momentum continues its upward trend with this latest investment by GKAM,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director, Bill Cork. GKAM expects to complete the expansion by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Soon after, the company plans to fill the 31 new jobs. MBJ Exxel Outdoors Locating Operations in Tupelo Represents an Investment of $2 Million Exxel Outdoors, a brand leader that creates high-quality products for outdoor recreation, commercial uses and the U.S. military, is relocating its national warehousing and distribution center from Reno, Nevada, to Tupelo. The project represents a corporate investment of more than $2 million and will create at least 40 jobs. “Exxel Outdoors has some of the most recognizable brands of camping gear in the world, and we are excited to welcome them to Tupelo,” said Tupelo Mayor Todd Jordan. “Their presence will further diversify our local economy, and aid in Tupelo’s appeal as a hub for business growth and innovation.” Exxel Outdoors’ new Tupelo distribution center positions the company closer to the majority of its customers, providing even faster delivery and related services. Additionally, Tupelo provides a strong connection to Exxel’s manufacturing operations in nearby Haleyville, Alabama, where it owns the largest and only major sleeping bag plant in the U.S. “We are grateful to Exxel Outdoors for choosing to locate in Lee County, bringing new jobs and opportunities to our community,” said Wesley Webb, President of the Lee County Board of Supervisors. “A special thank you to the Mississippi Development Authority and Community Development Foundation for their partnerships in making this project happen.” The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Lee County also is assisting with the project. Exxel Outdoors’ diversified portfolio includes brands with offerings in various sectors, including outdoor recreation, military, airbeds and urban travel. Its brands include Kelty, Kelty Tactical, Ultimate Direction, Sierra Designs, Hex, Slumberjack, Wenzel, SJK and X2O. MBJ Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance Expanding in Washington County Kearns Aerospace Maintenance (GKAM) is investing in its aircraft maintenance operations in Greenville. The project is a $11.75 million corporate investment and will create 31 new jobs. “Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance has been part of the Delta’s economic landscape for more than a decade, and I am grateful this veteran- owned company is once again investing in its operations and in our state,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “By creating these 31 additional jobs, GKAM will employ nearly 300 workers at its Greenville location—an impressive figure that stands as a testament to the productivity of Washington County’s workforce and the fact that Mississippi is a great place to start and grow a successful business.” GKAM specializes in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as avionics/structure modifications, manufacturing, inspection and kitting for military and civilian aircraft. Since 2022, the company has leased a hangar at Mid Delta Regional Todd Jordan Wesley Webb Tate Reeves Ronnie Kearns Bill Cork HORNE’s Board of Directors have appointed Meg Annison as the firm’s Director of Communications. In this role, Annison will lead the firm’s strategic communication efforts, ensuring consistent messaging and brand alignment across all channels. She works with senior leaders to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies and oversee public relations, media relations, internal communications, and digital content creation. Annison joins the firm after previously serving in the Communications Director roles for the Mississippi Lottery Corporation and for Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives Philip Gunn, respectively. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Meg as our new Director of Communications,” said Rusty Butcher, CEO and Managing Partner of HORNE. Meg Annison MOVERS & SHAKERS Regions Bank has announced that Kate Danella, head of Regions’ Consumer Banking Group, has again been honored by American Banker magazine as one of the “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking.” While Danella has been recognized for three straight years as one of American Banker’s “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking”, this marks the sixth consecutive year overall for Danella to earn various accolades from the publication. This year’s “Most Powerful” honorees, recognizing the industry’s most influential and top-performing women leaders, are featured in American Banker’s October 2024 issue. Danella became head of Consumer Banking at Regions in May 2022 after serving as Chief Strategy and Client Experience Officer for Regions. She joined the company in July 2015 as Wealth Strategy and Effectiveness Executive, later leading Private Wealth Management and serving as head of Strategic Planning and Consumer Bank Products and Origination Partnerships. Kate Danella MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf Ole Miss Alumni Association and a member of the Women’s Council, recognized how Nothing to Lose reflects the purpose of the Khayat Lecture Series: to bring cross- cultural leaders, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to the community to share their stories and inspire students and others to become caring and ethical leaders. “J.L. truly is a leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist—all in one,” said Moore. “When I read the first couple of chapters, I had tears in my eyes. Yet, I also saw the grit and determination J.L. had to have to overcome how he grew up. MBJ Tower Loan has announced Arnie Hederman has become Director of Government Relations. Hederman will lead the development and execution of the company’s state government relations strategy. Collaborating with government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders to advocate for Tower’s mission and business objectives, will be crucial. His efforts will ensure interests are well represented and aligned with various policies. “We are confident that Arnie’s leadership and deep understanding of government relations will be a tremendous asset to our organization and the consumer finance industry,” said Francis C. Lee, CEO and President of Tower Loan. Bringing over 30 years of experience in political strategy, lobbying, and government relations at the state and national levels, Hederman will make a valuable member of Tower and this position. OCTOBER 2024 | Mississippi Business J o urnal 11 Hyde-Smith Announces Funding for Mississippi Law Enforcement Hederman Ascends at Tower Loan Arnie Hederman First Commercial Bancshares has announced the addition of Sam Potts to the Board of Directors. Potts brings a wealth of experience and expertise to First Commercial Bancshares. He previously served as Corporate Treasurer, Executive Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer at Renasant Bank. After a distinguished career at Renasant, Potts departed to join a business partner in the acquisition of Metro Logics, Inc. based in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Potts’s extensive banking experience began with a decade-long tenure at M&F Bank before joining Renasant in 2013. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration in Managerial Finance from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College. “Sam Potts is a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the banking industry and a strong commitment to our community,” said Curt Gabardi, President and CEO of First Commercial Bank. Potts Appointed at First Commercial Sam Potts NEWS BRIEFS U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), has announced the award of more than $10.8 million through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to boost law enforcement in communities throughout Mississippi. Hyde-Smith, as member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, worked to advance FY2024 COPS funding that supports the grants awards, which will be used to strengthen public safety through technology and training, improve school security, and support the hiring of entry- level law enforcement officers. “The safety of our communities requires constant vigilance and the ability to adopt new technologies and equipment to protect the public. These Justice Department COPS grants will help cities, counties, and school districts in our state address some of the law enforcement challenges they face every day,” said Hyde-Smith. The following is a review of the approved FY2024 COPS grants for Mississippi: 2024 COPS Office Technology and Equipment Program (TEP) Awards ($6,831,000) which include • Clay County – $175,000 • City of Coldwater – $52,000 • George County – $1,100,000 • Itawamba County – $119,000 • Lee County – $205,000 • Mississippi Department of Public Safety – $2,021,000 • Mississippi Department of Public Safety – $1,237,000 • City of Oxford – $200,000 • Pearl River County – $1,141,000 • City of Tupelo – $191,000 • Union County – $390,000 2024 COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) Awards ($2,549,932) • Brookhaven School District – $318,750 • Leland School District – $225,000 • Monroe County School District – $324,376 • Neshoba County School District – $308,309 • Nettleton School District – $375,000 • South Pike School District – $498,750 • Tunica County School District – $499,747 2024 COPS Hiring Program (CHP) Awards ($846,885) • Lamar County – $500,000 (4 officers) • Montgomery County – $96,885 (1 officer) • Perry County – $250,000 (2 officers) 2024 COPS Office Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) Awards • Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians – $261,836 (Equipment and Training) 2024 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) Program Awards • City of Vicksburg – $200,000 (Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Implementation Projects) 2024 Community Policing Development (CPD) Program Awards • Mississippi Department of Public Safety – $145,483 (Microgrants/Open Topic Area) TOTAL: $10,835,136 In July, Hyde-Smith supported committee passage of the FY2025 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill, in which she worked to continue support for law enforcement and public safety in Mississippi. It is among 11 committee-passed funding bills still awaiting consideration by the full Senate. MBJ J.L. Holloway Delivers Khayat Lecture Series Speech in Oxford Prentiss native and well-known Mississippi businessman, J.L. Holloway, has come a long way from humble beginnings. Growing up, he had few resources and even fewer paths to success, but he was determined to improve his station in life. Over the course of his career, Holloway founded and oversaw several business ventures that proved to be enormously profitable. Holloway has used the benefits he earned to support his community, generously sharing his financial rewards with many others, including the University of Mississippi. Holloway discussed his journey and his 2023 memoir, Nothing to Lose: A Story of Poverty, Resilience, and Gratitude, on Sept. 5 as a featured speaker in the Robert C. Khayat Lecture Series, a program of the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy. He shared his story in conversation with Neil White, his publisher at Nautilus Publishing, at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts in Oxford. “My childhood was very difficult,” said Holloway, who lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, and maintains a home in Ridgeland. “Consequently, when I started writing my memoir, it was very difficult for me to delve so deeply into those painful years. But my wife, Diane, was a big source of encouragement. She was with me as I started the book, and she remained there to help me persevere through the process.” Karen Moore, outgoing president of the MOVERS & SHAKERS Cindy Hyde-Smith Neil White and J.L. Holloway MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf 12 Mississippi Business J o urnal | OCTOBER 2024 NEWS BRIEFS Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP has announced M. Patrick Everman has joined the firm’s Jackson office as a partner in the Corporate and Securities and Real Estate practice groups. “We are delighted to welcome Patrick to Bradley. He brings a wealth of corporate experience, providing strategic counsel to clients on their transactional and real estate needs. Patrick is a great addition to our team and will help us continue to serve our corporate clients as they navigate sophisticated legal issues,” said Bradley Jackson Office Managing Partner, Margaret Oertling Cupples. Everman is an attorney with a corporate-focused practice, offering comprehensive legal guidance in corporate formation, structuring, reorganization, mergers and acquisitions. Everman Joins Bradley In Jackson MOVERS & SHAKERS Patrick Everman Capitol Resources, LLC, one of the largest and most versatile state-based lobbying firms in the country, has announced the addition of Parks MacNabb and Alex Calhoon Miller to its team. MacNabb joins Capitol Resources with over two decades of experience in policy and politics. He has worked closely with former Governor Haley Barbour, former Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, and most recently served in a senior executive role at the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Miller joins the Capitol Resources federal lobbying team after working nearly ten years in Washington, D.C. on Capitol Hill. She most recently served as the Director of Administration and Deputy Communications Director for U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Capitol Resources Team Additions Parks MacNabb C Spire, a diversified telecommunications and technology services company based in Ridgeland, has announced it is recognized as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families” in 2024 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized as one of ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families in 2024,’” said Suzy Hays, President & CEO of C Spire. “This award showcases our dedication to fostering a supportive environ- ment, enabling our team members to balance work and personal lives. At C Spire, we strive daily to deliver for our customers, while recognizing that what our team members have at home should always be their priority. This culture supports families and contributes to our success.” “As more parents juggle raising a family with their work obligations, they want employers who offer flexibility and are supportive of work-life balance. Newsweek, and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights, are proud to introduce ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024,’ highlighting companies that are lauded by their employees as great places to work,” said Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief for Newsweek . According to the company, C Spire offers generous paid time off that affords flexibility for vacation, illness, and personal leave. Additionally, meaningful support is given through a comprehensive benefits package aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of team members and their families. This includes high quality health insurance options with a low employee cost share, telehealth services, wellness and employee assistance programs, retirement savings contributions and life and disability insurance. To empower team members, C Spire offers extensive professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance, external continuing education, in-house training and development courses, and opportunities like Team of Teams, which facilitates cross- functional collaboration for innovation and problem solving. “At C Spire, we believe that supporting our team members extends beyond the workplace,” said Lauren Lawhorn, Chief Human Resources Officer at C Spire. “We are proud to be recognized for our efforts to create a culture that supports our team members and allows them to thrive both personally and professionally.” Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families” by conducting a large-scale employer study based on more than 693,000 company reviews. C Spire received a 4-star rating in the mid-size company category. MBJ Millsaps College has announced that it has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to conduct pioneering research aimed at revolutionizing STEM education. This significant funding underscores Millsaps’ leadership in exploring innovative teaching methods and its commitment to enhancing student learning experiences. The project, led by Dr. Beth Hussa, chair of the biology department; Dr. Stacy DeZutter, professor of education and psychology; and Dr. Cory Toyota, associate professor of organic chemistry, is set to transform traditional classroom environ- ments into spaces that foster active learning and greater student engagement. Titled “Active Learning Sociocultural Progression through Adapted Classroom Environ- ments,” the study will investigate how classroom design influences the way students and faculty approach the learning process. Active learning, an educational approach where students are engaged participants in the learning process rather than passively receiving information, has been shown to significantly improve student success in STEM fields. However, there is still much to learn about the best ways to implement and scale this approach effectively. Millsaps College’s research will focus on how the physical layout of a classroom—specifically a Technology- Enhanced Active Learning classroom—can facilitate this shift. The research will compare traditional classroom setups, where students face a centralized instructor, to TEAL classrooms, which feature flexible space and furniture with updated technology that encourages group work and collaboration. In these TEAL classrooms, instructors move from being the sole source of knowledge to facilitators of a more dynamic and interactive learning experience. This three-year project, set to begin in May 2025, will also see Millsaps students directly involved in the research process, offering them hands-on experience in cutting-edge educational methods. The findings from this study are expected to guide future classroom designs and teaching practices, with Millsaps College leading the way in shaping the future of STEM education. MBJ C Spire Named to Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces” Millsaps Awarded $400,000 Grant for Innovative Research Alex Miller Suzy Hayes Nancy Cooper Lauren Lawhorn Project leaders Dr. Cory Toyota, Dr. Stacy DeZutter and Dr. Beth Hussa awarded $400,000 grant to study how classroom design affects learning and teaching. MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf OCTOBER 2024 | Mississippi Business J o urnal 13 AccelerateMS, Mississippi’s premier office for workforce development strategy and coordination, has announced the addition of two new professionals to its team: Meghan Kaminsky-Rogers as Recruiting Manager and Jeremiah Willis as Special Populations Strategy Manager. Kaminsky-Rogers will spearhead the development and execution of innovative recruiting strategies that bolster economic growth across the state. In her role, she will collaborate with employers, educational institutions, and staffing services. Willis will focus on researching and developing targeted strategies and programs to address the unique needs of diverse and underserved populations across Mississippi. His focus will be on supporting groups with key occupationa l barriers such as justice-involved individuals, veterans, and disabled individuals. AccelerateMS New Hires MOVERS & SHAKERS Digital Imaging Group, LLC, (DIG) of Flowood, a leader in innovative fleet graphics brand management, has announced the appointment of Emily Jones as the new Director of Growth. In this newly-created role, Jones will spearhead initiatives aimed at optimizing both internal and external processes to enhance experiences for customers, vendors, and employees. Jones began her career at DIG in 2018 as a Fleet Account Coordinator. As Director of Growth, Jones will be responsible for understanding and optimizing all internal and external processes. Her focus will include streamlining operations to improve efficiency, enhancing customer and vendor relationships, and fostering a positive and productive environment for employees. “I am honored to take on this new challenge and continue contributing to DIG’s success,” said Jones. Jones Appointed at Digital Imaging Emily Jones NEWS BRIEFS The Delta Regional Authority has announced 29 new graduates of its Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy, an extensive leadership develop- ment program that brings together public, private and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. Representing the 2024 DLI Executive Academy Class, graduates hail from various cities and towns within DRA’s eight-state service region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. The leadership class was selected through a competitive application process led by DRA’s board of governors and federal co-chairman to complete the annual nine- month program designed to empower a corps of servant leaders with the tools, experiences and networks to address local and regional economic development challenges. “The Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy equips a dedicated and diverse group of leaders to drive change within and outside of their communities and accelerate prosperity across the region,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA Federal Co- Chairman. “We are thankful for these leaders for entrusting us to help support them along their DLI journey, and we look forward to the great things they will accomplish in their communities with an enhanced set of skills and knowledge.” During the program, graduates participated in six in-person sessions led by local, regional, and national experts and covered policy areas and skills related to public infrastructure, regional transportation systems, workforce development, coalition- building and other fields necessary to facilitate economic development in the Delta. Graduates then culminate with enhanced DRA Recognizes 2024 Leadership Class During Graduation Ceremony Entergy Mississippi to Build First New Power Station in Fifty Years natural gas is the primary resource, the advanced facility will be designed to support blended hydrogen to produce reliable energy. Eventually, the company will retire the Gerald Andrus Steam Electric Station, which is currently located in Greenville. By replacing older power plants with more advanced and efficient technology, Entergy Mississippi is producing more electricity from the same amount of fuel while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Over the past two decades, the utility has bought three natural gas power stations— For the first time in 50 years, Entergy Mississippi is building a new natural gas power station, which will ensure customers continue to have modern, reliable energy well into the future. The advanced facility will be the first combined-cycle combustion turbine power station the company has built from the ground up. “As our customers’ needs and environmental factors evolve, so must our fleet. We’re investing in cleaner, more efficient power generation now, to help us keep bills lower for customers than they otherwise would be in the future,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO of Entergy Mississippi. The combined-cycle combustion turbine facility is a dual-fuel technology. While Attala Plant in Sallis (2006), Hinds Energy Facility in Jackson (2012) and Choctaw Energy Facility in French Camp (2019). In addition to the current natural gas units, the Sunflower Solar Station near Ruleville (2022) and the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson (1985), are generating emission-free electricity and contributing to the company’s diverse and reliable power generation mix. Entergy Mississippi purchased the solar facility and owns a portion of the nuclear plant. The new power station is expected to be completed in 2028. MBJ decision-making skills, policy development know-ho w, strengthened leadership capacity, and a mutual understanding of regional, state, and local culture and issues. “Investing in people and fostering meaningful connections is essential for creating lasting change in our region,” said Sea Talantis, DRA Director of Human Infrastructure. “The Delta Leadership Institute unites a diverse group of leaders from across the Delta, who may come from different places, but face similar challenges. This experience provides them with the tools, knowledge, and relationships they need to return home and inspire growth in their communities. Together, they form a passionate and driven network, ready to create positive, transformative change.” Since 2005, the DLI Executive Academy has provided leadership development to nearly 700 community leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors and industries to improve economic competitiveness and social viability throughout the Delta region. Upon completion of the leadership program, graduates become a part of the DLI Alumni Network to engage with other DLI alumni for ongoing engagement and support of the region. MBJ Kaminsky-Rogers and Willis Mississippi DLI graduates with Dr. Wiggins (left to right): Danielle Morgan, Mississippi Tourism Association; Nichole Harris-Rosebud, Mayor, Town of Tutwiler; Dr. Corey Wiggins, Delta Regional Authority; Marvin Jones, Circuit Clerk, Humphreys County; Thomas Gregory, Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll EDF Haley Fisackerly MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf 14 Mississippi Business J o urnal | OCTOBER 2024 Q & A Where do you live? I live on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast in Pass Christian, watching the sun rise daily over the Gulf of Mexico. What was your first job? Like most kids, as a 12 to 15 year old, I cut grass and helped neighbors with cleaning the pine straw and leaves from their gutters and roofs. The first real, full time jobs I had were during the summer I was 16 years old. I worked full time as a Red Cross certified life guard in Mobile County, Alabama at Driftwood Country Club, and also as a 30 hour a week laborer in the seafood industry at Quality Seafood in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, processing shrimp off the shrimp boats, packing them for “instant quick freeze,” and loading for shipping around the country. Tell us about your education My father was transferred with his job as plant manager at Vanity Fair from Bayou La Batre, Alabama to Atmore, Alabama during the springtime of my junior year of high school. I graduated from Escambia County High School in Atmore, Alabama, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management, with an Engineering background from Auburn University. My “education” included a couple of years of playing football for Auburn as a 190 pound offensive center, long “snapper” on kicks, and defensive end. Great memories of the gridiron years, with a close friend and teammate, the late Pat Sullivan, becoming the Heisman Trophy recipient as Auburn’s quarterback my freshman year as a center. I must admit the first semester of taking 22 hours of calculus, chemistry, and other time consuming subjects with labs was challenging, but successful! My late wife, Jane, and I married between our sophomore and junior years at Auburn. I remain a very faithful War Eagle fan! Tell us about your family I am the fourth of five Dennis siblings, with two brothers and two sisters, all of us happily living in the Southeastern United States. Jane Rumpf from Bayou La Batre, Alabama and I were “sweethearts” from the eighth grade at age thirteen, and were married while students at Auburn University when she was 19, and I had just turned twenty. Jane and I were blessed with two children, Kate Dennis Spear (Wake Forest University BS, Ole Miss Law, JD), and Kate’s younger brother, Padrick Davison Dennis (Washington and Lee University BS double major, Ole Miss Law, JD). Kate and her husband Chris have 2 children (Louisa, 8 and Scott, 5), years while Padrick and his wife Mary have 3 children (Mae, 9, Maggie Jane, 6, and Jack, 4). Both Kate and Padrick are the executive leadership in our company Specialty Contractors and Associates, Inc. Jane unfortunately passed away in 2020, following a lengthy illness. I am currently happily engaged to a wonderful person, Cindy Walker. What is your current position? I am “President Emeritus” of Specialty Contractors and Associates, Inc. in Gulfport. We are a commercial and industrial subcontractor, with a resume of nearly 11,000 successfully completed projects, currently with active work in five states. Describe your duties in your current position My current role is more of a planning, customer cultivation, and business development role, as my children Kate and Padrick actively manage day to day operations. How were you introduced to your career? I had a management/engineering background from Auburn University, and had worked on some construction projects while in school. I worked for Blue Bird School Bus Company in Fort Valley, Georgia upon graduation. Two years after graduating from Auburn, Jane’s father, Ed Rumpf in Mobile, Alabama, one of the original founders of Specialty Contractors, asked if we would consider moving to Gulfport to manage the Gulfport office. We decided to make the move to Specialty Contractors, then bought the entire company in 1985. What do you like least about your job? Actually, I enjoyed most every aspect of owning and running Specialty Contractors. I must admit, in the early years before our children were born, the 5:30 a.m. to dark hours were tiring, but rewarding. Jane and I worked together daily in the business for many years. A goal you have yet to achieve? I am still working to balance civic leadership with business time constraints and requirements. We have worked for years to actively lead the enhancement of Mississippi. What is the best business decision you have ever made? Without question, the best decision was to engage with our children Kate and Padrick to become active members of Specialty Contractors’ leadership. They have taken the company to new heights and benchmarks of exceptional quality, reputation, performance, and business success. Worst business decision you have ever made? Over the course of 11,000 jobs, we have certainly stubbed our toe a few times on jobs that cost more than we estimated. Often, the worst decisions are the opportunities that passed you by without considering their merits. Likely, the worst business decisions I have made have been the things we didn’t invest in, the decision to not move forward on or an investment chance that later blossomed into a phenomenal success story. Certainly, we had a few small calculated risks that didn’t pan out, and became zeroes. Who are the people that made a difference in your life while growing up? My parents were incredibly positive and encouraging to all of my siblings and me as we were growing up. Jane’s parents were equally encouraging to us, also. So, my parents are naturally an answer for this question. I worked for a man, Red Lumpkin, at his gas station a couple of summers in Atmore, Alabama. He was the 22nd place I went asking and looking for summer work in high school, and he gave me a very memorable and rewarding job pumping gas, servicing cars, and light mechanic work on cars. Mr. Red gave me more realistic real life wisdom and life lessons on reading people and understanding their lives than anyone other than my parents. It was a treat working for him. Additionally, later in life, the late George Schloegel from Gulfport was always trying to lift those around him to better heights of personal and career success. He was a cherished mentor to me, but more importantly, an unconditional friend. The most significant person of influence on my life growing up would be my late wife, Jane. We tried to be each other’s cheerleader and support system growing up. We met as 13 year olds, and neither of us ever dated anyone else, went through Auburn together and ran a successful business together, and raised two children who made us very proud. She was indeed a strong influence on my life growing up and as an adult. What’s the best business advice you have been given? The best advice has clearly and simply been: “Be a productive man of character and integrity, and success will find you, follow you, and lift you unimaginable heights.” It’s so true, and has worked my entire life! As a sidenote, my late wife Jane was the Mississippi Business Journal’s “Business Women of the Year” in 2007, an award she truly cherished and appreciated. MBJ DAVE DENNIS Mississippi Business Journal caught up with President Emeritus of Specialty Contractors and Associates Inc., Dave Dennis. Dennis built his Gulfport-based company alongside his late wife, Jane. He credits his parents and others with the encouragement needed to stay the course as his business grew. MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf 16 Mississippi Business J o urnal | OCTOBER 2024 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT S hip Island Excursions, operated by three generations of the Skrmetta family, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. The company, which transports passengers to a Gulf island beach and on coastline cruises, has overcome numerous hurricanes, World War II, the Gulf oil spill and pandemic. After each “calamity,” Capt. Louis Skrmetta said, the family “got back on our feet and ran the boat again.” In 1926, Capt. Peter Martin Skrmetta, a Croatian immigrant, began taking passengers in his converted schooner to the speakeasy on the Isle of Caprice off the coast of Biloxi. “It was a lot easier than dredging oysters,” said Capt. Louis, the current CEO. Louis’s father, Capt. Peter Matthew Skrmetta, ran Ship Island Excursions from 1953 until he retired at age 90. He died earlier this year at 94. “I was raised in the business, the oldest of four boys,” said Louis. “We were a ready made crew and all four worked in the business at some point.” He earned his captain’s license in 1976 and has been skippering ever since. Ship Island Excursions is a major tourist attraction, ferrying thousands of passengers a year from the Gulfport Harbor to Ship Island, 11 miles south. The barrier island, one of four that make up Gulf Islands National Seashore, has miles of natural sand beaches, clear green Gulf water for swimming and historic Fort Massachusetts, built in 1858, for exploring. “My dad transported over a million people to the island,” said Skrmetta. “I have probably done the same number as dad.” The Gulfport to Ship Island service operates from March through October with two ferries: the 105-foot Capt. Pete and the 115-foot Gulf Islander. “It’s a totally different environment from the mainland beach, something special,” said Skrmetta. “It has seven miles of secluded Gulf beach to explore and it is a great getaway.” The company is the exclusive National Park Service concessioner for ferry service to Ship Island and Fort Ship Island Excursions By LISA MONTI Transporting passengers for nearly 100 years Peter, Louis, Pete and Robert Skrmetta Massachusetts, beach equipment rental, and food and beverage sales. Skrmetta calls the Ship Island service “the bread and butter” of the company, which also offers dolphin watching cruises, sunset music cruises and private charters. “The dolphin watch has been very successful,” said Skrmetta. The 90-minute trip stays close to shore and “is great to take the grandkids out on a short boat ride into the Mississippi Sound.” More than 40 employees work on the boats, at the Gulfport dock, and on the island. Skrmetta calls growing up in the family business “idyllic for a young kid” and said he and his brother still love their work. “My brothers and I appreciate seeing people enjoy themselves. That’s what kept us going.” MBJ Captain Peter Martin Skrmetta MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf OCTOBER 2024 | Mississippi Business J o urnal 17 Recently named a Top 11 city in the world for public art, vibrant murals and sculptures paint the streets of Hattiesburg, MS . These artistic masterpieces tell stories of the city’s past and present, from civil rights and the creation of rock ‘n roll to highlighting philanthropic leaders and HBURG’s vibe. Learn more at VisitHBURG.org . Inspiration is waiting. JAM SESSION, 2024 RESHONDA PERRYMAN, ARTIST WHERE HAPPENS. H A T 1 3 4 8 4 - M S B u s i n e s s J o u r n a l A d . i n d d 1 8 / 2 6 / 2 4 2 : 0 0   P M MBJ October 2024 HR.pdf 18 Mississippi Business J o urnal | OCTOBER 2024 By BECKY GILLETTE Teacher Shortages in State Multiple efforts underway to address serious problem Many schools in Mississippi don’t have an adequate number of teachers in the classroom this fall. The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) 2023-24 Educator Shortage survey indicates there are currently 5,012 vacancies among teachers, administrators and school support staff across the state. The survey, done between August and November in 2023, had 100 percent voluntary participation from school districts. Vacancies were up 24 from the 4,988 vacancies seen in the 2022-23 years, but less than the 5,503 vacancies reported in 2021-22. “The teacher shortage in Mississippi is very serious,” said Erica Webber Jones, president of the Mississippi Association of Education (MAE). “School districts from throughout the state currently are facing issues. These shortages are systemwide. From Desoto County to our Gulf Coast, districts are scrambling to find certified teachers. Many districts are looking to use long-term subs to fill these vacancies.” Shortages have been common in the more rural areas for many years. But the shortage is no longer confined to those areas. Jones has heard from principals in Madison County that they are having a hard time filling vacancies. She said shortages are particularly acute in areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and in foreign languages. Many longtime teachers are finding their jobs more challenging than in the past because of problems with classroom discipline, paperwork burdens and a rigid curriculum designed to help students score well on standardized testing. Jones said the underlying causes of the shortages include a lack of autonomy to make professional decisions, disrespect toward educators and particularly low wages. And not as many college students are interested in a career in education. “I have learned from colleges and universities that we do not have a lot of students enrolling in education,” said Jones. “This, coupled with the issues already discussed, contribute to the shortage.” What can be done to help alleviate the problem? “Every student deserves a quality education,” said Jones. “Decisions by elected officials impact the shortages. As a second-grade teacher, I know firsthand how important it is to pay educators competitive wages. Parents, community members and other stakeholders play an important part in alleviating the teacher shortage.” Larger class sizes add more stress for teachers and administrators. There are also more difficult issues with discipline and student learning environments when there are fewer teachers. “We must work together to help alleviate the teacher shortage,” said Jones. “Our students deserve better. Our educators deserve better.” Dr. Courtney Van Cleve, the MED’s director of the office of educator continuum, said MDE is working hard to increase and strengthen the state’s educator workforce as a whole. “Our strategies to recruit and retain teachers are aligned with information gathered from surveys and stakeholders alike,” she said. Vacancies increased in some areas and decreased in others. MDE noted that, compared to last year, vacancies increased by 182 among teachers, by 9 among K-12 licensed educators (library/media, counselors and speech language positions), and by 25 among administrators (principals and assistant principals). However, vacancies decreased by 192 among K-12 support staff such as Courtney Van Cleve Erica Webber Jones

October 23, 2024 | Insights | Authored Article

R. Pepper Crutcher, Jr.

Originally published in the Mississippi Business Journal.

Effective July 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor raised the minimum salary that employers must pay to avoid paying overtime to people who perform executive duties. The minimum weekly salary of $684 became $844 on July 1, 2024 and will rise to $1,128 weekly on January 1, 2025, with annual inflation adjustments thereafter. Pay a manager or a supervisor less and you will owe overtime, no matter how fully he or she may function as an executive. This provoked immediate suits to block enforcement.

The complaining parties, including the State of Texas and trade associations, contested the unprecedented size of the required raises (an argument made in prior years), but also argued that Congress did not authorize DOL to treat compensation level as a proxy for executive duty performance. The new argument was simple: on its face, the statute bases exemption on executive duties, not executive compensation; salary level is irrelevant. In a 36-page opinion published June 28, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas agreed, and preliminarily enjoined DOL’s enforcement of the new salary rules against the State of Texas. See Texas v. U.S. Department of Labor , E.D. Tex. Case No. 4:24-cv-00499 (Doc. 38). The Court then set a schedule for briefs to be filed before entry of a final judgment sometime after September 19, 2024.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (covering Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas), an overlapping case was under consideration. The Fifth Circuit’s opinion in Mayfield v. U.S. Department of Labor, No. 23-50724 (Sept. 11, 2024) approved DOL’s use of salary as a proxy for executive duty performance unless, in a particular case, the higher salary requirement effectively replaces and overrules the duties test. DOL promptly told the Texas District Court that Mayfield requires dismissal of the suit pending there.

The State of Texas and its fellow challengers aren’t done fighting, and still have a chance to win, but it’s not looking good. I am reminded of The Black Knight scene in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975):

Black Knight (arms severed): Have at you!
King Arthur: You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine.
Black Knight: Oh, had enough, eh?
Arthur: Look, you stupid #$%^&@*, you’ve got no arms left.
Black Knight: Yes I have.
Arthur: Look!
Black Knight (looking): Just a flesh wound.

The Fifth Circuit’s Mayfield opinion is especially bad news for employers because federal agencies have had their toughest luck there in recent years. The Mayfield opinion may foredoom a plaintiff-friendly ruling in the Texas case, and any chance of Fifth Circuit affirmance of a plaintiff-friendly ruling on appeal. A Circuit split commonly is required for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Fifth Circuit siding with DOL in Mayfield materially reduces the chances of a review-triggering Circuit split.

If the betting line was “pick ‘em” on September 10, DOL should be giving 11.5 points on September 24. Odds are that the Executive exemption salary threshold will be jacked-up on January 1, 2025.