While the economy was on everyone’s mind at the MEDC Winter Conference in Jackson, it didn’t slow down attendance or sponsorships for the annual event. Over 300 attendees registered for the event, about the same as last year, and sponsorships didn’t fall off as a result of the slow economy. Entergy returned as sponsor for the reception, and the awards luncheon had a first-time corporate sponsor, Cellular South.

Other firsts for the conference, dubbed “Innovation Destination,” included the introduction of MDA’s info roundtables, in a “speed dating” format, and the MEDC discussion roundtables, with lively in-depth discussions on a variety of pertinent topics. “Not only were the speakers and topics innovative,” said Larry Barnett, conference chairman, “but the format was unique and cutting edge.”

While the formats and topics were widely acclaimed by the attendees, many rated the conference’s value primarily in one word: networking. According to Sid McMillan, vice-president of industrial development for JESCO, Inc., “You can subscribe to all the business publications in the world, but there’s no better way to do business than networking.” McMillan added that JESCO, an industrial contractor, builds all over the southeast, and “the people on the front end of this process are in this room.”

Tonia Williams, economic development representative for the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, agreed. “The main thing is the networking opportunity. While I get recertification points and learn about trends in economic development, ultimately the networking is most beneficial.” “The info from experts in various fields is priceless,” she said. “You can find solutions to problems just by talking. This conference reenergizes you to continue the good fight.”

Mika Hirai, director of general research for JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization in Houston, said Mississippi is one of “the most energetic states to encourage Japanese companies to invest” in their state. “I’m trying to collect more information for Japanese to invest in the state,” she said. “There are so many business chances here for Japanese companies.” As part of her job at JETRO, Mika writes an article for the JETRO Daily News. “I gathered helpful information from the sessions. Every topic is helpful,” she said.

Among the “innovative” speakers were Joel Bomgar, founder and CEO of the Bomgar Corporation in Ridgeland, and Rick Moore, president of Eyevox, MadGENIUS, Inc, The Screen Engine and Imagination Education, Inc., in Ridgeland.

Attendees at the conference came from numerous states as well as Germany and China.

Carol Hardwick, MEDC Executive Director & Mika Hirai, JETRO-Houston, TX
Mika's article about MEDC