Starkville: Mississippi's College Town

GSDP Accepting Nominations for 2014 Awards

2014-09-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is currently accepting nominations for four annual awards honoring member businesses, individuals and stakeholders who have impacted the community in the last year. The 2014 awards will be presented at the Partnership Annual Banquet to be held on January 29, 2015. Nomination forms should be returned to the GSDP office by October 31, 2014.

GSDP ANNUAL AWARDS

Of the seven annual awards the Partnership sponsors, four are chosen based on community and member nominations.

R. Clay Simmons Exemplary Enterprise Award
Initiated in 1995, the R. Clay Simmons Exemplary Enterprise Award is presented through the Chamber of Commerce division to a for-profit business or firm in the greater Starkville area that has demonstrated exemplary business practices and made outstanding contributions to the community. The award is given in memory of R. Clay Simmons, who offers a lasting example of superior community and business leadership. Past recipients of the R. Clay Simmons Exemplary Enterprise Award include Cadence Bank, Tabor Management and Construction, Metrocast, TE Lott and East Mississippi Lumber Company.

R. Clay Simmons Exemplary Enterprise Award Nomination Packet

T. E. Veitch Community Service Award
The T. E. Veitch Community Service Award, established in 1993, is the most prestigious community service award given annually by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding community service and civic contributions. Veitch award nominees exhibit continuing involvement in community affairs which enhance the common good of the community in meaningful ways. T. E. Veitch Community Service Award past recipients include Lynn Phillips-Gaines, Rex Buffington, Bill Poe, Frank Chiles and Wilson Ashfort.

T.E. Veitch Community Service Award Nomination Packet

Military Affairs Committee Service to Military Award
The annual Service to Military Award is presented by the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee to an organization or individual who has provided outstanding service to the military community of Oktibbeha County either through a single, significant event or through sustained support. The award recognizes events or programs that have created greater awareness and appreciation for the local military community, provided direct benefit to the local military community, and enhanced the quality of life of the military community. Past recipients of the Service to Military Award include Bill Poe, Joan Wilson, Gulf States Manufacturing and Starkville Daily News.

Military Affairs Committee Service to Military Award Nomination Packet

Starkville Area Education Hall of Fame Award
The Education Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have garnered state, regional and national recognition in the field of education. It honors those who have achieved distinction through teaching methods, research, writing, academic achievement and professional society participation. Past recipients of the Education Hall of Fame Award include Ty Adair, Amy McReynolds, and Paul Cuicchi.

Starkville Area Education Hall of Fame Award Nomination Packet

Tornado Relief Opportunities

2014-04-30T12:34:00.001-05:00

[updated May 1, 2014]

Our hearts are with our friends in Louisville, Tupelo, Columbus and throughout our great State and the South as storms have created widespread devastation. The Starkville business community quickly stepped up to collect items in need and have been delivering them to Louisville daily. Below is a collection of information about volunteer opportunities, items in need, and donation drop-off locations. Please contact individual businesses about specific collection hours. This list may not be exclusive, and we will continue to add other locations as we become aware of them. Thank you to our wonderful businesses and the Starkville community for assisting in this time of great need. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the residents of our neighboring communities.

VOLUNTEER UPDATE

If you or a group are interested in volunteering to help in any of the affected areas, please contact the local National Guard Armory FIRST. Below are known volunteer needs in Louisville, MS:

First Baptist Church Louisville
205 South Church Avenue
Louisville, MS 39339(662) 773-6246

First Methodist Church Louisville

300 West Main Street

Louisville, MS 39339

(662) 285-3799

Volunteers are needed to sort and distribute donated relief items at each of these locations.

RELIEF ITEM UPDATE

According to the local shelters in Louisville, MS, there are critical needs for the following items:

Under Garments

Socks

Baby Formula

Diapers

Baby Bottles

Baby Wipes

Sippy Cups

Juice

Toddler Snacks

Baby Food

Plastic Spoons

Sheets

Pillows

Blankets

Towels

Wash Cloths

Paper Towels

Toilet Paper

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

Highway 12 Area

Wal-Mart Parking Lot (Southwire 18 Wheeler)

Strange Brew

Juva Juice

Harvey's

USave

Starkville Computers

Army/Navy Store

Salvation Army

Veranda

Buffalo Wild Wings (Wednesday & Thursday ONLY)

Downtown

LA Green

Thyme

Veranda

929 Coffee Bar

Midtown Pilates

Sprout

Restaurant Tyler

Bin 612

Local Culture

The Biscuit Shop
Fleurdelis

Mississippi State University

Barnes & Noble

Kappa Delta Sorority House (Wednesday Only)

OTHER RELIEF EFFORTS

Deep South Pout -- Social Shop customers can comment "Help" on DSP social media accounts to donate a case of water and will be charged $5. Deep South Pout will match each donation.

Buffalo Wild Wings -- 10% of all proceeds on Friday, May 2 go to relief efforts.

Starkville High School and Armstrong Middle School Bands --

The SHS and AMS Bands are collecting baby items for the relief effort in Louisville: diapers of all sizes; powdered formula; baby wipes; bottles and other baby related items. Items may be dropped off at the SHS and AMS band halls through noon on Tuesday, May 6. The SHS band hall will also be open on Saturday from 9 – 10:30 to accept any donations.

Rice Fitness --

Car Wash benefitting City of Louisville Relief

Saturday, May 3

10am - 2pm

at CSpire on Hwy 12

Starkville Participates in Sustainable Communities Development Program

2014-04-22T09:45:00.000-05:00

Starkville has applied and been accepted to participate in the Valley Sustainable Communities Program. This program, now in its second year, is being sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and managed by Boyette Strategic Advisors (BSA).

The Valley Sustainable Communities Program was initiated by TVA Economic Development in 2013 as part of its community preparedness offerings. Sustainability has become a key issue for economic development organizations and communities as more corporations have demonstrated an increasing commitment to sustainability. In addition, more than 90 percent of corporate real estate executives who responded to a CoreNet Global survey said that sustainability is a consideration in their company location decisions. The typical reasons for this corporate commitment are reduced operating costs for increased profitability and greater employee satisfaction.

The goal of the program is to increase the likelihood that communities will be viewed as progressive and competitive by companies planning to invest in new or expanded business locations. BSA and TVA staff will be administering the program and meeting in person with communities’ sustainability teams to help inventory, develop and implement sustainable initiatives and increase awareness of Starkville’s sustainable assets.

The program recognizes communities at three levels – Silver, Gold and Platinum – based on the sustainability programs in place. While a wide variety of sustainable initiatives contribute to a community’s level or recognition, those programs directly related to business and industry support and economic development receive greater emphasis. Read more at TVAed.com/sustainable.

“Starkville has already made a significant commitment to sustainability. This new program provides us with the opportunity to document, further develop and be recognized for our sustainable initiatives, which will help differentiate us in the tough competition for new business investment and community development,” said Jennifer Gregory, Greater Starkville Development Partnership (GSDP) CEO.

The mission of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership is to promote a healthy and sustainable Starkville and Oktibbeha County by enhancing the quality of life for all citizens through business growth and job creation, tourism and retirement opportunities, and progressive educational and community initiatives. The GSDP is comprised of the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce, Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority, Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Starkville Main Street Association.

Archives & History Task Force Gets to Work

2014-04-14T13:39:00.002-05:00

As we announced in January, the Partnership has launched a set of new Task Forces this year to address several of the items in our 2014 and ongoing program of work. After a period of allowing members to sign up for participation in the groups, the Task Forces have completed a round of initial meetings designed to discuss and establish specific goals to be addressed. As the work of the Task Forces continue, we hope to share progress and report on their work here.

The GSDP Archives and History Task Force was formed in response to member feedback after the 2014 Annual Banquet. As many of you know, during the Banquet, we were pleased to recognize many of our long-time members for their years of support of the Chamber of Commerce. During the course of compiling milestone records, we realized that many of our records are missing information.

In 1992 the Chamber adopted an online member management system called Chamber Master -- the same system we now use for creating member profiles, managing our event calendar and facilitating registration for Partnership member events. Many membership records prior to the implementation of Chamber Master are antiquated or incomplete. With changes in the GSDP Chamber Director position during that same time period, we realized the need to recover as much of that membership history as possible. After several members expressed an interest in helping with that process, a Task Force devoted to the job was formed.

The Archives and History Task Force held its initial meeting on Friday, March 27 with seven members convening along with Heath Barret, Partnership Director of Membership. Members of the Task Force include Nellah Taylor, David and Sherrie Van Landingham, Gary Allen, Nancy Walsh, Cory Lucious, and Stuart Vance.

After discussion, the Task Force developed a goal of creating a synopsis history of the Starkville Chamber of Commerce and membership that can be made available to Partnership staff and members as needed so that a record of membership history prior to online archiving can be preserved.

Nellah Taylor said she hoped to come out of the Task Force with a "synopsis of the history of the Chamber to make available to each new Chamber Director hire so that he or she will not have this problem in the future."

The Task Force members discussed a number of ways to obtain missing information, including contacting Past Presidents of the Chamber to glean oral history or documents they may have from their tenures serving in leadership positions. Members of the Task Force also agreed to search Starkville Daily News archives and Starkville Public Library holdings as sources of information. In addition, David and Sherrie Van Landingham agreed to provide old paper records that will be copied for research purposes.

The Partnership is grateful to the Task Force members for their willingness to dig through these multiple sources to compile more accurate records. Some of our long-time members may be contacted by volunteers about obtaining additional information. If any of our members have records you feel would be useful, please contact Heath Barrett at the Partnership office.

Partnership Presents Annual Awards

2014-01-28T12:55:00.002-06:00

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership presented a slate of yearly awards at the 2014 Annual Banquet on January 27. We are proud to honor the following recipients who have impacted our community:

R. Clay Simmons Exemplary Enterprise Award -- Cadence Bank
T.E. Veitch Community Service Award – Paige Lawes
Education Hall of Fame – Ty Adair
Service to the Military Community Award – Jeff Donald & Robert Green
Crystal Pineapple Tourism Award – Mississippi State Diamond Dogs Baseball Team
Industry of the Year Award -- Southwire
Ambassador of the Year – Melanie Mitchell
Downtown Revitalization Award – Dan Camp

Broadcast Media Group helped the Partnership create videos showcasing each of the recipients to be presented at the banquet. Take a look and help us congratulate the award winners!

What to Expect at Tonight's Twitter Town Hall on Consolidation

2013-11-06T10:26:00.002-06:00

We hope you are planning to join the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and Parents for Public School of Starkville for tonight’s Twitter Town Hall (7-8pm) to discuss the proposed plan for consolidation presented by the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure in a live Q&A format.

The Commission was established by HB716 with the task of creating a report for the Legislature with recommendations for the structure of the new district. PPS Starkville has embraced the consolidation process as an opportunity to create better educational opportunities for students in both the city and county, and has taken a leading role in informing and educating the public about the issues involved. The Partnership believes that a quality public school system is an essential element for quality of life, economic and business development for Starkville.

The Commission has met a number of times to gather information and formulate a plan to provide the efficient and quality academic success for all. The initial proposed plan to be discussed tonight contains short term & long term components. View the proposed plan here

Below are the general guidelines and structure of the Twitter chat. We invite the public to submit any questions for discussion to PPS through their twitter account at @ppsstarkville.

OUR PANEL

The panel tonight includes the following guests. Please give them a follow on Twitter!

@rgbii Rex Buffington, Commission member

@suptholloway Lewis Holloway, Commission member & SSD Superintendent

@gmwj Michelle Jones, President PPS

@jeremiah_dumas Jeremiah Dumas, Vice Pres PPS

@jenglazegregory Jennifer Gregory, CEO GSDP

@sfped Nelle Cohen, SFPE Pres

@StarkvilleSD Starkville School District

OUR HASHTAG

Be sure to include #StkCSD in every tweet so that it will appear in our stream for all to see

HOW THE CHAT WILL WORK

PPS Starkville will be facilitating the discussion through their twitter account, so be sure to follow @ppsstarkville to see the questions being discussed. In order to simplify the discussion, PPS Starkville will number questions for our panel as Q1, Q2, etc. Please tag your corresponding comments with A1, etc.

PPS Starkville wants to entertain as many questions as possible. So, please tweet new questions to @PPSStarkville to add to the numbered list.

PPS has already received some questions to get the conversation started, and we will tweet other questions as we receive them. Tonight's discussion will begin with...

Q1: MSU has not been mentioned in the proposed plan. What role or involvement do you expect them to have in the new district?

Q2: We've fielded concerns about classroom size with the addition of 7-12 County students. Can you address that?

Q3: What is the reasoning for a proposed new 8-9 school as opposed to a new high school?

Q4: Will the county and city ad valorem taxes be the same so that everyone is contributing at same millage rate?

Q5: Has the Commission considered moving OCSD high schoolers to Starkville before 2015?

JUST IN CASE

If the PPS account becomes restricted by Twitter because of tweet volume, we will move to @GSDPartnership to facilitate. So, be sure to follow both!

New to twitter chats? Tweetchat.com<http://tweetchat.com/> is a good tweet engine. Click login to join through twitter and indicate #StkCSD as hashtag

School Consolidation: Twitter Town Hall to Discuss Commission's Proposed Plan

2013-11-05T15:35:00.002-06:00

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is proud to partner with Parents for Public School of Starkville to host a Twitter Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, November 6, from 7 until 8 pm to provide an opportunity for a question and answer session regarding consolidation -- particularly the proposed plan released by the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure (shown below.) The Partnership recognizes that a high quality public school system is an essential part of Starkville's quality of life and economic development efforts. We urge all our members and community stakeholders to become informed about this important process to expand the Starkville School District.

PPS will facilitate Wednesday's discussion from their twitter account (http://twitter.com/ppsstarkville) using the hashtag #StkCSD. In addition to GSDP and PPS leaders, Commission members Rex Buffington and Lewis Holloway, Starkville School District Superintendent, have confirmed that they will be available to respond to questions. The live chat is an opportunity to share information and discuss consolidation prior to the public hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 7, at the Greensboro Center at 6 pm. While a public hearing allows individuals to provide input, it typically does not allow for a dialogue exchange, which is why PPS Starkville and GSDP wanted to offer another forum.

“The Commission's work has been extensive over the past few months, and we recognize that parents might not have been able to follow every meeting,” PPS Starkville President Michelle Jones said. “With that in mind, PPS Starkville felt that it was important for there to be a forum that would allow for questions and answers so that parents and other stakeholders could develop informed opinions on the proposed plan.”

Members of PPS Starkville, GSDP, Starkville School District, and the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School Structure will be available during the live chat to answer questions about consolidation and the proposed plan. During the hour, PPS Starkville and GSDP will facilitate conversation about the merits of the proposed consolidation plan as well as invite feedback on the points of the plan. This Twitter chat is also an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions about the work of the Commission, including how the Commission decided on their recommendations for the consolidation plan.

“It is our hope that this Q and A discussion offers an informative session so that our stakeholders can be better informed about consolidation and better prepared to provide input to the Commission members during the public hearing on Thursday,” Jones said.

PPS Starkville and GSDP invite you to join us in this effort to engage our community and our state to help create the best plan for consolidation that does the most to impact the quality and delivery of education in every classroom for every child.

Reminder: Public Hearing set for Thursday, November 7
6:00pm
Greensboro Center

PROPOSED PLAN FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF
STARKVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

(This Proposed Plan is for discussion purposes only and is subject to change.)

1.    All public school students who reside in Oktibbeha County will be educated by the Starkville Consolidated School District.

Elementary Schools

2.    East Oktibbeha Elementary School will remain a Pre-K through Grade 6 elementary school at the same location in the Starkville Consolidated School District. The school zone for East Oktibbeha Elementary School will remain the same.

3.    West Oktibbeha Elementary School will remain Pre-K through Grade 6 elementary school at the same location in the Starkville Consolidated School District. The school zone for West Oktibbeha Elementary School will remain the same.

4.    As a result of East Oktibbeha Elementary School and West Oktibbeha Elementary School remaining Pre-K through Grade 6 schools at the same
locations, the following elementary schools in Starkville will remain at the same location and serve the same grades in the consolidated school district:
·      Sudduth Elementary (Grades K-2);
·      Ward-Stewart Elementary (Grades 3-4); and
·      Henderson (Grade 5).

The school zones for Sudduth Elementary, Ward-Steward Elementary and Henderson will remain the same.

Middle Schools

5.    The following are the Short-Term and Long-term Proposed Plans for providing an education for the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students in the Starkville Consolidated School District:

Short Term –
·      Sixth Grade Students in the Starkville School District will attend Overstreet. (8/1/15)
·      The Alternative School will move to an alternate site.
·      All 7^th and 8^th grade students in Starkville and Oktibbeha County School Districts will attend Armstrong Middle School.

Long Term –
Plan A –
·      Reassign the 9^th grade from the High School.
·      Build an 8^th and 9^th grade school.
     - Cost approximately $14M
     - Move-in date of August 2017
·      All 6^th and 7^th graders in the Starkville Consolidated School District will attend Armstrong Middle School.

Plan B
·      Build 16 classrooms at Armstrong Middle School to provide classrooms for all 7^th and 8^th grade students in the Starkville Consolidated School District.
·      Cost approximately $3,069,000.00.
·      Move-in date of August 2016.
(Plan B is not the preferred plan to provide the best educational opportunities for students and will only be initiated if there is a lack of funding.)

High School

6.    Students in Grades 9-12 at East Oktibbeha High School and West Oktibbeha High School will attend Starkville High School.   (August, 2015)

Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms

7.    Increase the number of Four-year-old Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. (Currently, Starkville School District has two (2) four-year-old Pre-kindergarten classes. Currently, Oktibbeha County School District has one (1) four-year-old Pre-kindergarten class at East Oktibbeha Elementary and one (1) four-year old class at West Oktibbeha Elementary.)

Proposed Plan for Starkville Consolidated School District

2013-11-04T10:08:00.000-06:00

The Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure has released the following proposed plan to begin community discussions about the structure of the new consolidated school district. The plan will be the subject of our discussion on Wednesday, November 6 (7-8pm) during a Twitter Town Hall hosted by the GSDP in partnership with Parents for Public School of Starkville. PPS will facilitate the discussion using their twitter account at @PPSStarkville and the public may submit questions for a panel of GSDP/PPS leaders and Commission members. A public hearing regarding the plan will also be held on Thursday, November 7 at the Greensboro Center (6pm).

PROPOSED PLAN FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF
STARKVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

(This Proposed Plan is for discussion purposes only and is subject to change.)

1.    All public school students who reside in Oktibbeha County will be educated by the Starkville Consolidated School District.

Elementary Schools

2.    East Oktibbeha Elementary School will remain a Pre-K through Grade 6 elementary school at the same location in the Starkville Consolidated School District. The school zone for East Oktibbeha Elementary School will remain the same.

3.    West Oktibbeha Elementary School will remain Pre-K through Grade 6 elementary school at the same location in the Starkville Consolidated School District. The school zone for West Oktibbeha Elementary School will remain the same.

4.    As a result of East Oktibbeha Elementary School and West Oktibbeha Elementary School remaining Pre-K through Grade 6 schools at the same
locations, the following elementary schools in Starkville will remain at the same location and serve the same grades in the consolidated school district:
·      Sudduth Elementary (Grades K-2);
·      Ward-Stewart Elementary (Grades 3-4); and
·      Henderson (Grade 5).

The school zones for Sudduth Elementary, Ward-Steward Elementary and Henderson will remain the same.

Middle Schools

5.    The following are the Short-Term and Long-term Proposed Plans for providing an education for the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students in the Starkville Consolidated School District:

Short Term –
·      Sixth Grade Students in the Starkville School District will attend Overstreet. (8/1/15)
·      The Alternative School will move to an alternate site.
·      All 7^th and 8^th grade students in Starkville and Oktibbeha County School Districts will attend Armstrong Middle School.

Long Term –
Plan A –
·      Reassign the 9^th grade from the High School.
·      Build an 8^th and 9^th grade school.
     - Cost approximately $14M
     - Move-in date of August 2017
·      All 6^th and 7^th graders in the Starkville Consolidated School District will attend Armstrong Middle School.

Plan B
·      Build 16 classrooms at Armstrong Middle School to provide classrooms for all 7^th and 8^th grade students in the Starkville Consolidated School District.
·      Cost approximately $3,069,000.00.
·      Move-in date of August 2016.
(Plan B is not the preferred plan to provide the best educational opportunities for students and will only be initiated if there is a lack of funding.)

High School

6.    Students in Grades 9-12 at East Oktibbeha High School and West Oktibbeha High School will attend Starkville High School.   (August, 2015)

Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms

7.    Increase the number of Four-year-old Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. (Currently, Starkville School District has two (2) four-year-old Pre-kindergarten classes. Currently, Oktibbeha County School District has one (1) four-year-old Pre-kindergarten class at East Oktibbeha Elementary and one (1) four-year old class at West Oktibbeha Elementary.)

Blue Ribbon Series Lunch Scheduled for November 6

2013-11-01T11:26:00.001-05:00

Do you like to be "in the know" about important community issues and happenings? Do you want to take advantage of opportunities to network with colleagues and potential customers? Is your business at the forefront of efforts to move Starkville forward?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you're probably a member of the Partnership's Chamber of Commerce. We are honored to work with a vibrant, engaged and diverse Chamber membership of corporations, small businesses, organizations from many non-profit and community involvement sectors, as well as highly motivated individuals. Our team at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership includes you! Nationwide, Chambers of Commerce members are some of the most engaged and innovative community influencers. Organizations such as ours are often seen as essential partnerships for business growth and marketing. But, are you getting the most out of your Chamber membership?

On Wednesday, November 6, the Partnership will present another installment in our Blue Ribbon Business Resources Fall Series, a seminar aimed at helping you gain the most benefit from your GSDP membership. We will present a BR2 Lunch Seminar entitled "Know Your Chamber Benefits: Partnership Membership 101." The seminar will be held at Hilton Garden Inn from 11:30am to 1pm, and lunch will be provided.

During the seminar, the Partnership team will share a number of educational and marketing opportunities that are exclusively offered to GSDP members, and some of the benefits may surprise you! In addition to having access to "first-to-know" and expanded community information through events like the Blue Ribbon Series and our weekly eView emailing, Partnership membership includes some unique marketing avenues as well as opportunities to be involved in moving Starkville's economic and community development efforts forward.

At Wednesday's BR2 meeting, we'll offer more information about Chamber member marketing benefits including our "Hot Deals" online promotional program, the integration of social media links to our membership directory, participation in the annual Starkville Magazine distributed throughout the community, and our Ribbon Cutting promotional opportunities. You'll also be the first to hear about the upcoming Task Force initiative beginning through the Partnership in 2014. This program will allow the Partnership to be better in tune with community needs and will provide avenues for members to roll up their sleeves in ways that will make specific impact to community growth.

One of the key components of the BR2 Luncheon on November 6 will be an introduction to the new Chamber Master system the Partnership has implemented for member management. This system gives members the opportunity to log in, edit and immediately update online business information, add "hot deals," post business events, advertise job openings, register for Partnership events and more. Members in attendance at the BR2 Seminar will receive their unique login credentials for the system, and our team will walk through the how-tos of key features.

If you would like to attend this Blue Ribbon Series event on Tuesday, please RSVP to Donna at 662.323.3322 or email at dwilliams@starkville.org. We look forward to sharing with our members these great new benefits for business marketing and community engagement. See you then!

Starkville Main Street Presents 2013 Awards

2013-10-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

On September 26, the Starkville Main Street Association held its Annual Meeting and introduced a new set of annual member awards aimed at recognizing members who have helped to advance the mission of Starkville Main Street.

As a part of the Mississippi Main Street Association, Starkville Main Street seeks to invigorate, revitalize and preserve the Downtown District of Starkville, including the Main Street District, Russell Boulevard District and the Cotton District. The Main Street organization works in conjunction with the Starkville Convention & Visitor's Bureau to solidify Downtown Starkville as one of our community's premiere destinations. Downtown Starkville has been recognized as one of the top five Downtown areas in Mississippi for the past two years in Mississippi Magazine's annual "Best of Mississippi" reader's poll. We are proud of the contributions this year's award winners are making to create this vibrant District.

2013 MAIN STREET AWARD WINNERS

Best Adaptive Re-Use Project

WINNER: SPROUT

This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use. Originally a home that was used for commercial purposes for years, the Underwoods undertook a renovation project in a former florist. Beginning with the adaptive re-use of the original house, the owners also built new buildings and landscaping to enhance this prominent corner of downtown. Sprout also fills a needed niche of downtown Starkville’s retail market in their specialization of outdoor furniture and accessories, in addition to interior design and unique infant wear.

Best Historic Rehabilitation Project

WINNER: Ross, Kelley & Martin, PLLC

This award is granted to an individual or business that has completed an outstanding historic rehabilitation project that maintains the use of the building. The project must be located in the downtown district and should include exterior rehabilitation work, but could be both interior and exterior work. The offices of Ross, Kelley & Martin, PLLC is one of the first private redevelopment projects on Highway 182. Rehabilitating a charming gas station into their law offices demonstrates that historic buildings can find a new function in an economic manner that maintains the integrity of the original building.

Best Facade Rehabilitation Over $10,000

WINNER: Nine Twenty-Nine

This award recognizes the best single facade renovation project completed with over $10,000. The physical design of the facade should enhance the commercial district in appearance or function and encourage further design improvements. Although Nine Twenty-Nine is more than a simple façade rehabilitation, the new façade is one of the most intriguing characteristics of the renovation. By moving the exterior wall back to provide for outdoor seating, the new façade interacts with the street to enhance social interaction between patrons and pedestrians.

Best New Development Project

WINNER: Renasant Bank

This award is granted to an individual or business that has undertaken a new development project within the downtown district. The project should not only achieve financial success and quality design, but also have a positive impact on downtown revitalization. Possibly the largest single building private investment in downtown in 25 years, the commitment of Renasant Bank to build a monument building on a site that was previously a parking lot and metal buildings pushes downtown development to a new level. Along with other private development on this corner from Tabor and Sprout, the intersection of North Montgomery and Lampkin Street is now one of the most attractive corners in our downtown.

Merchant of the Year

WINNER: Deep South Pout

This award recognizes excellence in the retail field. This award goes to a merchant who has been a "mover and shaker" in downtown revitalization. The recipient should exemplify the best in merchandising, inventory, display, hours. Deep South Pout has revolutionized downtown retail especially as it relates to e-commerce and social media sales. They've doubled the size of their store, opened an online store, and received statewide and regional attention as a leader in the industry.

Partner of the Year

WINNER: City of Starkville

This award is granted to an individual, business, or organization that has displayed great commitment and support to downtown revitalization through programming, financial support, economic restructuring, and organizational assistance. Starkville Main Street has been fortunate to have the support of the City of Starkville from our organization’s inception. The city leadership continues to allow Starkville Main Street to attain our goals in design, economic restructuring, and promotions through a number of their departments. The Street Department was instrumental in the installation of our new directional signage program. The Police and Fire Department continue to assist with such events as Pumpkinpalooza, Downtown Block Party, Fires Station Park, and others. The Starkville Electric Department has been an excellent partner in the implementation of our Christmas lights and decorations, as well as assisting with planter water/electric maintenance and the implementation of our new downtown music.

Best Creative Window Display

WINNER: Aspen Bay

This award is granted to a business that has displayed unique style, creativity, and resourcefulness in creating appealing window displays that add to the character, aesthetics, and appeal of Downtown Starkville. As citizens and visitors walk our downtown streets, one of the most intriguing and appealing windows every season is Aspen Bay. The creative use of materials and textures draws the potential customer in to see what else this Starkville original has to offer.

Congratulations to our 2013 winning Main Street members!

Starkville Speaks About Why We Need Fiber First

2013-10-07T14:40:00.000-05:00

On September 24, C Spire announced plans to launch a new program bringing state-of-the-art high speed fiber optic technology to Mississippi for home internet service. At a press conference, it issued a challenge for communities across the state to show which was most worthy to be the first in Mississippi to receive this technology.

Starkville took up that challenge the very same day with a letter of intent to provide whatever documents necessary to meet the challenge as well as to mobilize our community to speak out. Last Saturday during Mississippi State University's home ballgame, Starkville displayed a video spot to over 58,000 fans in attendance urging a call to action: let C Spire know we want #FiberForSTK first!

As a companion to the 30-second ad spot, Jennifer Gregory, CEO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Parker Wiseman, Starkville Mayor, and Paul Luckett, owner of No Sky Solutions spoke on camera in this short piece outlining why we feel the Fiber for the Home program is a win-win for Starkville and C Spire. Take a look...

C Spire has outlined a three-step process for selection of the community finalists, and community involvement and local infrastructure readiness are key components in being considered for the technology. Fiber for the Home will offer internet access to residential subscribers at speeds of up to 100x those of normal DSL -- an amazing advancement for our community's quality of life. It will also represent a huge benefit to our economic development efforts.

You can help Starkville achieve another FIRST in Mississippi!
We call on residents, students, business representatives and stakeholders to visit the Fiber to the Home selection website and complete the "individual" form to show your support of Starkville for this first!

CLICK TO SIGN YOUR SUPPORT NOW!

In addition, social media users can tag @cspire on Twitter with the hashtag #FiberforStk to tweet your support.

[Special THANK YOU to Broadcast Media Group for producing both the 30-sec ad spot and the above 2-minute video]

Power Breakfast Focuses on School Consolidation Effort

2013-09-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

"It has often been said that the road to success in every community runs by the schoolhouse. Strong schools attract economic development, perhaps more than any other single factor. We have an opportunity through this process to move our schools from good to great. Starkville can become much more attractive to companies and individuals looking for a place where they can thrive. And businesses already here will grow and increase investment in Starkville as we strengthen the quality of public education."

Those are the words of Rex Buffington, a member of the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure, speaking about the importance of the upcoming school consolidation effort for the Starkville community. The Commission was created by the Mississippi Legislature in House Bill 716 as a vehicle for allowing local constituents to work with the Mississippi Department of Education in formulating recommendations for how the new school district will be structured.

On Wednesday, October 2, Buffington will make a presentation about the Commissions work during the Greater Starkville Development Partnership Power Breakfast. Michelle Jones, president of Parents for Public Schools of Starkville, and Jeremiah Dumas, vice president of PPSS, will also be speaking in an effort to keep the GSDP membership informed about this important process for our community.

The GSDP has long held education as one if its top priorities because of the impact a high-quality public school system can have on economic and business development efforts. Dumas echoes those priorities, and plans to highlight the financial impacts of the consolidation process during Wednesday's breakfast presentation.

"A review of the public school system is one of the first steps in the community asset review process done by any company looking to locate in a community. Physical assets such as infrastructure are attractants that might qualify an area, but an educated work force and a quality school system for the employer's children are the assets that seal the deal," Dumas said.

"A consolidated district that affords the County the same educational opportunities as those currently found in the city will break down growth barriers that have been identified, and will allow for expanded growth and development in the County," Dumas continued.

Wednesday's Power Breakfast is presented as part of the Partnership's Blue Ribbon Business Resource Series sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn. The series is aimed primarily at providing Partnership members with valuable information about important community issues and successful business practices.

The first Power Breakfast of the Fall 2013 schedule will also include remarks from Michelle Jones about the work of Parents for Public School as advocates for quality educational opportunites for every child living in Oktibbeha County. Jones will also outline PPSS' leadership role in unifying parents and constituents behind the goals outlined in the organization's Pledge to Our Children.

"I hope to increase understanding of just how important this is to the future of our community and to encourage business leaders to be at the forefront of helping make sure we get it right," Buffington commented.

"By fully engaging in the process, the business community can help shape the plan for the expanded school district. The business community can also play a key role in elevating understanding in the community of the importance of high quality schools. There will also be a big role for the business community to play in supporting implementation of the plan."

The work of the Commission and the plan created for the expanded Starkville Consolidated School District is expected to have support from the Mississippi Legislature and the Lieutenant Governor's office as well as broad impact as a model for other school consolidation efforts across the state. We invite Partnership members to join us for Power Breakfast on Wednesday at 7:30am at Hilton Garden Inn to get informed about the consolidation efforts and the impact to both the business environment and the community in general.

Non-members are welcome for $25 per person. Please RSVP to Donna Williams at 662.323.3322 or dwilliams@starkville.org

Get Informed about the Consolidation Commission

2013-09-03T11:05:00.000-05:00

The upcoming consolidation of the Starkville and Oktibbeha County schools into a new Starkville Consolidated School District has been capturing a lot of attention in our community this year. And, rightly so! Regardless of where families choose to send their children to school, the quality of our public schools will impact virtually every citizen in the greater Starkville area. The Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure will meet on Thursday, September 5^th at 5pm at the office of the Oktibbeha County School District to continue its work in developing recommendations for the workings of the new district.

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership has identified public education as one of the key drivers of economic development in our area, and as such, supporting local schools is one of our main goals in ensuring the continued success of Oktibbeha County’s economic growth. The Partnership encourages our members and stakeholders to stay informed about the consolidation process and the Commission’s work, and to seek out ways to get involved in the creation of the new district.

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Need a recap of the last Commission meeting and public forum? Parents for Public School of Starkville live-tweeted both meetings. VIEW #STKFORUM TWEETS

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So, what IS the Commission?

One of the key ways the Mississippi Legislature outlined for seeking input into how the expanded Starkville School District will be formed is through the creation of the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure. This 7-member panel was formed by House Bill 716 (the same bill which created the consolidated school district) to include a representative from the Mississippi Department of Education, three representatives from the Starkville School District, a resident of the former Oktibbeha County School District, the Oktibbeha County School District Conservator, and a representative of Mississippi State University.

According to House Bill 716, the Commission is charged with making recommendations about the provisions and transitions required for the new district in order to “improve both the quality of education and the efficiency with which it is delivered.” The Commission is required to submit a non-binding report outlining these recommendations to the Mississippi Legislature no later than March 1, 2014.

The Commission is tasked in HB716 with exploring four areas relevant to the consolidation effort, which will be addressed in its final report. These areas include a review of the current structure of school districts and location of schools, a review of the capital facility needs of both current districts as well as financing options, details about how consolidation can best be implemented, and finally, options for whether it is advisable for portions of the Oktibbeha County School District to be merged with districts in adjoining counties.

Are the Commission meetings public?

All Commission meetings are open to the public, and represent a great way for citizens, officials and stakeholders to stay informed about the work of this group empanelled by the Legislature. This Thursday is the fifth meeting of the Commission, and will be held at the offices of the Oktibbeha County School District on Main Street in Starkville.

According to the preliminary agenda for Thursday’s meeting, the Commission will be discussing the options for merging portions of the County district with adjoining counties. Members will view maps pinpointing the physical residences of Oktibbeha County students, as well as hear from representatives from adjoining districts on the issue.

How can residents give feedback?

The Commission meeting is not a public form, so visitors will not be able to speak. However, the Commission has established an email address where concerned stakeholders may submit comments on items discussed in the meeting and general feedback on the consolidation effort. Comments may be submitted to starkville_oktibbeha@mde.k12.ms.us. The agenda for this week’s Commission meeting includes time devoted to discussion of email comments that have been sent to date.

On August 22, the Commission also hosted a community public forum at the Greensboro Center related to the consolidation effort that allowed citizens to speak for two minutes each. The comments were recorded by a court reporter and will be discussed at the Commission meeting this Thursday. The Commission also indicated at it’s meeting prior to the public forum on August 22 that additional public forums where community input could be given were under consideration, with some possibly occurring at locations in the County.

The process of school consolidation and the expansion of the Starkville School District promises to be a pivotal point in the growth of educational opportunities for all the children living in Starkville/Oktibbeha County. Please consider attending this Thursday’s meeting of the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School District Structure, and stay informed about this important endeavor.

Author: Haley Montgomery

Get Swept Up! Returns September 4th

2013-08-08T11:01:00.002-05:00

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is gearing up for its 10^th Annual Get Swept Up! event on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. This community-wide beautification effort is scheduled annually on the Wednesday before the first Mississippi State University home football game. The event is an effort to help the Starkville community look its best for our friends from around the Southeast visiting for gridiron action.

The Chamber of Commerce conceived the Get Swept Up! concept in 2004 as an encouragement to member businesses and organizations to “fix up, clean up and spruce up” the community during the crucial pre-season time of year. It has grown over the last ten years into a true cooperative effort between The Partnership, the business community, volunteer organizations from town and gown, and the City of Starkville.

Jennifer Prather, Special Projects Coordinator for the GSDP, says the Get Swept Up! program offers a unique opportunity to see true community spirit in action. “Get Swept Up! is so important because it’s one day each year that our community can come together working toward one common goal of sprucing up the town that we all love," Prather said. "It allows Starkville to put its best foot forward in welcoming visitors for football season."

“I’m a huge fan of Get Swept Up! because it reminds people to take pride in their hometown,” shares Melissa Dixon, Chamber board president and owner of Blufish Design. “It doesn’t take long to pick up litter and pull weeds on one street, but it makes a big difference in how it looks to passersby and out-of-town guests.” Melissa says that her staff usually jumps in as volunteers with a Downtown team because they like to have a positive impact on the area they see every day.

The mission of Get Swept Up! is two-fold. First, businesses and organizations with property around town are encouraged to pick up trash and clean grounds as well as make any exterior repairs needed. Many owners like to get on board with the Bulldog spirit by hanging maroon and white flags or decorative items that reflect the community’s support of MSU athletics.

The second aspect of Get Swept Up! involves some 400-500 volunteers who work together to clean up and spruce up public areas like sidewalks, green space and parking lots. Volunteering for a Get Swept Up! team is easy. Libby Gerald of Starkville Properties is serving as the volunteer coordinator for 2013. Volunteers may contact Libby (libby@starkvillepropertiesms.com) to participate. She will sign up a team of friends or co-workers, or place individual volunteers together with other teams as needed to be sure most areas of the community are covered.

Closer to the event date, volunteers will be notified of their specific clean up areas. On September 4, supplies may be picked up at the GSDP office. We ask that all teams complete their clean-up efforts by 3pm so that the City of Starkville Sanitation Department can pick up the bags.

“We’re proud of our city!” says Kim Stevens of Coldwell Banker, a long-time participant of the Get Swept Up! program. “Our team volunteers with Get Swept Up! each year because we want to be involved in the community. We want to contribute to something that shows our city’s pride in itself and in our Bulldogs.”

We hope you’ll keep September 4 on your calendar and add your name to the Get Swept Up! volunteer list. Help us show our visitors the best Starkville has to offer!

Author: Haley Montgomery

City of Starkville ready to 'get swept up'

2012-08-28T10:11:00.000-05:00

City of Starkville ready to 'get swept up'

Micah Green

August 28, 2012 10:04:08 AM

The population in Starkville could easily double this weekend with the influx of Mississippi State University and Jackson State University football fans as they converge for Saturday's season-opening football game.

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership wants to make sure the city looks fresh for the occasion.

Wednesday, in conjunction with several sponsors, the GSDP will hold its ninth annual "Get Swept Up," a volunteer cleaning project to get Starkville ready for the thousands of game-day visitors.

Anyone wanting to participate must sign up by 7 a.m. Wednesday, and volunteer forms are available at starkville.org.

Austin Shaffer, vice president of membership for the Chamber of Commerce division of the GSDP, said more than 500 volunteers have signed up so far, breaking last year's total by more than 100.

"We have had a tremendous response from citizens, businesses and Mississippi State," he said. "From small businesses, to large businesses, to individual members of the community, they are all coming out to help with this. It's just awesome."

Volunteers will be separated into teams, and each team will be designated to a route the GSDP has laid out.

Verizon Wireless is again one of several main sponsors and Eli Kennemur, retail sales manager for Starkville, said he thinks it's a great way to kick off football season.

"It gets people really excited and ready to go for the season," Kennemur said. "But it's not just about that. It's about taking care of the city and doing it together. Anything we can do to help the environment and clean up waste and garbage is a good thing."

Thanks to the generosity of Piggly Wiggly, Wal-Mart and Kroger, more than 700 bottles of water will be provided for volunteer workers.

Volunteers will also receive a free T-shirt, along with bags, gloves and cleaning equipment. For more information contact the GSDP at 662-323-3322.

Starkville Community Market to open Saturday, May 5

2012-05-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

Find the Market on Facebook here!

The Starkville Community Market will open the season this Saturday, May 5 on the corner of Jackson and Lampkin Streets in Downtown Starkville. Vendors from around the region will set-up to sell the first of their Spring produce. We hope to see you there!

Starkville named 'Playful City' for second straight year

2012-05-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

By NATHAN GREGORY
sdnreporter@yahoo.com

See full article here

For the second straight year, Starkville was named a Playful City USA community today for its efforts to provide more recreational avenues for local children.

Approximately 213 communities were recognized by KaBOOM! this year with the distinction. KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization devoted to saving play for children.

Starkville is one of only five communities recognized as a Playful City USA in Mississippi, with the other four being Amory, Hernando, Horn Lake and Senatobia. Starkville joins the latter three towns as repeat winners of the award.

Playful City USA is a national recognition program established in 2007 by KaBOOM! honoring cities and towns that make play a priority and develop unique programs for getting children active and healthy.

The benefits of being named a Playful City USA community include earning eligibility for grants via Let’s Play, a community partnership led by the Dr. Pepper -Snapple Group to get kids and families nationwide more active and healthy. Recipients will be announced next month.

In addition to its designation, Starkville was one of five communities highlighted by KaBOOM! for its innovative efforts to get local children and families more involved in recreational activity. The Starkville Parks Commission, Starkville School District, civic groups and businesses collaborated to invest in play by creating a joint-use agreement allowing for school play spaces to be open for public use during non-school hours.

Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman said he was pleased to see Starkville receive the distinction for the second year in a row.

“Creating more and better play spaces is something that is very important to us. Research shows that recreation improves a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Quality play spaces make recreation more fun. The more fun recreation is, the more likely it is that our citizens will engage it, leading up to a healthier, happier community,” Wiseman said. “The Playful City USA program is the most distinguished program recognizing quality environments for recreation in the country. We feel validated in our efforts that they continue to recognize this community.”

Starkville Parks Director Matthew Rye shared Wiseman’s enthusiasm in being recognized.

“We’re really excited about it. We have to continue to improve on what we have, and it shows we’re committed to play in general. Our belief is play is very important to the lifestyle of everybody, especially kids,” Rye said. “The projects we have going on confirms we are committed to that. It allows the school district and city to have some access or opportunity for grant money. Due to our joint-use agreement, whoever receives it benefits because they’re open public spaces.”

Heather Carson, who co-chairs a Play Task Force with Rye, said the collaborative efforts of the city, school district, and parent-teacher associations are why more avenues for play have been made available.

“Why we’re recognized is because we’re able to use the resources in our town to improve what families can get to. We built a great playground across from Grumpy’s and now that whole community will be able to walk to a new playground they didn’t have before,” Carson said. “What’s great about our city is that we’re not just talking about things; we’re actually doing them. There are some really cool projects that are actually breaking ground or have broken ground that it would be great for the citizens to be aware of.”

Co-PTA President for Sudduth Elementary Jennifer Davis said the process of raising funds for additions to the school’s playground to be geared toward children with disabilities is an example of how Starkville’s status as a haven for recreation for children is continuing to grow.
“It’s important that all youth in our city are able to have parks where they are comfortable to go play, get fresh air and have learning as they exercise. We’ve had some amazing city leaders to make this possible and put us on the map,” Davis said. “The recognition helps the momentum in making Starkville’s outdoor spaces more inviting for families and having it opens up more grant possibilities to further improve our city playgrounds.”

Starkville, MS

Staff Writer

Starkville Daily News

unWINE POSTPONED to Friday, March 23!

2012-03-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

unWINE Downtown Spring Tasting Notes — for FRIDAY!

By Mississippi's College Town

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

unWINE Downtown has been POSTPONED one day due to the chance of rainy weather. Join us onFRIDAY, March 23 from 5:30 to 9:30 Downtown for exclusive shopping at 20 shops offering 25% off and some deliciously fresh wines for Spring. Tickets are $30 each and may be purchased at the GSDP office during business hours or at check-in from 5:30 – 6:30 on Friday.

A special thank you goes to Main Street member Oak & Steel Wine & Spirits for choosing some outstanding wine selections that are both delicious and affordable. Here is a preview of the tasting notes. You’ll want to mark your favorites on your wine list on Friday evening! Also, Oak and Steel is offering10% off one wine selection through April 30 to all unWINE ticket holders. Just bring your official wine menu to receive your discount.

Let’s get ready to unWINE!

Featured at BOOK MART & CAFE
Louis Bernard 2009
Cotes Du Rhone (red), France
$11.51

Wine Spectator: 85
Soft and open with plum and black cherry fruit kissed with a hint of toasty vanilla.
boissetfamilyestates.com

Featured at ASPEN BAY
La Vielle Ferme 2010
Blended White, France
$9.15

Wine Spectator: 86
Bright and crunchy, with tasty lime and kiwi fruit notes, followed by a tangy green fig edge on the finish. Shows good regional typicity. Always an excellent value.
lavieilleferme.com

Featured at FROCK FASHION
Cono Sur Vision 2011
Sauvignon Blanc, Argentina
$13.04

Wine Spectator: 87
Wine Enthusiast: 87
Bright straw. Green apple, lime and lemongrass on the nose, plus a light quinine nuance. Tangy and precise if not particularly complex, featuring good firm acidity providing definition and shape to the brisk citrus flavors. Closes on a brisk, dry note, with good clarity.
Conosur.com

Featured at THE SUNDIAL
Quinta Do Crasto 2009
Couro Blended Red, Portugal
$16.72

Wine Spectator: 90
Rich and ripe, with dark plum and dried raspberry flavors that feature some smoky notes. The tannins are quite silky, lingering on the well-spiced finish with hints of black olive and leafy herbs.
quintadocrasto.pt

Featured at MARY VIRGINIA’S
Broadbent NV
Vinho Verde (white), Portugal
$8.81

Wine Spectator: 86
Wine Enthusiast: 85
This zesty white shows blood orange and fresh peach flavors. Light and spicy on the finish.
broadbent.com

Featured at CHRISTINE’S COUTURE
Crios De Susana De Balbo 2010
Malbec (red), Argentina
$ 14.93

Wine Spectator: 88
Wine Enthusiast: 87
The wine has a beautiful reddish/purple color as most good Malbecs do. The aromas are a mix of freshly crushed black cherries and toasty/smoky oak—just enough to frame the exuberant fruit. On the palate, the flavors of cherries and spice are obvious, and the jammy fruit quality just keeps coming on strong, with hints of spice and sandalwood lurking in the background.
dominiodelplata.com.ar

Featured at LIBBY STORY
Chateau Saint Michelle 2009
Pinot Gris (white), Columbia Valley, WA
$13.61

Wine Enthusiast: 88
Falls between the lighter Italian Pinot Grigio and the richer, rounder Pinot Gris from Alsace. The Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris offers fresh aromas and flavors of pear, fig and a hint of spice. A touch of Viognier contributes texture and adds attractive floral character.
ste-michelle.com

Featured at R. TABB & CO.
Dr. Loosen 2010
Riesling (white), Germany
$13.19

Wine Spectator: 87
Wine Enthusiast: 90
Luscious pear, peach and apple aromas retain the crisp sweet tart quality of ripening fruit just before harvest. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is refreshing and juicy, with zippy acidity balancing bright flavors of pear, apricot, mango and lime. The lush attack is followed by a long finish that is simultaneously sweet and tart, dry and mouth-watering.
Drloosen.com

Featured at THYME
Muga 2010
Rose’ (sparkling), Spain
$14.84

Wine Spectator: 87
Wine Enthusiast: 86
A lively dry rosé, bright and snappy, this offers crisp berry and watermelon flavors, joined by citrus acidity and hints of herb. This is tart, but still has fresh fruit.
bodegasmuga.com

Featured at POLKA TOTS
A to Z 2009
Chardonnay (white), Washington
$14.49

Wine Spectator: 88
Opens with opulent aromas of citrus blossoms, white peach and pear, developing complexity with secondary notes of honey, lemon verbena and quince. The palate is poised with beautiful balance and structure and a concentrated attack emphasizing ripe citrus notes, mango and wet stone. The finish is focused with a steely sense clearly evident in the lingering flavors of minerals and white peaches.
atozwineworks.com

Featured at OOOH LA LA
Angove’s Nine Vines 2009
Shiraz/Viognier (red), Australia
$12.71

Wine Spectator: 89
Bright and refreshing, offering a lively style, with floral and pebble aromatics over a lean core of blackberry fruit that lingers nicely.
angoves.com

Featured at Occasions
Monte Vicor NV
Cava Brut (sparkling white), Spain
$14.38

Wine Advocate: 86
This wine is pale yellow colour, crystalline with bright hues. Its froth is elegant and permanent. In the nose beautiful fruit aromas with leesy characters. In the palate the carbonic from the second fermentation is perfectly integrated into the mouth, being soft and well balanced.
worldwinehq.com

Featured at SPROUT
Montgras Reserve 2010Carmenere (red), Chile$12.05

Wine Spectator: 86
Wine Enthusiast: 88
Shines with a nice purple lustre then opens with big blackberry and spiced plum flavors that are earthy and wild. The palate is round, ripe and feels good, and the flavors are centered on herbal blackberry and toast.
montgras.cl

Featured at SOMETHING SOUTHERN
J Pedroncelli 3 Vineyard 2009
Cabernet Sauvignon (red), California
$16.49

Wine Enthusiast: 91
Rich aromas of ripe raspberry and cherry highlight this full flavored Cabernet Sauvignon. Highlighted by bright acidity, just the right amount to showcase the fruit. Plum, toasted oak notes and warm clove spice combine to round out the flavors
pedroncelli.com

Featured at BATH BAYOU
Jacob’s Creek 2010
Moscato (white), Australia
$7.07

Wine Spectator: 85
Lightly sweet, perfumed and delicately effervescent, this offers simple pear and spice flavors that don’t fade easily.
jacobscreek.com

Featured at VITALITY SKIN & SPA
Charles Smith Velvet Devil 2010
Merlot (red), Washington
$12.40

Wine Spectator: 87
PURE VELVET! Milk chocolate, wild blackberry, baking spice, rose oil…beautifully perfumed Washington in a glass….Velvet Devil? HELL YEAH!
charlessmithwines.com

Featured at L.A. GREEN BOUTIQUE
Pennywise 2010
Pinot Noir (red), Californa
$11.56

Wine Enthusiast: 90
#18 Top 100 Best Buys
Surprisingly sophisticated for a Pinot Noir at this price. It’s dry, light in the mouth and elegantly structured, with a nice bite of acids and tannins. The flavors are delicate in sour cherries, sweet tomato jam and dusty spices.
togwines.com

Featured at REED’S
Monte Vicor 2008
Garnacha (red), Spain
$10.71

Wine Advocate: 87
Of intense cherry red colour with ruby hues, very clean and bright. Intense aromas of ripe red fruits. On the palate it is generous, harmonious and sumptuous, filled with red fruits and soft tannins. Beautifully long finish.
worldwinehq.com

Featured at HARMONIE BOUTIQUE
Angove’s Nine Vines 2008
Viognier (white), Australia
$12.71

Wine Spectator: 85
Wine Enthusiast: 86
Bright light straw in colour with some green hues, this wine has a lush ripe tropical fruit aroma. This is a fuller bodied white which fills the mouth with heady flavours of apricot, peach and citrus.
Angoves.com

B. Davis Shoes will be serving punch.

Featured at Greater Starkville Development Partnership during Check-In
Old South Miss Scarlet NV
Muscadine/Sweet Rose’, Natchez, MS
$7.73

Our #1 seller; like White Zinfandel; great for party foods, desserts and fruit, an excellent wine for everything or just for enjoyment. We suspect most Southerners drink for fun!
Oldsouthwinery.com

Spring Edition: unWINE Downtown

2012-03-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

20 Shops Participating in unWINE Downtown

By Mississippi's College Town

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Our Spring edition of unWINE Downtown is less than one week away, and Thursday’s ladies-only event is shaping up to be better than ever with more wines AND more shopping opportunities! We are pleased to announce that 20 Main Street member stores will be participating — all offering 25% off everything!

unWINE Downtown
Thursday, March 22 — 5:30 – 9:30p.m.
Tickets: $30 each available at the GSDP office (200 East Main)
Present your ticket at the GSDP office on Thursday between 5:30 and 6:30 to receive your complimentary stemless wine glass. Enjoy wine tasting at participating stores and 25% off shopping!

PARTICIPATING STORES:
The Sundial
Mary Virginia’s
Book Mart & Café
Frock Fashions
Occasions
Christine’s
Libby Story
Polka Tots
R. Tabb & Co.
Thyme
Oooh La La
Harmonie Boutique
Bath Bayou
Reed’s
Aspen Bay
L.A. Green Boutique
Something Southern
Sprout
B. Davis Shoes
Vitality Skin & Spa

SemiSouth Announces 2nd Major Capacity Expansion Within 18 Months

2012-03-12T11:58:00.000-05:00

SemiSouth Announces 2nd Major Capacity Expansion Within 18 Months

press release
March 12, 2012, 9:23 a.m. EDT

Additional $18 M accelerates availability of energy-efficient power devices for solar, wind, traction-drive, & hybrid/electric auto industries

STARKVILLE, Miss. & MUNICH, Mar 12, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- --Investment will spur continued growth of clean-tech jobs in Mississippi
SemiSouth Laboratories, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-voltage silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices, today announced a second major capacity expansion within 18 months. The expansion will help drive the continued growth of SemiSouth's SiC fabrication facility and better serve customers who are rapidly adopting the company's diode and industry-leading power transistor products. The adoption of SemiSouth's SiC technology enables ultra-efficient power conversion for solar and wind inverters, hybrid/electric vehicles, traction-drive and other applications that benefit from exceptionally high energy efficiency.
"Today's announcement is a testament to SemiSouth's success with existing customers in solar inverter and industrial power supply market segments," commented Jeff Casady, President of SemiSouth. "We are ramping with our customers' demands for our industry-leading SiC power JFET and power diode products, and this new expansion will allow us to expand our volume another 50% for these customers and new ones starting up with us."
Dieter Liesabeths, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at SemiSouth, added, "SemiSouth is continuously being recognized by its customers for having world-record, cost-effective, energy-efficient power semiconductor electronic products based on our proprietary SiC technology. We have many customers in production with even more in development for our products in energy-sensitive markets such as solar inverters, server power supplies, wind inverters, and electric vehicle development." This is the second major expansion of SemiSouth's fab facility in Starkville, MS headquarters within the past 18 months.
About SemiSouth Laboratories, Inc.
SemiSouth, a privately owned corporation with its main offices and foundry in Starkville, Mississippi, (USA), focuses on silicon carbide (SiC) power devices and electronics, targeting applications such as: solar inverters; power conversion in computing and network power supplies; variable-speed drives for industrial motors and hybrid electric vehicles; and products used in high-power, harsh-environment military and aerospace environments. The company was formed in 2000, has sold products globally through direct sales or distributors since 2005, and received a major growth investment from Power Integrations POWI -0.61% in 2010. It introduced the world's first commercial, cost-effective normally-off SiC JFETs in 2008, which have enabled world-record energy efficiencies for its customer's products. SemiSouth has ~ 30 U.S. patents in the emerging field of high-efficiency silicon-carbide power devices. The company operates a 20,000-square-foot facility at its Starkville headquarters, where it employs more than 115 people. SemiSouth products are available through a global distribution network of several high-quality reps/distis, listed at ( http://www.semisouth.com/contact/salesreps-distributors.html ). More information is available atwww.semisouth.com .
SOURCE: SemiSouth

SemiSouth Laboratories, Inc. 
        Brenda Temple, Director of Inside Sales and Contracts 
        Tel: +1 (662) 324 7607 ext. 29 
        E-mail: brenda.temple@semisouth.com 
        or 
        For press enquiries: 
        Nick Foot, PR Director 
        Billings Europe 
        Tel.: +44-1491-636 393 
        E-mail: nick.foot@billings-europe.com

FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP: Local inventor, businessman plans movie based on his life

2012-02-28T10:15:00.000-06:00

Starkville entrepreneur John Campbell will begin production of “From the Shotgun House to the White House” in the summer. Campbell, a native of the delta, says the blend of traditional cinema and documentary is intended to inspire people heading into the 2012 Presidential election. / David Miller/Dispatch Staff

David Miller
February 25, 2012 9:19:00 PM

STARKVILLE -- Starkville inventor and businessman John Campbell's trajectory from poverty to successful entrepreneur wasn't easy, but with imagination, hard work and a little common sense, he made it to the top.

He's an inventor, with Shaver's Choice skin therapy system and Ram-Lock protection systems to his credit. He's a businessman, as founder of Yo' Transportation, a car service for Medicaid and Medicare recipients.

Now, he's looking ahead to his latest endeavor: A movie based upon his life.

Campbell, perched in his second floor office on Main Street, has plenty of time to kick back and smile about how he made it from the cotton fields of Inverness to owning eight patents.

Using his path to success as a narrative, Campbell is two months out from beginning production on his second film, "From the Shotgun House to the White House."

The film will be shot in the Delta and will feature documentary clips from former Secretary of State Colin Powell, singer Will.I.Am, Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornell West. The film is part documentary, part biography, said Campbell, who'll be portrayed by Wendell Pierce, of TV shows "The Wire" and "Law and Order."

"The film will really shine light on a lot of issues that maybe aren't being brought up right now," said Campbell, noting the lack of aid to small businesses. "You hear a lot about embracing small businesses, but there's very few resources for people with great ideas."

Campbell said the country's job issues are far greater than the plight of struggling small businesses, but Mississippi -- his home state -- has as much potential as any other state to spark private sector growth.

"In Mississippi, there's a lot of vacant land that can be used for crops," he said. "There's a lot of vacant buildings that can be opened in ways that small business people can go into them as an incubator or something of that nature. It's time for America to wake up and realize we can do a lot for ourselves if we give people a vehicle to use their ideas and bring something to the table."

Campbell hopes the film, which should finish production in late summer, will inspire people who have more questions than answers about how to find work, provide jobs and sustain.

It's a narrative with which he's intimately familiar. Forty years ago, he was just starting out, trying to patent inventions and market them. Inventing things wasn't the tough part; getting mainstream attention and finding a vehicle to take his product nationwide was the hurdle.

"This whole thing is to showcase my life story, where I came from, my inventions," Campbell said. "It's amazing you have to toot your own horn, but when there's no one to do it for you, you have to blow it yourself."

"I'm almost 60-years-old. I've been inventing stuff since I was 10," Campbell added. "I struggled to get certain grants and loans. What I'm trying to get is politicians to think about the grassroots level. Help them come up with the means it takes them to get going."

Campbell wrote his script with help from Doc Suggs, who has written for "The Today Show" and Florida-based Sunco Film Corp. Suggs also writes original screenplays and stays busy as a freelance writer.

Suggs said Campbell didn't need much guidance in writing the script, despite the unusual nature of blending a documentary and a traditional film.

"It's not particularly hard," Suggs said. "Robert Altman had a similar idea back a few years ago, putting together his political ideas in what he called a 'mockumentary.' Technically, this is not mocking, like 'Spinal Tap' or other films. This is a more serious approach to the political situation and economy we find ourselves in at the moment. I've been more of the teacher of how to put these ideas in screenplay format."

Campbell said the film will cost $500,000. He's currently fundraising in an attempt to offset some of the costs.

What's Happening This Weekend in Mississippi's College Town

2012-02-03T09:12:00.000-06:00

Click here for the full line-up of this weekend's Savor Our South events!

GTR Airport Receives Regional FAA Award

2012-02-03T09:06:00.000-06:00

GTR Airport Receives Regional FAA Award

The Golden Triangle Regional Airport (GTR) has been awarded the 2011 FAA Air Carrier Airport Safety Award for the Southern Region. Doug Murphy, the FAA Southern Region Administrator, presented the award to GTR Executive Director Mike Hainsey at a recent Southern Region conference in Atlanta.

The Air Carrier Airport Safety Award is given annually and recognizes airports that have taken actions, instituted programs, or otherwise operated in such a manner deserving of special recognition for improving airport safety. Selection is based on the development or implementation of a specific program or activity, or other special and unique accomplishments, involving the operation of an air carrier airport that resulted in enhanced safety. The FAA cited the work done during the runway extension, efforts to reduce wildlife habitat, and a project to improve lighting and access in the terminal parking lot as examples of the safety efforts by the airport.

"I’m extremely proud of our people here at GTR," Mike Hainsey stated. "Safety has always been our top priority. This award is a result of a team effort by airport staff, air traffic controllers, airline employees, engineers, contractors, and all that work at the airport."

For more information contact Mike Hainsey, GTRA Executive Director, at 662.327.4422 x201 or mhainsey@gtra.com. Or log onto the website at www.gtra.com.

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Young Professionals to hold annual SOUPer Bowl

2012-02-03T09:04:00.000-06:00

BY: Jan Swoope

The Dispatch

February 1, 2012

No need to wait until Sunday for Super Bowl weekend action to crank up. On Saturday, the Starkville Young Professionals will host their own annual face-off -- with soups.

Twelve restaurants will bring their A-game to the 2012 SOUPer Bowl in The State Theatre at 213 E. Main St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chefs throughout Starkville are fine-tuning recipes for this year's match-up. All will be vying for first place and Best of Show honors, but sure winners will be SOUPer Bowl fans, who get to taste every soup before casting their ballots for favorites.

"This is our annual fundraiser, and it benefits the United Way of North Central Mississippi," said Robyn Cain, current president of Starkville Young Professionals (SYP). "It's a good time; we show the MSU basketball game, and people get to enjoy the soups and socialize."

SYP's Jackie Hudson added, "The area's best restaurants will be on hand serving specially-prepared soups for all attendees to taste. The event not only highlights local restaurants, but benefits our community's areas of greatest needs."

How to go

Tickets to the fifth annual SOUPer Bowl Feb. 4 are $15 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets for children 12 and under are $5. Children 3 and under may attend free. Get them in advance at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership at 200 E. Main St., or at R. Tabb & Co., 210 E. Main.

Starting lineup

Restaurants participating in this year's Bowl include Bin 612, Brian Michael's Meat Market and Deli, Bulldog Deli, Central Station Grill, Harvey's, Hilton Garden Inn, McAlister's Deli, Old Venice, Ritz Café, Sweet Peppers Deli, The Veranda and Three Little Pigs.

Recipe teasers already include shrimp bisque with tasso bits and mascarpone cheese, chicken and corn chowder soup, and chicken and sausage gumbo.First place honors last year went to Harvey's Chef Leon Jefferson. The Best of Show Award went to The Veranda and Chef Earl Yates.

Amy Yates, The Veranda's marketing director, said, "Every year we've done something exclusively for this event. We'll come up with an idea, look toward our suppliers and come up with something completely unique."

The fundraiser is a great place to try a dozen different soups for one price, in one place, Yates added.

Arma de la Cruz is director of marketing for the Eat With Us Group (Bulldog Deli, Harvey's, Sweet Peppers, The Grill).

"We really enjoy the SOUPer Bowl; we like to support the charities that are impacted and enjoy the partnership with the Starkville Young Professionals," said de la Cruz. "And this is a great way for our chefs to get creative outside the restaurant."

Since it's inception, SOUPer Bowl has raised about $10,000 for the United Way of North Central Mississippi, according to Cain.

"We really encourage everyone to support this," she urged. "It benefits such a great cause, and with the way the economy is, the United Way agencies really need that support."

For more information, contact Cain at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 662-323-3322, or Jackie Hudson at 662-325-4214.

unWINE Downtown Thursday Night in Downtown Starkville

2011-11-09T15:19:00.000-06:00

Starkville Main Street is bringing yet another event to Downtown Starkville -- this time, Ladies Only! The inaugural unWINE Downtown includes wine tastings at 14 of your favorite boutiques and retailers, a souveneir stemless wine glass, and a 25% off discount in all 14 participating stores! Main Street member Oa, and Steel selected 14 unique wines that all retail for under $20 per bottle, making all the selections very accessible, just in time for your holiday entertaining! The following Starkville Main Street members will be included on the wine tasting tour:

Harmonie Boutique (Lafayette St.)
Book Mart & Cafe
The Sundial
Occasions
Oooh La La
Mary Virginia's
Polka Tots
R. Tabb & Co. Frock Fashions
Reeds
Libby Story
Purple Elephant (Lampkin St.)
Thyme (Lampkin St.)

Then, Don't miss the official After Party at the Central Station Grill! 40 reservations were made, and only 12 remain! Admission includes a signature cocktail, entree, and dessert at this fun and fancy private party!

Tickets for unWINE Downtown are $20 per person and may be purchased at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership office at 200 East Main Street, Starkville, between 8 am - 5 pm. Tickets for unWINE Downtown plus the official After Party are $40 each.

For more information, go to www.visit.starkville.org/insider!