GSDP Board

Chamber Advisory Board

Convention and Visitors Bureau Board (CVB)

Oktibbeha County Economic Development Association (OCEDA) Board

Starkville Main Street Association Board

Jon Maynard, President and CEO

Jon Maynard, President and CEO

A native of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Jon graduated from Northwestern State university of Louisiana with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

His business background includes managing the family’s movie theatre business in 1988 while still in college. Jon ran the business for 11 years before selling the small chain in 1999. During this time, he held several positions on industry trade association boards. Next he moved on to marketing and sales for a small printing and office supply business where he worked for 4 years. In 2004, Maynard moved in to mortgage banking as an independent broker in Louisiana. This led to a position as Assistant Vice President at First Federal Bank of Louisiana where he managed two bank branches.

During this time, Mr. Maynard was active in his community, serving on the board of directors and eventually as Chairman for the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the Mayor’s committee for economic development, the Natchitoches Parish School Board finance review committee, and as the director of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival for 4 years.

In 2005, Jon took a vice-president position with the Northwest Louisiana Economic Development Foundation in Shreveport. This position was the operation of a field office in Minden, LA. This unique opportunity allowed for both regional and local economic development from the same office.

In 2008, Jon accepted the position of President and CEO of the GSDP where he manages a team of 7 staff members, and works for a board of highly impactful executives in the Starkville and Oktibbeha County area. Jon also sits on the board of directors for the Mississippi Economic Development Council as well as the Southern Economic Development Council.

Responsibilities

• oversees operations of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership
• manages the Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority

Jennifer Gregory

Jennifer Gregory, Chief Operating Officer, VP Tourism Development/Main Street Manager

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Jennifer graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Her professional experience includes being Special Events & Projects Coordinator in the Office of the President at Mississippi State University and the first Welcome Center Coordinator of the Mississippi State University Welcome Center. While in college, Jennifer served as Fundraising Coordinator for Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham, Inc. where she created the Community Youth Program for high school students in the Birmingham area.

The combination of Jennifer’s event planning experience and schooling in Marketing has led to a new approach to the tourism program at the GSDP, since joining the organization in May 2009. Working with a team to create successful events like Pumpkinpalooza have provided Starkville with unprecedented notoriety and publicity in print and online media outlets. Because of the growth of the Starkville CVB, the community was chosen in 2010 as a Mississippi Main Street community, and under Jennifer’s leadership, the Starkville Main Street program was formed with a membership of over 80% of downtown businesses.

Jennifer sits on the board of the Friends of the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum and United Way of Northeast Mississippi and is a graduate of both the Staff Leadership Program at MSU and the Starkville-Oktibbeha County FORUM Leadership Program.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Starkville Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Starkville Main Street program

Austin Shafer, VP Membership and Chamber of Commerce

Austin Shafer

Austin graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations.
Austin’s business career started when he was fourteen, working for a well-known local men’s store, George Sherman Clothiers.  Upon graduation from Mississippi State, Austin was named Specialty Brand Manager for Cash Distributing Company in neighboring Columbus, where he worked for 2 years.  In 2007, he returned to Starkville as Director of Marketing for Dux D’ Lux Advertising, which was a family business in the community for over 30 years.  Austin left Starkville for Houston, Texas, in 2009 to take over as a territory manager for a Mississippi-based furniture manufacturing company for whom he aggressively grew the territory.  In 2011, Austin and his growing family returned home, where he accepted the position as Vice President of Membership and Chamber of Commerce.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Chamber of Commerce  and is the primary membership contact

Administrative Assistant/ Program Coordinator Robyn Cain, Administrative Assistant/Program Coordinator	Business Manager Shelby Stevenson, Business Manager
Responsibilities include: provides administrative assistance to entire staff, and provides special assistance to the Starkville Main Street program	Responsibilities include: office management, property management, and bookkeeping

A highlight of the year for Partnership members and other community leaders is the annual banquet hosted by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

The banquet brings together those interested and involved in economic development, community development, and tourism to celebrate the year’s successes and to hear about latest trends and opportunities from prominent state and local leaders.

A much-anticipated part of the program is the conferring of awards on those who have provided exemplary leadership and service. Among the coveted awards are the

• R. Clay Simmons Exemplary Enterprise Award
• T.E Veitch Community Service Award
• Crystal Pineapple Tourism Award
• Oktibbeha County Industry of the Year Award
• Service to the Military Award
• Ambassador of the Year Award
• Starkville Area Education Hall of Fame Inductees

Held annually in late January, members of the general public as well as Partnership members are invited to attend. For ticket information, contact the GSDP at (662) 323-3322.

Helping area students and their schools succeed is the goal of Project CLASS: Community Leaders Assisting Schools for Success.

Through the project, a neighborhood church or other organization teams up with a local business to “adopt” a nearby third-grade classroom in one of the Starkville or Oktibbeha County public schools. Volunteers are educated and equipped to directly support students, teachers, and principals in a number of ways. Core goals are to improve reading and math skills so students can perform at grade level by the end of third grade.

Teachers of classrooms that have been adopted consult periodically with the volunteers about the health and welfare of the students and about needs for additional support.

Project CLASS volunteers may

• serve as mentors and tutors for at-risk students
• recruit others from their organization or business to provide direct instructional support
• assist the students most in need by providing help of various kinds.

In some cases, volunteers handle noninstructional tasks so teachers can concentrate on their primary mission of educating students.

Over 140 volunteers have been trained to take part in the program and more volunteers are added to the rolls regularly. All third-grade classrooms in the Starkville and Oktibbeha County schools have been adopted, along with a number of fourth-grade classrooms in the Starkville School District. We hope to grow to eoncompass as many classrooms as possible with Project CLASS.

For more information or to enroll as a volunteer, call the Greater Starkville Development Partnership at (662) 323-3322.

The Starkville Main Street program provides the opportunity for businesses, industries, and individuals to cooperate in preserving the city’s historic downtown area, enhancing its vitality, and making it highly attractive to residents and visitors alike.

Members strive to ensure that existing downtown businesses remain successful and that new businesses are attracted to the area. They work together to enhance the appearance of the Main Street area, publicize the shopping and dining opportunities, and plan special events that will draw people to spend time in that part of the city.

Starkville Main Street operates with the support of the Mississippi Main Street Association, a joint program of the Mississippi Development Authority and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The state and national programs assist by providing training, information, and other services.

For more information about the Starkville Main Street program, contact Jennifer Gregory at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership at (662) 323-3322.

Support for events designed to increase tourism in the Starkville area is available through grants from the Convention and Visitors Bureau Division of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

In recent years, grants totaling up to $50,000 have been awarded to sponsoring organizations. To qualify for funding, the event must have broad appeal and be able to attract participants from outside the Oktibbeha County area.

The primary focus is on helping tourism events become established and self-supporting, although sustaining grants are provided for certain programs that have demonstrated a significant positive impact in previous years.

Grants may cover part or all of the eligible expenses. See the application guidelines for full details, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, selection process and criteria, and other details.

Applications

Applications must be received by July 16 each year. Applicants will be notified of their application status within 30 days. CVB Sponsorship applications are available online or may be picked up at the Welcome Center in the Greater Starkville Development Partnership offices at 200 East Main Street in Starkville.

Information required on the application form includes

• project description
• identification of the target audience
• potential for economic return
• marketing plan
• methods for tracking and measuring project success
• proposed budget.

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership offers several programs and holds events throughout the year that support their mission.  The following programs and events are held annually. Click on a link below to learn more.

• CVB Sponsorship Program
• Main Street Starkville
• Project CLASS
• Annual Banquet

Chamber of Commerce Programs

The Chamber of Commerce has several programs to promote businesses and the Starkville/Oktibbeha County community. Click on a link below to learn more about these programs.

• Blue Ribbon Seminar Series
• Get Swept Up!
• Oktibbeha County Leadership FORUM
• Shop Starkville
• Starkville Business Exchange
  

Mission

The mission of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership (GSDP) is to promote a healthy and sustainable Starkville and Oktibbeha County by enhancing the quality of life for all citizens through

• an aggressive and diversified approach for business growth and job creation
• enhanced tourism and retirement opportunitites
• involvement in progressive educational and other community initiatives.

Structure

Three divisions comprise the Partnership:

• Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce
• Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority
• Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau & Main Street Association

Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber focuses community resources on fostering economic and community development and enhancing the quality of life by

• providing educational seminars and workshops to the business community
• sponsoring ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new members
• serving as a liaison for businesses and organizations in promoting community news and events
• sponsoring events and programs for the business community and for community development.

Economic Development Authority

The Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority promotes the creation and retention of jobs in the county by

• ensuring that suitable property and facilities are available for new and expanding enterprises
• providing services to existing businesses and industries
• supporting efforts to recruit new businesses and industries.

Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) & Main Street Association

The CVB promotes the greater Starkville area as a tourist destination and a Mississippi Main Street Association community by

• sponsoring or cosponsoring events such as the Downtown Block Party, Christmas Open House, Starkville Holiday Bazaar, and Pumpkinpalooza
• offering tourism grants for events that lead to an economic impact
• applying for grants for workshops and events to improve our community.

The mission of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership (GSDP) 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.

Check back soon for a listing of buildings and space available for sale or lease in downtown Starkville.

Downtown Districts

• Main Street
• Cotton District
• Russell Boulevard District

Your involvement with Starkville Main Street Association (SMSA) will help all area businesses succeed. We are excited about the upcoming year, and we hope you will be a part of the Starkville Main Street Association!

What has the Starkville Main Street Association done this year?

Promotion has been our primary focus in the short time SMSA has been in existence. SMSA has produced such events as the Downtown Block Party, Pumpkinpalooza, Christmas Open House, and the Starkville Holiday Bazaar.

Member Benefits

• Advertising in print, radio and television throughout the year
• Being listed on downtown directories, maps, and promotions for events such as MSU home football games, the Cotton District Arts Festival and others
• Receive up-to-the-minute information about new Downtown businesses
• Help make plans for revitalization, preservation, economic development, and beautification
• Opportunity to place brochure, flyer, or coupon in 4,000 freshmen welcome bags
  GSDP and Main Street members ONLY
• Back to School, Christmas, & Spring Advertising
  Discount coupon, television commercials, social media promotion, and more. ONLY features member merchandise.
• Participation in unique events in Downtown Districts
  unWINE Downtown
• Logo placement on New South Weekend, Spring, & Dog Days of Summer promotional fans
  Thousands will be distributed at local events featuring members ONLY.
• Participation in Bulldog Brunch & Browse
  Sunday shopping on New South Weekend Sundays with extensive publicity to members ONLY.
• Promotion on Facebook, Twitter, & Starkville Insider newsletter
  1,300+ Twitter followers
  500+ Facebook “likes”
  1400+ newsletter subscription
• Listing on visit.starkville.org and starkville.org websites with active link to webpage or Facebook page

Become a member

Professional Services

Real Estate

Restaurants

Retail Stores

Friends of Main Street

The Starkville Main Street program provides the opportunity for businesses, industries, and individuals to cooperate in preserving the city’s historic downtown area, enhancing its vitality, and making it highly attractive to residents and visitors alike.

Members strive to ensure that existing downtown businesses remain successful and that new businesses are attracted to the area. They work together to enhance the appearance of the Main Street area, publicize the shopping and dining opportunities, and plan special events that will draw people to spend time in that part of the city.

Starkville Main Street operates with the support of the Mississippi Main Street Association, a joint program of the Mississippi Development Authority and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The state and national programs assist by providing training, information, and other services.

For more information about the Starkville Main Street program, contact Jennifer Gregory at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership at (662) 323-3322.

Part of the Mississippi Main Street Association, Starkville Main Street serves the businesses, property owners, entrepreneurs, customers, and visitors of the downtown area. It aims to invigorate, revitalize, and preserve the Downtown District of Starkville, which includes Historic Downtown Starkville, Russell Boulevard District, and the Cotton District.

Access to transportation is easy and fast in Starkville and Oktibbeha County with an in-town general aviation airport, nearby regional airport, four-lane highway in Starkville and nearby access to two interstates, access to a port on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and a rail line going through town.

Airports

• George M. Bryan Field – general aviation airport in Starkville
• Golden Triangle Regional Airport – 17 miles from Starkville, cargo service available
• 2 international airports within 170 miles of Starkville
• Mississippi Air Cargo Logistics Center – 124 miles from Starkville

Highways

• I-55 is 65 miles from Starkville
• I-22 is 90 miles from Starkville
• MS Hwy 12, 25 and 389 in Starkville
• US Hwy 82 (four-lane) in Starkville
• US 45 is 10 miles from Starkville

Ports

• Lowndes County Port (Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway): 25 miles from Starkville

Railways

• Kansas City Southern Railway – in Starkville

Distance to Major Markets

Starkville and Oktibbeha County have easy access to major markets via the interstate and highway system, railways, and airports.

Utilities

Several utilities service the Oktibbeha County area including the City of Starkville, 4-County Electric Power Association, Atmos Energy, and AT&T.

This park is a  joint venture between City of Starkville and Oktibbeha County with support from Mississippi State University. Located adjacent to the University and accessible by Highway 82, this available land is perfect for technology and research businesses.

• 78 acres of vacant land
• Adjacent to Hwy 82
• Adjacent to Kansas City Southern Rail
• Adjacent to Mississippi State University
• View an aerial photo

See more available land and properties.

The Greater Starkville Development Partnership offers incentives to both existing and relocating businesses that increase employment in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. These incentives are available in addition to the Industry Incentives offered by the State of Mississippi.

Business Incentive Program

Business Incentives may be awarded  to new industries and to existing industries based on increased employment and only upon approval of the appropriate bodies (city and/or county) after determination that it will benefit the citizens of Oktibbeha County, Mississippi.  No Business Incentive shall be effective and no payment made until a written contract has been executed by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and the employer. Availability of funds and other resources for this purpose will be considered before a Business Incentive is awarded.

Amount of Potential Incentive Based on Job Creation

• minimum $13.85/hour = $300/employee
• $13.86 to $14.50/hour = $400/employee
• $14.51 to $20.00/hour = $800/employee
• $20.01 and over/hour = $1,000/employee

Incentive May Be Available As:

• Land at a free or reduced cost (depending on availability)
• Tax abatements as approved by local taxing entities
• City and/or County permitting at a free or reduced cost
• Site preparation costs
• Utility infrastructure
• Local Road Work
• Environmental Studies
• Subsidized rent
• Temporary office space
• Other such beneficial items as the company sees appropriate

The company requesting incentives may choose from the above list to best suit their needs and long term plans for business.

Time Frame

Generally a two year period, but shall be confirmed by the appropriate bodies and set forth in the written contract.

The schedule for Business Incentives shall apply regardless of the amount of capital investment in the company; however, the Partnership may take into consideration the amount of capital investment and approve a different Business Incentive based thereon.

Maximum Amount

$100,000.00 per company per contract unless an exception is made by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

“Claw Back” Provision

“Claw back” provisions shall be included in the contract providing for reimbursement of a prorated amount of the Business Incentive for net jobs that are not maintained for 24 months after payment.

The development of environmentally and economically sustainable energy sources specific to the Southeast region of the nation is the focus for the Energy Institute at Mississippi State University. Examples of  research being done in Starkville include biofuel research, shale oil extraction, green energy sources, wind power, power grid reliability, switch blade grass as an energy source, biofuel catalyst research, solar and nuclear energy.  These fields are growing in importance. Locating your company with close proximity to the Energy Institute can help your business develop on the leading edge of the appropriate technology.

Institute for Clean Energy Technology – Mississippi State University

With a staff of over 50 professional and support personnel, the ICE-T has worked on multiple projects in the state of Mississippi and in the states of Montana and South Carolina, and Washington DC.

Facilities

• 55,000-square foot building
• Plasma torch facility
• Combustion test facility

Services

• Continuous emission monitors (CEMs)
• Process monitors (PMs)
• Air pollution control systems (APCS)
• Partitioning studies

Current Research

• Biofuel research
• Shale oil extraction
• Green energy sources
• Wind power
• Power grid reliability
• Switch blade grass as an energy source
• Biofuel catalyst research
• Solar and nuclear energy

Sustainable Energy Research Center – Mississippi State University

www.serc.msstate.edu

Researchers from several MSU departments and other research-oriented programs and centers collaborate to develop educational programs and research targeting the development of environmentally and economically sustainable energy sources in the Southeastern United States. Current research focuses on feedstocks, bio-oil, biocrude, syngas, and engine testing.

Tax Incentives for the Clean Energy Industry

Mississippi Clean Energy Initiative Program

• Manufacturers of components or systems for the production of clean, renewable, or alternative energy
• Includes solar, nuclear, and wind, energy and hydro-electricity
• Exemption from state income and franchise taxes for a period of 10 years
• Exemption from sales tax to build or expand an energy-production plant
• A minimum $50 million investment and creation of 250 full-time jobs is required
• Learn about this program and who qualifies

Other Mississippi Tax Incentives

Mississippi offers many tax incentives to businesses relocating or expanding in the state. View a listing of available tax incentives.

Skilled Available Workforce

Mississippi State University

Located in Starkville, Mississippi State University graduates are trained in the fields important to the clean energy technology industry.  Our access to experienced alumni is unprecedented.  We can help you find the ideal, experienced candidate for your company through the MSU Carreer Center.

Follow this link to enrollment and degrees conferred at Mississippi State University. 

Workforce Training

Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence – East Mississippi Community College

Located in Mayhew at the Golden Triangle Campus, 12 miles east of  Starkville, the Center offers industry-driven training to create technically proficient workers. The facility includes two computer labs, a 70-seat auditorium, 2 classrooms, and a commons area which can be used for trade shows or conferences.

Mississippi State University captures a unique balance of world class research in animal and public health. By partnering in research with private sector companies they work to develop new products, processes and technologies for human and animal health care. Creating a home for your company in Starkville allows direct access to this innovative platform for biomedical research and development.

Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing, and Biotechnology – Mississippi State University

The Institute focuses on improving the security of health, food, fuel, the environment and the economy of Mississippi and the United States. Focusing on economically important species, research into the function and expression of genes is performed and several open-source online resources, including gene databases, tools, and educational resources, have been created. These include the

• Bovine gene atlas
• Bird base
• Chicken gene nomenclature
• Host-pathogen interaction database
• Corn fungal resistance associated sequences database

College of Veterinary Medicine – Mississippi State University

One of only 28 fully accredited veterinary medicine colleges in the U.S., the College of Veterinary Medicine has 90 faculty members involved in teaching and research. The college offers degrees in Veterinary Medical Technology at the bachelor’s level, in Veterinary Medicine at the professional level, in Veterinary Medical Science at the masters, and doctoral levels, and in Environmental Toxicology at the doctoral level.  Degree specialties include infectious diseases, toxicology, pharmacology, pathology and production medicine.

Training

The college assists graduates through the internship or residency programs which finds placements in clinical and paraclinical programs throughout the country and residencies at MSU. Externships in public and corporate practice are available in the fields of food supply veterinary medicine and public practice. Additionally, MSU has partnered with USDA APHIS Veterinary Services to provide hands-on training in public veterinary practice.

Research

The College of Veterinary Medicine has 3 departments:  Basic Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Pathobiology and Population Medicine.  Research programs focus on  agroterrorism, bioterrorism, environmental safety, animal diseases, human diseases, food safety, new or emerging disease pathogens and other veterinary issues.

Biomedical Research Center

Research at the center is conducted in partnership with major biomedical and pharmaceutical firms, focusing on the evaluation and testing of new human health products and technology. Facilities and equipment at the center include

• Computerized Digital Imaging
• Direct Digital Radiology
• ACUCAM
• Florida Probe for measuring gingival pocket depths
• Peritron for evaluating crevicular fluids

Services and faculty expertise are available by contacting the center’s director.

Summer Research Experience

Funded through the NIH, this twelve-week program exposes students to biomedical research.

Employment

Potential employers may post job announcements on the CVM’s career services website.

Skilled Available Workforce

Mississippi State University

Located in Starkville, Mississippi State University graduates are trained in the fields important to the biomedical  industry.  Our access to experienced alumni is unprecedented.  We can help you find the ideal, experienced candidate for your company through the MSU Carreer Center.

Follow this link to enrollment and degrees conferred at Mississippi State University. 

Workforce Training

Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence – East Mississippi Community College

Located in Mayhew at the Golden Triangle Campus, 12 miles east of  Starkville, the Center offers industry-driven training to create technically proficient workers. The facility includes two computer labs, a 70-seat auditorium, 2 classrooms, and a commons area which can be used for trade shows or conferences.

Tax Incentives Relevant to the Biomedical Research Industry

Research and Development Skills Tax Credit

• $1,000/employee/year
• Up to 5 years
• Reduces income tax liability
• For any position requiring research or development skills
• No minimum number of positions created to qualify
• Learn about this program and who qualifies

Other Mississippi Tax Incentives

Mississippi offers many tax incentives to businesses relocating or expanding in the state. View a listing of available tax incentives.

Awards and Recognition for Starkville

Starkville has many of the amenities and quality-of-life factors that businesses and families look for in a town. Recognition has been given by several publications.

• Named Mississippi’s Healthiest Hometown by BlueCross & BlueShield of Mississippi Foundation (2011)
• Ranked 3rd as a “university town that has its act together” in the 17-state southern U.S. region (Southern Business and Development)
• Cited as a Top 10 location in the South for emerging growth companies (Southern Business and Development)
• Selected as one of the top 40 cities to be recognized as a “Smart Growth” city by a national EPA publication
• Voted top 100 small community in terms of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses
• Recognized as one of the most affordable and best value college towns in the nation (CNN.com, 2006)

The Oktibbeha County School District professional staff of 90 serves more than 900 students at four schools:

• East Oktibbeha County Elementary School
• West Oktibbeha County Elementary School
• East Oktibbeha County High School
• West Oktibbeha County High School

Achievements

The District has accomplished much in recent years. All four of the schools have met the goals associated with the Mississippi Subject Area Testing Program and the Mississippi Curriculum Test. These scores met the school’s requirements through the No Child Left Behind program in all content areas.

The district has received a $6,000 increase in federal funds for academic and support programs to address barriers to education. A $900,000 Reading First continuation grant allows the two elementary schools to continue their efforts to close the “readiness gap” of early elementary students by the end of the third grade.

The system has received $538,802 in 21st Century Community Learning Center funds to support students in grades 7 through 12 by enhancing after-school and extended-year programs. A grant of $11,500 will enable the District to continue implementing the GEAR UP program at each of its two high schools. The program is designed to provide exposure and enrichment experiences that increase students’ chances of continuing their education after high school.

Oktibbeha County Head Start

The Oktibbeha County Head Start Center provides preschool learning experiences for up to six 3- and 4-year-olds to help ensure their success when they enter the public school system. The Center’s facilities are located at 1617 Louisville Street (MS Hwy 25 South) in Starkville. For information, call (662) 324-1508.

Starkville Academy

An independent, co-educational, college preparatory school, the Starkville Academy provides a challenging educational program for a diverse body of approximately 700 students from preK (for 4-year-olds) through grade 12. It was established in 1969.

The Academy’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for college, and its approximately 58 faculty members have strong credentials in their areas of expertise. Honors and advanced placement opportunities are available in English and mathematics. The Athletic Department oversees a wide variety of age-appropriate competitive interscholastic sports teams.

Starkville Academy has many extracurricular activities for students. The band program has received all superior scores since 1995. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in many sports programs, such as football, basketball, baseball, fast-pitch softball, soccer, track, tennis, cross country, and swimming. Cheerleading and dance teams are also a part of the extracurricular offerings.

Accolades and Awards

Accreditation and Teachers

• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and two other accreditation boards
• Holds the highest accreditation ratings attainable by these boards
• Fifty-eight faculty members, all with credentials in their areas of expertise

Test Score and Scholarships

• Mean ACT score of students averaged 20.6 to 23.4
• Ninety-nine percent of students attend post-secondary schools
• Graduates are offered between $250,000 to $500,000 in scholarships annually

Starkville Christian School

A faith-based learning environment is provided by the Starkville Christian School, offering quality educational programs for students from preK (4-year-olds) through high school. The school opened in 1996 with nine students and two teachers in a local church but now occupies two buildings and has 16 teachers plus the principal and five other staff members.

The entire student body meets each morning for prayer, singing, and pledges. The students interact daily with children of other ages to encourage modeling and mentoring by older students. A low student-to-teacher ratio enhances opportunities for learning.

The Starkville School District has an enrollment of over 4,000 students and graduates an average of 220 seniors annually. Of those graduates, over three-fourths pursue higher degrees.

To realize its vision that all students will learn, achieve, and succeed, the District operates six schools plus a vocational education center, a family-centered learning program, and an environmental learning center to serve Starkville students from kindergarten through 12th grade:

• Sudduth Elementary School – grades K , 1, & 2
• Henderson Ward Stewart Intermediate School – grades 3, 4 & 5
• Armstrong Middle School – grades 6, 7, & 8
• Starkville High School – grades 9 – 12

With more than 120 courses including 8 advanced-placement courses at Starkville High School, a comprehensive research-based reading program in grades K–3, and a preschool program that begins at six weeks of age, students are challenged academically. They are also competitive in athletics and in visual and performing arts, and they have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities such as the drama club, the speech and debate team, chorus, band, and dozens of other organizations.

Vocational Education

The Millsaps Career & Technology Center prepares students for high-skill, high-wage careers or for further education, or both.

Alternative School

The Overstreet School was established under the state’s Alternative School Program. It provides an opportunity for students who have been suspended or expelled from school because of discliplinary problems to continue their education in a different setting.

Family Centered Programs

The District’s Family Centered Programs are designed to encourage and support strong, healthy families in Starkville and Oktibbeha County. Year-round programs bring together children, parents, and the community to work together in such areas as service learning, tutoring, health and safety awareness, alcohol abuse prevention, adult basic education, preschool and extended day programs, and more.

Environmental Education

The Box Environmental Education Center, located on the 48,000-acre Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, is a state-of-the-art, 6,000-square-foot educational facility where youth can take part in a variety of educational programs taught by knowledgeable Center staff members, assisted as needed by Refuge staff and by Mississisippi State University faculty members.

Community Support

The Starkville School District has strong support from the community. The Starkville Foundation for Public Education strives to ensure that Starkville schools have the resources needed to provide the best possible educational opportunities for their students.

Accolades and Awards

Accreditation and Teachers

• Accredited by the Southern Association of Collegs and Schools
• Given the highest rating by the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation
• Eighty full-time teachers
• Fifty-nine teachers are National Board Certified
• Nationally recognized fine arts program

Faculty, Student, and Staff Awards and Recognitions

• Mississippi Teacher of the Year
• Mississippi Administrator of the Year
• Disney National Teacher Award
• John K. Bettersworth History Teacher of the Year
• Thad Cochran Distinguished Arts Educator of the Year Award
• Christa McAuliffe Fellowship
• Milken Award
• Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics
• Governor’s Award for Excellence in Art Education
• Kennedy Center for Performing Arts Creative Teaching Award

Test Scores and Scholarships

• A senior received a perfect score on the ACT in 2006, one of only 23 students in the nation to do so.
• The class of 2006 received more than $2 million in scholarship offers, representative of the value offered to graduates each year

If you’re looking for just the right place to enjoy your retirement years, you’re not likely to find anywhere as pleasant and affordable as Starkville, Mississippi. Because of the university presence, there is a congenial blending of ages, with each age group contributing its own kind of energy. The people here are welcoming, friendly, and committed to their community.

That commitment has led to advantages you won’t find in many other communities the size of Starkville. As a college town, it maintains a nice balance between town and gown, offering all the advantages of a vibrant business community, attractive residential neighborhoods, and the many sporting events, concerts, plays, museums, and galleries of Mississippi State University.

Low Cost of Living

• Average home price of $118,900
• Low property taxes, with a substantial exemption for those over 65
• 2009 Cost of Living Index 87.7, compared to the United States 100.0
• Learn more about the cost of living in Starkville

Safe, Friendly Community with a Moderate Climate

• Low crime rate, about 60% of the national average
• Warm climate with short winters
• Warm, welcoming community
• Active community of seniors
• An increasingly walkable and bikeable community

Quality Health Care

• Oktibbeha County Hospital (OCH) is located in Starkville
• OCH offers care in 11 medical specialties including urology and pulmonology
• OCH additional medical services include diabetes management, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management, and more
• OCH wellness center has special programs for older adults
• Seven assisted living and nursing home facilities
• Six home health care, assistance, and hospice service providers
• Learn more about health care in Oktibbeha County

Abundant Recreational Opportunities

• SEC collegiate sporting events plus local school competitions
• Theatrical and musical performances, festivals, and craft shows
• High-quality indoor and outdoor fitness and sports facilities
• A wide range of shopping opportunities and restaurants
• Nearby state and federal parks and refuges
• Learn more about things to do in Starkville

Continuing Education and Community Interaction

• Missisippi State University’s Personal Enrichment Courses
• OCH and OCH Wellness Center classes including CPR certification
• Starkville Senior Enrichment Center classes and activities
• Variety of civic organizations including Rotary, Starkville Area Arts Council, Starkville Reads, Lions Club, and more
• Clubs for every hobby including bridge, knitting, and square dancing
• Active church community

Easy Transportation in Town and Out of Town

• Golden Triangle Regional Airport is a 20-minute drive from Starkville
• Service by two taxi companies is available
• GTPDD offers free transportation to medical appointments for seniors
• Four-lane highway and Interstate access to major cities of Birmingham, Memphis, and New Orleans
• MSU offers shuttle services during SEC sporting events

Welcoming, Affordable, and Safe

Life in Starkville proceeds at a comfortable pace, but there’s always plenty to do. You might enjoy golf or an art class in the morning, a luncheon at one of the many good restaurants, and a play or concert in the evening.

Set in the rolling hills of northeastern Mississippi, Starkville enjoys a warm, four-season climate with brief, mild winters and long, comfortable springs and falls. Outdoor exercise is a good option nearly year round, made convenient by walkable neighborhoods, bike paths, parks, golf courses, and lakes.

If you need to watch your pennies, Starkville is a safe bet. Housing prices are reasonable and taxes are low. After you reach age 65, your property taxes will become even lower because of a special homestead exemption that deducts $75,000 from the assessed valuation of your home.

The crime rate in Starkville is low, running about 60 percent of the national average. The rate of violent crimes is especially low. You can feel safe both about yourself and your property.

Excellent Health Care Options

Affordable, high quality health care is available in Starkville and the surrounding areas. Oktibbeha County Hospital (OCH) Regional Medical Center, located in Starkville, meets the majority of the community’s medical needs, including competent, rapid response in emergency situations.

The OCH HealthPlex brings together the services of cardiac rehabilitation and physical rehabilitation units with the Wellness Connection, where community members of all ages participate in exercise programs designed to build and sustain fitness. Many classes are offered, including some specially tailored to help older adults cope with conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

More advanced treatment capabilities are available at world-renowned medical facilities nearby, including the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson and the UAB-Birmingham Health System.

Close to Major Cities with Quick and Easy Access to Transportation

Once you retire to Starkville, you may never want to leave. But if you do find the need to travel, Starkville has convenient access to three large cities by four-lane and Interstate highway. You can drive to Memphis or Birmingham in under 3 hours and to New Orleans in 5. If you prefer to fly, it’s a 20-minute drive to the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, where you can fly to major hubs for continuation flights to your destination.

A Certified Retirement City

Starkville is designated a Certified Retirement City by Mississippi’s Hometown Retirement Program. To achieve that designation, a city must be able to demonstrate that it offers the features most sought by retirees:

• an affordable cost of living
• a low crime rate
• quality medical care
• recreational opportunities
• educational opportunities
• a warm and welcoming community

Because Starkville has received this certification, you can be assured it offers all of the above and more.

For families, singles, and retirees, the Starkville community and adjacent Mississippi State University (MSU) offer an abundance of places to see, events to attend, and activities to enjoy.

The opportunities cover a multitude of interests from SEC sporting events, participatory sports, outdoor recreation, tours, rodeos, historical sites and buildings, and festivals to concerts, art galleries, and museums – and, of course, a wide range of shopping and dining options. Well-maintained city and county parks provide convenient venues for many activities.

For details, select from the links below.

• Sports
• Art and Culture
• Historic Sites
• Outdoor Recreation
• Festivals and Events
• City and County Parks
• Museums
• Tours
• Dining
• Shopping
• Downtown Starkville

Mississippi State University

Located immediately adjacent to Starkville, Mississippi State University (MSU) embraces the tradition of land-grant universities nationwide in its devotion to teaching, research, and public service. It is the largest of the eight institutions in the state’s public university system.

MSU grants degrees at all collegiate levels, including the doctorate. More than 80 majors are offered at the undergraduate level, 65 at the master’s level, and around 50 at the doctoral level. It has particular strengths in

• engineering
• agriculture
• forestry
• life sciences
• business and industry
• veterinary medicine

The university enrolls nearly 18,000 students annually on its main campus at Starkville and satellite campus in Meridian. They are served by more than 1,300 faculty members. The university awards about 3,700 degrees each year, of which over 100 are doctoral degrees. For full details, see the Mississippi State University Factbook.

Recognizing that people’s need for learning never ends, MSU’s Division of Academic Outreach and Continuing Education offers noncredit courses and programs for adult learners in categories such as professional development, personal enrichment, and safety and the environment. Many courses are offered via distance learning technologies, and some qualify for credit in the form of continuing education units (CEUs).

MSU has a strong commitment to outreach programs, focused on applying faculty expertise and university research capabilities to help businesses improve efficiency and resolve problems.

Mississippi University for Women

Located about 25 miles east of Starkville in the city of Columbus, Mississippi University for Women (MUW) is ranked as one of the top southern public master’s degree universities but has the feel of a small private college. The 12-to-1 ratio of students to faculty helps ensure that each of the 2,400 students has the support needed to succeed.

Founded as the first public college for women in the United States, it has been a coeducational institution since 1982. More than 50 majors and concentrations, including preprofessional programs, are offered by the university’s four colleges:

• Business
• Education and Human Sciences
• Nursing and Speech Language Pathology
• Arts and Sciences

The university also offers lifelong learning programs for adult and nontraditional students and operates the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship to assist individuals who want to start or enhance their business.

East Mississippi Community College – Golden Triangle

At its Golden Triangle campus just 19 miles northeast of Starkville, East Mississippi Community College provides university transfer and technical programs for young adults as well as older, nontraditional learners.

East Mississippi serves more than 4,000 students in its six-county service area, which includes the main campus in Scooba, Mississippi. Because of the high quality of education offered and the supportive environment, nearly 70 percent of college freshmen in Mississippi enroll in one of the state’s 15 community colleges.

New and existing businesses rely heavily on the college’s Workforce Development Service Division, which designs and conducts training to meet specific needs of business and industry. The college also offers Adult Basic Education programs leading to the GED diploma, and it provides valuable training to people who are preparing to make a shift to a new career track.

Public education in Starkville and Oktibbeha County is provided by two school systems, one serving residents of Starkville and the other serving students in other parts of the county. Two private schools also offer elementary and secondary education to students within the city limits.

• Starkville Public Schools
• Private Schools
• Oktibbeha County Schools

The Partnership’s highest level of private sector contributors, including the community’s most involved business leaders, comprise the Committee of 100. These community leaders work to shape a prosperous local business climate for today and for the future. The members meet quarterly to share ideas and information and to stay updated with current economic trends and issues that affect the Partnership and the community.

Committee of 100

Outstanding achievements by businesses and individuals in the arena of community development and service are recognized through seven coveted awards presented at the annual banquet of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

R. Clay Simmons Exemplary Enterprise Award

Given in memory of R. Clay Simmons, an exemplar of Starkville’s finest in community and business leadership, this award recognizes firms that have made outstanding contributions to the community and have manifested superior business practices.

Initiated in 1995, the award is given annually to a for-profit business firm in the greater Starkville area by the R. Clay Simmons Foundation through the Chamber of Commerce Division of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

Past Recipients
2010 – Metrocast
2009 – Prudential Starkville Properties
2008 – Thomas Shelton Jones and Associates
2007 – T.E. Lott and Company
2006 – Bell Building Supply
2005 – The Book Mart
2004 – East Mississippi Lumber Company
2003 – Coldwell Banker SRE Realtors
2002 – Starkville Buses
2001 – Bulldog Deli
2000 – VanLandingham Lumber Company
1999 – Sullivan’s Office Supply
1998 – National Bank of Commerce
1997 – C.C. Clark Inc.
1996 – Millsaps Chevrolet-Pontiac-Buick-GMC, Inc.
1995 – Mullins Department Store

T. E. Veitch Community Service Award

The most prestigious recognition of accorded by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership each year is the T. E. Veitch Community Service Award. The award recognizes members of the community who have performed outstanding community service and civic contributions.

Past Recipients
2010 – Bill Poe
2009 – Jeremiah Dumas & Tammy Tyndall Carlisle
2008 – Keith Remy
2007 – Dr. Ann Mitchell
2006 – Dr. Fenton Peters
2005 – Dr. Charles and Pat Lee
2004 – Joan Wilson
2003 – Armando de la Cruz
2002 – Jack Wallace
2001 – Rex Buffington
2000 – Joe and Leota Cardwell
1999 – Eleanor “Pinks” Dudley
1998 – Maurice Evans
1997 – Roland Jones
1996 – Tommy Tomlinson
1995 – William H. Ward
1994 – Frank Chiles
1993 – Wilson Ashford
1992 – Lewis Mallory
1991 – Peggy Mullins
1989 – Honey Johnston
1988 – Beverly K. Jones
1987 – L.L. Mullins, Sr.
1986 – Jorga Turnipseed
1985 – Rosa Stewart
1984 – Jack Cook
1983 – John Mitchell
1982 – R. Clay Simmons
1981 – Wilburn R. Sudduth
1980 – Margo Swain
1979 – John R. Arnold

Crystal Pineapple Tourism Award

The pineapple has been the symbol of hospitality since Colonial times. The Crystal Pineapple Tourism Award recognizes and celebrates the success of an individual, business, or organization that has contributed significantly to the success of tourism in the Starkville community. Award recipients are selected by the Partnership’s Convention and Visitors Bureau division.

Past Recipients
2010 – Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum
2009 – Mississippi State University Athletic Department
2008 – Starkville Area Arts Council
2007 – Coach Ron Polk and the MSU Baseball Team
2006 – Mississippi Horse Park
2005 – Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Committee
2004 – Chief Lindley and the Starkville Police Department
2003 – The late Dr. Joe Cardwell and Leota Cardwell
2002 – Larry Templeton
2001 – Dr. Donald Zacharias

Service to the Military Award

Awarded annually, the Service to the Military Award recognizes organizations and individuals who have provided significant service to the military community of Oktibbeha County. The award may be given for a single significant event or in recognition of sustained support over the years. View the award criteria and nomination procedure.

Past Recipients
2010 – Bill Poe and Joan Wilson
2009 – Gulf States Manufacturing
2008 – Starkville Daily News

Starkville Area Education Hall of Fame Award

The Education Hall of Fame Award recognizes area residents who have achieved state, regional, and national recognition in the field of education. It honors those who have achieved distinction in the field of education through their teaching, research, writing, academic achievements, and professional society participation.

Past Recipients
2010 – Ms. Robin Dibble, Dr. Denise Rowan, and Mr. Bill Simmons
Previous recipients

Oktibbeha County Industry of the Year Award

This award goes to an industry that has shown excellence in the previous year in innovation, growth, community involvement or leadership.  The winner is selected by the OCEDA board of directors and the criteria are based on many factors outside of specific growth numbers and hard data.

Past Recipients
2010 – Clark Beverage Group
2009 – Weavexx
2008 – Gulf States Manufacturers
2007 – MFJ Enterprises
2006 – SemiSouth Laboratories
2005 – ClientLogic
2004 – Oktibbeha County Hospital
2003 – Synergetics
2002 – Weavexx
2001 – MPI Software Technology, Inc.
2000 – Garan Manufacturing
1999 – Southwire
1998 – FESCO

Ambassador of the Year Award

Each year the Ambassadors select one of their own members to be recognized as Ambassador of the Year. This recognition is based on outstanding dedication and service, as well as creative thinking and enthusiasm for our community. This often manifests in special projects or activities that become important contributions to our community and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.

Past Recipients
2010 – Libby Gerald
2009 – Carolyn Jackson
2008 – Regina Byrne
2007 – Peggy Buckley
2006 – Melanie Linder
2005 – Phil Hartness
2004 – Paige Hunt
2003 – Jeff Donald

Much of the Partnership’s work is carried out through committees staffed by business leaders and other representatives of the larger community.

Ambassadors

Partnership ambassadors represent a cross-section of our diverse business sector. They assist and support the Partnership in many ways. Examples include helping to host Business After Hours sessions and other events, participating in ribbon cuttings, welcoming new members into the Partnership, and conducting member visits during May Member Appreciation Month.

Education Committee

Education and business leaders in Starkville and Oktibbeha County who want to work for the betterment of education in our community serve on this committee. Standing members are the superintendants of the Starkville School District and the Oktibbeha County School District, the headmaster of Starkville Academy, the principal of Starkville Christian School, a representative of East Mississippi Community College, administrators of Mississippi State University, and representatives of the Starkville and Oktibbeha County business community. Programs conducted by the committee include Mississippi Scholars, Education Hall of Fame, and Project CLASS. The committee enlists a broader group of volunteers to carry out specific projects.

Committee of One Hundred

The Partnership’s highest level of private sector contributors, including the community’s most involved business leaders, comprise the Committee of 100. These community leaders work to shape a prosperous local business climate for today and for the future. The members meet quarterly to share ideas and information and to stay updated with current economic trends and issues that affect the Partnership and the community. View a list of Members

Military Affairs Committee

Actively supporting the military community in our area is the focus of this committee. The group’s projects include a Memorial Day parade and ceremony at the Oktibbeha County Courthouse in downtown Starkville. Each year the committee also assists the Mississippi State University athletic department with the Veteran’s Day football game. The committee is currently seeking funds for a new veteran’s memorial.

Miss Hospitality Committee

Volunteers serving on this committee plan and direct the local Miss Hospitality pageant and support the efforts of the young lady named Miss Hospitality for Starkville. They assist her as she prepares for the state-level pageant and help coordinate her plan of work for the year.

Starkville Young Professionals

This fairly autonomous group was originally an initiative of the Small Business Development Committee. The monthly meetings typically include a speaker plus time for networking among our community’s young professionals (those under 40). The group often takes on fundraising projects for worthy causes, such as the tuition guarantee project and the annual Souper Bowl fundraiser for the United Way.

Christmas Parade Committee

The Christmas parade is anticipated eagerly by the community’s children and adults alike. Members of the parade committee encourage participation by businesses, nonprofit and civic organizations, church groups, educational institutions, and other groups that work with children. Members secure the help of volunteers, and they create publicity and enthusiasm for the event.

Starkville Business Exchange

Local entrepreneurs meet monthly for a roundtable session to share ideas and develop a mutually beneficial network of outside-the-box thinkers. The roundtable is led by the participants themselves, but the Partnership helps by coordinating meeting locations and hosts and by providing other resources

Chamber Board

Important Contacts

• Jon Maynard,  GSDP – 662-323-3322, [encode_email email="jmaynard@starkville.org"]
• Hamp Beatty, Small Business Development Center – (662)325-8684, [encode_email email="phb8@msstate.edu"]
• Gerald Nelson, Director, Technology Commercialization -(662)325-8223, [encode_email email="gnelson@engr.msstate.edu"]
• Robbie Coblentz, Entrepreneur’s roundtable -(662) 324-2489, [encode_email email="robbie@broadcastmediagroup.com"]

Important Websites and Online Resources

• City of Starkville Privilege License
• Information on how to establish a business in Mississippi
• FAQ’s from the Secretary of State’s office
• List of meeting and convention facilities available in Starkville
• MDA’s Entrepreneur’s Toolkit (PDF)

To create a supportive climate for entrepreneurs in Starkville and Oktibbeha County, the Chamber of Commerce facilitated the formation of the Starkville Business Exchange. At the group’s monthly gathering, local entrepreneurs share ideas and discuss topics of common interest.

Meetings are held at the Greater Starkville Development Partnership on the third Friday of each month, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Contact Jon Maynard for more information at 662-323-3322 or visit the Starkville Business website.

Enhancing the leadership capabilities of emerging and experienced leaders in Starkville and Oktibbeha County is the objective of the Forum for Oktibbeha County Leadership Development. The Forum is sponsored by the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and managed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Helping participants develop a good foundation in leadership concepts and skills forms the core of the program. In addition, sessions are offered on economic development, community development, and government to round out the learning experience and stimulate creative community action. Participants conduct independent learning projects and community team projects outside the classroom environment.

• View a sample agenda
• Download the reference form
• Download the application form
• View the individual project guidelines
• View the team project guidelines

Application procedures, costs, and scheduling information may be found on the Forum page of the MSU Extension service website.

Past Participants

• 2009-2010 Class
• 2008-2009 Class
• 2007-2008 Class
• 2006-2007 Class
• 2005-2006 Class
• 2004-2005 Class

#CHAMBER_MASTER_CONTENT#

#CHAMBER_MASTER_CONTENT#

Download the membership brochure and mail it in or fill out the online form below.

Welcome to Starkville! Located in Oktibbeha County and home to Mississippi State University, Starkville is sure to provide a fun and unique atmosphere for your whole family.  With just the right amount of hospitality and southern charm, it is one place that will keep you coming back. Come visit Starkville today and experience it for yourself!

The Starkville Convention and Visitors Bureau and Starkville Main Street will host a TWITTER TOWN HALL meeting on Monday, February 27, 8:00-10:00pm using the Twitter hashtag #Starkville2012. We see this as a great opportunity to hear from students, faculty, residents, business owners, MSU alumni, fans, and visitors to the area about what you feel YOUR college town should be. The floor will be open to any relevant topics and dialog that arise in our efforts to share constructive ideas for continuing to build the best Starkville.

HOW WILL IT WORK?
We will moderate the discussion through our twitter account (@mscollegetown) with initial targeted discussion topics or questions. Anyone interested in participating in the dialog can simply add the #Starkville2012 hashtag to his or her tweet (including the # sign). Tweeters can view the #Starkville2012 stream through any Twitter application by clicking on the hashtag when it appears in a tweet. Users are invited to post, reply or re-tweet at their discretion. We are also inviting several community and campus leaders to participate in the Twitter Town Hall to listen, share ideas and answer specific questions.

A tweeting tool that might help…
To view ONLY the #Starkville2012 Town Hall tweets in real time, participants may want to try a service like tweetchat.com. After navigating to this site in a browser, users can simply login using their Twitter account information and type “Starkville2012″ into the hashtag box. The #Starkville2012 stream will appear. Any tweets posted through tweetchat.com will automatically include the hashtag. You can even visit there NOW to see comments and announcements we’re making about Twitter Town Hall.

We are very excited to facilitate this unique opportunity for dialog. Mississippi’s College Town is YOUR college town, and we want to hear your voice!

TWITTER TOWN HALL
Monday, February 27
8:00-10:00pm at the hashtag #Starkville2012 

Since 2003, The Veranda has served it’s Starkville guests with true Southern hospitality and seasonal fresh ingredients. The menu offers an eclectic selection including Angus steaks, fresh fish and soul food Blue Plate lunches. It also features a few Mardi Gras-inspired dishes year-round. We spoke with owner and chef, Jay Yates, and he’s pulling out all the stops to let the good times roll. In addition to jamabalya, crawfish etouffe, gumbo, red beans and rice, & boudin balls, Chef Jay is also offering made-to-order King Cake! Drink specials in the bar as well as brass band and dixieland jazz playing throughout the evening make The Veranda a great choice for your Mardi Gras! PLUS, Jay gave us his version of make-it-at-home Crawfish Etouffe so you can spice up your dinner any night!

ON THE MARDI GRAS MENU…

Crab Claws Appetizer Special

New Orleans Nachos with Crawfish (a year-round Veranda favorite) — Comes with queso and cheddar cheese, green onions, jalapeños, sausage, and red beans

Mardi Gras Sampler Special — Chicken Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya, and Crawfish Etuoffee

Mardi Gras Pasta (a year-round Veranda favorite) – Shrimp, crawfish, corn, sausage, Cajun cream sauce, and penne.

VERANDA’S CRAWFISH ETOUFFE

Roux:
1/2 stick butter and 4 Tbsp flour
Cook in skillet until raw flour taste cooks out — approx 5 minutes
Hold for later.

1/2 cup each: celery, onion, bell pepper, green onion — finely diced
Saute in 2 sticks butter and 4 Tbsp Cajun seasoning until soft
Add 2 Tbsp fresh chopped garlic and cook 1 minute
Add 3 lbs crawfish with juice and 1 cup seafood or chicken stock
Bring to boil.
Blend in roux to thicken.
Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste.

Serve over white rice and douse with your favorite hot sauce.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Before our visit to practice, first-year Head Coach Vann Stuedeman (above center) gave us some insight into the buzz surrounding the season and what’s great about playing (and coaching) softball in Starkville!

You’re relatively new to Starkville. What attracted you to Mississippi State softball and the Starkville area?
Scott Stricklin first and foremost. His vision for where our softball program is going is outstanding. Secondly, the great fans of Mississippi State. Not a day that goes by where I walk around Starkville and don’t hear the words “Hail State” or “Go Dawgs.” Starkville has so many different things to offer, from great food (and I mean GREAT) to good shopping and the people are just so darn nice.

What’s the most exciting thing happening in MSU Softball right now?
ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! Fans can find out everything they need to know about us on Twitter @MStateSB and Facebook at Facebook.com/MStateSB. We just hired a new volunteer assistant who was a four-time All-American. We just had a pitcher with College World Series experience transfer here. We have over $60,000 of renovations going up at the stadium before the season starts to improve the fan experience. We’re doing more fan promotions and giveaways than ever. It truly is a NEW ERA of Bulldog softball, and the best thing is that with free admission everyone can enjoy MSU softball. It’s going to be VANNTASTIC!

We’ve heard the 2012 home schedule may be one of the best in the country with lots of top 15 opponents. What kind of atmosphere do you expect at the stadium this season?
We expect them to be the 10th man! They ARE the difference maker that help us finish games. When we’re tied with our opponent in the last inning, they’re going to be the reason why we get it done.

Kyle Nibblett tells us Right Field Lounge is going to be a happening place this Spring. What kind of tailgating foods can we get you after a Bulldog win?
Any great ballplayer loves a good ole fashion Bulldog Dawg. Personally, like any of our players, I love chocolate! I am obsessed with Stromboli’s cookie dough bites, but we love just about anything: Stromboli’s sausage and mushroom pizza, Little Dooey’s smoked turkey sandwich, the Chipotle Glazed Pork Porterhouse from Harvey’s, a hamburger and potato salad from Brian Michael’s Meat Market or a classic Sunday Brunch at Old Venice Pizza Co.

Time to make your picks…
Your favorite place to eat in Starkville? Stromboli’s
Favorite place to shop? Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Mississippi State University Official
Favorite spot on campus? Chapel of Memories
Team you’d most like to beat this season? We play the game, and not the opponent, but I can tell you the team we’d least like to beat is ourselves.

What’s your best advice for the young Bulldogs in Starkville who may be training for future women’s athletics?
My best advice is to play softball here locally with Starkville Parks and Recreation (Sheila Runnels at Sheila@starkvilleparks.com). The other way is to attend our camps in the summer and winter. Our next camp is June 11-14 here on campus, and fans can check that out on our website (HailState.com). The goal though is to play with the best competition possible. If you’re the best on your team, find a group where you’re no longer the best. Always be playing against people better than you, so that you will become better.

A special thanks to Coach “VANNtastic” for taking some time to talk softball. It’s clear she knows her stuff and is proud of what’s happening with the program so far this year. MSU Softball opens its first home stand THIS Friday, February 17 at 5pm for the Bulldog Round Robin. The schedule includes a double header on Saturday with games at 3pm and 5pm, and Sunday at 1pm. Come out and SAVOR some great innings as the 12th man!

From the Magnolia Independent Film Festival…

The Magnolia Independent Film Festival’s fifteenth season kicks off Thursday and runs February 16-18 in Starkville, Mississippi. Featured films come from West Point, Tupelo, Birminham, Spain, Bangledesh and from across the country.  Full details and a schedule can be found at www.magfilmfest.com.

The festival opens Thursday night at the State Theatre, 213 E Main Street in Downtown Starkville at 7:00 PM. The evening begins with the short film The Secret Friend, which features actress Viola Harris (Deconstructing Harry, 1997) who gives an indelible performance alongside Siobhan Fallon (Men in Black, 1997) in this poignant and playful story. Thursday’s feature-length film Meherjaan is set during Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence; its main character Meher falls in love with a soldier from the enemy side. When her love is discovered, she is shamed and silenced by her family and society.

from Maherjaan 

For 2012, The Mag includes four feature-length films in addition to twenty-two shorts, which range from thirty seconds to half-an-hour. Films by Mississippi and Alabama filmmakers will be shown along with Bad Fever, the Ron Tibbett Excellence in Filmmaking Award winner from this year’s Indie Memphis Film Festival on Friday evening.  Saturday afternoon’s screening concludes with Dancing with the Trees, the story of great Mississippi ceramic artist George E. Ohr, famed architect Frank Gehry and Jerry O’Keefe, the Mississippi visionary with the insight to merge their talents. Saturday evening’s screening offers a wide variety of films, closing the festival with the stark, but ultimately uplifting, Close-Up, directed by Jose Cruz Jr.

All festival screenings are at the State Theater in downtown Starkville. Come out to enjoy drink specials at the bar and watch in a relaxed, fun atmosphere where film buffs have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the filmmakers and actors. Tickets are available at the door for $10 per session. Discounted festival passes are available for those wishing to attend all festival events.

To learn more about the festival and see the complete line-up, go to http://www.magfilmfest.com, e-mail magfilmfest@gmail.com or call festival director Glen Bryant at 662-312-4430.

As if this SAVOR OUR SOUTH weekend didn’t have enough fun to offer, the Starkville Community Theatre opens it’s show, Beau Jest, tonight and runs Feb 9-12 & 14-18! We are so privileged to have award-winning theater right Downtown! We caught up with the SCT folks to talk about what makes this company so special and why folks need to see Beau Jest… Enjoy!

For those who may not be familiar with SCT, give us a quick introduction.
Starkville Community Theatre is one of the state’s most active community theatres! Formed in 1978, SCT is still growing strong and currently enjoying a successful 35th season. An award-winning theatre, SCT is active in the Mississippi Theatre Association, Southeastern Theatre Association and the American Association Community Theatres. We offer quality entertainment for our community and wonderful opportunities for theatre enthusiasts to be involved – on stage, backstage and everywhere in between!

We love having award-winning theatre right on Main Street. Why did SCT decide to locate the Playhouse downtown?
From the moment Starkville Community Theatre decided to start looking for a permanent home, our leaders knew they wanted to be downtown. In fact, several of the first people to pledge money did so with the stipulation that the new theatre be on Main Street. We looked at several places, but found the perfect fit when our longtime supporters, the Katz, offered to sell their building to us after they closed the Bridal Shop. When we first opened, there was really not much else open downtown at night. Parking was certainly easier. But we are where we always wanted to be – where we are visible and an important part of our community. We like to think that SCT helped with the revitalization of our downtown area.

The Beau Jest show will be opening on Feb 9. Tell us a little about the play.
Beau Jest is a wonderful comedy about family. It seems Sarah Goldman has called an escort service. When her date, Bob, shows up he has no idea that Sarah wants him to pose as her Jewish and very serious (surgeon!) boyfriend, “Dr. David Steinberg,” for her parents and brother, Joel. Sarah doesn’t want her parents to know that she is still seeing Chris, who is NOT Jewish. The only problem is, Bob is also NOT Jewish. Nor is he a surgeon. But just as he explains that to Sarah the doorbell rings, and dinner with the family – and all the fun that follows – is off and running. 

The Theatre has been highly acclaimed in past performances. What’s special about the local acting, directing and production talent here in Starkville?
Starkville truly has an abundance of talent. Whether veterans or newcomers, we just have exceptional people in our community who want to be involved at SCT. One of the things we believe has helped us over the years is our dedication to cultivating young talent. Whether through our own Project PLAY, led by M. J. Etua, the strong theatre program Paula Mabry built at Starkville High School or our strong working relationship with Theatre MSU, we see bright new stars coming through our doors production after production after production. We also work very hard to cultivate talent within our organization. People are encouraged to get involved in small ways like ushering, finding props, helping with set construction and then urged to become more active working backstage or in the booth or on stage. And then we look for new assistant directors who may one day before directors. SCT is a family and we understand that to continue to produce great show, we have to continue to cultivate great talent.

What do you have coming up for monthly Fourth Friday events?
Fourth Fridays is an open forum for area writers who want to have their works read by and then discussed by volunteers and interested audience members. The events are open to the public and happen on the fourth Friday of each month. This month our Fourth Friday’s theme is plays. We are currently taking submissions for the Feb. 24 event, and so if you would like to submit a work or volunteer to read, please email us at email fourthfridays@yahoo.com. March is all about the writer. We are having a grab bag and writers may submit any format – everything is welcome for the March 23 event. And April is Poetry Month so we will have an evening of Poetry on Friday, April 27.

Time to make your picks: What’s your favorite food and fashion for opening night?
Well on opening night, it is all about the champagne of course! As for fashion, whatever makes you feel fabulous and confident!

Thanks to SCT for taking the time to chat with preparations for the show in full swing! We hope you’ll take the opportunity to catch Beau Jest Downtown!

From the MS Horse Park…

Get ready Starkville, February 10 and 11 the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is coming to the MS Horse Park. Hosted by the Starkville Rotary Club, this event proves to be the club’s largest fundraiser each year. The members strive to not only make it an exciting, edge of your seat event but also donate monies raised to help support local youth through the tuition guarantee program.

This two-day event truly has something for every member of the family. For the youngsters there are pony rides and a petting zoo featuring chickens, calves, goats, and rabbits. Then for the big kids there is 2 go rounds of bull riding each night, steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie down roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, and team roping. There promises to be non-top action for two hours with clowning around in between that is sure to tickle everyone’s funny bone.

Friday night is known as Kids Night. Kids 12 and under get in FREE thanks to our generous sponsors: MS Farm Bureau, Tractor Supply, Mitchell Dodge, Southern Ionic, Greater Starkville Development Partnership, and Clark Beverage Group. “Our sponsors have been dedicated over the years in supporting this event. We honestly appreciate their continued contributions especially in today’s economy,” says Zach Rowland, Rotary Classic Rodeo Chairman. Gates open at 6pm rodeo action at 7pm.

Then on Saturday night things kick off at 5:00 pm with the pony rides and petting zoo located on the arena floor. This will last until 6:45 pm and is free with a general admission ticket to the rodeo for that night. The rodeo action begins at 7pm.

“Come expecting the best shows since the cowboys and cowgirls that will be contending are striving to qualify to compete in Las Vegas later this year,” explains Bricklee Miller, Facility Director of the MS Horse Park. “We want people to realize that this is a great family event but these contestants are pros. It is awesome to get this kind of grand scale event right here in Oktibbeha County!”

Both nights of the rodeo there will be concessions available. The Rotarians will be working the concession stand in order to raise more money for the cause. So plan to come and have dinner or a snack while enjoying the show. Vendors will also be on the concourse so you can make rodeo purchases.

Discounted advanced tickets are on sale now at the following ticket outlets: Mitchell Dodge in West Point, The GSDP, Powerstroke Equipment, and Tractor Supply in Starkville. Advanced tickets can be purchased for $12 for adults; kids, 12 and under, need a ticket for Saturday only for $5. If you purchase your ticket at the MS Horse Park the nights of the event, tickets will be $15.

For continued updates and everything MS Horse Park, follow us on facebook: MS Horse Park. Or call our event line at 662.325.0508

Did you know that all home MSU Softball games are free? They are! When we heard from the coach that the players considered themselves to be “Starkville’s Team,” we couldn’t resist investigating a little further — especially since we’re always looking for fun things to do during Spring.  SO, we took some time to visit one of the Bulldog Softball open practices at the end of January. Kyle Nibblett with MSU Athletics was kind enough to give us a tour of the softball facilities and talk a little about the excitement surrounding MSU Softball these days.

During softball season, most home games are played 60-90 minutes prior to MSU Baseball games. Admission is free for Softball, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to add family fun to a great Bulldog weekend. Coach Vann Stuedeman is in her first season at MSU, and “VANNtastic!” is prepping the team for some stiff competition in one of the toughest schedules in the country.

This year, the team has some special things planned for home games including fun activities and prizes in “Right Field Lounge,” a guest first pitch at every game, and opportunities for area girls in uniform to join the team on field for the national anthem. During the SAVOR OUR SOUTH Super Bulldog Weekend, MSU Softball will play top-ranked Kentucky AND host the first ever Alumni Game featuring former All-Americans and Olympians. Yep, there’s LOTS to celebrate about MSU Softball this year! We’ll share our interview with Coach “VANNtastic”  in Part 2 of our visit. Meanwhile…

6 Things You May Not Know About MSU Softball:

1. The team and coaches unwind with a maroon pool table! When we saw it, it was covered with the official NCAA softballs for the year!

2. The 2012 MSU Softball team is the only one in the country to have TWO sets of sisters on its roster. Can you name them?

3. The team takes batting practice with a new volunteer coach who just happens to be an All-American as well.

4. MSU Athletics will break ground on a major stadium expansion after the close of the 2013 season.

5. MSU will host the 3-day softball SEC Tournament for the first time in 2014.

6. There are 5 top 15 teams coming to Starkville this year to play MSU!

We hope you’ll add MSU Softball to your list of fun things to do this Spring. The first home series this year begins on Friday, Feb 17! Check out the full 2012 Schedule and make your plans to cheer on the Bulldogs!

Love is in the air at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum this month! A collection of vintage Valentines from local residents is on display, and kids of all ages can enjoy an opportunity for fun. The museum volunteers are also offering visitors an opportunity to make Valentines to give to their special people.  Stop by Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from 1:00-4:00 until February 15 and be creative!

If you’re looking for more fun for the kids during this SAVOR OUR SOUTH weekend, stop by the Museum on Saturday, Feb 11 for the annual Valentine-making party! Children may make their own Valentines from 10:00-12:00.  Supplies will be available  for a fun morning.  For information call:323-2011