business columnist; writer of mystery novellas and other books; retired economic developer
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Articles by Phil Hardwick
Mississippi's most desirable places to work
Business columnist Phil Hardwick discusses workplace satisfaction while highlighting the Best Employers in Mississippi. America’s workplaces are changing rapidly due to technology, remote work, COVID, and generational shifts. Companies must adapt to the needs of today’s workforce while also executing their business strategies. According to a recent survey from the Pew Research Center, only about half of U.S. workers say they are extremely or very satisfied with their jobs.
Skaggs, Nuzzo share insight into economic development in Mississippi
The two were recently named to a listing of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. Two Mississippi economic developers were recently named to a listing of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. Among the honorees were William “Skip” Skaggs, Executive Director of the North Mississippi Industrial Development Association (NMIDA), and Gabriella Nuzzo, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at Greater Jackson Alliance.
What's your leadership style?
Plato, Ike or Max. Business columnist Phil Hardwick offers three styles of leadership for employers to consider. If you search online, you can find at least 10 named leadership styles. In this column, we look at leadership styles as a continuum, with “follow me” at one end of the spectrum and “I’ll follow you” at the other. In general, leadership styles refer to the behavioral approach or techniques employed by leaders to influence, motivate, and direct their followers.
New education funding formula signed into law, MAEP no more
This year’s appropriated total for education provides nearly $230 million more for K-12 schools, bringing the amount to roughly $2.96 billion. Governor Tate Reeves (R) signed HB 4130 into law this week, establishing a new K-12 education funding formula in the state of Mississippi. As of July 1st, the “Mississippi Student Funding Formula” replaces the “Mississippi Adequate Education Program,” or MAEP, as the mechanism by which public schools will be funded annually.
Moving and thinking of renting your home? Consider these tips
Business columnist Phil Hardwick says becoming a landlord can be a rewarding experience if there are good tenants and a market that is improving. If you are thinking of becoming a landlord, selecting the right tenant is a high priority. In today’s real estate market, many home sellers who must move are facing some tough choices. They can take a lower price for their property in the hope that it will sell sooner than later, they can wait in the hope that the market will improve, or they can rent.
Three C's for Success
Business columnist Phil Hardwick offers nuggets of advice he believes are especially relevant to graduates who embark on a career in the business world. May is the month for graduation speeches, in which noted persons pass along sage advice and hoped-for inspiration to graduates who yearn for brevity. Sometimes political speeches creep in.
C Spire President focused on delivering for customers, aiding in workforce development
In part two of a two-part series, Magnolia Tribune Business Columnist Phil Hardwick visits with C Spire President Suzy Hays to learn more about her and the company she helps lead. In part one of this two-part series visiting with C Spire President Suzy Hays, we discussed the company’s vision and marketing strategy, and learned about what inspires and fulfills her.
Customer Inspired: C Spire President finds purpose in helping others fulfill theirs
In part one of a two-part series, Magnolia Tribune Business Columnist Phil Hardwick visits with C Spire President Suzy Hays to learn more about her and the company she helps lead. C Spire, one of the nation’s largest providers of broadband connectivity, managed and cloud services, and wireless recently promoted Suzy Hays to President of the company.
Airports play a key role in Mississippi's economy
Business columnist Phil Hardwick takes a look at the economic impact the Magnolia State receives from its network of airports. Airports in Mississippi are more than just runways. While most Mississippians are familiar with at least one of the eight commercial airports in the Magnolia State, few realize that there are 65 general aviation airports serving local communities and generating a significant economic impact.
Ruskey promotes doing business in Mississippi, shares his small business journey
Mississippi’s Small Business Person of the Year encourages prospective entrepreneurs to find something you love doing, day in and day out, and make it replicable. John Ruskey, owner of Quapaw Canoe Company in Clarksdale, was recently named Mississippi’s Small Business Person of 2024 by the Small Business Administration. Last week we learned about his company. In this column, we interviewed Ruskey about what it’s like to be the owner of a small business in the Magnolia State.
Quapaw Canoe Company going with the flow in Mississippi
Business columnist Phil Hardwick talks with Mississippi’s SBA Small Business Person of the Year, John Ruskey. On March 7, the Small Business Administration announced the 2024 Small Business Persons of the Year for each state. In Mississippi, that person is John Ruskey, owner of Quapaw Canoe Company in Clarksdale.
University-wide focus on economic, workforce development at the heart of Southern Miss
Business columnist Phil Hardwick wraps up his three-part series on entrepreneurship and economic development efforts at Mississippi’s Big 3 universities by talking with Southern Miss Trent Lott Center Director Brian Henson. In this three-part series, we focus on entrepreneurship and economic development programs at the state’s three major universities.
Ole Miss advancing economic development in Mississippi through support of Entrepreneurship Forum, Insight Park
Business columnist Phil Hardwick talks with Dr. J.R. Love with the Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement. In this three-part series, we focus on entrepreneurship and economic development programs at the state’s three major universities. Last time, we explored the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach at Mississippi State. This week, Dr. J.R. Love discusses the upcoming Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum and the University of Mississippi’s Insight Park.
Manufacturing in Mississippi vital for local communities
Business columnist Phil Hardwick takes a look at seven Mississippi counties where manufacturing is a big part of their local economies. One of the most memorable field trips of my elementary school days was a visit to the local Coca-Cola Bottling plant. Seeing the line of little bottle soldiers wiggling along, getting washed, being filled with carbonated liquid, being capped, and then placed in cartons was something to behold.
Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach at Mississippi State Helping Turn Ideas into Global Companies
Business columnist Phil Hardwick takes a look at the entrepreneurship and economic development programs at Mississippi’s three major universities, starting with Mississippi State. In this three-part series, we focus on entrepreneurship and economic development programs at the state’s three major universities. This week, Jeffrey Rupp, Director of Outreach at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach discusses Mississippi State’s program. The program began back in 2001.
Gulfport-based AnderCorp seeks to be a part of Mississippi's growth
Business columnist Phil Hardwick visits with Roy Anderson, IV, Executive Vice President of AnderCorp, about his vision for AnderCorp, the contracting industry, and more. A Gulfport-based construction firm was recently selected by The Cordish Companies as the general contractor for a major entertainment project in Bossier City, Louisiana. AnderCorp will build a 47,000-square-foot land-based casino, an upscale 550-room hotel, resort-style pool, and fitness center.
Leaders, Followers and Heroes
Columnist Phil Hardwick says there seems to be a dearth of leadership at so many levels these days. Leadership is the subject of countless books and articles. Type in “leadership” in the Amazon.com search box and there will be over 60,000 results. There seems to be a dearth of leadership at so many levels these days. But let us not forget the followers – or the heroes. Leadership has been described in many ways.
Mississippi Aquarium's new 3D experiences have guests swimming with sharks, visiting gorillas
The new 360˚ 3D experience on the Coast takes you up close and personal to the action. You can now step into worlds like never before with the new Wild Explorer Virtual Reality experience at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport. This 360˚ 3D experience takes you up close and personal to the action, exploring the depths of the ocean with Shark Dive or running through the jungle with gorillas in Gorilla Trek through use of VR headsets.
Magnolia Mornings: February 12, 2024
Important state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion to start your day informed. The Sonic Boom of The South from Jackson State University made a huge appearance Sunday, performing alongside Usher in the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in Las Vegas. Under the direction of Dr. Rodrick Little, the JSU band has been busy as of late, opening for Drake and preparing to appear at the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.
2024 Governor’s Arts Awards Presented at Mississippi Two Museums
Each year since 1988, outstanding artists are honored at the Governor’s Arts Awards, held in conjunction with the Mississippi Arts Commission. Mississippi has long been known for its many artists. From visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music, dance, and more, this state has some of the most talented and prolific artists in the country. That’s important, because the arts are the lens through which we define our cultural identity.
Wicker, Hyde-Smith split on procedural vote to allow debate on foreign aid
With Thursday’s vote, the U.S. Senate will now enter debate and consider amendments on a foreign aid spending package that would provide billions in support of Ukraine, Israel and more. The U.S. Senate has voted to move forward with debate on a foreign aid package that, if approved by both chambers and signed by President Joe Biden, could send $60 billion to Ukraine, $14 billion to Israel, $9 billion in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and nearly $5 billion to the Indo-Pacific region.
MDE presents legislative priorities to Senate Education Committee
Funding MAEP and providing avenues to increase workforce participation were two main priorities expressed to Senators this week by the Mississippi Department of Education. During Thursday’s Senate Education Committee meeting, administrators from the Mississippi Department of Education submitted a request of nearly $3 billion to be funded under the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP).
Bill of the Day: March should be for Musicians in Mississippi
Magnolia Tribune brings you a Bill of the Day from the 2024 Mississippi Legislative Session that just may pique your interest. Legislation this session has been proposed to honor Mississippi musicians with their very own month on the calendar.
Melting Pot looking for franchisee for Jackson area
Business Columnist Phil Hardwick dives into the fondue with Melting Pot’s Franchise Growth Strategist. One of the country’s most unique experience-style restaurants may be coming to the Jackson area. Collin Benyo, Franchise Growth Strategist for The Melting Pot restaurant chain, confirmed that the company’s expansion plans might include Mississippi’s capital city.
MDOC Works providing needed workforce, seeing positive results
Inmates are learning job skills leading to success in life outside of prison while lowering recidivism in Mississippi’s corrections system. This week, the Mississippi Senate Corrections Committee heard how work release and career training programs in the state of Mississippi are gaining ground, providing inmates with a way to ensure they can make a living when they are released while also setting them on a path to not return to prison.
Justices appear skeptical of kicking Trump off Colorado ballot
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Thursday on whether the former President should be barred from the ballot by a state over the “insurrection clause” in the 14th Amendment. Former President Donald Trump seemed pleased with the oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday regarding his appeal of a 4-3 Colorado Supreme Court ruling that barred him from appearing on the state’s ballot in the 2024 presidential election cycle.
Division of Medicaid requesting nearly $1 billion in state funding for next fiscal year
The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) is requesting nearly $1 billion in state support moving into Fiscal Year 2025. The ask to lawmakers comes after nearly six years of no state support deficit since FY 2019. Drew Snyder, Director of the Division of Medicaid, told members of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Tuesday that the decline in federal match for medical expenses was the primary driver of the requested increase.
Brandon Presley joins Edelen Renewables, looks to advance community scale solar projects on farmland
The former Northern District Public Service Commissioner and unsuccessful gubernational candidate will open a new office for the firm in Mississippi. Brandon Presley has a new job. The former four-term Mississippi Public Service Commissioner for the Northern District and unsuccessful candidate for Governor in 2023 announced on Thursday that he would joining Kentucky-based Edelen Renewables as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives.
State revenues come in below estimate for January but remain $98M above expectations for the year
The Legislative Budget Office’s latest revenue report shows that with individual income taxes down, sales tax collections continue to climb in the Magnolia State. Mississippi revenue collections came in below estimate in January 2024 by just under $6 million. However, the state remains in a solid budgetary position as total revenue collections for seven months into the fiscal year have exceeded estimates by over $98 million.
Mississippi House Bellies Up to Alcohol Reforms
Effort to revise prohibition on tap in the Magnolia State. Mississippi’s House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday that would effectively remove prohibition from state law. The bill – HB 777 – will automatically allow cities under 5,000 in population to sell liquor and wine. If the municipalities do not wish to do so, citizens can reverse the decision through the referendum process at the local level.
Mississippi Supreme Court hears oral arguments in private school funding appeal
Justices will decide whether a law to make $10 million in federal ARPA funds available to private schools for infrastructure updates violates the Mississippi Constitution. The case of whether federal emergency response funding can be used for infrastructure updates by private schools is now in the hands of Mississippi’s Supreme Court. Tuesday afternoon, justices heard oral arguments in the Parents for Public Schools vs Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration case.
U.S. House Republicans fail to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas
After months of hearings and deliberations on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ job performance related to his duties to secure the southern U.S. border, the U.S. House of Representative voted 216-214 not to impeach him. Three Republicans voted against the impeachment of Mayorkas along with all Democrats. The GOP Congressmen were Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), and Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA). A fourth Republican – Rep.
Border, Foreign Aid Package Meets Demise in U.S. Senate
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) emerged on Tuesday, confirming to Capitol Hill reporters that the border and foreign aid legislation being negotiated by Senator James Lankford (R) “will not become law.” Rumors began to swirl late Monday that the spending deal was on its last leg when Andrew Desiderio posted on X that Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, came out of the GOP conference meeting and said the proposal was “dead.”...
D.C. Appeals Court says Trump is not immune from federal prosecution
A Washington D.C.-based Appeals Court ruled 3-0 on Tuesday that former President Donald Trump is not immune from federal prosecution in the case brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith related to alleged interference in the 2020 election. The three-judge panel rejected Trump’s claim of presidential immunity in the charges pending against him.
Buffington joins Balch & Bingham
Phil Buffington is joining Balch & Bingham in the firm’s Jackson, Mississippi office as a partner in the Banking & Financial Services Practice. Buffington has more than 30 years of experience advising financial institutions throughout the United States on federal and state banking laws and regulations. He earned his J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Mid-South Super Lawyers.
Medical cannabis industry growing in the Magnolia State
In 2022, Mississippi officially legalized the use of medical marijuana through the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP). The program was established to oversee the product’s use for a specified list of approved medical conditions. This approval by the Legislature was the catalyst for a new industry that is growing all across the state. The program is housed within the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).
Reeves among GOP Governors backing Texas Gov. Abbott's efforts to secure border
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been in a standoff with the Biden Administration over the state’s aggressive attempts to maintain control over its southern border. Abbott, a Republican, argues that the Democratic White House has failed in its duty to protect the American homeland from what many have described as an “invasion” on the southern border.
Magnolia Mornings: February 5, 2024
A group of Republican Governors joined Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Eagle Pass, Texas over the weekend to receive a briefing on and participate in a press conference regarding the state of the southern border crisis. Among the group was Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves.
No, our tax code does not favor the wealthy at the expense of the poor
President Joe Biden routinely argues that “rich” people “need to start paying their fair share.” Closer to home, kindred spirit Bobby Harrison contends that “Mississippi’s tax structure favors the rich and hurts the poor.” This kind of rhetoric is predictable among folks who want ever bigger government, particularly if the expense of Leviathan’s insatiable appetite falls almost exclusively on someone other than them. “The rich” are an easy target.
Chicory Market improving accessibility to healthy, local food
Some people see what needs to be done in the world, yet they do nothing. Then some decide to act. John Martin and Kate Bishop are both interested in food from a policy point of view. “We are also interested in health and nutrition,” says John. The couple lived in the Mississippi Delta – Greenwood, where John worked for the newspaper, and Indianola, where Kate taught school – before moving to the northeast (Baltimore and New York).
The State of Economic Development
After a successful 30-year career in economic development, including stints as state economic chief in Mississippi and Florida, Gray Swoope launched the VisionFirst Advisorsconsulting practice in 2015. Recently, VisionFirst and Florida-based lobbying giant The Southern Group announced their strategic partnership in a move that pairs state and local lobbying efforts with economic development site selection and community strategy.
Sur La Table to open in Jackson
Kitchen and culinary retailer Sur La Table is coming to Jackson, Mississippi, this spring. The company announced on Tuesday that it was opening its first location of 2024 at Highland Village in the capital city. Established in Seattle, Washington’s Pike Place Market in 1972 by founder Shirley Collins, Sur La Table aims to “Make good food. Share it.
Domestic and Foreign Policies are Intertwined
On January 18, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee – Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer – stated that the Western world must prepare for a potential larger war with Russia, which would involve a “whole of society” approach and that “we have to realize it’s not a given that we are in peace.
Magnolia Mornings: January 30, 2024
According to NASA, it has completed the sixth of twelve scheduled RS-25 engine certification tests in a critical series for future flights of the agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket as engineers conducted a full-duration hot fire January 27 at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Do Rising Pension Costs Put University Bond Ratings at Risk?
A recent column by Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Commissioner Dr. Al Rankins provided an overview of the system’s strong bond rating, which Dr. Rankins attributed to good stewardship through debt savings, reduced energy costs, and pooled insurance and other subscriptions. We congratulate Dr. Rankins, the IHL Board of Trustees, and university presidents for working collaboratively to improve the financial position of IHL.
The Lord's Work
Today, you and I have work to do. In his first letter to the Corinthians, when the apostle Paul instructed the church to welcome Timothy warmly into their community, it wasn’t because Timothy was trying to make a name for himself, held some honorific or title, or was seeking to become noteworthy. No, it was simply because Timothy was “doing the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 16:10).
MUW offers three new name choices after Brightwell not well received
Mississippi University for Women went back to the well after announcing a proposed new name for the school after its initial offering wasn’t well received. Mississippi Brightwell University was proposed as the new name on January 12 of this year, but university leadership rolled back the move due to the feedback received. That led to seeking suggestions from alumni, staff, and students on three other suggested names: Wynbridge, Wellbright and Wynbright.
Mississippi lawmakers consider mental healthcare challenges
Within Mississippi, about 950 people with mental illnesses are being served at state hospitals on any given day. Among the regional and community programs, there are another 1,200 people being served for mental health, according to Department of Mental Health Executive Director Wendy Bailey. Bailey, who spoke last week to members of the Mississippi Senate and House Committees on Public Health and Welfare, agrees the numbers are concerning but said the state is making progress.
No conspiracy here: The serial success of the 'Deadbolt Mystery Society' - The Oxford Eagle
Published 1:10 pm Monday, January 29, 2024 By Phil Hardwick Magnolia Tribune A Tupelo company co-founded by two brothers started as an escape room. Then COVID-19 hit. Instead of folding, Shawn and Jason Brannon pivoted and transformed the company into one that now ships its “mysterious” products worldwide.
Secretary Mayorkas Has Abandoned His Post; Accountability is Here
The biggest challenge facing Congress in 2024 is securing our southern border. Last year alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded over 2.9 million encounters at the Southwest border—more than the entire population of Mississippi. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, it’s my responsibility to ensure the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is keeping our nation safe and enforcing our border security laws.
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