5/1/2008 - Complying with the New State Immigration Law: What is Required of Manufacturers?

Don't miss this seminar covering the requirements of the state’s new immigration law, which affects all Mississippi employers.

8:15 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Jackson

The Mississippi Employment Protection Act goes into effect July 1, 2008. This new law requires Mississippi employers to verify immigration status of newly hired employees using the federal E-Verify system, which is operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Find out how your business will be affected.
There are many questions about the requirements, enforcement and penalties in the Act. Mississippi employers with 250 or more employees will soon have to begin using the federal E-Verify system to check work authorization of new hires.

E-Verify (formerly known as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an Internet-based system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with ... Read More

4/29/2008 - Former MMA Chairman Dewitte Belk Dies

Former MMA Chairman of the Board Dewitte Belk, 72, owner of Mitchell Metal Products, died Saturday, April 26, 2008 at St. Dominic/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Jackson.

Dewitte was born in Ethel, Miss., Nov. 9, 1935. He was married for 52 years to Doris Hood Belk. He owned and operated Mitchell Metal Products for 37 years. Dewitte was a member of First Baptist Church in Kosciusko where he served on various committees including the long-range planning committee and the house and grounds committee.

Dewitte was a member of the Holmes Community College Board of Trustees for 22 years and was currently serving as vice president of the board. He was the 1994 recipient of the NCRD Region IV Benefactor of the Year award. He was a member of the Holmes Community College Foundation Board of Directors and Board of Governors.

Dewitte was a long-time member of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, where he served as chairman for 1997-1998. He also was a member of the Air Distribution Institute. H ... Read More

1/24/2008 - MMA President & CEO Named to Governor's Tax Panel

Jay C. Moon, CEcD, FM, MMA president and CEO, has been named by Gov. Haley Barbour to serve on a public-private commission to study Mississippi’s tax system on a comprehensive basis, including how federal and local tax structures affect Mississippi citizens and businesses.

“These individuals represent a wide range of expertise in this important subject matter; they come from business, legal, academic and legislative backgrounds. They also share a common bond in that they are all Mississippi taxpayers. I appreciate their voluntary service on this commission and know they will do an excellent and thorough job in carrying out this study,” Barbour said.

Barbour said the commission will provide a report of its findings by Aug. 31, 2008 — after completion of fiscal 2008 — to the governor, the Mississippi Legislature and the public on recommendations for any adjustments. In addition, the staff of the Mississippi State Tax Commission will be asked to provide informati ... Read More