5/16/2008 - Manufacturing Week in Mississippi is May 19-23

May 19-23 is Manufacturing Week in Mississippi. Manufacturing Week in Mississippi, which has been recognized each year since 2005 by a proclamation signed by Gov. Haley Barbour, serves as an opportunity to get the word out across the state about the positive aspects of manufacturing in Mississippi. (Click on the link below to download a PDF version of the proclamation.)

This year, MMA President and CEO Jay C. Moon, CEcD, plans to visit several media outlets across the state during Manufacturing Week.

One topic Moon intends to discuss is the uniqueness of Mississippi’s manufacturers. “Many of our members have one-of-a-kind products or processes that set them apart, both in the state and in the world marketplace,” said Moon. “It’s interesting to realize the different kinds of businesses and markets that are here in the state.”

Below is a list of the programs on which Moon is scheduled to appear in the next couple of weeks.

Monday, May 19
8:3 ... Read More   Download Article

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

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