JACKSON, Miss. (Oct. 29, 2024) – A transformative initiative is underway to evaluate the potential of creating a single, unified organization to represent business and industry throughout Mississippi.

Business Alignment 2026 is bringing together the leadership of the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), and the Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) to explore the effectiveness of a new combined organizational structure focused on promoting all sectors of the economy. The boards of directors of all three organizations approved resolutions to begin this process.  

This will be a year-long project examining the potential of creating a single entity that can better serve the collective interests of Mississippi’s business community. Currently, nearly 30 states have single organizations that represent the business community.

“We approach this endeavor with a commitment to a thorough, open, and fair evaluation of this initiative,” said John McKay, President & CEO of MMA. “As we begin this process, it is important to underscore that no decisions have been made.”

The goal is to determine if and how a more unified organizational structure would deliver greater value, effectiveness, and advocacy power for the members of the three existing organizations.

“There are numerous organizations across the country that we will be able to benchmark to determine if unifying the three organizations into a new entity will best serve businesses and help grow Mississippi’s economy,” said Scott Waller, President & CEO of MEC.

Each of the organizations brings unique strengths to the table:

• MEC, through its strategic planning efforts, is focusing on aligning Mississippi’s business community. Our members continue to support initiatives designed to create long-term economic opportunities for all sectors of the economy. This project represents an ability to strengthen this goal, while carefully determining the best path forward.
• MMA, with its deep roots in advocating for manufacturers, sees this project as an opportunity to strengthen the voice of industry. Recognizing that manufacturing is a major driver of Mississippi’s economy, partnering with the broader business community has the potential to expand our reach as we strive to positively impact economic growth in our state.
• BIPEC, with its legacy of protecting and advancing free enterprise through elections, research, education, and member action, remains fully committed to ensuring that any potential combined effort would lead to an even stronger political voice for job creators in Mississippi.

In the upcoming months, Business Alignment 2026 will conduct a series of listening sessions across the state.

“These sessions are designed to ensure that our members are heard,” said Derek Easley, President and CEO of BIPEC. “Our goal is to ensure that the outcome reflects what is best for the business community as a whole.”

Through independent research, benchmarking, and careful analysis of our organizational structures, Business Alignment 2026 can assess whether a unified organization is the best path forward for our members and the future of Mississippi’s economy. The organizations will work with their members to keep them informed at every step of this process, sharing key findings and progress reports.

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ABOUT MEC:  The Mississippi Economic Council – the State Chamber of Commerce – has been the voice of Mississippi business since 1949. MEC deals with broad business issues through advocacy, research, resources and leadership. To learn more visit www.mec.ms.

About MMA: For more than 70 years, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association has represented the interests of Mississippi’s manufacturers at both the state and national levels. As the Voice of Industry, MMA represents manufacturers in the Mississippi Legislature and U.S. Congress. To learn more visit www.mma-web.org.

About BIPEC: Founded in 1980, The Mississippi Business and Industry Political Education Committee is a nonprofit membership organization comprised of individuals, trade associations and companies who unite to protect and advance free enterprise through research, education, and member action. To learn more visit www.bipec.org.