JACKSON, Miss. — Oct. 30, 2025 — Mississippi’s business community officially entered a new era today with the public launch of the Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA) during the Mississippi Economic Council’s Hobnob Mississippi event at the Mississippi Coliseum.

The new organization unites the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), and the Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) into a single, powerful voice for business and industry. The announcement marks the culmination of more than a year of collaboration under the Business Alignment 2026 initiative, which sought to unify the state’s business voice and strengthen Mississippi’s competitiveness in today’s economy. The three groups will be fully integrated as MSBA effective January 1, 2026.

John McKay, President and CEO of MMA, will become President and CEO of the Mississippi Business Alliance. He said MSBA reflects our vision to create the best possible environment for business and industry to thrive and our commitment to move Mississippi ahead through leadership, innovation, and unity.

“The Mississippi Business Alliance will not simply react to issues — we will set the agenda,” McKay said. “Our mission is clear: advance business, grow opportunity, and advocate fearlessly for policies that promote free enterprise. Our brand message says it best — Business. Forward.”

John Hairston, Chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council and CEO of Hancock Whitney, will serve as the first Chair of the Mississippi Business Alliance. He said the new organization brings focus and strength to Mississippi’s collective business voice.

“This is not just a merger — it’s a transformation,” Hairston said. “By uniting MEC, MMA, and BIPEC, the Mississippi Business Alliance will amplify the influence of business through policy advocacy, long-term competitiveness, and political accountability.”

Scott Waller, MEC President and CEO, said the announcement builds on more than seven decades of progress. Waller will oversee the MSBA Foundation and the recently announced WorkFuture Institute for Workforce and Educational Excellence.

“The Mississippi Business Alliance builds on that proud legacy by bringing together three respected organizations to strengthen advocacy, expand opportunity, and move our state forward,” Waller said.

Derek Easley, President and CEO of BIPEC, will serve as Executive Vice President and Political Director of MSBA, guiding efforts to identify and support pro-business elected officials across the state.

The Mississippi Business Alliance’s branding was unveiled during Hobnob Mississippi, symbolizing a unified commitment to create the best possible environment for business and industry to thrive.

About the Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA)

The Mississippi Business Alliance is the unified voice of business in Mississippi. Formed through the merger of the Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and Business and Industry Political Education Committee, MSBA advances business growth, workforce readiness, and political accountability. Guided by its brand message “Business. Forward.”, MSBA connects business leaders, policymakers, and communities to drive Mississippi’s future prosperity.