The Leadership Letter is a monthly newsletter dedicated to announcing current events related to MEC's Leadership Mississippi Program. It is a special publication that highlights alumni and their outstanding work and achievements in the business economy across the state of Mississippi.
Fall Brings About A Change!
My favorite time of the year is this time--fall! It makes me feel renewed, full of joy and I look at the change happening in the environment around me and get excited because I know that it is a good one.
 
What you will also see, if you look closely, is a new and special addition to my front yard, the “In God We Trust” flag. This is the first time that I have ever displayed a flag in my front yard. Not only does it nicely compliment my décor, but it reminds me of the things that I love most about fall—feelings of being renewed, full and joy and looking at change happening around the state to appreciate that times are not only changing, but for the better.
 
If it were up to me, I would make fall a season four times a year. Unfortunately, I don’t have a say in that matter. What I do have a say in is displaying my flag during all four seasons.

I want to know what excites you most about fall. Is it the joy it brings? Maybe it’s the warm, vibrant colors of the leaves. Most importantly, what flag do you display in your yard? Is it one your family has had for decades? Is it the flag you fly for your favorite college or football team? Will it be the “In God We Trust” flag?

#InGodWeTrustFlag
#MississippiStateFlag
#MississippiFlag

Sincerely yours,

Cathy Northington
Chief Operating Officer
Mississippi Economic Council
"In God We Trust" Flag!
On November 3, Mississippians will have the opportunity to vote for a new flag. The "In God We Trust" flag is anchored in the center field by a clean and modern Magnolia blossom, a symbol long-used to represent our state and the hospitality of our citizens. The Magnolia also represents Mississippi's sense of hope and rebirth, as the Magnolia often blooms more than once and has a long blooming season. The circle of twenty stars represents Mississippi as the twentieth state of the United States of America and is anchored by the gold five-point star, which stands alone. This star represents our first peoples, the indigenous Native American tribes of the land that would become Mississippi.

You can help. There are multiple ways to assist.
 
The In God We Trust website has 3x5 flags for $50. It also has yard signs that feature just the flag, stickers, and other items sold for a donation to the effort. 
 
Also, the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) is providing "vote yes" yard signs at no cost. You can order them by clicking here.

Here are other ways you can help:
•   Outreach -- Please discuss this with your networks at work, your members, and others. Please stress the importance of getting all the way through the ballot and voting yes. This measure is the last thing on the ballot.
 
•   Please order yard signs, flags, and other materials. The goal is to get the flag flying in as many places as possible. There is no cost for "Vote Yes" yard signs, and they can be ordered HERE
 
•   Fundraising – Fundraising for this effort is still ongoing. If you others willing to contribute, please contact Scott Waller at 601-540-2970. 
The Leadership MS Class of 2020 visits Clarksdale!
This past Thursday morning, the Leadership Mississippi Class of 2020 (21) experienced the Mississippi Delta in the great city of Clarksdale, MS!

This virtual session brought together our current cohort of fellows and invited guests to get an up-close account of the business climate, social life and one-of-a-kind flair of this richly historic and significant city.

Joining us was Frank Howell, Executive Director of the Delta Council, Shelley Ritter, Director of the Delta Blues Museum and Shelley Walker, CEO of Delta Lodging Group, LLC and Leadership Mississippi C'19. A special guest appearance was made by Eden Brent, Greenville, MS native and talented blues singer and artist!

This session was engaging and full of great insights, inspiration and special surprises! Our virtual time in Clarksdale, MS was nothing short of the warm, remarkable time the MS Delta continues to show any and everyone who visits and resides in the area!
LM Alumni Engagement Past and Upcoming Events!
As part of MEC's Leadership Mississippi's continued alumni engagement efforts, we hosted "Fall into Friendship" on September 23rd. The event commemorated the 45th Anniversary of Leadership Mississippi and the first day of fall. It was a huge success and alumni from all classes were able to reconnect, reminisce and receive more info on what's next in alumni engagement.

Thank you to all alumni who attended this virtual all-class reunion. A special shoutout to the Class of 2015, the class with the most alumni support!

If you missed the opportunity to join us, there will be more events like this in the near future!
Speaking of near future, Leadership Mississippi will re-emerge its highly successful "Coffee and Conversations" virtual alumni engagement series with new installments beginning very soon.

Let us know what topics you will like to see featured in the upcoming series.

Remember: We'll bring the conversation, you bring your coffee!
The Skimm? Daily Brew? Morning Joe?
Do any of these names ring a bell? If they do, we have good news for you!

Leadership Mississippi will be bringing to you a daily morning feature, full of fun and informal yet accurate commentary on current events, social happenings, politics, culture and the arts, weather and food from across the state.

If you have an idea or story that you would love to see in this new addition to the Leadership Mississippi catalog, let us know!

We have great things in store and welcome hearing more of what you would like to see!

Email Courtnie Mack at cmack@msmec.com with any input.
MEC presents its 2020 Virtual HobNob
Heather Farris Bennett - October 10
Robert Blakemore - October 2
Pennie Brogle - October 6
Adrian Brown - October 26
Jason Brown - October 30
Patrick Brown - October 15
Gaye Broyles - October 30
Tamara Butler - October 29
Sandra Bynum - October 11
Lofton Cox - October 19
Meta Danzey - October 5
Chad Davidson - October 7
Josh Davis - October 17
Jen Dearman - October 29
Jan Farve - October 5
Carrie Ford - October 5
Dr. Jacqueline Gibson - October 9
Alexis Harvey - October 9
Michael Highfield - October 28
Sandra Hodge - October 16
Les Howell - October 30
Edmond Hughes - October 7
Jennifer Johnson - October 22
Meagan Linton - October 14
Donald Matthews III - October 24
Deborah McCallam - October 25
Brent McCullouch - October 22
Chance McDavid - October 8
Brooke McIngvale - October 26
Walter Moore - October 30
Deanne Mosley - October 24
Tonya Neely - October 19
Albert Nylander - October 30
Fred Osing - October 15
Dr. Sebrina Palmer - October 12
Edricke Peyton - October 23
Sherry Rainey - October 8
Bradford Ray - October 19
Leigh Ann Ross - October 24
Lori Sanders - October 20
Nicole Shields - October 26
Deidre Smith - October 23
Wayne Spell - October 20
Alan Sudduth - October 1
Mike Todaro - October 26
Wesley Webb - October 13
Josh West - October 9
Chad Wicker - October 8
Daniel Wile - October 1
Edward Woodard - October 8

all other alumni celebrating October birthdays!

If you have any news you would like to share or see featured in next month's newsletter, let us know!
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Our Mission
To build a strong diverse network of leaders from every corner of the state balanced with a broad variety of leadership abilities and career accomplishments creating a core of individuals committed to Mississippi's future.