Biz+Tech

Jackson to Host China Trade Forum

The Jackson Convention Complex is the site for a China trade forum later this month, hosted by the Mississippi Development Authority and Gov. Haley Barbour, reports WXVT 15 in a story from the Associated Press.

Government and Unions to Control GM

Yesterday, General Motors, tenuously surviving on the federal government's $15.4 billion bailout, announced its restructuring plan. The plan, which includes cutting 21,000 production jobs in the U.S. and ending the storied Pontiac brand, offers to give the U.S. government a 50 percent equity stake in exchange for cancelling $10 billion of its debt, according to Bloomberg.com.

Gambling Remains a State Growth Industry

Despite tough times in Mississippi, casino gambling revenue saw another increase last month. Players lost $232.9 million in March, according to an Associated Press report published on Forbes.com, up from $216.5 million in February.

Gannett Profits Down 60 Percent

Gannett released its first quarter profits this morning, showing earns fell by 60 percent over the same quarter last year, "slightly surpassing diminished expectations" on Wall Street, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Contractor Sues Toyota, Barbour

A Jackson-based contractor is suing Gov. Haley Barbour, the Mississippi Development Authority and Toyota for denying it the opportunity to bid on a lucrative contract for the $1.2 billion Toyota Prius plant in Blue Springs.

BREAKING: Mississippi Minority Contractors Sue Toyota

[Verbatim statement tonight:] Jackson, MS (March 31, 2009). Jackie Williams and Renna Fisher, African American principals of Fish & Fisher, a ten-year old construction company, have filed a civil racial discrimination and conspiracy action against Toyota of North America, the State of Mississippi Development Authority, and the Governor of the State of Mississippi, Haley Barbour, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, Western Division.

Take Advantage of St. Paddy's Specials

The celebration has already started, so don't miss out on the biggest city-wide party this year.

See party sites below along with a whole slew of food, drink and merchandise specials offered by local Jackson vendors, below. See the map for locations (click on it to see a larger version) and check with individual vendors for more details.

13's a Charm for Fenian's Irish Pub

For 13 years, Fenian's has been Jackson's only Irish pub. General manager, Damon Hogan gives the lowdown on the history of Fenian's and their upcoming St. Paddy's festivities March 21.

Stimulus Starts At Home

This week we're proudand perhaps a little surprisedto be publishing one of our largest issues of the Jackson Free Press so far in Volume 7; and one of the most ad-packed issues ever.

Stanford Needed Regulation, Hood Says

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood blamed the lax attitude of the Bush administration for the longevity of famous Ponzi schemesfrom the Madoff scandal to the Stanford Financial Group, which has its deep ties in Mississippi.

Mississippi Tourism to Benefit from Tax Incentive Bill

On Tuesday, one of the bills Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour signed into law expands tourism sales tax incentives to casinos for developing resorts and tourism projects unrelated to casino activities. The projects can include theme and water parks, museums and sports facilities, among others.

Cellular South Expands Mississippi Services

Ridgeland, Miss.-based Cellular South, the largest privately-held wireless carrier in the U.S., has announced expanded third-generation coverage in 78 cities across 26 Mississippi counties this year. The ambitious plan allows the company to "maintain its leadership position as the provider with the most 3G high-speed data coverage in its primary footprint and nationwide," according to a release.

COPS Money Available to City

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is funneling money to the ailing federal Community Oriented Policing Services program and the Hiring Recovery Program, and will soon be available to the city of Jackson.

Mississippi Employment Expo on March 17

If you're looking for a job, save the date: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 is the Mississippi Employment Expo at the Trademart in Jackson, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. WAPT reports that 96 employers are signed up so far, with more expected. The event is free, but get there early: organizers expect to double last year's attendance of 3,000 people.

State Jobless Rate Tops 9 Percent

The Mississippi unemployment roles swelled in January to 9.2 percent, a rate higher than the national average of 8.5 percent. In December, the state reported a 7.6 percent rate.

The celebration has already started, so don't miss out on the biggest city-wide party this year.

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