Three organizations dedicated to advancing a business-friendly climate in the Magnolia State have taken a major step toward merging into an entity dubbed the Mississippi Business Alliance.
Executive leadership with the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), and the Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) unanimously voted recently to bring the merger to fruition. Though the vote is not the final decision in creating the new organization, it was necessary.
“This is an important step in the process, as it gives each of our organizations the ability to share confidential financial information, staffing details, and other necessary items in the process,” MEC President and CEO Scott Waller said. “If everything continues to progress under the timeline we’ve established – and I am confident it will – a definitive agreement will be presented to each of the three boards this fall for final approval of creating a new, combined entity.”
Under the timeline, the Mississippi Business Alliance is expected to be up and running by January 2026. The goal of the unified front is to provide a stronger, more unified voice for business and industry throughout the state. Officials from the three organizations looking to merge announced this campaign in late 2024.
The Mississippi Business Alliance will serve as the State Chamber of Commerce in Mississippi and the state’s affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers.
As part of the process, transition teams comprised of staff members from each of the organizations have been exploring future memberships, events, and vendors. According to officials, the most important element of the merger has been rebranding and marketing the new organization.
“Without a doubt, the question I have been asked the most over the past few months has been, ‘What’s the name going to be?'” MMA President and CEO John McKay said. “We believe the name Mississippi Business Alliance represents an organization that brings all sectors of the economy together in an alliance to move our state forward and advocate for a strong business climate.”
Prior to receiving the green light for the merger to move forward, MEC, MMA, and BIPEC members, along with leaders from similar entities across the country, offered feedback regarding the idea of the Mississippi Business Alliance. Today, officials have begun the process of workshopping the organization’s governance structure and creating a strategic framework.
“We entered this process to determine how a more unified organizational structure would deliver greater value, effectiveness, and advocacy power for the members of the three existing organizations,” BIPEC President and CEO Derek Easley said. “The positive feedback from our listening sessions and the careful evaluation of how we move forward will ensure that the outcome reflects what is best for the business community.”
MEC, MMA, and BIPEC executives partnered with consulting firm TSG Advisors to conduct independent research, benchmarking, and careful analysis of organizational structures for the Mississippi Business Alliance. Leaders plan to utilize this research to most adequately serve members and boost the state’s economy.
