The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) hosted the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) Leadership MS Alumni, 2020-2021 students, and honored guests on October 21, 2021, in a “Meet and Greet” at the Silver Star Hotel & Casino.
The meeting began with a welcome address from Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, followed by a presentation from the Chahta Alla Youth Council (CAYC) with a performance of traditional Choctaw dances. Afterward, Jay Wesley of Chahta Immi Cultural Center gave a brief historical overview of the tribe. Our guest speaker was John Hendrix, 2010 MEC Alumni, and Director of the MBCI Economic Development.
Beginning in 1974, Leadership Mississippi is the second oldest statewide leadership program in the nation. MEC Leadership MS Alumni have multiple events throughout the year to connect and network while visiting places through the State of Mississippi that allow MEC Alumni and students to learn and experience the town’s history, economic development, and culture. This was MEC Alumni’s first visit to Choctaw, MS, and we are pleased to have hosted this experience.
The MEC and the MBCI would like to thank everyone who attended and participated in this event. A big thank you to Tyler Amos, Executive Assistant to the Community Development and Planning Division for setting up the meeting rooms with beautiful decorations. Our appreciation to Brandie Tangle, Pearl River Resort for taking care of the details.
We hope to make this an annual event.
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Receives $450,000 Grant From W.K. Kellogg Foundation
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has been awarded a $450,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to assist the Tribe in building a community that is food-secure with equitable access to fresh and healthy foods. The grant will be used to...
MBCI Offers NCCER Certification Training to Tribal EmployeesMBCI Offers NCCER Certification Training
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, in partnership with East Central Community College, is offering classes to Tribal employees that will allow them to obtain NCCER Certification. The National Center for Construction Education and Research...
Economic Development Director Encourages Those Thinking of Starting a New Business in 2020 or 2021
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Although the United States has seen a stagnant economy during much of 2020, the Director of Economic Development for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians says this is actually an advantageous climate for starting a new business. Director John...
Choctaw Fresh Produce Provides Assistance to Tribe During COVID-19
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Choctaw Fresh Produce has stepped up to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering over 4,000 pounds of organic produce to Tribal members who were in quarantine. From May through July, the certified organic farm, which typically...
Mississippi Choctaws Receive Grant to Assist with Complete Broadband Coverage for Tribe
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians recently was awarded a grant from First Nations Development Institute in the amount of $15,000. The grant is part of the Building Digital Technology Capacity in Native American Communities Project. "This grant...
Mississippi Choctaws Offering Wi-Fi Access in all Tribal Schools
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- In an effort to provide better access to technology for its students, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is now offering Wi-Fi at all Tribal school locations. This includes six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school on Tribal...
“Beyond Blue” Launches Nationally – Tribe Investing in Video Games, Future
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has made an investment in the youth of the Tribe by becoming a financial partner in the recently released video game, Beyond Blue. The video game is available for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Apple Arcade and was...
Mississippi Tribe Sees Opportunity in Luring Chinese Manufacturing
CHOCTAW, Miss -- For many domestic companies, the coronavirus has exacerbated troubles they were already having manufacturing in China, after the U.S. levied large import tariffs last year on Chinese-made goods. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians sees there might...
Tips on Building Professional Skills During the COVID-19 Quarantine
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- As most Americans are spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it can bring a feeling of unease for many who are worried about the status of their jobs when restrictions are eased. However, this additional free time at home offers...
John Hendrix
Director of Economic Development
601.650.1607
[email protected]
Office of Economic Development
375 Industrial Road | STE 2
Choctaw, MS 39350