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JCJC Job Fair 2011

ELLISVILLE – Despite the uncertain job market, employers are looking for employees, according to Jones County Junior College’s Work-Based Learning program coordinators. Cheryl McQueen and Beverly Tynes also coordinate JCJC’s annual Job Fair 2011, which will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

Employers and employees in the Pine Belt can reserve a booth to discuss possible full and part-time employmentopportunities, take resumes, meet with interested applicants and conduct interviews at the annual event, which is held from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the P.E. Building.   For those looking for employment, Job Fair 2011 is a free opportunity to meet about 80 prospective employers.  To reserve a booth for your business, or for more information, call (601) 477-4234.

Job Fair 2011 is co-sponsored by Jones County Junior College, Work-Based Learning/Co-op, Tech-Prep, Blakeney Communications, Clear Channel Communications, South Central Regional Medical Center, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, WDAM-TV and Comcast Cable.

Filed under: Business, Ellisville, Featured, Jones, Jones County, CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS INC, Comcast Corporation, Employment, Job fair, Jones County Junior College, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, South Central Regional Medical Center, WDAM-TV

Lauren Innovations Becomes Founding Partner of National Sports Security Center

NaviGate™ by Lauren Innovations, a Web-based critical information system for safety and security purposes has become a founding partner of The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at The University of Southern Mississippi.

With its state-of-the-art technology, NaviGate will now serve as the backbone of a new Web portal NCS4 plans to unveil in August, 2011.

“We will now have the emerging technological capabilities to deliver services to the sports safety and security industry,” said Dr. Lou Marciani, NCS4 director. “We are fortunate to have a partner like Lauren Innovations who are on the cutting edge of information sharing.”

In becoming a founding partner in NCS4, Lauren Innovations has made a dedicated commitment to the organization and its mission to continually provide techniques to mitigate the security risks inherent in spectator sports venues, in the fields of research, technology, education and training, service and scholarship.

The use of NaviGate will enable NCS4 to deliver a host of services to its constituents with the highest level of security and access control available. Professionals visiting the portal will be able to access a potentially endless array of resources including documents, articles, policies and procedures, templates, white papers, best practices and video files.

In addition, users will have access to a library of educational materials, courses and training resources all provided and managed by the NCS4 team. Finally, members visiting the portal will have the opportunity to participate in secure forums, blogs and chats controlled and supported by NCS4.

“We were initially drawn to NCS4 as an innovative leader in a very important safety and security market,” said Lauren Innovations President Dr. Bennet Fierman. “As we learned about the mission, vision, values and goals of the organization, it became apparent that a strategic alliance would be extremely helpful in enhancing our ability to develop resources, technology and operational tools that would truly make a difference in the safety and security of our sport venues.

“Over a year later, I can honestly say that the faculty and staff of NCS4 have consistently exceeded our hopeful expectations. We look forward to a long and productive collaborative future.”

Established in 2006, the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security was created to provide an interdisciplinary academic environment to further increase sport security awareness, improve sport security policies and procedures and enhance emergency response through evacuation, recovery operations and crowd management training.

NaviGate by Lauren Innovations will serve as a Platinum Sponsor at the NCS4 National Conference set for Aug. 2-4 in New Orleans. For more news and upcoming events visit www.laureninnovations.com. To learn more about the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, visit www.ncs4.com

Filed under: Business, Hattiesburg, USM, Lauren Innovations, National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, University of Southern Mississippi

FINANCIAL PLANNING TOPIC OF SALES AND MARKETING FEBRUARY MEETING

The February meeting of Sales and Marketing Professionals – Pine Belt (SMP) will feature. Steve Anderson and Tammy Wesson, representing Financial Works.  The meeting will be held at Hattiesburg’s Lake Terrace Convention Center on Tuesday, February 8.  Networking and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at noon.
TekLinks is the sponsor for the February meeting

Steve Anderson is founder and principle of Financial Works. He is a corporate accountant and has dedicated over 30 years to the financial industry.

Tammy Wesson has been in the insurance and financial industry since 2004 and is a financial advisor.

Sales and Marketing Professionals – Pine Belt is the regional professional organization for all sales and marketing professionals in the area.  All who work in the area of sales and marketing and related professions are welcome to become affiliated with the new organization. Visitors are welcome at all meetings.

Filed under: Business, Ellisville, Featured, Hattiesburg, Laurel, Oak Grove, Petal, Purvis, Sumrall, Marketing, Sales, smp, steve anderson, tammy wesson

Spirit of Women presents first session in new Passionate for Parties series

HATTIESBURG- Forrest General’s Spirit of Women is launching a new event series designed to inspire passion in women of all ages – passion for parties, health and life itself! Attendees will join local experts Catherine Strange and John David Williams in learning how to throw the best party of the season – in any season!

The first session, to be held on February 1, is titled “For the Love of Valentine’s and Mardi Gras!” and will get attendees excited about these holidays that fall early in the year. Learn great tips for hosting Valentine’s parties or celebrations for two and get a head start on the Mardi Gras season with fun party ideas and beautiful Mardi Gras ball gown modeling from Occasions! Attendees will also learn more about living a heart-healthy lifestyle with cardiologist Tom Messer, M.D., in recognition of February, which is National Heart Month!

This event, as well as all events in this series will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Canebrake Country Club in Hattiesburg, and lunch will be served. Cost to attend each event is $15 for Spirit of Women members and $25 for non-members.

Take a look at the great topics that will be covered in upcoming sessions, and get excited about the great parties in your future!

April 5: “A Season of Renewal: Easter and Spring Celebrations!”

May 3: “Celebrations for all Ages: From Children’s Parties to Dinner Clubs!”

June 7: “Summertime Celebrations: From Beach Parties to Backyard Barbecues!”

For reserved seating, you may purchase a table for 10 for you and your friends. All other reservations will be first-come, first-served. To register for one or more of these events, call the Spirit of Women reservation line at 601-288-4968. Hours are 2 p.m. – 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday, but voicemail is always available. All messages will be returned during office hours. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.  Also, for more info or to make a reservation, visit www.forrestgeneral.com/PassionateParties. Reservations are now available using PayPal through the website!

Filed under: Business, Hattiesburg, Lifestyle, Medical, Canebrake Country Club, Catherine Strange, Culture, Easter, Forrest General, Hattiesburg, John David Williams, Mardi Gras, Tom Messer

Southern Miss Professor Receives Prestigious National Science Foundation Grant

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Much to his amazement, University of Southern Mississippi professor Derek Patton discovered that even the longest of shots can find the intended bulls-eye where higher education is concerned.

Patton, 33, assistant professor in the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, learned recently that he had been awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER grant designed to recognize outstanding work by junior faculty across the country.

Dr. Derek Patton displays a silicon wafer used for model surface studies at the Shelby Freland Thames Polymer Science Research Center at The University of Southern Mississippi. (Office of University Communications photo by Van Arnold)

“The competition for the CAREER is fierce. It really is a long shot when you apply for one of these grants, “said Patton, who snared the award on his first try. “The truth is, it really hasn’t sunk in yet that I was awarded one of the CAREER grants. This is a major goal for young faculty members everywhere and I am certainly grateful to be a recipient of this award.”

Patton’s NSF CAREER award of $500,000 will be administered in $100,000 increments spread out over five years. The award will be renewed each year contingent upon availability of funds and the scientific progress of the project.

The NSF CAREER program offers these coveted awards in support of the early career-development activities of those teacher/scholars who most effectively integrate research and education within the context of the mission of their organization. Patton’s submitted his application under the project title: “Functional Polymer Surfaces and Networks via Thiol-Click Chemistry.”

From a research standpoint, Patton plans to use the grant to develop strategies for the fabrication of multifunctional polymer surfaces and hybrid polymer networks using highly efficient, orthogonal chemistries. Or, as Patton explains, “surfaces mediate the interaction of a material with the surrounding environment and dictate properties such as biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. We are using century-old chemistry to modify the surface properties of polymeric materials in a controlled and modular fashion.”

In the area of educational outreach, Patton seeks to implement an integrated, discovery-driven education platform that promotes polymer science and diversity in grades kindergarten through graduate school. And he hopes to accomplish this objective by educating the teachers first.

“The best way to reach the largest number of school children is through their respective teachers,” said Patton. “Part of the grant will be used to initiate a professional development outreach program aimed at providing teachers (grades 3-5) with specific training in scientific inquiry, science content and with hands-on science kits that can be fully aligned and integrated with Mississippi state curriculum requirements

“With limited resources, this ‘train-to-train’ approach provides the highest potential to impact greater numbers of elementary students in the Hattiesburg area.”

Patton notes that the ultimate goal of his grant project is to provide a large socio-economic impact by (1) encouraging a diverse population of students to pursue careers in scientific disciplines and (2) providing the fundamental understanding of polymer surface engineering and networks necessary to establish the shortest paths between scientific discovery and exploratory applications.

An Attalla, Ala., native, Patton earned his bachelor of science in chemistry from Jacksonville State University in 2000; his master of science in chemistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2002 and his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Houston in 2006. He joined the faculty at Southern Miss in 2008.

“We are obviously delighted that Dr. Patton has received this prestigious award,” said Dr. Denis Wiesenburg, vice president of research at Southern Miss. “A CAREER award from NSF means the scientific community believes this is a young faculty member who has the potential to become a national leader in integrating research and teaching. We agree.”

Patton joins a list of colleagues at Southern Miss who also received NSF CAREER grants recently. Those include Dr. Doug Masterson, associate professor and associate chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Dr. Paige Phillips, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Dr. Steve Stevenson, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Dr. Wujian Miao, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Dr.Julie Cwikla, assistant professor in mathematics education at Southern Miss Gulf Coast.

Filed under: Business, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, USM, Derek Patton, National Science Foundation, School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, University of Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss Career Services Workshops focus on Moving from Student to Professional

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Southern Miss Career Services is kicking off the spring semester by introducing “Backpack to Briefcase,” a series of new workshops aiming to assist students in the transition from college student to workplace professional.

“It’s important that students start preparing for the job search early on, rather than a month or two before graduation,” said Career Services director Rusty Anderson. “These workshops will help students of all majors and classifications begin that transition, so when the time comes they’ll be more confident and prepared to approach employers.”

The series will consist of three events, each focusing on a different aspect of the job search, such as how to network or dress professionally. Each workshop will feature speakers from outside of the university to give more of a “real-world” perspective.

Career Services will begin the new series with a social media workshop, titled “Facebooking Your Future,” on Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 5:00 p.m. in Union Room B. The one-hour event will show the importance of using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to make a polished first impression with professionals.

“Students can use these networks to build their image and credibility before they ever graduate or start looking for a job,” Anderson said. “They are on these websites every day interacting with friends; why not use them at the same time to connect to potential employers prior to graduation?”

Samantha McCain of the American Red Cross and Thomas Broadus of Mississippi Public Broadcasting will serve as speakers for the first event. Both are social media experts and Southern Miss alumni.

The workshops will occur once every month during the spring semester and are open to students of all majors and classifications. March’s event, titled “Speed Networking” will help students sharpen their interview and networking skills, while April’s event will focus on professional dress in the workplace.

Career Services, in conjunction with University of Southern Mississippi faculty and staff, is a team of professionals committed to providing resources, services and opportunities for students, alumni and employers in academic, job related and career endeavors. The office is located in 125 McLemore Hall. For more information, please visit www.usm.edu/cs or call 601.266.4253.

Filed under: Business, USM, Career Services, job search, Rusty Anderson, University of Southern Mississippi

Lt. David Holland took 25 photos of life on the street of Baghdad during his tour of duty in 2008. (Submitted photo)

(Hattiesburg, MS) – (January 24, 2011) – The American Cancer Society and Forrest General Hospital have officially unveiled the new Cancer Resource Center. The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Resource Center offers cancer patients in Hattiesburg a new place to turn for the most up-to-date cancer information, services and programs.
The ceremony took place Friday, January 21, at 11 a.m. at the Forrest General Cancer Center. The opening ceremony featured a ribbon cutting by medical staff and guest speakers. The Cancer Resource Center is a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Forrest General Hospital.

Forrest General and American Cancer Society administrators, representatives and volunteers joined together on January 21 to cut the ribbon on a new Cancer Resource Center at the Forrest General Cancer Center.

“The Cancer Resource Center is an important way that the programs and services offered by the American Cancer Society are brought to where the patient is,” says Janet Watson, Mississippi Health Initiatives Director for the American Cancer Society. “Cancer Resource Centers provide a personal connection to the patient and the community in such a user friendly way.”

The American Cancer Society recruits and trains local Cancer Resource Center volunteers. These volunteers are trained to navigate the American Cancer Society website and the Society’s Community Resource Database. Volunteers provide patients with information for understanding cancer, managing each day through treatment and recovery, and finding emotional support they need.

“This Cancer Resource Center will not only supplement and compliment what a patient’s treatment will do, but also provide emotional support from the volunteers to the patients and their families,” says Watson. “We at the American Cancer Society know that providing an informational and supportive place is so very important in the journey through a cancer diagnosis. This is what Cancer Resource Centers are all about.”

Wigs, hats and scarves are also available for patients undergoing cancer treatments and facing partial or total loss of hair.

“Forrest General is excited to partner with the American Cancer Society to bring this valuable resource to our patients and community,” said Forrest General Oncology Service Line Leader Janet Gallaspy. “We are eager to be able to provide additional assistance for our patients through the new Cancer Resource Center.”

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 Divisions and local and millions of volunteers across the United States. For cancer information anytime day or night, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

For more information on the Forrest General Cancer Center, visit forrestgeneral.com or call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445.

Filed under: Business, Featured, Hattiesburg, Medical, American Cancer Society, Cancer Resource Center, Forrest General Cancer Center, Forrest General Hospital, Health/Medical/Pharmaceuticals, Janet Gallaspy, Janet Watson, Medicine, Mississippi Health Initiatives, Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Polles joins Wesley Medical Center

Hattiesburg, MS – Alexandria Polles, M.D., a psychiatrist, has joined Wesley Medical Center as a member of the medical staff.

Dr. Polles received her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. She completed an internal medicine internship at Alton Ochsner Foundation Hospital, an emergency medicine residency at Charity Hospital of Louisiana and a psychiatry residency at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. She also completed a fellowship in addiction medicine at the Pine Grove Recovery Center in Hattiesburg.

Dr. Polles is board eligible in emergency medicine, board certified in psychiatry and is certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. She is a diplomate of American Board of Addiction Medicine. She has certificates of added qualifications in addiction and forensic psychiatry. Dr. Polles is also a fellow of the American Psychiatry Association and is a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist. Dr. Polles is further certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy.

Dr. Polles is accepting new patients to her practice at Wesley’s Behavioral Health Center located at 239 Methodist Blvd. Appointments are available by calling 601-296-2125.

For more information about Dr. Polles or to learn more about services available at Wesley Medical Center, please call 601-268-8000 or visit www.wesley.com.

Filed under: Business, Hattiesburg, Medical, Alexandria Polles, medical, polles, psychiatrist, wesley, Wesley Medical Center

Business, Economic Leaders Share Views at Business Forum on Southern Miss Campus

HATTIESBURG, Miss.– A packed audience heard leaders in banking, finance and academia share ideas about economic development as part of a comprehensive business forum held Thursday, Jan. 20 at The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.

Todd Greene, vice president, Community and Economic Development for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, addresses the large crowd attending the “Impact Southern Miss: Turning Knowledge into Innovation” forum held Jan. 20 at The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. (Office of University Communications photos by Steve Rouse)

The forum, titled “Impact Southern Miss: Turning Knowledge into Innovation,” was sponsored by The University of Southern Mississippi College of Business and The Trent Lott Center.

“The turnout exceeded our expectations, and I think that clearly illustrates the importance that a forum of this nature brings not only to Southern Miss but the community we serve and the state as a whole,” said Dr. Lance Nail, dean of the College of Business. “By partnering with The Trent Lott Center we changed the format of the conference a bit this year to highlight economic development and the significant role it plays in South Mississippi and beyond.”

Todd Greene, vice president, Community and Economic Development for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, delivered the keynote address. Nail noted that having an economic expert of Greene’s stature on hand lent further credibility to the conference.

“He is a major player in the financial sector and works every day in the heart of our country’s economic system,” said Nail. “We were indeed fortunate to have him agree to spend some time with us and discuss the broad-reaching impact of economic development.”

Other featured speakers included Whit Hughes, deputy director of the Mississippi Development Authority; Dr. Brian Richard and Dr. Chad Miller, assistant professors in the Southern Miss Department of Economic and Workforce Development; Dr. Tulio Sulbaran, associate professor/director of the Southern Miss School of Construction and Dr. Lou Marciani, director the The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security.

Hughes said the importance of innovation should not be underestimated in the process of developing new businesses and business opportunities in Mississippi.

“The University of Southern Mississippi has been and continues to be a wonderful resource for our state especially when it comes to innovative ideas and finding ways to put those ideas into practical applications,” said Hughes. “Putting together a forum of this kind, with so many knowledgeable experts, shows just how much value this university places on economic development.”

For more information about the College of Business at The University of Southern Mississippi call 601.266.4659 or visitwww.usm.edu/business/

Filed under: Business, Hattiesburg, USM, Brian Richard, Chad Miller, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Lance Nail, Lou Marciani, Mississippi College, Mississippi Development Authority, National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, The University of Southern Mississippi, Todd Greene, Trent Lott Center for Economic Development, Tulio Sulbaran, Whit Hughes

Seminar to discuss senior citizen financial abuse

Hattiesburg, MS – Wanda Murphy will discuss ways to avoid senior citizen financial abuse at Wesley Medical Center’s Senior Circle monthly seminar Friday, January 21, in the Evergreen Room at the hospital.

Murphy, a registered nurse, is a representative with Home Instead Senior Care, a non-medical home care agency that provides service and support to senior citizens.

A conservative estimate shows that seniors average an annual loss of $2.6 billion from schemes and financial exploitation. Most cases, however, often go unreported. This amount is predicted to drastically increase as the nation continues to age.

Friday’s free seminar will offer advice and education to seniors to help avoid these situations.

For more information or to reserve your seat, please contact Melissa Garretson at 601-268-8192.

Filed under: Business, Hattiesburg, Medical, Elderly care, Health/Medical/Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Home Instead Senior Care, Melissa Garretson, Wanda Murphy, Wesley Medical Center