Southern Miss President’s Summit on Community Engagement

Corporate, community and faith-based leaders from across the Pine Belt participated in a day-long workshop at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Thad Cochran Center on Monday.

The President’s Summit on Community Engagement focused on bringing decision-makers together under one roof to collaborate and learn from one another.

“What we’re going to talk about today is how to bring business leaders, faith-based organizations, local and statewide government together to collectively solve issues that affect all of us,” David Mallery, the executive director of Engage Mississippi, said during the event’s opening remarks.

Pine Belt Division Manager Michael Harvey participated in a panel discussion on the topic “Why Community Engagement is Good for Business”

“We have been a part of Mississippi for 91 years,” Harvey said. “Our employees understand the commitment we make to our customers and to our communities.”

Joining Harvey on the panel were Emily Curry of Southern Prohibition Brewery and restaurateur and philanthropist Robert St. John.

St. John owns several Hattiesburg restaurants and a non-profit organization – Extra Table – that buys and delivers supplies and ingredients to food pantries across the state. He referenced last year’s partnership with Mississippi Power on a golf tournament that raised more than $24,000 for Extra Table.

“Mississippi Power never says no when I ask for help,” St. John said. “They have my business no matter what, but their commitment to giving in our communities is incredible.”

During the Q&A portion of the discussion, one attendee asked the group to share their thoughts on keeping employees engaged in events that frequently occur after work or on weekends.

“If you empower your employees to get involved with the things that they’re passionate about, you’ll have success,” Harvey said.