By Rita Howell

Panola Partnership will host its annual Legislative Day on Thursday, with a full slate of informative sessions in the morning, an afternoon of golf and skeets, and an evening reception.

The annual event began as a reception for members of the state legislature hosted by the Partnership in Jackson. The function gave Partnership members the opportunity to network with legislators and other state officials and make them aware of economic development issues important to Panola.

Last year the reception was moved to Batesville and expanded to include a full day of activities, including legislative and business sessions, a luncheon, golf and skeet shooting, and an evening reception.
Legislative Day 2011

Three morning sessions are scheduled Thursday at the Batesville Holiday Inn, beginning with coffee at 8:30 a.m. and culminating with a focus on the coming gubernatorial election at 11 a.m. Democratic nominee Johnny DuPree plans to speak at that time. Republican nominee Phil Bryant, currently the state’s lieutenant governor, was invited but will be unable to attend. District 19 Sen. Merle Flowers of DeSoto County will speak for Bryant.

Other sessions include “Small Business Tools and Tips” at 9 a.m. and “Airport Park Taking Flight” at 10 a.m.

The panel leading the small business forum will include James Carden of Batesville, director of the University of Mississippi’s Small Business Development Center; John Brandon and Diana O’Toole with the Mississippi Development Authority. Leading the airport discussion will be Sonny Simmons, CEO of Panola Partnership, and Blake Mendrop of the engineering firm Mendrop-Wages.

Event participants will have lunch at the Panola County Club followed by a golf scramble and a skeet shoot.

A reception will be hosted by the Partnership at the Holiday Inn from 5:30-8:30 p.m

In keeping with tradition, all state senators and representatives, as well as state agency and department heads, have been invited, according to a Partnership spokesman.

Local legislators Nolan Mettetal, Warner McBride and Joe Gardner plan to attend.

For information call the Panola Partnership at 563-3126.