A transformative initiative to create a single, unified organization representing business and industry throughout Mississippi is taking major steps toward becoming a reality, and, if approved, it will do so as the Mississippi Business Alliance.
The Business Alignment 2026 project, announced in October 2024, was formed to explore the combining of the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), and the Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) as a single entity to represent all sectors of Mississippi’s economy.
The executive committees of each organization unanimously voted last month to sign a Letter of Intent to merge the organizations. The letter “does not” serve as a final decision for creating the new entity, said Scott Waller, President & CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council, but was necessary to move forward.
“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,” 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 (MSBA) is expected to be operational by January 2026, providing a stronger, more unified voice for business and industry throughout the state. MSBA will serve as the State Chamber of Commerce in Mississippi and the state’s affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
As part of the process, transition teams comprised of staff members from each of the organizations are completing due diligence and planning in key areas such as membership, events, vendors, and office location. However, the team that has been at the forefront in this process is focusing on branding and marketing of the new organization. This team created the name.
“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?'” said John McKay, President and CEO of MMA. “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.”
Before the approval of the Letter of Intent, the project’s work included receiving feedback from members of MEC, MMA, and BIPEC, as well as benchmarking similar organizations across the country. It is now beginning to explore the governance structure and create a strategic framework for the new organization.
“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,” said Derek Easley, President & CEO of BIPEC. “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.”
The Business Alignment 2026 project partnered with TSG Advisors to conduct thorough independent research, benchmarking, and careful analysis of organizational structures. This work will help establish the best path forward for the Mississippi Business Alliance to successfully serve its members and focus on the future of Mississippi’s economy.
