BIPEC Updates

The Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) has named Missy McGee as “Best for Business & Jobs” in an upcoming Special Election for the Mississippi House of Representatives. McGee is running for House District 102 which includes parts of Forrest and Lamar Counties. The election will be held on September 12 (a runoff, if needed, will be Oct 3). This seat became open when former Rep. Toby Barker became Mayor of Hattiesburg.

BIPEC reviews backgrounds and key positions of candidates running for the Legislature. BIPEC disseminates research findings to members and educates its membership on the impact that elected officials could have on economic growth and MS employers. It is an independent, autonomous organization and is not affiliated with any political party or candidate. BIPEC actions are limited to advocacy, candidate research and candidate recommendations. BIPEC evaluates many factors while considering recommendations including potential election unity within the business/employer community.

McGee stated, “I am truly honored to be recognized as the “Best for Business & Jobs” candidate in this election. I want to be a champion for policies that promote economic development and jobs for the residents of House District 102 so that Hattiesburg continues to be an amazing place to work and live.”

Missy McGee is a lifelong resident of Hattiesburg. A graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, Missy has served as an instructor at Southern Miss, worked as an administrator at her family’s paving company and spearheaded several important community initiatives. She and her husband, Sean, have two sons and attend Main Street United Methodist Church.

Stacey Wilkes, the BIPEC Recommended “Best for Business & Jobs” candidate, has won a Special Election for the Mississippi House of Representatives. Wilkes will represent House District 108 located in Pearl River County. This seat became vacant when former Representative Mark Formby of Picayune was appointed by Governor Phil Bryant to the three-member Workers Compensation Commission.

Stacey Wilkes was declared the unofficial winner last night with 1,375 votes or 50.5%. Tavish Kelly was second with 812 votes or 29.8%, and Jerry Frazier received 531 votes or 19.5%. There are still 32 affidavit votes to be validated and counted but if any of the affidavit votes are disqualified or if Stacey Wilkes receives only one of those votes, she will have received the 50 percent plus one vote of the total votes cast therefore avoiding a runoff.

Wilkes stated, “As a small business owner, it is truly an honor for me to be recommended as ‘Best for Business & Jobs’ by one of the most sought-after endorsements by a candidate seeking elected office. I look forward to working with the people of House District 108 as we look to strengthen and grow our economy.”

Stacey is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in American Studies and a minor in Business Administration. With 17 years in the insurance industry, she holds an agent and adjuster’s license. In addition, she currently owns a successful small business, Right Minded, LLC, a public relations consultancy firm. You can learn more about her from this announcement in the Picayune Item http://www.picayuneitem.com/2017/05/stacey-wilkes-announces-candidacy-for-district-108-representative/.

BIPEC has named Stacey Wilkes as “Best for Business & Jobs” in an upcoming Special Election for the Mississippi House of Representatives. Wilkes is running for House District 108 located in Pearl River County. The election will be held on July 25 (a runoff, if needed, will be Aug 15). This seat became vacant when former Representative Mark Formby of Picayune was appointed by Governor Phil Bryant to the three-member Workers Compensation Commission.

BIPEC reviews backgrounds and key positions of candidates running for the Legislature. BIPEC disseminates research findings to members and educates its membership on the impact that elected officials could have on economic growth and MS employers. It is an independent, autonomous organization and is not affiliated with any political party or candidate. BIPEC actions are limited to advocacy, candidate research and candidate recommendations. BIPEC evaluates many factors while considering recommendations including potential election unity within the business/employer community.

Wilkes stated, “As a small business owner, it is truly an honor for me to be recommended as ‘Best for Business & Jobs’ by one of the most sought-after endorsements by a candidate seeking elected office. I look forward to working with the people of House District 108 as we look to strengthen and grow our economy.”

Stacey is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in American Studies and a minor in Business Administration. With 17 years in the insurance industry, she holds an agent and adjuster’s license. In addition, she currently owns a successful small business, Right Minded, LLC, a public relations consultancy firm. You can learn more about her from this announcement in the Picayune Item http://www.picayuneitem.com/2017/05/stacey-wilkes-announces-candidacy-for-district-108-representative/.