JACKSON, Miss. (WLOX) – Mississippi’s business community officially entered a new era with the public launch of the Business Alliance (MSBA) during the Mississippi Economic Council’s Hobnob Mississippi event at the Mississippi Coliseum.
The new organization unites the Economic Council (MEC), Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), and the Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) into a single, powerful voice for business and industry.
The announcement marks the culmination of more than a year of collaboration under the Business Alignment 2026 initiative, which sought to unify the state’s business voice and strengthen Mississippi’s competitiveness in today’s economy.
John McKay, President and CEO of MMA, will become President and CEO of the Mississippi Business Alliance. He said MSBA reflects our vision to create the best possible environment for business and industry to thrive and our commitment to move Mississippi ahead through leadership, innovation, and unity.
John Hairston, Chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council and CEO of Hancock Whitney, will serve as the first Chair of the Mississippi Business Alliance. He said the new organization brings focus and strength to Mississippi’s collective business voice.
“This is not just a merger — it’s a transformation,” Hairston said. “By uniting MEC, MMA, and BIPEC, the Mississippi Business Alliance will amplify the influence of business through policy advocacy, long-term competitiveness, and political accountability.”
The three groups will be fully integrated as MSBA effective January 1, 2026.
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Mississippi Business Alliance to lead business advocacy and growth statewide with unified voice – WLOX
