Jackson Free Press

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jackie Watson-Loggins
Shadow Play Entertainment
601-923-6461

An upcoming awards ceremony/dinner will bring together movers and shakers from all walks of life: the Mississippi's Best Awards. "This was something that was a long time coming and months in the making," says Cyrus A. Webb, one of the event's founders and the Chief Coordinator. "We want to do all we can to highlight inclusiveness. It is our state's ability to be all things to all people that gave me the idea for the Mississippi's Best Awards (aka MBA)."

The Mississippi's Best Awards will spotlight all facets of life in the state, covering the worlds of journalism, the arts, politics, sports and community service. This history-making event will take place on Saturday, October 28th in the Clarion Ledger Gallery at the TelCom Center in Downtown Jackson. One of the highlights of the evening will be the presenting of the MBA Lifetime Achievement Award that will be given to someone in the state of Mississippi who has devoted their lives to making the state a better place, and the Margaret W. Sims Creative Arts Award which will be awarded to someone who has made an outstanding contribution in the arts throughout the year. Presenters for the evening will be people who have made a difference in their respective crafts as well as some who are being recognized for their creativity.

How will the winners be chosen in each of the categories where awards are being given? The people will decide. "What was important to me was to make sure that the people of the state decided who won and lost," Webb explained. Votes will be taken via the internet at http://www.free2flow.com and through email at [e-mail missing] At the website you can find a complete ballot, and voting will continue through Saturday, September 30th. Once all votes have been tabulated, the top three in each category will be contacted and given a free ticket to the awards show. The actual winners will not be announced until the night of the show.

It is Webb's hope that this event will continue to improve people's perception of the state of Mississippi and the people who live in it. "If we don't recognize what is good about where we live, it will be difficult to isolate where there is still a need for improvement." Already organizations such as 16 WAPT, the Downtown Jackson Partners, the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Rankin County Arts Alliance, Partnership for a Healthy Rankin/Scott/Simpson County and Building Bridges have given their support of the event and have signed on to make it a success through advertising and promoting.

Tickets for the awards night/dinner are $50 until October 1st and $65 afterwards. For more information, contact Cyrus A. Webb at 601.201.8139, visit http://www.free2flow.com or via email at [e-mail missing]

Previous Comments

ID

106913

Comment

Dinner catered by VIP Grand Events (included in ticket price) __________________________________ Roasted artichoke hearts w/ cheese Smoked salmon Marinated artichoke hearts w/cream cheese and crab Honey baked ham Top round of beef Roasted turkey breast Apricot pork loin Rosemary pork loin Smoked turkey breast 2 hot pasta dishes Cold pasta French bread Five different desserts

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-07-15T03:32:37-06:00

ID

106914

Comment

UPDATE: Tcula, MS' Mayor Yvonne Brown will be one of the guest presenters at the Mississippi's Best Awards 2006; also joining the program will be Jackson artist Gail Ambeau. Governor Haley Barbour and Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck have also been invited to be participate in the awards ceremony. We are aaiting for their responses as well. Once they are confirm, we will update the informatino here.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-07-15T03:37:36-06:00

ID

106915

Comment

Here is an update of those living in the state of Mississippi who have been confirmed as presenters for the awards night: Mayor Yvonne Brown --- Tchula, MS Gail Ambeau, artist Marilyn Moering, Executive Director of Building Bridges Inc. C. Sade Turnipseed, Young Publishers Network Director Jack Criss, Publisher of Metro Business Chronicle Sherri Ratliff, Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau Patsy Watson, Director of Partnership for a Healthy Rankin M.D. Hennington, Poet Judy Bardin, Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau Ben Allen, Jackson City Council President Richelle Putnam, MS Writers Guild President

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-07-18T21:00:30-06:00

ID

106916

Comment

Just wanted to pass on to everyone that a family representative for Lance Bass informed me that he will not be "coming home until after November" and will be residing in California until that time. We can continue to use his image as a representation of the best of the state, but at this point it seems as though he will not be able to attend the awards dinner in person.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-07-26T17:32:44-06:00

ID

106917

Comment

It is with great pleasure that we announce those who will be representing the state of Mississippi as presenters for this history-making event. 1. Mayor Yvonne Brown 2. Gail Ambeau, artist 3. Marilyn Moering, Building Bridges Inc. 4. C. Sade Turnipseed, Young Publishers Network 5. Jack Criss, Metro Business Chronicle 6. Sherri Ratliff, Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau 7. Patson Watson, Partnership for a Healthy Rankin/Scott/Simpson Counties 8. Judy Bardin, Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau 9. Ben Allen, Jackson City Council President 10. Richelle Putnam, MS Writers Guild 11. Kory Banks, HardKor Promotions 12. Akami Graham, singer/songwriter 13. Shondra Macklin-Patterson, My Blaque Butterfly 14. Lawrence Conway, Minister of Music 15. Karen Saddler, KM 16. Paul Williams, WLBT 17. Verbal, spoken word artist/emcee 18. Arthur Jacob, poet 19. Martha Simpson-Body, singer/songwriter 20. Josh Carter, Rankin County Fire Chief 21. Jennifer Carter, photographer 22. Skeet Myers, visual artist/musician 23. Jackie Watson-Loggins, Media Mogulz 24. Beth Batton, MS Museum of Art 25. Eric King, WJTV 26. Jody Renaldo, Equality MS 27. Ezra Brown, musician 28. M.D. Hennington, author/poet 29. Alan Lange, www.mississippipolitics.com 30. William Michael Morgan, singer/songwriter 31. Misha Wilson, Misha's Models 32. Jamesetta Walker, Clarion Ledger 33. Larry Leggett, Jackson-N-Crowd 34. Derian Knox, Jackson-N-Crowd 35. Big Pap, Mudd Life Entertainment 36. Jokah, Mudd Life Entertainment 37. Lady Walker, The Lady Walker Show 38. Eula Forte, WAPT

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-08-01T00:20:41-06:00

ID

106918

Comment

On Saturday, October 28, 2006 history will be made as the best of Mississippi will be spotlighted in over 40 categories, including the arts, sports, politics, schools and businesses. The planners of the 1st Mississippi's Best Awards 2006* are pleased to announce the first news conference concerning the event. This news conference will take place on Friday, August 11, 2006 at the Richard Wright Library (formerly South Hills Library next to Key Elementary on McDowell Road in South Jackson). This event is open to all media outlets and the public, however, business owners, restaurant and hotel management are especially encouraged to make plans to attend. There will be an official press conference promptly at 11a.m. led by key members of the planning committee, followed by Q&A from the media and interested persons.Following the conference, members of the planning committee will be available from 1-5p.m. to discuss the purpose of the awards program, answer questions and share information about the souvenir books, sponsorship packages and how hotels are being chosen for the 500+ that will be in Jackson, MS for this history-making awards dinner. Details can be found by visiting www.free2flow.com and joining the exclusive group. Additional information can also be found by contacting Jackie Watson-Loggins (Asst. Communications Director) at 601.923.6461. *This event is brought to you by Free2Flow Productions, Shadow Play Entertainment, Building Bridges Inc. and the Rankin County Arts Alliance.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-08-05T21:22:07-06:00

ID

106919

Comment

Here's an update on the presenter's list: 39. Stephanie Mitchell, SM Productions 40. William Patrick Butler, Jackson Free Press photographer 41. Todd Allen, Grace House 42. Kit Wallace 43. Skyla Dawn, radio personality

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-08-07T14:20:24-06:00

ID

106920

Comment

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Miss Mississippi Taryn Leigh Foshee will be attending the 1st Mississippi's Best Awards on Saturday, October 28, 2006. "I was thrilled to talk with Karen Jones (Miss Mississippi Business Manager) today and confirm the appearance. Foshee will be recognized at the program for her commitment to improving the quality of life for the mentally challenged. "It is the example of people like her that makes Mississippi the place that it is." Discounted tickets for the event are still available for $35 now through August 15, 2006. They can be purchased by visiting the website www.free2flow.com and using the special directions provided. The Mississippi's Best Awards will mark the first time those involved in the worlds of politics, the arts, non-profit and other categories will be recognized during one program. It is hoped that this united face of the state will do much in strengthening our resolve to be the best in everything we strive to accomplish.

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-08-08T15:05:22-06:00

ID

106921

Comment

The planning committee of the Mississippi's Best Awards want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has embraced the importance of the event and shown their support. Our first press conference on Friday, August 11, 2006 was productive and successful in laying out the individual ideas for the event and the committee's collective goals. And the word is getting out. We are pleased to inform you on where you can read about the movement that is the Mississippi's Best Awards. The following was found by doing a quick Google search. OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR COUNTRY SINGER WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN http://www.wmmorgan.net/mississippi_award_votes FREE2FLOW'S SISTER SITE ON AUTHORSDEN http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=34733&id=23158 CLARION LEDGER FORUM http://208.137.136.144/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?p=34705&sid=61e70ffd95db5098ec3e64f3d3a3af3b JACKSON FREE PRESS http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=10160_0_58_0_C MISSISSIPPI ARTS COMMISSION CALENDAR http://www.arts.state.ms.us/calendar/october-december-2005.php ONLYPUNJAB.COM WEBSITE http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-Mississippi+Awards-status-24-newsID-110172.html PRWEB.COM http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/7/prweb409995.htm Don't forget that discounted tickets are available until August 15, 2006. After that point they will resume at the publicized rate. Keep your eyes open for our first round of television ads to run exclusively on 16 WAPT beginning on Monday, August 28, 2006. They will be found in the news programs all that week!

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-08-12T09:38:46-06:00

ID

106922

Comment

We're glad to announce that the recipient of the MS' Best "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD", Morgan Freeman, has been confirmed for the event that will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2006. Our quote that has been submitted to the news wires has been added to his bio that is listed here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Freeman More details about other guests will be announced as they are confirmed either at www.free2flow.com or www.shadowplayent.com

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-09-05T18:45:27-06:00

ID

106923

Comment

Mysterious from Making the Band Season 2 will be a guest presenter at the awards dinner. She contacted us to voice her support. Want to know what she had to say and what she will be doing while here? Read about it at this link: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnews.asp?AuthorID=34733&id=13986

Author

c a webb

Date

2006-09-05T22:38:28-06:00