Jackson Free Press

[Verbatin] An estimated 3,000 journalists are expected to descend upon Oxford this week for the first 2008 Presidential Debate. To assist media with resources for broadcasts and articles pertaining to Mississippi, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has created a website containing helpful information regarding the state. Media and journalists can access the site at http://www.msdebate08.org . "The first 2008 Presidential Debate being held on the campus of the University of Mississippi is a historic event – not only for Ole Miss and Oxford, but also for the entire State of Mississippi," Governor Haley Barbour said. "We have a great story to tell, and this event is an excellent opportunity to share it with the world. The website is designed to help the media tell the story, and I am sure the information contained within the site will be useful to anyone wishing to learn more about the state."

The site features downloadable print, digital and other electronic resources that provide information about Mississippi including information about the businesses and industries located in the state and interviews with a cross-section of Mississippians discussing their views about the state.

"Often we find that the media seems to cover the same stories as they develop reports on Mississippi. We hope, through this site and the resources which it contains, to expose journalists to a broader array of topics with which they might not be familiar, particularly pertaining to business in the state and to tourism." said Gray Swoope, MDA Executive Director. "We are rolling this out to our in-state media first, and encourage their feedback on the site."

Designed by The Ramey Agency, the site features photographs, video b-roll and other resources provided by number photographers, videographers, film producers and companies with locations in Mississippi. Media and journalists seeking information regarding Mississippi during this first 2008 Presidential Debate are encouraged to visit http://www.msdebate08.org. The website will remain live over the next month and then will be incorporated as the Press Room link on MDA's http://www.mississippi.org website.
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency. Nearly 300 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA's website at http://www.mississippi.org.