Jackson Free Press

One of the more common obstacles to fledgling entrepreneurs is a lack of adequate legal advice, Michael Harris, program manager of the Jackson Business Accelerator, said today.

Leaders of the Business Accelerator, a non-profit project of New Horizon Ministries, hopes to address that need with a series of free seminars on business law, starting July 27. The Business Accelerator is working with the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project to enlist experienced attorneys for presentations on a variety of topics relevant to current and potential business owners.

Harris said that the presentations will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Jackson Medical Mall Community Room and will cover basic business-law issues, such as contracts. Business Accelerator staff members are also asking attendees in advance about areas of concern and interest that they would like addressed.

"One of the things we're focusing on here is collaboration, so we certainly want (the attorneys) to talk about the process of joint ventures as well as the legalities and the documentation that are required for people to work together and take on bigger projects," Harris said. "So often business owners don't talk to their accountant until it's tax time and don't talk to an attorney until they're in trouble."

The seminars will also allow business owners to get acquainted with attorneys and "window-shop" for legal help in an informal setting, Harris said.

The Jackson Business Accelerator is hosting business-law seminars July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 30. The seminars run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Jackson Medical Mall, at 350 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue. Call 601-540-5415 or email [e-mail missing] for more information.

Mimi's On Sundays, Market on Saturday, July 24

Fondren restaurant Mimi's Family & Friends is changing its schedule, opening on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and closing Mondays. Co-owner Jim Burwell said that the change, which will start this Sunday, July 18, is a response to customer demand.

"We're trying to have a fluid restaurant," Burwell said. "We've had a lot of demand to be open on Sundays because of all the churches around here."

Burwell is also seeking vendors for the next Market in Fondren, July 24. The monthly arts, crafts and food market runs from 8 a.m. until noon and had its inaugural weekend June 19. E-mail [e-mail missing] for more information. The Jackson Free Press is a sponsor of the market.

Restaurant Contest

The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau wants Jacksonians to rave about their favorite restaurant. The JCVB is asking Jackson diners to submit a review, of 100 words or less, of their favorite restaurant by Sept. 30. The writer of the best entry--as selected by a JCVB committee--will win dinner for four at that restaurant.

"The South is famous for its delicious cuisine---drawn from tables around the world and interpreted by culinary masters with a southern flair, but few cities do it up like Jackson," JCVB CEO and president Wanda Collier-Wilson said in a statement. "We want to hear why people love eating at their favorite restaurant in Jackson, and what better way to find out what they have to say than offer a great incentive?"

The JCVB will feature the winning entry, and others, on its website, and ib other promotional material. To enter the contest, e-mail a review, along with your full name and the word "RAVE" in the subject line, to [e-mail missing]. Entries can also be submitted through the Bureau's website. The JCVB will notify winners by email. For more information, call 601-960-1891.

Eaton Aerospace Wins Award

Jackson-based Eaton Corporation has won an award from the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service. The award, the 2010 Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Award for Achievement by Business or Corporation, recognizes companies that encourage volunteer work by their employees.

The aerospace manufacturer's employees volunteer their time with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross and have helped improve the playground at Watkins Elementary School.

"Eaton and our employees have made a commitment to our community in Jackson," Operations Manager Brian Edwards said. "We work here; we live here; and we want to be more than a good corporate citizen, we want to be good neighbors."

Eaton's facility in Jackson manufactures aerospace hydraulic pumps and employs more than 500 people. The company will receive its award at an Aug. 9 luncheon honoring the 2010 Give Award recipients at the Mississippi Museum of Art.