Jackson Free Press

Mississippi is restarting a job program that gives businesses subsidies to hire new employees. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds the STEPS 2 program, which stands for Subsidized Transitional Employment Program and Services.

Any public hospital, private non-profit or for-profit entity can participate in the program, although small businesses are preferred, a press release from Gov. Haley Barbour states. The program will initially cover new hires' entire salaries, with the subsidy decreasing over time. Employers who want to participate must enroll by Sept. 30.

The original STEPS program ran in 2009 and 2010, but the Jackson Free Press reported that the state was slow to spend federal funds allotted for new hires. The program created more than 1,800 permanent, private-sector jobs, Barbour said in a press release.

For information, contact the Mississippi Department of Employment Security at (888) 844-3577 or [e-mail missing].

One University Place

Jackson State University's One University Place is showing signings of progress with the opening of an art gallery and new tenants signing leases to locate in the mixed-used development.

On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the university will host a ribbon cutting for Gallery 1, a commercial gallery and retail space. The gallery will feature work from national artist and JSU's permanent collection. The gallery also will sell handmade items from Uganda and will host lectures and events for the campus and community.

A group of west Jackson entrepreneurs will open The Penguin, a restaurant at One University Place in early fall. The original Penguin was located in the same area, and Jackson resident and owner Duke Williams closed the restaurant in the early 1980s. The venture is a creation of businessman Bill Cooley of West Jackson Alliance Jackson, real estate agent and entrepreneur Michael Lewis and former University Club manager John Hardy. The restaurant, however, will have ownership from several investors. The Penguin will serve a casual lunch, featuring sandwiches, and will feature a sophisticated menu and live music from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The night menu will feature filet mignon, crab cakes, duck a l'Orange and a Delta-inspired tilapia dish.

Kimberly Hilliard, executive director of JSU's Center for University-Based Development, also confirmed today that JSU graduate Marissa Sims signed a lease last week to open a women's boutique called Royal Blue.

Energy Bill Savings

Entergy announced this morning that the company will allocate $1 million throughout its southern service region to help elderly and disabled customers pay their summer energy bills.

This morning, Entergy President and CEO Haley Fisackerly presented a $80,000 check to the Salvation Army in Jackson to help residents with their bills.

"We are so very grateful to Entergy for these funds that will go a long way in helping the people in our community," Captain Ken Chapman of The Salvation Army of the Greater Jackson Area said in a statement today. "This has been such a trying summer for so many because of the high price of gas and food."

Belly Dancing Returns

Monique Davis of Lumpkins BBQ is restarting her "Hippymama" belly dancing classes. The first class begins at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at 182 Raymond Road. The cost is $5.