Jackson Free Press

McDade's Market will begin a major renovation of its Fondren grocery store in July.

The extensive remodeling will include swapping the produce section with the freezer aisles so shoppers will see flowers, fruits and vegetables when they enter the store, Kathy McDade, one of the owners, told the Jackson Free Press this morning. McDade said the "huge re-do" includes new meat cases, bakery cases and produce cases as well as fresh seafood and butcher counters. The customer service counter will also move for better traffic flow.

McDade said the company's goal is to complete the remodeling by October for a grand reopening before the holiday season. McDade's bought the Duling Avenue store in 2004.

"It was time for a facelift," she said. "We are just following the pace in Fondren."

Program to honor minority biz

The Robinson-Watson Book Co. 22nd Annual Honors Program begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30 at Jackson State University e-Center, 1230 Raymond Road. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, D-Miss., will speak.

The program recognizes minority businesses, public service honorees and Milestone honorees. Tickets are $30. Reserved tables for 10 people are available. For reservations, call Carol Robinson at 601-622-3728 or email [e-mail missing].

SBA small loan clinic next week

The U.S. Small Business Administration will hold a loan clinic at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 in the 10th floor conference room in the Mississippi District Office, 210 E. Capitol St.

All SBA workshops are free for small businesses and entrepreneurs; however, you must register to attend. For information, call SBA at 601-965-4378 ext. 10 or 11.

Film summit to focus on business

The Mississippi Film Summit is July 7 and 8 beginning with a reception at the Mississippi Film Studios in Canton. The summit, a Mississippi Development Authority sponsored event, will conclude with a one-day conference July 8, at the new Muse Center on the Pearl campus of Hinds Community College.

The summit will highlight recent film industry developments in the state and will explore the future of the industry in Mississippi, with a focus on the business side of film production. Attendees will see a presentation on Mississippi's new film-incentive program and join discussions of the ways the program can help attract film projects to the state, develop the film industry in Mississippi and create local investment opportunities.

The summit will also feature panel discussions on development and financing, work-force training, industry education and new technology, as well as case studies of productions that have used the Mississippi Motion Picture Incentive Program. Hinds Community College will unveil its new film-industry program. Gov. Haley Barbour and Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant will speak.

To register, contact Anna Kline at MDA's Bureau of Film and Cultural Heritage at [e-mail missing] or call 601-359-6624.

DJP expands 'courtesy' service

Downtown Jackson Partners will expand its courtesy-number service to provide assistance to callers. "Safety ambassadors" take calls at 601-624-6684 all day every day to jump start dead batteries, provide umbrellas and give directions.

DJP is testing a security radio system that will allow every security firm, hotel and restaurant office to have instant access to everyone else on the system. Those calling the courtesy number can have DJP's "safety ambassadors" transmit safety concerns.