Jackson Free Press

Jackson-based EastGroup Properties has been enjoying increased revenue and profit in its third quarter as an increasing number of tenants rent industrial space from the company.

EastGroup Properties, Inc., is an equity real estate investment trust that specializes in development, acquisition and operation of industrial properties, especially in Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina.

EastGroup announced that it is building five new warehouses projected to cost $36.9 million, which brings its development program to a total of 14 buildings with projected costs of $91.4 million. The timeline for the project has not been released.

The vast majority—96.3 percent—of the company's buildings were leased at the quarter's end, the highest level since the third quarter of 2007.

Company officials said in a statement that quarterly profit rose 24 percent to $8.4 million in the three months that ended Sept. 30, up from $6.8 million in 2012's third quarter. Quarterly revenue rose 10 percent to $51.3 million.

EastGroup borrowed $100 million in a private placement in August 2013.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Bagwell Antiques Show and Sale this Weekend

Jackson's 39th annual Bagwell Antiques Show and Sale will be held in the Mississippi Trade Mart from Oct. 25 to 27. Exhibitors from more than 20 states will be present for the show.

The Bagwell Antiques Show is Mississippi's largest antiques event, held in the spring and fall each year. It features a large display of quality 18th- and 19th- century furniture and accessories from Europe, Asia and America, and displays of vintage clothing, vanity items, lace and linens. Exhibitors also offer oriental rugs, antique cut crystal and cut glass, hard-to-find sterling silver patterns, and 18th- and-19th century engravings and prints.

Many unusual antique paper collectibles including children's books, autographs, postcards, stamps and sports memorabilia will be available along with primitive items such as tools, pottery, fish decoys, postage stamps, quilts and Americana.

Public show hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children and is good for the entire weekend. Parking is free. For more information on this or any Bagwell Antiques Show, call 662-231-9654 or email [email protected].

Aspire Mid South Mississippi

Aspire Mid South Mississippi provides supplemental financial assistance to single parents pursuing college instruction to improve their income-earning potential. Aspire Scholarships may be used for tuition, books, utility bills, car maintenance, childcare and anything else that contributes to a recipient's success in school.

Aspire distributes $500 single parent scholarships twice a year in spring and fall. Application deadlines for upcoming 2014 scholarships are Oct. 31 for spring scholarships and June 30 for fall scholarships.

Applicants for financial assistance must:

• Be residents of Hinds, Madison or Rankin counties.

• Be high school or GED graduates.

• Be a single head of household (single, legally separated, divorced, widowed) and not co-habiting with ex-spouse, current spouse or partner; with sole custody of one or more children under age 21.

• Be pursuing a full-time, career-oriented course of study to ensure a better standard of living for his or her family. Applicants cannot already have earned an undergraduate degree.

• Be a low-income person at or near the current U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Income Guidelines poverty level.

• Be a recipient of a Pell Grant or in the process of applying for a Pell Grant.

To apply, visit the Aspire website and click on the Students STAR menu tab. This will bring up the Student Application page. Applicants will need to create an account first. Complete the application in full.

First-time applicants must upload the following supporting documents along with their application:

• Three letters of reference from people (not related to you) who are familiar with your life experiences and your character.

• A personal statement explaining why you chose this particular course of study and what you hope to achieve. Feel free to include any information about yourself which might be helpful to the Selection Committee in its evaluation.

• A copy of your high-school transcript and diploma OR your GED certificate and test scores.

• Official transcripts from any colleges or schools you have previously attended. (must be mailed in).

• A letter of acceptance/admission from the school where you applied or an official transcript that indicates current enrollment.

• Verification of PELL - acceptance or denial.

• Class schedule.

For more information, call Vaughn Gresham at 601.832.6210 or email [email protected].