Built on the strengths of three trusted organizations - unified to move BUSINESS. FORWARD.
The Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA) brings together decades of service to Mississippi's employers. Built on the strengths of three legacy organizations - the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA), and the Business & Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) - MSBA connects business, policy, and opportunity with one voice.
Since 1949, the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) served as the state chamber of commerce, convening employers and leaders to advance education, workforce, infrastructure, and a competitive business climate. In 2022, MEC was recognized as America's State Chamber of the Year.
Founded in 1951, the Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA) represented manufacturers statewide and served as Mississippi's affiliate to the National Association of Manufacturers. MMA advanced competitive tax, workforce, and regulatory policies and provided services that strengthened industry and jobs.
Established in 1980, the Business & Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC) provided non-partisan research on candidates and officials. BIPEC published legislator report cards and, since 1994, evaluated key judicial races to strengthen a pro-growth business climate.
Since 1949, MEC convened employers and leaders to advance education, workforce, infrastructure, and a competitive business climate. It created Leadership Mississippi and hosted Hobnob Mississippi, bringing the public and private sectors together. In 2022, MEC was recognized nationally as America's State Chamber of the Year for service, recovery leadership, and policy impact. As MEC's mission put it, "to be the leading force for business in Mississippi."
Founded in 1951, MMA represented manufacturers across the state - advocating for competitive tax policy, a strong talent pipeline, and regulatory clarity. As Mississippi's affiliate to the National Association of Manufacturers, MMA helped shape legislation and worked alongside state leaders to recruit industry and create jobs. Member services - from safety and insurance programs to networking and training - further strengthened the manufacturing community.
BIPEC, established in 1980, provided non-partisan political education for employers. Its objective report cards graded legislative votes affecting economic growth, and since 1994 BIPEC evaluated key judicial races - a recognition that "one bad court decision can undo 20 years of good pro-business legislation." By highlighting "Business Champions" and "Best for Business and Jobs" candidates, BIPEC equipped the business community with credible, actionable insight.
A brief timeline on the path to a unified MSBA
In late 2024, MEC, MMA, and BIPEC launched Business Alignment 2026 to evaluate merging into a single entity. "We approach this endeavor with a commitment to a thorough, open, and fair evaluation," said MMA CEO John McKay when announcing the project. The boards moved forward methodically - engaging members, benchmarking other states, and aligning on a structure that could deliver more research, relationships, and results with one voice.
The rationale was practical and forward-looking. As BIPEC's Derek Easley put it, a merger "will strengthen the voice we already have." He added, "We've been in many foxholes together and it just makes sense." Unifying under MSBA streamlines duplicative efforts and enables deeper focus on priorities that matter to employers statewide.
MSBA also incorporates a robust political action capability. "We believe Mississippi is the only state chamber of commerce without one," Easley noted, emphasizing the need to be fully engaged in elections - not only policy at the Capitol. "I want MSBA to have a full year under its belt before the 2027 elections because those elections are going to be critical." Former House Speaker Philip Gunn said this unified approach would "provide a tremendous amount of strength" for advancing Mississippi's economy.
Looking ahead, MSBA invests more in mission-critical programs by consolidating resources and eliminating redundancies - from workforce and education initiatives to research and policy engagement. As MSBA President Scott Waller emphasized about strengthening Mississippi's workforce pipeline, "We cannot miss that chance." With research, relationships, and results, MSBA connects business, policy, and opportunity so businesses and people prosper across every region and industry.
