/McCullough brings ‘stay at home’ pitch to campus

McCullough brings ‘stay at home’ pitch to campus

He delivered that message to students at Mississippi State University this week. McCullough stated Wednesday that “We cannot afford to lose our young people.” He spent two hours on Wednesday advising students entrepreneurs. McCullough said, “When I was growing up in this industry in the 1990s the idea of economic development was “Let’s make some big employers'” “Today these students go where they want to be,” McCullough added. He stated that the greatest strategic opportunity is to keep 18- to 35 year-olds here. We can help them start a business and create jobs that will keep them here. McCullough will be serving as the executive in residence at Mississippi State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach. The mission of the center is to help students, faculty and staff start and grow companies. McCullough was appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant appointed McCullough in the summer 2015. He was previously the chairman of Tennessee Valley Authority, former director for the Appalachian Regional Commission, and mayor of Tupelo. Mississippi State University and McCullough gave Mississippi Today access to six businesses that were in various stages of development by students. Bully Walk was created by Terence Williams, a Mississippi native, to help pedestrians navigate campus landmarks and buildings. Williams said that he was the first member of his family to attend college. “I believe it’s less than 400 people.” “When I arrived here, I was lost a lot.” Williams began classes and watched a lot more Youtube videos on coding. He then got to geocode Mississippi State’s campus, and developed the Bully Walk app, which he claims has 75,000 users. McCullough suggested that Williams focus on Mississippi State University’s usage and then expand as he gets contracts from other campuses. Kierre Dawkins and Cliff Danzy are both certified sneaker-heads. Sneaker Beaters is a group that customizes and repairs sneakers. Danzy stated, “We’re trying give life to your favorite pair of sneakers.” McCullough and Danzy spoke with McCullough. They said that they hope to double the number of jobs this year. They also said that they are trying to raise capital and possibly hire employees. McCullough spoke to Kaylie Mitchell, Hagan Walker and about Glo Drinks. This liquid activated light is in the form of an ice cube and can be used for cocktails. They have already sold 25 000 units and were featured on Tipsy Bartender’s website. McCullough gave them advice on how to best focus their sales strategy moving forward. McCullough quickly responded to Zhenia Sananoba, a MSU student, when he mentioned that she wanted her yak socks made in Alabama. Alabama is a great state, and a worthy rival.” He added, “What we might do is provide a Mississippi-based list of companies interested in your idea. We can source your production and manufacturing right here in Mississippi.” McCullough believes this is how Mississippi will keep its millennials. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think. Republish this Story