While changes in the economy occur regularly, what we have experienced recently is anything but a “normal” change. The challenges of the current economy haven’t been seen or experienced in our country in decades. (Published: June 2009)

This issue focuses on small businesses — the backbone of our region’s economy — and some of the resources available to small business operators. But we would be remiss if we didn’t emphasize two other things every small business owner should consider. (Published: June 2009)

If you have a graduate home for the summer, now may be your last chance to impart some financial wisdom before you send them out into the world. When your children were young, you may have had great intentions of teaching them all the things they needed to know to get along in the world. (Published: June 2009)

The newest changes in health insurance are being hammered out in Washington, D.C. After years of political wrangling, President Barack Obama has made government-sponsored universal health insurance a priority for his administration. (Published: June 2009)

I remember with nostalgic fondness those hot summer days spent on the water when I was growing up in the Delta. It didn’t matter where we were, water was going to be a part of our activities be it a beach, a lake, a swimming pool or a sprinkler in the back yard. (Published: June 2009)

Transportation issues are important to residents’ lives, whether it’s getting to and from work or the delivery of goods for the marketplace. The automobile industry, public transit, highway infrastructure, and the movement of freight are feeling effects of the economic recession. (Published: June 2009)

Romy Simpson has five children, a husband and a dog. She is very involved in the community and still manages to operate a successful business, which recently won the coveted Mississippi Coast Tapestry Award, given each year to honor and recognize the achievements of outstanding small businesses. (Published: June 2009)

“Slow down and discover Ocean Springs,’’ proclaims the Web site of the coastal city’s Chamber of Commerce. “Slowing down” is one part of the slogan with which Mayor Connie Moran can’t comply (Published: June 2009)

Gov. Haley Barbour’s trip to Washington, D.C. earlier in the year is about to pay off for the State Port at Gulfport enabling hurricane recovery work to proceed to the tune of $570 million. (Published: June 2009)

(Published: June 2009)

From its 1950s inception to the 2009 creation of America’s Recovery Capital, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s mission has been to help start and grow small businesses in order to support the creation of jobs. It doesn’t give grants or hand out money. (Published: June 2009)

Last month, I stood on my soap box and discussed the merits of diversification and strategic asset allocation. I am staying in that soap box for another month to expand on the necessity of diversification within asset classes. In particular, I want to address the danger of overinvesting in a single stock. (Published: June 2009)

For many, insurance is the single largest hindrance to development and home ownership along the Mississippi Coast, and Rep. Gene Taylor is asking for help to get a multiple perils insurance bill signed into law this year. He faces some formidable challenges. (Published: June 2009)

If it weren’t for the SBA, Tom and Leah Ruddick said their dream of owning a small business would have been a nightmare. (Published: June 2009)