This summer, a host of new rules kick in regarding the way banks charge overdraft fees to their customers. Many consumers are receiving letters from their banks asking them to either “opt-in” or “opt-out” of overdraft protection services (and the accompanying fees) when they overdraw their accounts. (Published: July 2010)

Assuming rounds of recent downsizing eliminated bushels of dead wood, the most competent employees should remain. The issue then becomes, do employees channel their energy into productive activities? (Published: July 2010)

On a moist spring day, a common black rat snake slithered up to our front office door and proceeded to cause a ruckus which lasted for two days. Despite the fact that this creature was not interested in harming any humans, there was an exhilarating chase to catch the reptile before he was promptly thrown back into some nearby woods. (Published: July 2010)

It’s worthy of a marching song of its own. The 18-year success of The Christian-Lily-of-the-Valley Vitamin Store & Delicatessen at 5130 Beatline Road in Long Beach emanates from an iron-clad belief by its owner, Lily West, that well-planned vitamin diets can forestall and avert the most foreboding of human ailments. (Published: July 2010)

On July 1, Isle Casino Hotel opened Café at the Point, a casual dining restarant that offers ll-day breakfast and items such as Asian shrimp, seafood nachos, black & bleu burger, seafood po’boys, cobb salad, rib eye steaks and much more. (Published: July 2010)

One of the few constants in business is change, often dramatic and far-reaching changes. Nowhere is that more true than when it comes to communications and information technology. (Published: July 2010)

(Published: July 2010)

In observance of the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Hope Community Development Agency is helping to plan Phenomenal People “Celebration of Healing,” Aug. 21-29. (Published: July 2010)

It took 69 days for oil to come to Mississippi’s shores in quantity, but business leaders have been assessing potential economic damage from the Deepwater Horizon disaster long before the oil threatened to slick the beach and will continue long after. (Published: July 2010)

August Taconi is about as well known as the business he operates: The Biloxi Tour train. The tourist attraction has been a Coast icon since 1962, and it hasn’t missed a beat since then despite natural and man-made disasters. (Published: July 2010)

The economic slump has turned into a meltdown in many parts of the country, yet two communities are high-stepping their way through to prosperity. And South Mississippi could learn a thing or two from their experience. (Published: July 2010)

As a region, we have good reason to take pride in our response to Hurricane Katrina. Hurricanes are something public and private-sector leaders had some experience with and they quickly learned to adjust their plans to the degree required by what was the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. (Published: July 2010)