Jackson Free Press

Dine-in Cinema Survey

Groups of college students with the Else School of Management at Millsaps College are conducting surveys to determine the market viability of bringing a dine-in cinema concept theater--similar to the Alamo Drafthouse--to the Pix Capri Theatre building in Fondren.

"My class is testing the viability of the concept similar to the Alamo. There are actually a variety of theater concepts students are testing," said Penelope J. Prenshaw, director of the business administration program and professor of marketing at Millsaps' Else School. "This particular survey is one of four going on regarding the dine-in theater concept. The business model is similar to the Alamo, including things like showing first-run films. Different theater concepts also offer different food and beverages. We are trying to measure preferences among Jackson for a variety of concepts."

"The students have been very engaged in this project. It's a concept that very much appeals to them. I'm looking forward to hearing what their recommendations are."

Visit http://fondrentheater.com/surveyconsent or surveymonkey.com/s/6ZRLNVZ to participate in two of the surveys.

Free Homebuyer's Forum For Potential Homebuyers

Community First Real Estate and Top Flite Financial Company are hosting a Homebuyer's Forum Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m. at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum. The free event is designed to educate potential homebuyers on the process of buying a home.

Real estate experts will teach attendees about credit scoring, down-payment assistance, closing costs, home inspections, insurance and other topics. Attendees can also ask presenters about the home-buying process during a question-and-answer session.

"Many people are intimidated by the home-buying process," Meshia Edwards of Community First Real Estate said in a press release. "There is so much involved, and it can be quite overwhelming. Our goal is to provide information in a way that will simplify the steps and make the process easier."

To register, visit the event website www.realestateforum2013.eventbrite.com. Registration is free and lunch is provided. For more information, contact Alonzo at 601-957-5602.

Virginia College Grand Opening

Virginia College in Jackson is hosting the grand opening of a new campus Thursday, May 2, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The ribbon cutting for the building will take place at 5:15 p.m. Afterward, attendees can tour the campus, meet faculty and staff, view the classrooms, and enjoy hors d'ouevres, cocktails and live music.

The new campus is located at 5841 Ridgewood Road. For information email [email protected] or call 601-977-0960.

Tri-County Coast Tourism Bill

House Bill 1716, which creates a tri-county Coast tourism commission, went to Gov. Phil Bryant's desk after clearing the Mississippi Legislature in a Friday Senate vote. The bill renames the Harrison County Tourism Commission as the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau. It also calls for appointing a new 15-member governing board and performance measurements. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 51-1 after clearing the House March 21 by a 119-1 vote.

Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach, authored HB 1716. Bennett believes the bill gives the Mississippi Gulf Coast a united voice to market the three coastal counties to tourists. The measure shouldn't be taken as any reflection on the Harrison County Tourism Commission's efforts.

"We've always competed, and we've never come together as one," Bennett said in an interview with the Sun Herald newspaper. "Over the years, I think we've hurt ourselves by not marketing ourselves as one destination. People who come to visit don't know there's a line between Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. It benefits all of us."