Empowering Mississippi Family Businesses

The Social in the ‘Sip Legacy Tour is an exclusive, traveling networking series designed to connect and engage Mississippi’s family business community. Hosted across the state, each refined reception features insightful conversations, key industry experts, and actionable takeaways focused on navigating family dynamics in the workplace.

The mission of the tour is simple: keep Mississippi family business in Mississippi.

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This tour brings the Legacy Leadership Program’s resources to you! Whether it’s succession planning, battling tradition vs. innovation or family governance, each two-hour reception sparked conversation among family business leaders in a relaxed and engaging setting.

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Let’s collaborate! Sponsoring the Social in the ‘Sip Tour provides a unique opportunity for a family business to position itself as a regional leader. The benefits range from high-level brand visibility to direct community impact.

Sponsors play a key role in creating the welcoming, high-value environment necessary for meaningful networking, insightful discussions, and community building.

Become a Sponsor: Click here to learn more!

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2026 Social in the ‘Sip Legacy Tour

📍First Stop: Meridian, MS | Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company | March 19

Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company was founded in 1902 and is the first franchised Coca-Cola Bottler in the state of Mississippi. Purchased in 1904 by R.N. Poindexter, the company continues to be owned by the same family which is now moving into the fifth generation with plans to continue as a local family owned bottler well into the future.

We launched the 2026 Social in the ’Sip Legacy Tour in Meridian, and the energy was unmatched! It was inspiring to see a room filled with first- through fourth-generation family business owners, entrepreneurs, and legacy builders from across Lauderdale County and our neighboring communities. From the oldest family enterprises to the newest startups, Meridian proved that the future of Mississippi business is bright. Check out the highlights from our first stop

Tour stop sponsored by Meridian Coca-Cola

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📍Next Stop: Hattiesburg, MS | The Payne Companies | April 16

In the natural world, growth is the only way. From seed to harvest, from sapling to oak, nature reveals that growth is a distinct sign of health. Established and run by Abb Payne, a Mississippi business owner who has, to date, executed four separate sales to publicly traded companies, Payne Companies develops, manages, and invests in businesses with the potential to grow beyond limits, beyond imagination, and toward the win.

In Hattiesburg, the roads are paved by family-owned innovation. Our recent stop in the Hub City brought together the leaders who serve as the spokes of our regional economy. It was a powerful evening of connection, exploring exactly what it takes to keep a family business at the center of the Hub for years to come. Thank you to everyone who joined us to share their stories and strengthen our statewide network!

Tour stop sponsored by The PAYNE Companies

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📍Next Stop: Cleveland, MS | Robinson Electric Company | June 4

Founded in 1953 by Howard C. Robinson, Robinson Electric has evolved from a one-man shop in a residential garage into a powerhouse of the Mississippi Delta’s electrical industry. Now in its third generation of family leadership under Brian Robinson, the company has expanded its footprint across the Southeast, providing design-build services for industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors. Despite their growth into large-scale institutional projects and disaster relief, they remain anchored by their founder’s original mantra: “Do a good job for a fair price, and you will have more work than you can handle.”

In the heart of the Delta, “legacy” isn’t just a word; it’s the dirt beneath our fingernails and the names on our storefronts. Cleveland is a testament to the power of family-owned agriculture and soul-driven entrepreneurship. Come share your story and learn how we’re cultivating the next generation of Delta leaders.

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📍Next Stop: Ridgeland, MS | Tauzin Wealth Management | June 25

Part of the elite Private Client Group at Northwestern Mutual, Tauzin Wealth Management specializes in helping successful business owners and professionals “bring the disjointed pieces of their financial world together.” With over 36 years of experience, Todd Tauzin and his multi-generational team focus on a comprehensive seven-component planning process designed to move clients toward what they call “Freedom Day.”

As the Gateway to the Natchez Trace, Ridgeland represents a unique blend of modern professional life and historic Southern charm. This stop on the Legacy Tour is tailored for the Metro area’s family business leaders setting the standard for leadership in Mississippi.

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📍 Final Stop: Gulf Coast

As the crown jewel of Mississippi’s shoreline, the Gulf Coast represents a vibrant intersection of resilient maritime heritage and forward-thinking economic growth.

As the final stop on the Legacy Tour, we want to connect with Coast’s premier family business owners – the visionaries and industry anchors who are navigating the future of leadership in the ‘Sip.

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2025 Tour Stops

April 24, 2025 – Laurel, MS at Studio5Fifty

Host: Studio5Fifty – Located in Historic Downtown Laurel, Mississippi, Studio5Fifty “creates an experience that surpasses the market standard for the services we provide.”  “Whether you are using our venue, design services, or photography, our goal is to exceed your expectations by helping you create a quality event or product that is worthy of being shared with your friends, family, or business prospects.”

This tour stop was sponsored by Community Bank

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May 15, 2025 – Southaven, MS at Abbikadabbi’s Baking Co.

Host: Abbikadabbi’s Baking Co. crafts delicious, beautifully designed treats that bring joy to every occasion. From custom sugar cookies to specialty baked goods, Abbi’s creations continue to make celebrations sweeter!

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May 29, 2025 – Corinth, MS at Refreshments, Inc.

Host: Refreshments, Inc. – With the experience of an established business and the enthusiasm of a startup, Refreshments offers the best coffee, water, beverage, snack, and meal service in North Mississippi, Olive Branch Mississippi, West Tennessee, and Northwest Alabama. As the region’s only foodservice company with an on-site commissary, our food is fresher, healthier, and more delicious.

Tour stop sponsored by Refreshments, Inc. and Worsham Brothers, Inc.

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June 12, 2025 – Meridian, MS at Castle Headquarters

Host: Castle was founded in 1999 by Mike Castle Sr. under the name Progressive Pipeline, but from the very beginning, it was more than just a company – it was a family. Built on the principles of honesty, hard work, self-belief, and integrity, Castle has never shied away from doing things differently.

Tour stop sponsored by Castle Headquarters, Wells Fargo and The Dowell Group at Morgan Stanley

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June 26, 2025 – Gulfport, MS at Chandeleur Island Brewing Company

Host: Chandeleur Island Brewing Company – Chandeleur (“shan-duh-leer”) Island Brewing Company was started by Cammack Roberds and Cain Roberds from The University of Southern Mississippi. Their love of beer began in the 90’s, which eventually lead to homebrewing, and an endless pursuit of finding the best craft beers the World had to offer.

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July 24, 2025 – Oxford, MS at Hunt Marketing Firm

Host: Hunt – Each member of the Hunt team brings unique personalities and skills to the table, but our shared commitment to build great brands, no matter the context, unites us. The pursuit of this common purpose is supported by applying a consistent set of values to everything we touch. We build great brands.

Tour stop sponsored by Hunt

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August 7, 2025 – Jackson, MS at Jax-Zen Studios

Host: Jax-Zen Studios – Discover your Zen! Floatation Therapy, Massage Therapy, Reiki, Classes & Creative Wellness. Located in Midtown’s Art District.

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August 14, 2025 – Tupelo, MS at the Community Development Foundation (CDF)

As a public/private partnership organization, CDF collaborates with county and state officials along with private companies to help connect you to resources, prime locations, funding, incentives and more.

Tour stop sponsored by Hardy Reed: At Hardy Reed, we understand the aspirations and dreams of high-net-worth individuals. Our goal is to help you turn those dreams into a reality by providing expert and unbiased financial guidance.

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2024 Tour Stops

August 29, 2024 – Gulfport, MS

Host: Chandeleur Island Brewing Company – Chandeleur (“shan-duh-leer”) Island Brewing Company was started by Cammack Roberds and Cain Roberds from The University of Southern Mississippi. Their love of beer began in the 90’s, which eventually lead to homebrewing, and an endless pursuit of finding the best craft beers the World had to offer. Learn More

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August 22, 2024 – Oxford, MS

Sponsor: HUNT Marketing – Whether they’re taking a partner’s marketing goal and turning it into a strategic campaign chock-full of engaging creative that inspires action or helping one of their own reach their full potential, Hunt builds great brands. Learn More

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April 25, 2024 – Ridgeland, MS

Sponsor: Butler Snow, LLP – Butler Snow’s practice areas include the full range of business law and litigation services. They offer the depth to represent a broad spectrum of national and regional clients in a variety of legal areas. Learn More

Email ciefb@olemiss.edu for more information