The Mississippi Council on Economic Education and State Farm Team Up to Get Kids and their Families to Talk about Money

Selena Swartzfager

A Collaboration to Provide Families with Family Financial Fun Nights

Tupelo, MS (July 2, 2024) – Seventy-two percent of parents experience at least some reluctance to talk to their kids about financial matters. To address this issue, the Mississippi Council for Economic Education (MCEE) and State Farm are proud to announce a collaboration to conduct Family Financial Fun Nights for families across Mississippi.


These engaging events are designed to bring students and their families together for an enjoyable evening focused on learning the importance of personal finance. The aim is to create an open dialogue about essential topics such as savings, spending, debt, and budgeting—subjects that are often not discussed at the dinner table.


Here in Tupelo, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, a Family Financial Fun Night will be held at the Tupelo Police Athletic League from 6 pm – 8 pm. This event will provide a unique opportunity for families to come together and discuss financial matters in a supportive and educational environment. Dinner will be served. There is no cost to attend, but families must register no later than Friday, July 12.


The registration link is: https://form.jotform.com/MSEconEd/FFFNinTupelo


“We are thrilled to be working with State Farm. This program aligns with our mission to ensure children and families statewide are equipped with the vocabulary and knowledge needed to make smart financial decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Selena Swartzfager, President of the Mississippi Council for Economic Education. “You are never too young to learn and talk about money, and the school setting is a perfect place to start the conversation.”


The Tupelo event is also supported by The CREATE Foundation. For more information about the Family Financial Fun Night in Tupelo, please contact the MS Council on Economic Education at 601-974-1325 or mscee@millsaps.edu.


About the Mississippi Council for Economic Education (MCEE)
The Mississippi Council for Economic Education is dedicated to improving economic and financial literacy in Mississippi. MCEE provides resources and training to educators and students to help them understand economic principles and develop essential life skills.


About State Farm
State Farm is a leading provider of insurance and financial services, committed to helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Through its community engagement initiatives, State Farm aims to support educational programs that empower individuals and families to achieve financial security.

Studio headshot of a man in glasses and a light blue blazer on a gray background
By Selena Swartzfager August 13, 2026
Jackson, MS — August 13, 2026 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce Daniel Elliott, Market President for Huntington Bank in Jackson, Mississippi, as Chairman of its Board of Directors .  Elliott brings more than 28 years of banking, business leadership, and community service experience to the role. As Market President for Huntington Bank, he provides leadership and strategic oversight for branch and lending teams serving Rankin, Hinds, Scott, Simpson, and Warren counties . “Daniel understands firsthand the critical role that financial and economic education plays in building stronger families, communities, and a more competitive Mississippi,” said Selena Swartzfager, President of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education . “His leadership, banking expertise, and deep commitment to our state make him an exceptional choice to lead our Board. As demand for economic and financial education continues to grow across Mississippi, Daniel’s vision will help MSCEE expand our reach and prepare even more teachers and students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and build successful futures.” Daniel has held a variety of leadership and commercial banking positions throughout his career. He earned an MBA from Mississippi College and a BBA from Belhaven University . He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University and the American Bankers Association National Commercial Lending School . A dedicated community leader, Elliott has been an active member of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education Board of Directors and previously served as President-Elect. He also serves on the boards of Operation Shoestring, Merit Health Rankin, and Friends of Mississippi State Hospital . His previous community leadership includes service with the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce, Shannon’s Home of Hope, and The Little Light House of Central Mississippi . Elliott is a member of the Leadership Mississippi Class of 2022 , a graduate of Leadership Rankin , and a past recipient of the Mississippi Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 recognition. “I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education,” Elliott said. “Financial and economic education gives young people the tools to make better decisions throughout their lives. MSCEE has a tremendous record of equipping Mississippi educators with the resources and training they need to bring these essential concepts into the classroom. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, educators, and partners across the state to build on that success and expand the organization’s impact.” Elliott assumes the chairmanship at an important time for economic and financial education in Mississippi. As schools prepare for expanded financial literacy requirements in 2027 as directed by the Mississippi Legislature, MSCEE continues to provide educators with high-quality professional development, classroom resources, and student programming designed to build financial capability, economic understanding, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. For close to 25 years, the Mississippi Council on Economic Education has worked to ensure Mississippi teachers and students have access to meaningful, real-world economic and financial education. Through partnerships with educators, businesses, universities, foundations, and community organizations, MSCEE reaches teachers and students across the state with programs designed to prepare young Mississippians for success in school, work, and life. Daniel and his wife, Katie , live in Rankin County and are the proud parents of two children. About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MSCEE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing economic and financial literacy throughout Mississippi. MSCEE provides professional development, curriculum resources, and innovative educational programs that equip K–12 educators to teach economics, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and college and career readiness. By investing in teachers, MSCEE helps prepare Mississippi students to make informed financial decisions, understand the economy, and successfully navigate their futures. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 info@mscee.org
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