Mississippi Council on Economic Education to Host Free Teacher Workshop on Economics and the Mississippi Music Industry

Selena Swartzfager

Economics and the Mississippi Music Industry

Meridian, MS – August 14, 2024 – The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce a special teacher workshop titled "Economics and the Mississippi Music Industry" on August 31, 2024, at The MAX (Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience) in Meridian, MS. This event is designed to empower educators with the knowledge and tools to teach economic principles through the lens of Mississippi’s rich music heritage. All 6th-12th grade teachers in Mississippi are welcome to attend.

This workshop is offered at no cost to participants, thanks to generous support from the Mississippi Arts Commission and the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE). Attendees will receive a complimentary lunch and a $50 stipend as part of their participation.


Workshop Highlights:

  • Date: August 31, 2024
  • Location: The MAX, Meridian, MS
  • Cost: Free to attend
  • Lunch: Provided at no cost
  • Stipend: $50 educator stipend
  • Continuing Education Units: .7 at no cost


This hands-on workshop will explore the intersection of economics and the Mississippi music industry, offering educators innovative strategies to incorporate real-world economic concepts into their classrooms. Participants will gain valuable insights into how economic forces shape the music industry and, by extension, how these principles can be taught in an engaging manner to students.


The instructors will be Chris Cannon, Musician and Economic Educator; Joel Miller, Foundation for Economic Education; and Pam Confer, Performer and Leadership Consultant.


Educators interested in attending can register online here.


About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE): The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is committed to providing Mississippi educators with the resources and training necessary to effectively teach economics and personal finance. MCEE’s mission is to ensure that all Mississippi students graduate with a strong foundation in economic literacy, equipping them for success in life.


About the Mississippi Arts Commission: The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) is a state agency that supports the arts in Mississippi through grants, programs, and services. MAC’s mission is to be a catalyst for the arts and creativity in Mississippi, enriching the state’s cultural landscape and supporting the growth of the creative economy.


About the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE): The Foundation for Economic Education is a non-profit organization that promotes the principles of a free society through educational resources and programs. FEE provides teachers with the tools and knowledge to inspire students with the ideas of liberty, personal responsibility, and free markets.


Contact: Mississippi Council on Economic Education
Phone: (601) 974-1325
Email: mscee@millsaps.edu
Website:
www.mscee.org

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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