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

Woman with blonde bob and glasses wearing a green top, smiling. Leaning against a wall.
By Selena Swartzfager February 3, 2026
Jackson, MS — February 3, 2026 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce that Julie Ingram has joined the organization as Community Engagement Coordinator, strengthening MCEE’s capacity to scale high-impact financial literacy and economic education initiatives across the state. In her role, Ingram leads community-based programming including the Stock Market Game, Danny Dollar Academy, Family Financial Fun Nights, and the Invest in Girls initiative. Her work focuses on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, recruiting industry volunteers, delivering afterschool educator professional development, and ensuring data-driven program outcomes. Ingram brings more than 15 years of experience in education, leadership, and curriculum development, with deep expertise in economics, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and workforce-aligned instruction. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has served as adjunct faculty with MCEE, co-teaching Master Teacher of Personal Finance coursework in partnership with the Atlanta and St. Louis Federal Reserve Banks. Her career includes statewide and national recognition, curriculum authorship, educator mentoring, and service on advisory councils shaping Mississippi education policy. As Community Engagement Coordinator, Ingram will travel statewide to support educators, students, and community partners—advancing MCEE’s mission to build financially capable communities in 24 of Mississippi's counties. “The addition of Julie to the MCEE team will allow us to serve more families with the Family Financial Fun Night and more students in afterschool programs with economic and financial literacy education,” said Selena Swartzfager, president of MCEE. “We have an unlimited demand for our services; we just need the resources to meet the demand. Having Julie on our staff increases our capacity to address financial illiteracy in Mississippi. We are so thankful to have her on the team.” The counties served by the MCEE Community Outreach Coordinator are below. Organizations or individuals wanting to partner with MCEE in the counties to be served are encouraged to reach out for more information by emailing MCEE at mscee@millsaps.edu . Please use Community Outreach in the subject line. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 mscee@millsaps.edu
Smiling man in suit, gold tie, against a blue gradient background.
By Selena Swartzfager August 13, 2025
Jackson, MS — August 13, 2025 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is delighted to announce that Jim Perry , Managing Director and Head of Structured Finance for the Municipal Products Group at Wells Fargo Securities, has been elected by the Board of Directors as Chair for the 2025–2026 term . Bringing a wealth of experience in both finance and public service, Jim Perry has overseen more than $25 billion in infrastructure financings for public and private entities nationwide. Prior to his tenure at Wells Fargo, he spearheaded the Southern Region and co-led the Public–Private Partnership team for public finance at Morgan Stanley. His previous public service includes roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director for former Governor Haley Barbour and Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Roger Wicker. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from the University of Virginia and resides in Jackson, Mississippi , with his wife, Jordan, and two children. Jim will also oversee MCEE’s premier event, the 2025 Forum on American Enterprise , taking place on Thursday, October 23, 2025 , at the Jackson Convention Complex . The annual forum is a key fundraising and engagement initiative that brings together educators, policymakers, and community leaders to expand economic and financial literacy across Mississippi. "Jim brings deep expertise, unwavering commitment, and strategic vision to our mission," said Selena Swartzfager, MCEE president. "Under his leadership, we will elevate access to economic education across our state." As Chair, Perry will guide MCEE’s efforts to enhance teacher training, develop new student programs, and secure partnerships that stretch the reach of economic literacy. His dual experience in high-stakes finance and public policy positions him to move MCEE’s mission forward effectively. About the Forum on American Enterprise The Forum on American Enterprise is MCEE’s signature annual event, designed to bring visibility and support to economic education’s crucial role. The organization held its most recent forum in October 2024, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Raphael Bostic, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The upcoming 2025 event on October 23 will build upon this momentum as a platform for collaboration, fundraising, and celebration of economic and financial education. The topic of the event will be, "Economics in Real Time: A candid look at tariffs, markets and modern economic policy." About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education MCEE is a non-profit dedicated to enhancing economic and financial literacy among K–12 students in Mississippi by equipping educators with rigorous, engaging curriculum, training, and resources. Through partnerships with educators, other non-profit organizations, businesses, and local communities, MCEE empowers students to make informed decisions as entrepreneurs, citizens, and consumers. For more information on the Forum on American Enterprise, Jim Perry’s leadership, or MCEE’s programs, please visit www.mscee.org or contact Selena Swartzfager at 601-974-1091 or swartsc@millsaps.edu. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 mscee@millsaps.edu
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