Thomasson elected new MEC chair
Philadelphia native and businesswoman Pat Thomasson has been elected chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC).
Thomasson, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Philadelphia-based Thomasson Company, was elected by the board of directors to serve the 2024 to 2025 term.
“It means a great deal to me to be able to serve as chair of MEC,” Thomasson said. “I have admired the work of MEC for a very long time. Neshoba County and Mississippi are extremely special to me, and I want to do everything I can to help increase the quality of life here.”
Her term began in May.
Thomasson is a certified woman-owned business specializing in industrial wood products for the energy sector.
“Thomasson Company has been a member for many years, and I have watched MEC make a positive difference in our state,” she said. “I feel very honored to join other chairs from Philadelphia like Don Kilgore, Bill Yates, and William Yates in being elected to this position.”
Under her leadership, Thomasson, founded in 1972 by her now late father, Hugh, has received numerous accolades, including the 2012 Mississippi Governor’s Cup Award for Small Business, the 2015 Neshoba County Large Business of the Year Award, the 2016 ONCOR Omnis Supplier Award, the 2016 Iberdrola Diversity Supplier of the Year finalist, the 2017 Vistra Energy Supplier Diversity Gold Star Supplier Award, and the 2019 Women’s Business Enterprise Council South’s Supplier of the Year.
Thomasson has also been recognized with numerous awards herself. She received the 2014 Champion Award from the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South, was named 2014 Business Woman of the Year by the Mississippi Business Journal, received the 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Neshoba County Literacy Council, was named the 2016 Mississippi Volunteer of the Year by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South, and was honored as the 2017 WBEC South Volunteer of the Year.
“MEC continues to have tremendous volunteer leaders who are focused on guiding our organization into the future,” said Scott Waller, president and CEO of MEC. “Their collective expertise and unwavering dedication to Mississippi’s economic prosperity will enhance our organization and ensure that MEC continues to strongly advocate for businesses around Mississippi.”
Looking ahead, Thomasson said MEC will continue to focus on improving workforce development and getting students into career pathways and the proper post-secondary programs for their success.
Their AIM initiative aims to balance the K-12 accountability model, increase post-secondary attainment to 55%, and create opportunities for young professionals through the Mississippi Talent Initiative.
As the state chamber of commerce, MEC focuses on broad-based issues designed to impact all sectors of the economy positively.
As a private, non-profit organization, they are supported solely by their members and do not receive state or federal funding.
“This is why it is so important for businesses to support MEC through membership, so we can continue to have a positive impact on our state,” Thomasson said.
“What excites me is that MEC’s strategic approach provides long-term dividends. MEC’s program of work doesn’t change each time there is a new chair. Instead, it continues to look for ways to accomplish things that will help our members and our economy in Mississippi grow,” she added. “I look forward to looking back five, 10, or 15 years from now and seeing the results of the work happening today.”