PRESS RELEASE
MERIDIAN, MS – The University of Mississippi Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is proud to announce the inaugural Regional Legacy Forum: Meridian, a full-day summit dedicated to the sustainability, strategy, and leadership of family-owned in the East Central Mississippi region. Scheduled for an opening reception on April 21 and the forum on April 22, 2026, the event brings together business owners, stakeholders, and next-generation leaders to discuss maintaining a multi-generational legacy.
The Regional Legacy Forum is designed as a high-impact, case-study-driven experience. Attendees will engage in deep-dive sessions that prioritize strategic connection-building and provide actionable insights into the “Legacy” and “Strategic” identities required for modern business longevity. The forum offers a high-level environment for family business leaders to share insights and build non-transactional professional networks.
“Meridian stands as a symbol of heritage and renewal, based in part on the family businesses that call Meridian home,” said Clay Dibrell, CIE Co-Director. “This is an ideal place to celebrate the leadership that sustains Mississippi family businesses.”
Forum Highlights Include:
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Executive Leadership Insights: A high-level panel moderated by Bill Hannah (EMBDC), featuring presidents and CEOs from Citizens National Bank, CASTLE, and Mitchell Signs.
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Estate & Legacy Planning: A deep dive into the technicalities of generational transitions with expert business attorney Clark Luke of Watkins & Eager.
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The State of Family Business: Exclusive research insights from Dr. Clay Dibrell and Dr. Chelsea Sherlock Wagner, Assistant Professor of Management at Mississippi State University.
Registration for the Regional Legacy Forum: Meridian is now open. For more information on the agenda, speakers, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit olemisscie.com/regional-forum/
About the CIE Legacy Leadership Program
The CIE Legacy Leadership Program at Ole Miss is designed to serve as an empowering resource that encourages the continuity of family business ownership in the state of Mississippi and throughout the Southeastern region.
About the University of Mississippi Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Our mission is to inspire students at The University of Mississippi to create innovative businesses through excellent teaching, exceptional service, and world-class research. Overall, our purpose is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become successful entrepreneurs who create innovative companies that provide valuable services, products, and employment.
