MED News – Week of June 22, 2010

State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program Funds Completely Reserved; Waiting List Opened, Program a Success for Mississippi
All of the funds allocated for the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP), a rebate program implemented to encourage Mississippians to replace energy inefficient appliances with new ENERGY STAR®-qualified appliances, have been reserved, and a waiting list for rebates has been opened. To date, rebates for nearly 25,000 qualified appliances have been reserved through the first-come, first-served program.

Although all funds have been reserved, MDA still strongly encourages consumers to apply for a rebate and be placed on the SEEARP waiting list. According to Karen Bishop, MDA stimulus bureau manager, many reservations made are never redeemed and some ineligible reservations have been submitted, so limited funds will become available for rebates for those on the waiting list. Rebates to waiting list applicants will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so consumers should apply immediately after purchasing their qualifying appliances to ensure their best chance at receiving rebate funds.

The SEEARP kicked off in Mississippi on April 22, and it was designed to stimulate the state's economy with the purchase of new energy efficient appliances, reduce energy consumption and save consumers money on monthly utility bills. The SEEARP offered rebates ranging from $50 to $750, depending on the type of appliance purchased. Purchases had to be made in person from a Mississippi retailer.

DreamWorks Studios Announces Casting Call in Jackson for Extras for Major Motion Picture "The Help"
Officials from DreamWorks Studios have announced an open casting call for anyone interested in a role as a paid extra in the major motion picture "The Help," which will be filmed in and around Greenwood and Jackson beginning in mid-July. "The Help" is based on a best-selling novel of the same name by Mississippi native Kathryn Stockett and is set in Jackson in the mid-1960s.

DreamWorks is looking for men and women of all ages to serve as non-speaking background actors/extras. No experience is necessary. The casting call will be held on Saturday, June 26, from noon to 4:00 p.m., at Woodland Hills Baptist Church, 3327 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS, 39216.

Additionally, DreamWorks is seeking Caucasian, identical female twins, aged three to three and a half, to play the role of "Mae Mobley." The twins should be talkative, as this is a speaking role.

Anyone interested in participating as an extra must bring a snapshot of themselves, no larger than 4" x 6", and a pen. (The photo is non-returnable). Those who fail to bring a photograph will not be considered for a part as an extra in the film.

The Mississippi Major Motion Picture Incentive Program, administered by MDA, was a major factor in bringing the project to the state. To learn more, please visit www.visitmississippi.org. To learn more about Kathryn Stockett and "The Help," please visit www.kathrynstockett.com.

Toyota's Hiring Process
Many people have expressed an interest in employment opportunities at Toyota's Blue Springs, Miss., plant. Toyota has not started hiring yet, but company officials have stated they will be making an announcement about the hiring process and available employment opportunities soon. This information will be well-publicized in Mississippi newspapers and will be available on the Toyota.com website. MDA will also share this information with its economic development partners.

For more information on any of these articles, contact us by clicking on the links below. If you have been forwarded this email and would like to subscribe, please contact Melissa Medley or Tammy Craft .

Last Updated on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 10:40