Mid South Business Exchange

Hosted by Southaven Chamber of Commerce, Cristan Engelke & Kim Cook

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Mid South Business Exchange podcast—where business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals connect through real stories, practical insights, and conversations about what it takes to build and grow a business in the Mid-South. From entrepreneurship and leadership to workforce, marketing, economic development, and the challenges facing today's businesses, we explore the ideas, people, and opportunities shaping our region. Each episode features conversations with local business leaders, community changemakers, and industry experts who share their experiences, lessons learned, and perspectives on doing business across the Mid-South. Whether you're starting a business, growing a team, leading an organization, or simply looking for fresh ideas, Mid South Business Exchange brings you stories and insights to help you learn, connect, and grow.

Listen to episodes

10 recent

August 10, 202621 min

You Don’t Need A Title To Lead

What does it actually take to become a leader before you have the title, the age, or the experience? In this episode of Southaven Business Beat, presented in partnership with the Southaven Chamber of Commerce, we sit down with two people at opposite ends of the same program: a Chamber professional serving as a mentor, and an upcoming senior at DeSoto Central High School serving as her mentee. Both are part of the Bridge Academy, the leadership program under the Southaven Chamber Foundation.

August 3, 202632 min

35 Providers, One Rule: It’s Not Supposed To Feel Like Therapy

What if therapy didn't mean sitting on a couch in a quiet office? On this episode of Southaven Business Beat, we sit down with Anthony Wood and Brandy West from Desoto Family Counseling & Pediatric Therapy Center, a counseling group serving Southaven, DeSoto County, and the greater Memphis and Mid-South area. They walk us through a very different approach to mental health, one that can happen on a walking trail, on a boat, or with a fishing pole in your hand.

July 27, 202637 min

They Waited 33 Years Now There’s A $19 Million Arena

For 33 years it sat closed, promised to the community as a park. Today it is the DeSoto County Agri-Education Center, a 200-acre, $19 million facility on Starlanding Road in Nesbit, built without a tax increase. In this episode of Southaven Business Beat, host Cristan Engelke sits down with director Michael Lee, a former county supervisor, to walk through what is actually out there: a 2,000-seat indoor arena, an outdoor covered arena, stall barns, a teaching kitchen, a greenhouse, walking and equestrian trails, and programs from 4-H to Master Gardeners to Mississippi State University Extension.

July 20, 202634 min

Started At 15, Now She Runs An Entire Region

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Brooke Benedict VIDEO DESCRIPTION Learn practical Southaven business strategies from Ms. Brooke Benedict. Gain insights on leadership and building stronger community connections. This episode of Southaven Business Beat focuses on the real-world lessons that drive local success. We sit down with Ms. Brooke Benedict to discuss the core values that shape effective business leadership and how ... Read More

July 6, 202630 min

She Was in Domestic Violence for Almost 30 Years and Didn’t Know It Had a Name

Host: Debbie King Guests: Lorine Cady and Sarita Drake VIDEO DESCRIPTION Sarita Drake is the Executive Director of the House of Grace, a domestic violence shelter serving Southaven, DeSoto County, and the greater Memphis metro area. What most people do not know is that eleven years ago, she moved into that shelter with her two daughters as a client. She ... Read More

June 29, 202635 min

At 88, She Still Remembers the Sign: 843 Residents. She Helped Build the Rest.

Host: Debbie King Guests: Lorine Cady and Sarita Drake VIDEO DESCRIPTION Southaven, Mississippi was not always what it is today. In 1964, the pavement stopped at the state line, the utility company was run by volunteers, and a roadside sign counted just 843 residents. Lorine Cady moved here that year, raised five children, started girls softball out of a literal ... Read More

June 15, 202625 min

The Things You Take for Granted Are Someone Else’s Greatest Win

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: Alison Mitchell VIDEO DESCRIPTION Alison Mitchell walked away from 20 years as a real estate executive, packed up her life in Texas, and moved to a county where she knew almost nobody. Now she is the Director of Tourism for DeSoto County, and she is rebuilding what tourism means for the entire Mid-South region, not just ... Read More

June 1, 202634 min

Your Contractor Knows What’s Wrong

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: Joseph Davis VIDEO DESCRIPTION Joseph Davis spent years on the road selling restoration services to companies like Paul Davis Restoration. Then one of those clients hired him. Now he runs business development for Paul Davis Restoration of the Mid-South, covering Memphis, Southaven, DeSoto County, and North Mississippi down to Oxford. In this episode, Joseph pulls back ... Read More

May 25, 202613 min

We’re Throwing A Fundraiser On A Cruise Ship

Host: Cristan Engelke and Shawntel Hibbler VIDEO DESCRIPTION The Southaven Chamber of Commerce is going on a cruise, and you’re invited. Book your room here: https://bit.ly/4uw7DjX Cristan Engelke and Shawntel Hibbler of the Southaven Chamber, announce the 2027 Chamber Cruise sailing June 12 through June 17 aboard the Carnival Dream out of New Orleans, with stops in Cozumel and Costa ... Read More

May 18, 202638 min

“People Are Judging You The Second They Look At You” And He Says That’s Fine

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: George Webb VIDEO DESCRIPTION Southaven Business Beat is produced by Pure Focus Media in partnership with the Southaven Chamber of Commerce, featuring the business owners and community leaders shaping DeSoto County and the greater Memphis area. Topics covered: personal branding for salespeople, why reviews decide your reputation, handling a bad review the right way, the follow-up ... Read More