19 March ICC to Host Two Small Business Showcases in April March 19, 2026 By Camp, Tyler W Career Center, General 0 From fresh sourdough to handcrafted floral arrangements and locally made mead, Itawamba Community College is bringing hands-on experiences straight to the community through its Small Business Showcase series. Designed to connect consumers, small business owners and community members, the Small Business Showcase series provides opportunities to learn new skills, explore locally made products and build lasting relationships. The initiative also reinforces ICC’s commitment to strengthening its role as a community partner across the region. The first showcase will feature Blue Magnolia Bread Company on April 8 at 5:30 p.m. at 1389 Mobile Street in Saltillo. Participants will learn the art of sourdough bread making, including how to fold bread, prepare dough and create their own loaf to take home. The cost to attend is $25 per person. The second showcase will take place April 27 at 5:30 p.m. at 1719 McCullough Blvd. in Tupelo, featuring a collaborative experience with Queen’s Reward and 7 Acres Flowers. Attendees will enjoy one drink or slushie, learn the process of making mead and create a small, honey-influenced floral arrangement. The cost is $40 per person. Participants must be 21 or older to purchase tickets for this event. Space is limited for both showcases, and early registration is encouraged. These events continue ICC’s efforts to support local businesses while providing meaningful, engaging experiences for the community. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Rena Chism at (662) 407-1500 or continuingeducation@iccms.edu. Related Articles ICC sets Small Business Showcase during May Itawamba Community College’s Continuing Education Department is offering a Small Business Showcase series that will begin May 2 at 6 p.m. at the Belden Center and will feature Fulton’s Square Gift Co. During the Trucker Hat Bar, participants will have the opportunity to create custom design trucker hats during the two-hour session. The cost is $30, and additional patches can be purchased. Additional sessions include candle making, Humble Roots Candle Company, May 16 from 6-8 p.m. at the ICC Belden Center; and a do-it-yourself wood sign workshop by Board and Brush at its location, 3944 North Gloster, Tupelo, May 24, 6-8 p.m. Both sessions are $35 each. “The program was initiated to create partnerships with area local businesses and to begin during Small Business Month, which is May,” said Josh Gammill, ICC Continuing Education director. “One of our goals is not only to invest in our small businesses, but also in our communities. We hope that participants walk away from the hands-on experiences with a new skill as well as something that they have created.” Gammill said that he ... ICC's Continuing Education to offer Small Business Showcase series Itawamba Community College’s Continuing Education Department is offering a Small Business Showcase series. Sessions include March 25 at 5:30 p.m. at Magnolia Soap, 100A West Main St. in Fulton, candle or bath bombs ($22 each option) or both ($40); April 1 at 6 p.m., Seven Acres Flowers (Mooreville) at the ICC-Belden Center, create a custom flower bouquet, $35; April 10 at 6 p.m., Sculpted Wellness, 127 Young Ave. in Nettleton, chair massages, moisturizing hand treatments and aromatherapy, $50; May 6 at 6 p.m., Lost+Found Coffee, 910 Robert E. Lee Extended in Tupelo, coffee workshop on tasting and recipe development, build your own signature coffee opportunity, cookie decorating kits and more, $40. “The program is intended to create partnerships with area local businesses,” said Josh Gammill, ICC Continuing Education director. “One of our goals is not only to invest in our small businesses, but also in our communities. We hope that participants walk away from the hands-on experiences with a new skill as well as something that they have created.” For more information, call (662) 407-1500 or email ... ICC selected among winners of Mississippi Business Journal's 2023 Best Places to Work in Mississippi Itawamba Community College has been selected among the winners of the Mississippi Business Journal’s 2023 Best Places to Work in Mississippi. ICC was a finalist in the large category, which includes businesses with 150 or more employees. “On behalf of our Itawamba Community College family, we appreciate this significant honor from the Mississippi Business Journal, which is a testament to how our employees see us,” said President Dr. Jay Allen. “At ICC, we are more than administrators, faculty and staff members. We are friends, and most importantly, we are family.” According to Mississippi Business Journal Publisher Tami Jones, “We are so pleased to have such great companies that set the example of a great place to work. It is even more exciting that this award comes from how the employees view their employers. What better way to gauge and interact with your employees and the success of your company?” ICC opened its doors, Sept. 1, 1948, and is celebrating its diamond anniversary. It is situated on what was once a cotton and corn field on a 100-acre parcel of ... Forbes Advisor ranks ICC Business and Marketing Management Technology program sixth in nation; only Mississippi college recognized Forbes Advisor has ranked Itawamba Community College’s Business and Marketing Management Technology program sixth in the nation, the only community college in Mississippi to be recognized. Forbes Advisor’s ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers and reputable educational and professional organizations to produce its unbiased rankings. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies its content to provide trustworthy, up-to-date information. “We are honored to be recognized by Forbes Advisor as we strive each semester to teach our students the most relevant skills they’ll need to be successful in the workforce,” said Jodi McCrimon, ICC’s Business and Marketing Management Technology program director. “As one of the top 10 best online community college programs in the nation, we enthusiastically offer this degree to meet the needs of student and adult learners in our community. The best start here!” ICC President Dr. Jay Allen joined McCrimon in appreciation for the honor. “While we strive to always provide the best educational product and experience, it’s always exciting for others to ... ICC Hosts Insight Luncheon Showcasing Bloom Neurodivergent Program Itawamba Community College hosted its annual Insight Luncheon Nov. 21 at the Belden Center, spotlighting the college’s Bloom Neurodivergent Program for high school counselors, career coaches, business owners and community leaders. During the luncheon, guests were immersed in Bloom’s mission, its students and the program’s newest expansion, Bloom Academy. Dr. Michelle Clouse, vice president of Instruction, and Andrea Hardin, Bloom coordinator, shared updates on Bloom’s current structure, student progress and long-term plans to expand both academic and workforce-readiness opportunities. “Bloom began with a simple belief: that every student, regardless of learning differences, deserves the opportunity to pursue their education, develop independence and contribute their gifts to the world around them,” ICC President Dr. Jay Allen said. “This program represents hope, possibility and our commitment to ensuring that every student has a place where they can grow, contribute and truly bloom.” Allen also underscored the importance of community partnerships in sustaining and growing the program. “Unlike most ICC students, Bloom students pay full tuition, and ICC receives no state reimbursement for this program,” he said. “Bloom only grows through partnerships with counselors and career coaches ... ICC celebrates April as National Welding Month; students in Metallica class share their stories Chris Adair of Saltillo is a student in Itawamba Community College’s welding class that has been funded by a grant from Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands. He and his classmates as well as all students in ICC’s welding classes are joining in the celebration of April as National Welding Month. Adair said that enrolling in the class was a great opportunity to learn welding. “I’m hooked on a hobby that I can have for a lifetime.” His grandfather was a welder for both the Navy and NASA. “I would have made my grandfather proud. I can feel his arms on mine when I stick weld.” A general studies graduate in 2018, Adair said he didn’t know what his future would bring. He said he spent a lot of time playing video games. “I didn’t know what to do. I saw the opportunity and decided to go for it. I was nervous at first, but I’ve started a hobby that I enjoy.” Adair and his classmates have different stories, but their chance meeting in ICC’s welding class has given them ... Comments are closed.