Mississippi State University hosted the Mississippi Minority Business Allianceâs June membership meeting Thursday. Attendees learned about minority- and women-owned business participation in the Yokohama Tire project from Bob Covington (third from left), an MSU alumnus and director of the Mississippi Development Authorityâs Minority and Small Business Development Division. David Shaw (left), MSUâs vice president for research and economic development, discussed the universityâs role in helping to bring the $300-million commercial truck tire plant to the Golden Triangle. Joining them are Shellie Michael, MMBA executive director, and Melvin Ray, MSU associate vice president for economic development.