The Little Company That Could: A Case Study in Excellence

Melvin Wilson, 46, a marketing manager for Mississippi Power, was reviewing next year's advertising campaign when Hurricane Katrina turned toward Mississippi.

A day later, the marketing man was "director of storm logistics," responsible for feeding and housing 11,000 repairmen from 24 states and Canada.

When Katrina hit, Mississippi Power management responded with a style designed for speed and flexibility, for getting things done amid confusion and chaos.

The key elements to success:

• A can-do corporate culture
• Clear lines of responsibility
• Decentralized decision-making

Read the story of true inspiration here - an example of innovative excellence.