Mark Klinedinst joined The University of Southern Mississippi in 1986 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics. Today, more than two decades later, Mark Klinedinst holds the title of emeritus Professor of Economics. Mark Klinedinst specializes in Eastern Europe and Bulgaria, economic participation, U.S. cooperative organizations, and transition economies. The recipient of multiple awards, Mark Klinedinst received research grants from the National Council for Eurasian and East European Research, The William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan, and the Filene Research Institute. Mark Klinedinst served as the Chair of the Department of Economics, Finance, and International Business at The University of Southern Mississippi College of Business from 2003 through 2005 and acted as President of The University of Southern Mississippi Chapter of the American Association of University Professors from 2009 to 2010. A respected authority on economics, Mark Klinedinst penned articles for scholarly publications such as the Journal of Money, Investment and Banking; the International Research Journal of Finance & Economics; and the Journal of Comparative Economics. Mark Klinedinst also contributed to The Bulgarian Economy: Lessons from Reform During Early Transition, the New Economy Handbook, and other textbooks. In addition to writing, Mark Klinedinst reviews content for several highly regarded publications, including Economic Development Quarterly, Industrial and Labor Relations Review, the Journal of Comparative Economics, Decision Sciences, and Economic Systems. Mark Klinedinst sits on the Board of Directors of the International Association for the Economics of Participation and belongs to the Association for Evolutionary Economics, the Labor and Employment Relations Association, the Econometric Society, The American Economic Association, and the Association for Comparative Economic Studies. Mark Klinedinst attended Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Government in 1976. In 1983, Mark Klinedinst earned his Master’s degree in Economics at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and continued his studies at the prestigious institution until he received his Ph.D. in 1987. Prior to accepting a position at The University of Southern Mississippi in 1986, Mark Klinedinst served as a Teaching Assistant at Cornell University for five years and as an Instructor at Carleton College for one year.
Mark Klinedinst is an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and the editor of Katrina Ten Years After. With the help of contributing authors, Mark Klinedinst’s new book provides a comprehensive history of Katrina’s aftermath.
Katrina Ten Years After, released August 29, 2015, brings together a collective of authors to tell their personal stories of both the tragic aftermath of the devastating storm, which hit Mississippi and Louisiana in 2005, and the rebuilding of the affected areas over the subsequent decade. The book presents these stories along with a collection of photographs and socio-economic analyses to provide both a personal and a factual overview of Katrina’s aftermath. Topics covered in the book include the struggles that the people of New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward faced in rebuilding post-Katrina, and “The Green Project,” a salvage business in New Orleans that reused materials from landfills for rebuilding projects. Along with the book, the official Facebook page provides a forum where anyone who was affected by Katrina can post their own personal stories and experiences.
For the last three decades Mark Klinedinst has served the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS, and now in the role of emeritus professor of economics. The Maryland native spends his time away from the school contributing to numerous charities. Mark Klinedinst has supported Habitat for Humanity International.
Making a financial contribution to Habitat for Humanity International can be achieved in just a few simple steps. Habitat for Humanity accepts online donations in various forms, highlighted by one time contributions and recurring monthly gifts. Both recurring and single gifts can be made in amounts of $10, $20, $30, or $50, though the organization also allows donors to contribute customized sums.
To help guide donations, the website provides an outline of what each level of donation can purchase. For example, a $50 contribution can help provide an in-need community with a low-flow toilet, while a $150 donation can be used to build a front door. Individuals can also explore planned gifts, which can be arranged to continue in perpetuity through an estate plan, or corporate donations, which allow employers to match donations made my individual employees.
World Food Day - Fighting Hunger One Person at a Time
A resident of Hattiesburg, MS, Mark Klinedinst has been a professor emeritus of economics at the University of Southern Mississippi since moving from Maryland in 1986. Mark Klinedinst is also an active member of his community and supports a number of charitable organizations, including World Food Day.
Founded to raise awareness of chronic hunger issues throughout the world and to bring people together against it, World Food Day was first observed in 1979. Held on October 16 each year to recognize the day the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was established in 1945, World Food Day brings together more than 60 organizations to advocate for a world without hunger. Spearheaded by the World Food Day USA & Canada Network and the FAO Liaison Office for North America, people can take action as individuals, in small groups, or at a larger public event.
In 2014, World Food Day was organized around the theme of family farming and the positive effect that family farms have on the global food supply. Public events were designed to bring awareness to and provide food for those in need. For example, World Food Day partnered with Buddhist Global Relief for nearly a dozen Walk to Feed the Hungry events and with Church World Service for over 1,300 annual CROP Hunger Walks. On a smaller scale, Oxfam America promotes World Food Day meals, where families or communities come together and discuss issues of farming, food, and hunger.
World Food Day Raises Hunger Awareness Through Events
Employed as emeritus professor of economics at the University of Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS, Mark Klinedinst, Ph.D., discusses transition economics and economic development. Considered an expert in his field, this former Maryland resident has contributed research and commentary pertaining to the economies of Japan and the United States. Heavily involved within his community, Mark Klinedinst participated in World Food Day (WFD).
Dedicating a specific day to taking action against hunger, WFD unites people around the world to declare their commitment. Held on October 16, WFD celebrates the creation of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which began on October 16, 1945. The first WFD formed in 1979 and today almost every country recognizes the event.
In North America, thousands of public awareness campaigns bring together different types of individuals to take action against hunger. Specific events include hunger walks, food drives, and meal-packing gatherings. Larger events include conferences, rallies, and hunger banquets. One event, the World Food Day Discussion held on October 22, 2014, in Washington, D.C., covered family farming in the 21st century. Policy makers, family farmers, business executives, and opinion leaders explored the role of smallholder farms all across the globe.
Since 1981, October 16 has been observed as World Food Day. Created by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, World Food Day involves people around the globe encouraging policymakers to end hunger and poverty. In addition to thousands of individual contributors, more than 450 organizations take part in this annual endeavor.
One of World Food Day's most notable activities is the World Food Day Teleconference. During this event, specialists in economics, nutrition, environmental science, and agriculture join to discuss a myriad of issues affecting the Earth. Over the past several years, they have covered topics including “Choices for a Warm and Hungry Planet,” “Climate: Changes, Challenges, and Consequences,” and “Politics of Hunger: What's at Stake?” To learn how to participate in World Food Day, visit www.worldfooddayusa.org.
About the Author: A Professor of Economics, Mark Klinedinst has educated students at the University of Southern Mississippi since 1986. The former Chair of its Department of Economics, Finance, and International Business, Dr. Klinedinst supports World Food Day.
A former resident of Maryland, Mark Klinedinst, Ph.D., currently serves as an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. From 2003 through 2005, he served as chair of the department of economics, finance, and international business. A philanthropic individual, Mark Klinedinst dedicates his downtime to helping those around him and sits on the board of directors of the Hattiesburg Farmers Market.
First established in 2003 as the Hub City Market, the Hattiesburg Farmers Market takes place in the Town Square Park in downtown Hattiesburg. Originally advertised as providing food “from the ground to town,” in 2007 it was renamed the Pine Belt Farmers & Artisans Market; it took on its current name, the Hattiesburg Farmers Market, in 2010.
Customers may visit the market, at the corner of Main and Buschman Street, every Thursday from March through October. They will find locally grown, farm-fresh produce as well as dairy goods and prepared foods, and can listen to live local music while shopping for their goods. To help the market remain successful, volunteers contribute their time to assist in various ways. These include working the market’s booth, helping vendors set up or take down their wares, and putting up posters around town.
A Look at Agricultural Cooperatives, by Mark Klinedinst
Agricultural cooperatives, or co-ops, have spread throughout the United States. About 3,000 exist nationwide, and they attract customers from all throughout their regions. These organizations allow farmers to pool their resources to market, manufacture and finance their products.
Additionally, participants have a say over the practices of the co-op because all members can vote for the board of directors. Furthermore, if the agricultural co-op turns a profit, members garner financial benefits based on their patronage.
About the Author:
The recipient of a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from Cornell University, Mark Klinedinst has dedicated the past 25 years of his career to teaching students at the University of Southern Mississippi. Interested in environmental stewardship, Dr. Klinedinst supports agricultural co-ops.
Habitat for Humanity Celebrates New Housing Allocation Directive
Previously a resident of Maryland, Mark Klinedinst is currently an emeritus professor of economics at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Mark Klinedinst also volunteers in his community and has worked with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for people around the world.
In a recent press release, Habitat for Humanity celebrated the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s decision to instruct Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to allocate funds to the Capital Magnet Fund and the Housing Trust Fund. This latest directive was issued in accordance with the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA). Prior to the new decree, distributions to the Capital Magnet Fund and the Housing Trust Fund had been suspended for more than five years due to the economic recession.
Habitat for Humanity’s director of government relations noted that this allocation action was well timed, because housing markets are still recovering and federal housing resources remain limited. In a statement, Habitat for Humanity reported that the organization anticipates renewing its partnership with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Magnet Fund, which granted $4 million to Habitat for Humanity International in 2010 to help finance a $50 million extension of a low-interest loan program that benefits Habitat affiliates.
Currently an emeritus professor of economics in Hattiesburg, MS, Mark Klinedinst earned his MA and PhD in economics at Cornell University. In his free time, Mark Klinedinst enjoys volunteer work, and has been involved with local events associated with World Food Day.
Established in 1979 and first observed on October 16, 1981, the United Nations’ World Food Day occurs annually and is meant to raise awareness about hunger. Over the first 30 years, one of the central aspects of World Food Day observance in the U.S. was a teleconference broadcast to universities that featured presentations from experts on agriculture, nutrition, economics, and other fields. World Food Day has since grown into a grassroots movement that has seen ordinary people join together in the hope of making a difference.
There are many ways to take part in World Food Day. Some people have organized food-packaging events or hosted community meals in their neighborhoods. Others have staged charity walks to end hunger. Those interested in a long-term commitment can explore planting their own garden and donating fresh, homegrown produce to local food banks. There are endless ways to participate, and World Food Day encourages everyone to become involved.
The Labor and Employment Relations Association By Mark Klinedinst
The Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) is dedicated to those who are interested in learning about, discussing, and advancing all aspects of labor and employment relations. The organization helps professionals to network with like-minded individuals while learning about new issues, practices, and developments in the field. LERA is unique in that it represents all viewpoints, including labor, management, government, and academics, providing an open forum for all representatives and opinions.
LERA is a membership-driven organization. Members gain access to valuable resources, both online and in-print, and have opportunities to meet with leaders in the field. Members can choose to participate in up to two interests sections and join up to two industry councils. In addition, members receive the LERA newsletter, the annual research volume, and other LERA publications. The organization holds an annual meeting for all members, but many members elect to participate in local chapters as well.
About the Author
Mark Klinedinst, an economics professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, is a member of the Labor and Employment Relations Association and numerous other professional organizations.
Social Economics Adds Human Activity to Business Productivity By Mark Klinedinst
Social economics offers insight into how human behavior impacts markets and the economy. The basic tenets of "mainstream" economics revolve around how businesses respond to supply and demand issues. In social economics, however, analysts consider the way people respond to pricing, trends, and events. Moreover, the science determines economic impact caused by such factors as education, job opportunities, and public health.
Many social economists maintain that positive economic change can be affected by improving such services as health care and education. Evidence suggests that initiatives like early child enrichment propel volunteerism and pride that lead to neighborhood revitalization and improved prospects for residents. The local economy gains further momentum with the influx of new residents seeking short commutes and new businesses needed to service the growing population.
About Mark Klinedinst: Mark Klinedinst serves as an Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Southern Mississippi. Having joined the school in 1986, he continues as an educator and author. Mark Klinedinst supports numerous professional organizations, including the International Association for the Economics of Participation and the American Association of University Professors.
Filene Research Institute: Mission and Research, by Mark Klinedinst
Filene Research Institute is an institute dedicated to the analysis of topics and issues related to the future of credit unions and consumer finance. Many scholars and consultants publish research through Filene to analyze questions, which will help credit unions to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the economy.
Some recent publications from the Institute include research on the culture of borrowing and debt, looking into how both financial and emotional factors can affect a person’s attitude to borrowing. Another research paper examines problems with credit unions overstaffing branches, part of a series of research about the costs of credit unions and their qualifications.
These are just a few of the wide range of topics being researched through Filene. For further information, visit http://filene.org/home/research/publications
About the Author: Mark Klinedinst is the Emeritus Professor of Economics at the University of Southern Mississippi. Amongst his numerous awards and publications, Mark Klinedinst was awarded a research grant from the Filene Research Institute in 2007 to study the resilience of credit institutes following Hurricane Katrina.
For more than 100 years, Americans have turned to credit unions. Providing assistance to individuals during the Great Depression, credit unions were established to serve their members at the lowest price possible. The first credit unions simply pooled members’ finances to obtain loans. Today, credit unions provide a comprehensive suite of financial services equivalent to major banks. The difference is that credit unions are owned by their members and run by volunteer boards, instead of by stockholders.
The Credit Union National Association (CUNA), a major industry group, has identified several primary requirements necessary for a financial institution to be called a credit union:
Membership must be voluntary and offered without discrimination. Members must possess democratic control over the activities of the organization, meaning one vote per person, not one vote per share.
In addition, members of credit unions make decisions on how their capital is invested and any activities undertaken to raise additional capital must maintain the independence of the organization.
As credit unions are run by volunteer boards, they must provide education and training opportunities to all members, so that they can make informed decisions for the group.
Finally, credit unions operate according to principles of cooperation at the local and state levels, including support for the local community and its needs. This implies membership in appropriate national and state-level organizations and interaction with other credit unions.
About Mark Klinedinst: An economist who has studied credit unions extensively, Mark Klinedinst serves as a professor emeritus at the University of Southern Mississippi.
