Madison’s Manning earns national award

Paige Manning, director of the Market Development Division at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC), was recently awarded the prestigious 2020 Honor Award for Communications by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).

“Paige was selected to earn this national award by NASDA from over 50 state and territorial submissions,” said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “This award recognizes Paige’s excellent work in leading the effort on our great Genuine Mississippi brand as well as our other marketing programs. I am so proud of our staff at MDAC for the work they do for Mississippi agriculture, and I especially want to congratulate Paige on this very deserved honor.”

The purpose of the NASDA Communications Award is to recognize an individual for outstanding work in media and public communications within a state agency resulting in improved understanding of agriculture and agricultural programs.

Since joining the agency in 2005, Manning and her team launched Genuine MS, Mississippi’s new and quickly growing branding program. Manning received this award because of her innovative and progressive use of technology, including an interactive website, podcasts and other digital platforms. Paige accomplished all of this while maintaining a positive atmosphere and spirit of teamwork in the Department.