Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced a promotional initiative of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) to celebrate America250 Mississippi. In conjunction with the nationwide America250 celebrations, this initiative honors the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding through MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services inspection stickers.
Commissioner Gipson was joined by Philip Chamblee, Executive Director of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores Association (MPMCSA) and the Mississippi Propane Gas Association; Joe C. Morris, Jr., President of Morris Petroleum Inc.; Kathy Henry, State Chair of the Mississippi State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR); Bette Poole, Representative with the James Foster Chapter of MSSDAR; Jennifer Thompson, Bureau Director of MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services; Gene Robertson, Deputy Director of MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services; Clay Hammons, Director of MDAC’s Petroleum Products Inspection Division; Brent Bowman, Director of MDAC’s Weights and Measures Division; Henri Fuselier, Director of MDAC’s Consumer Protection Division; and other officials.
“In 2021, our state agency began an initiative where we partner with universities across the state to promote them through our Bureau of Regulatory Services inspection stickers by featuring the school colors of the chosen university for one year,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This year, however, we are taking a different and unique approach. As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we felt it was fitting to honor this monumental and historic occasion by incorporating a patriotic America250 “Red, White and Blue” design as our official inspection stickers, which will be seen throughout 2026 in grocery stores, gas stations and retail locations around the state by Mississippians everywhere.”
MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services is divided into area-specific divisions that regulate certain businesses within the state. Four divisions, Consumer Protection, Petroleum Products Inspection, Weights and Measures, and the State Metrology Laboratory, administer these stickers throughout retail locations statewide upon passing inspection. The 2026 MDAC inspection stickers will feature the colors of the American flag – red, white and blue – as well as the America250 logo.
“Our Bureau of Regulatory Services carries out important work, which in turn, keeps the backbone of our economy running. And while these inspection stickers may appear simple, this endeavor carries significant meaning. It reflects our pride as Americans and our commitment to commemorating this extraordinary moment in our nation’s history. At the same time, it helps educate the public about MDAC’s role in ensuring fairness and integrity in the marketplace, while also highlighting the important work America250 Mississippi is doing to ensure our state plays an active role in this nationwide celebration,” continued Commissioner Gipson.
This collaborative effort enhances engagement within the agriculture community, promotes awareness of America250 Mississippi and offers the public meaningful opportunities to learn more about the state’s regulatory functions.
“Most Mississippians probably don’t realize that every gallon of fuel purchased in this state is inspected and regulated by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce,” said MPMCSA Executive Director Philip Chamblee. “This industry is very important to our state, and I thank MDAC’s team for the important work they perform and the excellent regulatory partnership we enjoy. This initiative is truly unique because it keeps the patriotic spirit and significance of America250 at the forefront of the public’s mind every time they encounter one of these meaningful decals when fueling their vehicle. The whole nation is excited for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and now, Mississippians can look forward to seeing these reminders displayed at gas stations, grocery stores and other retail locations around the state.”
“How wonderful that everyday Mississippians – young and old – will be reminded of America250 and the celebration of our country when they go to pump gas or weigh products at the store,” said Kathy Henry, MSSDAR State Chair and Member of the America250 Mississippi Commission.
MDAC inspection stickers signify compliance that ensures fairness and equity in the marketplace. From produce scales at the grocery store to gas pumps at service stations and much more, MDAC inspectors work hard for the citizens of Mississippi. In 2025 alone, MDAC’s Bureau of Regulatory Services tested 16,746 various scales and 60,186 devices found at gas stations.
Visit https://youtu.be/-zA_uuv_6s4 to view the press conference in its entirety.
If you have any questions or concerns about the quality, weight or quantity of product(s) purchased, scan the QR code or call the number provided on MDAC’s inspection stickers. Visit www.mdac.ms.gov to learn more about the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Regulatory Services.
