The Blues Highway Association and The Mississippi Blues Commission are interrelated organizations. Each plays a different but important role, and each helps the other promote the Blues and the State of Mississippi. The best example of this synergy is the creation of the Registry of Blues Heritage Sites by the Blues Highway Association, a Registry that was used by The Blues Commission in its first report to the Legislature.

The Blues Highway Association	The Mississippi Blues Commission
An ad hoc group of approximately 200 participants, adding about 10-20 new members each month.	An agent of the State of Mississippi, created by act of the legislature, and empowered to speak for the State on certain issues
A loose-knit, democratic association of people whose constituencies providing heritage and Blues experiences to the public, mainly in the Delta. It includes museum operators, travel and magazine writers, academics, tourism officials, Chamber of Commerce representatives, Convention and Visitor's Bureaus, with representatives from The Blues Foundation, The Blues Music Association, and other trade groups	A structured body of 18 appointed Commissioners representing major organizations and geographic/political regions supporting Blues initiatives throughout the state, Chaired by an appointee of the Governor
First convened in 2002 by popular consent	Organized in October 2003 by Gubernatorial decree, legally re-constituted in 2004 by the Legislature
A group designed to collect and disseminate information and stimulate discussion of innovative and creative approaches to heritage/Blues issues and problems. Basically a think-tank for Blues issues and a trade group for participant organizations	A group that has the clout of a State agency, and can use its authority appropriately to promote the Blues and the State of Mississippi
Meets every 6 weeks at a different place in the Delta, convened by The Delta Center for Culture and Learning	Meets quarterly in Jackson, or on demand of the Chair
In the trenches: grass roots workers	In the offices: administrators and policy makers
Representing anyone who participates, often very small businesses	Appointees represent their constituencies, often State agencies
Can provide information, collect data and provide widespread grass roots support from various Blues community sectors	Can act with authority, effecting major policies and, potentially, funding efforts
Can provide in-kind support from numerous entities to assist grant efforts	Can potentially provide direct funding and leverage State support of activities
Can provide partnerships and cooperative support from numerous private sector member organizations	Can provide leadership and direction for major efforts promoting the Blues, and coordinate assistance from other State agencies