The 62nd Mendenhall Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet was held on March 21 at the National Guard Armory in Mendenhall.
A silent auction was once again featured before the banquet began and included several unique items such as paintings, decorations, and tools.
The program began at 7 p.m. when Chamber President Josh Pierce shared opening remarks. Brother Rodney Anderson gave the invocation, and Representative Price Wallace led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Cemper Scott then sang the National Anthem. Dinner was served by the Mendenhall Future Leaders group and catered by Smokey Mountain Grill.
After dinner the award presentation began. Tiffany Kinslow, who assists with the Miss Hospitality Program, thanked former Miss Hospitality Kacey Wallace for her outstanding job serving in the position during the last year. Wallace represented Mendenhall well in the state pageant and performed her commercial for the crowd which highlighted the historic Revolving Tables restaurant, downtown Mendenhall, and Simpson County Lake. Miss Hospitality is tasked with promoting tourism, economic development, and businesses in Mendenhall and surrounding cities. Wallace said she was thankful for the opportunity to represent Mendenhall as Miss Hospitality and promote her city.
Kinslow then announced that Mendenhall’s next Miss Hospitality will be Kenleigh Magee, daughter of Tim and Kristi Magee. Kenleigh is a freshman at Jones County Junior College. Kinslow also announced that Little Miss Hospitality for 2022 would be Ada Mae Blair, the daughter of Justin and Maegan Blair.
Alderwoman Judy Lee announced Bella Broadhead as Simpson County’s Distinguished Young Woman. Broadhead will represent Simpson County as the Distinguished Young Woman in the at- large program in April for an opportunity to represent the county on the state level in July.
The STAR Student and Teacher of Mendenhall High School and Simpson Academy were also announced. STAR Student honors are awarded to the student in the school with the highest ACT score, and that student chooses their STAR Teacher.
Mendenhall High Principal Ramonica Feazell introduced Harleigh Abernathy as STAR Student of Mendenhall. Abernathy received the honor after scoring a 31 on her ACT. Abernathy then named her STAR Teacher as Aaron Williams.
Simpson Academy Head Master Nick Lee announced Simpson Academy’s STAR Student, Scott Maddox, who scored a 29 on his ACT. Maddox chose Chris Murphy as his STAR Teacher.
Dixie Everett was called to present the Outstanding Citizen award. She began by describing the recipient as a talented musician and a lifelong citizen of Mendenhall who is “kindhearted, humble, hard-working, and talented.” Everett said the recipient received her first lesson in citizenship from her parents. She credited her parents with teaching her many valuable life lessons that still apply to today’s society. Everett revealed the citizen to be Brenda Jones.
Jones is a member of the Mendenhall Business Women and Mendenhall First Baptist. Everett said she is dedicated and diligent and is usually the first to arrive at an event and last to leave.
Brenda Jones is most famous for her musical talent, according to Everett. Jones is an accomplished pianist who plays for many civic events. She served as a music teacher in the local school system for many years and now plays for Mendenhall First Baptist Church events when needed. She met her husband, Bob Jones, through music after a church revival. The two were married for 52 years.
Jones was pleasantly surprised to receive the award and be joined by her family. She thanked everyone and promised to live up to the recognition.
The final award presented was Business of the Year. David Massey presented the award to Simpson General Hospital. Massey opened saying, “There are heroes among us tonight.”
He explained that Simpson General Hospital opened their doors in 1658 and has been going strong for over 65 years. He emphasized that Simpson General Hospital has a 42.5 million dollar economic impact on the community. SGH was recently chosen by the Department of Health as a Center of Excellence during the ongoing pandemic. They also received the Quality Award in 2021. Massey also revealed that SGH is planning an expansion in the near future.
Massey said, “I am honored to stand here and congratulate these heroes.”
Outgoing Chamber President Josh Pierce gave closing remarks before passing the gavel. Pierce highlighted some of the projects the Mendenhall Area Chamber of Commerce has completed around town along with new events. Pierce said several remodeling projects have been completed and announced that the Chamber of Commerce has recently purchased new hanging baskets that will be featured on Main Street. He was proud to announce that Mendenhall In May has grown every year along with Pumpkins in the Park. New events on the calendar include a Merry Mendenhall Christmas and Fall Fashion Show. Pierce thanked his wife for her support during his term as president. He laughed as he explained that a lot of his ideas were “all hers.”
Pierce said, “I’ve enjoyed my time as president of the Chamber and I leave you all with the same challenge. Make yourself available to serve. A community is only as strong as the people serving in it.”
Pierce then announced Amber Case as the incoming president of the Mendenhall Area Chamber of Commerce. Case stated she is excited for the opportunity and looks forward to working with everyone.
