Byhalia Chamber event draws crowd


Thursday, February 9, 2012
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Byhalia Chamber event draws crowd

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Photo by Sue Watson

William Murray (left) and his grandfather, Thomas Stewart, were on hand at the recent chamber meeting for a book-signing. Murray’s book is about the adventures of his granddad, who grew up in Byhalia and became a pilot in World War II. Looking on at a book signing of “Journey To War, The Thomas Stewart Story” is granddaughter Leah Grant. The book is available at barnesandnoble.com and on Amazon.com. To learn more visit www.journeytowar.com.

A group exceeding 100 attended the quarterly luncheon of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at Seafood Junction Too in Byhalia.

Mika Joyner received a plaque in recognition of her service to the board of directors.

Mika Joyner, with Mika Joyner Community Mortgage, was recognized for her service of over three years as a chamber board member. Joyner Community Mortgage and Brantley Funeral Home sponsored the luncheon.

Then, executive director Sarah Sawyer read from a yellowed and creased 1966 article in The South Reporter to launch the meeting.

“We believe Byhalia has a great future,” read the article, written by the mayor and aldermen at the time to launch their meeting.

Sawyer recognized supporting chamber members drawing from other counties.

“Some things never change,” she said. “What happens good in one area, happens good in all areas.”

Luncheon speakers included Dr. Brian Henry, chiropractor, with a practice in Olive Branch; Dr. Clifton Rogers, new executive director of the Byhalia Family Health Clinic; and personal trainer Angie Turner with Work of Art Fitness.

Henry applauded the availability of health care services in the area and how providers work together to offer their best counsel and solutions to clients. He had words of praise for the chamber.

“I like this Byhalia Chamber because it’s more like a family to me,” he said.

Rogers recognized Majorie McKinney, who recently retired as executive director of the Byhalia Family Health Clinic, and said she would continue as a special consultant. He also listed some high points of the clinic’s offerings which included: qualified physicians and nurses; a growing client base providing about $7 million in services and an annual payroll of about $2 million; open access serving about 10,000 clients and providing about 30,000 visits last year; affordable health care and help with medication costs to low-income and uninsured clients; special immunization program for parents who cannot afford to pay for shots; a smoking cessation program; a free HIV screening clinic; WIC services.

Health 1st Family Health Clinic representatives were invited to speak, but they were attending continuing education training, Sawyer said.

Personal trainer Angie Turner, who has a boot camp for women, said she wants to open up classes for children and seniors. She has served as a professional trainer since 2007. Turner grew up in Byhalia and Texas and returned after 17 years to the area.

“I want to help as many as I can, especially women,” she said. ‘Nutrition, physical activity and rest equals fitness.”

Turner holds boot camp in the town hall gym in the old Byhalia High School. Classes meet Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Photos by Sue Watson

Some of the new members of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce attended the quarterly luncheon at Seafood Junction Too. From left are Jonathan Jenkins, Joe and Arlene Tunstall, Billy Wiggins (AbilityWorks), Emily Neal (ID Theft Solutions of America), Bonnie Hill and Gil Leverne (Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Serivces), Jerry Grant, Katrina Moore (Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation), and Lashundra Higgenbottom (AbilityWorks)

Upcoming activities in Byhalia include:

• Mardi Gras Party to benefit Byhalia Beautiful and Main Street. February 17, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. at “The Craw” at 21 Vinson Road. Eddie Harrison Band. Tickets costing $20 per person include hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, favors and a free beverage, and a king and queen costume contest. Make reservations by calling the chamber at 662-838-8127 or by email to byhaliachamber@aol.com.

• Retirement party for Bro. Don Wilson at Thistledome Inn, February 24, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

• Marshall/Benton County Job Fair, March 8, 9 a.m-2 p.m., Rust College gym.

• Great American Cleanup in Byhalia, April 1-30.

• Lions Club/Clydesdale Christmas Store golf tourney, April 12.

• Elected officials and Chamber Champion Sponsors Open House, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. April 24.

• Quarterly luncheon May 17, noon at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Byhalia.

• Marshall County Relay for Life, Sam Coopwood Park, Holly Springs, June 8.

• Clydesdale Festival, June 14-16, Byhalia.

• Sounds of Summer Music and Arts Festival, August 25.

• White Oak Classic Golf Tourney, September 27.

• Chamber Celebration, November 29.

The Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce enjoys a sustaining members list of 103 individuals and businesses. Sustaining members pay 150 percent of their annual dues to provide a sound basis for operations year around. The chamber’s sponsor program offers five levels of investment to help underwrite the chamber costs. Sponsors receive extra advertising perks for their support.

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