Taylor takes reins at Byhalia Chamber

Laura Taylor took the reins at the Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street luncheon Nov. 17. It was the last luncheon of the year and Taylor’s first luncheon at her new position as executive director.

Held in the Old School Commons, much was said during the meeting about continuing to obtain funding to renovate the facility for community use.

The Town of Byhalia and Byhalia Area Arts Council use the Commons as home base.

Taylor expressed her happiness at her new role in the Byhalia community.

“For me it’s a beautiful time to be a part of this community,” she said.

She took the top spot at the Chamber two months ago and is already seeing the opportunity the town has for business development and growth.

“What an exciting time to come on board with the chamber,” she said

Taylor laid out some of her visions and goals.

“Remember our past and how we got here — the foundation,” she said. “We are building on the work by the people who came before us.”

Taylor recognized Sarah Faye Sawyer, who helped build the Chamber’s foundation by serving as executive director for the last 25 years. The Chamber is in its 35th year

She said the Chamber exists to serve the community and without the dedication of Sarah Sawyer and her knowledge it would be harder to do her job.

Taylor said the Chamber will upgrade some software and streamline its website with new management software tools that will help promote the information of its members.

The Chamber board of directors approved the upgrades which will be installed and ready for members to use in early 2023.

Members will receive training on its use, if need be.

The account software will also be streamlined so members can pay their dues and communicate online with the Chamber.

“Let us know if you have challenges in business or the workforce,” Taylor said. “We want to hear about them.”

Taylor announced a new event —Coffee and Commerce — kicking off in January to be held on the third Wednesday of each month. It will meet at 8 a.m. at the Chamber office.

“I am excited to be here. Share with us your vision,” Taylor concluded.

The keynote speaker at the luncheon was Mayor Debby Weathers, who to the day of the luncheon had served as mayor exactly eight months.

Her speech will be covered in a separate article.

Meal sponsor for the luncheon was Byhalia Bank (Bank of Holly Springs) prepared by Calico Kitchen. The meal of casseroles and ham and bread pudding served as a taster for the business in advance of Thanksgiving holidays.

Some interesting faces at the meeting included:

• Sue Brents, chamber board member, with Byhalia Bank. • Lacey Elkins, city clerk.

• Thaddeus Purnell, deputy city clerk.

• Angie Clayton, Municipal Court Clerk of 20 years.

• William Rose, alderman Town of Byhalia.

• Toni Moore, alderman Town of Byhalia.

• Delores Lay, chamber board member, and co-worker Michelle Guiding, senior H.R. Generalist, both with ASICS.

• Richard and Barbara Duck.

• Tamela Jones, Insure Motives Agency.

• Willie and Lorraine James with the Marshall County Humane Society.

• Linda Meeks, Kelly Services staffing agency.

• Michael Caffee, lead pastor with Church Plant Great Commission in Olive Branch - a start up church.

• Michael McCarthy with Ardmore Roderick.

• Monica Burress with Calico Kitchen.

• Rep. Bill Kinkade, president of BACMS.

• Sen. Neil Whaley.

• Mark Bryson with Health Markets.

• Gloria Kendrick with Everything’s Your Appliances.

• Bill and Lis Fitts.

• Charles and Joy Crain.