Weathers named Leader of the Year

The Byhalia Area Chamber Main Street awards were handed out at the March 9 quarterly luncheon. Byhalia Town Mayor Debby Weathers received the coveted Leader of the Year award.

“She truly has the Town’s best interest at heart,” said Chamber executive director Laura Taylor. “She came in her roll under most difficult circumstances.”

The Customer Service of the Year award went to Chelsea Rambo with Traveling Tortoise Vintage Shop in Byhalia.

“She has amazing reviews for going above and beyond with her customers,” Taylor said.

The Industry of the Year award went to Instant Brands. The company, located in the Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park, gives back to the community by participating in the Great American clean-up day in Byhalia, makes food donations to the Hearts and Hands Ministry, hosts career fairs in the local schools, donates to the Christmas Toy drive, and provides breakfast product giveaways at the Byhalia High School, Taylor said.

“On behalf of the Byhalia Area Chamber, we appreciate Instant Brands’ civic-minded efforts and investments that directly benefit our residents, our schools and the places we live, work and play,” Taylor said. “We are grateful to have them as members of our Chamber and the Byhalia community.”

Volunteer of the Year went to Sue Brents with Byhalia Bank. Taylor said Brents goes above and beyond in her job and in her Chamber participation.

“She’s a tremendous cook and bakes for employees,” Taylor said.

A brief history of the Chamber of Commerce was presented by Pat Woods by request.

He was around at the founding of the Chamber 35 years ago. He provided both a historical narrative and sound advice.

“I don’t know of a place any better to be in Byhalia more than at this event,” he said, speaking of a floodgate of memories.

“After 35 years and at 66 years old, I might make a mistake,” he quipped. “Thank a veteran who made it possible for us to be here.”

In 1987, Wayne Hollowell, CEO of Northcentral Electric Power asked Woods to participate in the organization of a Byhalia Chamber of Commerce. There were 12 people who were original members and maybe 18 people counting wives at the first meeting.

Hollowell urged people to make positive comments about the community and the town.

“Don’t make killing statements about your community,” he said.

That advice has remained in Woods mind over the 35 years since being selected as a founding member and officer for the Chamber.

From that meeting was born the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the 1988-89 board were Ann Walker, president; Joe Tunstall, vicepresident; Pat Woods, secretary; and Bill Dawson, treasurer.

“We managed to get through that first meeting with about 25 attending,” Woods said.

There were nine directors serving on the Chamber board.

The late Jean Burrow served as the second president.

Woods said the bar has been raised since there is so much going on in Byhalia now.

He recognized Sarah Fay Sawyer for promoting the Chamber the last 25 years, to much applause.

Woods also recognized Justin Hall, executive director of the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority, and Mayor Weathers for their leadership in helping grow the town and build services.

Northcentral Connect was recognized for providing affordable, high-speed broadband to the area.

“We have the things here to help promote our community and can do business out of the home,” Woods said and urged more in the community to get involved with the Chamber.

“Since 1987 to where we are today, there are so many ways to get involved,” Woods said. “If you are not asked to be a volunteer, ask ‘what can I do?’

“We can sit back and see things in black and white, or get involved and see things in color. Participate. Get involved. It’s worth putting a little rubber in the road. Be positive. Don’t make killer statements.

“There’s no place like home. Home is where your heart is and I pray that’s where you want to be,” he said.

Chamber Board member and president Russell Pennington honored Sarah Fay Sawyer for her 25 years of devotion to the Byhalia Chamber.

“I couldn’t write a book long enough to tell all the things she’s done,” Pennington said. “Her parents were on our board. She involved me in the Chamber and as time went by she said, ‘It’s time (for his service on the board).’ ”

“It’s one member at a time, one success story at a time to continue the work she started,” Pennington said.

Taylor also acknowledged Sawyer’s contributions.

“We as a chamber want to take a minute (to honor the one) whose name has been associated with the Byhalia Chamber the last 25 years,” Taylor said. “Sarah served this community, this chamber and community, with, a passion to help improve her hometown. Sarah’s been planting seeds and watching them grow over the years. Relax and watch the Chamber grow and bloom.”

Sawyer, in accepting a potted plant from her colleagues, reflected on her feature in The South Reporter Profile 2023 that was distributed at the luncheon.

“The Profile is about family and friends and I’m really proud of it. When you read it, it is all about family, friends and community. I had a life. I had a life!”

Clancy’s Cafe catered the meal of green beans, roast beef, chicken, rolls and chocolate cake.

Walt Starr with Congressman Trent Kelly’s office in Hernando, was keynote speaker for the day. His comments will be published separately.

The current members of the 2023 Board of Directors are:

• Russell Pennington, president, with Northcentral Electric Cooperative

• Delores Lay, vice president, ASICS

• Betsy Maness, treasurer, Southern Home Concepts

• Janice Wagg, secretary, The South Reporter

• Sue Brents, Byhalia Bank

• Crystal Burton, friend of the chamber

• Sarah Kinkade, Champion Promotion

• Jason Lowe, The Neighborhood Grill

• Jim Sanderlin, Woods Construction Services

• Sharon Taylor, Rockwool