Community matters at annual CDP banquet

A retired state Senator stressed that community matters as the Community Development Partnership celebrated the 68th Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet Monday night by recognizing key individuals in the community. 

Bill Renick, the retired state senator from Ashland and board member of the Tennessee Valley Authority, was featured as the guest speaker after being introduced by his longtime friend, retired state Senator Terry Jordan of Philadelphia.

“It is absolutely an honor for me to be with y’all tonight,” Renick said before delving into his political background and stories of his life. At the end of his speech, he invoked the late Tupelo newspaper publisher George McLean, saying, “It is the responsibility of Mississippi to try to raise the level economically, spiritually, and otherwise of the people of Mississippi. There’s nobody else that is going to come in here and do it for us.”

Chamber Main Street President Tim Moore presented Hays Pet Boutique with the Small Business of the Year Award. 

Owner Candace Hays began her career at the age of 16 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, at an independent grooming shop. At 18, she went on to PetSmart and went into the academy process learning different breeds and what breeds needed safety precautions, and learned CPR on cats and dogs. 

In 2018, she came to Mississippi after completing the highest international certified master grooming title and started her grooming business with her husband, Thomas Hays.

“I have met a lot of amazing people here in Neshoba County,” she said. “When it comes to people’s pets, they’re just part of everybody’s family and lives. Through a lot of hard work, tears, and sweat, we are slowly building into the dream that I’ve had since I started this. Thank you all.”

Alderman-at-Large Carson Waltman presented Williams Brothers with the Large Business of the Year Award. 

Sid Williams accepted the award on behalf of his family and recognized several important employees who have impacted the store over the years, including Henry Tom Kelly, his son Tommy Lee Kelly, Oden John, and his son Felton. 

Williams told a story about Tommy Lee, Felton, and himself, saying “There was a man in the store from Pennsylvania about six years ago. He asked, ‘How has Neshoba County changed in the last 50 years?’ I said ‘All I can tell you is Tommy Lee was slicing bacon and I was slicing bacon, Tommy Lee is black, I’m white, and Felton is Choctaw Indian. I can tell you that 50 years ago we were all good friends playing together outside the store, and 50 years later, we are still good friends working together at the store. That’s the way I see Neshoba County.”