Chamber honors Reed's as top industry
Friday, November 21, 2008
Reed's Metals owner Bernie Reed said diversifying his inventory might have been a part of the 25 percent growth this year that helped lead his business to garner Industry of the Year honors Thursday at the 2008 Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
Industrial Development Foundation Chairman Bill Sones said Reed's Metals had shown other area businesses what it is to grow from the ground up.
"Our industry of the year is a true success story," he said.
Sones added that when the business opened up 10 years ago, it operated out of a temporary building. It has now grown to be a viable, vital part of the Lincoln County economy.
"From where we started from, it's almost unbelievable to me that we've gotten this far," Reed said. "It means an awful lot to us."
Sones said Reed's Metals, in addition to its growth, is on target to make $12 million in volume this year.
"I never would have dreamed that we'd have gotten this far," said Reed, who attributed his success to people who have helped him in Lincoln County. There are a lot of great people we're working with, and some really good people who have helped me out through the years. I'm so proud of this county, they've been very supportive of us."
Among other honors presented during the chamber's annual banquet at the Thames Center at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, the Agribusiness of the Year Award went to Bardwell Dairy. It is owned by Leon and Debbie Bardwell.
Lincoln County MSU Extension Service Director Rebecca Bates said the farm has garnered many other honors in recent years, including 2008's Master Dairymen of the Year from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association.
"They've won numerous honors, not just tonight," Bates said, pointing out that in addition to upkeeping such excellence, the Bardwells still milk 65 heifers a day.
The Soapbox Award, given for an individual who has done outstanding work to promote the community, was awarded to Roberta Johnston. Johnston, 87, was recognized for her years of service to King's Daughters Medical Center and Habitat for Humanity.
"This award is not given annually, but it is given at specific times to individuals of special distinction," said Steering Committee Chairwoman Rita Rich.
Educator of the Year went to Bogue Chitto teacher Kathy McKone, who has taught science for 20 years and beat out three other finalists for the honor.
"She believes every minute is a teaching opportunity, no matter where you are," said 2008 Chamber President Rob McCreary.
Ambassador Chairman Imogene Ryan and Chamber Membership Chairman Jim Jolly both received recognition for their service to the chamber in the past year as well.
McCreary told the group that the chamber has some new programs in the works for the coming year.
They include chamber gift cards, which can be purchased and spent at any participating chamber member business in town. This, he said, should help keep holiday money at home.
"We appreciate your Christmas shopping, and when you make your decisions we hope you'll think about the businesses that supported our children's athletic teams, bought ads in the yearbooks, supported the civic groups and donated their time to the community," he said. "Fifty-six percent of Brookhaven's general fund comes from sales tax, and we as a community need to make an effort to shop at home."
McCreary also outlined some of the chamber's victories since the last banquet, emphasizing the fact that Brookhaven and Lincoln County schools have become models for other school districts in the Mississippi Scholars Program. In addition, he said, the chamber helped to spearhead a leadership symposium simulcast program with 10 national leadership speakers that was held in the spring at Easthaven Baptist Church.
Chamber officials also touted the Small Business Roundtable, the brainchild of local businessmen George Faust and Jolly, who wanted to create an opportunity for small business owners to get together and listen to speakers and brainstorm ways to improve their companies and community.
Finally, McCreary turned the chamber reins over to 2009 President Stan Foster of State Bank.
"I'm passing the torch to the very capable hands of Stan Foster," McCreary said as he thanked those who made his tenure as chamber president possible over the last year.
