PageO Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
eìÖÜ=jáääÉê=^ê~åí=fff ^ÖÉW 33
o~óãçåÇ=g~ãÉë
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉLÜçãÉíçïåW= Rebekah Johnson Arant of Madison
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Financial adviser, Raymond James, seven years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Business Administration, Delta State University, 2003; Master of Business Administration, Delta State University, 2008; certificate in financial planning, Florida State University, 2011 eçÄÄáÉëW Attending Mississippi State football games, reading and traveling
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Greenwood Lions Club, first vice president; Museum of the Mississippi Delta; Delta Council; Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals; Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “Professionally, it would be to help as many people as possible achieve their financial goals. Personally, it would be to continue to grow intellectually and to work to find ways to help my community in any and all ways possible.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “As a teenager, I was always intrigued and fascinated by the financial markets. Also, I've always considered myself a people person. Being a financial adviser gives me the opportunity daily to not only interact with the financial markets but the opportunity to interact with clients.”
tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “Simple works — it really does. Also, I’ve learned that the cause of a problem is rarely what it appears to be on the surface of the situation.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “By nature, I’m a competitive person. The personal challenge that has always provided me with motivation is the inner desire to be the best I can be at whatever I do.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “The strong sense of community pride and the concern to further strengthen that sense of pride.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “Presenting more opportunities to nurture and foster the entrepreneurial spirit that many young professionals possess.”
`äáÑ=_~êåÉë
_~êåÉë=m~éÉê=C=g~åáíçêá~ä=pìééäó
^ÖÉW 36
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Jackson
péçìëÉI=ÜáëLÜÉê=ÜçãÉíçïåI=~åÇ=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW=Jessica of Centralia, Ill.; daughters Parker, 7, and Langley, 3; son, Bennett, 5
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Owner of Barnes Paper and Janitorial Supply, 10 years eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Mississippi State University, 1999
eçÄÄáÉëW Playing golf, spending time outdoors with the kids and spending time with family and friends mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Greenwood Rotary Club, Parish Council for Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, president of Greenwood Country Club, former Rotary Club board member
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Helping out with various fundraisers
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “I want to be a good community leader by putting time and resources back into the community. A stronger Greenwood makes for a stronger business for all of us.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “In July 2003, my dad called to ask me if I wanted to come to Greenwood to run a small business that my family was about to buy. I welcomed the opportunity because I really wanted to move from a big town like Dallas to a small town.”
tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “Communication is so critical in being success in business and life. In business, understanding what the customer wants and what you are able to provide is very, very important.”
tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “Providing for my family is a huge motivation for me, not only in the way I lead my life but in the way I lead my business. Also, what drives me is doing what I can to help out friends and making Greenwood a better place to live and the enjoyment of seeing Greenwood grow around me.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “There are a lot of young people in this community and a good base of young leaders here, so it’s a lot of fun to be a part of. It’s also a great place to raise a family and be a part of a community where everybody knows everybody.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “To give more of yourself in community projects and events. Not everybody has to be on a board or a committee. They just have to get out and support all the events that are going on in Greenwood. Keeping the green in Greenwood is also a great way to improve our community by building a stronger tax base for upkeep and citywide improvements.”
j~êÅìë=iK=_êçïå ^ÖÉW 33
^qCq
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW AT&T, assistant sales manager for eight years eáÖÜÉê=ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI=áåÅäìÇáåÖ=ÇÉÖêÉÉë=É~êåÉÇW=2001 Associate’s degree from Holmes Community College in secondary education/exercise science in 2001; bachelor’s degree in secondary education/exercise science from Mississippi Valley State University in 2005
eçÄÄáÉëW Include, but not limited to reading, challenging myself creativity, exercising and socially engaging with family, friends and associates mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä=~åÇ=ÅáîáÅ=~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Worked with United Way off and on from 2001 through 2010, helped with the reality fair sponsored by Greenwood Middle School and also volunteered as a campaign worker for mayoral candidate Sheriel Perkins in 2005 and 2013
^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW Named Salesman of the Year twice, first in 2008 and again in 2012. Also a 2012 Summit winner that included a paid vacation to Las Vegas. tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “My long-term goals are to continue thriving in my career and ultimately climb the corporate ladder with AT&T.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “At a young age I found my competitive drive. As I grew I found a love for being sociable and helping others. Initially, I attempted to be a teacher but found that my job as a sales associate and now assistant sales manager allows me to use my best qualities.” tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “I have learned that humility and humbleness are the keys to success. As the old saying goes, “You can catch more flies with sugar than vinegar.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “My motivation comes from my drive to succeed, my hunger to continue to grow and the many values that have been instilled in me.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “The openness and opportunities to learn and grow as adults and career-wise is what attracts young professionals to our community.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “The most important thing I can think of is bringing more companies and jobs to this area to give our young people something to look forward to at home so that other cities and states don’t compare or appeal to them.”
PageP Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
^åÖáÉ=`çäÉ
^ÖÉW 37
^åÖáÉ=`êáÅâ=^êí=píìÇáç
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉI= ÜáëLÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåI= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW= Robert Cole, Schlater; three daughters, Micah Crick, 13; Olivia Crick, 10; and Mia Cole, 10
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Owner of Angie Crick Art Studio for 11 years and art teacher at Pillow Academy for one year eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree in art and education from Delta State University, 1998
eçÄÄáÉëW Making jewelry, sewing, marking art for herself and mostly watching and supporting the kids in their activities
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Main Street Greenwood design committee
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Donations of paintings and artwork to numerous charities. Also shares information on applied behavior analysis therapy used for children with autism both privately and publicly, when called upon.
^ï~êÇë=~åÇ=ÜçåçêëW Her work has been featured on The Food Network and in Mississippi Magazine, Delta Magazine, Leflore Illustrated and Portico Magazine. She was won numerous painting awards.
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “Career-wise, it is to take on more galleries, mass produce and offer opportunities to young artists in our community. Personally, keep my girls involved in what I do and continue to spend as much times with my family.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I think it chose me. I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember.”
tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ= óçìê= ïçêâ= Å~êÉÉê\ “Everyone has important ideas. And my favorite paintings are not necessarily the ones that sell first all the time.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “There is nothing better than seeing the excitement of my students and clients when a piece comes together perfectly. That’s what drives me to do my best as an artist.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “I find the Greenwood community to be very welcoming and supportive of the people here and their careers. It’s also a great place to bring up kids where they can learn about community pride and what it takes to pitch in to make this a better place for their kids to be born one day and also grow up here.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “Teaching the importance of community involvement at an early age in our schools. Kids need to realize that what makes Greenwood so great is how everyone is so willing to give back.”
jáÅÜ~Éä=c~áê ^ÖÉW 35
kçêã~å=j~ííÜÉï cêÉÉä~åÇ
máääçï=^Å~ÇÉãó
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Clarksdale
péçìëÉI= ÜáëLÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåI= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW= Robin, Greenwood; sons, Charlie, 7, and Andrew, 5; daughter, Natalie, 2
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Head coach for varsity and junior high football at Pillow Academy. He’s been the head varsity coach for five years and has recently taken over the junior high football program. eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree in education from Mississippi State University, 2001 eçÄÄáÉëW Spending time with family and hunting and fishing
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Fellowship of Christian Athletes sponsor
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Serve as a Sunday School teacher and a deacon at First Baptist Church of Greenwood.
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “Strive to be a positive influence on those kids that I coach and others in the school, those who coach with me and others around me.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “My deep love of the game of football, which came at an early age and has only gotten stronger. Also I really love how the game and the lessons it teaches can make boys into men of great character.”
tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “The true meaning of success is not always shown in the win-loss column for coaches. True success, in my opinion, is based on the experience that these young guys who come through the program have. If it’s a positive one and they learn some life lessons, then that is considered a success for me. Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to win games, too. That’s part of it.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “The willingness to live through God’s will while installing character and Christian values to every student at Pillow Academy. I was fortunate enough to have several male role models in my life as a youngster, and knowing how much that meant to me motivates me to try and provide that same kind of influence on the young people at Pillow and in our community.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “My wife and I have a special affinity for Greenwood because we grew up in this area. We are not only blessed with our family here but also our church family and my job at Pillow Academy. It is nice knowing that our children will grow up in a community where each person will be embraced for their individuality.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “For everyone to continue to work to make Greenwood a special place — a place where young professionals want to be a part of and a place where young people want to raise and family.”
^ÖÉW 32
jçÄáäÉ=dä~ëë=fåÅK
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉI= ÜáëLÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåI= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW= Carly Moss Freeland, Greenwood; a daughter, Ann Gray Freeland, 19 months
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Owner of Mobile Glass Inc. since 2001 eçÄÄáÉëW “Hunting and working on the farm”
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä=~åÇ=ÅáîáÅ=~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Member of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, the Greenwood Gun Club and the Greenwood Exchange Club
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Past chairman of Ducks Unlimited of Leflore County; works with the United Way of Leflore County and the Greenwood Police Department’s Child ID program. “I also make donations to the National Wild Turkey Federation and to other Leflore County programs.”
^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW Top Net Dollar, Top Membership with Ducks Unlimited of Leflore County for two years in a row. Commonwealth’s People’s Choice Award Winner for Windshield Repair and Glass Replacement since 2004.
tÜ~í= ~êÉ= óçìê= äçåÖJíÉêã= Öç~äë\ “To continue to grow my business and serve my community.”
tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “My late grandfather, Norman Leroy Freeland Sr., and my late father, Norman Leroy Freeland Jr., owned the first glass company in Greenwood, Southern Glass Co., and did it for their whole lives. I guess you could say it is in my blood and I love it.”
tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “Put your fate in God’s hands and he will open doors for you.” tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “My wife, daughter, family and the next project.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “It’s home and feels like home when you get here.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “Keep supporting local businesses and always remember to buy local.”
PageQ Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 PageR qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
j~íí=dåÉãá ^ÖÉW 34
sáâáåÖ=o~åÖÉ=`çêéK
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉI=ÜáëLÜÉê=ÜçãÉíçïåI=~åÇ=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW=Emily, Greenwood; two sons, Matthew, 8, and James Hyer, 5 . lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Cooking plant controller (accountant) with Viking Range Corp. for the past 13 years; co-owner of Webster’s restaurant, Riverfront Liquors and Fresh Laundry; also owns various rental properties around Greenwood eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree in accountancy and master’s degree in business administration, both from Mississippi State University eçÄÄáÉëW “Watching and attending sporting events.”
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä=~åÇ=ÅáîáÅ=~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Member of the Greenwood Lions Club and the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Serves as treasurer at St. John’s United Methodist Church; president of the Mississippi State University Business School’s Young Alumni Advisory Board; treasurer of the Greenwood Youth Soccer Organization; past board member of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce. ^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW Eagle Scout; the 2011 Lions Club Lion of the Year. tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “To retire.”
tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “My dad, Larry Gnemi, is in the accounting field and I followed in his footsteps.” tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ= ÇìêáåÖ= óçìê= ïçêâ= Å~êÉÉê\ “To always be prepared for change.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “Money, the ability to work hard and deliver results, and responsibility.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “I think that we currently have a strong base of young professionals in Greenwood. This group is doing a great job of catering and appealing to other young professionals.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “We need a movie theater and more rental property in the area for people who are just beginning their careers.”
jçåêçÉ=_K=dçäÇÉå ^ã~åÇ~=bäòó=eáÖÜ=pÅÜççä
^ÖÉW 31
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenville
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Assistant principal, Amanda Elzy High School, one year; also owner of Monroe Golden Properties LLC, which specializes in the sale of residential properties, for the past three years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Leadership (April 2010); Mississippi Valley State University; Master of Arts in teaching (2007) and Bachelor of Arts in history (2005)
eçÄÄáÉëW “Reading, coaching Amanda Elzy High School girls basketball, working out, real estate and attending sporting events.”
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Mississippi Valley State University Alumni Association, First United Baptist Church of Indianola, Mississippi Coaching Association, Mississippi Association of School Alliance of Educational Leaders
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW The We Care Foundation and the Salvation Army ^ï~êÇë=~åÇ=ÜçåçêëW Teacher of the Month (2007)
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “I would like my real estate firm to be the premier business in the world (and for) Amanda Elzy High School to be a Star school.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “My parents are both educators, and they influenced my career choice by their passion to help others.” He taught history at Elzy for seven years before becoming assistant principal. tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “The most important lesson I have learned is to be prepared and to plan. All students can learn with proper discipline and structure.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “The dream that all students in the Mississippi Delta can get a quality education no matter their race, socioeconomic status or background. The drive for perfection in everything that I do.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “The Mississippi Delta is an untapped market for educators, health care and business owners. The area is attractive because you can be the first person to make your mark in all of those areas.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “My one suggestion for improving our community is that all people work together. When people work together as a team, we can get more accomplished.”
j~ñáåÉ=oK=dêÉÉåäÉ~Ñ iÉÑäçêÉ=`çìåíó=pÅÜççä=aáëíêáÅí
^ÖÉW 32
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Itta Bena
péçìëÉI= ÜáëLÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåI= Eleazarus Greenleaf, Greenwood; two children, Sydney, 9, and Jaiden, 3
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW The Leflore County School District’s director of public relations for the past seven months
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Mississippi Valley State University. In May, she’ll receive her master’s degree in public relations from Kent State University.
eçÄÄáÉëW “My hobbies include reading, camping, arts and crafts, cooking and fishing with my husband.”
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Member of the Greenwood Rotary Club, where she serves as a board of directors member and sergeant-at-arms; president of the Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals; member of the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi; board of directors member of the United Way of Leflore County
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Participates in the United Way Day of Caring, the Salvation Army Kettlebell Ringer Program, Between the Lions Reading Program and the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce’s Clean-Up, Green-Up Greenwood; Bikes, Blues and Bayous; Youth Motivation Task Force; and 300 Oaks Road Race
^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW 2012: First-place award for a public relations campaign, Delta Research & Cultural Institute; first-place award for a university newsletter from the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi; second-place award from the association for MVSU Social Work Department brochure; second-place award from the association for special publication on MVSU’s strategic plan; third-place award from the association for a brochure on the MVSU writing project tÜ~í= ~êÉ= óçìê= äçåÖJíÉêã= Öç~äë\ “I would like to become an author. Once time permits, I would like to be a mentor for young girls.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I decided on my career after an internship in public affairs with the U.S. Army Sustainment Command in Rock Island, Ill. I enjoyed the spontaneity and the ability to learn about various subjects.”
tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “The most important lesson I’ve learned is to always seek growth. In order to excel, you must be willing to change with the times and learn from experience.” tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “An opportunity to make a difference.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Our community is attractive because of the friendly people and the revitalization of downtown. Greenwood is beautiful!”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “The one suggestion I would have for improvement is more community involvement from all areas of the city.”
PageS Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
bÄçåó=e~êÇáåÖ
dêÉÉåïççÇ=iÉÑäçêÉ=eçëéáí~ä
^ÖÉW 26
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Baton Rouge, La.
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Pharmacist with Greenwood Leflore Hospital for 1½ years eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Doctorate of pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana eçÄÄáÉëW Running, reading and yoga
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Member of Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals, the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class of 2012, the Mississippi Pharmacist Association, the American Pharmacist Association and the Viking Half-Marathon Committee sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Delta Streets Ministries after-school tutoring program, the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce’s Clean-Up, Green-Up campaign and Stars and Stripes Fourth of July Festival; volunteer at the city’s annual River to the Rails Street Festival and the Delta Bikes, Blues and Bayous ^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW President of the GreenwoodLeflore County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2012; first place in 300 Oaks Road Race for her age group in 2011 and 2012
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “To obtain a specialty certification in pharmacotherapy and to hold a leadership role in the pharmacy profession.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “My interest in improving the quality of life and prolonging life through medicine. My family pharmacist, when I was growing up in Baton Rouge, he influenced me. Watching him being able to help people in the community, that kind of sparked my interest in becoming a pharmacist.” tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “To take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way and to look for ways that I can improve.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “My family and my drive to always become better at whatever I do.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “The many different opportunities for professional development. I’ve been offered a lot of different opportunities to help me develop as a young professional. It’s really easy to get involved.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “Have more things that young professionals can enjoy, such as a movie theater, a mall, etc. It would nice not to have to drive to Jackson to see a movie.”
g~ãÉë=eK=e~êÖêçîÉ=ff ^ÖÉW=31
aÉäí~=aáëíêáÄìíáåÖ=`çK
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW Greenwood
péçìëÉI=ÜáëLÜÉê=ÜçãÉíçïåI=~åÇ=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW Kimme Hargrove of Jackson; a daughter, Mary Kathryn Hargrove, 10 months old
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Sales manager and sales execution coordinator, Delta Distributing Company, 3½ years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Business Administration degree in managerial finance from the University of Mississippi eçÄÄáÉëW Hunting, fishing, boating, sports, just about anything outdoors
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW A member of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, served on the executive committee of the GreenwoodLeflore County Chamber of Commerce, member of the Mississippi Malt Beverage Association, GreenwoodLeflore Young Professionals, Ole Miss Alumni Association and Pillow Academy Alumni Association
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW 300 Oaks committee member, Bikes, Blues & Bayous Committee member, River to Rails volunteer, Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals Christmas parade float committee, Ducks Unlimited supporter, National Wild Turkey Federation supporter
^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW= Eagle Scout, GreenwoodLeflore County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Tomorrow, Class of 2012, President Elect
tÜ~í= ~êÉ= óçìê= äçåÖJíÉêã= Öç~äë\ “My long-term goals are to continue to be successful in my line of work and to grow the business. Another long-term goal I also have is to provide for my family and help out my community any way I can.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “My grandfather got into the beer business over 56 years ago through Delta Distributing here in Greenwood. I worked here during the summers in junior high, high school and college. So to get a chance to be back at home, where I was born and raised, and to be a part of the family business is a very great opportunity.” tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ= ÇìêáåÖ= óçìê= ïçêâ= Å~êÉÉê\ “Hard work, teamwork and dedication will pay off in the end.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “The competitive nature of the beer business and the constant challenges it provides on a daily basis.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “It’s a small town located in the Mississippi Delta with great people that has a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\=“As young professionals, it’s our duty and responsibility to get involved and stay involved in our community.”
qK=j~Å=eçï~êÇ ^ÖÉW 28
aÉäí~=píêÉÉíë=jáåáëíêáÉë
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Jackson
péçìëÉ= ~åÇ= ÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåW Meagan Howard of Marvell, Ark.
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Executive director, Delta Streets Ministries, 3 years eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Math education, Mississippi State University eçÄÄáÉëW=Golf, boating, sporting events, music
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Christian Community Development Association, Westminster Presbyterian Church and Greenwood-Leflore Chamber of Commerce
tÜ~í= ~êÉ= óçìê= äçåÖJíÉêã= Öç~äë\ “I want to see Greenwood, as a community, living out the two greatest commandments, which are loving God and loving our neighbors. If we seek to live out those two principles, everything from housing to education to race relations will improve, and Greenwood will be a more attractive place to live and work.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “An internship in New Orleans with Desire Street Ministries, an organization that seeks to rebuild the broken communities of New Orleans ninth ward, led to my career choice. Since the summer of 2005, I have had a passion to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those living in impoverished communities.” tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “I have learned that rich, poor, black or white, we all have issues, and we all have a desire to be loved and accepted.”
tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “There are multiple things, some good and some bad. Ultimately, knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior gives me motivation, strength and hope to continue to press on. Another motivation comes from others in the community seeking the same goals like Connie Johnson, Dr. Calvin Collins, Bill Clay and Nathan Segars, just a few of the many fellow laborers who are invested in making Greenwood look more like the Kingdom of God.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\=“The people in this community hands down! Everybody is so hospitable and encouraging. Between the Greenwood Young Professionals seeking to always have fun events to attend to the local churches wrapping their arms around the younger people walking through their church doors. It is easy to find a group that has similar values and interest in our community.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\=“Our community has so many strengths, specifically the people. So connecting the individuals with strengths with the different areas of weakness would be super helpful in improving our community.”
PageT Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
PageU Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
aêK=háãÄÉêäó=iK=gÉÑÑÉêëçå kÉï=e~îÉå=`Üáêçéê~ÅíáÅ=`äáåáÅ
^ÖÉW 29
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW Greenwood
aÉêêáÅâ=qK=gçåÉë
jáëëáëëáééá=s~ääÉó=pí~íÉ=råáîÉêëáíó
^ÖÉW 36
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW Scott
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW= Chiropractor, New Haven Chiropractic Clinic, 1½ years
péçìëÉI=ÜáëLÜÉê=ÜçãÉíçïåI=~åÇ=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW Carman Jones of Itta Bena; three children, Cameron, 12, Madison, 6, and Allison, 1
eçÄÄáÉëW=Reading, bird watching, fitness, dance, travel, photography, photo collages, YouTubing, cooking and hairstyling
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Science in general studies from Alcorn State University, Master of Science in guidance education from Alcorn State University
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry, Mississippi Valley State University, Doctor of Chiropractic, Sherman College of Chiropractic
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Member of Mississippi Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Association, Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, Jennings Temple C.M.E. Church, assistant youth director, inspirational choir, young adult superintendent, Vacation Bible School teacher and stewardess sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, Operation Jumpstart, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Greenwood Community Kitchen, Mississippi Valley State University Unit Boys and Girls Club and Community for All Ages ^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW= Greenwood Commonwealth Top 30 under 40, Milton Garfunkel Scholarship from Sherman College of Chiropractic, valedictorian graduate of Mississippi Valley State University tÜ~í= ~êÉ= óçìê= äçåÖJíÉêã= Öç~äë\ “My long-term goals are to stay healthy, serve and live to my best.”
tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I was searching for alternative and holistic health care. I have always believed the body is self-healing. Chiropractic training has given me the tools to help restore self-healing properties in the body and empower people to make better health choices.”
tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “The most important lesson I have learned is no matter what you do, you must be passionate about serving mankind. To truly find fulfillment and purpose, you must do this with a servant’s heart and hand.”
tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “My motivation is internal because of my faith in Jesus. It is not what motivates me but who. My concern is for people to be whole to fulfill their purpose in life.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “As they say, the work is plentiful, but the laborers are few. I see potential for growth here, and people can profoundly impact the community by working together.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “My suggestion for improving our community is adequate education and job training for better income.”
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW= Upward Bound executive director, Mississippi Valley State University, 10 years
eçÄÄáÉëW= Reading, listening to music, playing video games and playing basketball
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW MCA (Mississippi Counseling Association), MAEOPP (Mississippi Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel), SAEOPP (Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel) and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW St. Francis of Assisi School and Greenwood Community Kitchen
^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW= MAEOPP certificate of service award and MCA Delta Region Award for outstanding leadership tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\=“My long-term goal is to manage my own counseling and mentoring center.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\=“I have always possessed the desire to help others, and I knew from an early age that I would begin my career in education. I just didn’t know in what aspect I would serve. I’ve always admired the work and help of my high school counselor, Irene Johnson, who ultimately inspired me to further my education after high school. I considered her work very admirable and self-assuring because without her guidance and faith in me to achieve in higher education, I probably wouldn’t be in the profession or position that I’m currently in.”
tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “The most important lesson that I have learned during my work career would be to always stay true to myself when it comes to making important decisions in my profession. One will always have more than enough opinions when it comes to solving a problem. At the end of the day, after weighing all of your options and hearing the opinions of others, it’s ultimately your decision to make and live with.”
tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “Seeing others succeed that I had the privilege of helping is what motivates me.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “I would have to say the close-knit community and the limitless potential for business expansion makes our community attractive to young professionals.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “A suggestion I have for improving our community is better access and opportunities to be offered for minority business ownership and growth.”
_ÉíÜ=háííäÉ
^ÖÉW 36
sáâáåÖ=o~åÖÉ=`çêéK
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Starkville
péçìëÉI= ÜáëLÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåI= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW Hart Kittle of Clarksdale; two children, Carter, 7, and Hartley, 6 lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW=Senior compensation and benefits manager, Viking Range Corp., 11 years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University eçÄÄáÉëW=Spending time with family and friends and decorating at home
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä=~åÇ=ÅáîáÅ=~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW=Vice president of Delta Human Resources Management Association, Junior Auxiliary adviser, member of Society of Human Resources Management, Mississippi Manufacturers Association and Mississippi Association of Colleges and Employers sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW= American Cancer Society Relay for Life and American Heart Association
^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW= Professional in Human Resources Management (PHR designation) tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “My long-term goals are towards making a positive impact in the company and community through my expertise and ethics.”
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\=“First and foremost one of my immediate goals is to continue to be consistent in providing employees of Viking Range with the assistance they need in dealing with our employee benefit program. As we enter a season of change at Viking, it is my goal to continue to assure our employees I am there to help them with whatever may arise. This immediate goal of mine is one small thing I can do to ensure that one of my long-term goals of maintaining Viking as a Best Place To Work in Mississippi holds true.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I have always been led to help others, and human resources provides me the opportunity to meet people and provide help for them to resolve issues.”
tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “Through my time at Viking in human resources, I have learned that being flexible is very important. Also, relationships are the key to making people the happiest in the long run. It is important to treat others with respect and sincerity. We should slow down and show genuine interest in other people’s lives.” tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “My faith, family and the love I have for Viking Range Corp. motivate me.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “It is a great environment for raising a family, and our downtown is so inviting to others. Our community offers so many more events that other towns do not offer.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “Our town has improved greatly over the past 10 years, and I would love to see more improvements on this same path. They say, ‘You don’t have a second chance to make a first impression.’ ”
PageV Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
j~êó=^ååÉííÉ=jçêÖ~å ^ÖÉW 27
dêÉÖçêó=C=^ëëçÅá~íÉëI=fåÅK
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Grant writer and project manager for Gregory and Associates, Inc. for three years eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Arts degree, Mississippi State University; master’s degree in public policy, Mississippi State University eçÄÄáÉëW Working in the yard, going to concerts and sporting events, enjoying the outdoors, spending time with family and friends
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Itta BenaMorgan City Rotary Club, president-elect; member of Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood, Delta Garden Club, Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals, GreenwoodLeflore County Chamber of Commerce Community Pride Committee, and Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, class representative of Pillow Academy Alumni Association
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Natural Resources Conservation Service Earth Team Volunteer
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “I hope to use my experience to help local governments in the Delta and across Mississippi improve the quality of life of their residents. I hope that my work and my service will create a lasting positive impact.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “While I was in graduate school, I became interested in grant writing and grant programs. Mr. Gregory was looking for help at this time. I went in to meet with him and started work that same week.”
tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “I’ve learned that every situation has to be managed, and all that I can do is make the best, most-informed decision possible.”
tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “My motivation comes from seeing the positive changes that have taken place in Greenwood and Leflore County in just the past 10 years. When I came back to Greenwood after college, so many improvements had been made — infrastructure improvements, new businesses, new community events, and the renovation and redevelopment of downtown. That makes me want to jump on board and keep Leflore County moving in the right direction. I believe that with collaboration and persistence we can tackle challenges as well.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Greenwood has everything you need. It’s clear that a young professional can make a big difference here. Young people can get involved in the community.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “Be positive about our town. It’s our responsibility to sell Greenwood to others. Get excited and tell others about the good that’s going on in Greenwood. Take part in all that Greenwood has to offer. If we don’t support our businesses, they won’t be here in the future.”
`Üáëã=`K=m~ííÉêëçå ^ÖÉW 33
_~åâ=çÑ=`çããÉêÅÉ
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉI= ÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåI= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW= Rebecca Byrd Patterson, Yazoo City; Caden, 6, and Bailey, 3
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Vice president and branch manager of Park Avenue Bank of Commerce for six years
e~êêáë=cêÉÇÉêáÅâ mçïÉêë=fff
réëÜ~ïI=táääá~ãëI=_áÖÖÉêë C=_ÉÅâÜ~ãI=iim
^ÖÉW 37
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉI= ÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïå= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW= Lindsay McMillan Powers, Midland, Tex.; Charlie, 4, James, 3, and Libby, 21 months
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Attorney for 10 years at Upshaw, Williams, Biggers and Beckham, LLP
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Treasurer of Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll County Crimestoppers, former president of Itta Bena-Morgan City Rotary Club, member of Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals
eçÄÄáÉëW Reading and cycling and reading about cycling; also trying to learn how to play bridge, “which is a little more complicated.”
eçÄÄáÉëW Hunting, fishing, golf, spending time with family
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “I hope to further my knowledge of banking and finance in order to better serve my customers, my bank and my community.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “My father was in the banking industry in Greenwood for more than 20 years. I knew it was a respectable position from him, and I would hear stories about how he helped someone buy a house or buy a car, and that seemed so cool to me. My favorite part of the job is helping people achieve their goals, something they’ve had their eye on for a while. I love being a part of that.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “I am motivated by the opportunity to assist my customers in the fulfillment of their needs and to help guide them in their financial decisions. You meet people from all backgrounds, but I grew up here, and I love getting to work with people I’ve known all my life. I love getting to see people I grew up with and that I’ve gotten to know so well. There were people who were banking with my dad, and now I get to handle their banking.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Greenwood has a very close-knit community and a casual environment that makes it a great place to call home.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “I would like to see more pride taken in the appreance of our city regarding litter and the upkeep of property to show visitors how much we care about our town. I think it would help draw companies to the area, because a lot of time when they drive through Greenwood, all they see is Highway 82, and if there’s trash all around it, they don’t see the really positive parts of town. Every day I pick up trash outside of my bank. Other people should do the same thing. It’s your property and your town.”
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree, University of the South; law degree, University of Mississippi
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Mississippi Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association, Defense Research Institute, National Association of Railroad Trail Counsel, Leflore County Bar Association and the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Episcopal Church of the Nativity (vestry 2011-2013), Boy Scouts of America
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “My long-term professional goal is no different than my short-term goal, which is to keep my clients and partnership well served.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “There are two. First, to get over yourself; whatever is going on in your home or in your church is infinitely more important than anything that transpires in any office, anywhere. Second, there is no substitute for preparation, even if it is over-preparation; you can always outwork, and be better prepared than your competition.” tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “Ensuring that the confidence placed in me by my clients, and partners, is well-warranted.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “There are lifetimes of professional knowledge and experience within Greenwood’s legal community, and everyone is willing to share it. The professional relationships I have within my firm have been some of the most rewarding relationships I have had anywhere. Going outside of my firm, I have known the Brocks, the Swayzes and Billy Bowman forever. I ride bikes with Tom Flanagan. I grew up around Judge Barnwell. I talk a lot with Wallie Stuckey and Whit Mounger. My uncle, Mo Powers, was an Article III judge. I spend time with Sam Fonda. Richard Benz was a really good sounding board for my partner, Cam Auerswald, and me when we started here ten years ago. It’s interesting to be sought out for advice from some of the same people who helped you out before.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “As citizens of Greenwood, we all shoulder the the same burden of placing leadership sufficient to move Greenwood forward and to make it more attractive for everyone.”
PageNM Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 PageNN qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
g~ÅâáÉ=páãë=gêK
páãë=oÉ~äíó=C=aÉîÉäçéãÉåíI=ii`
^ÖÉW 36
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉ=~åÇ=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW=Angela Sims; Allie Reece, 2, and Jack III, 11 months
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Owner of six local businesses, including Sims Realty and Development LLC, Sims and Rice Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Sims Construction, Half Price Ice, Highland Park Laundromat and Pair of Jacks Farms
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Mississippi Delta Community College, Mississippi Valley State University, Mississippi Realtor Institute
eçÄÄáÉëW Hunting, fishing, farming and spending time with family
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW National Association of Realtors, Mississippi Association of Realtors, Greenwood Board of Realtors
j~êó=iáåÇëÉó=pãáíÜ ^ÖÉW 30
tÜ~íÛë=`ççâáåÖ\
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉ=~åÇ=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW==Scott Smith of Greenwood, and two daughters, Addison, 14, and Parker, 2
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Owner of What’s Cooking? since she opened the restaurant in 2006
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW University of Mississippi, bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences
eçÄÄáÉëW Spending time with family and friends, shopping, traveling and eating out at other great restaurants. sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Giving monetary and food donations to various organizations
_ê~åíäÉó=påáéÉë ^ÖÉW 27
j~áå=píêÉÉí=dêÉÉåïççÇ
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Starkville
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Executive director, Main Street Greenwood, since April 2012; landscape designer, Brantley Snipes Landscape Design, LLC
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree in horticultural science from Auburn University; master’s degree in landscape architecture and master’s degree in horticultural science from North Carolina State University eçÄÄáÉëW Deer and turkey hunting, kayaking, painting, flower arranging
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Greenwood Garden Club, Greenwood Leflore Young Professionals, Greenwood Rotary Club, American Society of Landscape Architects, American Horticultural Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Various activities through previously mentioned affiliations tÜ~í= ~êÉ= óçìê= äçåÖJíÉêã= Öç~äë\ “My goal in the business is to keep cooking great food and pleasing cus^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW 2011 North Carolina State tomers.” University Department of Landscape Architecture Excellence in Research award; 2011 NCSU Graduate tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I have Research Symposium recognition of Excellence in tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “My life goals are always loved to cook. My mom says I used to get up on a Research; 2010 North Carolina State University to be a godly husband, father and businessman and to stool to reach the stove to cook dinner. I’ve loved to cook Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award; 2010 NCSU be the very best I can be in all that I do. These goals will for as long as I can remember. As a kid I cooked pastas, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding keep me from becoming complacent and keep me striv- tacos, pizzas, anything.” Teaching Assistant Award; Sigma Lambda Alpha National ing for the rest of my life.” Landscape Architecture Honor Society; graduated cum laude from Auburn University; Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society; Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society; Golden Key tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I believe tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ God gave me entrepreneurial spirit because as long as I äÉ~êåÉÇ= ÇìêáåÖ= óçìê= ïçêâ= Å~êÉÉê\ “You should International Honor Society; National Association of can remember, I’ve always wanted to be self-employed, always try to please your customers. Consistency and Collegiate Scholars and I like the challenges of starting new ventures. The the quality of the food are the two most important parts rest is just recognizing and walking through the doors of that. The customers are the key to my business suctÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “ To open a commuthat God opens.” nity design-focused landscape architecture firm and to cess.” teach at the university level.” tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “One of the most tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “Getting positive feedback tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “A love of design important lessons I’ve learned during my career is to from customers who really enjoy eating here. I love see- and the outdoor environment.” ignore the negative people who tell you that you will fail. ing my place full of people; that’s what motivates me. That is just their desire. Use that as motivation to suc- Also having the greatest and most talented co-workers tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ceed. Also, if God gives you a desire to try something, act to help me every day is a great motivation. I could not do ÇìêáåÖ= óçìê= ïçêâ= Å~êÉÉê\ “A handwritten thank-you on it. The journey will be amazing.” note is your most valuable asset; never underestimate its this without them.” importance.” tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “My motivation comes from raising my family and seeing the way our different busi- tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “The desire to remove negative ness services positively impact the lives of others, many éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “I love Greenwood. It is a great place to connotations associated with the Delta and to promote our of which we help achieve the American Dream of home raise a family. Greenwood is a small town with great downtown and our region as a truly special place in order ownership.” people. There’s an ‘everyone knows each other’ commu- to preserve it for future generations.” nity feeling here. People are caring and seem to want to tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ watch their local businesses thrive.” tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “I think it’s a combination of our smalléêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Other young professionals and the town atmosphere and great hospitality and historic ambiance, appeal and character of a small town/communibackground that make Greenwood a great place to start tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ ty.” áí\ “Encouraging people to help all of our local businessa career.” es succeed by shopping and buying local. Also encouragtÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ ing more people to follow their interests so that they can “To continue to improve what our downtown can offer by áí\ “If everyone in our community, or nation, for that also open local businesses they care about.” creating even more places for living, working, and entermatter, would love their neighbor as themselves, imagtainment because a healthy downtown creates a vibrant ine what our community would be like We all have to be overall community.” proactive in improving our community. It’s truly a team effort.”
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Member of North Greenwood Baptist Church and Gideons International. As a member of the Greenwood Board of Realtors, helps organize annual food drives for the Community Food Pantry and soup kitchen.
PageNO Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
a~ïå=pí~ãéëJtÉëí ^ÖÉW 37
a~îáë=bäÉãÉåí~êó=pÅÜççä
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Starkville
péçìëÉÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= ÜçãÉíçïå= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW Marcus A. West, Greenwood; a son, Marcus A. West II
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Assistant principal, Davis Elementary School; 10 years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Science, elementary education (K-8), Jackson State University; Master of Arts, educational leadership, Mississippi State University eçÄÄáÉëW Reading, creative writing, interior design, flower arranging, surfing the Internet
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
^ï~êÇë=~åÇ=ÜçåçêëW Jackson Public School’s Beyond the Call of Duty award recipient; Greenwood Public School District’s Employee of the Month; Mississippi Teacher Fellowship; Hartford, Conn., Cornerstone School Team Reviewer; Delta Area Association for the Improvement of Schools (DAAIS) Mentor Teacher
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “My definitive professional goal is to work at a four-year college or university challenging young minds, just as many did for me, to rise to the challenges of today’s classrooms with passion and integrity!”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\=“From the time I began my educational journey as a bright-eyed student in Ms. Kinnard’s kindergarten classroom, I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher. I’m so blessed to still have the opportunity to work with some of the best teachers and students as an elementary administrator!”
tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\=“The most important lesson that I’ve learned in the field of education is, if you give 100 percent of your energy to encouraging and preparing students for success, they will rise to to challenges that you set before them! Children want to please you when you radiate an energy that lets them know you genuinely care!”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\=“The love of God and His children motivates me to do well. It is also the steadfast encouragement of my mom, friends, and close family members that pushes me to excel!”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\=“A steadily growing sense of community, a SUCCESSFUL school district, and professional networking opportunities all make Greenwood an attractive community for young professionals.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “I would love to see a more active interest and participation in our local school district! We have one of the best school districts in the state of Mississippi.”
qáãçíÜó=pí~åÅáÉä
pí~éäÉ=`çííçå=`ççéÉê~íáîÉ=^ëëçÅá~íáçå
^ÖÉW 30
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Export Logistics Specialist II with Staple Cotton Cooperative Association’s Export Department, a division of Sales Operations. He has worked in his current position for about five years and in Sales Operations for seven. eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Science in agribusiness with minor in economics from Mississippi State University eçÄÄáÉëW Martial arts, movies, music, exercising
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä=~åÇ=ÅáîáÅ=~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Chief instructor of Belzoni Taekwondo, where he holds the 5th degree Master title; assistant instructor under Grandmaster D.J. Sias at Greenwood Taekwondo; member and vice president of community service for Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals; member of the Board of Directors of the Museum of the Mississippi Delta; co-chairperson for the United Way Day of Caring 2012; member of Jones Chapel No. 1 Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves on the deacon board and is Sunday school superintendent sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Museum of the Mississippi Delta, Greenwood Leflore Young Professionals, United Way, Main Street Greenwood, Chamber of Commerce, Fuller Center for Housing and the City of Greenwood ^ï~êÇë=~åÇ=ÜçåçêëW Numerous trophies from martial arts tournament competitions
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “Earn my master’s degree in ag economics. I will also continue to advance in my martial arts career as well.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I wanted to have a career where I could market commodities. After doing some research, I was pointed in the direction of agribusiness. After graduating in 2005, I was fortunate to interview with Staple Cotton. It was a job with one of the most respected marketers/shippers of cotton in the world and back in my hometown. Working with Staple Cotton has rewarded me with many different opportunities, professionally and personally.” tÜ~íÛë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìÛîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “I would say learning to be patient and staying focused. Eventually something will go wrong or not the way you planned. The best thing I’ve learned to do is not to panic and think of a solution to the problem to move forward. I feel it is how you handle yourself at these times which best defines you.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “The values and morals leaned from my parents, William and Delores, always inspire me to succeed. Hard work, dedication and prayer were always stressed when I was younger, and these traits are still a part of my life today.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Greenwood is a close community where young people can develop many personal/professional relationships.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “Just for individuals to continue to be involved and take pride in their community.”
aêK=sáÅíçê=t~êÇ= píìÅâÉó=gêK
pí~áåÄ~Åâ=C=píìÅâÉó=aÉåíáëíêó
^ÖÉW=38
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= ÜçãÉíçïå= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW Caroline Stuckey, Brandon; children, Sullivan, 6½, and Jack, 2½
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Dentist, Stainback & Stuckey Dentistry, 1½ years; and part-time with Dr. John A. Smith Jr., DDS, six months. Previously worked for Nanston Dental Group in Atlanta for seven years. eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Science in microbiology from Mississippi State University; Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry
eçÄÄáÉëW=Turkey and deer hunting, fishing, golf, music and family
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW= Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, member; American Dental Association; Museum of the Mississippi Delta, member sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW=Speaks to students at Pillow Academy about dental health; offers free oral cancer screenings twice a year in Moorhead; provides Spanish-language dental health materials for St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School, with the help of Mississippi Delta Community College. “I hope to be able to do more as I get more established in my practice as the practice continues to grow.”
^ï~êÇë=~åÇ=ÜçåçêëW=Paul Jacob Sigma Alpha Epsilon Leadership Award; chosen as one of 30 up-and-coming dentists to attend a practice success weekend in Park City, Utah, in 2005; National Spotlight Dentist of the Month for February 2010.
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\=“Long-term goals are to have a long standing practice and to be able to provide dentistry that is second to none to the people of Greenwood.”
tÜ~í= äÉÇ= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\= = “My fascination with the medical field and the processes of the human body.”
tÜ~íDë=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áãéçêí~åí=äÉëëçå=óçìDîÉ=äÉ~êåÉÇ ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\=“That I need to continue to learn every day because no one can possibly know everything they need to know.” tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\=“The way the dental field is constantly changing and the desire to support my family.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\= “The quality of young professionals already here in Greenwood.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “Continued growth especially in downtown area.”
PageNP Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
PageNQ Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
`Ü~êäÉë=gçåÉë=pï~óòÉ=fff tÜáííáåÖíçåI=_êçÅâ=C=pï~óòÉI=mK^K
^ÖÉW=32
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= ÜçãÉíçïå= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW Wife Lucy Mudter Swayze of Nashville, Tenn., and two children, Anna Claire Swayze, 3, and Charles Jones Swayze IV, 10 months
lÅÅìé~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÉãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ óÉ~êë= çÑ= ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Attorney with Whittington, Brock & Swayze, P.A., six years; Greenwood city prosector, three years; family master in chancery for Leflore County, two years eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Mississippi; law degree from Mississippi College School of Law eçÄÄáÉëW=“Golf and Ole Miss sports — they are equally frustrating.”
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW= The Mississippi Bar Association; Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi board Association (Board of Directors 2008-2009); Leflore County Bar Association (secretarytreasurer, 2010-present); Mississippi Prosecutors Association; Greenwood Rotary Club (sergeant-at-arms, 2009 - 2012) sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW=Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 2009-2011; Main Street Greenwood Board of Directors, 2007-present (president, 2008-2009); Boys and Girls Club of Leflore County Board of Directors, 2010-present (cochair, 2012-2013) ^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW= 2012 Mississippi Bar Association Leadership Forum; 2007 GreenwoodLeflore County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Tomorrow Forum
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\=“To provide quality legal representation and services to the people of Greenwood as our firm has done for the last 98 years.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I come from a family of attorneys. My father, Charles J. Swayze Jr., and sister, Julie McLemore, are practicing attorneys. I saw that they both enjoyed what they did, and I thought practicing law would be something I would enjoy as well.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\=“Professionally, to make sure that my clients are satisfied with my representation. Personally, I am motivated by my wife and family.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\=Greenwood has a lot of young people. This is important. When young people visit from other communities and see Greenwood’s young people prospering and enjoying themselves, it presents a positive image of a healthy community.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\=“I do not think Greenwood needs any improving as long as young people continue to move here bringing with them new and different ideas.”
`äáÑíçå=qÜ~ÅÜ
^ÖÉW 32
qêìëíã~êâ=k~íáçå~ä=_~åâ
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
péçìëÉI=ÜáëLÜÉê=ÜçãÉíçïåI=~åÇ=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW=Sarah Walker Thach, Greenwood; Sarah Douglas, 4; John Clifton, 2; Lizzy, 6 months
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Commercial loan officer and vice president, Trustmark National Bank, eight years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s in business administration, University of Memphis; master’s in business administration, Delta State University; Southeastern School of Commercial Lending, Vanderbilt University; enrolled in graduate School of Banking, Louisiana State University eçÄÄáÉëW Hunting, sports, spending time with family and friends
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Leadership Greenwood, Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals, Main street Greenwood board treasurer, Mississippi Home Builders
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW First Presbyterian Church Youth Committee
tÜ~í= ~êÉ= óçìê= äçåÖJíÉêã= Öç~äë\ “To continually increase my knowledge of banking in order to help my customers achieve their financial goals.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “Growing up, I was always interested in how people became successful. Working in the banking industry allows me to learn from successful people and gives me the opportunity to help others become successful.”
tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ= ÇìêáåÖ= óçìê= ïçêâ= Å~êÉÉê\ “To be honest with people, even though it may not be what they want to hear. Also, take ownership of your responsibilities for the good or bad.” tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “My family is my main motivation. I want to see to it that they have a healthy and productive life.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “I believe people like Greenwood because of the small-town atmosphere where everybody knows everybody, and it is a great place to raise a family.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “I believe Greenwood and Leflore County need to be able to offer a good education for our children. By offering good education, we would attract new businesses to the area.”
_ÉÅâó=qÜçãéëçå ^ÖÉW 28
sáâáåÖ=`ççâáåÖ=pÅÜççä
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=West Monroe, La.
péçìëÉI= ÜáëLÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåI= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW= Lane Thompson of Stewart, and Jo, 2
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW General manager and chef instructor, Viking Cooking School, for six years eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s in hospitality management from the University of Mississippi and certificate in l’art de la pâtisserie from the French Pastry School in Chicago eçÄÄáÉëW Baking, reading and playing with my daughter
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Southern Foodways Alliance and Main Street Greenwood sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood and Downtown Greenwood Farmers Market
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “To continue a fun and exciting career at the Viking Cooking School. Perhaps eventually owning my own pastry shop.”
tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “Enjoying being in the kitchen since I was a little girl. Support and motivation from my family to take the leap to do and be whatever makes me happy. They were very supportive in understanding that I didn’t have to follow the cookiecutter career route. I went to college, and after that I went on to the French Pastry School in Chicago. It really was an eye-opening experience for me to get out of the South and broaden my horizons and see that there’s a world out there. I met my husband at Ole and, of course, he wouldn’t live anywhere else but Mississippi. I knew the place to be in Mississippi to be part of the expanding culinary growth in the South would be with Viking at the Viking Cooking School.” tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ= ÇìêáåÖ= óçìê= ïçêâ= Å~êÉÉê\ “Hospitality is everything!”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “Enjoying seeing guests learn new techniques and tips during cooking classes that make cooking more enjoyable and accessible to them.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Wide array of professional fields, growing culinary community, variety of opportunities for social/community involvement” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “Local community groups should continue targeting young and middle-aged people to draw them here to Greenwood. It’s a great little town to live in. It’s unlike any town I’ve lived in before.”
PageNR Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
a~åáÉä=sÉëí
^ÖÉW 31
dêÉÉåïççÇ=ríáäáíáÉë
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Winona
péçìëÉI= ÜáëLÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåI= ~åÇ= ÅÜáäÇêÉåW Bridgette Wiggins Vest of Carroll County; Maegan, 14; Makayla, 11; Bradent, 6; and John Cohen, 3
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Journeyman lineman with Greenwood Utilities Electric Department for 10 years eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Completed lineworker and advanced lineworker training with Tennessee Valley Public Power Association. Also has obtained lineman and journeyman lineman certification. eçÄÄáÉëW Softball, fishing and spending time with family mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä=~åÇ=ÅáîáÅ=~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Carroll County School Board member representing Beat 3
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Youth minister at Hillview Baptist Church; participated with the GreenwoodLeflore County Chamber of Commerce’s 300 Oaks Road Race for three years; planted trees in Sam Leach Park, Broad Street Park and Avenue A Park in Baptist Town for four years; former member of the Black Hawk Volunteer Fire Department; has prepared and delivered Christmas baskets for the needy for the past seven years. ^ï~êÇë=~åÇ=ÜçåçêëW School board member; certified advanced lineworker, CPR certification, certified electrical excavator and contractor
tÜ~í= ~êÉ= óçìê= äçåÖJíÉêã= Öç~äë\ “My long-term goal is to be the kind of man my children can look up to and be proud of. Devoted to the Lord, honest, hard-working and giving back. In essence, making a difference in the world.” tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “The challenge that comes with the job, both mentally and physically; also, doing something that I know a lot of people cannot and will not do.”
tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ= ÇìêáåÖ= óçìê= ïçêâ= Å~êÉÉê\ “To always be humble, and that trust is a key issue in my profession.” tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “God and family.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “The small-town hospitality and the atmosphere.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “Try to get more young people interested and involved, and offer more activities for the children.”
gçÜå=m~ìä=t~äâÉê káÅÜçäë=C=^ëëçÅá~íÉë
^ÖÉW 31
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Independent insurance broker, selfemployed at Nichols & Associates for seven years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Arts in communications with an emphasis in public relations from Mississippi State University
eçÄÄáÉëW Tennis, basketball, Mississippi State and traveling
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW GreenwoodLeflore County Chamber of Commerce, Greenwood Leflore Young Professionals, Twin Rivers Recreation, Mississippi Tennis Association, Delta Community Tennis Association, Mississippi State Alumni Association
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Bikes Blues & Bayous, 300 Oaks Road Race, Viking Half Marathon, Pillow Academy public address announcer for basketball and audio-visual team at North Greenwood Baptist Church tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “I want to continue to be successful in my career and continue to give back.” tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I have always been an independent person and I enjoy being around and helping people, so the insurance industry was a perfect fit for me.”
tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “I’ve learned to accept the answer ‘NO.’ Not everyone is going to buy your product or even want to hear what you have to say, and that’s all right.” tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “Competition. I like the competition and I like a good challenge, but my main motivation is my drive to succeed. I get most of this from seeing how insurance can help in the lives of my clients.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “We are a smaller community with bigcity amenities. Everything we need can he found right here. Also, everything we don’t need, but want, is just a short drive — for instance, beaches, casinos, Jackson, Memphis, Mississippi State or Ole Miss. We are located geographically in a great location. One huge factor is that we are a close and personal community, and that is helpful when you actually need your community.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “I would like to see a movie theater.”
aD^êí~Öå~å=táåÑçêÇ ^ÖÉW 35
g~Åâëçå=pí~íÉ=råáîÉêëáíó
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Itta Bena
péçìëÉI=ÜáëLÜÉê=ÜçãÉíçïåI=~åÇ=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW=Cheryl Swims-Winford, Teoc; Javen, 14; Lindsie, 7; and Christian, 5
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Art director, Jackson State University since March 4. Prior to that, senior graphic designer, Mississippi Valley State University for 10 years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi Valley State University eçÄÄáÉëW Photography
mêçÑÉëëáçå~ä= ~åÇ= ÅáîáÅ= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Mississippi Delta Advertising Federation and College Public Relations Associations of Mississippi (CPRAM)
sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Mississippi Valley State University CDC Male Initiative and Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church Male Mentoring Group
^ï~êÇë=~åÇ=ÜçåçêëW Mississippi Delta Advertising Federation Graphic Designer of the Year and numerous awards from the Addys and CPRAM
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “Start a multicultural advertising agency in the South. I’d like to start something that would give people of all races an opportunity. There are not a lot of blacks or Hispanics, but there are some bright ones. I want an agency that would encompass people of all colors and focus on marketing to people of color.”
tÜ~í= äÉÇ= óçì= íç= óçìê= Å~êÉÉê= ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “My mom always told me to follow the talent that God gave me and my dad told me to pick a career where I wouldn’t mind getting up at 2 in the morning and doing it. I did both.”
tÜ~íÛë= íÜÉ= ãçëí= áãéçêí~åí= äÉëëçå= óçìÛîÉ äÉ~êåÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=óçìê=ïçêâ=Å~êÉÉê\ “Be dependable. Being a person of your word. When you say you’re going to do something, do it and do it in a timely fashion.”
tÜ~í= ãçíáî~íÉë= óçì\ “My family. I pretty much work for them. What I do affects them. They’re the reason I get up when I do and work for as long as needed to get the job done.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Greenwood’s location: Jackson’s not too far, neither is Memphis. Also the cost of living is superb! The events the community has and the quaint shops and restaurants like the Delta Bistro.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ áí\ “A movie theater and a few chain eateries (Applebee’s, Golden Corral) would be good additions.”
PageNS Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 20, 2013 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================