The community is invited to attend the 2023 Chamber Honors event on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Leflore County Civic Center.
Beth Stevens, executive director of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, said it will be an exciting time for people to come out and support local businesses, network and enjoy some great food.
“Tickets are still available,” she said. Corporate tables seating up to eight guests or general admission tickets for individuals can be purchased at www.greenwoodmschamber.com/annual-events/annual-meeting-taste-of-greenw….
The annual event includes the Business Expo, Social Hour, and Taste of Greenwood, which will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Chamber Honors and the Annual Meeting, during which new officers will be installed, is set for 6:45 p.m.
As in years past, the chamber will recognize businesses and individuals with several awards, including small business of the year; large business of the year; Community Pride award; ambassador of the year; and retailer/restaurant of the year.
The chamber will also induct the late Dr. V.K. Chawla into the Leflore County Hall of Fame. Dr. Chawla, who died in 2015, moved with his family to Greenwood in 1977 and opened Jackie’s Food Center. He and his wife, Chander, also owned and operated New Orleans Fried Chicken from 1977 to 1992. In 1989, he opened his first hotel, the former Comfort Inn of Greenwood. He would eventually own and operate 17 hotels in the Mississippi Delta, employing over 300 people.
A known philanthropist, Chawla focused on giving money to teachers and students. In 2007, to celebrate 30 years in Greenwood, he gave $30,000 to teachers and students. He worked on the chamber’s education committee and enjoyed the New Teachers Reception and Excellence in Education ceremonies, where he often gave $100 to those who answered questions at the receptions.
In 2007, he was honored by the State Senate for his contributions to education and economic development in the Delta. In 2008 he was honored by the Greenwood Commonwealth with its Community Service Award. Chawla won numerous other awards.
“He was a tremendous supporter of education in our city and county,” Stevens said, “and he had a fascinating story.”
As to its new officers, the chamber will install Hugh Warren, market president of Trustmark National Bank, as president, Tim Stanciel as past-president and Miller Arant of Raymond James as president-elect.
The ambassador of the year will be presented to someone in the community who has provided consistent support to the chamber, while retailer/restaurant of the year will go to a chamber-member business that has “stood the test of COVID,” Stevens said.
Taste of Greenwood is something that everyone can look forward to and enjoy. “We’ll have between 20-22 local restaurants provide their signature dishes for our guests to sample,” Stevens explained. “By the time you’ve visited all their booths, you’ve got yourself a full plate!”
She said Taste of Greenwood will fill up fast with vendors but tickets are still readily available. “People always walk away from the Chamber Honors feeling good. It’s a great chance to hear about some awesome success stories in our city and county, and our award recipients are always very deserving.”
She said the event is the biggest one on the chamber calendar each year. She urged local businesses and individuals to support the chamber.
“We receive no tax dollars,” Stevens said of the chamber. “We’ve been around since 1917 and are the largest business-oriented organization in the county. We exist to improve the business climate in Greenwood and Leflore County. Our members are super-active. We provide everything from workforce development to mentoring to workshops and other resources.”
For more information about available spots in the Business expo or to buy tickets, visit the chamber’s web site or call 662-453-4152.
Contact Dan Marsh at 662-581-7235 or dmarsh@gwcommonwealth.com.
