A new committee of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce has been formed to encourage cooperation among residents of the area.
The Building Community Relations Committee held its first meeting April 17, and Chamber President Ed Hill said the members started some good dialogue about goals. He said he expects the group to meet at least once a month. There will be no May meeting because of graduations and other activities.
The next meeting is tentatively set for June 18 at 5 p.m., and it will be open to the public.
The current plan is to hold the meetings in the chamber's conference room, but if more room is needed, they can be moved to another site, he said.
The group is still formulating its agenda and will take suggestions from other citizens on what projects to take on, Hill said.
The purpose of the committee is to encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and organizations to unite to boost the area, he said.
For example, the group could coordinate seminars for young people about issues such as workplace ethics, he said.
It can only help the community if prospective new businesses see that the residents collaborate in this way, Hill said.
Hill cited the example of "The Club," a men's organization in Kosciusko that emphasizes teamwork, and said he hopes to invite representatives of that group to speak to the new committee.
He also plans to encourage educators, political leaders and other prominent community figures to get involved.
Former Leflore County School Superintendent Irvin Whittaker is the committee's chairman, and Erle West Barham is vice chairman. Other members are Larry Griggs, Carolyn Willis, Barbara Corbett, Mayor Harry Smith, Dr. Sandra Seay, Robert Moore, Lora Evans, Dr. Rusty Douglas, Jesse Ross, Dr. Jim Phillips, the Rev. Patrick Phillips, the Rev. Calvin Collins and Sheriel Perkins.
Also serving will be Gene Stansel, past president of the chamber; Steve Lary, its vice president; Clyde Manning, its president-elect; and Hill.
Hill said these members were selected for their service to the chamber and their interest in the community. They will serve on a volunteer basis.
