The Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce inducted a celebrated businessman and philanthropist into the Leflore County Hall of Fame at its 2023 Chamber Honors event.
The late Dr. V.K. Chawla received the honor at the annual event held at the Leflore County Civic Center on Thursday.
Originally from India, Dr. Chawla endured tragedy at a young age when his father and two older brothers were killed by radical Muslims, and he spent eight years in a refugee camp.
Dr. Chawla used education to raise himself and his family up, earning a doctorate in chemistry and working in Canada for several years before settling in Greenwood. He had several successful business ventures, including a chain of hotels throughout the Mississippi Delta.
But perhaps most memorable were his charitable efforts. He donated hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, focusing particularly on education. He was once recognized on the floor of the state Senate, and he also received the Commonwealth’s Community Service Award in 2008.
Dr. Chawla died in 2015. Accepting the honor on his behalf were his widow, Chander, his younger son, Suresh, and Suresh’s wife, Gauri.
It was a night of reflection as the chamber’s 2022 president, Tim Stanciel, turned over the gavel to the 2023 president, Hugh Warren of Greenwood’s Trustmark National Bank.
“Having previously worked in a large market, I was involved with many chambers in different communities,” Warren said. “I can assure you none are better run than our little chamber here.”
“Hugh is a capable gentleman,” said Stanciel. “He has a gentleman’s heart to serve this organization and Greenwood. He’s shown he is a champion for the chamber and shown the benefits of the chamber to each and everyone he meets.”
As part of the annual meeting, individuals and businesses were recognized for the prior year:
- The 2022 Big Business of the Year went to the Johnson-McAdams Firm.
- The 2022 Small Business of the Year went to Powers Properties.
- The 2022 Retailer/Restaurant of the Year went to San Miguel Arcangel Tienda and Taco Shop.
- The 2022 Community Pride Award, given to an individual or organization that embodies the spirit of community and service, went to Derrick Simpson, manager of Greenwood Market Place.
- The 2022 Ambassador of the Year, which recognizes volunteers that support chamber efforts, went to Sriram Nallani.
- Contact Kevin Edwards at 662-581-7233 or kedwards@gwcommonwealth.com.
