The Pike County Chamber of Commerce presented its highest community service honor to a man credited with growing the chamber and quietly helping area residents over a decades-long career.
Balfour Lipscomb, a former chamber president, received the Oliver Emmerich Community Service Award during the chamber’s annual banquet Thursday night at the Fernwood Country Club.
The award, named after the former publisher of the Enterprise-Journal who called for peace during the turbulence of the civil rights movement, was presented to Lipscomb by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett.
“This man is a humble man and a man you need to know,” Starrett said. “If we all were to imitate him, we would make Pike County an even greater place. It’s already great.”
Lipscomb’s impressive resume spans decades.
Born in Vicksburg, he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of the tennis team, the ROTC and the M-Club. He went on to receive his master’s from the University of Arkansas.
When Lipscomb graduated from college, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant.
He served overseas before returning back to the mainlands to work for the Kellwood Co. as its human resources manager.
He ran three of Kellwood’s facilities in Pike County and was an active member of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development District.
He was even awarded Employer of the Year by the McComb Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Lipscomb is an active supporter of the American Cancer Society and March of Dimes, and served on the Salvation Army’s local board of directors.
He’s also active with New Covenant Presbyterian Church.
“I think we were even ordained together,” said Starrett, a fellow deacon of New Covenant.
Starrett said Lipscomb has dedicated time to mentoring young men and teaching them how to be upstanding Christians.
During his tenure as president of the chamber board, he was responsible for signing up more than 50 new members.
He was also instrumental in securing the chamber’s financial position so it could stand on its own after the chamber and the Economic Development District split.
Lipscomb also was instrumental in moving the chamber from the railroad depot to the location on Main Street.
He’s a member of the McComb Rotary Club and a past Rotarian of the Year honoree.
He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, have been married for 49 years, and they have two children and seven grandchildren.
“Any one of these pages would be a life well lived,” Starrett said. “I couldn’t be more honored to present this award to my friend.”
Not only are Lipscomb and Starrett friends, the Lipscombs are the godparents to the Starretts’ children.
“My wife and I thought about who would raise our children if anything ever happened to us,” he said. “We agreed to ask Mary Elizabeth and Balfour and they said yes. Now, everybody doesn’t agree to that and if you knew my kids you wouldn’t agree to that. That lets you know there a deep friendship and trust.”
Lipscomb’s acceptance speech was short and sweet.
“The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is the life blood of the community and you help the blood to flow,” he said.
After the ceremony, Lipscomb said it was humbling to be honored by the chamber.
“I don’t do this to be seen. I like to do things behind the scenes, so it’s an honor,” he said.
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Executive Director Catherine Sanders presented the award for Ambassador of the Year to KeyKey Jackson.
Jackson is the bank security officer, vice-president, teller supervisor, Office of Foreign Assets Controls officer and branch manager at Pike National Bank’s Rawls Drive headquarters.
Chamber ambassadors work to bring in new members, reach out to existing members, attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies and Business of the Month presentations, and host chamber events.
“Our two-person office wouldn’t be able to do what we do without this group of women,” Sanders said.
Jackson has worked with Pike National Bank for 16 years, starting as a teller.
“I am honored and privileged to win this award,” Jackson said.
Incoming chamber president Clifton Van Cleave commended Sanders for her hard work.
“We can’t do any of this without her,” he said.
He also encouraged other business owners to invite their friends to join the Chamber.
“This is not the Osyka Chamber, Magnolia Chamber, McComb Chamber or the Summit Chamber. This is the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. Invite your friends to join,” he said.
Outgoing chamber president Wendy Smith told attendees the chamber has held successful events, including its Real Life presentation for area students, annual fish fry, golf tournament and legislative breakfast.
