The Pike County Chamber of Commerce gave honors to the owner of an upstart niche business, a household staple celebrating 125 years of operations and a large-scale manufacturer at its annual fish fry at Percy Quin State Park on Thursday.
Dazzlin’ Dancewear owner Stephanie Carr-McGhee, received the Small Business Person of the Year Award, McComb Coca-Cola received the Continuing Service Award and International Paper got the Industry of the Year Award.
Incoming chamber president Tammy Strickland presented Carr-McGhee with her award, noting that it goes to business owners who demonstrate good business practices and promote community involvement.
“This young lady is a diamond in the rough,” Strickland said. “She is always eager to volunteer. She is passionate about her business.
“She is the daughter of an educator, so her dedication to McComb and her community runs through her blood.”
Strickland noted that Carr-McGhee has served as a chamber ambassador and the chamber’s vice president of member retention.
She said Carr-McGhee has always been committed to the community and the chamber, calling her an encourager and role model for community service.
“I’m so appreciative,” Carr-McGhee said. “I can think of so many others who deserve this more than me. Thank you.”
James Wicker, president of the Pike County Economic Development District, presented the Continuing Service Award to James Brumfield of McComb Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
“Coca-Cola was chartered in McComb in 1907,” Wicker noted, giving a brief history of the company’s McComb operations. “They have been a continuing contribution to the community. I don’t know how many businesses are older than this one in McComb.”
Brumfield said Coca-Cola is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and it is the third-largest bottler in the U.S.
“I am thankful to the community, grateful to work for a company like this and be a part of a community like this one. I love this community,” Brumfield said.
Wicker also presented the Industry of the Year award to Ernie Killingsworth, site manager of International Paper, which also received the award in 1994.
“This company has been a very good citizen,” Wicker said, noting “a lot of our friends and neighbors work for them.”
“It’s an honor and a privilege to receive this award,” Killingsworth said.
“Box companies have a lot of competition in this area, but what sets our company apart is our people. Thank you very much. It’s a pleasure serving this community.”
