Highlights from the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership 2006Annual Meeting

Last week, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership celebrated the end of a prosperous and gratifying year by hosting the 2006Annual Meeting. This year’s luncheon gathering convened at the newly renovated Marriott Hotel downtown with over 700 members in attendance.  Underscoring the major accomplishments of the chamber within the past year, outgoing Chairman Bill Lampton, President of Ergon, Inc., passed the gavel to Chairman-elect Bill Farmer, President and CEO of Time Warner Cable.

Among the awards and presentations announced during the ceremony was The Pat Yarborough Award given to dual recipients Bill Croswell, owner of Craft Croswell, Inc., and Dunn Lampton, federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s office. This annual award honors the spirit of volunteerism displayed by the late Pat Yarborough, and is given to the individual who best represents this spirit by his contributions to the Metro Jackson community.

Bill Croswell has worked for the Chamber in a number of areas, but he has done yeoman’s work in nurturing ChamberPlus. Bill has helped expand this program from conception to its present position --- a small business benefits program offering health insurance to approximately 20,000 people. Dunn Lampton has focused untiring energy in helping the Chamber bring law enforcement officials and judicial system representatives together for meaningful dialogue addressing crime in our metro area. This effort within the Public Safety initiative of the Chamber has made positive contributions toward making our community safer. The continuation of these “inclusive communications” with the public safety group may be the greatest hope for the future.

Also among the presentations was the 2006award for the most outstanding business, presented to Entergy, MS, recognizing its corporate achievement, community involvement, and overall commitment to excellence. Entergy is recognized not only for its past contributions of leadership and resources, but also and especially for its aggressive efforts in 2006.  Entergy’s involvement included activity in the legislative process on tort reform and the Capital City Convention Center. Entergy also became an official member of the MetroJackson Economic Development Alliance this year and brought new enthusiasm to the regional partnership. These activities, along with their actions to help revitalize Downtown Jackson make them a worthy recipient of the 2006award.

This year’s Ambassador Council was recognized for the service of individuals comprising the 2006Chairman’s Council. Once again the Chamber recognized the Ambassador of the Year for hard work, dedication to the chamber, and continuous motivation for community involvement.  The 2006Ambassador of the Year was presented to Pat Ladnier for her unfailing commitment, enthusiasm, and loyalty to the MetroJackson Chamber.

Leland Speed, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, addressed chamber members on the state of Mississippi and the direction of our current progress into further developments.  Mr. Speed stated the outlook for Mississippi is optimistic, and we are currently living in the right the time to take advantage of the opportunities that will be available in the near future.  The featured speaker for this year’s event was Captain Pete Collins of the Mississippi Highway Patrol.  Chamber members were entertained by the down-home humor of Captain Collins who recounted his Mississippi boyhood experiences as well as other poignant and inspirational stories. Captain Collins brought home the lessons of integrity, family love, patriotism and honor as he reminded his audience of all that should be cherished in this state and the nation.

Chairman-elect Bill Farmer is no stranger to economic development and chamber work. He stressed the importance of building relationships with other chambers of commerce and economic development groups. His company, Time Warner Cable is helping fund an economic development study for Jackson prepared by Jackson State University.  The 50-page report is titled Creation of Market Rate Housing in the City of Jackson: Potential for Reverse Immigration.  The data analysis is completed and the results will be published in the near future.

The year 2006has been a landmark year for the Chamber. Nevertheless, there are bridges yet to be built and hurdles still to be crossed. With the continuing support of a vibrant and dynamic membership, the MetroJackson Chamber looks forward to a challenging and vigorous year in its 2005 program of work.