Special Focus Sections:

Delta Minority Business & Community Leaders

The Delta Business Journal is once again pleased to be able to recognize and salute the region’s outstanding Delta Minority Business and Community Leaders. Last year, we were proud to be the first publication in the history of Mississippi to pay homage to our many Minority movers and shakers in the Delta. The response was heartfelt and overwhelming and this year proved to be even more so.. Inclusion and diversity are large parts of this region’s climb to economic excellence and we are honored to salute those who are helping making this rise to excellence possible. Please take the time to let the following recipients of this honor know that you appreciate them, as well.
Jack Criss Executive Editor

Edward Anim-Addo
River Region Health Systems
Internal Medicine Physician
Vicksburg, MS
Hometown: Abetefi, Ghana

Background information: I was educated at Achimota School where I graduated in the top 5% of my medical school class. I attended UST School of Medical Sciences in Ghana, Travel Fellowship Cardiology in Nigeria, Attachment Ophthalmology in the U.K., and Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy the privilege of attending to people in need and the peace that comes with making a difference at our most vulnerable state.
Major accomplishments: I was a member of American College of Physicians Associates Council in Washington, D.C. from 1996 to 1997. I was the winner of the Edward Kass Memorial Travel Fellowship Award of the Infectious Disease Society of America in 1997. I was also Physician Director of the Tricounty Health Group in Vicksburg, MS from 1997 to 2001. I provided physician leadership to revamp care to the underserved population in Warren, Sharkey and Issaquena Counties. At River Region Health Systems-Internal Medicine Service, I participated in the community health outreach programs and various churches.
Advice to other business leaders: We are all brothers and spokes on one wheel. What we give to others comes back into our own. Keep giving.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My biggest influences have been my parents and my teachers.

Victor G. Byas, II
Byas Funeral Homes, Inc.
Vice President
Cleveland, MS
Hometown: Indianola, MS

Background information: I am a 1995 graduate of Gentry High School as well as a graduate of Northwest Community College in Funeral Services. I am married to the former Denise Brandon with a daughter, Laila Victoria, who is a private pilot at Delta State University.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy helping families in their weakest and most vulnerable moments. I help make their last memories of their loved ones as pleasant as possible with a caring attitude and professional service.
Major accomplishments: I obtained a Funeral Directing and Mortician License, Insurance License, Private Pilot License, and I am Vice President of Byas Funeral Homes, Inc.
Advice to other business leaders: Never lose appreciation for the public, for they make us who we are.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My parents are my biggest influences; they are my mentors, friends, and the best parents I could have wished for. Their continuous support is appreciated greatly.

Angela D. Chatman
Union Planters Bank
Branch Sales Manager
Greenville, MS
Hometown: Greenville, MS

Background information: I have several years experience in the banking industry. My parents are Evelyn Chatman and the late James H. Chatman, Sr. I am the oldest of two sets of twins, and I am the mother of Ashley, 10, and Jalen, 1.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy interacting with customers, networking with business owners in the community, and providing exceptional customer service.
Major accomplishments: I became branch sales manager. In corporate America, it is often hard for a female to break the “glass ceiling.”
Advice to other business leaders: Networking is the key to a successful business.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My father, James H. Chatman, Sr., has been my biggest influence. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. As I face challenges during my career, I know he watches over me from a higher place.

Roosevelt Coburn
Levingston’s Furniture Company
Salesperson
Clarksdale, MS
Hometown: Clarksdale, MS

Background information: I am married to Marva Wade Coburn and have four children: Tonya Coburn Williams, Kevin Coburn, Eric Coburn and Rahman Butler. I have three grandchildren. I received a B.S. in Physical Education from MVSU and a Masters in Education from DSU. I have worked for the Quitman County and Clarksdale School Districts and Coahoma Community College.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy the opportunity to interact with all segments of our population. Working at Levingston’s Furniture has truly afforded me the chance to work with so many people in our community and to help these folks get the fine furniture they need. I also love working for Levingston’s because it has contributed many good things to our community and our state.
Major accomplishments: My finest accomplishment is as a father of four wonderful and productive children and as a husband. However, during my first career as a coach and teacher and my second career associated with Levingston’s Furniture, I have tried to treat individuals with whom I speak with the same dignity and respect with which I wish to be treated. Perhaps, in some small way, this has helped to create a more civil society.
Advice to other business leaders: Always take care of your customers. Help them any way you can. Be honest and always have a good joke to tell.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My father, Collins Coburn, was a gentle quiet man who was an excellent role model for me. He always gave good advice, and was an example of generosity to others. My college football coach, Dr. Ulysses McPherson, not only coached his players, but he took the time to teach his students skills they could use for a lifetime.

Michael Donnell Cox
Bobo-Ford/Burt’s Body Shop
Body/Fender Mechanic
Cleveland, MS
Hometown: Cleveland, MS

Background information: I am a 40-year old graduate of Cleveland High School.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy meeting new people and getting the job done right.
Major accomplishments: My best accomplishment is just being the best man that I can be in life.
Advice to other business leaders: See no color and treat all people the same, rich or poor.

Booker T. Davis
Cleveland Optical, Inc.
Optician
Cleveland, MS
Hometown: Greenville, MS

Background information: I reside in Greenville, MS with my lovely wife, Sandra, and our three wonderful children. I have been a resident of the Delta since my optical internship with Dr. W.A. Williamson 13 years ago.
Favorite part of job: My favorite part of the job is knowing that every customer is satisfied when he/she leaves Cleveland Optical. I also enjoy working with Mr. and Mrs. James Boggs.
Major accomplishments: I am Board Certified by the American Board of Opticianary and was recently elected to the MADO Board of Directors for the 2003-2004 term.
Advice to other business leaders: Always keep God first in every decision. Also, be loyal and professional in every aspect of business.

Willie Dixon
W.D. Painting & Remodeling
Owner
Indianola, MS
Hometown: Sunflower, MS

Background information: A desire to live the American dream encouraged me to learn about refinishing between 15 and 18 years of age.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy being able to employ others with similar interests in living that great dream.
Major accomplishments: My major accomplishment is opening a painting, remodeling and refinishing business on Martin Luther King South in Indianola, MS.
Advice to other business leaders: Pursue the dream, continue to grow and believe in the success of your business plan. Know your capabilities and limitations.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? A small business owner named Bishop Green taught me the rewards of having a business that provided a legitimate service to the community. He was there during the early years of my business planning. Another person from whom I learned important, professional and personable employer/employee skills is Mr. Victor Byas of Indianola.

Gracie Harris
Lighthouse Point Casino
Slot Service Manager
Greenville, Ms
Hometown: Greenville, MS

Background information: I began my gaming with Lady Luck Casino and have advanced to my position with Lighthouse Point Casino.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy having the opportunity to encounter and entertain so many people from all walks of life.
Major accomplishments: I have balanced a career while raising six children. Four are in college, one is serving in the U.S. Air Force, and one is a high school sophomore.
Advice to other business leaders: Inspire others to reach high and succeed, and encourage each employee’s commitment to accomplishing team goals.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? I watched my father and mother work diligently everyday to support and maintain a lifestyle of values for their children.

Ralph D. Jones
Sissy’s Photography
Photographer.
Greenville MS 38701

Background information: Born in Greenville, MS to SSgt and Mrs. Ralph Jones USAF. I traveled the US as a child settling in Tampa, Florida. I joined the Marines in 1973 and served 4 years. I learned the photography trade in the Corps, and photographed extensively in the Philippine Islands and North Carolina. I left the Corps in 1977 and enrolled at Jackson State University and was a multiple Deans List Scholar. I earned a B.S. Degree in Mass Communications. I then earned a Commission as a Second Lieutenant US Army, served as a Communications Officer in Europe, photographed in Spain, Germany, Belgium, England and France. I left the Army as Captain with a Top Secret Security Clearance.
Favorite Part of Job: The warmth of a satisfied customer makes taking pictures fun. Any time newlyweds smile and children act silly for the camera make all efforts put into doing a first rate job that much more enjoyable.
Major Accomplishments: Getting the cover shot for Delta Business Journal. Shooting the Bastille Day Parade in Paris and The October Fest In Munich Germany. Shooting MVSU Founders Day Gala two years in a row. Shooting B.B. Kings annual Homecoming Celebration two years in a row. Shooting Danny Glover, Morgan Freeman, Willie Foster, and many other entertainers.
Advice to other Business Leaders: Believe in yourself and be consistent. Be on a mission to succeed in your chosen field. Let no one turn you around.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? US Marines who hammed it up for me the night before bootcamp graduation. Dr. List of Jackson State University who tirelessly answered barrages of questions for four years. Kim Rushing of Delta State University for putting a camera back in my hand and saying make it happen. Dr. Roy Hudson of Mississippi Valley State University who, for two years in a row, hired me to shoot their Founders Day Gala and gave me complete creative control. Delta Business Journal who helps me pay the mortgage from time to time and provide a warm atmosphere any time I’m around the guys. My wife Ruth and children Tiffany and Ralphie who put up with me being out all times of the night taking pictures.

Julius Lucas, Jr.
Lucas Construction
Owner
Cleveland, MS
Hometown: Cleveland, MS

Background information: I am married to Myrtle Lucas with two children, Julius III and Estella. I am a graduate of East Side High School and Coahoma Community College.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy taking a house plan or designing a plan and turning it into a finished product that makes the customer smile.
Major accomplishments: I love helping customers fulfill their dreams in building or remodeling their homes while saving them money.
Advice to other business leaders: Treat people with respect and give them the best product and service for their money.

Beverly Luckett
WXVT
News Director/Anchor
Greenville, MS
Hometown: Bolton, MS

Background information: I am the News Director and co-anchor of the WXVT Delta News five and six o’clock newscasts. I am an award-winning journalist with over 14 years experience in broadcast news. I have a B.A. from Mississippi State University. Prior to coming to WXVT, I was Senior Legislative/General Assignment Reporter at WJTV in Jackson, MS.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy helping young journalists grow into strong, fair reporters.
Major accomplishments: My accomplishments include a first place award for “Best General News” from the Mississippi Associated Press and a resolution from the Jackson City Council for Community Services among others.
Advice to other business leaders: If you have a dream, follow your heart and remember nothing is out of reach with hard work and perseverance.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My mother and father have influenced my career the most by teaching me to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Rufus Manley
Hot Wings Express
City Council Member
Batesville, MS
Hometown: Batesville, MS

Background information: Hot Wings Express has operated since October 10, 1993.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy servicing and meeting new customers.
Major accomplishments: I am proud to give my customers the best service I can give and the highest quality food.
Advice to other business leaders: Give the best you have to give, be fair and make service to your customers number one.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My biggest influence has been my wife, Juanita Manley.

Arthur Marble
City of Indianola
Mayor
Indianola, MS
Hometown: Gulfport, MS

Background information: I am a native of Gulfport, MS. I graduated from South Park High School in Buffalo, NY. I attended Grambling University for two years, University of Southern Mississippi for two years, and the U.S. Air Force from January 1976 until October 1985. I was an inspector for the City of Indianola from 1990 until 2002, and I have been mayor since January of 2002.
Favorite part of job: I love working with and doing things for good decent people with positive attitudes. All my jobs have been in public service or working directly with the public. There is nothing greater than being a part of Mississippi and moving Mississippi into the future.
Major accomplishments: We have secured grants for infrastructure projects, public parks and cleanup of Indian Bayou. We are currently working on a major Economic Development initiative–the B.B. King Museum. Additionally, we are partnering with a Chicago group to create initiatives for families and children.
Advice to other business leaders: We live in difficult economic times. Every move we make must be calculated and every moment maximized. We must fight and claw to move ahead. Above all, we must weather the storm.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My parents–especially my 80-year “young” living father. If you break down the word “career,” you get “care-er”. He taught me how to love and be a “care-er” of and to others.

Charles Victor McTeer
McTeer & Associates
Owner
Greenville and Jackson, MS
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Background information: I was one of the first black graduates of Western Maryland College in 1969 as well as a graduate of Rutgers University School of Law. I am licensed to practice law in Maryland, Mississippi and Tennessee. I have been involved in cases of nationwide significance dating back more that 30 years such as cases involving the U.S. Supreme Court, Voting Rights Act, the Attorney General, the Ku Klux Klan, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Fannie Lou Hamer, Playboy Magazine and Ford Motor Company among others. I am a scuba diver, pilot and a sailor. I am married to Mercidees with two children, Heather Dale and Marcus Dale.
Major accomplishments: I have been repeatedly rated av in Martin-Hubbell since the mid-1980’s. I have received various awards from national and statewide organizations for my service to the community including the 1995 MS Chief Justice’s Award. I am a member of the Mississippi Bar Foundation, the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of MS and the Commission on Black Philanthropy. I am a past member of the Board of Trustees of Rust College as well as past President of One Hundred Black Men of the MS Delta and past Chairman of the Ethics Committee of the MS State Bar Association. My wife and I founded the McTeer Foundation, which provides scholarships and funding for college students from Mississippi.

Derek Miles, M.D.
Bolivar Urology Clinic, P.A.
Owner/Urologist
Cleveland, MS
Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Background information: I am a 1994 graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City in a six year combined B.A./M.D. program. I did General Surgery training at Barnes/Jewish Hospital at Washington University-St. Louis, MO. I completed a Urology residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS in June 2002. I then began a private urology practice in July 2002 at The Bolivar Urology Clinic.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy being able to fulfill my dream of practicing medicine in an underserved area and have that practice in a town as wonderful as Cleveland, MS.
Major accomplishments: I provide state of the art urology care for Bolivar County. I staff a biannual prostate cancer screening at Delta State University. I was also selected to the Bolivar County Advisory Board for State Bank and Trust.
Advice to other business leaders: Continue your good work, mentor an underprivileged child and take an active role in the recruitment of other businesses to the MS Delta.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My wife manages my practice and helped me start it from scratch. I have had a number of professional influences, but my parents, Parnell and Ernestine Miles, fueled the drive and ambition to help those less fortunate and do the best I could no matter the endeavor.

Seymour Mitchell
Delta Health Center, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer
Mound Bayou, MS
Hometown: Cleveland, MS

Background information: I was born, raised and educated in the public schools in Cleveland. I received an Associate Degree in Social Work from Coahoma Community College, and a Masters in Social Work from the University of New York at Stony Brook. I have been employed in public health throughout my career.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy working with staff to assist our patients and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
Major accomplishments: I directed and lead a health center in Shreveport, LA out of a $200,000 deficit and expanded health care services to a new area during my first year.
Advice to other business leaders: Always surround yourself with competent, trustworthy and loyal employees.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? There is no single individual who has influenced my career; There are many. However, with God being my first in life, I rely solely upon Him to direct my path.

Sandra Hawkins Paden
Covenant Bank Mortgage Loans
Customer Service Representative
Clarksdale, MS
Hometown: Sherard, MS

Background information: My banking career began in 1982 as a part-time teller, secretary to the late Troy Stubbs, and compliance officer to a loan officer.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy interacting and servicing the customers in a professional manner.
Major accomplishments: My major accomplishment was leaving corporate banking and returning to local banking where decisions are made in the branch.
Advice to other business leaders: Always put God first and to be a good listener when dealing with the public.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My biggest support has come from my immediate family, church family and friends.

Talmadge Portis, Jr.
Tal-Port Industries, LLC
President
Yazoo City, MS
Hometown: Terry, MS

Background information: Truly a Mississippian, I was born, educated, married and have worked and raised my family in the state of Mississippi.
Favorite part of job: The ability to impact people and to help them realize their dreams through employment and understanding is the best part my job.
Major accomplishments: My major accomplishment has been the ability to start my own business after retiring from four other positions in the industry.
Advice to other business leaders: Never forget where you started, and always be truthful to yourself and your values.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My family has influenced me the most. They have always made me feel that I would succeed at whatever I tried.

Marshall Sanders
The Headline News
Editor/Publisher
Tunica, MS
Hometown: Chicago, IL

Background information: I started my first business 20 years ago at the age of 21. I am a former Police Lieutenant and Narcotics Officer.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy investigating stories and meeting new and interesting people. I also enjoy the excitement of completing the story.
Major accomplishments: I have overcome the stereotype that society has about young males growing up in “the ghetto” or “projects” in Chicago.
Advice to other business leaders: Never give up no matter how the odds may seem to be against you, even if you have to try other ventures.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My biggest influences are my four children that keep me motivated to keep going and Bill Gates of Microsoft.

Herbert A. Scott, Sr.
Yazoo County Fair & Civic League, Inc.
President
Yazoo City, MS
Hometown: Yazoo City, MS

Background information: I was born and reared in Yazoo City. I attended Alcorn State and Jackson State University. I retired from public schools and am affiliated with several local social and veterans organizations.
Favorite part of job: I love the satisfaction I receive from serving others in the community, especially those who are elderly and in dire need.
Major accomplishments: I have helped with the development of 233 units of sanitary, affordable housing units for very low income elderly as well as the development of an African American Cultural Center.
Advice to other business leaders: Activities should be driven by a goal of overall community improvement rather than individual gain. Real success is measured by positive community gains.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? Family members including my wife, Virginia and my children, Mary, Juanita, Brenda and Herbert, Jr. have been my influences.

Dr. Chresteen Seals
Greenville Higher Education
Center-MVSU
Director of Academic Programming
Greenville, MS
Hometown: Cleveland, MS

Background information: I am a native of Cleveland, MS by way of Chicago, Illinois. I received a B.S. in Pre-Med from Mississippi Valley State University, a Masters in Biology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, a Masters in Guidance and Counseling and a Doctorate in Higher Administration from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA. I have more than 20 years of basic research and teaching. I have 35 years of experience in administration and upper level management and three years experience as Director of Academic Programming for MVSU at the GHEC.
Favorite part of job: My favorite part of my job is working with and nurturing others as I watch them blossom and become highly productive.
Major accomplishments: One of my major accomplishments is having had the opportunity to make some meaningful contributions to some of the businesses in our community.
Advice to other business leaders: Develop a sound strategic plan and actually use it.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? The biggest influence on my life’s career is my father, my family and Dr. Antonio Scommegna of Michael Reese Hospital Medical Center in Chicago, IL.

Emma Simpson
Corbin Russwin, Inc.
Plant Accounting Manager
Clarksdale, MS
Hometown: Clarksdale, MS

Background information: I am a member of First Baptist Church. I am married to Ralph with three children; Jeremy, Zanielle and Kahreesha and two grandchildren; Chealsea and Joshua. I have an AA Degree from Coahoma Community College and a BA and MBA from DSU. I have been employed by Corbin Russwin since April 24, 1972. I was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, American Legion Auxiliary, CC Industrial Foundation and a Leadership Clarksdale graduate.
Favorite part of job: I love it when all the numbers come together and there are no surprises or extra analyses required.
Major accomplishments: My greatest accomplishment was when, by the grace of God, I completed my Bachelor’s and MBA degrees while working and taking care of a family.
Advice to other business leaders: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My mother has been the biggest influence on me because she always instilled in my sisters and me to do all we could to become independent women. She stressed the importance of keeping God in your life, getting an education and having common sense.

Aurelia Jones-Taylor
Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center Inc.
Chief Executive Officer
Clarksdale, MS
Hometown: Hollandale, MS

Background Information: Graduated Tougaloo College, with BS in Mathematics & MBA from Jackson State University. Married to Zachary J. Taylor, M.D., three children, four grandchildren. Employed with AEH since 1989.
Favorite Part of Job: Creating sustainable programs that improve the health status of poor and disenfranchised people in the Delta. Networking with peers all over the country, bringing fresh ideas back to the Delta.
Major Accomplishments: Expanded health care sites to employ over 180, increased budget from $1 million to $12 million; established largest rural public transit program in state; developed low cost prescription medication program.
Advice to other business leaders: For those of us who have the benefit of education, position, and resources, it is our obligation to give back to the community.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career: Dr Aaron Shirley is my mentor and in 2002 I was the recipient of the Aaron Shirley Distinguished Indigent Care Award presented by Mississippi Primary Health Care Association.

Tanya Dowd Taylor
Rochelle Rochelle Consulting Inc.
President/CEO
Clarksdale, MS
Hometown: Marks, MS

Background information: I received a Bachelor of Arts in History with emphasis on African-American/Women’s Studies from Gustavus Adolhpus College. In addition, I held several executive positions with the Arron E. Henry Community Health Center, and secured over $400,000 in federal funding through Americorps. I currently serve as both Chief of Administration for Mid-South Hospice, Inc. and CEO of Rochelle Rochelle consulting.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy networking, meeting new people and seeing a project implemented
Major accomplishments: I have written over half a million dollars in successful grants.
Advice to other business leaders: Do not think you know everything. Sharpen your skills to meet the next agency’s or clients job requirements.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? George Taylor, my husband. He is very supportive and believes in both me and my abilities. He has taught me how to trust in my faith and put God before all things.

Willie H. Totten
Mississippi Valley State University
Head Football Coach
Itta Bena, MS
Hometown: Coila, MS

Background information: I am a graduate of J.Z. George High School in North Carrollton. I received a B.S. in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from MVSU and a Masters in Sports Administration from Grambling State University. I reside in Minter City, MS where I am married to my college sweetheart, Phaedra Yvette, with two little angels Josta Brationna, 8 and Trasity Monyetta, 4.
Favorite part of job: Not only am I fulfilling my dream to become the head football coach at my college alma mater, MVSU, but I have also been afforded the opportunity to touch the lives of young men and women during a critical time in their careers.
Major accomplishments: I broke more than 50 NCAA records during my college career and was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame in 2000. I was named Head Football Coach at MVSU in 2001 and recognized when the MVSU football stadium, Rice-Totten Stadium, was named in my honor in 1999. In 2002, I was voted Mississippi’s College Football Coach of the Year and chosen to be inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame with a ceremony to be held in 2004.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My biggest influence has been my older brother, Roger.

Armstead Townes, III
Townes Construction Co., Inc.
Owner
Grenada, MS
Hometown: Tillatoba, MS

Background information: After high school, I attended Ittawamba Community College. In 1979, I started my business. I am now married with two sons.
Favorite part of job: My favorite part of the job is working and completing a project.
Major accomplishments: I started my business with only one truck, and now I own several trucks.
Advice to other business leaders: Stand firm, work hard and you will reap your reward.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My father, the late Armstead Townes, Jr., had the biggest influence on my career. He was an owner and operator of his own business and a hard worker.

Lee Terry Vallery
Tom Wadler Toyota
Salesperson
Greenville, MS
Hometown: Hollandale, MS

Background information: I am a graduate of Simmons High School. I am married with three daughters and am the pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church in Shaw, MS.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy meeting people and fulfilling the need of the customer.
Major accomplishments: I sold 200 units in one year and reached master certification in Lincoln-Mercury and Toyota Motors.
Advice to other business leaders: Philippians 4:8–Finally whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My family has been the biggest influence on my career.

Walter Ward
Community Recycling
Owner
Rolling Fork, MS
Hometown: Rolling Fork, MS

Background information: Community Recycling, Inc. was founded in 1991 as a sole proprietorship registered in Rolling Fork, MS. I own and operate the business.
Favorite part of job: I recognized a potential market by small and large commercial establishments to have a way of recycling the paper and plastic products that were disposed of in a landfill.
Major accomplishments: In 1994, I was honored by Leaf ‘N Lawn Garden Club in Rolling Fork. I have won third place in the Recycling Business and Industry category at the 8th Annual Keep MS Beautiful/People Against Litter. I also served on the MS Biomass Council Board of Directors.
Advice to other business leaders: To small businesses, farmers, schools, large manufacturing companies and Mississippi: Recycling is good for all, so please keep the faith.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My biggest influences have been my father, mother, wife and most of all, Jesus, who’s making a way for us all.

Cassandra Williams
Enterprise Corporation of the Delta
Commercial Loan Officer
Clarksdale, MS
Hometown: Clarksdale, MS

Background information: I am currently a Commercial Loan Officer for the Enterprise Corporation of the Delta. I have 14 years of banking and administrative experience. I am a former Assistant Vice President of Union Planters Bank.
Favorite part of job: The best part of my job is being able make loans to viable businesses that have a positive economic impact on the Delta.
Advice to other business leaders: Always be conscious of the fact that the Delta has some unique issues that require the dedication of its business leaders.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? Willis Connell, Jr., a former CEO of Union Planters Bank of Northwest Mississippi, has had the greatest influence on my career. He was genuinely concerned about his staff and community. He gave me the opportunity to gain experience in a number of different areas in banking.
Major Accomplishments: I am a former member of the Board of Directors of the Clarksdale/Coahoma Industrial Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. She is a graduate of Leadership Clarksdale.

Kenneth Williams
Williams Drywall and Painting
Owner
Greenville, MS
Hometown: Greenville, MS

Background information: My business was established in 1952 by Charles Williams. I worked hard to establish my new company along with my wife, Barbara. I am blessed with five children; Sharon, Charles, Kenneth, Rod and Danny. All five children were brought up in the business. Charles served as chairman of the business until 1996 when he turned the company over to me.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy finishing a contract job and having a satisfied customer. I also like to meet new people and motivate my employees to the highest while being a team player with other contractors.
Major accomplishments: Our most recent accomplishments are the completion of the GHEC, the Fairfield Inn, South River Markets, Super Wal-Mart, an addition to Baxter’s, Greenville-Weston High School Auditorium, and Our House, Inc.
Advice to other business leaders: Try and pay your bills on time, therefore you are never behind. Never let your emotions overrun your better judgement.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? My My father, Charles Williams, has had the biggest influence on me, being brought under his tutelage with his positive motivation and his never give up attitude. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on some of his words of wisdom or have relied on some of his parables that he has left behind. To open my day or to close my night, he was a true hero and he deserves all the credit that has been bestowed upon our company.

Robert Williams
Peterbo’s Family Restaurant
Owner
Isola, MS
Hometown: Louise, MS

Background information: I was born in the small Delta town of Midnight and have been a life-long resident of Humphreys County. I am married to Blanche Jones Williams with two daughters and three grandchildren.
Favorite part of job: I enjoy cooking and serving the people of the community as well as meeting people from all walks of life.
Major accomplishments: I supply jobs for people of my community and vest my resources to help others.
Advice to other business leaders: Be honest, love people, and meet the needs of people. Share your good fortune with others.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career? The biggest influence on my career has been my family, my wife, my daughters and my granddaughters. DBJ