DR
ANDREW ABIDE
Greenville, MS
Louisiana State University
University of Mississippi
School of Dentistry
Dentist, Dental Health Center
Andrew
is involved in general dentistry. One of his major business
accomplishments is helping people overcome fears of dentistry
and educating them in oral health to preserve their teeth.
He belongs to the Kiwanis Club.
BARBARA ARNOLD
Greenwood, MS
Account Executive, Cox Media
Spouse: James R. Arnold
Children: John “Tucker” Arnold
Cox Media is one of the largest cable
ad sales operations in the United States. Barbara’s
position is of sales, service and development of local
based clients in the Mississippi Delta Region in addition
to statewide and regional clients throughout Mississippi.
In working with the local Chamber, Kim was top recruiter
during the 2000 membership drive.
During her first year with Cox, she received two awards,
“The Rookie of the Year” and “The Extra
Mile Award”, in recognition of being the top new
performer and going above and beyond in job responsibilities
for Cox Media Mississippi. Barbara is now serving on the
board of directors for the Leflore County United Way as
well as publicity chairman for the past several years.
She is also currently serving on the advisory board of
The Salvation Army, a member and past board member of
Altrusa International, and an active member of the Leflore
County Chamber of Commerce on the membership committee.
SHANNON BENSON
Tunica, MS
University of Memphis, BA
Property Manager,
Casino Factory Shoppes
Spouse: Beth Anne
Children: Cameron, Nicholas
Shannon is responsible for day to day
management and tenant reactions for the mall. He assists
corporate retail offices with site visits, and conducts
manager’s meetings.
Shannon was awarded the Tunica Chamber of Commerce 2003
Large Business of the Year award. He is an active volunteer
for the Children’s Miracle Network Fundraiser. He
is also a member of the International Council of Shopping
centers, Tunica Chamber of Commerce, Robinsonville Rotary,
and the Memphis Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
PHILLIP CLENDENIN
Vicksburg, MS
University of Tennessee/BS
in Business Administration
Washington University School
of Medicine/Masters in Healthcare
Administration
Chief Executive Officer,
River Region Health System
Spouse: Misty
Children: Tom, Lucy and Anderson
Phillip opened the new River Region Medical
Center in February 2002 where he recruited numerous physicians
resulting in new services. He provides leadership and
direction to enable River Region Health System to meet
its mission to improve and deliver quality, compassionate
healthcare to the communities we serve.
Phillip is a member of the First Presbyterian Church and
Rotary in Vicksburg. He is actively involved in a number
of community organizations including the YMCA and United
Way.
Doug Cole
Washington, Bolivar, Sharkey, Issaquena Counties
Delta Community Mental Health Services
Clinical Director
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from University of Southern
Mississippi
A
native of Auburn, NY, Doug provides supervision and coordination
of therapeutic services in the four county Region V area.
He also performs commitment exams for local courts. Doug
writes grants for this region. Most recently, he brought
$300,000 over three years for adolescent drug abuse prevention.
Assisted in developing the current Mississippi outpatient
commitment law. Doug is a member of the Mississippi Psychological
Association, the American Psychological Association and
the Mississippi Board of Psychology, where he serves as
Treasurer for the term 2003-2008, as appointed by the
Governor. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of
Psychology for Delta State, teaching Abnormal Psychology.
C hris Collins
Cleveland, MS
University of Mississippi/BBA
President, Roy Collins Construction Company, Inc.
As
President of Roy Collins Construction Company, Chris’
responsibilities include general management, sales, estimating,
project management, and administration of commercial,
government, healthcare and industrial construction projects.
Many of his construction projects include Uncle Ben’s
Natural Select Expansion, the new St. Joseph’s school
system, and DSU’s Natatorium, Broom Hall, Charles
Capps Archives, and the new men’s residence hall.
Chris is a board member of MS Associated Builders and
Contractors Association, chairman or MABC 401K committee,
board member and treasurer of Cleveland-Bolivar County
Chamber of Commerce, United Way board member, and a regional
board member of the Mississippi Delta Boys & Girls
Club. He served on MABC Legal Rights and Strategy Committee,
and was a president of Cleveland Boys & Girls Club.
Edward (Ted) P. Connell, Jr.
Clarksdale, MS
Merkel & Cocke, PA/Attorney
Spouse: Kelly Hemphill Connell
Children: Sykes, 19 months
Ted’s
law practice is quite varied. The majority consists of
trial work, but he is also involved in real estate transactions,
wills and estates, and is general counsel for the Delta
Regional Authority. “Becoming the initial general
counsel for the Delta Regional Authority has been a major
business accomplishment for me. Assisting with the creation
of a federal agency which partners with the eight states
of the Delta Region has been quite challenging, but a
great learning experience.”
Ted is a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church
and has served on the vestry. “I am also a member
of the Rotary Club and have served on its Board of Directors.
I have recently been asked to serve on the Board of Directors
of the local Habitat For Humanity Organization. My three-year
tenure on the Board of the Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce
will be completed this year. I have also served on the
Ole Miss Alumni Board, the Young Ole Miss Alumni Board,
and the Ole Miss Law Alumni Board. I am presently President
of the Coahoma County Ole Miss Alumni Association. I have
been an active fund raiser for the local chapter for the
Boy Scouts of America for the last four years.”
Trey
Cooke
Stoneville, MS
Delta F.A.R.M. and Delta Wildlife
Executive Director
Delta State University, Cleveland, MS (B.S. in Environmental
Science)
Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX (M.A. in
Biology)
Spouse: Daty Hardy
Children: Thomas Hardy Cooke
Trey
ensures all duties assigned by the Board of Directors
are carried out; is a liaison between Board of Directors
and staff; develops programs for both organizations; ensures
all members who request assistance are serviced by the
staff; assigns job responsibilities to other staff; handles
grant writing and fund raising and is editor of the Delta
Wildlife Magazine.
Initiated the first major quail restoration project in
Mississippi; helped adjust CRP Continuous Sign-Up eligibility
requirements to allow more land to be enrolled in the
Delta; enrolled nearly 700,000 acres of cropland into
the Delta F.A.R.M. Program; reforested nearly 6,000 acres
of marginal cropland in the Delta; restored over 7,000
acre of wetlands in the Delta. Is involved with the Leland
Presbyterian Church; Mississippi State University College
of Forest Resources Advisory Board; USDA-NRCS State Technical
Committee; MDEQ-Yazoo Basin Team.
ANDY DIXON
Greenville, MS
Mississippi State University/BS, MS
Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State
University
Senior Vice President, Guaranty Bank and Trust Company
Spouse: Becky
Children: Drew, Adam, Catherine
Andy is responsible for the Commercial
Lending Office at Guaranty Bank and Trust. He is the current
president of Greenville area Chamber of Commerce, Board
of Directors at Washington School, Greenville Rotary Club,
and Greenville First United Methodist Church. He has also
been involved with the United Way for many years.
ANN L. FANN
Greenwood, MS
Louisiana State University/Bachelor of Science in Merchandising
Belmont University/Masters Degree in Business Administration
Owner, The Sweet Pea
Spouse: Billie Ray
Children: Alex, 2 1/2; Molly, 1
Ann is the owner, manager, buyer, salesperson,
runner and cashier of her business. She manages eight
employees and runs the business in every aspect. She is
the Main Street Director responsible for promoting historic
development and business promotion downtown. Ann started
the first Downtown Courthouse Lighting. She also was a
starting partner of Providence Management Corporation.
Ann is a member of the Delta Garden Club, Junior Auxiliary,
Chamber of Commerce and First Baptist Church in Greenwood.
RENELL M. FRANKLIN
Itta Bena, MS
Spelman College in Atlanta/BS;William Woods University
in Fulton, MO/MBA
Director of Public Relations,
Mississippi Valley State University
Spouse: Reginald C. Franklin
Children: Bryant William Brown
Renell
uses communication strategies to develop and promote a
positive image of the University to advance its position
in the marketplace. A major business accomplishment for
Rennell was serving as an Interim Executive of the Boys
& Girls Club of the Capital City (Jefferson City,
MO) where she increased student enrollment, streamlined
business practices, established concrete measurements
for success, and implemented communication strategies.
She also served as their Vice President.
She has served as member of Public Relation Society of
America and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was a
board member for the Girl Scout Council in Jefferson City.
She is also a Sunday School Superintendent to the Second
Baptist Church of Jefferson City, MO.
PARKER GRAVES
Tunica County
University of Mississippi/BBA
President, Parker Tractor Co/Manager and Partner of Hastings
Farms
Parker is responsible for the daily operations
of several family owned businesses, including the John
Deere dealership in Tunica County. Parker is an active
member of Tunica United Methodist Church, where he serves
on the financial committee. He is a recent participant
in the Active in Missions program. His company is also
a member of the Tunica County Chamber of Commerce. Parker
plans to maintain the excellent customer service and community
support that Parker Tractor Company is known for.
SUSAN CARTWRIGHT GUION
Yazoo City
Stephens College (Columbia, MO)/
Fashion IllustrationArt Institute of Fort Lauderdale,
FL/Commercial Arts
Owner, Grace Hardware
Children: William Cartwright Guion, Caitlyn Campbell Guion,
Alexandra Louise Guion
Grace Hardware opened March 2003. Since
then Susan has run the day to day operations which include
maintaining art work wall displays of over 27 artists.
In addition to this she finds, buys and oversees the renovation
of furniture, and consults with carpenters and welders
on design of custom furniture. She is a partner in Genesis
Gallery of Fine Arts also in Yazoo City.
Susan is the president of the Yazoo City Main Street Association.
They are forming a five year master plan which will bring
together many civic groups for the restoration of Yazoo
City’s Main Street. One of her major accomplishments
has been renovation of the Grace Hardware building, including
future renovation plans for this building. Susan is a
member of Yazoo City Chamber of Commerce and Vestry Trinity
Episcopal Church.
BRADLEY HATHAWAY
Greenville, MS
University of Southern Mississippi/BS
in Business Administration
University of Mississippi School
of Law/J.D. Cum Laude
Partner, Campbell, DeLong,
Hagwood & Wade, LLP
Spouse: Elizabeth Wade
Children: Farel, Cooper
Bradley focuses his law practice on all
types of major casualty litigation, representing local,
regional, and national clients. Bradley served as president
of both the Washington County Bar Association, and the
Washington County Young Lawyers. He is the past-director
for the Mississippi Bar, young Lawyers Division, and formerly
co-chaired the Disaster Relief Committee. Currently, he
is serving as Secretary of the Mississippi Bar, Young
Lawyers Division. He is also a member of the United Way
(board of directors), Rotary International, Greenville
Habitat for Humanity (past-director), and the Washington
County Republican Executive Committee. In addition to
all of this Bradley is a member of The Arkansas Bar Association,
Defense Research Institute, Mississippi Defense Lawyers,
and Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
CHUCK
HERRING
Indianola, Greenville, Clarksdale
Mississippi State University/BBA
Delta State University/MBA
Director, Mississippi Delta Community College Small Business
Resource Center
Spouse: Tracy
Children: Annie Katelyn, Warner
Chuck
is a Chartered Financial Consultant. His job responsibilities
include Directing, Managing, and Marketing a Small Business
and Entrepreneurial Services Program at MDCC’s Caps
Center in Indianola, the WIN center in Clarksdale, and
the Greenville Higher Education Center. They are currently
serving 14 Delta Counties. In the past, Chuck has counseled
2000 plus entrepreneurs, including start-up and expansion
of 300 Delta small businesses. He was also awarded the
National Innovative award from NADO for Best Practices
in Entrepreneurial Skills Training this past September.
Chuck is a partner of the Delta Workforce Investment Area,
a member of Delta Regional Minority Business Association,
a member of Service Corps of Retired Executives, and the
Director of Mace Women’s Business Center.
HOLLIE HILTON
Vicksburg, MS
Journalism Degree/Jones Junior College and University
of Southern Mississippi
Marketing Director,
Vicksburg Factory Outlets
Hollie’s responsibilities include
promoting Vicksburg Factory Outlets through advertising/generating
ides to maintain a positive image for the center. She
is also involved in building new events to attract shoppers
while enhancing existing events. Hollie will soon serve
as a volunteer as co-director of Vicksburg’s “Miss
Hospitality” program, and for the Miss Vicksburg/Miss
West Central Mississippi scholarship pageant.
SHAW JOHNSON, III
Clarksdale, MS
University of Mississippi
Vice President, SouthGroup
-J.H. Johnson & Co.
Spouse: Beth Bennett
Children: Shaw IV, 6; Shelton, 2
Shaw supervises the day to day operations
of the agency as well as producing new business. Shaw
is currently on the Board of Directors of SouthGroup Insurance
and Financial Services and the Clarksdale Downtown Development
Association. He is the past chairman of Young Agents of
MS as well as the past president of Coahoma County Chamber
of Commerce and Delta Agents. He also served on the Young
Agents Committee National Association and the Executive
Committee of Independent Insurance Agents of MS.
Shaw belongs to the Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce,
Independent Insurance Agents of MS, and the First Methodist
Church in Clarksdale.
WILLIAM F. “BILL” MCGRAW
Yazoo City, MS
Mississippi State University/BS Certified Insurance Counselor
Designation
Partner, Yazoo Insurance Agency, Inc.
Spouse: Lori Fountain
Children: Erin, Neil, Corley, Mary Sibley
As
a partner in an independent insurance agency, Bill is
responsible for numerous day to day activities such as
sales, marketing and management.
Some of Bill’s major accomplishments include: Past
president of Yazoo City Rotary, Leadership Yazoo, and
PIA of Mississippi. In addition to these Bill is also
involved with the Rotary Club (bulletin editor), Chamber
of Commerce, Professional Insurances Agents of Mississippi
(director), Independent Insurance Agents of Mississippi,
Red Cross (Director), Yazoo Main Street Association, CIC
Advisor Committee, and the Deacon Council of the First
Baptist Church of Yazoo City.
WILLIAM T. MILLS
Greenville, MS
University of Mississippi/BBA in
Marketing Mississippi State University/BA in Architecture
Vice President of Mills & Mills
Architects, PC
Spouse: Donna S. Mills
Children: William T. Mills
William’s responsibilities range
from serving as Vice President to being the principal
in charge of firm Marketing and Development of Contract
Documents. William was licensed in Mississippi in 1996
and became Vice President in 1997. He is a member of the
American Institute of Architects, National Council of
Architectural Registration Boards, Kiwanis Club, Red Cross
Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce, and Trinity United
Methodist Church. He also volunteers for the Special Olympics.
JOHN W. MORRIS
Tunica, MS
Mississippi State,
Louisiana State University
Vice President, First Security Bank
Spouse: Angela
Children: Three
Some
of John’s responsibilities include commercial and
consumer lending, security, personnel, and compliance
and committer for entire bank. John is involved in the
community through the Mississippi Young Bankers County
(chairman), Tunica County Community Development Coalition
Advisory Board, Tunica County School Curriculum Committee,
Tunica United Methodist Church Administrative Council,
and the Tunica Rotary Club Board of Directors. Other organizations
he belongs to include the Tunica Institute of Learning
PTA and County Chairman for the Haley Barbour for Governor
Champaign.
CHRISTINE NELSON
Greenville, MS
University of Georgia/BA in Journalism
Anchor, WABG-TV 6
Christine anchors and produces the 5,
6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. She assists reporters with story
ideas and packages as well as reporting on stories that
affect Deltans. Christine has interviewed U.S. First Lady,
Laura Bush. She received a MS Associated Press Award in
General News as well as for Best Newscast in 2002. She
does public speaking to students on the dangers of drug
use and staying in school.
Christine is a member of the Cleveland-Bolivar County
Chamber of Commerce Media Relations Committee.
JAMES R. PARKERSON III
Greenville, MS
University of Mississippi University
of Tennessee Dental School
Dentist, Dr. James R. Parkerson (D.D.S.)
Spouse: Angela Davis
Children: James-Royce, Madison Steele
James’
general family practice consists of thirteen employees
including five dental hygienists. He also maintains a
personal laboratory on the premises.
Some of his major involvements include being a teacher
for the youth at Greenville Bible Church over five years.
He has also been active in the Boys and Girls Club during
the Smile Week program for over 3 years. Organizations
he belongs to include American Dental Society, Mississippi
Dental Society, Greenville Dental Society, FDI World Dental
Federation, and he is also a past president of the Greenville
Rotary Club.
KIM POLLARD
Drew, MS
Mississippi State University/BS
in Anthropology
Consultant, The Drew Leader -
The Drew Chamber of Commerce
Spouse: James Pollard
Children: Hannah, Carol
Kim’s position requires a little
bit of everything. She is involved with layout, design,
sales, photography, story writing, and public relations.
A major accomplishment of Kim’s is restarting the
Drew Leader. She is a member of the Mississippi Main Street
Planning Committees (in Drew) and the Drew Revitalization
Team. She is Secretary of The Drew “Friends of the
Library” and a member of the Drew Chamber of Commerce.
BILL RAYMOND, JR.
Greenville, MS
University of Southern Mississippi
Delta State University (presently enrolled)
Director, Main Street Greenville/Greater Greenville Development
Foundation
As
Main Street Director, Bill is responsible for working
with the community to develop and implement a plan for
downtown revitalization. In addition, he coordinates special
events for the Chamber of Commerce.
Bill was named Employee of the Year for Biloxi in 1999.
He has raised the organization profile and increased community
participation in both Biloxi and Greenville. He is a board
member of the Mississippi Delta Advertising Federation,
a committee member of the March of Dimes Walk America,
and he works with the Keep Greenville Beautiful Committee.
JOE RICOTTA
Indianola, MS
Community Bank
President and CEO
1986 graduate of Delta State University
1994 honor graduate of the LSU
Graduate School of Banking
Spouse: Donna Milner, of Ridgeland
Children: Carol and Christen
Joe runs a $100 million financial institution and oversees
30 staff members. In nine years, led bank to 50% growth
in loans and 20% growth in deposits. He is a member of
Community Bank Board of Directors and an advisory member
of Community Bancshares of Mississippi Board of Directors.
Joe is President of Leland Chamber of Commerce and a past
President of United Way Board of Directors. He is also
the Chairman of Delta State University Fundraising Committee.
A member of First United Methodist Church, Indianola,
he is also a member of Indianola Academy School Board
of Directors and an active member of Indianola Chamber
of Commerce. Member of Indianola Rotary Club.
JEANNA ROBERTSON
Greenwood, MS
Delta State University/BBA
in Finance, MBA
General Manager, Spann Robertson Cotton Marketing
Jeanna has been the general manager of
this family owned cotton marketing business since 1990.
Her responsibilities consist of overseeing daily operations
of the business including preparing cotton classing data
for sales, sales invoicing, marketing, and working with
USDA facilitating program benefits for producers.
Jeanna is currently serving as Secretary/Treasurer of
Greenwood Cotton Exchange. She is the first woman elected
to serve on the Board of Directors of the Greenwood Cotton
Exchange.
MARK ROBINETTE
Greenville, MS
Delta State University/BBA in Finance
General Manager, James Ceranti Motors
Spouse: Aimee
Children: Carson, 2; Cade, 5 mos.
Mark achieved the five star rating from
Daimler Chrysler for his business practices and complete
customer satisfaction.
Mark is a member of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland.
ROBERT D. SIMPSON
Drew, MS
Mississippi Delta Community College/Business Administration
Branch Manager and Vice President, Delta Southern Bank
Spouse: Vaughan Simpson
Children: Chris Collins, Olivia Simpson
Robert’s responsibilities are making
consumer and commercial loans at the Rural Development
Bank. He has been in finance for over 15 years. In the
community, Robert coaches little league baseball and pee-wee
football for Indianola Academy. He is also a member of
the Drew Rotary Club and the Memphis Consumer Finance
Association.
TERESA L. SKELTON, DMD
Greenville, MS
University of Mississippi/BAUniversity
of Mississippi Dental School/DMD University of Texas Orthodontic
Program
(Houston)
Owner, Theresa L. Skelton, DMD, MS Specialist in Orthodontic
Spouse: David Skelton
Children: Emery, Cameron
Teresa
is a specialist in orthodontics. She practiced general
dentistry for six years before becoming an orthodontists.
She is a member of the Greenville Kiwanis Club, Mississippi
Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the
American Association of Orthodontics.
MAJOR
LESLIE SMITH
D.O., F.A., C.O.S.
Greenville, MS
Ohio Wesleyan University/BA New York College of Osteopathic
Medicine/DO Michigan State University/General Surgery
Residency
Staff Surgeon, DRMC Burn Center
Leslie is a physician that specializes
in burn care, critical care, and surgery. She has developed
a probe that determines the depth of thermal injured tissue
(research grant) and she also lobbied in Washington D.C.
on behalf of DRMC for a medical grant. Leslie is currently
developing and constructing limb support splints for burn
patients at DRMC. She volunteered three years in the US
Army (active duty) fellowship in burns at Brooke Army
medical Center in Ft. Sam Houston. In addition to this
she also volunteered her medical expertise during 9/11
in New York City.
Awards Leslie has received include the Army Achievement
Medal (2002) for meritorious service as a trauma surgeon
in Honduras, the Aircraft Crew Member Award for “Exceptional
duty as medical aid man”, and placing third for
best scientific paper by the 15th Southern Medical Region
Burn Conference.
Leslie is a member of Mississippi Fire Fighter’s
Memorial Burn Center, American College of Osteopathic
Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, American Burn
Association, American Medical Association, and the Association
of Military Osteopathic Surgeons.
DR. LEESA HOGG SMITH
Greenville, MS
Delta State University
University of Alabama in Birmingham, Southern College
of Optometry, PhD
Optometrist, 20/20 Eye World
Spouse: Dr. Emmett D. Smith
Children: Cole, Brad
Leesa is an Optometric Physician/Primary
Eye Care Provider. She is in charge of diagnosing and
managing Visual Disorders and Eye Diseases. Leesa is the
Optometrist for Junior Auxiliary of Greenville. She is
also a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, DSU Phi
Mu Alumni Chapter, and the past secretary and president
of PTS of Presbyterian Day School.
ROBERT STOKES
Greenville, MS
University of MS/Bachelor of Engineering
Certified Rehab Technology Supplier
A & A Home Health Equipment
Spouse: Jill Auong
Children: Expecting twins-Samantha
and Lottie Ann
Robert is one of eight certified suppliers
of rehab equipment in Mississippi. He provides custom
seating and mobility as well as positioning devices for
people with disabilities. He has served as president of
Washington Co. Ole Miss Alumni Association for the past
three years. He is also coach of Upward Basketball and
KID’s church assistant.
Robert is a member of 4.5 USTA State Championship Team
of 2002 as well as a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
CHRIS TONOS
Greenville, MS
University of Mississippi/Specialty training in diamonds
and management
Co-owner/Manager, Joe Tonos Jewelers, Inc.
Spouse: Jennifer
Children: Sarah, Christopher Tonos II
Chris is responsible for general management,
merchandising, and marketing. He is also the head buyer
and diamond specialist. Chris is involved with the Mississippi
Jewelers Association on the board of directors, Greenville
Chamber of Commerce, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers
of America, Greenville Elks Lodge #148 as president, St.
Joseph Alumni Association as president, and the Greenville
Golf & Country Club board.
SCOTT UPCHURCH
Greenwood, MS
Mississippi State University/
Bachelor of Accounting
Project Estimator/Manager,
Upchurch Plumbing, Inc.
Spouse: Mynell
Children: Mary Langston, Andrew
and Kaylee (twins)
Scott’s responsibilities include
project estimating, project management, design/build,
extensive coordination, and valve engineering opportunities.
Scott is a member of the management team for one of the
top mechanical businesses in the state. He is a deacon
of Christ Baptist Church, Mississippi Associated Builders
and Contractors, Inc., and Home Builders Association.
ASHLEIGH VAUGHAN
Greenville, MS
University of Southern Mississippi
Owner, Twice Is Nice
Spouse: Gary Vaughan, Jr.
Children: Gary Vaughan, III (Tri)
Some
of Ashleigh’s daily responsibilities include organizing,
tagging, and keeping inventory of new clothes that arrive
daily to the store. She is a member of Emmanuel Baptist
Church.
BLAKE WALLACE
Indianola, MS
University of Southern Mississippi/M.S. in Economic Development
Executive Director, Sunflower Co. Economic Development
District
Spouse: Judy
Children: Daniel
Blake is responsible for all strategic
planning, coordination, and implementation. He has been
involved in the creation of more than 4,575 direct jobs
and $230 million dollars of capital investments in communities
throughout Mississippi. Blake is a Certified Economic
Developer (CEcD) and an Economic Development Finance Professional
(EDFP). He was awarded Best of Class by the International
Economic Development Council.
Blake is a member of the Indianola Rotary Club, MS Delta
Developer’s Association, MS Economic Development
Council, MS Economic Council, Southern Economic Development
Council, and the International Economic Development Council.
NOTT WHEELER, JR.
Cleveland, MS
Mississippi State University/BS in Agricultural Economics
President, Wheeler Farms, Inc.
Spouse: Martha Wood
Children: Marcia, Rachel, Morgan
Nott’s responsibilities include planning planting
and marketing crops, chemical decisions, as well as the
drying and storage of the crops. He also has to maintain
his equipment. Nott was recently the MS Rice Council president,
a Delta Council outstanding rice producer, and elected
to the Levee Board in 1994. Currently her serves on the
Cleveland Chamber, Delta Council, MS Rice Council, US
Rice Producers Association, and the Fist United Methodist
Church in Cleveland.
RONALD WHITE
Yazoo City, MS
Central Baptist College, Conway, AR/BA, MA
Manager of Member Services, Yazoo Valley Electric Power
Association
Spouse: Lavetta Summerhill White
Children: Adam, Brian
Ronald manages and administers engineering,
communication and public relations, job safety and training,
and communications and information systems of Yazoo Valley
Electric Power Association. Ronald has participated as
a graduate of the DSU Leadership institute, President
of EPA’s of MS MMSC Group, Chairman of Yazoo County
Chamber of Commerce, and President of Yazoo City Rotary
Club. He is also involved with Delta Epsilon Chi, American
Red Cross (volunteer), Christmas in April, Second Presbyterian
Church, and Yazoo City.
Elvin L.Yawn Jr.
Clarksdale, Cleveland,
Jackson and Starkville
Southern Duplicating of Clarksdale
President C.E.O.
Spouse: Debra Jones
Two children Brad Yawn 29 and Stephanie Yawn Lusk 24 and
one grandchild Brandon Yawn age 1
Elvin oversees financial decisions for
all business operations and establishes working relationships
with all major vendors.
Elvin started Southern Duplicating of Clarksdale in 1987.
Expanded to three other locations: The Image Specialist
Cleveland, Southern Duplicating of Jackson and Starkville.
ClarksdaleWebInfo.com and ClevelandWebInfo.com are local
news portals he began.
He is a Mason, Past Exalted Ruler Elks Lodge, Exchange
Club, Industrial Foundation Board Member, Citizens for
Clarksdale, Kyocera Mita Premier Dealer Association. DBJ
