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Article:
Delta Workspaces / A look at
executive environments in our
region
Beth Lyon
Indianola Chamber
By David Lush
DBJ
Contributing Writer
What
a visitor sees:
Indianola resident and home town woman Beth Lyon knows that
when she goes to work, she’s stepping back into a
piece of Indianola history.
Lyon is the executive director of the Indianola Chamber
of Commerce—a post she’s held since 1985.
The current chamber offices, at 315 Main Street, now occupy
a space “which started out as a service station somewhere
in the 20’s or 30’s. It’s all been remodeled
now. You can still kind of tell it may have been a service
station,” said Lyon.
The building, which was remodeled in 1996 after the Chamber
had to move out of their former location, is “on the
edge of downtown in a really nice area. I know the building
started out as the service station. Then it was later used
as a carpet store, a feed company and for a lady who used
to give music lessons,” she says.
Now what the public sees is a tasteful, tan-colored building
with a southern look that is inviting and suited to its
surroundings.
“I really think—if your look at it—it
does look like a real old service station with old paned
windows and an old 12 foot cypress door with shutters on
the outside windows and large planters outside the front
door,” Lyon says.
With Indian Bayou across the street showcasing graceful
and statuesque Cypress trees and the corner of Sunflower
Road and Main Street on another side, the building is well
situated to meet the needs of the visiting public.
Inside one can find soft colors with warm, earth tones creating
an inviting and welcome environment. B.B. King items, such
as T-shirts and posters, can also be found in the lobby
area since he’s a mainstay for local tourism and notoriety.
Along with B.B. King, a variety of unique products from
local businesses in the city, such as the Indianola Pecan
House and The Crown Restaurant, are displayed.
What
she sees:
When Beth Lyon looks out the French doors and five windows
in her office, she sees a spacious view of life in Indianola.
“I see the real busy intersection of Sunflower Avenue
and Main Street and the location of the new B.B King Museum
which will be built one block south of here.
Reminding Lyon and visitors to her office of the city’s
and Sunflower County’s major business partners, are
large framed photographs on the walls.
“In my office lining my walls are 24 by 36 inch pictures
of all the big stores in Indianola so when people come in
they can see what we have to office,” she says. “I
also have some pictures of my children and grandchildren,
too, which remind me why I do all this for the city. I want
my children and grandchildren to have a wonderful place
to live and grow up.”
She says, “there’s a real homey feel to my office.
I have a sitting area where people can sit and be comfortable.
I picked out the furniture and the colors and the plants.
I like things to be open and airy.”
When she sits in her office, Lyon can look out her windows
and see several directions.
“Out of one side of my office I can see the Mid Delta
Arts Theater and where the new B.B King Museum will go in.
To the other sides, I can see Indian Bayou. It’s all
quite picturesque,” Lyon says.
Right behind her desk, she says, “I have a big picture
of the Dollar General Distribution Center and one of Gresham
Petroleum and Double Quick properties.
Lyon has used her experience as a mother and housewife,
which is what she was doing before becoming executive director,
to help decorate and make-welcome the Chamber offices.
“I know how I would like to be treated and what looks
good to make people feel welcome. We have three rooms and
my office and I think the whole place is a warm, friendly
place for visitors and residents to come,” Lyon said.
DBJ
