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Delta Council 63rd Annual Meeting Thousands of Delta residents gathered to hear keynote speaker, General Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff BY HUGH D. PALMER Delta Business Journal
A much-needed rain storm did not dampen the enthusiasm for the 63rd Annual Meeting of Delta Council at Delta State University in Cleveland on May 29th. Thousands of Delta residents gathered to listen to General Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, an overview of Delta Council activities, and otherwise, visit with friends and associates from the region. Shelton, who was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi, acknowledged the many changes that have taken place in our military over the past decades and that more changes will be necessary to meet the challenges of the future. "Today, we live in an unpredictable, challenging, and complex environment and we cannot afford to be complacent," the nation’s top military advisor told the organization. "We must realign our defense strategy to meet the challenges of an uncertain future. "We must modernize our armed forces with the best training and technology available so they are given the edge on any battlefield." Shelton added that the United States must be prepared to respond to any trouble spots in the world, especially as we face increased terrorism and more weapons of mass destruction while operating with fewer troops and less money. In his introduction of Shelton, Lott also told Deltans that he heard their requests for a four-lane interstate through the region. "I told you last year (Lott was the keynote speaker at the 62nd meeting) we were going to try to get I-69. Well, we’ve got it, and it’s coming through the Delta," said the Senate Majority Leader, who ensured in a recent transportation bill that the four-lane "NAFTA super-corridor" would get a maximum number of interstate miles in Mississippi. Outgoing Delta Council President Griffin Norquist, Jr., a banker from Yazoo City, thanked the audience for their participation during his term as President. "I had no idea that so many Delta leaders committed so much unselfish energy toward the study of our challenges, prior to advocating change or improvement. It has been gratifying to my family and to me to have the privilege to become associated with local public officials, business, and farm leaders who often compromise their own individual self interest in order to serve the higher purpose of making the Delta a better place for all of us." Norquist introduced the new officers of Delta Council for 1998-99, including Indianola farmer and businessman Tom Robertson as President. "Delta Council is the acknowledged consensus-builder on an infinite number of issues that affect business and agriculture in the region, and it is always a relief to me when a major activity is confronting the Delta and I discover that Delta Council is providing the leadership to face the issue," Robertson said. "I can honestly say that I have seen the careful hand of Delta Council involved with positive change in my own hometown through a wide range of issues including transportation issues, industrial locations, and agricultural policy. I am humbled by the selection for me to become the next President of Delta Council and I assure you that we will work together to continue a strong commitment toward every phase of work of this organization." Robertson introduced the Vice Presidents and treasurer who will serve with him this term. The Vice Presidents include: Don Aylward of Pace; Philip Barbour of Sidon; Bill Brown of Louise; Terry Dulaney of Clarksdale; Billy George Janous of Belzoni; and Mollie Stock of Hollandale. Ken Murphree of Tunica was elected Treasurer. In other recognition of Deltans, Margaret Harris Brumfield was tapped as the 1998 Good Middling Lady of the Year, in honor of her efforts to promote and enhance the United States cotton industry. Bill Parker of Cleveland and Brantley Snipes of Greenville were the winners of the annual "Wear Cotton Contest", honoring the best-dressed participants wearing cotton fabric that is grown and made in our country. Although rain caused the traditional catfish luncheon to be moved inside, as well as exhibits highlighting the cultural, social, and economic contributions of our region, the crowd did not seem to mind as the Mississippi National Guard military band and the Spiritual Stars, a gospel group from Greenwood, serenaded the crowd as they ate Delta catfish in the Sillers Coliseum. An address by Commercial Appeal Editor Angus McEachran highlighted the Delta Council Board of Director’s meeting earlier in the day. McEachran, a Memphis native, warned of the widening gulf between the values of the news-gathering business and the public perceptions of journalists. Also, Delta Council leaders responded to questions by media members from around the region on issues ranging from agricultural policy, flood control in the South Delta, and economic development initiatives. Council leaders Billy Percy and Luther Alexander, both of Greenville, spoke about the desperate need to alleviate the almost-annual backwater flooding in the South Delta. They said that a pumping plant, proposed for many years, would be the key ingredient and added that Delta Council will continue to work with area citizens, congressional leaders, and the environmental community to achieve a solution to the problem. At the Board of Director’s meeting, several Deltans were recognized for their contributions to the economy and quality of life in the region. · Conservation Farm of the Year: Phillips Brothers Farm (John, Chat, & Will) of Holly Bluff · Outstanding Rice Producer: Rodney Reed of Leland · Outstanding Soybean Producer: Leon Bramlett of Clarksdale · Outstanding Contributions to Aquaculture: Dick Stevens of Isola · Outstanding Contributions to Hardwood Forestry: W.L. Bond of Vicksburg · Outstanding Cotton Ginner: W.T. Robertson of Holly Ridge · Agricultural Researcher of the Year: Dr. Charles Ed Snipes of Stoneville · 1998 Delta Campaign County Membership Chairman of the Year: Bill Gresham of Indianola Special recognition was given to Rives and Kathleen Carter for their tireless efforts to make the Mississippi Delta a better place to live. The Carters, who have recently moved to Gainesville, Georgia, from Rolling Fork, provided leadership in all phases of the Delta’s economy. Also, the Delta Council Board ratified the various resolutions of policy that have been passed by the organization’s committees, ranging from highway development, natural resource initiatives, to agricultural research. DBJ |
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