By Lisa Voyles

Chickasaw Journal

OKOLONA - The 75th annual Okolona Area Chamber of Commerce banquet and awards ceremony was held on March 19 with a positive feeling in the air. Mrs. Rita Sweatt of Amory, a motivational and inspirational speaker, told guests at the banquet that she sees no reason to dwell on the past and to look to the future.

"There are so many positives, there is not time to waste on negatives," Sweatt said.

After the presentation of annual awards, Chamber President James E. Edens introduced the keynote speaker for the evening, Dr. Mark Keenum. Keenum was recently named President of Mississippi State University and spoke briefly about the hectic pace of his job.

"People ask me about my job and I tell them it's hard," Keenum said. "It's harder than I ever thought it would be. They don't understand how running MSU could be that hard and I tell them, "Oh, you mean my work. Work is fine, it's my job that's so hard."

Keenum said that his number one job was to be a father and he is on a crash course in learning the ropes.

"I'm a father to four children under four," Keenum said. "That's my real job."

Jokes aside, Keenum said that even in today's sagging economy, he can see reasons for optimism.

"We have the largest enrollment of any university in the state," Keenum said. "My goal, even during this economy, is for the university to grow. I can see opportunities for growth in Okolona as well."

Keenum cited the existing businesses and manufacturing companies as building blocks for the future.

Awards

Reba Soden was awarded the Golden Heart for her service to community and was presented by Harolyn Flynt. Chamber Director Linda Carnathan said that three businesses along Main Street were in contention for the Mainstreet award for beautification and the award went to Murry Blankenship of the Okolona Messenger for improvements on his business faampçade.

Rep. Preston Sullivan was awarded the Citizen of the Year; the Rockwell Foundation received the Philanthropist of the Year; Lifestyle Furniture was awarded Industry of the Year; Mission of Okolona received the Golden Heart Organization; Phillips 66 Full Service Station received the Business of the Year.

Appreciation was expressed to members of the National Guard Armory, City of Okolona employees, OHS Student Council Tea Servers and catering staff.