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Sones went on to point out that if area residents would buy all their vehicles in Brookhaven, it could make a great difference in the city's income.
"People ask me all the time when this recession will be over," he said. "If we shop at home, it'll be over in Brookhaven and Lincoln County a lot faster."
Terry Pappas, who has become a well-known part of downtown renovations as Brookhaven has chased its downtown beautification projects, was honored with the Soap Box Award. It is given to an individual who has helped encourage and promote the community through work in various activities.
"I was shocked, I'm flattered," Pappas said. "But I think there's a whole lot of people more deserving than me, I'm impressed with a lot of the people that put their time and effort into this community, and a lot of them deserve it."
The Agri-Business of the Year Award went to Nunnery Dairy.
Outgoing Chamber of Commerce President Stan Foster said David Nunnery, who owns the farm with his wife Jene' and his son Thomas, has been in the industry for 20 years. The family has 160 head of dairy cattle, Foster said, and 60 beef cattle on 800 acres of land.
The Jimmy Furlow Community Service Award was presented to DAILY LEADER Advertising and Circulation Manager David Culpepper, who was recognized for his contributions to the community, with specific reference to the Mississippi Scholars Program.
"This award is for someone who gives of themselves for the betterment of the community," said Kenny Goza, who presented the award. "It's for someone who does what they do not because they have to, but because they get to."
Educator of the Year went to Brookhaven High School teacher LeAnn Peavey.
"A community can only grow as much as its education will let it," said former Chamber President Rob McCreary. "One word sums up this person: Dedication."
Meanwhile, Chamber Ambassador Catherine Dickey took home the Ambassador of the Year Award, as well as the Membership Award for bringing businesses into the chamber during the year.
Foster passed the gavel to incoming President Jeff Doremus, who takes his place with new board members Culpepper, Natalie Davis, Goza, Pap Henderson, Dustin Walker, Angie Warren and new Vice President Alvin Hoover.
"I have always felt that there was so much in this community to be proud of, and this last year has only confirmed that," Foster said.
Meanwhile, keynote speaker Bill Hudson, who pioneered Hudson Salvage, which includes Dirt Cheap and Treasure Hunt stores, talked to the group about his triumvirate of success.
He said if they have a goal, a plan, and a burning desire, they can accomplish anything. At the same time, he said, it's important to keep success in perspective.
"I was once very poor and then I became wealthy," he said. "I was just as happy before I was wealthy. I didn't know I was poor, because we were happy."
