Washington County Economic Alliance, Delta Compass, and Chamber Host 2025 Annual Meeting and Banquet in Downtown Greenville

May 29, 2025

Washington County Economic Alliance, Delta Compass, and Chamber Host 2025 Annual Meeting and Banquet in Downtown Greenville

Greenville, MS – On Thursday, May 25, 2025, the Washington County Economic Alliance (WCEA), Delta Compass, and the Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2025 Annual Meeting and Banquet at the historic E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center in Downtown Greenville. The event welcomed business leaders, elected officials, and community members for an evening of celebration, reflection, and recognition of progress across Washington County.

The event commenced with a welcome from WCEA Chairman Mark Hooker, followed by the opening prayer and blessing by Councilwoman and Vice-Mayor Luraan Thomas-Kingdon.

Following dinner, Justin Burch, President and CEO of WCEA and Delta Compass, provided an update on the organizations' joint initiatives, including economic development efforts and collaborative programming aimed at strengthening the region. Chamber Director Mary Catherine Brooks followed with a high-energy review of the Chamber's 2024-2025 accomplishments and a look ahead at upcoming initiatives.

Highlights included the second annual Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party, ten Business After Hours events, eight ribbon cuttings, and seven business education classes. Brooks shared that the Chamber successfully raised more than $60,000 to update Christmas lighting throughout Greenville. Over 15,000 LED bulbs, 4,000 feet of string lights, and more than 30 life-sized interactive displays were installed with the help of over 50 volunteers. Brooks extended special thanks to Fire Chief Ruben Brown and the Greenville Fire Department, as well as to Jermaine Thornton and the City’s Public Works team for their dedication to the installation.

Brooks also introduced the Chamber’s new digital platforms, including a redesigned website, a member portal, and the MemberPlus mobile app, which allows members to update their business profiles, post job openings, register for events, and stay informed about Chamber activities. She encouraged all attendees to download the app and enable notifications to stay engaged.

In a nod to community achievement, the team recognized local businesses recently honored in Mississippi Magazine's 2025 "Best of Mississippi M List." Honorees included Sherman’s for Best Sweet Tea, Lagniappe for Best Home and Garden Décor, Doe’s Eat Place for Best Steak and Best Tamales, and E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center for Best Performing Arts Venue.

Leadership Washington County was also spotlighted, with Jamie Murrell presenting an overview of the program. Murrell detailed the Class of 2024’s successful community project to renovate the Washington County Farmer’s Market, and she proudly announced the recipient of the Larry Cazavan Leadership Award: Eleanor Pittman Shaifer. Shaifer, a project coordinator at Malouf Construction and a devoted community volunteer, was chosen by her Leadership Washington County Class as the award recipient for her outstanding leadership and civic engagement.

The Chamber and WCEA then honored other outstanding individuals and businesses with the following awards. Joe Nash, of Delta Group, was honored as Businessman of the Year for his contributions to economic development and business leadership.

Sherry Smythe, owner of Lagniappe, was celebrated as Businesswoman of the Year for her efforts in revitalizing Downtown Leland and for her role as a driving force behind the Christmas on Deer Creek festival, which draws thousands of visitors annually.

Carl McGee, President of the Washington County Board of Supervisors, received the Cary Karlson Board Member of the Year award in recognition of his committed leadership and support of regional growth over the last several years while working with WCEA on several large projects and announcements.

Lastly, Chandrika Turner, Government Account Executive for the Delta and North Mississippi with C Spire, was presented with the Betty Lynn Cameron Ambassador of the Year Award by Ambassador Chair Katherine Shamoon. Turner was commended for her enthusiastic involvement in Chamber and community activities, as well as her consistent positivity and tireless volunteer service. Turner was commended for her unwavering commitment, positivity, and volunteer service.

The program included a significant announcement from WCEA Board Member Al Brock and Blake Gordon, who shared news of a $1.2 million gift to Delta Compass. This transformative funding will support its five core pillars: workforce development, small business support, creative placemaking, justice initiatives, and industrial recruitment. Hillary Boggs, WCEA COO, announced that the first disbursement of this funding—a $20,000 grant—would go to the Mississippi Delta Nature & Learning Center to further their outdoor education programs. MSDNLC Director Amanda Delperdang was presented with the check on stage.

In closing, the evening was dedicated to the late Betty Lynn Cameron, a revered community leader and champion of education and the arts. Al Brock shared remarks honoring her legacy, noting her trailblazing work as the first female president of the Greenville Rotary Club, co-founder of the Delta Hot Tamale Festival, and a dedicated supporter of United Way and the Boys & Girls Club. Her legacy continues through the Betty Lynn Cameron Scholarship Fund, which awards over 40 scholarships annually through the Community Foundation of Washington County.

The program concluded with the announcement of silent auction winners and an invitation for guests to enjoy an evening of music and celebration with Michael Dennis and the Big Time Rhythm and Blues Band.

For more information about the Washington County Economic Alliance, Chamber membership, or Delta Compass initiatives, visit www.wceams.com.