"It's up to us." This challenge to take pride in Itawamba County was issued by incoming president Chuck Wood at last Friday night's annual Itawamba County Development Council banquet.

"We must continue the path we've been on ... a good foundation has been laid. If ever there were a need to bond together as a county, the time is now," Wood emphasized to a packed room of the Student Services Center at Itawamba Community College.

The new president outlined vital points about Itawamba County that make up that good foundation. "We've got a lot going for us," Wood said as he encouraged the group to stop for a moment and look at what we have in the county, to "stand tall and hold your neighbor's hand. It's not just about buildings and jobs, it starts with the citizens."

During the evening's program, two Itawamba businesses were recognized and applauded for their contributions to the county. The Meadows was the recipient of the Large Business of the Year award, while Tombigbee Tooling, Inc., received the Small Business of the Year award.

Large Business of the Year award

Accepting the award on behalf of the entire staff of The Meadows was James Holland, who purchased Daniel Nursing Home in 1973. In the '90s Daniel Healthcare expanded to include sub-acute rehabilitative services, adding the first Alzheimer's unit in the state, and in 2002, an independent rehabilitation unit.

Holland envisioned a new and better facility and after planning and construction, The Meadows - whose mantra is "a vision of hope for a better tomorrow" - opened in June 2007. The Meadows is the only nursing home with a certified nursing home administrator, has a respiratory therapist, registered dietician, full-time occupational therapist and full-time onsite nurse practitioner.

The Meadows has 190 employees with an annual payroll of $5.7 million. Holland received the Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Health Care Administrators in 2008.



Small Business of the Year award

DeWayne Thornton accepted the Small Business of the Year award for Tombigbee Tooling, Inc., which has existed for more than 28 years, beginning as Smith Tool and Die until 1988 when the company was purchased in partnership by Thornton. In 1992, Thornton and his wife Debbie became the sole owners of the business and last year marked the 20th anniversary under the Tombigbee Tooling Incorporated name.

In 1991, TTI expanded and continued to invest in new equipment and technology that allowed them to grow in business and expand in capacity and employment. This growth continued into 2005 when they once again added to their existing building and onto an adjoining property. Additional capital investments were made, including ones in anticipation of the automotive industry's decision to locate in north Mississippi.

TTI has continued to follow a plan of diversification and expansion to be able to maintain a strategic and manageable growth process. The company employs 23 people with a payroll of more than $1.1 million and annual sales of $2.9 million. They provide an active apprenticeship program with the US Department of Labor and have two people on an advisory craft committee - one at ICC and one at NEMCC. TTI is a member of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, CDF and ICDC.



Mississippi is 'go-to state'

Despite today's economic times, keynote speaker Dave Dennis encouraged ICDC members to "stay the course and support public leaders," reminding those in attendance that Mississippi is becoming the "go-to state."

Dennis, who is president of Specialty Contractors and Associates, Inc., in Gulfport, noted that we are in a transformational economy - from one that has been credit driven to 'pay as you go.' "It's basically going to be 'do I really need it?"

"Most of us know we're in a recession," Dennis said noting lower employment and lower production. While Toyota in Northeast Mississippi has been deferred, it has not been cancelled, Dennis emphasized, adding that the sense is that it will happen. He noted other positives such as Cooper Tire in Tupelo remaining open, the Foreign Trade Zone decision which saved about 200 jobs and the pre-paid college tuition program.

"We all need to collectively take a deep breath and hang for a year or so," Dennis said, stressing that here at home, we have the workforce - one that wants to work, is willing to work and is capable of working.

"The U.S. has a financial cold. The rest of the world has pneumonia. We have a solid economy that's a little sick right now. In six to 12, maybe 18 months, we will come out leaner, stronger and you'll be proud of what you see."

Sharing with the audience some of the ICDC successes during 2008, as well as some of the things to look forward to in 2009, was Greg Deakle, who accepted the reins as executive director a little more than a year ago.

Deakle also took the opportunity to acknowledge the City of Fulton, Itawamba County Board of Supervisors and Itawamba County School board for not cutting services or increasing taxes during these economically challenging times. "It is a valiant effort and may not be over and it may not last - but they have given it their all on behalf of us taxpayers," he said.

Also during the evening, past president Kenny Petre was presented a plaque in appreciation for his service and leadership.